"Not to worry, Yin Tsang," Qin Shang said calmly. "American investigators have no evidence that directly ties me to illegal immigrant smuggling. They may have their pitiful and insignificant suspicions, but nothing else. My other staging sites along the American coastline are still in operation and can easily absorb all future shipments programmed for Orion Lake."

"President Lin Loyang and my fellow ministers will be happy to hear you have everything under your control," said Yin Tsang. "But I still have my reservations. Once the Americans scent a crack in your organization, they will hound you unrelentingly."

"You are afraid?"

"I am concerned. Too much is at stake to allow a man more interested in profit than the aims of our party to remain in control."

"What are you suggesting?"

Yin Tsang looked at Qin Shang steadily. "I shall recommend to President Lin Loyang that you resign from the smuggling operation and be replaced."

"And my contract to carry the bulk of national Chinese cargo and passengers?"

"Revoked."

The expected response of surprise and anger did not materialize. Nor was there the slightest sign of annoyance. Qin Shang merely shrugged impassively. "You think that I can be that easily replaced?"

"Someone with your special qualifications has already been selected."

"Anyone I know?"

"One of your competitors, Quan Ting, chairman of China & Pacific Lines, has agreed to fill your shoes."

"Quan Ting?" Qin Shang's eyebrow rose a millimeter. "His ships are little better than rusting barges."

"Soon he will be in a position to launch new ships." The words came with a veiled implication that Quan Ting would be financed by the Chinese government with Yin Tsang's blessing and endorsement.

"You insult my intelligence. You have used the Orion Lake mishap as an excuse to cancel my association with the People's Republic of China so you can go into partnership on the sly and rake in the profits yourself."

"You are no stranger to greed, Qin Shang. You would do the same in my shoes."

"And my new facility in Louisiana?" asked Qin Shang. "Am I to lose that too?"

"You will be compensated for your half of the investment, of course."

"Of course," Qin Shang repeated acidly, knowing full well he would never receive a cent. "Naturally, it will be given to my successor and you, his silent partner."

"That will be my counsel at the next party conference in Beijing."

"May I inquire as to whom else you've discussed my expulsion with?"

"Only Quan Ting," answered Yin Tsang. "I thought it best to keep the matter quiet until the proper time."