Trae nor I would mention a word about the new bitcoin and cryptocurrency market. The new money and dope game. The Chinese government was now trying to license—meaning control—it all. Officially, we were here about entertainment and setting up a tour in China for our Game Over artists.

“You’ve been identified in your country by the FBI as a BIE.”

“What is that?”

“Want to be terrorists. You know like Black Lives Matter. Maybe you are friends with them.”

“I’m far from a terrorist. They are not terrorists.”

“Black Identity Extremist,” he stated.

“Black Identity Extremist? I don’t follow you. If I know my black identity, I’m an extremist? Anyone seeking justice for the injustices done to the black man and woman is a Black Identity Extremist. What kind of shit is that?”

“Mr. Santos, our intel says that you are a threat and an enemy of the state.”

“I’m a law-abiding American citizen. I’m a businessman. I came here to do business in and with China.”

Suddenly it hit me. Mr. Li. China is his territory. But how did he know we were here?

TRAE

They escorted me into an administrative office. They still hadn’t given us a phone call. When we stepped into the room, two members of Don Carlos’s bitcoin team were suited up with briefcases and led me into a room. I was glad to see familiar faces, but I was pissed off at the same time.

“What the fuck is going on? Where is my partner, Kaylin?”

“He’s next door. He’s fine.”

“We are here to see you. Don Carlos sends his assurance that everything will be fine, and he apologizes for the inconvenience. But you are a key component to this operation and will be released shortly.”

“Operation? What operation? Why the fuck are we being detained? I need to call my lawyer.”

“Mr. Macklin, Don Carlos simply asks that you remain patient and trust the process. Unfortunately, you are the bait. You are the top name on Mr. Li’s agenda.”

“What fuckin’ process are you talking about? How long do y’all plan on keeping me here? I was supposed to be back in the States by now.” I was seeing red. This muthafucka went on to explain why we were being detained in a place where they could kill us and there would be no repercussions. We wouldn’t even be missed. What he told me sank my heart to my feet. I couldn’t believe it. To make a long story short, I was being used as bait to lure Charles Li in.