Sword of God(47)
Jung’s smile returned. “He’s married to that thing. It’s much older than I am.”
“That’s what I figured. Honestly, I didn’t know what to think when I saw him pull into the Black Stone this morning. Especially after his phone call. That made me so jumpy.”
“My father made you nervous?” Jung laughed for several seconds before he could continue. “How could such a little man make you nervous?”
“He didn’t sound little on the phone. He ordered me into the lobby in twenty minutes. Then, when I tried asking him a question, he hung up on me. I thought the guy was crazy.”
Jung laughed louder. “My father isn’t crazy. He hangs up on me, too! The man can barely hear. I doubt he heard a word you said!”
“Oh,” Payne grunted, pretending to be embarrassed. “That would explain a lot.”
“I’m sorry if I worried you. I would’ve met you myself, but this is my busy time of year. Not only is it hunting season, but thousands of tourists fly in for our New Year’s celebrations. And tourists mean money.”
Payne waved him off. “Not a problem. I’m just thankful for the lucky break. I didn’t know whom to turn to until Mr. Lee offered to help. He’s been a savior.”
“I will tell him you said so. He will be honored.”
“It is / who is honored. Both of you have been so gracious and friendly.”
Jung bowed, showing his appreciation.
“Anyway, I know you’re a busy man and I feel guilty for taking up so much of your time.”
“Not a problem, Mr. Payne. I am glad I could help.” He paused for a moment, once again struggling for the right words. “But before I do, there is something I need to ask. Why are you looking for the boy?”
It was a question Payne had anticipated, one he’d been thinking about all night. In his mind he had two options: he could tell the truth, or make up a story. Obviously, both had risks. The fewer people who knew about the village, the better. Not only for national security but also for international relations. There was a chance the South Korean government knew what was going on in the cave, but if they didn’t, he didn’t want to be responsible for spilling the secret. On the other hand, if the Parks had told Jung about the violence, then Payne couldn’t afford to lie. One misstep and Jung was liable to point him in the wrong direction. Or notify the Parks. Or both.
In the end, it was something the old man had said to Payne that helped him decide. He mentioned his son needed to look him in his eye. He needed to judge his character. That’s the reason they couldn’t talk on the phone. He needed to trust him before he would speak.
Based on that, Payne made a gut decision and opted to tell the truth.
“Recently a prisoner escaped from American custody and killed several islanders, including some members of the Park family. We believe Yong-Su witnessed much of the violence. Anything he can tell us will be useful, not only to capture the killer but also to protect the Parks and everyone on this island. The sooner he is caught, the safer Jeju will be.”
Jung paused, studying Payne long after he had finished speaking. Several seconds passed—several excruciating seconds—before Jung nodded his approval. He believed what Payne had said. “Are you familiar with Seongsan? It is a massive peak on the eastern side of Jeju.”
Kia spoke up. “I know where it is.”
“Tonight there is an important festival honoring the New Year. The entire coast will be jammed with boats from Japan and Korea. That is how the Parks are leaving Jeju. Masked by the large crowds. Under the cover of darkness.”
“And you’re sure of this?” Payne asked.
Jung nodded. “I am positive. They have rented my boat.”
27
Seongsan Peak is a picturesque landmass on the eastern end of Jeju that was formed more than 100,000 years ago when a volcano erupted under the sea. The resulting peak stands 600 feet above the blue water below, its crater stretching more than 325,000 square feet, adorned with 99 natural peaks along its outer edge, creating the illusion of a majestic crown—an image that is heightened in the early morning when the sun rises above the Korea Strait, bathing the volcanic cone in golden light. The view is so breathtaking it was described nearly 800 years ago in the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts still in existence.
Every year thousands of revelers flood the local village, nestled near the base of the peak, to participate in the Seongsan Sunrise Festival, a massive celebration that begins on New Year’s Eve with a ritual known as a gut— where a shaman offers a sacrifice to the spirits—and continues well beyond sunrise on New Year’s Day. In between are massive amounts of eating, drinking, gambling, and fireworks, none of which Payne and Jones would be enjoying. Their sole purpose was to find the Parks as quickly as possible and gather as much information as they could,