Read Online Travis Justice by Colleen Shannon - Free Book Online Page A

bodies turned up two days after one of the Edo Shihans was beheaded. Beheading is another ritual of the samurai. In the middle ages, samurai were judged on the number of heads they took in battle.” She flashed another slide. Grisly as it was, the one-stroke killing seemed merciful in comparison to the other blows.
    â€œThe final indisputable point is,” Abby concluded, going back to pictures of the new drug, “these two gangs are in a fierce turf war over the distribution of this new drug, and probably over other criminal activities we haven’t identified yet. And their violence is obviously escalating.” Abby’s tone lowered until they all had to strain to hear. “And most troubling of all, both gangs seem to have twisted the original honor the samurai historically held for their shogun masters into allegiance to their gangs. Which means most of the members, if not all, will die before they betray their leaders.”
    The FBI chief scowled. “We’ve never had gang wars this bad before, even between the Crips and the Bloods. What the hell is going on here?”
    Ross spoke up. “That’s why I thought it critical you all hear this as soon as possible.” He stood, nodding at Abby. She popped up a new screen, showing a rising graph depicting the growing Asian population both in Texas and nationally. “Analysis of recent census data shows a sharp rise in Asian immigration. As you can see, Asian immigrants are projected to be the largest minority in the U.S. within the next thirty years or so. Unfortunately, with their good influence comes the bad . . . and obviously there are huge cultural differences between them and our fiercest Latino criminals. These gangs already have ties in the Orient. As you can see, some of their tactics put the worst Mexican cartels to shame. It behooves us to figure out their methodologies now, before they become deeply entrenched. This isn’t just a murder investigation—it needs to be an interdiction. We need to capture the leaders of these gangs before they spread their influence.”
    DEA chief Rhodes nodded as he listened, confirming their facts. “I’ve been trying to tell everyone this for over a year, but our resources were mostly deployed near the border.”
    John Travis scowled as he glared at Abby’s final screen shot: the figure in black. “Isn’t there enough evidence to at least bring this Kai in for questioning?”
    Before Abby could answer, Rhodes elaborated: “The few informants we’ve arrested with ties to the Edo Shihans are going to prison rather than talk. We’re not sure if it’s from loyalty or terror of the consequences.” He looked to Abby to continue.
    Abigail nodded. “Probably a bit of both. The Yakuza has survived as one of the oldest criminal organizations on the planet partly because of its strict code. And from the evidence I’ve reviewed thus far, Kai has blended that structure he learned from his father with the samurai mystique and ninja terror tactics. He’s suspected to offer a generous bonus system that rewards loyalty, yet his retribution tactics rival the Zetas cartel . . . ritual sacrifice.”
    â€œYeah, we’ve never linked him personally to any of the distribution channels,” Rhodes added. “Whatever else he’s involved in, he’s one smart son of a bitch. Plus, we have no idea where his base of operations is except that it seems to be in the area.”
    â€œDo we know where the shipment is coming into the state?” asked Chief Porter.
    Abby shook her head. “Nothing is surfacing on any of our tracking mechanisms.” She looked inquiringly at Rhodes. He also grimly shook his head.
    The room was silent for a moment.
    Zach had listened carefully to the presentation. He looked around, but when no one else voiced his concern he spoke up. “Did you show these pictures to the forensics lab that analyzed