Chapter One

“Mr. Jensen, there’s a call for you on line two… a Mr. Rodriguez.”

“Thank you, Elizabeth.”

“Rafael, my dear friend… how are you this fine day?”

“I am wonderful Adam and you?”

“I’ve never been better. So what can I do for you today? Are you looking for a little tip that will make you a bit more money? Maybe a little insider trading or something?” I asked.

“No, no… not today, my friend. I am in town and thought we might get together for lunch. I’ve got something for you and your lovely wife.”

“No problem. Where would you want to meet?”

“Rosa Mexicanos on First and Fifty-eighth…. How’s 1:30?”

“Fantastic Raf… I’m looking forward to seeing you again. Take care.”

Rafael is one of my best clients. He’s one of the most powerful drug lords in all of Central America. Being a specialty broker on Wall Street, I have had many dealings with Mr. Rodriguez. He has an extremely large amount of cash to… well, I guess the only word that actually covers what I do for him is launder. But in doing so, I make him a lot of money and hide it really well.

In the early afternoon I walked into the restaurant and found my friend from south of the border along with his entire entourage. Before I was even seated, he called to the waiter.

“Camarero, please bring my good friend a Scotch and water. Glen Morey will be fine,” he said as he turned back to me. “Is that okay with you, Mr. Jensen?”

“Of course, Rafael, but why the formality?”

“Just respect, Adam, just respect. After all you help me and make me lots and lots of money.”

Our conversation continued as a vast quantity of food was placed on the table for us to sample and share. Everything is always done in a big way with this man. I don’t think it is for show either. He is so wealthy that he just likes to overdo life.

We sat and ate until there was no more room while the conversation and drinks continued for another hour. Finally, he reached into his jacket pocket and slid a white, business-sized envelope across the table towards me.

“Here is a pair of tickets for a two week cruise for you and your gorgeous wife. It’s Janine, isn’t it?”

I nodded my head as he continued, “They are to the western Caribbean and Mexico. Of course, your accommodations are Royal Suites, the same as I would stay in, but I have my own cruise ship so I don’t have to deal with the peasants.”

I wasn’t sure if he was referring to me as a peasant, but I know he has a yacht that cost him over thirty million dollars, so why would he even consider anything lik