“Did he mention anything about the drugs those mules in desert were carrying?” Hank asked.
“Nope,” the senior agent replied. “The dogs picked up the scent of narcotics in the building, but we didn’t find anything. The EMTs sedated Private Zulu before we could get much more on the drugs. He should be calmed down in a few hours, and then we can sweat him pretty good. We’re trying to round up the rest of his group right now for questioning. I’ve got a feeling these boys stumbled into something with the cartels. If your report of those mules carrying drug parcels was correct and the big Mexican shooter took off without them after he shot you two, then we’ve still got a shipment floating around somewhere. Wouldn’t be at all surprised if your big boy is out there looking for it right now. Or, maybe even has it already.”
“Additionally, we found two dead men in a jeep not far from your shoot-out. They were most likely cartel soldiers. Looks like they were ambushed. It was a professional job. They could have been waiting to meet the shipment. And, if that’s not enough for you, we also had another body turn up in a motel closet just outside of town. Traveling salesman. He registered a car with New Mexico plates with the front desk when he checked in, but the car is gone. I’ve got a bulletin out to watch for it. Don’t know if they’re all connected, but if they are, your guy doesn’t seem to have a problem leaving bodies in his wake.”
“Sounds to me like either the shooter has the drugs or this Pendleton fellow does,” said Maria. “Do we know where to find Pendleton?”
“Sure do,” said the senior agent. “Got an Austin address for him. Lives with his elderly stepfather. The Feds are running the show regarding this pile of bodies we’ve got, but we’re still on the narcotics angle. I was wondering if you felt up to paying him a visit later today?”
“Love to,” said Maria.
“Your wing okay?” The senior agent pointed to the sling on Maria’s arm.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied. “How soon can you get me to Austin?”
“Working on setting up a flight right now.”
“Hell, no,” interrupted Hank. “She can barely shoot right-handed, much less southpaw.”
“Shut up, Hank,” Maria replied. “I’m good to go, boss. I don’t plan on shooting him, just questioning him.”
“I know,” the senior agent said. “We’ll have local P.D. meet your flight and escort you to Pendleton’s house.”
“Then what the hell am I supposed to do?” Hank complained loudly.
“Nothing,” Maria and the senior agent said in unison.
“Good afternoon, students,” the middle-aged tai chi master in a loose-fitting blue robe greeted his students. “My name is Master Wu, and I’m delighted to have you attend my Tai Chi for Beginners class.” Polly, Jolene, Miss Pearl, and Big and Little Esther stood in their robes and flat-soled shoes near the back of the room in their local YWCA. “Today,” Master Wu continued, speaking to his handful of students, “we’ll be working on mastering three basic tai chi movements: Beginning, Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane, and White Crane Spreads its Wings. Over time, as you master these movements, we’ll continue with an additional twenty-one movements, known collectively as the Twenty-Four Forms. Now, the first thing I’d like you to do…”
“Excuse me,” said Miss Pearl as she raised her bony little hand. “When do we get to break some boards?”
“And your name is?” Master Wu asked politely.
“Pearl,” she replied less than politely. “By the way, Wu, how many men have you killed?”
“Stop it, Pearl,” Polly hissed.
“Well, Pearl, while it’s true that tai chi chuan originated as a martial art and that each movement, if executed properly, does have a logical application for personal self-defense,” Master Wu gracefully moved his hands to block an imaginary assailant’s attack, “it’s also true that it takes many, many years of practice to master tai chi as a form of defense.”
“How long does it take to master it as a form of offense?” Pearl smugly asked.
“Patience, Pearl,” Master Wu said calmly. “Our class today is designed to introduce you to the basic concepts of tai chi so that you may begin to enjoy the benefits of this remarkable meditative art.”
“Like what?” Pearl asked.
“Reduced stress, increased calmness, and improved inner balance,” Master Wu replied, moving delicately on his feet, his arms flowing rhythmically around his body. “Like increased stamina, flexibility, and endurance. Practicing the forms will do wonders for your circulation and blood pressure…”
“Master Wu,” Polly interrupted. “Excuse me. My name is Polly. Is there any way we can focus on the inner calmness part today?”
“Why, of course,” Master Wu replied with a warm smile.
“You sure we can’t just skip straight to the blades,” Pearl asked as she pointed to the rack of straight double-edged tai chi swords at the front of the room.
“Patience, Pearl,” Master Wu replied. “Just as your name suggests, it takes many years for a tiny, irritating grain of sand inside an oyster to become a beautiful jewel.” Pearl scowled at Master Wu, not quite sure if she had been insulted or complimented. “The jian, or sword, is not for the beginner,” Master Wu continued. “But, if you follow my instructions, you will learn to control your chi and…”
“My who?” asked Pearl.
“Your chi,” replied Master Wu. “It’s your life force, Pearl. With it, everything grows. Without it, everything dies. Over time, you will learn to focus your chi, and then even you will be able to break boards.”
“Well, what are waiting for?” Pearl asked impatiently.
“Excellent,” replied Master Wu as he clicked “Play” on a tape recorder at the front of the room. Soft sounds of soothing Oriental music filled the room. “Now, for the movement known as Beginning, I would like you to step with one leg to the side like this so that your feet are shoulder-width apart.” The students mirrored his movement. “Now, keep your posture relaxed, but not limp. There should be no tension in your chest or shoulders. Your pelvis should be tilted slightly forward with your bottom tucked underneath you so that your lower back is straightened.”
“Look,” Jolene said jubilantly as she tilted her pelvis forward as instructed. “It works! I haven’t had my bottom tucked under me since high school.”
“Honey,” Pearl replied. “You’ve never had that sack of potatoes tucked underneath you then or now.”
“Hush,” said Little Esther. “I can’t hear Master Wu.”
“Very good, students,” Master Wu cheerfully encouraged the class. “Now, begin by breathing in. Breathe in deep down into your abdomen. When we begin the forms, I want you to breathe in on open movements,” he said as his arms extended, “and out on closed movements,” and his arms pulled back in toward his body.
“I can already feel my concentration improving,” the gangly Big Esther said.
“Black coffee and cigarettes do the same thing,” replied Pearl.
“Now,” said Master Wu, “bring your arms up in front of you to shoulder height. When they reach your shoulders, drop your elbows slowly to your waist. Keep your hands relaxed. That’s very good, class. Now raise them up, again keeping your movements very smooth. That’s it. Now drop your elbows and let the hands follow them down. Remember to breathe. In on open movements, out on closed movements.”