The Saga of Mary & Ma Li

By J. A. Graffagnino

The Saga of Mary & Ma Li is the final piece of a fantasy and adventure trilogy. A ruthless Chinese billionaire industrialist and his gorgeous homicidal maniac enforcer convince the leaders of China to support their plan to manipulate the world’s stock markets and thus control the world. With China’s political and military might behind them, it seems that nothing can stop their plan of world conquest. As fate would have it, their accountant is a CIA undercover mole operative. Mary and the Carrington Protection and Recovery Agency are hired by the CIA and the Chinese billionaire without each side’s knowledge to find and return the elusive agent and the secret documents he possesses that prove China’s involvement.

The story unites modern China and feudal Japan in turmoil. Old enemies and new ones become allies to destroy Mary and Ma Li. Unknown to the spirit sisters, a bet between a demon and an archangel centuries before was the catalyst that created both Mary and Ma Li and the mystical swords that became their weapons. These same elements are needed by demons to open a chasm between the world of humans and the demon realm to start an unholy revolution.

Mary and Ma Li are thrown into a fight for survival in both the mortal and spirit worlds. Friends’ loyalties are tested, and enemies are forced to trust one another. Ancient prophecies are fulfilled—not the ones written by man but the original vows witnessed by long-dead spirits and enforced by demons and angels.

The saga now comes full circle for Mary and Ma Li. The past and the present combine to decide their own fate. But who will decide the survival of supportive friends, loving family, and Mary’s children?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546267430

J. A. Graffagnino

Joseph A . (J. A.) Graffagnino started writing telecommunication articles in the late 1980’s. Articles on tropical fish, along with his photographs on these aquatic creatures soon followed. His diversified interests have led to his writing short stories and novels. Joe enjoys writing in multiple genres. His first short story, a thriller fiction, titled “The Taxi” was published in February 2010. His first novel, “The Journey of Mary/ Ma Li” was the second book in a series, a fantasy adventure, published in 2013. Joe’s second novel delves into a different genre – “Fantasy & Horror Short Stories” released on December 30, 2015. His first non-fiction novel, “THE FIX IS IN The Deutsche Bank Building Fire Conspiracy” was released on August 18, 2016. J.A. Graffagnino lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and many tropical fish aquariums.

Book preview

© 2018 J. A. Graffagnino. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 11/15/2018

ISBN: 978-1-5462-6744-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-6743-0 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Also by J. A. Graffagnino

The Taxi, a horror short story (Necrology Shorts)

The Journey of Mary/Ma Li (Dreams Publishing Company)

Fantasy & Horror Short Stories (Authorhouse)

THE FIX IS IN The Deutsche Bank Building Fire Conspiracy (Authorhouse)

Ma Li & Mary (Authorhouse)

DEDICATION

To family and friends because without their support, inspiration will cease to exist.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Epilogue

CHAPTER 1

K ing Hoi-Lai ran out of the elevator when its doors opened at ground level and frantically looked around. He ran to the nearest security guard and asked if he saw a beautiful woman in the area.

Yes sir, she just exited the building via the center revolving door, and pointed towards the door.

The gentleman in the three-piece Armani suit ran out the same door and searched the area. He spotted the person he looked for and yelled, Li, Li Jiang! as he ran down the stairs of the Great Hall of the People building in Beijing, China. The young woman had reached the bottom step, heard her name called and turned toward the voice. She smiled when she recognized her mentor. He ran to her and swept her off her feet with a hug. His joy was infectious and she filled with his delight and excitement.

King, what has gotten into you? I have not seen you this excited in a long time.

He set her down, grabbed her face in his hands and kissed her passionately. He hugged her again and whispered in her ear, We did it. We have an interview with the full committee to present our plan. It took over a year of begging, conniving, reschedules, bribes and promises but we finally have it secured for next Wednesday.

Oh King, that is wonderful. Finally, all our hard work is starting to pay off. Are they all on board with the plan?

His face showed concern as he took both her hands in his and looked deep into her eyes. It appears that we may have three against it. They need to be convinced to support our plan because only a unanimous vote will enable our plan to mobilize.

Li gazed up at her boss and asked, Who stands against us?

I can’t be totally sure but my contacts have stated that State Counselor Mrs. Tse Wo, Vice Premier Kwang Chow, and the Secretary-General Ki Luc. This is where your area of expertise is needed.

H’mmm, we have studied the personalities, likes and dislikes and obtained all the private personal information on everyone in the ruling body. If memory serves me Tse Wo is a widow who threw herself into her work after her husband died. She is honest with no outside interests. However, she has a large, close-knit family, all of whom are very religious. I think a scandal might do. Vice Premier Chow is a sadist who frequents brothels and prisons to satisfy his perverted lust. He is dangerous. As for the Secretary-General, he is honest, intelligent and cannot be bribed. I will do my best to win them over.

I know I can count on you to bring them to our side. You are fully aware that this plan means everything to both of us. It must happen. Also, they cannot be harmed in any way. Use every means you have to secure them to us, spare no expense, whatever you need – use.

All right, I will need to set a plan in motion and get more details on our three holdouts to determine what I can use against them. I need to work fast with the short time frame.

46669.png

Please inform State Counselor Wo that Li Jiang requests an audience.

The security guard stationed at the door stated, Counselor Wo stated that she did not wish to be disturbed.

Do you know who I am? I demand to see her now. Open the door!

The guard, unperturbed, calmly restated, Counselor Wo does not want to be disturbed for any reason or by anyone.

Visibly upset, Li Jiang screamed at the guard, How dare you insult me that way? as she tried to push past the guard. The guard placed his arm around her waist to stop her from opening the door. Li Jiang pushed her body into the guard as she tore the top of the string around her neck, which kept the top of the dress secured in place. When she pushed back from the guard the top of her dress fell down exposing her large breasts.

She screamed at the top of her lungs as she slapped the guard across his face, What have you done? Are you trying to rape me?

The panicked guard tried to grab Li Jiang to quiet her when the door swung open and Counselor Wo stepped out.

What is going on out here? I am trying to work, then she saw Li Jiang with her breasts exposed and the guard reaching for her. Stop this instant! What have you done to her?

The guard stammered, Nothing. I was trying to prevent her from disturbing you.

That is not what it appears. I demand that you report to your officer immediately. Miss Jiang, please come into my office so we can fix your dress and calm you down. Tse took her by the arm and guided her into her outer office. Please sit on the couch.

Li Jiang appeared to be terrified as she clutched her tattered dress and scanned the small room. Where…where is your secretary?

She is out to lunch. She just left.

I …I need something more private, what if that soldier came in again, no, no…

All right, come into my main office, I have a private bathroom so you can tidy up, come, come.

As they stepped into the bathroom, Li placed her large handbag on the counter and flipped a switch on the handle. Mrs. Wo I am so thankful for your help. I did want to discuss King’s proposal with you.

I am not in favor of his proposal. I think it will cost China a fortune on obscure possibilities.

Oh, I see. Can you please check my breasts for bruises or cuts? That guard manhandled me.

I don’t think that would be appropriate.

Oh please, I beg you, Mrs. Wo, from one woman to another I really need your help. I can’t believe that guard would do that to me. Please check me over very carefully. I have silicone implants and they could easily break. If they broke it would cause a serious infection. Also, I think he tried to insert something into my…well, you know, my private areas. I don’t trust him and I can’t see for myself, as her arm rested on Wo’s shoulder which hid the counselor’s mouth from her camera’s view.

All right Li, let’s have a look at you.

I’m terribly sorry but I can’t raise my body high enough for you. You need to get on your knees, Mrs. Wo.

Ten minutes later Mrs. Wo stood up and said, I have checked every inch of you, both outside and inside and you have no cuts, bruises, leakage or anything inserted anywhere.

Thank you, Counselor Wo. Are you sure I can’t convince you to change your opinion on King’s proposal?

Unless there is something new to discuss I cannot see why I would change my mind.

Li looked deep into her eyes as her left arm went around the middle-aged woman’s back and her right hand held the back of her head and whispered, Thank you for all of your help and kindness. Li kissed her gently on her lips. Wo tried to pull away Li allowed her to separate and then pulled her back into a deep, soulful kiss and released her. Mrs. Wo was shaken.

Li ran into the secretary’s office half naked and then out the door and passed a different guard as she screamed, She attacked me. She tried to rape me! as she ran to the ladies room.

The following day Li Jiang was at Vice Premier Kwang Chow’s office. Kwang came out of his office to personally invite Li Jiang in.

I know why you are here Miss Jiang…

Please, Vice Premier before we start, at least offer me a drink, as she placed her large handbag on his desk.

What’s in the large bag?

I must carry my files from office to office in case of questions or possible changes to agreements.

"Humph, I believe scotch and water is your drink, correct?

Yes, it is. So what did you say earlier Vice Premier?

You want to convince me to go along with King’s plan. It will cost you, Miss Jiang, he said with a sneer.

How much do you want Mr. Chow?

I don’t want your money, Miss Jiang. I want you for a couple of days at my private lodge in the mountains.

Mr. Chow, shall I assume your wife and children will be joining us?

"Don’t be absurd. That old prude is useless. If it wasn’t for her family’s money I would have gotten rid of her years ago.

There is no way you will get me to go with you anywhere. Just settle for money.

Money I have, but the beautiful and luscious Miss Jiang? That is something else. If you want my vote for King’s proposal you had best do what I want.

Li Jiang stood, picked up her handbag and left.

46663.png

The following morning both Tse Wo and Kwang Chow received a present in the form of a small box. For Mrs. Wo it was a videotape, with no sound, that recorded the interactions between herself and Li Jiang. Mister Chow had two videos and both had video and voice. One was from Li Jiang’s meeting with him and the other tape was from a local brothel he frequented. A note read; vote affirmative on King’s plan or this tape will go to your family, the media and your superiors.

No matter how hard Li tried to enter the Secretary-General’s office she could not. Most times he was away on government business. When he was in the office he had at least two guards at his door. Li reported to King that she needed him to have the guards removed so she could enter his office. He told her that this request would take time.

46657.png

A meeting that affected the future of China took place at 3:00 pm on a warm winter afternoon. The Great Hall of the People, located on the western edge of Tiananmen Square, is where the laws and legislative actions for all of China are enacted. At precisely 1:30 pm, on that fateful day, the inner office door of the Secretary-General opened.

I said that I didn’t want to be disturbed, said the angry executive as he sat behind his massive desk reviewing documents. He looked up and saw the most beautiful woman in all of China standing there. She had her black, wavy hair flowing around her shoulders and down her back, held in place with silver hair combs. She wore a white ermine stole around her shoulders with a clasp that kept both sides together as it rested above her bosom. Her skin-tight, low-cut, black sequenced dress only accented her creamy white skin. Her open-toed shoes with their six-inch stiletto heels provided an imposing appearance for her five-foot-five-inch frame.

You’ve been a naughty boy, Ki Luc, avoiding me on this auspicious day. Do you think you are too high and mighty to have good manners? she said with a smile.

Guards, guards…

No one is here to listen to you except for me. You know what I want to hear, don’t you? she seductively asked.

So Li Jiang, still doing your boss’s bidding I see.

Ki Luc, the private meeting will take place soon and we need to know your position on our proposal, she said as she slowly walked around his desk, pushed his high-back brown leather chair away from his desk, hiked her dress above her hips and straddled his legs as she sat on his lap. She undid the clasp on her stole which provided an unobstructed view of her ample cleavage.

Now, we can do this the fun way or the not much fun way, but either way we shall have your commitment to our cause, she whispered as she started to unfasten his belt buckle.

He grabbed her hand and hissed, Get off of me this instant.

She gave him an appraising look and slowly complied.

Sit in the chair in front of my desk and make yourself presentable.

After adjusting her clothes she took her seat. The Secretary-General gave a disgusted look as he said, I don’t appreciate your master’s methods. I know that you have seduced, bribed or blackmailed the majority of the Vice-Premiers and State Counselors. I do not appreciate your attempts at trying to seduce or intimidate me and if you ever threaten me again…

All right, I get the message. I want to know where you stand because as we all know, without your vote…well, what do you want?

I read the proposal. He opened his center desk drawer and removed a thick folder that had a metal clasp and on the cover, in red, was stamped TOP SECRET. I was surprised that it actually made sense, was logical and appeared economically and financially sound…

Then you’re for it, stated an elated Li Jiang.

Not so fast. There are no provisions for verifications, where are the safeguards that will protect our country in the event this project fails? asked Ki Luc.

It won’t fail… she said.

I have heard that many times before and there were many failures. If you want my support then I want an addendum inserted into the presentation. Have your master approve and insert it prior to the meeting or its no deal.

Li Jiang stood up and said, He is not my master. He is my mentor.

Ki Luc answered with a sneer, Everyone knows you’re his slave and that he must keep you on a short leash. Face it; you are unpredictable, dangerous and crazy.

Li Jiang slammed her hands on his desk. Her rage caused her eyes to bulge and veins became exposed on her face and neck as she screamed, Don’t say that!

Calm yourself or I will have you restrained. I will write out what I want. Hand it to King Hoi-Lai, tell him what I said. You best hurry since you have around an hour before the meeting.

46652.png

An Army Sergeant, in full military uniform, which included a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol holstered on his hip, entered the Director of Audits office without knocking. The Director was on the phone and the Sergeant stood at attention in front of his desk. The Director looked up nervously, saw the military soldier staring at him and quickly ended his phone conversation.

Are you Director Wang Fu? asked the Sergeant.

Yes, stated the director, a balding, thin-framed man who combed what few strands of hair he had left from left to right.

Director Fu, your presence is required by the Secretary-General Ki Luc, stated the Sergeant.

Director Fu began to perspire and asked, Why does he want to see me?

The Sergeant said, He wants to see you now.

On the way out, the Sergeant grabbed a couple of tissues from a secretary’s desk and handed them to the five-foot-two-inch Director. Here, you appear nervous, wipe the sweat from your face.

I…I thought I was being arrested for something.

Did you do something wrong that you would be arrested for? asked the Sergeant.

This is China. People are always arrested for things they do and things they never did.

If it was criminal I would have brought two guards with me.

Why two guards? You certainly appear to be able to handle me with no problem.

They would be here to drag your corpse away after I shot you in the head, he said.

Director Fu stopped walking and became very pale as he sheepishly peeked at the Sergeant.

I’m kidding. Now, come on, we can’t keep the Secretary-General waiting.

At the end of the corridor, they met the Auditor General and Minister of Finance. Director Fu asked them, What is going on? Why are we being summoned?

The Auditor General and Minister of Finance took the lead. Director Fu and the Sergeant followed. The Auditor General stated, We shall know when we are told.

The group went to a private conference room which overlooked the huge general meeting hall where all the delegates sat and discussed China’s policies. The sign on the door had Quiet – Meeting In Progress printed in large bold letters and two security guards were posted to prevent unauthorized persons from entering. The security sergeant stood at attention in front of the meeting door and informed the guards of the names and positions of his escorted group. One of the door security people gently knocked on the door, opened it and said, They have arrived, closed the door and resumed his former position.

Inside the conference room, the majority of the officials that controlled every aspect of life in China sat and listened closely to what billionaire industrialist King Hoi-Lai was presenting. The attendees had opened their folders and were reviewing the documents. From a hidden door, the beautiful Li Jiang entered, her arms filled with papers which she quickly handed out to each of the state dignitaries. She then took a seat in the room’s center where a projector and slide machine held the presentation.

King Hoi-Lai adjusted his three-piece Armani gray pinstriped suit as he walked to the room’s center and re-addressed the committee. Ladies and gentlemen, as we had previously discussed in private the possibilities of our plan to have China become the world’s most powerful nation without the loss of a single life or having to go to war to achieve it, is now ready for your vote.

China’s second Vice Premier Kwang Chow stood and asked, Mr. Hoi-Lai, in our conversations you had stipulated that the project was to have China become the lead nation in Asia, not the world; why the change?

Hoi-Lai smiled, A valid question from our esteemed Vice Premier and in answering him and the rest of my esteemed guests, I shall admit that it was a sudden shift in the plan, but I was recently convinced that I would have support for this plan by individuals that could affect changes in their respective countries that would make this expanded idea a reality. We shall have support in the United States, Japan, Taiwan, Great Britain, Italy, and other European countries.

A look of surprise and concern appeared on the Vice Premier’s face, as he asked, How is this possible if this plan was secret? Why would these countries support this plan if it only benefits China?

The people who came to me are from the highest level of a worldwide conglomerate. It’s been said that this group can distinguish patterns and changes before they happen. They foresaw events and want to be in the forefront to take advantage of the financial and economic opportunities that will present themselves. This group approves of this plan and wants to take advantage of the benefits these changes will provide. It’s self-serving, but it also helps our cause.

King nodded to Li and she brought up the next several slides which showed the stock exchanges in New York City; both the American Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ, the stock exchanges in London and Italy, the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Osaka Securities Stock Exchange and finally the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

For those of you who are unsure allow me to explain what these stock exchanges do and how they function. The largest stock exchanges, meaning those with the greatest value and finances are the two in New York City. These exchanges produce greater shares and financial control than all the others combined. This is so lucrative to capitalist countries that other countries, including China, are opening stock exchanges. King paused as he looked around his audience before continuing, "This is January 1990 and this committee has approved the opening of the Shanghai Stock Exchange for November of this year and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange will open the following month. These stock exchanges have market capitalizations of $4 trillion and more than $2 trillion, respectively. Add Hong Kong Stock Exchange with a market value of $3.3 trillion. The combined Japanese exchanges have a value of $4.5 trillion.

New stock exchanges will open in the near future in Belgium, France, Portugal, the Netherlands and in Frankfort, Germany. Montreal, Canada has also been working on creating their stock exchange. What is a stock exchange? The definition is a facility where people can buy or sell stocks, securities, bonds via brokers and traders on an exchange floor where this function happens. What is traded on these exchange floors? Everything, from grain, to oil, animals, vegetables, minerals – you name it and it can be bought or sold. Buyers and sellers are known as stock investors and they sell stocks to people and companies. The market fluctuates by having its costs go up and down on a per item basis, which translates to people and companies having gains or losses.

State Counselor Tse Wo stood, Mr. Hoi-Lai, all of this is very interesting, but what has this to do with China controlling the world?

He smiled at her as he answered, "To put it in basic context Mrs. Wo, stock exchanges are indicators of a country’s economy. It influences if a country is doing well or poorly. The stock exchange is a source of funding for local, national and international projects that are necessary for economic development.

"As an example, a dam is needed in a rural area in China. The money required to build this dam comes from China’s economy. In times of strife, war and uncertainty money is diverted to pay for these problems and money is taken from important local projects; thus the dam project is placed on hold. In good times people work, they make money and the country’s taxes are increased so we can pay to build the dam. As the country’s finances grow so does the standard of living for its people - more jobs are created; the country can export items and increase financial stability which alleviates poverty and helps to educate its citizens. A strong economy also benefits other countries by helping to fund international projects. The countries in need of economic assistance take out loans from wealthier countries. China is then paid back with interest accrued over the life of the loan.

"However, stock markets are susceptible to huge market swings. There have been stock market collapses which can destroy one or more country’s economy. This could be caused by wars, bank collapses, varied companies having scandals that place their products in a bad light. When a country’s economy collapses it requires funding to rebuild. The country’s assets are sold off for pennies, individual fortunes are gone overnight and the country and its people would do anything to be financially solvent again. What if China is the cause of an economic disaster that stock markets all over the world collapse? What if China is the savior of all these countries by buying up those country’s assets for pennies on the dollar to keep that country solvent? China would then be able to control that country’s elected officials via its strong economy and financial control over that countries assets and China would be the only country to offer necessary loans at astronomical interest rates.

This is what I meant by China could control the world. China can become the richest and most powerful country on the planet. We would not have to go to war and no one would lose a life because of war. We would use the capitalists funding tool – their stock markets to destroy them!"

A brilliant idea Mr. Hoi-Lai, but would this not cause China to invest billions in this scheme? asked Vice Premier Ying Dow.

Yes, it would Vice Premier, but China would obtain hundreds of trillions in return.

Ki Luc stood and stated, Ah yes, Mr. Hoi-Lai, but that is only if your proposal succeeds. Members of the committee, this is why I had Mr. Hoi-Lai include an addendum that if this operation should fail that we, the governing body of China, will not be blamed. Only Mr. Hoi-Lai and, of course, his able-bodied assistant Miss Li Jiang, would be blamed and all of their assets would revert to the state and that their persons would be deemed an enemy of the state.

Ying Dow leaned towards Kwang Chow and whispered, Don’t you mean ample bodied…

Kwang Chow stared at his counterpart and asked, Are you 12 to ask that stupid question? There are billions at stake here and make no mistake even though the addendum removes our blame we shall all be rounded up and made to pay the ultimate price. What do you think will happen to you when the tape of your talks with Li Jiang become public?

Ying Dow’s eyes bulged; his skin became deathly pale as he started to stutter and was forced to take a glass of water in his shaking hands. Wha, What do you mean tape?

He shook his head as he answered, Li Jiang is many things, but stupid is not one of them. Hoi-Lai needs a tool that would make you and others comply with his wishes. How else would he be able to blackmail you and all the others on the committee that had fallen into Li’s trap?

Secretary-General Ki Luc asked his colleagues, All in favor of Mr. Hoi-Lai’s plan raise your right hand. All hands went up. Any against his plan? No hands were raised. Congratulations, Mr. Hoi-Lai, your plan passed unanimously. What time frame do you foresee this plan coming to fruition?

Hoi-Lai smiled and said, Two to three years.

Ki Luc smiled back and said, Very well, and we shall hold you to that. We shall set up dates and times for meetings to plan the details next week. Good luck, and, Miss Jiang, have a nice day.

Li Jiang went to her mentor, after the committee members departed, and planted a kiss on his cheek as she whispered, Congratulations, that was much easier than we thought, wasn’t it? We will have to celebrate tonight and I will need to think up something very special for you. King turned to her with a smile and then he heard the Secretary-General clear his throat before exiting the room.

Mr. Hoi-Lai, please wait. You and I will have another meeting in a few moments regarding the addendum to the contract. Li Jiang shot daggers from her eyes at Ki Luc as she went to a seat. This meeting is closed, Miss Jiang. You must wait in an adjoining room until Mr. Hoi-Lai, our guests and I have concluded our business.

Li Jiang shot out of her chair and started for the Secretary-General, I am not some… but Hoi-Lai grabbed her arm and said, Li, just do as you’re told. I will meet with you later.

Five minutes later the Secretary-General re-entered the room with three people. King Hoi-Lai rose from his chair to greet them. Ki Luc conducted the introductions.

"Gentlemen, allow me to introduce Mr. King Hoi-Lai, China’s largest and wealthiest industrialist. Mr. Hoi-Lai, may I introduce China’s Auditor General Mr. Luc Khan, his Minister of Finance Mr. Kam Lee and his Director of Audits Mr. Wang Fu. Mr. Hoi-Lai, as part of our agreement, Mr. Fu will be stationed at your home. Your estate serves as your work location correct? China requires an expert to be at the location