After returning to the safe house in Tehran, Song Heping immediately contacted his transport contractor Jackson using the encrypted line.
The phone rang for a long time before connecting, with the background filled with noisy music and women's laughter, seemingly from some entertainment venue.
"Hey! My dear friend Song! I haven't received a call from you in a while. I heard you caused quite a stir in the Middle East?"
Jackson's voice carried drunkenness and his usual exaggeration.
"Jackson, long story short, I need help." Song Heping wasn't in the mood for small talk.
"Oh? Need some scarce goods again? Sam? Javelins? Or..."
The sounds of music and laughter seemed to gradually fade away.
Clearly, Jackson was a man of action; he realized Song Heping wanted to discuss business, not casual chatter, so he quickly found a quiet corner to listen attentively.
