Detective Somchai realized his father-in-law hadn't known about the Assassin Brotherhood's involvement. "Father, Li Zhongzhi's case attracted the Brotherhood's attention. New York headquarters deployed four operatives—one of their missions is helping him find his daughter."
He paused. "As for their other objectives, I haven't determined yet."
Director Surasak's expression shifted through surprise to calculation. "New York headquarters personnel. This complicates matters considerably."
A local Brotherhood assassin accepting a contract? Manageable. The director commanded significant influence as Bangkok's police chief. But headquarters operatives from New York? That meant organizational commitment, unlimited resources, and zero tolerance for interference.
Moreover, while Chatchai—the mayor's secretary—wielded considerable behind-the-scenes power, his methods relied on threats, bribes, and subtle manipulation. Mobilizing official police resources for something illegal while the mayor was critically ill and seeking re-election? Nearly impossible.
Surasak pulled out his phone and dialed Yuan Ming directly.
The Bangkok Brotherhood director's voice came through warm and amused. "Director Surasak! What can I do for you?"
"Mr. Yuan, I heard headquarters deployed four operatives to Bangkok. If something significant is developing, I'd be honored to provide assistance."
Yuan Ming's smile widened on his end—Surasak could hear it in his tone. "Your offer is appreciated, Director."
Branch directors maintained careful relationships with local officials and politicians. The wax bath treatments ensured positive connections with government leadership, while their elimination of violent gangs created natural alliance with law enforcement. The Brotherhood never held press conferences announcing their operations, never claimed credit for dismantling criminal networks.
That credit flowed to local police under cooperative arrangements. Combined with wax bath access and crime reduction statistics, Brotherhood chapters operated with near-impunity in their territories.
"No assistance required at this moment," Yuan Ming continued. "But with headquarters involvement, action is inevitable. Cooperate effectively, and there will certainly be credit to share."
Yuan Ming knew exactly why headquarters had deployed personnel—he'd filed the initial intelligence report himself. But he wouldn't inform outsiders until operations concluded. Alerting potential targets would make him criminally negligent.
Director Surasak's mind raced, piecing together implications. "Thank you, Mr. Yuan. My son-in-law is investigating Li Zhongzhi's missing daughter case. He encountered your operatives at the beach crime scene."
He chose his words carefully. "The entire police department will provide maximum support for finding his daughter. I'll personally utilize my resources to develop leads."
Yuan Ming's voice remained pleasant. "Your cooperation is appreciated, Director. Please share any intelligence you uncover."
They exchanged pleasantries and disconnected.
Surasak stood and paced his living room, mind working through variables.
Detective Somchai watched his father-in-law's sudden commitment with interest. The Assassin Brotherhood commanded impressive influence—global network, chapters in multiple countries, the wax bath technology that made them indispensable to power brokers.
Their methods were technically illegal vigilantism. But they eliminated criminals who operated under official protection, handled problems the police couldn't touch. New York had superheroes operating openly. Bangkok accepting a vigilante organization seemed reasonable by comparison.
Somchai understood his father's true concern: safety. From Chatchai's conversation, Director Surasak knew where Li Zhongzhi's daughter was—in the secretary's hands, or held by whatever faction worked through him.
But revealing that information immediately would make Surasak look suspiciously informed. Yuan Ming might conclude the police director was complicit with the trafficking network. Given the Brotherhood's operational methods, that assumption would end very badly for Surasak.
However, helping Chatchai conceal the crime wasn't viable either. First, the secretary's threats had infuriated Surasak—he didn't appreciate being blackmailed. Second, the Brotherhood would likely discover the truth eventually. Better to control the revelation's timing.
When to expose Chatchai's involvement became critical strategy.
If handled correctly: Chatchai arrested, Li Zhongzhi's daughter rescued, the mayor deprived of his transplant heart and politically destroyed.
Which created opportunity. Bangkok was the capital. The mayor's position ranked several administrative levels above Surasak's. He couldn't jump directly to that position, but the power vacuum would create advancement possibilities for those positioned correctly.
Director Surasak made his decision.
He looked at Somchai directly. "Continue investigating Li Zhongzhi's case. Commit fully. But don't be obvious within the police department."
Somchai blinked. "Father, are you saying someone in the bureau—"
"I'm not saying anything," Surasak interrupted. "But remember my instruction: discretion publicly, total commitment privately."
He moved toward his study. "I have matters to handle. Take care of Ploy."
The door closed behind him. Surasak needed to work his connections—prepare the political groundwork and investigate who held Li Zhongzhi's daughter while maintaining plausible deniability.
Fraternity Headquarters, New York
Smith Doyle placed a call to Tony Stark, phone ringing twice before connecting.
"Tony, I need to discuss a business proposal."
In Malibu, Tony sat in his workshop surrounded by holographic displays. Three-dimensional armor schematics rotated in the air—anti-Thor configuration with enhanced lightning dispersion systems, anti-Thena design incorporating predictive combat algorithms, anti-Wenwu specifications featuring maximum kinetic absorption plating.
The tournament had demonstrated his current capabilities' limits. Tony refused to accept those limits.
"What's up?" Tony asked, manipulating a hologram showing theoretical energy distribution patterns.
Smith launched into explanation. "Eddie Brock developed a proposal for commercializing superhero activities. He's forming a team called The Paragons—seven members conducting public heroism while a media company manages their image and revenue streams."
He outlined the structure: team composition, recruitment process, revenue sources, charitable foundations.
"Eddie wants to license your IP," Smith continued. "Iron Man merchandise, media appearances, film rights. You wouldn't participate directly—just licensing and profit sharing. He believes the company could generate substantial revenue while promoting legitimate heroism."
Tony's hands paused mid-gesture. "A corporate superhero team? That's..."
"Potentially profitable," Smith finished. "And potentially useful. Public heroism with professional management. These would be people we vet, representing ideals we control."
Tony considered. "What's the company called?"
"Red Ribbon Corporation," Smith said.