Page 31 of No Time Off

“In a word, yes. I have evidence of some of it. And it is not just the Chinese. I’m convinced our bankers have long used their money to shield their business practices. Perhaps access to those funds or the ability to move and hide international transactions is of interest to the Chinese as well. It’s hard to say right now. But I’m biding my time, being careful, and gathering as much information as possible. I understand the importance of building a case.”

She was smart and cautious, and I liked that. “So, in your opinion, what’s the Chinese long game?”

“My opinion?” Petra picked up her brandy and took a sip, taking a minute to formulate her answer. “Besides the obvious international trade shenanigans, I think the Chinese are buying support in the United Nations on the cheap. One country, one vote. Islands like ours would be important to them there, especially in the Indonesia/India region. If they got enough government proxies, they could block almost any action against them.”

The room fell silent until Lexi spoke up. “Excuse me for asking what may be considered an indelicate question, but since you are in a free association with New Zealand, have you expressed your concerns to them?”

“Of course we have. But we are fifteen very small islands with little influence on the world stage. As it is, I’m walking an exceedingly dangerous path, trying to keep in check a superpower that has already demonstrated its willingness to exert control far beyond its borders. But with a growing divide between those supporting the Chinese, especially among the wealthy, and an active and growing resistance against the Chinese on the rise among many of my poorest people, who see them buying up our land and our heritage, things are getting worrisome. And truthfully, the Chinese and their supporters are beginning to realize I’m not going to be as pliable as my predecessor.”

I could well imagine how things were going for her. China had long been trying to strengthen its foothold in the Pacific, and it wouldn’t easily abandon its hold on the Cook Islands. Growing local resistance, or a new prime minister sympathetic to the concerns of her people, could jeopardize the country’s broader strategic objectives.

“How are you managing it so far?” I asked, truly curious.

She took another sip of her brandy. “As I said, we’ve been gathering evidence, documenting instances where local law enforcement has been sidelined, and compiling testimonies from those who have experienced the heavy hand of the Chinese officers. My legal team and I are revisiting the agreement, and we are preparing a move to negate the Chinese presence on the island. We’ve been doing this as discreetly as possible, but I’m concerned the Chinese may be on to us…or particularly me.”

I considered a moment. “You think they may be responsible for the attack on you yesterday?”

“Maybe.” She shrugged. “It’s a hefty accusation, and one I can’t make public yet, for obvious reasons. We’ve been interrogating the gunman, but he hasn’t said a word. Literally, he’s not talking at all. He’s a resident of ours, and he’s been in trouble with the law before—disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, petty theft…mostly misdemeanors. It wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine he’d been paid or somehow convinced shooting me would be the right thing to do. That’s all I’ve been told…so far.”

I heard something in her voice. “So, you suspect the police aren’t sharing everything with you?”

“It’s just a feeling,” she said. “I don’t have proof, but my gut is telling me there is more to this than is readily evident.”

This had gone farther and deeper than I had expected, and it wasn’t in my expertise nor purview, so I finished my brandy and stood, holding out a hand to Lexi to signal the end of the conversation. “Thank you for sharing your concerns with us, Prime Minister, and for a delicious dinner. I honestly don’t know if there’s anything we can do, and I don’t envy your situation, but Lexi and I certainly wish you the best of luck.”

Petra stood and held out a hand. “I understand. I’m not sure New Zealand has fully shared our situation and challenges with other countries that have a vested interest in limiting China’s influence in the Pacific. I feel it’s important for the US to know, especially since we’re expecting a consular official to be stationed here soon and things are…well, dynamic. But enough business. I appreciate you listening and understanding my concerns. Please enjoy the rest of your honeymoon, and congratulations on your wedding. I’ll have Rangi call your driver to take you back to the resort. If you need anything while you’re here, give Rangi a call. He’s my right-hand man, and you can trust him with anything.”

We shook hands cordially before Rangi appeared. We exchanged contact information at Petra’s request, and he led us back to the car.

Lexi glanced at me questioningly as we got into the vehicle, but I shook my head slightly at her, so we rode back to the resort in silence. After thanking our driver, we exited the vehicle at the front of the resort. Lexi headed to the entrance, but I took her hand, pulling her to my side.

“Let’s take a moonlit walk on the beach,” I said, squeezing her hand.

“Sure,” she said.

I didn’t speak again until we had removed our shoes and started our stroll down the beach.

“You want to tell me what that was all about?” Lexi said.

“The prime minister is in trouble.”

“No kidding. My question is, what exactly are the Chinese doing?”

I looked out over the moonlight reflecting on the dark water. “Expanding their sphere of influence, and not so subtly. The prime minister is right. By providing aid and investments to other small island nations and developing countries, they’re securing votes and alliances within the region and the country. The Cook Islands are not the first country in this area where this is happening. It’s a strategic move to bolster Chinese claims and presence in the Pacific region. The Cook Islands are just a part of a larger puzzle.”

“That’s comforting—not. Apparently, however, not everyone on the island is a fan of the Chinese strategic moves. From the protest we saw, the Chinese are facing at least some grassroots resistance from the local communities, as well as the prime minister herself.”

I nodded. “Clearly. But opinions seem mixed. Most likely there are some communities that see the immediate benefits of Chinese support. Better infrastructure, job opportunities, and safety. But others, including the prime minister, are rightfully wary of losing their autonomy and becoming too dependent on a foreign power.”

“It’s a delicate balance.”

“It is.”

“So, what are we supposed to do?” Lexi asked, stopping to admire the moonlight reflecting off the water. “I guess we’re out here talking about it because the Chinese are now most likely monitoring us and might have our hotel room bugged.”

I nodded. “Probably not yet, but I expect we will be soon. After I stopped the assassination, followed by our subsequent visit to the prime minister’s home, we should assume they’ll be quite curious about us. I doubt they are so efficient as to have already bugged our room, but better safe than sorry. I’ll do a sweep when we get back. I just wanted you to be careful with what you say.”

“Great.” She heaved a big sigh. “Do weeverget time off?”

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