In the pouring rain, a tall man walked into the inn where Alvin and the others were staying.
Kingpin's imposing bulk made the man pause for a moment before he headed toward the reception desk.
The thin, dark-skinned innkeeper had been waiting at the desk. Before the man could approach, he rushed out from behind the bar counter and pulled him over to Kingpin.
"Boss, this is the local best captain I told you about, Bill Johnson."
Kingpin looked up and sized up Bill Johnson. Frowning, he turned to the innkeeper and said, "Your best local captain is a white man?
Is he more familiar with these waterways than someone who's lived here for decades?"
The thin, dark-skinned innkeeper gave an awkward laugh and nodded. "Bill's lived here for over a decade. He's practically a local. We all call him 'Jin Song.'
He's the only one willing to take you upriver during the rainy season..."
The innkeeper spread his hands helplessly at Kingpin. "If you're not satisfied with him, I really don't have anyone else."
Kingpin gave Bill Johnson, who looked to be in his forties, a menacing once-over. "You quoted one hundred thousand dollars before agreeing to take us upriver.
Then you'll have to prove you're worth it. If I decide you aren't worth a hundred thousand...
Believe me, you'll regret naming your price so carelessly."
Kingpin glanced at the tattoo on Bill's arm and frowned. "Marine Corps. What got you kicked out of the military?"
Bill was clearly a tough man, and Kingpin's intimidating presence didn't seem to bother him.
Faced with Kingpin's question, Bill replied without expression, "That has nothing to do with our deal.
Actually, I only agreed to the hundred-thousand-dollar price because the World's Richest Man and the Manhattan Axe are sitting here.
The rainforest