Attorney: 'Missing' businessman wants no contact with family

A lawyer for a Chicago businessman who hasn't been seen by his family since last fall says the man is now living in Hong Kong with his second wife.

The family has feared for James Larkin's safety since the 63-year-old vanished in September, just months after he suffered a stroke, and despite being owed more than $3 million by the buyer of his former business.

On Wednesday attorney Peter Qiu showed up in Cook County probate court, saying he represented Larkin and that his client is healthy but doesn't want to speak with relatives.

"If he is well, I am thrilled," his daughter, Lorraine Demma, who attended the court hearing, said Thursday. "But it makes no sense that he doesn't want to talk to his family. It's not who he is . . . There is definitely a missing person here, and we want him to come home."

Qiu and Larkin's family now are battling in court over whether Probate Judge Mary Ellen Coghlan should allow Larkin to handle his own business affairs or keep his brother, Jerry, as his temporary guardian.

Larkin is a certified public accountant and lawyer who worked for a manufacturing company before starting Circulair, now known as O2 Cool. The company sells portable "misting" fans that cool by spraying a fine mist.

According to court records, Larkin sold his share of the business for $5.2 million early last year. Under the agreement, Larkin pocketed $2 million upfront; the rest was due at the end of 2007 and 2008, but Circulair wants to pay the entire $3.2 million now.

The relatives have alleged in court documents that Larkin's wife, Brigetta Cheung Larkin, had flouted doctors' instructions for her husband, skipping his medical appointments and then secretly moving him out of the country without telling family members.

The family said that when they last saw Larkin, he couldn't drive or sign his name and had trouble carrying on conversations. They fear that without a guardian he could be exploited financially.

Qiu disputed that contention in court, saying he spoke to Larkin in September and found him to be "very healthy." Qiu asked the judge to remove the guardianship.