“With me as the prison guard?” Sam grinned. “Hell, no. It was sound reasoning. Particularly hiring a brilliant educator like me. You did the best thing you could do under the circumstances.”
“Then why is he suddenly—what’s going on with him?”
“Only Luke knows for sure, and I’m not sure that he’s not pretty confused.” He lifted the coffee to his lips. “You want a guess? You gave him a cocoon in which to wrap himself when you brought him here. He stayed there and spun a comfortable web for himself.”
“So? He deserved a time of peace and security.”
“Absolutely. But have we taken into consideration that what he deserved did not have anything to do with Luke’s experience and character? Yes, he suffered, but what was done to him developed a child who was not a child, a boy who was forced to use his wits and his mind just to survive.” He looked thoughtfully down into his coffee. “He was used to being totally on his own, not expecting help from anyone because everyone was the enemy.”
She flinched. “I know that. Do you realize how much that hurts me?”
“And you want passionately to protect him in any way you can.”
“Wouldn’t you?”
“I’d probably be worse than you. At least, you’re not pushing the boy. I know how hard it is for you to give him his space. You’re going slow. I have a tendency to give little shoves to get him to take the next step.” He took a sip of coffee. “But that may not be necessary from now on.”
“What do you mean?”
“That cocoon may be breaking open. He could be tired of being immersed in his books and the worlds they bring to him. He has a boundless curiosity, and perhaps he’s ready to toss the cocoon aside and find out all the answers for himself.”
“Don’t scare me like that.”
“You knew it would come sometime.”
“Do you know how often I’ve worried that Luke will just take off and go somewhere on his own?” she asked unevenly. “I have no hold on him as any other mother might. As you said, he’s been independent all his life, and if I tried to put him in any kind of prison, he’d leave me. I couldn’t stand that, Sam.”
“Yes, you could. But if he left you, you’d be his shadow until you could persuade him to come back. Even if it took the rest of your life.”
That was true. She would never stop. She had lost Luke once, and she would never let it happen again. “Okay, you think he’s getting bored? What can we do?”
“Not bored. He’s too bright to be bored. He always finds a way to challenge himself. I believe he may be exploring ways to bridge the gap between the past and present.” He added, “Did I tell you he’d asked me to give him lessons in karate?”
“No, you did not.”
“He said that since I’d worked for the CIA, I should be good enough to teach him.” He chuckled. “I made him pay for that. But he learned the basic moves very quickly. He’s a natural.”
“He knows enough about killing and violence, Sam. He doesn’t need you.”
“If he wanted to know, he’d find out everything from one of his books. I just made it easier.” He finished his coffee and set the cup on the sink. “Don’t dwell on it. It’s just an example of the way Luke is thinking. He’s pulling memories and skills from his past and elaborating on them. He may not even know whether he has a purpose or not.”
“And neither do you.”
“I’m just along for the ride. I’ll see where it takes me,” he said gently. “I like the kid, Catherine. This isn’t just a job to me.”
“I know it’s not.” She squeezed his arm affectionately before she turned away. “And I’m grateful, Sam. I never worry when I’m away if you’re on the job.”
“That’s a lie. You’re thinking about Luke all the time. But he’ll always be safe with me.”
“If he doesn’t decide to go off on his own tilting at windmills or something.”
“I’d be right behind him.”
“I know you would. Good night, Sam.”
The next moment, she was moving slowly up the stairs. She should shower and go to bed. It had been close to thirty hours since she’d slept, but she wasn’t sure she’d be able to do it now. The conversation with Sam had not made her feel less uneasy.
She wanted Luke in that cocoon, dammit.
It was the only way she could be sure of keeping him safe and give her a chance to teach him how much she loved him. But she couldn’t bury her head in the sand if there was something happening with Luke. If as Sam was judging, he was becoming— What? She didn’t even know what Luke was thinking. There were times when she was almost sure that the bond that they were forging was getting stronger, but he was still a mystery.
A beloved mystery.
Dear God, how she loved him.
All she could do was stay close to him and watch every nuance of change. Find a way to let him know she loved him without making him feel uncomfortable.
And if he wanted out of that damn cocoon, she’d break it herself before he got the chance.
Hong Kong
“WATER, VENABLE,” HU CHANG CALLED from the bedroom. “And the vial with the orange liquid on the stand next to the black-lacquer cabinet.”
“I’m not your nurse, Hu Chang,” Venable said testily as he got to his feet. “Is there anything else?”
“Not at the moment. You sent Agent Gregory to the fishmonger to get the oil?”
“Yes, over an hour ago.”
“Then he should be back. I told Li San to have it ready. Your man is very inefficient.”
Arrogance. “I’ll send him in to you to chastise when he gets back.”
“You’re being sarcastic, but discipline is important. And it’s you who must reprimand him for dawdling. It’s your duty as his superior.”
Venable handed Hu Chang the vial and set the water on the nightstand. “I’ll take your suggestion under advisement.” He watched him lift the vial to his lips and drain it. “What is that stuff?”
“Herbs, oils, venoms, and a few spices. Very potent.” He lifted the glass of water and drained it in three swallows. “But that’s almost the last of it. I’ll need to make more.”
Potent? For the last twenty-four hours, Hu Chang had been gaining in strength at an amazing pace. His cheeks were flushed, his eyes bright and alert, and his movements lithe and apparently accomplished without pain. “It must be good stuff. But doesn’t the water dilute it?”
“I hope so,” Hu Chang said. “Otherwise, I’ll be dead within two minutes. The really good potions are always those that have a fair amount of risk. The efficacy factor depends on the power.”
“It’s poison?”
He nodded. “Deadly. Sea-snake venom. You can add the deadliest of poisons as long as it is tempered. It’s all in the balance.” He smiled faintly. “And the balance must have been good this time. I’m still alive.”
“And you’re healing?”
Hu Chang opened his shirt. “See for yourself. I removed the bandage. It’s no longer necessary. There are still surface wounds, but the inner damage has healed itself.”
Venable muttered a curse as he stared at the wound. “It’s damn near incredible.”
“Yes, I am.” He buttoned his shirt. “I’m sure that Catherine told you that I was extraordinary.”
“I’m beginning to believe her. But why don’t you take out a patent on these hotshot potions? You could be a billionaire.”
“Incredible does not happen every day. It requires attention and effort. Some fool would be careless and alter my formula, and I would have a dead client. I’m too much of a perfectionist to allow that to take place.” He glanced down at his chest. “The potion is beginning its burn. I can feel it working. I may not need that last vial after all.”
“If you’re feeling so well, this may be the time to have our talk.”
“We are talking. And in the very best manner. You are admiring, and I am accepting your admiration. That could be—” He broke off as his phone ra
ng. He glanced at the ID, then punched the access. He said something in Chinese that Venable didn’t catch, then listened.
A moment later he hung up the phone. “But I’m afraid our discussion will have to end for the time being. That was one of my neighbors who lives down the block. He told me he saw a package being dropped off at the alley door. I think perhaps you should retrieve it.”
“A package?” His gaze narrowed on Hu Chang’s face. “What kind of package?”
He didn’t answer the question. “I don’t believe there is a threat now. I would have been told. But a retrieve is definitely necessary.”
Venable turned on his heel and left the bedroom and headed for the alley door. He waited, listening.
No sound.
He pulled out his Glock and stepped to one side before throwing open the door.
The man who had been hunched against the door fell forward into the shop at Venable’s feet.
Agent Gregory. Eyes wide, staring into nothingness.
His throat cut from ear to ear.
CHAPTER
3
Louisville, Kentucky
IT WAS AFTER SEVEN, CATHERINE REALIZED drowsily as she opened her eyes. She would lie here for just a moment and enjoy the sensations of home after the weeks of camping out in the jungle alternating with a crummy hotel room in Lima.
Not like this.
She stretched like a cat.
Crisp cotton sheets and a familiar mattress, the scent of lotus subtly mixed with one of the clean yet haunting fragrances that Hu Chang sent her to tuck inside her pillows. She had told him once that she was sure that the fragrance was some kind of sleeping powder that caused her to fall into a deep sleep. Hu Chang had smiled.
But he had not denied it.
Catherine jumped out of bed and headed for the hall door. It wouldn’t take her that long to get down to Eve and Joe’s lake house, but if she could get Luke moving, they might have time to breakfast together before it was time to leave. Those breakfasts were to be treasured. She had missed so many of them after Luke had been taken from her. Little things. Breakfasts. School pictures. Birthday parties.
So treasure every moment, every event big or small.
“Breakfast!” She threw open Luke’s door. “We’ll make it together. Do you want pancakes or—”
Luke was gone.
The bed neatly made, but Luke was not in it.
Panic surged through her.
Luke, only two years old. She had put him to bed and kissed him good night. Three hours later, throwing open the door and finding that bed empty.
Not again. Please God, not again.
“Catherine?”
Luke’s voice.
She whirled and saw him coming toward her down the hall. Relief. Blessed relief. She reached out and grasped the doorjamb. Don’t let him see that moment of weakness. She was supposed to be the strong one in this relationship. She drew a deep breath. “Hi, I guess I’m a little late. I was going to wake you up, but you’re all dressed. Where have you been?”
“Down in the library. I thought I’d take a couple books with me when we went to see Eve and Joe.” He nodded to the two books he was carrying. “We were talking about Hu Chang, and I remembered that he gave me this one the day we left.”
“You haven’t read it yet? That’s a surprise. You usually devour a book as soon as you get it.”
“I read it.” He frowned. “But I don’t think I understood it. I thought I’d try again.”
She glanced at the top book and started to laugh. “Luke, that book is in Chinese. Of course, you wouldn’t understand it.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think that’s it. I think I should have understood it.”
She flipped through the book. She did understand the script, and it appeared to be a chemistry book of some sort. “Pretty dry stuff. I’ll have to talk to Hu Chang about his choice of reading matter.” She smiled as she handed the book back to Luke. “I wouldn’t strain my brain trying to puzzle this out. Unless you really want to learn the language. Tell Sam, and he’ll help you.” She paused. “Or I could. I’m not as good a teacher, but it might be fun.”
He shook his head. “You’re busy.” He tucked the book under his arm. “But I’ll try to do it on my own first. I should be able to understand it.”
She smothered the disappointment and smiled. “Far be it for me to discourage you. How about helping me to fix breakfast?”
He nodded. “If that’s what you want.”
There were so many things that she wanted from him. Stop being maudlin. The thing she wanted most was for him to be happy. “That’s what I want.” She started down the stairs. “I’ve got to call Eve and tell her we’re coming, but there’s no real hurry. We can take our time. Maybe Joe will cook barbecue for dinner. I know you like that.”
He nodded. “I’d never had barbecue before I visited Joe and Eve.”
“It’s very good, isn’t it?”
“But I think it’s more than food. It’s sort of like a ceremony, isn’t it?”
“Ceremony?”
“People gathering around the fire, talking, singing, watching the food cook. It reminds me of ceremonies I’ve read about in my books … but different.”
“We don’t do much singing, but that’s very perceptive of you. I guess perhaps it is a kind of American ceremony. It’s certainly a custom.”
“I don’t know why, but I … like it.”
“Then don’t take it apart, just enjoy it. Orange juice?” She headed for the refrigerator as he nodded. “Me, too. I don’t think I’ve had one glass since—” Her phone rang, and she glanced at the ID.
Venable, dammit. She was tempted not to answer.
Not now, Venable.
Luke was looking inquiringly at her.
She punched the button. “I don’t want to talk now, Venable. You must have heard that everything went well with the job in Peru. We retrieved the dirty bomb and the code, and it’s wrapped up. I’ll send you a report later. Now I’m hanging up. I’m having breakfast with my son.”
“It will have to wait. I need you on a plane here to Hong Kong in the next two hours.”
“No way. Get someone else to do the job. I’m taking a break.”
“I can’t get someone else. You’re the only one who has a chance to get it done. He may listen to you.” He paused. “If he lives until you get here.”
“Why me? I’ve just gotten home. I haven’t seen Luke for the past—”
“It’s Hu Chang, Catherine.”
She stiffened. “Hu Chang. What the hell are you talking about?” She tried to remember what he’d said. “And what do you mean if he lives until I get there? What’s happened to Hu Chang?”
“Do you want me to catalog it for you? He’s been severely beaten, he’s been shot in the upper torso and should have died except he’s been dosing himself with some high-caliber meds, and he’s responsible for getting one of my agent’s throat cut.”
“Shot? Why?”
“Because he wouldn’t obey the Special Forces guys I sent in to save his neck. He said he had something to do before he could be rescued.”
“Rescued?” Every word was scaring her more. “None of this is making sense. Whose throat was cut?”
“Agent Gregory. You’ve never met him. He was a decent enough guy, but he was out of his depth.”
“And how did you get involved with Hu Chang, Venable? He doesn’t work with the CIA or any other country’s security organization. He’s a loner.”
“Tell me about it. For the last few days, I’ve been trying to persuade him he’ll end up in the bottom of the China Sea if he doesn’t let us help him. He’s not talking. Not to us, and not to the sons of bitches who nearly made chopped liver of him.”
She moistened her lips. “They were beating him to make him talk? About what, Venable? What’s he done?”
“I see you’re not assuming he’s an innocent victim.”
“Hu Chang stopped being innocent
a long, long time ago. He’s capable of doing anything that he chooses. But he doesn’t usually choose anything that would get him into this kind of trouble. What’s he done?”
“I’m not sure. I think he’s concocted some potion or drug that’s fairly world-shaking.”
“Why would that get him beaten?”
“It might be that it has commercial potential. I saw how fantastically one of the drugs in his shop performed. It blew me out of the water.”
But there was a note in his voice that caused her to ask. “But you think it’s something else? Of course you do, or you wouldn’t have gotten the Company involved.”
“I could have wanted to help out a friend of yours.”
“You wouldn’t have called in the Special Forces. You would have done it yourself. Talk to me. What’s Hu Chang up to?”
“I can’t be sure.” He paused. “But the field agent’s informant here in Hong Kong said he’d heard that Hu Chang was involved in some big-time stuff in which Hugh Nardik was very interested.”
“Nardik?” Her mind was working quickly, bringing up memories and bits and pieces of information. Smuggling, weapons dealing, rumors of links to occasional high-profile assassinations. He also provided mercenary soldiers to third-world countries to fight their wars, and those were the stories that Catherine remembered most vividly. She had never been sent on a mission concerning him, but she had been told about the atrocities of his forces in Rwanda. “He’s very nasty. Can’t you reel him in?”
“I would if I could. Right now, between bribery and his bodyguards, he’s untouchable. I was hoping that he’d show up when they grabbed Hu Chang, but it didn’t happen. He hired some locals here in Hong Kong to take care of the job. He was probably going to take over if they didn’t get him what he wanted.”
“And what did he want from Hu Chang?”
Silence.
“Tell me.”
“My guess? An assassination. Drugs and poisons are Hu Chang’s specialty. If you didn’t want anyone to be sure that a world leader or dictator had been murdered, wouldn’t poison be the best way to take him out?”
“If there was no way to detect it. But that’s not possible. There are some poisons that come close, but with time and sophisticated forensic techniques, there’s always a way to identify it.”