The first two knocks were quick and sharp, loud raps that reverberated through the metal door and echoed into the hall on the opposite side. There was a momentary pause, followed by a final pound that sounded deep and hollow.
At the sound of the correct cadence, a slit opened on the door as a pair of dark eyes peered out. “Who is it?”
The spotlight from above the door illuminated the top of a fedora, the brim of it throwing a heavy shadow over the face of the visitor. “Must I go through this every time?” he asked, his accent unmistakable.
The peephole slid shut and the sound of a metal lock turning rang out as the door opened, the hinges whining in protest. The guard with the dark eyes stepped to the side while it did so, holding out his left arm and motioning down the empty corridor. “Sorry, Ling. Boss’s orders, you know that.”
Ling waved a dismissive hand at the guard and walked past him into the hallway, the space big and open, well lit and lavishly decorated. Plush carpets covered the floors and rich hues of red and gold created a mesmerizing visual that seem to swirl around him as he cut a path through the center of it.
The sound of the door closing and the lock turning could be heard as he walked past the guardroom and into the main foyer of the house. He was a regular visitor, passing through undisturbed, the few servants still up at such an hour giving him a wide berth.
From the main foyer, Ling took a quick right and ascended two short flights of stairs, his journey ending at a large, open doorway covered by a hanging curtain. Pushing it aside, he took two steps into the room and paused, his hands clasped at his waist, as his employer finished his business opposite him.
Seated behind a wraparound desk, the man stared at a computer screen, his features aglow with ambient light. Every bit of his attention was zoned in on it, not once glancing at Ling waiting just feet away.
”Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
“Of course, Mr. Gold.”
If there was any surprise from either party, no outward display of it was made.
Bern Gold tapped out a few final strokes on the computer and raised his gaze to Ling. He held a hand out toward a red leather chair across from him and said, “Please, be seated.”
Ling stepped around to the front of the chair and settled into the soft leather, adjusting his long coat across his lap. Keeping his head tilted down, he cocked it to the side and peered out from beneath the brim of his fedora.
The corners of Gold’s mouth turned up and he shook his head as if an exasperated parent. “Must I ask you to remove that thing every time?”
The folds of skin around Ling’s eyes crinkled a bit, giving away the slightest sense of mirth. He paused a moment before lifting the hat from his head and placing it atop his knee. “Sorry, Mr. Gold. Trade habit.”
“No apologies. It’s just that I prefer to look my associates in the eye when conducting business. Trade habit.”
Ling raised his head and looked Gold full in the face, his gaze fixed. “I understand.”
“The reason I asked you here,” Gold began, already past the exchange, “was to see how things are progressing on our little project.”
Ling waited a moment before responding, careful not to appear too eager or rehearsed.
“Very well, sir. We have intercepted three shipments of cars and will obtain another tomorrow. One container of people has already gone for a swim and another is due to arrive in two days.”
“And the docks?”
A smile tugged at the corner of Ling’s mouth, the movement localized to one small spot as the rest of his face remained tight. “In shambles. Thus far we have taken out half a dozen men without a single shot being fired.”
“Has anybody gotten a good look at you?” Gold pressed, his body motionless as his eyes focused just above Ling’s head on the wall behind him.
“Nobody that lived more than a few seconds afterwards.”
“Nothing at all that can be traced back to us?”
Ling shook his head. “As of right now, no.”
Gold’s gaze flicked down from the wall to Ling. “As of right now?”
“Cameras have been installed on the docks. We will have to be a little more careful in the coming days.”
“Should that be a problem?” Gold asked, his left eyebrow arching upward.
“Not in the slightest.”
“Good,” Gold said, dropping his face back toward the computer monitor. He fell silent as he stared at it, his lips moving just slightly, no sound escaping them.
“Is that all, Mr. Gold?” Ling asked, placing his hands on the arms of the chair and beginning to rise.
Gold raised a finger toward the ceiling, holding it out in front of him, signaling for Ling to wait.
“I apologize for the delay. I am expecting some important information to arrive.”
Ling nodded, but said nothing. He slid his hands away from the arms of the chair and rested them back in his lap, letting his hands hang down between his knees.
“I have some guests coming in. Some very important, very influential guests,” Gold said, his attention still aimed at the monitor before him.
Ling nodded again, accepting the information without much thought. His employer was known to occasionally pass through the social scene, as was required for a man of his wealth, but he never entertained.
If he was receiving guests, it was for a very specific reason.
“These men also have a keen interest in our little project.”
And there it was.
“You will be receiving the men here?” Ling asked, wondering in silence what role the men would play, but knowing better than to voice the question aloud.
Gold continued working the mouse, his right index finger maneuvering it with practiced precision as a smirk tilted his face toward the ceiling. “No. I will be hosting them on Cape Cod.”
Ling’s eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.
“I purchased a villa just this morning for the occasion.”
The crown of Ling’s head rose in understanding, the information more in line with what he expected from his employer.
“They arrive in three days. I would like for you and your men to perform all necessary preparations.”
“Of course,” Ling said, again asking for no further details.
“The sooner and more inconspicuous the better.”
“It shall be done by this time tomorrow.”
A thin smile grew on Gold’s face. “Excellent.”
“Will our presence be needed during the meeting?”
Gold shook his head. “It was agreed by all that no security would be necessary. In fact, guests are encouraged to bring their families for the evening.”
Ling felt his brow come together as he stared expectantly at Gold.
“This is an actual business meeting, not a ruse to lure them here,” Gold said, sensing the question Ling’s look was meant to ask. “That being said, I do think it would be prudent for you to be on hand as a precautionary measure.”
“Personal valet?” Ling asked.
“I thought about that, but decided against it. A fit Asian man pushing around my wheelchair may arouse suspicion. Jasper will be my valet for the evening, per usual.”
Gold paused, a satisfied smile crossing his face as the information he was waiting for appeared before him. He stared a long moment at the screen, savoring what it told him, before shifting his attention back to Ling.
“Tell me, have you ever carried a serving tray before?”
Chapter Ten