He didn’t move. “But the spirits want you free. My father said that was true. He said you had helped our people to live, and now we must help you.”
“You have helped me. When I’m ready to go, you’ve told me how to leave this place.” She was searching frantically for a way to make him go. She didn’t know how much time she had before Kadmus would show up. She was allowed the freedom of the ancient palace on this barren mountaintop because he considered it a safe prison, but he never left her alone for long. “Go now, please, Jafar.”
He nodded slowly. “But I will return if you don’t come to us soon. I told you, the spirits sent me to lead you from this place. And I don’t think the spirits want you to be hurt. That’s the work of the demon who took you.” He turned and slipped out the window.
Erin crossed to the window, but he’d already disappeared.
Madness. Bravery. Sacrifice.
The cold was biting, and the distant mountain was shrouded in icy mist.
Let the boy reach the mountain. Let him get back to his village.
Oh, let him live.
Then she heard the shot.
Her body jerked as if the bullet had struck her.
No. No. No.
“What did you expect, Erin?” Paul Kadmus was strolling out of the mist toward her from across the courtyard. He was carrying Jafar’s limp body. “If you wanted someone to save you, then you should have chosen someone besides this crazy kid.” He threw the boy’s body on the ground in front of her window. “But he’s probably the only male specimen in the mountains who would be willing to go up against me.”
There was a bullet hole in the center of Jafar’s head, and Erin couldn’t take her eyes from it. A few minutes ago, he had been vibrantly alive and now this …
“He wasn’t crazy,” she said dully. “He believed he was doing what was right. He had a calling. His people don’t consider age a factor in moving toward true enlightenment. I wasn’t going with him. I was afraid that you or your men would do this. You didn’t have to kill him, Kadmus.”
“No, it was a pleasure.” His face revealed the same fierce enjoyment as he looked up at her. Those craggy, high cheekbones and deep-set blue eyes were riveting, but even before she had realized what lay behind that face, she had never thought him handsome. She had always sensed the evil.
“You’re becoming used to the usual forms of torment, Erin,” he said mockingly. “I wanted to see your face when I gave you a new and different wound. Aren’t you tired of fighting me? This boy would never have had reason to die if you’d given me what I wanted.” His gaze went to the gold necklace around her neck. He said softly, “Tell me, Erin.”
“There’s nothing to tell you.” Her shaking hand instinctively went up to cradle the carved, eight-sided lotus that hung from the chain. “If you want this thing, take it. I don’t want it. I’ve told you before, you can pick one up like it at any market in Tibet.”
“Not like that one.” Kadmus smiled. “And I don’t want your pretty necklace. I want to know who gave it to you. I want you to take me to meet him.” His boot nudged the body of the boy at his feet. “And then we won’t have to kill any more of these simpletons who think you’re some kind of Mother Teresa. Wouldn’t that please you, Erin?”
“You’d still kill anyone who got in your way.”
“True. But they wouldn’t get in my way if they didn’t put themselves between you and me.” His gaze met her own over the boy’s body. “Where did you get that necklace, Erin?”
“I told you, I bought it at a market in Qinghai Province.”
He sighed. “I was hoping that the boy might be a breakthrough.” He turned on his heel. “But I’ll just have to think of something else that will bring about the same result.” He looked over his shoulder, and added quietly, “You do know it will be very bad for you tonight, Erin? I’m very angry that you’re being so stubborn.”
She tried not to show the tension his words brought. He always used the anticipation of pain to make the torture even more devastating. It was a small victory to not let him see that psychological whip had an effect on her. “I know,” she said steadily. “It won’t make any difference. The answer will be the same.”
She saw a flicker of anger cross his face. He muttered a curse, then strode across the courtyard. A moment later, he was lost behind the veil of icy precipitation.
Were they going to leave the boy lying there in the courtyard? Probably. Kadmus would like the idea of her seeing Jafar’s body every time she looked out the window. Because each time she saw that poor boy’s body, it would hurt her.
It did hurt her. But what did her pain matter, she thought impatiently. A child had died. A life had been taken. A soul had taken the next step.
Smother the pain.
Say good-bye.
Say a prayer for that brave boy who had died to try to free her.
The faith of his village was Buddhist, and she didn’t know any Buddhist rituals. But prayer was prayer.
“Please, God, take him,” she whispered. “Care for him. He was so good here with us for the little time we had him. You’re lucky to have him back. He gave his life to save mine. How often do you get someone who would do that? He deserves anything you can do for him.” The tears were stinging her eyes. “Good-bye, Jafar. You have a great spirit. Your parents would be proud of you. You’ll be with me always…”
She was wiping her wet cheeks with the backs of her hands as she turned away from the window. Kadmus would be coming soon, and he mustn’t see that she’d been weeping. It would be a triumph, and she wouldn’t allow the atrocity he’d committed tonight to give him that victory.
Start the mantra.
No triumphs tonight.
Close your eyes.
Go away from this place.
Suspend all hatred. It would get in the way.
Withdraw into yourself.
Nothing can really touch you.
She sat down in the chair facing the door and began to prepare herself for what was to come.
CHAPTER
2
HONG KONG
Hu Chang hadn’t come to meet her.
Catherine smothered disappointment when she saw Sam O’Neill, Luke’s tutor, as she got through customs. “Hi, Catherine.” He took her carry-on case and duffel bag. “Good to see you. I hear you’ve had a rough week or so.”
“It wasn’t wonderful,” she said dryly. “None of them are. You know that, Sam.” Sam was a retired CIA agent and a fine teacher. He had been Catherine’s first choice as both a tutor and bodyguard for her son. “I got through it.”
“You always do.” He smiled as he led her toward the parking lot. “And very well, I’m sure. Venable knows how lucky he is to have you.”
“I’m a valuable commodity to him, but I’m not the only agent who can give him what he wants.”
“That sounded defensive.”
“Did it? How has Luke been doing?”
“Intellectually, superb. He’s learning in leaps and bounds. Of course, Hu Chang has a lot to do with that. He not only sparks and challenges, but he thinks outside the box and makes Luke come with him.” He grimaced. “I haven’t had much time for ordinary studies. Hu Chang has him in his lab most of the time. Luke’s becoming a chemical whiz.”
“Intellectually, superb,” she repeated. “What’s that supposed to mean? What are you leaving out?”
“Nothing. I’m Luke’s teacher, I’m used to judging his mental capability. I haven’t had the opportunity to monitor his psychological condition. You’d have to ask Hu Chang about that.” He saw her expression, and said gently, “I’m not dodging the question. From what I’ve seen of Luke, he’s seemed enthusiastic, happy, and full of life. Just what you’d want him to be.” He paused. “He asks about you. Not often. It just comes out of the blue sometimes. He asks if I’m sure you’re safe. And I’ve heard Hu Chang and Luke talk about you.”
“Are you trying to comfort me, Sam? I don’t expect Luke to
worry and wonder about me. I wouldn’t want him to do that.” But she was grateful that Sam had confided those little signs that Luke had not forgotten her. “And Hu Chang cares about Luke or he wouldn’t bother teaching him. I should be grateful he’s dominating Luke’s every thought.” She heard the way that sounded, and said, “I am grateful.”
Sam raised his brows.
“Okay, I’m protesting too much.”
“Yes, you are. I believe you’re feeling a little like a fifth wheel.”
“Maybe. Luke’s life goes on, and I always seem to have to catch up. Look, I’m grateful that you came to pick me up, Sam, but I’d—”
“You’re wondering why Hu Chang didn’t come instead.”
“No, Hu Chang always does what he wishes.” But she would have liked him to have wished to see her as much as she wanted to see him. It seemed like a long time since she had been with Hu Chang. “I never expect anything of him.”
“Very wise. How well you understand me, Catherine.”
She stopped, her gaze flying to the man walking across the parking lot toward her. “Hu Chang.” She felt a surge of joy and took an involuntary step toward him. Then she halted and said offhandedly, “Not really, you can still surprise me.” She watched him come toward her, every step lithe and graceful. He was wearing black as usual, black trousers, black tunic that somehow was faultlessly elegant. His shoulder-length dark hair shone in the lights of the parking lot. He was only a few inches above middle height but appeared taller. When she was fourteen, she had thought he was an old man, but that was because his night-dark eyes seemed to hold all the secrets of the world. She didn’t know how old he was; his high-cheekboned face seemed totally ageless. He had told her once he was part Russian, part Mongolian, and he looked neither except for those black eyes. All she knew was that she had seen him do amazing physical acts, and his endurance was incredible. She knew he had lived long enough to travel the world and learn a great deal. She knew he had delved into dozens of philosophies and accepted bits and pieces of them. She knew that he let her into his life more than he did any other human being.
Yet she did not ever know what he would do next.
“Why did you even bother to come? I didn’t need anyone to pick me up. And who’s taking care of Luke if both of you are hovering over me?”
“Your son can take better care of himself than many men three times his age,” Hu Chang said. “And you’re being rude to Sam, who is just obeying my orders.”
“I’m not being rude to Sam. He has his orders. He wouldn’t have left Luke by himself if he’d known that he’d not be with you. I’m being rude to you.”
“I’m glad you made that clear,” he murmured. “But let’s permit Sam to leave you now that I’m here. He doesn’t have to listen to you abusing me. I’m sure it embarrasses him.”
“Actually, it’s entertaining,” Sam said with a grin. “And enlightening. But I take it you want me to go watch over Luke while she does it?”
“That would be less humiliating for me.” He inclined his head. “If you would be so kind.”
“No problem.” He turned to Catherine and handed her the handle of her roller bag. “I’ll see you later.”
Catherine watched him stroll away from them across the parking lot. “Why did you send him to pick me up?”
“My car is over there. The gray Mercedes. I would carry your bags, but you’re obviously feeling fiercely independent and a little resentful. You may carry them yourself.”
“Thank you,” she said as she fell into step with him. “Why did you send Sam?”
“Because you’ve had a bad time for the last few weeks, and I wanted you to see a friendly face when you got off the plane.”
“So you took Sam away from guarding my son and sent him to furnish the friendly face? Why would you do that?”
“Because I was busy and couldn’t do it myself. Of course, my expression is seldom described as friendly, but you wouldn’t care about that.” He opened the passenger door of the Mercedes for her. “You’re much too discriminating.”
“No, I wouldn’t have cared. But you seldom feel it necessary to pick me up. Why this time?”
He smiled, his gaze meeting her own. “Perhaps because I wanted to see you. Is that too difficult to believe?”
She felt a melting deep inside her as she looked at him. She had wanted to see him, too. All the years of friendship, all the bonds that nothing could break. This city was not home, but being with Hu Chang came close. “No, I believe that’s true. But perhaps it’s not the entire truth. Did you send Sam because he was ex-CIA, and you thought I needed protection? Or did you have a problem with Luke that you wanted to solve before I saw him?” She got into the passenger seat. “Get in the car and tell me the rest of it.”
He smiled with genuine amusement. “I have missed you, Catherine.” He came around the car and got into the driver’s seat. “You’re an unending delight.” He started the car. “But you shouldn’t demand that Sam watch over Luke night and day. It’s not healthy for Luke.”
“Too bad. It’s healthy for me not to have to worry about him. I lost him once when a scumball targeted him instead of me. It’s not going to happen again.”
“You’d worry anyway,” he said quietly. “You’re afraid he’ll walk away and never come back. You’re wrong, Catherine, he’s not going to leave you. Only a fool would abandon a jewel like you. Luke is not a fool.”
“Bullshit. He doesn’t have to be a fool. He’s a boy who was told all of his childhood by that bastard Rakovac that all the pain and misery he was going through was because of me.” She looked at him. “Are you trying to change the subject? You didn’t answer my question.”
“I’ll answer it now. Yes. And yes.”
She stiffened. “What’s happening, Hu Chang?”
“That’s another question.” He took out his phone and started to dial. “Forgive me, I have to call Sam before he gets too far.”
“Why? What’s he—”
“Sam, don’t go to my shop in the city.” Hu Chang spoke into the phone. “Luke is at the Golden Palace. I had your bags transferred there after you left to go to the airport. Yes, everything is all right. We’ll join you shortly.” He hung up and started to back out of the parking space. “You may explode now, Catherine.”
“I’m not going to explode,” she said through her teeth. “Why did you move Luke to Chen Lu’s palace? Wasn’t it safe for him in the city?”
“Probably, but Chen Lu has a security force that’s top-notch, and she’s been missing Luke since we left the island. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to have him visit her. Unless you object?”
“You tell me, should I object?” Not about the visit itself. Catherine knew that Chen Lu had a genuine affection for Luke after his stay with her sometime ago. She had been born in Dublin, Ireland, and she and her husband had acquired vast wealth and fallen in love with Hong Kong many years ago. She had taken the name Chen Lu and bought the wonderful Golden Palace on an island outside Hong Kong, where she’d lived since her husband’s death. Catherine liked her as much as Luke did, but the woman was totally devoted to Hu Chang and would do anything he asked. “The first thing you mentioned was the security on the island. What are you up to?”
“Safeguarding your son. Safeguarding my friend, Catherine.” He sighed. “Though I fear you will refuse to be safeguarded. You are most stubborn.”
“Why should you have to safeguard either one of us?” She was silent, thinking, putting together the puzzle. “And what the hell do you have to do with Erin Sullivan?”
“Ah, you’ve made the connection. I knew you would.” His lips tightened. “Just as I knew Venable would not keep you out of it if it suited him. I will have to think of a fitting way to punish him.”
“You obviously told Venable not to tell anyone you were his source. Why?”
“You were the only one I was concerned about. There was a possibility that he wouldn’t tell you unless he wanted to use you. Evident
ly, he wishes to use you.”
“I wasn’t interested. I told him to go to hell.”
“Excellent. Then I don’t have to discuss it with you. Should I make reservations for you and Luke on the next plane for the U.S.?”
“And will you stay here with Chen Lu?”
“For a little while perhaps.”
She was silent. “What did you tell Venable? Why did you contact him?”
“I knew he must have contacts in Tibet. I wanted information.”
“Did he give it to you?”
“With a little prodding.”
“What else?”
“I wanted him to send a CIA agent into the mountains of Tibet who had a modicum of sense and would obey orders.” He smiled. “Someone who clearly wasn’t you, Catherine.”
“And do what?”
“Just be available in case a backup was needed.”
“Your backup?”
“Have I ever required assistance?”
“Yes,” she said bluntly. “I remember one time Venable had to bring in an F-18 to stage a distraction.”
“But that was by my intention.”
She ignored that remark. “Are you going after Erin Sullivan?”
“But you’re not interested.”
“Tell me.”
“Yes.”
“Why? Do you know her?”
“I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting her.”
“Is it because she’s some kind of glorified activist or something?”
“When have I ever involved myself with activists? They usually end up dead. That definitely puts a pall on a relationship.”
“Why?” she repeated.
He shrugged. “I was asked to intercede in her situation by a man I respect.”
“Who?”
“A friend of long standing.”
Blank wall. “Then why doesn’t he go after her?”
“There are problems for him.”
“Because he’d rather you risk your life? What kind of a wimp is he?”
“Wimp?” Hu Chang tilted his head. “That is amusing. He’s probably the most dangerous man either one of us will ever meet.”