“I guess I am resigned to sit on the sidelines and watch this horror show. Out of all the women you have to choose from why her?”
“Instinct. Pure instinct. I’ve always gone with my gut, and it hasn’t failed me yet.”
“You just met her a few hours ago and already you’re being shot at. That doesn’t seem to me like a good first date. If you’re not going to listen, then all I can tell you is tighten security andؙ - be very careful.”
“Hold on a minute, Carl. Someone is knocking on the door. Come in.” Anita poked her head inside. “What’s up?”
“You asked that I let you know when Gina was awake.”
“Good. Thanks. Is dinner about ready?”
“Yes. Everything is all set the way you asked.”
“Great. Thanks again.”
Anita nodded to me and quietly left the room.
“Call me, Carl, if you find out any other information you think I should know.”
“Why? What would it take to make you change course?”
“Absolutely nothing.”
*****
I needed the sleep and that shower. Now maybe I can think clearly. First things first, as comfortable as this fluffy white robe is, I need to put on some clothes and high-tail my ass back to China. Obviously, taking care of Mr. Wong wasn’t enough to keep these fools from trying to take me out. At least he had the decency to mask his intentions by rigging one of my cars to make my death seem like an accident. Whoever showed up to the Capital garage didn’t care how they took me out. They just wanted me gone. Mistake number one was thinking I’d be an easy target and mistake number two . . . not having a good aim.
I rolled over onto the other side of the bed and picked up the phone. Hahn answered on the second ring.
“It’s me.”
“Where the hell are you? The shit has hit the fan.”
“I know. I can’t say just yet. I’m sure you’ve heard that Max is dead.”
“Yeah. Your attorney, Lim, called and told us. But you’re good? You’re safe?”
“For now. Yes.”
“Unfortunately, our problems have just gotten bigger.”
“Other than people trying to kill me?”
“Yes.”
“What could possibly be bigger than that?”
“The list of potential people making the attempts on your life. Zheng has thrown his hat into the ring to replace Chang as head of The Family.”
“What! How? His father already sits on the Council. There can’t be multiple family members on it. It’s against the rules.”
“Well, apparently, they’ve changed the rules. He convinced them that they needed to add the energy of youth to the Council. They agreed and voted on it this afternoon.”
I bit my bottom lip as I ran the math through my head. “Okay. So, that means, Mr. Xei is a no vote. I have three in my pocket. There are still four more outstanding votes to get. Zheng will need all four of them, and I will only need two. Maybe even less if we find out that it was someone within the Council who tried to kill me.”
“I think it’s a good idea for you to lay low where ever you are for the next couple of days. Let us do our job and find out who was behind what happened today.”
“Good idea, Hahn. My message to the other families apparently wasn’t loud enough. I’ll have to send another one. Make sure this one rings loud and clear. Put everyone on notice that if I have to go to Plan B for every gottdamn member on that Council, I’ll do it.” My voice was rising. I needed to reign it in. I hoped whoever was knocking on the door didn’t hear me.
“Lim told me to inform you that there are ears all around so be careful with the statements you make.”
“Lim is always trying to get out of earning his ridiculous salary. I’ve got to go. Someone’s at the door. I’ll lay low here for the next couple of days, and if anything changes I’ll call you.”
Chapter 14
I hung up the phone.
“Gina. Is everything alright in there?”
“Umm . . . yes. Give me a second.” I rolled off of the bed and tightened the belt on my robe before opening the door a crack.
Sexiness greeted me at the door. “I thought you might want to eat a little something.”
Brody had already invited me to stay at his place for the next couple of nights, but I wasn’t sure if that invitation was still good. Considering he probably had an opportunity to get some background on me. Yet, I couldn’t tell anything from his facial expressions. He was holding whatever he knew close to the vest.
Since no one knew of our connection, staying here would be the best place to disappear for the next couple of days. I would do whatever it took to ensure he didn’t kick me out. A little breathless, I responded. “I’m starving.”
“Good. I had my cook make us a little something.”
I looked back over my shoulder then returned my gaze to his. “I don’t think it’s very appropriate to dine in a robe. My clothes are a mess. Maybe I’ll just eat here and take a raincheck.”
That lazy smile that made my insides tingle appeared. “If it will make you more comfortable, I could change into a robe as well.”
“Strangers in robes—and nothing else—having dinner together would make for a fascinating evening.”
“Very.”
My eyes challenged his. “Then I guess I’ll meet you downstairs after you’ve had a chance to change.”
“Ten minutes in the Great room. Everything is already set up.”
“See you in ten.”
*****
When I
