by Leigh James
“Ellis is smart.” His rabid protection of Fiona touched me. I tapped my pen against the desk, wondering if I could tell her anything without putting her in harm’s way.
But the risk was too great. “I don’t know what happened to the guy. Wes wants me out of the loop, too.”
Actually, the guy—Carey—had been set free on my direct order. I was paying his rent, I’d leased him a new car, and he was on an urgent fact-finding mission for me. If he delivered, I was giving him a rather large lump-sum payment, the size of which had Wes reeling.
But I considered it proper motivation.
“Well, keep me posted on the Shenzhen situation. I know Li Na made an announcement today, even if she didn’t name names. I don’t expect her to disclose the Protocol deal until she has government confirmation of all the necessary approvals.”
“Lauren said that this is going to move quickly. We have to keep an eye on things.”
Fiona exhaled deeply. “What’s done is done. Let’s just hope this works.”
I stared out the window, still nervously tapping. Most of this had been my idea. If we failed, it was on me. “We should probably come up with a Plan B.”
“I think we’re living Plan B—surrounded by security, our respective companies’ innovation stifled, scared of our own shadows. I like Plan A better.”
I sighed. “I like it better, too. If it works.”
* * *
WES
“If you think Biyu’s in danger, we need to do something.”
I lifted a dumbbell while I did a squat and cursed—getting back into shape was a bitch, even without my evil physical therapist around.
Hannah was in a fresh hell all her own, doing a sit-up that involved lifting her legs while simultaneously hoisting a dumbbell against her chest. “I don’t know what I can do for her. I don’t even know what the problem is.”
“Is she still going into work? Have you checked her bank account—has she withdrawn money?”
“She seems to be maintaining her routine. Leo checked on her.” Hannah pushed a sweaty lock of hair off her forehead. “It looks like she bought groceries last night, she paid the daycare this morning, went to a takeout place for lunch.”
“So she’s in Shenzhen, and she’s still at Jiàn. But she doesn’t want to talk to you.”
Hannah frowned. “And I don’t know why. She told me not to contact her, but I need to know the status of the prototype.”
“Give her a day or two. Things could be really intense, especially if Li Na’s overseeing the crazy production schedule. It could be an all-hands-on-deck situation.” I did another squat and forced my face to remain neutral so Hannah couldn’t see I that was actually about to die.
She dropped the barbell with a groan and sat up. “Can you ask Ellis to reach out to one of his contacts? I’d love it if someone could put eyes on Biyu, or maybe get her a message that’s not attached to a hackable account.”
“He was never a hundred percent that he’d be able to reach anybody,” I reminded her.
“I know it’s a long shot. But will you ask? I’m going crazy because I don’t know what’s happening—I don’t know if she’s in danger.”
I set my own barbell down, grateful that I had a valid excuse to quit. “I’ll see if he wants to grab a quick dinner, and I’ll ask him about it. Okay?”
“Thank you for everything that you do. I’ll never be able to say it enough.”
She smiled at me, stop-you-in-your-tracks gorgeous even as she wiped the sweat from her forehead.
“Sure you will,” I growled, leaning down for a sweaty but still lingering kiss.
Hannah swatted me, grinning as we broke apart. “You can earn extra credit with me later—after you see Ellis and, more importantly, after you take a shower.”
* * *
After what had happened with Carey, my brother refused to leave Fiona’s house, so I grabbed takeout and a six-pack and brought them over. He ushered me into the kitchen; we could hear Fiona on a conference call in her study.
“Don’t you ever take a day off?”
He put a plate in front of me and scowled. “With everything that’s been going on, no.”
“Don’t you need to go home to change? Take a shower? Hit the gym?”
Ellis bit into the burger and didn’t answer until he’d finished chewing. “Don’t have to. I have everything I need here.”
“So you’re basically living here.”
He shrugged and kept eating.
“Listen, Hannah needs a favor.”
“Hannah, or you?”
“Hannah.” He wouldn’t do it for me.
“Fine. What does she need?”
“Her contact in Shenzhen’s dropped out. She said she can’t talk for a while. Hannah just wants to confirm that she’s okay, and also maybe get a message to her.”
“Sounds like she’s not interested in getting a message.” He grabbed a handful of my sweet potato fries and ate them before I could protest.
I sighed—he was right. “Do you have someone who could check on her? Shenzhen’s not far from Hong Kong.”
Ellis gave me a look. “I know where it is, little brother.”
“Do you know anybody who can do it now? We’ll pay them, make it worth their while.”
“Like our other buddy—the one from the parking lot?” Ellis kept his voice low, but he sounded pissed. He didn’t approve of the fact that Carey, aka Mr. Gray Hoodie, was free and on our payroll.
I took a swig of beer. “That was Hannah’s idea, and it was a pretty good one. She’s paying him to find out information that we couldn’t get otherwise. The police and the FBI have been completely useless.”
My brother leaned closer, glowering. “If I see that dude’s face again, I’m going to break it.”
“Can you just give me an answer about Shenzhen?”
“The answer is maybe. I’ll let you know.”
I wanted to ask when, but Fiona came in.
“Hey, Wes. I didn’t know you were here. Sorry to interrupt.” She bustled around in the pantry, finally retrieving a bag of organic fish crackers. “The girls want a snack. Can I get you two anything?”
“No, but thank you.”
Ellis didn’t say anything. He stared in her direction after she left the room.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
He grabbed his beer. “Yeah—she’s just been through a lot. So have the girls. I want to make this go away so they can move on.”
I watched him. Was that…concern playing out on my brother’s face?
“What?” His tone was sharp.
“It’s nothing.” With my brother, less was always more, and nothing was best. “So…can you help me? And by me, I mean Hannah.”
“I’ll help. If it gets rid of Zhao, I’m in.”
Chapter 24
Hannah
“Have you heard anything from Biyu?” Wes asked me.
“No. Have you heard anything from Ellis?”
He shook his head. “He reached out to his friend, but I don’t know anything else.”
“Keep me posted, okay?” I leaned down and gave him a quick kiss. “I have to get to the office.”
“Do you want me to come with you today instead of Brian?”
I put a hand on my hip. “Levi told me he’s got you busy transcribing field notes and writing reports. Which I think is perfect, seeing as you’re still on restricted duty.”
Wes grimaced. “Gee, thanks. I’d rather gouge my eye out with a pencil than do more paperwork, but if you think it’s a good idea…”
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry.”
But even though I’d vowed to be supportive, I wasn’t sorry in the slightest. The longer Wes stayed on restricted duty, the longer he was safe. I patted his broad shoulder, which felt firm beneath my touch—he wouldn’t be deskbound much longer.
“Can you leave work early today? There’s a house I want to take a look at.”
I shook my head. “I don’t
think so—I have a ton of calls to make. Maybe we can grab dinner after, and then you can tell me all about it?”
“Sounds good.” He reached up and kissed me, making my body ache for him.
When he pulled back, I realized I still felt achy. My head thudded.
Wes narrowed his eyes. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I just need to drink some water. I’ll see you later. Love you.”
When I got to the office, I poured myself a large glass of water and settled at my desk. I relaxed as I cleaned out my email inbox, getting it back to zero new messages, right where I liked it. Still, I had a lot of work to do. The international business journals were jockeying around me, asking for an exclusive on the story I’d promised. I’d decided to commit to The Wall Street Journal—they were prestigious, had a huge readership, and were distinctly American—all the better to annoy Li Na.
I sent an email to my friend who worked there, Calvin, telling him about my decision to give him the exclusive.
And then I ran into my bathroom and promptly threw up.
What the hell? I sat on the bathroom floor, reeling, but the nausea passed quickly.
By the time I got back to my desk, I was shaking. Part of me worried I was about to have another panic attack or that I was coming down with a stomach bug. But after a minute, I realized I didn’t have the chills—I was just starving. I smacked my head. I’d forgotten to eat breakfast, and when I thought back further, I realized I hadn’t been eating my normal load over the past few days. I’d been too upset about Biyu. No wonder I felt like crap.
I hustled to the cafeteria where I got my usual, a vanilla protein shake and a salad with roasted beets and goat cheese. Back in my office, I arranged my food and had a big slug of my shake. My mouth immediately puckered—it tasted sour. I put the lid on it, setting it aside in disgust. I bent to have a bite of my salad, but the smell of the marinated beets was too pungent. Usually I loved them, but today, ugh. Maybe I was coming down with a stomach bug?
But at the thought of my stomach, it howled with hunger.
All of a sudden, I knew what I wanted. Vegetable lo mein, the greasy kind, from the Chinese takeout place on Sixth Street. I pulled up the menu and called them, then called Brian and whined until he agreed to drive me there.
Who cared that is was only ten thirty in the morning?
* * *
“Calvin Jakes is on line one for you,” my assistant said.
“Put him through.”
“Hey, Hannah.”
Calvin’s voice was bright and warm. I easily conjured the image of my friend from Stanford who had strawberry-blond hair, a smattering of freckles, and a charming smile—all of which probably helped him disarm his interviews subjects and scoop the best stories.
“Hi! It’s so nice to hear your voice.” Too bad it’s under such insane circumstances. I kept the thought to myself and arranged my crispy spring rolls in a neat line, so I could eat them in order of appearance as soon as I got off the phone.
“I know, right? I was psyched to get your message. I was worried you were going to give the exclusive to the Financial Times.”
“I thought about it…” I absently played with the spring rolls.
“You haven’t changed your mind, have you?”
I snapped to attention. “Not at all. I want to give the exclusive to you, but you need to get your editors to understand—this is a big story. When the time comes, you’re going to need space. I want this on the front page, and I need you to commit to that.”
“The front page is yours.”
“Great. I appreciate it, and I’m happy we’re working together.”
“Me too, me too.” Calvin paused for a second. “But can’t you tell me anything about the details of this story? Like: who it involves? What it’s about?”
“I can’t tell you anything more than it involves major players from Silicon Valley and also from China. Trust me, this news is going to blow the doors off the biotech world.”
“Does this have anything to do with what happened to you? The kidnapping?”
I sat up straight, no longer playing with my food. “How did you know about that?”
“People talk. Some of our classmates who work in tech heard about it, and they told me you’d been kidnapped. What happened?”
“I don’t want to talk about that.” My voice came out harsher than I intended. “And the story’s in no way related, so let it go, okay? Or bye-bye exclusive.”
“Don’t say bye-bye—you know I want this story. I wasn’t trying to make you upset, I swear. Just trying to dig a little deeper. You’re being so mysterious and all.”
I sighed. “Would it make you feel better if I told you I was doing it for a good reason?”
“Sure—as long as you let me in on what the reason is someday soon. And let me write about it.”
* * *
WES
Ellis had been ordered to take a day off, so I asked him to meet me at the house I’d been eyeing. I texted him the address, then headed over to meet with the realtor.
He showed up just as the broker was leaving. He let out a low whistle as he stood in the driveway, looking up at the large home, which boasted skylights, an elegant stone driveway, and a three-car garage. He clapped me on the back. “This place is something else. Makes our old house look like a shack.”
I squinted at the lawn, feeling proud but also a little embarrassed by the house’s grand appearance. “Mom and Dad would have a fit if they knew the list price.”
Our parents were hardy, Midwestern middle-class stock. They had a lot of money from their respective families, but you would never know it by how they lived—modest, split-level home, pre-owned cars, and dinner made in the Crock-Pot, not some trendy restaurant like Mado.
“They’d be proud of you, and they’d want you to have it, for you and Hannah.” Ellis gave me the side-eye. “Speaking of Hannah, did you ask her to move in with you yet?”
I looked down at my shoes, which suddenly needed inspecting. “Not yet.”
“C’mon, bro. You don’t make a woman like that wait.”
Now I gave him the side-eye—since when did he give me relationship advice?
“What’s going on with you?”
He frowned. “I’m your big brother. I’m just trying to help.”
I waved him off. “Yeah, I know that. But I mean, what’s going on with you?”
Ellis looked stymied. “I came here to tell you about my contact, who’s now in Shenzhen on your dime.”
That wasn’t what I meant, but I let him continue.
“He’s been doing surveillance on Biyu—she’s fine, her son is fine, she’s just going to work and going home, sticking to her normal routine.” He shrugged. “He’s going to watch her for the next few days, but I warned him to stay away from Jiàn Innovations. He knows Li Na by reputation. He understands he has to be careful.”
“Good. Thank you. Do you think he’ll be comfortable approaching Biyu when the time comes?”
“Maybe,” Ellis said.
“Explain that we’ll make it worth his while.”
“Fine. What’s the message for Biyu?”
I shrugged. “That if she doesn’t make contact soon, not only is the deal off, but that she should be worried.”
Ellis raised an eyebrow. “I take it that message is from you, not Hannah.”
“She’s ready to play hardball. Speaking of Hannah, I have to get going. I’m meeting her for dinner. Want to join us?”
He shrugged. “I guess so.”
“Who made you take the day off—Fiona or Levi?”
He shrugged again. “Both.”
“Why do you look so miserable?”
Ellis grunted. “I don’t do days off. I live in a climate-controlled mansion by myself—what the hell am I supposed to do all day? By the way, the cleaning service came by. They said you paid them?”
“I figured you didn’t have time to clean toilets since you’ve been working nonstop.”<
br />
“Uh, thanks?”
I grimaced. “Uh, you’re welcome?”
“I don’t mean to be ungrateful. I just…I guess I don’t know what to do with myself. In the desert, if we had time off, we played cards and cleaned the barracks.” He frowned. “Everything’s already clean, here. It’s shiny and perfect and everybody drives a Range Rover. It’s frickin’ la-la land.”
“So you’d rather be at work.”
He ran his hands over his buzz cut. “Fuck yeah, I’d rather be at work. At least I’m doing something.”
“And things with Fiona are fine?”
He turned and leveled me with a blazing glare. “Why the hell do you keep asking me that?”
“I don’t.”
He held the glare.
“You seem attached,” I said finally.
“I don’t want her to die on my watch. Okay?” His voice blistered.
“Okay. Sheesh.”
He stalked toward his car—the Range Rover Levi had given him for company use.
“Are you still coming to dinner?”
He mumbled something under his breath as he peeled out of the driveway. It sounded suspiciously like Fuck no.
I sighed. I should’ve known better. With Ellis, less was more, and saying nothing was always best.
Chapter 25
Hannah
Ellis’s contact worked faster than I could have wished for—Biyu emailed me the next evening.
Don’t have that man come near me again! You’re putting me in danger!
I took a deep breath and wrote back immediately.
Let’s talk via Skype. We have a lot to go through—I’m not done with you yet.
I sent her my account link and pulled up the site, hoping she’d cooperate.
Biyu’s pretty face, twisted into a scowl, appeared on my monitor moments later. I could see the bare walls of her drab-looking apartment in the background. “I don’t want to talk for long. My son’s sleeping—I don’t want to disturb him. And I don’t want that man coming around again!”