by Anne R. Tan
1
Another Proposal
Raina wrinkled her nose at the rotten vegetable and slight sewer odor and pushed open the glass door into the chop suey shop in the seedier part of the Chinatown in Toronto, looking for a man with a silvery scar on the side of his face. The Chinese triad boss had suggested this mid-morning rendezvous, which meant he had been keeping tabs on her since their unfortunate meeting earlier in the year. If he hadn’t stolen her deceased grandfather’s journal, she would have stayed on the opposite side of the continent. People who got involved with organized crime didn’t enjoy healthy lives.
You see him? Po Po asked in a stage whisper.
Raina sighed, regretting the decision to bring her grandma along. I would be blind to miss him, she replied not even bothering to lower her voice. By him, she meant Sonny Kwan, the Dai Lo of the Nine Dragons triad. The literal translation for Dai Lo was Big Brother, the formal title for the leader of a Chinese criminal organization.
The restaurant was long and rectangular and about the size of a cargo container. Along one wall was a stainless steel counter with strips of barbecue pork, steamed chicken, and roast pig hanging from the rail above it. The cook with a clean apron picked his nose while watching his two customers. A Hispanic woman at a nearby table fiddled on a cell phone. Her focus on the small screen in front of her meant she was hyper-aware of their arrival. She had to be his henchwoman. After all, what self-respecting criminal boss would leave home without one?
Raina’s pulse jumped at the sight of Sonny slurping a steaming bowl of wonton noodle soup at the rear of the restaurant. The last and only time she’d seen him, Sonny wore an ill-fitted outfit he had stolen from a laundromat because he got blood—not his—all over his clothes.
Today, he was in a silk short-sleeve shirt and designer ripped jeans. His black hair was longer and tied at the nape of his neck into a short ponytail. She could imagine him tossing his hair back like a Chinese version of Fabio in the bedroom. The silvery scar on the side of his face added to his roguish pirate vibe some women might find titillating.
Raina took a deep breath, hoping to calm herself. The henchwoman posed a dilemma she hadn’t thought of when she agreed to this tête-à-tête. A man like Sonny might allow certain liberties in private—especially with a family debt between them—but he would shoot her first before losing face in front of his associates.
She poked her grandma in the ribs and tipped her chin at Sonny. It’s show time.
Po Po glanced at the flower broach on Raina’s blouse. It hid a microphone. You got the earpiece on?
Raina smoothed her curly black hair against her ear to cover the clear plastic earpiece that would allow her grandma to listen in on her conversation with Sonny.
Are you sure you want to do this? Po Po asked. Her voice held a tinge of anxiety.
Raina glanced at her beloved grandma. Since Po Po had found out her deceased husband had a secret family with another woman, she hadn’t had a good night’s sleep, often roaming her condo complex in the dead of the night. Her face, once a rural roadmap, became transit lines in a crowded city. What woman could rest easy when fifty years of marriage turned into one fat lie?
We need the journal. Raina answered. And you need to know why your husband married another woman in China.
Po Po’s smile wavered, and she patted Raina’s cheek. You are a good girl, Rainy. I’m so lucky you still want to spend time with your granny.
Raina swallowed the lump in her throat and glanced around. Everyone in the restaurant watched them. She had a feeling they all knew what was going on, but played along anyway like she did for her grandma’s sake.
Po Po planted herself next to the henchwoman and pulled out her cell phone. You play Pokémon Go? she asked the Hispanic woman.
The henchwoman scowled and shifted her body to put more space between the two of them. Her grandma scooted closer, holding out the display of her cell phone.
Raina meandered around the small tables and made her way towards Sonny. She pulled out a chair and sat across from him.
Want anything to eat? Sonny asked, pointing a finger at the cook. It’s on the house.
Raina shook her head. Did the Nine Dragons use the restaurant as a front for their criminal activities? It didn’t
matter. She wasn’t here to figure out how his organization worked. Thanks for taking the time to meet with me. Her voice stumbled over the stiff words.
For all she knew, Sonny could shuttle her into a human trafficking ring with no one blinking an eye. Her bird-like grandmother couldn’t even deter a hungry cat, so there would be no help from that direction. Not that Raina would want to put Po Po in danger. It would take more than charm to get her grandfather’s journal back, and Raina had little in the way of collateral.
Sonny raised an eyebrow, and his lips curled in one corner. Are you always this formal when you let one of your boyfriends spank you?
Raina held up both palms. Whoa! There will be no spanking here unless you want to bend over my knees.
Okay. We could have pillow talk afterwards.
Raina didn’t want to be in a closed room with a known triad boss. What if he handed her a ping-pong paddle? You’re spoiling the bad boy image in my mind.
Would you rather I threaten to drag you into a prostitution ring instead?
Her eyes widened at hearing him echo her earlier thoughts. Trusting a fifty-year-old family debt to keep him aboveboard was like trusting a toddler to choose carrots instead of cake.
I don’t bite pretty women—he paused, smirking—unless they ask me too.
Raina pointed at herself. Not asking here.
My make-up kisses are worth it though. He chuckled at his one-sided joke. You have my word—I won’t let anything happen to you as long as you’re with me.
She studied the amusement in his dark brown eyes. The scar on the side of his face didn’t mar his attractiveness. At another place and time, they might be friends.
Sorry to disappoint you, but it won’t happen. Do you want your associates to listen in on our conversation?
Sonny gestured at his cronies. Cat, you can keep an eye on things outside. Hey, Cook, time for a break.
With a scrape of the chair on the cracked tile floor, the henchwoman got up. She flicked her eyes between Sonny and Raina and strolled outside with a scowl. The cook popped a cigarette into his mouth, nodded at Raina, and then strolled past them and banged open the back door.
Sonny glanced back at Raina. What about your grandmother?
Who? Raina focused on the spot between his eyes.
The old lady who’s trying to take photos of us with her cell phone. Does she like to watch spy movies?
Cop shows, Raina mumbled.
Why am I not surprised? Now what can I do for you, Rainy?
Raina. We’re not close enough for you to call me that.
Sonny scooted his chair closer until his knees touched hers underneath the table. I can get even closer if you let me.
Raina ignored his comment. Men like Sonny put on this flirting act only to make women squirm. He didn’t need to know she was anything but perfectly at ease. She shifted her legs, kicking him in the shin. Sorry. You know how clumsy I am.
He shifted his legs so they were no longer touching. Your hair is longer. I like the new look.
Where’s my grandfather’s journal? Raina asked, tired of their stupid game. Just give it back and we’re squared. I’ll never mention the debt your family owes mine again.
We’re already squared. Did you think your grandfather built his international shipping business on his own? In the sixties when racism was the norm? Without the drug money and muscles from the Nine Dragons I doubt your family would have enjoyed these decades
of prosperity.
Her family never spoke of the earlier days when they were new immigrants. She had assumed the seed money from her Po Po’s inheritance had multiplied with hard work.
I could threaten to reveal how my grandfather saved yours to your men—he stiffened at her words—but I’m not looking for a swim at the bottom of a lake. Without the information in the journal, my grandma would spend her remaining years dragging a broken heart around. This might shorten her life. Her voice choked up, and her gaze drifted to her grandma who was busy snapping photos of the restaurant like she wanted to document her last moment.
I didn’t say I wouldn’t give the journal back. I need you to help me out first, Sonny said.
She narrowed her eyes at him. I’m not making another bargain with you. The last time you didn’t keep your end of the deal.
If I’d stayed— Sonny made a slicing motion underneath his chin. You can’t blame a guy for skipping town.
It was hard to reconcile the suave educated man with the hardened criminal underneath. When he wanted to charm, it was easy to ignore the scar on the side of his face and the weapons he undoubtedly hid on his person. Where did you go to college?
What makes you think I’m not your average thug?
If you want to play stupid, that’s fine with me.
One corner of his lips curled in amusement. Stanford.
You didn’t stay local? University of Toronto is a good school.
He shook his head. Too close to home. I wanted to get away from the Nine Dragons.
She raised an eyebrow. You did a fine job. Seeing as how you’re the boss and all now.
He chuckled. Yeah, I did. Look, you want your grandfather’s journal, and I need a fiancée for this weekend. Come to my house party as my fiancée, and I’ll give you the journal when you leave.
Raina studied the brown eyes. He appeared relaxed and sincere. What’s the catch? Are you going to shuttle me into a human trafficking ring? Or is this a Playboy party where I’m expected to give out favors?
Sonny held her gaze. I do a lot of things, but forcing women into prostitution is not one of them. You are safe with me. Are we clear on this?
She nodded.
He flicked a glance at her chest. And your girls are not big enough to tempt me.
At least they’re natural, Po Po whispered in Raina’s ear.
Raina jumped, her leg kicking Sonny again.
He scooted his chair back. Will you watch it?
Sorry. Raina had forgotten her grandma was listening to their conversation. She ignored both comments about her bra size. Why do you need a fiancée? Are you trying to make someone jealous? Even when I clean myself up, I’m not much of a looker.
Yes, you are, Po Po whispered into her ear.
I didn’t bring any fancy clothes, Raina said, ignoring her grandma again.
We can go shopping later, Po Po whispered. Say yes.
Raina bit her lip to stop from snapping at her grandma. Holding two conversations at the same time was distracting.
Don’t worry about it. Cat can pick up a few dresses for you, Sonny said.
I don’t want to look like a slut, Raina said.
If I wanted a slut, I could bring one of the girls I party with. I need someone with a little more class.
Raina snorted. Class? Her? Do I get my own room?
No.
Do I get my own bed?
I’d share a bed with him, Po Po said.
Raina’s cheeks burned. She should have left her grandma at home.
Sonny didn’t seem to notice her divided attention. You can show up with a chastity belt for all I care.
Why me? Raina asked.
He tugged at a dangling curl on the side of her face. I want to get to know you better.
Raina batted at his hand. Stop pretending to flirt with me.
Footsteps pounded at the entryway. Raina whirled around, her heart leaping to her throat. Cat rushed into the restaurant, her gun drawn.
Raina held both hands in the air. Whoa!
Po Po screamed, dropping her phone.
Ouch! Raina’s hand flew to her ear. She grabbed the earpiece and shoved it into her pocket.
What do you think you’re doing? Sonny snapped at the henchwoman.
Cat lowered the gun, her eyes flicking from her boss to Raina. I thought I saw a rat. She tucked the gun back
into the shoulder holster underneath the shrug she wore over her tight tank top.
Sonny tipped his chin toward the door. Get out of here. After Cat left, he asked Raina, Are you okay?
Raina nodded even though her heart hammered in her chest, but she kept her face expressionless.
You don’t look fine, Sonny said. A thug waving a gun must be an everyday occurrence in his life.
I almost wet my shorts, Raina said, her voice a decibel higher than normal. Is this what you want to hear?
A gun is nothing compared to the dead bodies you seem to attract.
A dead body is no threat to my safety, Raina said, her heartbeat slowing down from its earlier spike. I’m not sure spending a weekend with your family and associates will be good for my heart.
I promise there will be no hanky-panky this weekend, Sonny said. My ex will be at my grandfather’s birthday party. She left me at the altar, but I’m over it. I want my family to know I have moved on.
Raina suppressed a smirk. Oh, he was so not over this ex. Just don’t get me an orange-colored dress, and you got yourself a deal. She held out a hand.
Sonny shook it and smiled. Now I have something to look forward to.
Po Po did a fist pump.
Sonny’s gaze flicked to her grandma. Just don’t bring her.
Raina ignored the tingle of anticipation settling into her stomach. I don’t plan to.
She didn’t want to worry about her grandma if Sonny turned out to be a liar. Neither did she want to risk her grandma wrecking the tenuous bargain between her and Sonny. She was getting her grandfather’s journal back, and this time, nothing would stand in her way.
2
My Kingdom for a Clock
The next morning Raina and her grandma were having breakfast at their furnished two-bedroom vacation rental within walking distance to the Chinese Cultural Centre and the office for the Chinese Opera Company.
For the last time, you’re not coming with me, Raina said. Why did she mention her summer plans to her grandma? She could have flown to Toronto on her own to deal with Sonny.
Are you sure I can’t come with you? I could play the role of the grand dame. I won’t embarrass you in front of your fiancé’s family, Po Po said.
First, Sonny is not my fiancé. Second, you’re my lifeline in case I need someone to bust me out. Raina doubted her grandma could help if she were shuttled into an underground lair, but it made Po Po feel useful, and most important of all, kept her out of harm’s way.
What if this was just a ruse to get you alone?
If it is, you can come rescue me with guns blazing.
Po Po narrowed her eyes and stalked into her bedroom. She didn’t quite slam the door, but it was enough for Raina to know she was in the doghouse.
Raina sighed, trying to let the tension out. She didn’t expect it would be easy to get her grandfather’s journal back, but neither did she expect it to take much effort. She had hoped for a short two-week stay in Toronto and then she could go back to her life in Gold Springs, California. Instead, it took almost three weeks for Sonny to even answer her messages. This fake fiancée gig might be her only chance, and she didn’t want to blow it.
Po Po returned to the kitchen table with a pair of hair sticks and a silver ID bracelet with a stamped orchid pattern on the flat plate where a name would typically be engraved. There’s a GPS tracker on the bracelet. It’ll go well with your outfits.
Her grandma often pretended to be Q, supplying Raina with weapons of mass destruction. Sometimes her toys were wacky, but a few had saved Raina’s life on more than one occasion.
<
br /> Raina slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. It’s pretty. Thanks.
Po Po whirled her silver braid into a knot on the back of her head, using the hair sticks to hold it in place. The charms from the end of the hair sticks jingled when her grandma shifted her head. Pretty, but deadly. She pulled a stick out of her hair and jabbed the pointed end at Raina’s face.
Raina scooted back and almost fell off the chair. You could have poked my eyes out.
Po Po beamed. Exactly! Or you can ram this in his throat or crotch. She tapped on the hair stick. Titanium. I had it specially made for us. She pointed at the butterfly’s antennae on one of the charms. You can pick a lock with this.
What about the other charm? What does it do? Raina asked, leaning in closer to have a look at the orchid flower.
If you press the leaf here, it becomes a flashlight. The semi-precious stones camouflage the LED bulb.
Raina hugged her grandma. Don’t worry, I can take care of myself.
The rest of the day was spent getting ready for the upcoming weekend. They stopped by the Chinese herbal shop to get a variety of expensive teas for a birthday present. If she showed up empty handed to the party, it wouldn’t take a genius to guess something was off in the engagement.
By the time Raina crawled into bed, she was beat, but she still ended up tossing and turning most of the night. She woke up with the sun and went for a morning run. The next two days would be spent feasting and lounging around like a pampered lapdog.
She returned to the rental, showered, and typed an email to Matthew Louie—whose proposal she’d turned down a few weeks ago. If she disappeared, this ex-Marine could find her. She scheduled the email for Monday, giving herself plenty of time to delete it if all went as planned.
A limo arrived after breakfast. The driver loaded Raina’s overnight bag into the vehicle and she was off, heading to the small town of Aurora. The drive was uneventful, and she drifted off until the car stopped in front of wrought iron gates. When the driver clicked a button on the roof of the vehicle, the gates opened.
Raina’s breath caught in her throat. Rolling green lawns, a sparkling lake, and an old mansion. She didn’t know the architectural style for the mansion, but it could have been a set for Pride and Prejudice. Normal people didn’t