“It’s amazing.” And so was Celia. Her frankness was only matched by her cheerful matter-of-factness. “And did the sheik please you?”

She chuckled. “When I schooled him a little. One of the reasons I enjoy the first time is that it stimulates my mind as well as gives me release. By the second time, I know to what lengths of excess I can drive him that will make him mine.”

“You speak as if your clients are stallions.”

“They all think they are. And if I can make them go away believing that they’re the greatest stallion in the barn, then I’ve done my job.”

“And you actually don’t mind being—”

“A whore?”

“Hu Chang calls you a courtesan. But I’m having trouble distinguishing the differences.”

“Most people do. Economically, it means that I’m paid enormous amounts of money. I can demand a price for a night or two that would buy an apartment building. For a week, the price is enough to enrich my investment portfolio to the tune of over a million. I’ve slept with some of the richest and most influential men in the world.” She poured water over the tea leaves. “The difference for me is that I have a vocation and a skill and that I enjoy my life. I enjoy sex.” She paused. “And I can’t do without it. I need it frequently and varied. I tried to slack off for a while after I came to San Francisco. I even went to a therapy group. But they were all too gloomy and troubled. I wasn’t either. So I figured I could make a better life without them. And I did. I’m doing very well. I hired a private investigator, who is also my agent. At first it went slowly, but then word spread.” She made a face. “Don’t let anyone tell you that men don’t talk if they’ve found a fantastic lay. I made sure it was discreet, and my investigator checked out every client to make sure that I wouldn’t run into something I couldn’t handle.”

“Which doesn’t appear to be likely.”

“It wasn’t. After these last years, I have a fat stock-market portfolio that assures me security and I’m very, very wealthy.”

“But still not tempted to retire.”

“Why should I? I told you, it’s my vocation … and my pleasure. I love every minute of the sex act. It’s hard to explain to you—” She searched for words. “I’m … superb. You can’t imagine the power. There’s no one better at what I do. Sex means everything to men. It’s like being a queen.”

“Just so you don’t abuse that power.”

“I’ve never been tempted. I don’t need to play those games.” She set lemon, cream, and sugar on the tray. “I’ll take the tray. You get the door.” She glanced at Catherine as she picked up the tray. “How do you feel about me now after our little chat?”

“What do you mean?”

“Pity? Disgust? Threatened? Some women feel antagonistic toward my profession.”

“I don’t feel any of those emotions. I still don’t understand, but I’m trying. My mother was a whore, and I grew up on the docks where she and her friends plied their trade. All I knew was despair and drugs and men who hurt my mother. The life killed her when I was a little girl. She was a true victim. I’ve never run across anyone on the other end of the scale.”

“I’m sorry,” Celia said gently. “I know that was hard for you. I’ve been there. It tends to scar…” She moved toward the staircase. “Do you have trouble with sex now? I’ll help if you like.”

Catherine blinked. “What?”

“You saw only the women around you as sex slaves. I’ll teach you a few tricks and moves that will ensure that will never happen to you.”

Catherine chuckled. “A queen, not a slave?”

“Exactly. It won’t take long. You won’t be anywhere near as expert as I am, but you’ll be extraordinary.”

“Thank you for the offer,” she said solemnly. “But I believe I’ll pass.”

“If you change your mind…” She started up the stairs. “I was troubled that your husband was a friend, not lover. I thought that there might be a problem. I know Hu Chang wishes only the best for you. I thought I might help give it to you.”

“If I decide I need to be queen of the bedroom, I’ll let you know.” She was silent, then said, “I’m truly not unappreciative. You have a good heart, Celia.”

“That’s true,” Celia said. “And I think you may, too. We will become good friends and give each other many gifts.”

“But you don’t accept gifts.”

“Only from friends. Knock on that first door. We will let Hu Chang set up this tray and call Erin Sullivan and your Luke. We have labored enough.”

“But I’m certain you took your reward,” Hu Chang said as he opened the door. “Is your curiosity satisfied?”

“Yes, but it didn’t go only one way.” She handed him the tray. “Catherine was also curious. But now all is well, we’re on our way to friendship, and we both know that you’re safe.”

“I knew that before.” Hu Chang looked at Catherine. “I called the local hospital and could get no information. So I called Venable and let him probe. Sen is at St. James Hospital. Two men are dead. Jack Sen is wounded but not badly.”

“Thank God. Though who knows what will happen to him once the police start questioning him.”

“Police?” Celia asked. “Serious trouble then, Hu Chang?”

“Very serious.”

“Don’t just leave it at that,” Catherine said impatiently. “She should know the danger.” She turned to Celia. “Jack Sen was our pilot. His mother was murdered when they questioned her about where he was bringing us. He could have avoided the people who did it, he chose revenge.” She added bluntly, “I can’t promise you they won’t come after you, too.”

“I’m glad you told me,” Celia said. “But it won’t change my decision. Running away from anything is always a form of submission. What can I do for you? Do you need a car, a jet, a boat? I have many clients who would be happy to make me happy.”

“I will let you know,” Hu Chang said. “There are decisions to be made. I’m content that you’re providing us with a place to rest and make those decisions. Now I will go and get Erin and Luke so that they can partake of your wonderful tea.” He paused at the door. “Venable said to tell you his own decision still stands, Catherine.” He gazed at her inquiringly. “And that decision was?”

“He wants to cut Erin loose.” She poured tea into a cup. “I won’t let him do it. I just have to figure out a way to force the issue.”

“Another decision to be made.” He moved silently down the hall. But the next moment, they heard him open a door, and call, “It is time for tea, Luke. You will enjoy it. Your hostess is expert at many, many wonderful skills, and that is one of them.”

“What else does she do?” Luke asked as he moved down the hall. “Besides tea, I mean.”

“She knows many exciting, intricate secrets. Perhaps, if you’re very polite and kind, she will show them to you someday.”

“Oh, Lord,” Catherine murmured.

“Not before eighteen.” Celia’s eyes were sparkling with mischief. She tilted her head consideringly. “Or maybe sixteen if he is ready…”

*   *   *

Catherine and Erin’s suite had been dark for nearly thirty minutes, but Catherine knew Erin wasn’t sleeping. She could hear the sound of her restless movements and light, shallow breathing in the next bed.

“Catherine?”

“I’m awake. But I hoped you’d give it up and go to sleep.”

“I can’t sleep. What are we going to do about Jack Sen?”

“We’ll think of something. His life could be ruined if the police arrest him, and he has to go through that nightmare. Venable can make people disappear if he needs it to happen. Maybe I can convince him that he needs Sen to be whisked off the scene.”

“Maybe.” Erin was silent. “I was really happy that I was away from that damned palace. I was almost giddy. But I’m coming down now. Death. Everywhere I turn, there’s death. And it’s all connected to me.”

“I won’t deny you’re the center, but I’d stake my life that you’re not responsible for one particle of it.”

“I am, you know.” Her voice was faint in the darkness. “I wore the necklace. Cameron told me not to wear it.”