“His choice. He’s the Guardian.” She turned and started climbing the steps again. “And I can’t imagine anything worse than giving up my life and career to trail behind him when I don’t even believe in what he’s doing.” She glanced down as she reached the top step. “And you evidently didn’t either. You refused him when he tried to recruit you for Shambhala.”

“I’m not sure I would now.” Erin smiled. “I’ve been thinking about it. I’m stronger than that day he gave me the choice.”

“Then you go and keep the arrogant bastard from being lonely.”

“That wouldn’t be my job. As he explained it, I would have my own duties and rewards.” She turned away. “It sounded … wonderful.”

Catherine shook her head as she opened the door to the bedroom. She could see how Erin would embrace a life of giving herself to the cause of peace. She was as much a peacemaker as Catherine was a warrior.

“Catherine.”

She turned to see Luke standing at his bedroom door. His hair was wet from the shower, and he was smiling. “You did good that last game.”

“Liar. But I’ll get better. When we get home to Louisville, I’ll start practicing.”

“It’s not really worth it. What about tennis?”

“What? I’m just learning badminton.”

“Sam has been teaching me tennis for the past couple months. I’ll show you what he’s taught me.”

“Whatever.” She smiled at him. “It will be fun. You’re opening new doors for me, Luke.”

“I … liked it. I’m glad we came here.” He moved past her and started down the steps. “I’ve got to go down to the library and meet Hu Chang. You’ve been pretty busy. Are you going to be here for dinner?”

“Yes, but you’ll be so absorbed, you won’t even know I’m here.”

He didn’t look back. “I’ll know, Catherine.”

She felt a warmth surge through her as she watched him go down the steps. He had said he was glad they had come here. He was so resilient that he was able to ignore the bad and embrace the good. It was a great gift. She couldn’t say that she was glad. Last night with Cameron had shaken her world, and the looming danger was terrifying.

But for these few hours with Luke, she had been so happy that all the tension and worry seemed worth it. It had brought them together and even cast a glow on the future.

So maybe it had been worthwhile coming to Celia’s house. But now she had to concentrate on getting out of this house and doing what she had come to this city to do. It would be—

Her cell phone rang, and she glanced at the ID. Venable. She punched the access. “No, I haven’t dropped Erin Sullivan, and I’m not going to do it. Have you changed your mind?”

“No, I’m right, and you’re wrong,” he said. “I called to tell you that your private access information has been breached. It was done by someone who was good and had contacts in the Agency.”

“Kadmus?”

“Possibly. Whoever it was wanted your telephone number very badly.”

“Evidently, I may be about to be contacted,” Catherine said. “I’m flattered. I’ve been pretty much ignored since I snatched Erin. I must have made more of an impression on the bastard than I thought.”

“Enough to be targeted. Be careful, Catherine.”

“My phone is blocked. He can’t track me unless I actually pick up. That means I won’t be able to pick up while I’m in this house with the others.” She was thinking quickly, sorting out options. “But he wants contact. I need to give him what he wants. Can you put a tracking device on my phone for the next twenty-four hours so that I can grab his signal?”

“I’ve already done it.”

“Thanks, Venable.” She hung up.

What did Kadmus want from her beside the obvious? Revenge? Information? She was clearly going to find out.

And what then?

Go after Kadmus herself? Or stick with Cameron’s plan for tomorrow night? Tomorrow night might be too late. She had an idea that Kadmus was impatient and hungry. Impatient men were prone to mistakes. Cameron has set up his scenario and just assumed she would go along with it. Maybe she would. But she would have to think about it and maybe do a little reconnoitering of her own.

Her phone rang. Private number.

Is that you, Kadmus? Probably. But you can’t have me. Not yet.

He was as impatient as she’d thought. But if he’d called once, he’d call again.

Soon.

And she’d be ready for him.

CHINATOWN

CLEMENT STREET

WEDNESDAY

9:35 P.M.

Call me, Kadmus.

She gazed at her reflection in a shop window that sold Chinese toys. Pretty, genteel toys. Nothing Luke would appreciate. She didn’t look very genteel herself. She had aimed at appearing to be a casual tourist. She wore a loose white blouse, had bound her hair up beneath a colorful scarf, and was wearing large tortoiseshell glasses.

Call me, Kadmus.

She’d been moving around Chinatown for the last hour, waiting for a call that had not come. Though she had stayed principally in the alleyways and away from anywhere that she might be recognized. It was irritating that Kadmus had not seen fit to call when she was perfectly placed now.

Four blocks from the fireworks factory.

A good sixteen blocks from Celia’s house.

If Kadmus tapped her phone, he would definitely trace her to this area, and it would be a smooth way to make a connection to the factory if they decided to use Cameron’s plan. It might be assumed she’d come from the factory safe house.

And the distance to Celia’s house should be safe for everyone there.

Just call and get this over with, Kadmus.

Five minutes later, the phone rang.

Private number.

Be cool. No eagerness.

She let it ring three times before she picked up. “Is that you, Kadmus? I hear you’ve been exceptionally inquisitive. I’m flattered you think that I’m worth all the money you must have spent.”

“I’m only going to talk for a few minutes,” Kadmus said. “I know you probably have a trace, bitch.”

“And you don’t? Talk, Kadmus.”

“I want Cameron. You’re going to give him to me.”

“He’s not mine to give. Find him yourself.”

“You were with him when you took that scumbag, Jack Sen, from the hospital. What did Cameron promise you to help him? Money? Treasure? Death to your enemies? He’s very good at promises. But don’t bank on his keeping them. I’ve already killed one man he promised to take under his wing.”

“Did you torture him as you did Erin?”

“Yes, the fool killed himself rather than betray Cameron.” He paused. “I should have gone another route and tortured his children. But I learn from my mistakes.”

She tensed. “What are you saying?”

“You have a son, and you have him with you. You apparently can’t bear to be parted from him. Give me Cameron or I’ll not only kill your boy, I’ll cut him into pieces … very slowly.”

She drew a deep breath, trying to suppress the anger … and fear. “You bastard. Luke has nothing to do with this.”

“I really don’t care,” Kadmus said. “I’ll take him, or Erin Sullivan, or your friend, Hu Chang. Anyone who stands in my way. You stand in my way, Ling.”

“You can’t touch him. You have no idea where he is now.”

“I’ll find out. I have photos of all of you. I have men searching the city. I’ll find your Luke, then you’ll come begging to trade Cameron. But it might be too late. If I find Cameron first, I won’t have a use for the boy. He’ll be in my way, and I’ll kill him.” He added persuasively, “What do you care about Cameron? Let me have him and keep your son. I’m hanging up now. I’ll call you tomorrow evening. By that time, I should have my sights on you. It might be your last chance to deal.” He hung up.

Move!

Three minutes would have been enough for him to get a fix on her location. There would be someone here within a few minutes or less.