Point of Contact

“The Audi TT is a company vehicle, completely at your disposal. Of course it has a satellite GPS system, should you need it.” Lian pointed at the far wall, where two bikes were chained up. “Sometimes it’s easier getting around on one of those than driving.”

“You’ve thought of everything.”

“My father wants you to be comfortable. If you need anything, you have my number. Also, meals will be provided to both of you at the office. Any questions?”

“A hotel would’ve been fine with us.”

“Isn’t this better?”

“Much better, thank you.” And easier for you to keep an eye on us, Jack thought.

“Then we’ll leave you to get settled in. I imagine we’ll see you tomorrow?”

“First thing.”

“Good. We’ll talk about our security arrangements then.”

She didn’t offer her hand, only a curt nod. She and Park marched across the lawn toward a side gate and straight for their vehicle. Jack and Paul headed back into the house.

Paul made a beeline for the kitchen. He found an electric kettle with water and plugged it in. “I need another cup of tea to settle me down before bed.”

“My biological clock is all messed up, too. It’s morning back home right now. We need to get on local time quickly if we want to get any work done.”

“I’m boiling extra water.”

“Sounds good.”

Paul grabbed two cups out of the cupboard and set them on the counter, then limped into the foyer. A luggage zipper zipped open and closed before Paul returned to the kitchen with a box of tea bags. “Chamomile is good to help you sleep.”

“Thanks.”

Paul poured boiling water into the waiting cups.

Jack took a seat. “What did you think of Dr. Gordon Yeoh Fairchild?”

Paul opened up the cupboard doors, doing an inventory. “Nice man, smart. Seems like he really wants this deal to go through.”

“His son wasn’t as keen. I think he’d be just as happy if we got on the plane tomorrow and never came back.”

Paul smiled. “I know the type. He’s defensive because he’s good. In his mind, there’s no need for an external audit because his numbers are perfect and any reports he’s filed are flawless. It’s a good sign, actually. It’s when the accountants are overly cheerful and compliant that you know something’s wrong, because most of the time, there is. There are way too many i’s to dot and t’s to cross, especially on the ledgers of a complex international company like Dalfan.” Paul found a bottle of Glenfiddich single-malt scotch. He pulled it down.

“You’re probably right.”

“I know I’m right.” Paul unscrewed the cap and tipped an ounce into his tea. He pointed the bottle in Jack’s direction. Jack shook his head. No, thanks. “What did you think of Lian, his daughter?”

“Still forming an opinion.” Night had finally fallen. Jack checked his watch. “Let’s hit the ground running tomorrow. We’ll leave here at seven, if that’s okay with you.”

“I’ll be ready.”

* * *

Lian’s Range Rover was speeding along the tree-lined East Coast Parkway when her cell phone rang. It was Yong.

“Where are you?” Lian asked.

“On my way home. Have you dropped them off?”

“Just a few minutes ago. What do you want?”

“I saw the way you were looking at them, especially Ryan. I’m concerned.”

“You needn’t be.”

“They’re not our friends. These men have been sent to find something wrong with our company. Rhodes sent them to find a way to drive the purchase price of our stock down.”

“Are you certain?”

“Don’t be naive.”

Lian frowned. “They won’t find anything, will they?”

“Of course not. How can you even ask me that? But that doesn’t mean they won’t lie or make something up.”

“Jack and Paul didn’t strike me as liars,” Lian said. “They’re just doing their jobs.”

“Their job is to screw Father out of his money, or worse. Rhodes isn’t stupid. He sends the President’s son to make a big impression. But it’s obvious what he’s up to.”

“I’m not so sure.”

“You don’t have to be. Just keep a close eye on them, especially Ryan. I’ll have someone keeping close tabs on Brown. Let them do their audit, but let’s not give them the chance to cause any trouble for Father. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

“Besides, we already talked about this. If something were to happen to the President’s son while he was here, there would be hell to pay. And Father would be humiliated.”

“Nothing will happen to Ryan. I’ll keep close to him. You have my word.”

“Thank you, Sister. That’s all I ask.”

* * *

The bedrooms were upstairs. Paul took the one at the far end of the hall, overlooking the street, Jack the one closest to the stairwell. Paul wouldn’t let Jack help him with his heavy suitcase or duffel as he limped his way up the stairs. Paul was obviously out of shape, but the way he slung the luggage around told Jack that there was still some power left in those flabby arms.

Jack unpacked his suitcase and put his things away, then decided to grab a shower before bed. He felt grimy after traveling in the same clothes for nearly twenty-four hours in closed spaces and breathing recirculated air.