Page 67 of Shadow Lies

Her cell phone vibrating was a welcome distraction. She reached for it on the table behind the laptop and looked at the screen.

No caller ID.

She let out a huff. She’d promised herself to never answer another call that wasn’t from someone in her contacts list. Sticking to her resolve, she watched the cell vibrate in her hand.

But as the call went unanswered, her agitation grew until it was like an itch that desperately needed to be scratched. One that would drive her mad if she didn’t do something about it. She put the cell down on the table but that didn’t help much.

Her mind began to spin with theories. What if it was Kane calling her from the monastery? She’d never forgive herself if she missed his call.

She dove for the phone, juggling it and almost dropping it in her haste before she swiped the screen and connected the call.

“Hello?” she answered, breathless.

“Hello, your vehicle warranty might be—”

“Ugh!” She swiped the screen, terminating the computerized spam call before slapping the cell down on the table.

That earned her a few sideways glances from the other patrons in the coffee shop. She cringed and considered explaining, but thought better of it.

She let out another big sigh, about ready to give up on the coffee shop and her paper for today.

“Problem?” The achingly familiar voice behind her had Alexis whipping around in her seat.

“Kane,” she breathed.

He was here. Live and in person. Here in New York. Not in China. She wanted to know how. Why? And for how long?

But all she could come up with to ask was, “How did you know I was here?”

“I didn’t. I was on my way to your apartment when I saw you inside through the window. I got your address from your parents.”

She could barely respond as all the air seemed to leave her lungs. “Oh.”

Her heart fluttered. He’d gone to the trouble to contact her parents to find out where she lived. He’d been on the way to see her.

And, most importantly, he was wearing regular street clothes. Not a monk or a kung fu outfit. That change in itself seemed huge to her.

“Can I sit?” he asked.

“Of course. I’m sorry.” She slammed the laptop’s lid closed and had to use both of her shaking hands to safely transfer it to her bag.

As he pulled out the chair opposite her, she sat open mouthed and speechless. She had so many questions. If only her mouth and her mind would connect and start working.

All she could seem to do was stare at him and shake her head in disbelief.

He smiled at her and said, “You look good.”

Her? He was the one who looked good. Amazing. Smiling. Happy. Fit as hell in a tight white long-sleeved T-shirt and jeans that emphasized all those kung fu muscles he’d built.

“You too,” she said.

“Thanks.” He let out a breath. “So you probably have questions. I know I do.”

“You do?” she asked before she realized that of course he would have questions.

He’d gone back to Henan without knowing if she’d gone to work for the organization or not. For all he knew, she could officially be aCharleyat this point and being a student was her cover.

Kane nodded. “For instance, what are you doing tonight?”

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