Page 9 of Shadow Lies

“You’re the only one rude enough to call this early knowing how late I got in.” And she had no doubt this woman knew she worked late. She knew everything else.

“Did you receive your payment?”

Remembering the thousand dollars, in crisp hundred-dollar bills, in the sealed envelope with her name on it that she’d found on her pillow when she’d arrived home, Alexis said, “I did. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. You earned it.” After a pause, Charley added, “Would you like to earn more?”

She struggled and finally got herself upright. This seemed like a conversation she should be sitting up for.

“Doing what?” Suspicious, she answered the question with one of her own.

“Paying a visit to your old friend Kane Lee.”

That information opened her eyes.

“In China?” she asked.

“Yes. Is that a problem? Your passport is valid.”

And how the hell did Charley know that, when Alexis hadn’t even been sure herself?

It was obvious this woman and her associates were connected. Part of one of the three letter organizations, no doubt.

Having worked briefly for one of those organizations herself, Alexis figured that was the best explanation for how they seemed to know everything about her. Right down to who her big sister’s college ex-boyfriend was.

“How much?” she asked. The question felt mercenary but she needed the money.

“Ten times your last payment.”

Ten thousand dollars. Her heart beat faster. That would cover a full year’s tuition at CUNY plus textbooks.

“You’ll cover all my travel expenses?” she asked.

Flights to China had to be expensive. And who knew what sort of arrangements she’d have to make to get to the monastery. Hire a Sherpa? Rent a pack-mule?

“Of course,” Charley answered, relieving her worry. Or at least that one worry. There were still plenty more.

“What do I do when I get there? I mean what do you want me to do regarding Kane? Why am I visiting him?”

“We’d like you to present our job offer to him in person.”

Charley was back to talking about the mysteriouswe. Alexis didn’t care because apparently thewehad money and they were willing to give some to her.

“That’s all? Just present the offer?” she asked.

There had to be a catch. God, how she hoped there wasn’t. She’d have to work for months to earn what they were willing to give her for this one task.

“And convince him it’s in his best interest to take the assignment we’re offering,” Charley added.

“What is this assignment?”

“It’s not necessary for you to know that.”

“It’s not? So, uh, how am I supposed to convince him to take it if I don’t know what it is?”

“You can convince him to speak with us and we’ll explain it to him.”

“So he doesn’t even know what it is yet? Great.”

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