Page 37 of Night's Reckoning
“Are you sure you’re not confusing me with my partner?” Ben asked. “I’m usually the one cleaning up the trouble, not starting it.”
Jonathan switched to Mandarin once they were seated in the car. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on between the two of you? Or should I just be ready to duck if blades start flying?”
Ben answered in Mandarin. “It’s none of your business. We’ll keep things professional.”
“Since when does Tenzin keep anything strictly professional?” Jonathan’s tone was derisive. “By the way, your Mandarin is excellent. It appears that shipping-vessel ploy worked.”
Ah yes, the infamous container ship that Tenzin had stranded Ben on after his junior year of college. “Just don’t try it again. I’m meaner than I used to be.”
“Yes, I can sense that.”
Jonathan didn’t appear to be joking, which made Ben wonder.
Was he meaner? Was he harder? He tried to remember the boy who’d met Jonathan the first time. The first time Tenzin had dragged him across the ocean on a quest. The first time she’d double-crossed him and claimed it was for his own good. The first time she’d shown a hint of awareness of him as a man and not simply Giovanni’s nephew.
The years piled on top of each other like storm clouds gathering. Ben felt old. Weary. He watched the city lights of downtown Shanghai speed by as their driver worked his way through traffic.
He was richer than he’d been at twenty-one, but what else had he accomplished? He’d finished a bachelor’s degree. Started a business… of a sort. He’d made alliances and built a reputation.
And it was all in the vampire world.
“You’ll be staying in secure rooms at Cheng’s compound for the rest of the week.” Jonathan switched back to English. “The research vessel is still gathering supplies, so that won’t leave until Monday.”
“Oh!” Fabia smiled. “So we’ll have time to explore Shanghai? We didn’t have much time in Beijing.”
Jonathan’s smile was indulgent. “Of course. Cheng’s city compound is centrally located. You’ll be able to explore the city tomorrow. In fact, after sundown, I’d be happy to give you a tour myself.”
Fabia was all smiles. “Thank you. What a lovely offer.”
“You’re very welcome.”
Ben rolled his eyes. Jonathan being charming just felt wrong. “Hey Jonathan?”
“Yes, Ben?”
“Are you going on the ship with us?”
Jonathan’s smile fell. “No. Cheng decided he’d rather have me back here looking over things in the city. You’ll meet your other team members later tonight.”
“Team members?” For some reason, Ben had imagined that he, Tenzin, Cheng, and Fabia would be working alone.
“TheQamar Jadid—or the ship we think is theQamar Jadid—has been lost for a thousand years. You’re going to need help to find it, recover it, and document the historical significance of the find.”
Fabia smiled. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this.”
Jonathan said, “I understand you’re an avid diver.”
“Yes. I love it.”
“Did Ben tell you I’m a water vampire?”
“He didn’t. So no scuba equipment necessary for you?”
He shook his head. “I look forward to seeing the updates. I’m sure this recovery will be fascinating. It’s rare to find a vessel of this age that appears to be intact.”
“What kind of pictures have they taken?”
“Only the most rudimentary.” Jonathan leaned back into the plush leather seats. “But you’ll see more tonight when you meet the team. Cheng will show you everything.”
