Page 38 of Night's Reckoning
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The buildingwhere Jonathan drove them looked like a luxury residential tower in the Pudong neighborhood of Shanghai. They pulled into the basement and were waved into a deserted parking area under the building near a sleek silver elevator.
Jonathan got out and instructed the valets who opened the doors to take Ben and Fabia’s luggage to the eighth floor. Ben kept his messenger bag with him, and Fabia kept her purse and carry-on bag.
As their luggage was whisked away, Jonathan led them to the elevator. “You’ll have the use of this car while you’re here. Fabia, the driver doesn’t speak English or Italian, so if you need an interpreter, simply call the front desk and request one.”
Ben sent Fabia a quick text.Talk to me before you do that.
Fabia glanced at her phone and nodded.
Jonathan continued. “I’ll show you to your rooms, but traffic was a little heavier than I’d expected. Will you need much time to refresh yourselves? Cheng will have a meal prepared when you arrive at the meeting, so there’s no need to eat.”
Fabia said, “If that is the case, I don’t need much time. Would a half an hour be too much?”
“Not at all,” Jonathan said. “Ben?”
“Half an hour sounds good to me.”
“Excellent. I’ll come gather you at eleven thirty.”
The building might have looked typical from the outside, but inside, it was the picture of luxury. The elevator had a padded velvet bench, rosewood paneling, and framed art on the walls. The carpet underneath their feet was plush.
When the elevator doors opened, Jonathan walked them down a wide hall with views of the city through a wall of mirrors. He paused in front of two carved wooden doors and handed over two hotel-room-style card keys.
“Your rooms are adjoining. There are multiple locking systems for security when you are inside. There is also a directory of building services on the desk. A full-service kitchen, spa, and fitness center are available twenty-four hours for your convenience.” He looked at them both, but mostly at Fabia. “Is there any other way I can be of service?”
“I don’t think so,” Fabia said. “Thank you.”
“You are most welcome. I’ll see you in half an hour.”
Ben slid his key in the lock. “I think someone has an admirer.”
“Oh?” Fabia gave him a sidelong glance. “I think someone has a chip on his shoulder.”
Ben and Fabia both opened their doors. Within seconds, Ben was opening the door between their rooms. A moment later, Fabia opened hers.
“I don’t have a chip on my shoulder,” he said.
“You like this city. You’ve told me a hundred times. And yet you’ve been sucking on a lemon from the time Jonathan picked us up at the station.”
“I just… don’t normally stay here.”
“You mean with Cheng.”
“Yes, I mean with Cheng.” Ben ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “I don’t like him. I don’t like her being with him. I don’t like that he’s in charge of this. I don’t like that I’m apparently taking orders from him. I mean, what is that about?”
“It’s called being part of a team, Ben. Every team has a leader. It’s the only way anything gets done.”
“So why is he the leader? Why not Tenzin?”
Fabia rolled her eyes. “One”—she stuck out a finger—“I believe Zhang said he’s the one who found this wreck, or found evidence of it.”
“Fine. Yes.” Ben crossed his arms.
“Two”—she continued putting up fingers—“he’s a water vampire. You’re not. Tenzin’s not. It seems obvious to me. Three, it sounds like he’s put a team together and acquired a research vessel. Maritime recovery is specialized work. The one who puts the tools together gets to be in charge. Those are the rules. Those arealwaysthe rules.” She reached up and pinched his earlobe.
“Ow!”
