Distant Cousins
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Shambhala
Lo Si stopped his narration at that point.
"What happened after Peter and Mary Margaret found Henry's car?" Caine asked.
"Mary Margaret called the precinct, Peter did a wider search on his own. He found a syringe in the alleyway not far from Henry's room. He called one of the uniform officers over to the area and asked for an evidence bag. The syringe was taken to a lab for testing."
Lo Si stopped talking again.
"My friend please, go on," Caine coaxed.
"I feel responsible for what happened. I am afraid I sent Peter into danger after that."
"You know I will not blame you. What happened, please."
"Peter and Mary Margaret came to see me and told me what I have just told you. Mary Margaret left to go to the precinct to see what she could learn about the lab report. Peter stayed. And as usual, he allowed his feelings to show through once he and I were alone . . .
"Peter, you must calm your qi. You cannot help your father or your cousin if you are angry."
"Lo Si, this just isn't making any sense. Why Henry? He isn't even Shaolin."
"Perhaps he wishes to throw you off balance?" Lo Si half jokingly stated.
Peter gave a half-forced laugh. "That's for certain, but how do I go about even confronting Bon Bon Hai on all of this. I don't even know if he's really involved."
"There is only one way to find out," Lo Si said.
"And how do I do that?"
"Ask."
Peter just stared at the old priest then replied sarcastically, "Now why didn't I think of that."
"Because you did not."
"Lo Si, how am I even supposed to see him? You know Bon Bon Hai opens his home only once a year to visitors and this is not the time."
"Make an appointment," Lo Si suggested.
"A what?"
"You are a Shaolin priest. He cannot refuse you if you come as a healer."
"Lo Si, you're suggesting I lie to him about why I'm there."
The Ancient gave Peter a shrug. "You do not have to state why you have come until you are in his presence. In the mean time, let him think that is why you have come."
"I won't lie."
"Very well. You leave me no other choice." Lo Si walked over to a bookcase loaded down with paraphernalia. He picked up a small box and opened it. He handed Peter the object that rested inside.
"This will help you gain entrance."
"That's the tiger figure from when that student was looking for support from the Zhong Li Quan. My father took it from Bon Bon Hai."
"The Zhong Li Quan is still in existence. They do important work. With that you shall not have any trouble gaining entrance. A new tiger has yet to be chosen."
"Lo Si, I can't take this. There's got to be another way that I can see Bon Bon Hai."
Lo Si continued as if he had not heard Peter's words. "Bon Bon Hai is a great threat to us all, especially to the Chinese community, and Sing Ling in particular. As his Bojiya, you must protect him at all cost."
Peter stared at Lo Si then shook his head. Had he heard the old priest correctly? "Whoa, back up there, Lo Si. You mean Sing Ling could be in danger?"
"The Emperor is safe for now. But if Bon Bon Hai learns of his existence, he will stop at nothing to prevent Sing Ling from ever returning to China when China is once again ready. Bon Bon Hai's interests would be far more threatened than they are now."
Peter fingered the small tiger figure resting in his hands and recalled his father's words. There would be a new tiger chosen, he would see to it. But with his father and cousin missing, choosing a tiger might fall into the hands of Peter Caine. Peter shuttered at that thought. He wasn't prepared to do that just yet, but Peter understood why his father had not chosen a new tiger. The old one was still present, and until that old tiger was removed, the Zhong Li Quan would not be able to show its full support for the new Emperor.
Peter still had one more question. "If I show this to Bon Bon Hai, he's going to think that I'm the new tiger."
"You have gone undercover before."
"Yeah, as a cop, not as a Shaolin priest."
"Then improvise," was all the Ancient said . . .
Peter did go. That was yesterday," Lo Si finished. "When he did not return, I thought it best to find you."
Caine did not speak at first. His eyes turned toward the broken teacup. This challenge had gone on far too long.
"Come, my old friend. We have a tiger to hunt."
Continues with Part 22
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2003.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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