Distant Cousins
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Dark Warrior's Realm
Peter sat by his cousin waiting for him to come to, since there wasn't much he could do. He tried to assess his condition with his qi but he did not have his father's skill.
"That will come in time," Caine had said, his father's voice echoing in Peter's head.
Peter shook his head at his cousin for his foolishness, then thought better of it. The young Shaolin had done much the same thing when he confronted Bon Bon Hai earlier. Peter thought on that trying to learn how he could have handled the situation better . . .
Peter entered the home of Bon Bon Hai.
"I wish to see your Master," he stated to the Chinese sitting at a very ornate desk.
"Bon Bon Hai only sees those with an appointment."
"This gives me my appointment," Peter held up the small tiger.
The guard that stood nearby eyed Peter suspiciously, then added, "You must leave your weapons here."
"I am unarmed," Peter said and opened his leather jacket to reveal that he was not carrying any kind of a weapon.
"Whom should I say is calling upon Bon Bon Hai?" the appointment secretary stated drawing Peter's attention back.
"Peter Caine, Shaolin priest."
Peter gave a slight crooked grin at the man's raised eyebrow when he announced his title.
"Please follow me. I will announce you."
Peter made it a point to inform Captain Simms to add suspicion of murder to Mr. Bon Bon Hai's police file. It was apparent that the man sitting at the desk was not the same man who had allowed Peter and his father to enter two and a half years ago. That man may have mysteriously disappeared under suspicious circumstances. This man would probably face the same fate if he did not say something.
"I understand you are just doing your job, but I would suggest you find work elsewhere. Bon Bon Hai does not take kindly to his 'enemies' being allowed into his home. The last time it happened, that man vanished without a trace."
"Do you consider yourself an enemy?" the man asked, even though he should not be making conversation, the statement that the Shaolin shared with him did cause some concern.
"I certainly don't consider myself a friend. By allowing me to enter, I may have caused you some problems, perhaps even placed you in some danger. I suggest you think about finding work elsewhere before you disappear. I would take it as a warning and not as a threat. I have no quarrel with you, but after today, Bon Bon Hai might. Oh, and I would highly recommend changing your life's path before it's not too late. Because if you continue in this direction, you just might find yourself six feet under instead of making appointments for the likes of Bon Bon Hai."
When they reached Bon Bon Hai's private study, both men went silent. Peter smiled slightly at the beads of sweat that had formed on the man's forehead. At least if he could get this guy scared enough to run away from here that would be one less man to worry about, and just maybe, he helped save a soul in the process. His father would be proud of him.
Bon Bon Hai's appointment secretary knocked on the door then entered.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Someone," his words came out like a squeak. He cleared his throat then spoke again. "Someone to see you, sir. Peter Caine, Shaolin priest."
Peter moved around the secretary, his steps confidant and his face a mask of stone, even though anger was beginning to rise to the surface. As he moved in front of Bon Bon Hai's desk, he spied a familiar pouch resting on the credenza behind the man.
"Well, come in young Shaolin. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company."
"Let's skip the pleasantries and get right to the point," Peter stepped around the desk and grabbed his father's pouch. "First of all, this doesn’t belong to you. Where is my father and what did you do with my cousin?" Peter demanded as he slipped his father's pouch over his shoulder.
"Ma Peiling, please close the door and see that we are not disturbed."
"Yes sir."
At the last moment, Peter sent a silent message to the man to have him come to Chinatown and ask for his help.
Ma Peiling hesitated just for an instant, his eyes becoming a bit wide. Had he just heard what he thought he heard? Perhaps he had better take the Shaolin's advice and leave. He quickly shut the door before Bon Bon Hai noticed that he had kept it open far too long.
Continues with Part 25
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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