He was leaning against one of the mirrors that was pretending to be a window and didn’t bother to straighten up as I approached. But since he also didn’t reach for a weapon, I decided not to mind. And it wasn’t like he didn’t have plenty at hand. A table at his elbow held one of just about every type of blade weapon imaginable, all lined up and shining mirror-bright under the lights.
“Looking good,” he told me, checking out the finery. “Although I gotta say, I liked last night’s outfit better.”
“You saw that?”
“Hard to miss.” He nodded toward the far end of the room, where a huge mirrored wall reflected the antics of the acrobats.
“That’s where the portal comes out?” I asked, my stomach sinking.
“What were you expecting?”
“I…hadn’t really thought about it.” But if I had, I’d have been hoping for a nice, dark basement or a secluded alcove—anything that wasn’t front row center. Literally, since graduated rows of seating lined the room on that end. I supposed so the important types could watch the disembowelments in comfort.
Or watch me make a fool of myself up close and personal.
“Not surprised you don’t remember,” Zheng said, grinning. “You were kinda busy.”
“Hope I didn’t interrupt anyone’s performance.”
“Naw, we were on a break,” he said, as one of his guys, the albino with the spiky hair, dropped out of nowhere to grab another weapon from the pile. And to give me a hissing scowl before rejoining the fray.
Zheng laughed. “Ignore him. He’s still butt hurt about the other night.”
“Your boys are looking good,” I said, since we were being so polite.
“They better be. They’re doing an exhibition tonight, before the big finale.”
“That’s tonight?”
He tilted his head in acknowledgment. “Guess they thought it would be fitting, having my boys entertain. Seeing as how I’m about to join their precious Senate.”
“I’m sure they’re thrilled.”
White teeth flashed in a tanned face. “I’m sure.”
I glimpsed Ray standing by the ballroom doors, peering in, and figured time was up. “I came to say one thing,” I told Zheng. “I am not under Louis-Cesare’s protection. I fight my own battles.”
“That you do.”
“You have a problem with me, you come and see me.”
“Our problem wasn’t with you,” he said, glancing at Ray. Who had sidled in the door and was now slinking closer, back to the walls, wide eyes on the lethal performers.
“Or with Ray,” I said, sighing. Because somebody had to look out for him.
Zheng noticed the lack of enthusiasm, and grinned wider. “Lord Cheung said to tell you that he finds Raymond to no longer be of interest.”
“Why the sudden change?”
“Ask him. See what you get.”
“I already know what I’ll get.”
Ray put on a sudden burst of speed and grabbed my hand. “They’re waiting. I was sent to get you.”
“In a minute.”
“No, now.” He shot a look at Zheng. “And they know where she is, don’t think they don’t. They know who she’s talking to. So if you’re thinking about payback—”