A Long Ride Read online

  Patty ran one more then quit, walking over to stand on the sidewalk next to me. “Well?” she asked, gasping breaths making her chest expand like a bouncy castle. She grabbed her shirt and wiped her face with it.

  “Well what?” I said.

  “Could you beat her?”

  I glanced at Nolan. Back to her. “You feel threatened by anyone that can beat her?” I countered.

  She laughed like that was the funniest thing ever. “Oh god no,” she finally got out. She pointed at the walking girl-beast. “No one's ever beaten her.”

  “So you just wanted to rub that in, huh?”

  “You're smart.” She grinned at me. “Like an i-douche.”

  “Thanks. I studied nights and weekends to earn that 'i'.”

  “Mommy!” Jasmine fumed. She stood by Nolan, glaring at Patty. She crossed her arms. The little shrew stomped her foot and demanded, “Don't be rude.”

  “Sorry,” Patty replied, suppressing a grin. “Am I grounded?”

  “Put some clothes on!” Jasmine's exasperated tone was hilarious. Apparently this wasn't the first violation of the dress code.

  Shaking my head, I turned away from their fussing. Perry, Bobby and Nolan sat on the bench eating. I tossed my paper towel in a trash can by the clinic's door. Stepped over to Shocker, who was already fully recovered, breathing as calmly as if she were sleeping. She watched Ace attempt to feed Caroline a deviled egg, laughing when their daughter spit it out and declared it “grossy”. She looked at me, said, “I shadowboxed earlier,” she threw a fast combination, “or otherwise I'd show you how that's done, too.”

  “No need,” I replied with mock sourness. “You've proven your skill enough at the gym. No need to shame me in the parking lot, too.”

  She raised a brow, You sure? then laughed.

  I wanted to ask her a gazillion questions, mostly about her pro experience with our coach, bur had to put the inquiry on hold when a black Lincoln MKS rolled around the clinic and parked next to Ace's Scion. The tinted windows prevented seeing the passengers, but I knew who it was and so didn't enact any security precautions.

  The Elder Dragon stepped out of the car and glanced around. He met my eyes and I nodded, We're safe. Closing the door, he smoothed dark hair above his ears. His eyes looked slightly sunken in, mouth pressed into a thin line. He wore a collar-less button-up, black with large white buttons. When his son stepped out of the passenger side wearing similar attire it clicked that they were dressed for mourning.

  I narrowed my eyes in thought. People are dead because of what we are doing. Too many of our team, not enough of theirs. Kids were taken… What does that say about me, the so-called leader of the operation?

  “Says you need to do a better job,” I growled.

  The men in black approached silently. I couldn't take my eyes off Loc. He had a trained fighter's grace, weight on the balls of his feet, confident, with no nervous fidgeting of hair or clothes. He must favor his mother because he didn't look anything like Anh Long in the face. His chiseled clean shaven jaw and buzz cut head really set him apart. But he did have his father's shoulders, wide for a Viet, and strong, long fingers. He wasn't a natural athlete, though only someone with an experienced eye could tell it. Loc was an ectomorph that had outworked everybody in his Army unit to become a mesomorph. He had to be incredibly dedicated to training, having transformed his body type from Thin Rice Cake to Buff Protein Bar, a considerable genetic feat. Eyes downcast, he couldn't see my esteem for him rise. He stopped two steps behind his father, mindful of his position, calmly focused.

  “How's everyone holding up?” I asked Anh Long, still watching Loc.

  The Elder Dragon grimaced. “Our community comes together in times like these. It's not the first time, and certainly won't be the last. Cong and Tuan had family, wives and children, who we will care for. In time, the women will be encouraged to marry again.” He raised his chin. “Our people will persevere.”

  “Good to know.” I noticed everyone was listening, furtively glancing at Loc, the mysterious sniper we've yet to see this close up. I said, “You guys wanted to see Blondie?”

  Anh Long looked at Loc. “We do, yes.” He looked at me. “Con Xoan has something he wishes to convey to you as well.”

  “You fellas hungry?” Perry said in greeting, smiling broadly. He walked over to shake hands. Anh Long gripped his hand with a warm politician's smile. But when Perry tried to shake Loc's hand Anh Long quickly grabbed his arm and pushed it away. Perry frowned confusion.

  Anh Long gave another disarming smile. “Thank you for the offer, but we have eaten already.” He gestured to me. “We are pressed for time.” He nodded hello to everyone, grinning brightly at the kids.

  I turned toward the clinic door. “Let's see if she's awake.”

  Our train of nine mobbed down the hallway and piled up in Blondie's room. An offended nurse notified Dr. Gorman, who stormed out of his office and demanded that we let his patient rest. Perry maneuvered out the door to placate him. I leaned over my girl and stroked her forehead, skin smooth, soft and cool.

  Her eyes opened slowly, dull with a fresh dose of opiates. She blinked. “Hmmm???”

  “Babe. Anh Long and Loc are here. They came to sign your cast.” I ran a finger over the fiberglass encasing her leg, stopping where it ended mid-thigh, restraining the digit from cruising up the path to the Golden Valley.

  Her eyes opened wider, wanting to roll or glare a warning. The effort made her wince, head aching, and I instantly felt sorry. She noticed my contrite expression and quirked a brow slowly, You look sorry, but why is your hand still there?

  I moved it, shifting over to gently rub her temples.

  Anh Long stood at the foot of the bed. He gave Blondie a serious bow, eyes locked onto hers. “On behalf of our community, I wish you a speedy recovery.”

  “Thanks…” she whispered.

  He stepped back and Loc stepped forward, also bowing, though without words. His eyes were closed, brows furrowed as if concentrating or praying passionately, left hand gripping his right fist.

  I recognized the gesture: a salute of respect given to another fighter. The military had trained Loc extensively in hand-to-hand. In the same way that I relate everything to boxing, his disciplines were rooted in martial arts.

  Loc remained silent, communicating plainly without the need for words. His intensity and posture made it clear he was sorry for not being there for Blondie. He was ashamed, and in apparent agony about his failure to hold his post. A sense of bafflement overcame the non-Asians in the room. This was not something any of us have seen before. The old school formality was alien, though appreciated. It was an epic experience that allowed us to connect to this enigmatic warrior.

  “It's okay,” Blondie said softly, eyes sad. She wanted to hug him.

  His eyes shot open. The smoldering determination in them said, It is NOT okay. And I will avenge our loss and hurt.

  Loc gave her a sharp nod and shifted to face me. The execution of his gripped-fist salute conveyed no apologies, only a bolstered will to make things right. I returned the salute and bow, keeping my eyes on his. He inhaled with relief. And abruptly spun around and faced his father. He bowed low, head almost waist level, and held that position for a long moment. Everyone forgot to breathe. It was silent but for the beep and click of medical machines and hum of the air conditioner, nurses chatting quietly in the lobby. The bodies in the cramped room seemed to press closer.

  Anh Long's voice was very low, but we could hear his every nuance clearly. He made Loc stand up straight, looked him in the face and spoke to us, “Con Xoan was unable to help at the boutique because he was tracking Diep's men to the garage. There were seven of them, all ex-military. Two were running counter surveillance.” His tone lowered to a deadly serious note. “Loc took them out. Five made it to the garage.” The old man looked at each of us in turn. “Diep sent his elite to the garage, what he marked as the primary target. Phong's group was a contingency, position
ed at the boutique in case they missed us at the garage.” He looked at me and inclined his head at the baby. “If their timing would have been accurate, it would have been much worse.”

  Breaths were sucked in amid angry murmurs, hearts quickening. There was an instant, unpleasant change in everyone. Loc sensed the shift and dropped his head. Gently, he took his father's hands from his shoulders and left without a glance at anyone. His cat-like steps floated him down the hall silently, his departing aura strongly felt, akin to a pressure being released from the room.

  Anh Long sighed heavily and said, “While he was setting a trap for the first two targets the others were speeding to the garage. By the time he cleaned up his mess it was too late to catch up. He had hoped depleting their numbers would be enough. Unfortunately the men were too well-trained for Tuan and Cong.”

  “It was a damn good effort,” Bobby rumbled. “And we appreciate Loc being on the team.”

  Everyone was nodding, minds busy with the information.

  Military trained kill squad? What the fuck have I gotten into???

  Anh Long looked pensive. He said, “Con Xoan is more emotionally involved in this than he should be. Did you know he lost his family before joining the military?”

  Shocker looked at him, voice laced with sympathy. “Yeah. Loc and his fiancée were jumped by the Two-eleven. She was pregnant. The baby died.”

  Anh Long nodded with strained eyes. “She left him. That baby would have been my grandson.” He took a calming breath. “Con Xoan is driven by revenge. Hatred is blinding, so I made him a follower in this operation.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “Otherwise he would act rashly, eliminating the enemy without prejudice.”

  “What's wrong with that?” I said. “Let's turn him loose. The more he takes out, the less we'll have to deal with.” Shocker frowned at him, though Bobby nodded and flexed in accord.

  The Elder Dragon was shaking his head. “When you drag a net, you catch far more than shrimp. Our devices must give the other creatures a chance to escape or we'll destroy the entire habitat.”

  I understood. “So you think the Tiger Society as a whole is redeemable.”

  “Absolutely.” No hesitation, only complete belief.

  I looked around at my crew. They were chewing that over in a positive way. My eyes met Anh Long's. “Okay. Let's say we knock the administrators off the totem pole. Who will take their place? You? Your people?”

  He gave a secretive smile. “The time and circumstances will decide that.”

  Faces twisted in irritation. No one liked his damn cryptic responses. I just shrugged and said, “To use your fishing analogies, when we take over their ship, we only get rid of the captain and his personal stooges because we need the rest of the crew to run the ship.”

  He nodded sagely. “Tiger Society is a big ship.”

  “Was it Phong?” Blondie whispered hoarsely.

  Anh Long shot her a surprised look. Then looked around the floor while considering how to answer. His shoulders sagged. He said, “Yes. Phong was the main instigator that night at the church. He is the reason Loc lost his family.”

  “But…” Shocker trailed off, confused. “Loc's had plenty of chances to get him.” Caroline held her hands up to her mommy, face whiney. Shocker sighed and picked her up, groaning.

  “Circumstances,” the Elder Dragon said. “It was a hard decision.”

  “But easy to explain.” I rolled a finger, Let's hear it. No more secrets. I looked at Nolan and Jasmine. Normally they were talking or doing something without concern for our adult conversation. But after seeing Loc they sat riveted, watching whoever spoke with burning curiosity.

  Anh Long grimaced at me with eyes that have overseen many life or death situations. This dude has been calling shots for decades. He's the head of the Dragon Family, a nation-wide organization of criminal and legit interests. He leads an enormous community in San Francisco, where the DF is headquartered, and part of the year helps oversee his home community in Biloxi. He fronted an empire, with responsibilities I couldn't even fathom. The full weight of it all was in his dark eyes as he said, “Men like Phong are important to organizations like ours, yet they rarely get a second chance for their transgressions. I seek to change that. As I've mentioned before, I try to ascertain what influences behavior. I understand the social pressures that led to Phong attacking Loc and his fiancée. So I gave him a choice.” He held up a finger. “Live, and work for atonement.” Another finger. “Or die. He chose wisely.”

  “Whoa,” Ace said. The geek had paused in whatever he was doing on the tablet, watching the old Viet with intelligent analysis.

  “That's rough,” Bobby said in a gruff basso. “Phong probably knows a lot that happens around here. Does he know anything about Diep's main operation, though? Anything that's useful?”

  “Adequate,” Anh Long said. “An intelligence network, a good one, is able to piece together information from multiple sources, in order to obtain an objective.”

  Bobby grabbed the back of one huge arm, massaged it. “Doubt I could stand in the same room with the man that deprived me of a grandkid.”

  A flash of pain crossed the Elder Dragon's features. He looked at Bobby. “We are playing for futures. It's the war that must be won, not the battles. Sacrifices have to be made. Even of my own.” He cleared his throat, suddenly looking older. “Intelligence on the enemy is more valuable than revenge. And whenever you can employ a former enemy they are surprisingly reliable.”

  So that's why Phong didn't have his crew rush the boutique, I thought. He was holding back on purpose.

  I chuckled. Everyone looked at me. I remarked sarcastically, “Reliable. Phong reliably shot me in the leg.”

  Patty thought that was hysterical and brayed a horrible laugh. I turned and watched her, then heard Shocker let loose an amused squeal. I twisted to glare at her, It wasn't that funny. She held her face and wheezed. In seconds everyone was laughing. Even the kids. I scowled at the men, at my girl. “Hey! That shit wasn't funny!”

  They laughed harder. Shocker pointed at my leg and fell back against the wall.

  Patty was seated in the bedside chair with Jasmine in her lap. When the raucous subsided, she twirled a hand above her head and said, “So when's the party starting? Guess I'll fill in for Gisele here.” She indicated Blondie, then looked at Shocker. “That's what you really wanted me here for, right?”

  The girl-beast nodded, then looked at me. Patty's competent, and we need her.

  I gestured, Cool. Good.

  Patty eyed each of us and stated with excited attitude, “'Bout time! I'm sick of babysitting while you have all the fun.”

  Blondie had turned her head, glowering at Patty, ignoring the pain it caused her. She didn't like being replaced, and liked being compared to Gisele even less. It was a compliment if you asked me – she looked like the athletic sister of the famous supermodel. But she hated it. Her bruised and drugged, but still gorgeous, eyes shot daggers at Patty, I'm BLONDIE goddamnit!

  Smirking, I told Patty, “Party doesn't start until we have more information.”

  Usually this would cue my girl, the researcher of our partnership. But since we were a crew now and her talents had been needed in the field, the research gig was all on the geek. I looked at him expectantly.

  Ace squinted one eye and glanced around. “You guys may be interested in the local news first.”

  “About what happened yesterday?” Bobby said.

  Ace said, “Uh-huh. SWAT captured everyone that attacked the boutique. Three were shot, one killed. Phong was released a couple hours ago on a million dollar bond.”

  Surprised murmurs and curses erupted. Despite the revelation about Phong supplying intelligence, no one liked him. I looked at Anh Long with a quizzical frown, You bail him out?

  No, he shook his head, eyes shifting in bafflement.

  “Diep must need him for something important,” Shocker said in a careful tone, suppressing emotion to avoid upsetting the baby
on her hip. She met my eyes. “His position could be useful to us.”

  “I think so too,” I replied, storing that bit of interesting data.

  Anh Long was thinking furiously. He became frustrated, mad that his analysis was flawed. “I was under the impression Phong was expendable. Hmm.” He pinched his chin. “Perhaps Diep feels Phong's actions yesterday proved a strong loyalty to the Tiger Society, deserving of a promotion.”

  “Or perhaps he's getting low on men with fully functional arms and legs,” I said, thinking about all the guys my crew had beat the crap out of. I smiled to myself, then gestured for Ace to continue.

  He said, “I've been trying to track Vietech. I figure wherever he is, Diep must be close by, right? I found some leads.” He pressed on the tablet's screen and scrolled through something without looking at it. He said to Blondie, “I took the liberty of tracing anyone that wasn't a regular customer to the boutique and coffee service. In the past few days I found only two new customers. One used an Internet protocol out of New Orleans.”

  “What?” Blondie croaked, eyes widening. She shifted around like she wanted to sit up. I stepped over and lay a hand on her shoulder. Her big glistening eyes looked up at me helplessly. I said quietly, “I know you want to do your part. Just give it a few days.” I stroked her hair over one ear. She closed her eyes, sighing a moan.

  Ace continued. “I thought that was something worth investigating so I ran a program that tracked the IP through your website, to see what they had accessed. They had compromised your hard drives, in every store.”

  Blondie's eyes shot open. “Shit,” she breathed vehemently.

  Ace nodded at her in sympathy. “Some nasty malware. I can debug it later for you if you want.”

  “No, I'll do it,” she sighed.

  I said, “It's public knowledge the Draganflies we used to scald them belong to the coffee service. They would have found the boutique even if Big Guns' boys didn't flip.” I felt like stomping my foot and throwing a tantrum.

  Blondie knew how much I disliked mixing our legit interests with our criminal ventures. She found my hand and communicated with a squeeze and pout, We didn't have a choice at the time.