Page 15 of My Merciless Don

“No time for fun at the moment. I really suggest you get to know those Triad profiles. You never know when you might need them.”

I nodded, chastened, and got to work. We worked in companionable silence for a while and then George cleared his throat.

“Yeah?” I said, most of my attention still on the Facebook profile of one Zhang Chonglin, first born son of the local Triad Dragon Head. He was currently attending Yale on a full scholarship, studying business and biochemistry.

Impressive.

There were a few photos on the profile, nothing connecting him to his father Zhang Heoran, but a few with other family members including his mother and a sister. The sister was apparently older and currently living in Shanghai. Her job was listed as ‘marketing’ and she was married with two kids.

“Interesting.”

“What?” George asked.

“Nothing. Just talking to myself.” I said. I looked up. “Did you ask me something?”

“Uh… no. I was just wondering if you know someone named Amy Mercer?”

“Who?” I furrowed my brow wondering where I'd heard that name before.

George shook his head, “Never mind. My mistake.”

I stared at him for a while my eyes narrowed. There was something more to this, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why I thought so. With a mental shrug I got back to memorizing the dragon head’s family tree.

Feeling a little bit at a loose end, I decided to venture downstairs and see what could be had for dinner. To my surprise I ran into Valerio at the bottom of the stairs and he smiled at me, offering me his arm. “Are you going into dinner?” He asked.

I shrugged. “I suppose so? I just wanted to see if I can get something to eat.”

He nodded, “Follow me.”

He led me to a fairly large dining room, with a table that could seat at least ten people. There were three people seated at one end of the table, Marco and two women.

Marco looked up at me and I gave a small nod.

“Hi.”

He got to his feet, “Am- uh, Audry, I wasn't expecting you.”

“I hope I'm not intruding,” I replied with a grimace.

“Ohh no, no, no,” the older woman said gesturing towards one of the chairs, “please sit.” She kept her eyes on me the entire time that I moved around the table and took the seat she indicated next to the other girl.

“Mother,” Marco said, “this is Audry Martin. She's helping us with a project.”

His mother continued to stare at me. “Is that so? And how long will you be with us, Audry?” She asked and I frowned wondering at the emphasis on my name.

“I'm not sure,” I replied, “I guess that's up to your son.”

Mother and son exchanged a loaded glance I couldn't quite interpret. The sister turned to me. “Hi I'm Lucia, Marco’s little sister.”

I held out my hand to shake. “Pleasure.” I murmured and smiled.

“So, where did Marco find you?” She asked, her eyes bright with interest.

“Well funny story, I stole from him.”

The mother gave a surprised laugh but Lucia looked at me as if she couldn't quite believe her ears. “Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack.” I said with aplomb.

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