Page 66 of Dangerous Rhythm

“Ed as in Edward?” Curtis shook Ed’s hand.

“Yes. Ed or Eddy. Whatever you want,” Uncle Ed said. “Welcome to Hong Kong.”

“Uncle Ed is my mom’s brother,” Lina explained.

“Ah. Thank you for meeting us,” Curtis said.

Ed waved away Curtis’ formality and slapped his arm. “Friend of Lina is always welcomed. Let me help with your bag.”

He led them to the parking structure. “I borrowed my friend’s taxi. You said you needed privacy, right? And boy, did I find a private place for you.” Ed walked fast and with purpose, and quickly the tired travelers were a few steps behind.

“Is he on speed or something?” Curtis asked her with a little frown. “Does your uncle work for B&Y too?”

“No, but he really should.” Lina grinned. “He’s very energetic. He’s a jack of all trades. His primary income is his dojo—he was my firstsensei—but as long as I’ve known him, he always has some kind of side hustle.”

“And he lives in Hong Kong?”

“Kowloon. Most of my mom’s family still lives there. My mom and Ed were the only ones who moved away for college. My mom met my father and stayed in California, while Ed stayed for a while but eventually moved back in his thirties.”

“Did you come visit often?” he asked.

“We did when my brother and I were growing up. But I haven’t been back for a while. It’ll be nice to see some family.”

“Wow, you’re taking me to see your family,” Curtis teased her. “So soon.”

“I’m taking you to my family because it’s easier to blend in when we look similar to everyone else,” Lina pointed out. “That Chinese tourist group in Barcelona gave me the idea.”

His smile dimmed, and Lina felt bad for reminding him of their situation.

“But my family will enjoy meeting you,” she added as they caught up with Ed by the car.

“If Ed is any indication, I’m positive I’ll enjoy meeting them, too.”

Ed smiled. “You come at the right time. Just in time for the new year.”

“That’s right,” Curtis said excitedly, but then his shoulders dropped. “Damn it. Will I be able to call my Popo?”

Lina rubbed his back. “I’ll make sure you get to talk to your family, okay?”

Curtis nodded at her appreciatively. She remembered Curtis had been excited about spending the Lunar New Year with his whole family for once, but now he’d be the only one missing.

Soon they were on the road. Lina, for one, couldn’t wait for a shower and a bed. After a good night’s sleep, she’d be ready to see her family.

“Oh, by the way, your parents are here, too,” Ed announced, like the news was an afterthought. “So are Ben and his family.”

Shocked, Lina turned to Ed. “My whole family is here? I didn’t know they were coming to Hong Kong for the new year. I didn’t get that memo.”

“You haven’t been home for a while, have you?” Ed replied disapprovingly. “They told me you’ve been distant.”

Then he changed into Cantonese. “Is it because of the tall guy?”

“No.” Lina quickly replied. “It has nothing to do with anyone but me.”

“What’s wrong, Lina?”

“Nothing, Uncle. It’s just something I had to sort for myself.”

“You know your family is here for you.”

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