Page 91 of The Dragon 2
Jean-Pierre nodded and thought it over.
More music unfurled.
The Phantom now sang, a duet rising into a violent ache.
The opera swelled.
Masks fell.
Secrets howled from red-draped wings.
Jean-Pierre finally turned to me. "I will give you your three planes full of enough fire power to kill thousands and flatten cities. I just need twenty-four hours to make this happen."
I wanted it faster. I needed to be back with my Tiger before the next dusk. But I nodded and then gestured behind me.
The twins—Aki and Yuki—carried over sleek titanium cases.
"Payment upfront," I gestured to them. "In honor of our new friendship."
Jean-Pierre raised a brow, but his smile was satisfied. He signaled Rafael. His cousin came over, opened the case, and inspected the contents.
A chuckle came as he spotted the bundles of crisp euros, tightly packed. Rafael checked the other case that held gold bars, stamped with Yakuza sigils—a mark of lineage, not just value.
Rafael closed the cases. "You always pay beautifully, Dragon, and quickly."
"My father always said the longer the delay, the closer you are to betrayal."
Jean-Pierre nodded. "He is a clever man. Please tell him I said hello."
“I will.” I put my attention back on the stage.
I’ll tell my father that and so much more.
I watched the Phantom reach for the woman on stage. Fire blazed behind his mask.
So did mine. This deal was struck, and soon I would be home to taste my Tiger.
Rafael headed away with the cases.
My phone buzzed.
Curious, I pulled it out and checked the screen.
Nyomi.
My breath didn’t hitch. But my pulse betrayed me.
Had it been any other woman, I wouldn’t even have flinched and I definitely would have silenced the phone. Thoroughly finishing a deal was always more important.
But for my Tiger?
I would pause from burning down a city to make sure no ash got on her white dress.
Jean-Pierre watched me. “Important?”
“Very,” I nodded. “Excuse me.”
I headed off.
