The priests face went rigid as he thought about the consequences.
I will give you an identikit photograph that Emma has created, and we will reset the seals on the temple every six weeks. I dont want any of you held as hostages.
My Lord, the priest said, nodding. How powerful is this particular demon?
Right now, not a threat, John said, raising his tea. We will have to wait and see what his plans are.
Okay, now I could talk business. Exactly what arrangement do you have with the Dark Lord regarding the management of the temple? I asked. Ill be helping out after hes gone. You said the temple had just been renovated? It looks terrific, they did a great job.
The priest smiled with appreciation. I think I will enjoy working with you, Lady Emma. Let me tell you about the management of the temple, and what your part will be.
John sipped his tea, his eyes sparkling over the rim of the tea cup as we talked about administration and funding.
Simone was still heady with excitement as we took the boat back to Hong Kong Island. It was well past midnight, but she was full of nervous energy.
She eventually couldnt hold it any longer and whispered in my ear, Now?
I nodded and she wriggled with delight. She went to the galley of the boat, opened a cupboard and pulled out a red-wrapped gift.
She took it to her father and held it out to him.
Happy birthday, Daddy, she said, very serious, then kissed him on the cheek.
John shot me a delighted glance and then grinned broadly at the gift. I think this is the first time for me.
Open it now, Western-style. We want to see your face, I said.
Simone came and sat next to me to watch. Yeah, Daddy, open it.
I quickly pulled a camera out as John proceeded to undo the tape that held the gift wrap. He pulled the wrap away, held the box up, turned it the right way up, then stared at it with shock.
I took a photo just as he lit up with a huge delighted grin and then roared with laughter. Got it.
Do you like it, Daddy? Simone said. You can put it on your desk next to your computer monitor.
Was this your idea? John asked Simone, still grinning broadly.
Simone glanced at me then back to her father without saying anything.
John turned the Ninja Turtle figure around so that we could see it. In Hong Kong the Ninja Turtles were called the Hero Turtles; the word Ninja had too many unpleasant connotations. It meant assassin in Japanese and was associated with stealthy murderers with no honour, completely at odds with the Western image of the powerful Ninja fighter.
Two swords, he said. I only have one sword.
You have two, Simone said. Seven Stars and Dark Heavens.
I suppose I do. He turned the box back around and studied the turtle figure. It looks just like me.
Thats the idea. I couldnt hold it any more. Simone let go as well and we clutched each other and giggled with delight. That photo was very, very precious.
The minute we were home John took the turtle out of the box and put it carefully next to his monitor. It stayed on his desk, guarding his mess, for a long time.
CHAPTER SIX
John tapped on my bedroom door. Im in the middle of something, I growled loudly. Cant it wait?
He poked his head around the door. I have something to show you.
I glared suspiciously at him. Not another priceless antique weapon.
No. Something for you. He gestured with his head. Come and see.
I pushed myself away from my desk. Oh, all right. But I need to finish this tonight.
Dont worry, it wont take long. He opened the door for me. Its downstairs.
He couldnt control his expression as we went down in the lift together. I had never seen him looking quite so smug.
What have you bought? I said. Youll see.
We went out of the ground-floor lift lobby and into the car park that surrounded the building.
He raised one hand towards the mid-size black Mercedes parked next to his.
Thats for you.
I stopped dead, then spun to face him and pointed at it. I dont want this. Why didnt you ask me first? This is totally unsuitable.
He was taken aback. Whats wrong with it? Is it too small?
I sighed with exasperation and dropped my hand. No, John, its much too big. Id really prefer something much smaller, thats easy to drive around and park. And black is too hot, a nice light blue would be much better. And not a Mercedes, thats too much of a target. A cheap little Japanese hatchback would have been much better.
You want a small, blue, cheap car?
That would be perfect, yes. If its small enough, Leo wont fit in it to drive it. And if its not black and luxurious, you wouldnt be caught dead in it. Id have it all to myself.
He grinned broadly. Youre quite correct. He eyed me sideways with delight. You are very evil sometimes, Emma.
I bowed slightly. Thank you, Dark Lord. I gestured towards the car. So can you swap this monstrosity for something more suitable?
If you really want me to, I will. But Leo will be sharing it with you. Both of you will go to the Academy to teach, and to the school to watch Simone. Will you really force him to squeeze into such a tiny car?
I sighed. Okay. Ill put up with this monster if I have to. But please dont make me drive the other one; its enormous.
Very well, my Lady, I thank you. He handed me the keys, very careful not to touch me. Go up and find your Australian drivers licence, and take it out for a run. Once youve had a drive in it, you may find you like it.
I can drive with that licence?
Yes. You just need to sign a statutory declaration to apply for your Hong Kong licence. Gold can organise that.
Do you own the Mercedes dealership or something? Why only Mercedes?
One: its the most common luxury car in Hong Kong and therefore less of a target, despite what you said. Two: I may not own the dealership, but I am very good friends with the Tai Pan of the company that does.
Okay, whatever you say. Want to come with me?
His face went expressionless.
Oh my God, you are such a typical male sometimes. Bad driver, and worse passenger.
I have been driving automobiles for nearly seventy years, he said stiffly. During the 1930s the Tiger and I took European form and raced each other on the Grand Prix circuit. He kept winning because it was easier for him to stay white. I had to concentrate to keep the shape, and it ruined my performance. We only stopped because the competition became too professional. I am not a bad driver.
I turned away. Leo has a completely different opinion on that. I wondered what he looked like as a European. Probably not nearly as attractive.
Leo thinks that everybody else in the world is a bad driver, he called as I walked to the car. He will never let you drive him anywhere.
Simone jumped up and down with excitement as we waited at the arrivals hall for Charlie. She fell over and I helped her up.
Try to stay on your feet, Simone.
There she is! Simone squealed, and raced to Charlie who stopped, crouched and threw her arms out to catch her.
Charlie rose with Simone held tightly in her arms and smiled over the top of the little girls head. She hadnt changed at all; her cheerful soft face was still rosy, round and smiling. Her greying light-brown hair had come out of its bun but she didnt seem to care. She rocked Simone in her arms. I missed you, Princess.
Charlie lowered Simone and pushed her trolley as I led her towards the car park. I love this new airport. She bent to speak conspiratorially to Simone. Have you been on the little train inside yet?
Simone shook her head, eyes wide. Were not allowed in there. We have to take the silly small plane.
Charlie laughed. I missed you, darling. She patted my shoulder. I missed you too, Emma.
Let me take your trolley.
No, Leo can do that. She looked around. Thats not like Leo to leave you alone, Emma. Where is he?
Leos teaching at the Academy.
What Academy?
Oh, dear Lord, John hasnt told you anything, has he?
John? She continued without waiting for an answer. All Mr Chen said was to come to Hong Kong, help look after Simone, and brush up on my cooking while I was here. Thats all, Emma.
Its Lady Emma now, Simone said with relish.
No it isnt, Simone, not for Charlie. I saw Charlies face. Dont worry about it, Charlie. I paid the parking ticket and guided Charlie to the car. We need to talk. But we should wait until we have you settled in.
When we reached the car Charlie stopped.
Daddy bought it for Emma, Simone said proudly.
Charlie glanced sharply at me.
I needed it, I said. Simone starts school soon, and Ill be taking her. Ill be sharing it with Leo.
Charlie nodded, but she was obviously unhappy. We put her bags into the boot and she sat in the back of the car with Simone. How are you, my little Princess? Youve grown so much. Starting school soon, eh? Youre a big girl already.
Im really good, Charlie. Im learning energy work with Emma. Emmas teaching the Disciples. Shes really good too. Shell be in charge.
Dont worry about that, Simone, I said, not wanting to take the conversation in a difficult direction. Well talk about that later.
Charlie appeared very uncomfortable.
Charlie, Ill tell you all about it when were back at the Peak. In private, I said pointedly, and she nodded. But I could see she was concerned.
When we arrived at the Peak I took Charlie into one of the student rooms behind the training room. Is this okay? If its not good enough, you can go in with Simone, or you can have my room. I dont mind.
You cant do that, Emma, Simone squeaked. You cant give Charlie your room, its not fitting.
Charlie didnt miss that. This will be fine, Emma, Ive had this room before. She put her bag down and folded her arms over her chest. Please tell me whats going on.
Simone, could you go to Monica for a while? I said. Call me if you need me, Im right here.
Okay, Emma. Simone waved one hand as she went out.
Shes very grown-up for such a little girl, Charlie said.
Shes been through a lot lately. We all have. I gestured for her to sit on the bed and I sat on the student chair next to the desk. I leaned my elbow on the desk and rested my chin on my hand.
I heard about the Attack, Charlie said. I heard that most of the Mountain was destroyed. Its awful. I hope Mr Chen is okay.