Free Reign of Coins by Aiden James

fairly certain the Mongolian items in my grandfather’s collection are all here.”
    “No, they’re not,” he assured her, and the remaining warmth in his eyes gave way to his soul’s chill. “I’m looking for something pertaining to Genghis Khan. Your grandfather once reported he inherited an ancient item, personal to the Mongolian Emperor.... Perhaps you know of what I speak?”
    She shook her head, and I doubt my son noticed a telltale sign she was lying. But I did. I’m pretty sure Morrow noticed it, too. Or, maybe it was something he sensed. The eyes of both gave them away…hers flinching ever so slightly, and his taking on an acute glint that made his emerald peepers a little bit brighter.
    “Ask Cheung Yung-ching about a map…one that is supposed to lead to the mythical ‘Mantle of Genghis Khan’. I guarantee he’ll know what you’re talking about.”
    Morrow turned away from her, pushing past us all as he stormed out of the room with resolute purpose. His short boot heels clicked against the tiled floor as he hurried to the featured coin displays. I continued to listen long after the others couldn’t hear his footsteps anymore.  
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 9
     
     
    “Should your coin turn up in Cheung Yung-ching’s more extensive collection, do you plan on stealing it if he won’t willingly part with it for a fair sum?”
    Alistair and I had just placed our dinner orders at one of Hong Kong’s premier restaurants specializing in northern Chinese cuisine, the Hutong. Before I tell you my answer to his brash question, allow me to bring us up to date.
    After our interesting encounter with Christian Morrow, we soon parted ways with Cheung Sulyn and a visibly uptight Lao  Wee Kiat James. To Sulyn’s credit, she seemed largely unaffected by the American millionaire’s aggressiveness. In contrast to Mr. Lao’s haste to pursue Mr. Morrow out onto the convention floor, Sulyn leisurely escorted my son and me to her office down the hall to pick up a business card for Alistair. Then, she escorted us to the main entrance, taking the longer route so she and he could chat.
    Sulyn arranged for us to meet at the hospital caring for her grandfather at eight-thirty the next morning. Our afternoon viewing of the rest of Cheung Yung-ching’s collection was also set, for two o’clock.
    We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting Victoria Harbour where we took a ride on the famed Star Ferry. An impressive scenic trip that would’ve been even better had we taken a boat ride along the same general path at night, from what I understand.
    “Well, it depends,” I said, pausing to sip chilled lychee wine. “If the coin is there and my offer of fair market price plus twenty percent doesn’t woo him, I’ll see if I can snag it from his collection and run like hell.”
    I added a devilish grin. Unfortunately, it did little to alleviate my son’s uneasiness.
    “In truth, I’ll be surprised if the damned thing is in Mr. Cheung’s exclusive collection,” I continued. “Remember my mention of how I felt drawn away from Hong Kong proper when we prepared to land at the airport? I’d bet everything I’m worth the coin I seek is still inside the cave I dreamt about last night.”
    “Oh, Pops, please!”
    My boy shook his head in irritation. I did everything to hide my own annoyance. Was this a byproduct of his crystal-influenced regeneration? What a shame it would be if I hurled the damned things into Kowloon Bay.
    “I’m serious, son,” I said, surprised by the edge in my voice. “The steamer chests might contain far more items in terms of artifacts. Perhaps even the mantle mentioned this afternoon by Christian Morrow.”
    That got his attention. He sat up straight and eyed me expectantly. “You’re saying the ‘Mantle of Genghis Khan’ actually exists?”
    “Maybe.”
    “Sheesh! There’s no evidence to support the crazy legends of a ‘fiery blast’ preceding the arrival of his personal army as he