Free Black Karma by Thatcher Robinson Page B

several she’d passed on her way to the kitchen.
    Yan had a younger sister she’d gone to high school with. She couldn’t recall what he looked like, but he’d obviously not forgotten her. Five minutes later, Gary Yan rounded a corner to stride down the hall toward her. He stood around five foot eight with a beefy physique that strained the seams of his blue jacket. A round face smiled at her as he put out his hand in greeting. “Bai Jiang, it’s been a long time.”
    Although he spoke with a smile, his eyes, tight at the corners, informed her he wasn’t really happy. She took his hand and returned his smile. Getting caught left her feeling chastened.
    â€œHow is Anna?” she asked, referring to his sister.
    â€œMarried to a dentist,” he replied perfunctorily as he released the grip on her hand then turned to his subordinate. “I’ll take it from here, James. Thank you.”
    James didn’t look pleased, but he nodded then turned to walk away. Yan watched him leave before returning his gaze to her. “Would you allow me to escort you to the nearest exit?”
    â€œCertainly. I’m sorry to have troubled you, Gary.”
    His smile disappeared as he walked with her toward the stairwell. “I’m hoping there isn’t going to be any trouble, Bai.” He glanced aside at her briefly. “Is this Sun Yee On business?”
    â€œI’m not part of Sun Yee On, Gary. If you have concerns, you can call Inspector Kelly with SFPD. I’m doing some police work for a change.”
    â€œThat won’t be necessary, Bai. If you tell me there’s no need to worry, your word is good enough for me. Should I worry?”
    â€œNo.”
    He opened the back door for her and ushered her out.
    She walked out the door and turned back to face him. “Thanks for the free pass, Gary.”
    He nodded. “Next time, use the front door, Bai. It’ll be better for both of us.”
    As the door swung closed, she turned away. Getting caught red-handed had ruined her mood. When she reached the car, she settled into the seat next to Lee and turned to him with a weary smile. “Gary Yan is head of security at this hotel.”
    â€œI didn’t know that.”
    â€œSurprised me, too.” She handed him her phone. “See if you can get a reservation for Room 624 or 628. Wen is in Room 626.”
    He made the call and reserved the room. They decided he would check into the hotel and use their surveillance equipment in an effort to get “eyes and ears” inside Room 626. She would monitor Wen’s car on her phone app remotely. If Wen decided to use a taxi, they were screwed. Bai had neither the time nor the inclination to sit outside the hotel lurking like paparazzi. She had a blind date to get ready for.

Chapter 10
    Bai planned to simply have a drink at the Grand Hotel and fulfill her obligation to Elizabeth. She didn’t feel the need to dress up for her date. An outfit of black slacks and her black leather jacket over a white, pleated tuxedo-style shirt worked as a compromise between dressy and casual. She wore black pumps as a concession to femininity, while minimal lip gloss and a brush of mascara emphasized her lips and eyes.
    As she stepped out of the elevator on the twentieth floor and into the lounge foyer, she noticed four Asian men in black suits wearing earbuds. Everything about the men suggested they were private security. She nodded to them as they made eye contact with her. They bowed slightly before she turned to walk into the lounge.
    Howard Kwan sat on the far side of the room at a window table with a view of the brightly lit Bay Bridge. She recognized him from photos she’d researched online. Except for Howard and the staff, who stood idly by, the lounge appeared unoccupied. Music played softly in the background.
    She walked up to stand before the table. “Howard Kwan?”
    Looking up, he turned to study