Free Penumbra (The Midnight Society #2) by Logan Patricks Page B

need for me anymore.”
    Nathan grinned. “It was worth a try.”
    “Do we have a deal?”
    Nathan thought for a moment before replying. “I have your word that once our account is in complete control of the Triads, no one will be able to gain access to it? Not even the Midnight Society?”
    I nodded. “You have my word. The Triads will be freed from the Midnight Society and the Revenants. You will have your own empire, one that is untouchable.”
    Nathan shrugged his shoulders, and then extended his hand towards me. “You made an offer that’s hard to refuse,” he said.
    Nathan’s handshake had the strength of a vice grip. He was trying to display his alpha male dominance in our business arrangement. Luckily, I had a pretty firm handshake of my own. I pulled him forward towards me, taking him off balance for a split second.
    He released his grip immediately, his face displaying mild annoyance.
    Nathan cleared his throat and took a step back. “Once I see evidence that the Triad’s account has been freed from the Revenant’s control, I will arrange a meeting with Elena Zhao and deliver her straight to you,” he said coolly.
    He walked away from the toy vendor and made his way to the rows of tables selling sweaters, scarves, and other assortments of clothing.
    I walked beside him—never behind, which was a sign of weakness.
    “Why are you so keen on speaking to Elena, if I might be so bold to ask?” Nathan said.
    “She knows where my sister is,” I replied.
    Nathan smiled. “Calisto has been quite the enigma since the Revenants replaced the Midnight Society at the top of the food chain. We call her the Velvet Ghost, looking divine whenever someone manages to catch a glimpse of her. Those moments are few and far between,” he said. “She has the uncanny ability to disappear into the thin air.”
    “She knows I’m looking for her,” I said.
    “There’s nothing more tragic than siblings fighting.”
    “There’s nothing more annoying than someone prying into my personal life.” I looked at Nathan coldly. “You concentrate on keeping your part of the bargain: Elena Zhao, in a room, alone with me.”
    Nathan shrugged. “As long as the Triad’s aren’t affected by the fall out of your family dispute, that’s fine with me.”
    “They won’t. You’ll have enough money and influence by that time to hold your own against any of us.” I paused, just before adding, “There was that one other thing I asked of Tsung when I contacted him.”
    “Yes,” Nathan nodded. “He made mention of it.”
    “Where is he?” I asked.
    “I have to admit, I was surprised that you would to speak with him so soon, especially after his father’s recent and unfortunate expiration.”
    “Once again, that’s my own personal business,” I said. “Do you know where he is or not?”
    Nathan nodded. “The Triad runs an underground fighting club, the Dragon’s Teeth,” he said. “He’s a star attraction there, known as the Black Devil.”
    I raised a brow.
    “Ever since his father’s death, he’s beaten all my fighters into a bloody mess,” Nathan sighed. “I’m losing quite a bit on the gambling aspect of my business. No one wants to bet against him, though secretly everyone wants to see him lose.”
    “Why’s that?” I asked. “Wouldn’t people want to cheer for such a dominating fighter?”
    Nathan laughed. “Do you know what I had to do to get the Triad to accept me even though I’m half Chinese? Imagine what lengths a black man must do to win them over.”
    “I see your point.”
    Nathan rubbed his hands together. “I think it’s time for me to call it a night. I dislike the cold,” he said. “Consider the information regarding Cairo West a gift, to celebrate our new business arrangement. I will tell my men to give you full access into the Dragon’s Teeth. While there, I suggest using another name. No need for Elena to suspect you’re in Hong Kong.”
    I nodded. “Much