Kian smiled. "Is that a hint that you are in the mood for some?"
"Yes, please."
Annani thought about calling and then decided to text instead in case Areana was with Navuh.
Kian and I are on our way to the keep. Have you eaten lunch yet?
The three dots indicating that Areana was writing back danced for a long time before the return text finally arrived. Doctor Bridget was kind enough to order a sandwich for me from the lobby café, but I would gladly join you for lunch.
Annani smiled as she typed back. Excellent. Kian is ordering Chinese takeout, and we will bring it to the penthouse. You are going to love it. Golden Dragon is the best Chinese cuisine in town. We will be there in about half an hour."
Annani returned the phone to the pocket of her gown. "I made it very clear that we are planning to meet her in the penthouse." She glanced at the menu Kian was scrolling through. "Order a little extra for Areana to save for later."
He cast her a sidelong glance. "You should know by now that I always order twice as much as needed. She will have plenty of leftovers."
The rest of the drive passed with Annani looking out the window while her mind turned over possibilities. What could Navuh offer that he believed would be valuable enough to earn his freedom? What card had he been holding back all this time?
Her greatest worry was that the card he was keeping hidden was information about another massive terror attack like the ones the clan had foiled only a few months ago, and knowing Navuh, that was very likely his ace in the hole.
He knew she would give him anything he wanted to save hundreds or even thousands of lives, even if it was his freedom.
That was why she had not shared her fears with Kian. She did not want him struggling with his conscience in case Navuh's offer was something else. Although there was nothing else that was worth releasing him back to the world to continue doing harm.
She would not give him his freedom for information about the Brotherhood's operations or locations of hidden assets, secret accounts, or valuable artifacts. None of that was worth giving him what he wanted.
After Anandur pulled the SUV into the keep's underground parking structure, they headed to the penthouse, where Areana was waiting in the living room, looking better than she had the last time Annani had seen her. There was color in her cheeks and brightness in her eyes that suggested something had changed. Perhaps it was hope, or simply the relief of knowing that the negotiations were progressing.
Areana embraced her warmly. "I'm so glad you came. I was starting to worry that you forgot about me." There was a slight accusation in her tone.
"It was a very busy week," Annani said.
She was saved from having to elaborate by the arrival of the food, delivered by one of the guards from the lobby.
"Thank you." Anandur took the bags from him and carried them to the dining room.
The brothers helped spread out the food, an impressive array of steaming containers, bamboo baskets, and fragrant sauces. Anandur piled Annani's plate with dumplings and noodles and bite-sized portions of everything else.
"What are these?" Areana looked at the chopsticks like they were a pair of worms.
"I'll get you a fork." Anandur stood up.
"I can teach you to use them," Annani said. "You hold them like this." She demonstrated, "and you use them like this." She picked up a dumpling. "Give it a try."
Areana fumbled a little to start with, but then she got the hang of it and declined the fork that Anandur offered her.
They chatted about this and that, with Annani telling Areana about Tula and Esag moving in together and Tony finding a new love interest, but beneath the pleasant chatter, Annani was aware of the tension humming through the room. They all knew why she was there.
"How is Navuh doing?" Annani asked to get the conversation going in the right direction.
"He is doing much better," Areana said, setting down her chopsticks. "He can move his hands a little. He's still very weak and can't even hold a cup of water yet, but it's a big improvement nonetheless."
Was it possible that Navuh was faking his weakness?
Perhaps it was time to take additional precautions and put on him the special cuffs that could inject neurotoxin and immobilize even the strongest immortal. She glanced at Kian, and he gave her a nod, signaling that he understood.
"That is good news," Annani said. "I am glad his recovery is progressing so well."
Areana hesitated, then added, "He is eager to speak with you. He has been asking about you for days."
