Bloody hell. Of course, Wei did not expect things to be easy. He reminded himself that, thanks to Glory, he had the name of his family’s killer. It was the most progress he’d made since arriving in London.
He calmed his tone. “If you could offer any additional information concerning Leonard Kray, I would be appreciative.”
“Kray is the most devious and cold-blooded bastard of my acquaintance. And, in my line of work, I’ve met my share of bastards.” Scott’s gaze had that faraway look again. “Kray, however, was in a class of his own. A manipulator with no conscience. He lied so often and well that it was difficult to disentangle the falsehoods from the facts. In truth, I cannot guarantee the veracity of anything I am about to share.”
“Tell me what you know, and I will judge for myself.”
“Kray claimed that he was well-born, a younger son of a younger son. He had some falling out with his family; when he got deep into his cups, he would speak of them with rage. He was resentful of his grandfather, who refused to send him on a Grand Tour and disowned him when he was caught for a crime which he did not elaborate upon. All I know is that he blamed some woman for ‘seducing him’ and landing him in Newgate.
“When Kray was released, he traveled the world on his own to spite his grandfather, funding his adventures, no doubt, through nefarious activities. He had a taste for pain and suffering, specifically inflicting it on others. He bragged about his visits to exotic places.” Scott glanced at Wei. “Including China.”
Hands curling, Wei bit out, “Go on.”
“When Kray returned to England, he quickly spent whatever fortune he’d amassed abroad. Again, he turned to his murderous skills to make a living. I last saw him over six years ago and do not know where he is now.”
“How do I find the blackguard?” Wei refused to accept a dead end.
“I know someone who might know where Kray is,” Scott said. “If he is, indeed, alive.”
He had better be alive. So that I can end his miserable existence myself.
“Who is this person?” Wei said tersely. “How do I contact him?”
“You don’t. Not if you want answers. This person is particular about who she associates with, and she will not see you, let alone speak to you, without an introduction.”
She. A woman can tell me where Kray is?
“Will you make an introduction?” Wei asked.
A beat of silence.
“I believe I will.” Scott’s expression held a peculiar mix of emotions that Wei couldn’t decipher. “This will require time, but I shall do my best to sway her. Await my instructions.”
Twenty-Eight
Three days later, Wei had not heard from Scott. He counseled himself to be patient. After fifteen years of chasing down the killer, what did another few days matter? The important thing was that he was finally making progress. He busied himself with the activities at the clinic, treating patients and teaching martial arts.
What made the time drag was Glory’s absence. She’d sent him a letter, apologizing that a slew of social obligations prevented her from seeing him. Now that her parents were back, she had to attend various functions with them, including a boating regalia on the Thames yesterday. She was also working hard to plan a luncheon in honor of her papa’s campaign.
The last thing Wei wished was to be the cause of friction between Glory and her parents. He liked that she was a dutiful daughter and did not want her to apologize for fulfilling her role. At the same time, he had to fight his demons. The ones that whispered that he was good for clandestine fucking and nothing else.
Rationally, he knew Glory didn’t see him that way. She’d said she loved him—and shown him too. She’d stood by him in his quest and pleasured him so sweetly; she was giving, loyal, and adorable…everything he wanted in a bride. Yet the longer they kept their relationship in the dark, the more he questioned if they could ever step out into the light.
Even after her father’s bill was presented, Wei would remain a liability in His Grace’s political and social life. The duke’s daughter would be married to a foreigner who helped opium users in the East End. Even if Glory’s parents allowed the marriage—and that was a big if—was it fair of Wei to ask her to leave her life of privilege behind? To bring the woman he loved so far down in the world? Was he worth everything that she would have to sacrifice?
When Wei meditated, the questions whirled like shed leaves. It required more and more effort to empty his mind. To stay with his breath and not allow his thoughts to run amok. During other times, he managed to maintain his outward composure…at least to those who didn’t know him well.
“Missing your little lady, are you?” Yao sauntered into the courtyard, an apple in hand.
Wei, who’d been working his frustrations out on a sparring dummy, paused for breath.
“I am practicing what our shifu taught us,” he said. “You might do the same.”
“Don’t need to. Unlike you, I’m not as jumpy as a cricket on a hot stone.” Yao took a large, crunchy bite of the fruit. “Don’t blame you, though,” he said through his mouthful. “She’s a rare find. Pretty, rich, and bold as brass. Shifu would like her.”
“You think so?” Wei couldn’t help but ask.
“I know so. If for no other reason than the fact that she’s proved his philosophy right.”
