“I’m afraid I don’t understand your query, Ms. Steers,” said Lord in a tone that was about as ominous as any Nash had ever heard.
Steers, in a calm, almost placid voice, said, “You see, that was the other reason why I decided to sell you the business at such aninterestingprice point. My mother built the empire that I now oversee. And I wanted something for my mother to do because she is an indomitable person to whom a life of leisure is anathema. And it was clear from her words to me that she did not like the way I was running things. Not enough Americans are dying from the drugs I sell. Your partners in Beijing are not pleased, either. My mother, I can assure you, will have no compunction whatsoever about getting those deaths back up to the requisite levels. Although I will warn you that from experiences with my partners to the south, they will not be pleased to see their paying customers once again dying by the hundreds of thousands each year. That was what prompted me to pull back. But you, of course, may see it differently. I explained this to my mother, and she agreed that it was a unique challenge. Thus it may be a challenge you may choose to confronttogether.”
All the tension seemed to release from Lord, and Nash could feel his pulse return to normal, the sweat under his armpits chilled, his fight-or-flight impulses faded, and he could breathe normally.
She just put him in check. But can she finish it?
Lord, for his part, eased back in his chair and assumed, at least to Nash, the manner of a snake that had just been about to strike but no longer needed to.
“Your wisdom, candidness, and competent advice reflect well on you, Ms. Steers. And having done my due diligence since last we spoke, I know that everything you just said is true. And in answer to your query, yes, I believe that Icanuse your mother in my operations. This may seem strange to you after where she was for all those years, and the role I played therewith.”
Steers replied, “I have experienced enough in my life to find absolutely nothing strange anymore, Mr. Lord. I accept thatanythingcan happen, and I find that my outlook is often proven correct. I will convey your wishes to my mother. She will be most pleased.”
Lord nodded. “I am sure that her desire to return to the business will overshadow any difficult feelings accumulated during her, um, retention at my facility.”
“I’m glad you said that, because in addition to the payment to my partners, it would, I think, be very advantageous for you to reward my mother as she assists in running the business.”
“I think you are quite right about that.”
“Does this mean that we have a deal?” asked Steers.
“If your partners will accept seventy percent as opposed to seventy-six percent, then, yes, we have a deal. And just so you know, the additional six percent will be going as compensation to your dear mother, partly to make up for her years of imprisonment.”
“She will be doubly happy with your respect for her as a person, and for her abilities.”
Checkmate, thought Nash as he marveled at the skillful maneuvering of the woman.
Lord said, “I told you before that you would be staying overnight with me. Dinner will be served at seven. Does that work for you?”
“We look forward to your hospitality and company,” replied Steers. “And I very much look forward to closing this chapter of my life.”
CHAPTER
67
THE DINNER WAS LAVISH ANDserved professionally by the staff. Nash did not drink any alcohol because he wanted his wits about him. He watched Steers closely and saw that she ate little and drank only water.
After dinner Nash had been in his quarters for only a few minutes when a knock came on his door. It was Steers.
She held up her phone. On the screen Nash read:Outside. Now.
With two of Lord’s men trailing behind them, Nash and Steers, using the flashlight features on their phones, went for a walk down the darkened canyon road.
“The house had audio and video surveillance throughout,” noted Steers. “Including the bedrooms. I’m going to sleep in my clothes.”
“You really outmaneuvered Lord, but tell me something. What’s to stop him from killing you and taking over your business without paying anyone a dime? Despite what you said before, he might have been behind the attempt on your life in Hong Kong.”
“No, he wasn’t, Dillon-san.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because it was my mother who attempted to kill me in Hong Kong.”
Nash abruptly stopped and stared at her.
Steers, who had kept walking, said softly, “Continue strolling, Dillon-san, we have watchful eyes upon us.”
Nash caught up to her. “Your mother?”
