Jonathan’s expression didn’t change a bit, but he said, “Tenzin, I’ve heard an odd rumor about some immortals going missing in Kashi.”
“Kashi?”
Ben said, “It’s the modern name for Kashgar, T.”
“Oh! I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I do believe that Cheng would agree with you. Most vehemently. You have absolutely no idea what could have happened to them. Any rumors to the contrary are the vampire version of urban legends.”
Ben said, “She probably has a few of those floating around already.” He glanced over his shoulder. “No pun intended.”
Tenzin rested her chin on Ben’s shoulder. “Odd place, Xinjiang. All sorts of people pass through there. Highly uncivilized.”
Jonathan asked, “Didn’t you live there for several hundred years?”
“Of course I did. I love it. But unfortunate incidents happen.”
Frustratingly polite irritation. That was how Ben would classify the expression on Jonathan’s face at that moment. “I distinctly remember Cheng making a request for no ‘unfortunate incidents’ to occur during your travels in Xinjiang.”
Ben said, “She’s very bad at following orders.”
She pinched his lips together. “So are you. It’s done, Jonathan. Get over it. Especially because I have no idea what Cheng could be talking about.”
“Right.” Jonathan glanced back at the truck. “What a delectable scent, my dear. I’ll have our people clean it out and pack the crates in the container. The ship leaves in two days and will be in Long Beach twelve days after that. I trust you have people on the other side who can take care of things there?”
“I’ve already talked to Ernesto.”
“Excellent.” Jonathan was all business. “Then we will have everything ready for you to inspect tomorrow evening. The container will be sealed in your presence and then loaded that night. Do you have your own inventory?”
“My human does.”
Jonathan nodded. “Then I’ll take you to Cheng as soon as the truck is secured.”
“No.”
A shiver crept down Ben’s spine when Jonathan turned. “No?”
“I’m tired and I stink. I want safe lodging for me and my human tonight. I’ll meet Cheng tomorrow. At sunset, if he wants. But surely he won’t want to greet me when I still smell like rotting vegetables.”
Jonathan didn’t say anything. Clearly, this was not the plan. But Ben was guessing Tenzin outranked Jonathan and Cheng in whatever intricate political and social construct was in play here. They could hardly refuse her request without offending her.
“Of course,” Jonathan finally said. “We will make arrangements—”
“I have my own accommodations arranged,” Tenzin said, still perched on Ben’s back. “I simply want to know that my human can move freely within the city during the day if he wishes.”
“You may depend on it,” Jonathan said smoothly. “Cheng’s hospitality is renowned. I hope your human enjoys Shanghai. Shall I arrange a vehicle?”
“Please.”
Within minutes, Ben was driving a car that Jonathan had procured for them. He didn’t speak, just took the keys and sat in the driver’s seat while Tenzin got in the back. She was far more comfortable in a vehicle now. Not a bad thing.
“I’ll show you where to go,” Tenzin said as she settled into the plush bench of the black Mercedes sedan. “This is much nicer than the truck.”
“Most cars are nicer than that truck.”
“Hmm. Curious.”
“Tiny, you realize this car—”
“Will be tracked somehow. Yes, I know. We’re not going very far.”
“You do remember I can’t fly, right?”
She laughed. “We’re in Shanghai, Benjamin. There are far better ways for you to travel.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Ben woke to the sound of lapping water under his window and the voices of old women in the courtyard, laughing as they hung the laundry. It was early. Way too early.
They’d arrived in the small water town late last night after dumping the car not far from a freshwater lake west of the city.
Tenzin and Ben had walked to a boatyard near the lake and “borrowed” a narrow wooden vessel reminiscent of a gondola that Tenzin piloted across the still water. Night birds called and the moon was high. As they navigated the dark canals and tributaries on the outskirts of Shanghai, Ben felt as if they were the only two beings on earth.
They approached the water town from the lake and turned down a wide canal, slipping under an arching bridge before they made their way into the village. Lights grew fainter and canals narrower. There were no cars. Few humans. It was deep in the night. No one gave them a passing glance.
They docked the boat near a bridge and climbed the stone steps. Ben heard fish jumping behind them. He said nothing, thoroughly exhausted by days of travel. He followed Tenzin as she led him down one street and across another bridge. On the other side, she stopped in front of a square set of doors and knocked softly. Blocky characters hung over the door. It was a boarding house or hotel of some kind, but when an old woman answered the door, Ben realized it was no ordinary hotel.
The old woman bowed deeply to Tenzin and stammered something in a language Ben didn’t recognize. Tibetan, perhaps? Like Tenzin, her hair was worn in many braids. When she bowed, there was a slight tilt of her head to the left as she bared her neck. A subtle gesture Beatrice had explained to Ben before he left for Asia.