White Tiger

papers strewn all over his desk.
    ‘You know that Simone is a kidnapping target?’
    ‘I know,’ I said impatiently. ‘But what was all that about in Central?’
    ‘Leo spotted some criminals who would be interested in her—’
    ‘No, he didn’t,’ I said quickly. ‘Simone saw them. Leo didn’t see anything.’
    He remained silent, carefully studying my face. ‘Tell me!’ I snapped.
    He took a deep breath, still calm. ‘Simone had seen one of those people before. They have tried to take her in the past. She warned Leo.’
    I waited for more, but it wasn’t forthcoming. He just sat watching me.
    ‘If you don’t tell me what is going on very soon, I will resign.’
    He studied me closely, then shook his head. ‘You’re really not frightened at all, are you?’
    I glared defiantly at him. ‘Of course not. And I will find out what is going on here.’
    He leaned back. ‘We’ll explain it all soon. But right now, Simone’s Chinese teacher is here. Go and let her in.’
    The doorbell rang and I jumped. ‘How do you know it’s Simone’s Chinese teacher?’ He just watched me.
    ‘I’m not finished yet,’ I warned, and opened the door to go out.
    ‘I sincerely hope not,’ he said softly behind me. Monica was ahead of me and had already let the Chinese teacher in. I sighed with exasperation and wentinto my room. I lay on the bed and opened one of the books on Chinese gods. I was certain now that they’d been left there for me.
    That couple on the beach had disappeared completely. The kid today had made a chopper magically appear in his hand. Both Simone and Mr Chen could tell who was in the house without seeing them.
    I did another internet search on Xuan Tian Shang Di and was referred to a page about Xuan Wu. I clicked the link and the screen filled with information about the Dark Lord of the North, Xuan Wu. Something to do with snakes and turtles—he either defeated them or he was one or even both of them. Controlled water; brought rain.
    Xuan Wu, also called the Dark Emperor Zhen Wu, and Chen Wu and Pak Tai in Southern China. Pak Tai, who had a temple on Cheung Chau devoted to him. Boring Pak Tai.
    God of Martial Arts, Emperor of the Northern Heavens. Always in black; dishevelled hair, bare feet. Destroyer of demons.
    Could it be a codename?
    But spy things wouldn’t explain all the weird stuff in the Chen household…
    I stared at the screen with disbelief. Dark Lord Xuan Wu? No way.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    W e had the usual Chinese vegetarian meal that evening. Simone chatted about the yum cha and the wedding photos, but didn’t mention our mad rush home.
    ‘I have arranged a trip for us to Paris,’ Mr Chen said. Leo let out his breath in a long hiss, but didn’t say anything.
    ‘Can we see Aunty Kwan?’ Simone said.
    ‘That’s why we’re going—I need to meet with Aunty Kwan.’
    ‘I wanna go to the Eiffel Tower!’
    ‘You always want to go to the Eiffel Tower,’ he said, smiling indulgently.
    Simone screwed up her face. ‘I like it. Can I go to the Science Museum as well?’
    ‘You want to go to London too?’
    Simone nodded, wide-eyed. ‘Yes, please, Daddy. I want to see James and Charlie.’
    He sighed. ‘All right. But only for a couple of days. I can’t stay away for too long, you know that.’
    ‘Okay, Daddy.’
    ‘Leo, ask Monica to take Simone and we’ll discuss the details.’
    After Monica had taken Simone out of the dining room, Mr Chen became much more businesslike. I listened carefully; this would be my first trip overseas with them and I didn’t want to screw up.
    ‘Out of Macau as usual, Leo,’ he said. ‘We’ll stay with Ms Kwan in Paris, and in the house in Kensington in London.’
    ‘Understood, sir,’ Leo said.
    ‘Have you ever been to Europe, Miss Donahoe?’ Mr Chen said. ‘Do you speak French?’
    ‘No. Australia and Asia only.’ I grimaced with embarrassment. ‘My French is pathetic.’
    ‘Not a problem. Leo’s French is perfect, and he will escort you and Simone while I meet with Ms Kwan.’
    ‘How long will you meet with her, sir?’ Leo said.
    ‘Five days.’
    Leo nodded.
    ‘Then three days in London, and back here. Guard them well, Leo, we will be a long way from the Mountain.’
    ‘Sir.’
    Mr Chen turned to me and put his palms firmly on the table. ‘Any questions, Emma?’ He saw my face. ‘What?’
    ‘You called me Emma. You usually call me Miss Donahoe.’
    ‘Oh,’ he said. ‘Sorry.’
    ‘No, no.’ I waved my hands in