White Tiger

they have her, he must obey them,’ Ms Kwan said. ‘It would be dishonourable to harm her, but that would not stop them from taking her and using her as a hostage. He drove them from the face of the Earth a long time ago, and they would dearly like to return to its surface to terrorise humanity again. If they had Simone, he would be forced to let them.’
    ‘If they have Simone,’ Leo said, ‘he would let them do anything they liked. And he’s the one that protects everybody from them.’
    ‘He is sworn to destroy them all,’ Ms Kwan said.
    Leo sighed. ‘And he can’t hold it together forever. He’s like a battery, losing his charge all the time, getting weaker and weaker. He could charge himself up if he took True Form, but he’s so far gone now that if he did that he’d be stuck in True Form for a long time. They know that and that’s why they’ve targeted Simone. They think he’s so weak he can’t protect her, so they keep coming after her. He’ll lose it eventually anyway, run out of energy and be gone.’
    ‘That’s what you were talking about in his office,’ I said. ‘After we went to Repulse Bay. He hadn’t told you before that he only has a maximum of four or five years.’
    Leo smiled sadly. ‘He drives me completely crazy sometimes.’
    ‘And you believe all of this?’ I said.
    ‘After a couple of weeks I think you will too, Emma,’ Leo said. ‘It’s hard not to, because it really is true.’
    I sat straighter; I’d found a hole in the story. ‘Why’s he in Hong Kong, not Northern China? He’s the God of the North.’
    ‘More opportunities for Simone. She’s still in China, but she can learn about the West,’ Leo said.
    That made sense. I took a breath. ‘So he really will leave her in four or five years? If people are really after her, what will happen then? She’ll only be eight or nine years old.’
    Leo spoke very softly. ‘I’ll guard her for as long as I can. And she’s inherited some skills from him. Hopefully she’ll be able to take any of them by the time he goes.’
    ‘ Hopefully ?’
    Leo’s smile was full of misery.
    ‘Okay,’ I said. ‘I don’t completely believe you, but that’s beside the point. The point is that there are people out there who want to kidnap this delightful little girl and we saw some of them this evening. There are people after her and she needs someone to care for her.’ I swiped my hand through the air. ‘All of this god stuff doesn’t matter. Simone’s safety and happiness is the most important thing.’
    Leo and Ms Kwan shared a look. ‘Impressive,’ Ms Kwan said softly.
    ‘He was worried you’d resign after this evening, like all the others did. And then Simone would be heartbroken,’ Leo said.
    ‘No way will I ever leave Simone as long as she needs me.’ Then I heard what he’d said. ‘Others? How many others?’
    ‘At least fifteen in the twelve months before you arrived,’ Leo said. ‘He’d just about given up when you came on part-time. When the others saw the weaponsthey were scared away. You’re the first to find out who he really is.’
    ‘Leo, do you think he’ll teach me? I’d really like to learn the martial arts.’
    ‘I dunno, Emma, it’s up to him. But I think it’s a good idea. The more of us who are trained, the better we can defend Simone. You should ask him.’
    ‘I did,’ I said. ‘He said no, definitely not, and never to ask again.’
    Leo glanced sharply at Ms Kwan.
    ‘Leave it for now then,’ Ms Kwan said. ‘I will talk to him.’
    ‘Any questions?’ Leo said.
    ‘A million, but right now I think I’ll just wait and see. I’m not completely convinced, but I’m willing to stay on for Simone’s sake.’
    ‘Let’s go and tell him then,’ Leo said. ‘He’ll be delighted.’
    Mr Chen was sitting on one of the sofas with some Chinese tea on a side table next to him. Simone was busily drawing pictures of the Eiffel Tower, her drawing equipment spread all over the floor.
    ‘Will you stay, Emma?’ Mr Chen said.
    ‘Yes, I will.’
    ‘Thank you. You’re very brave.’
    I shook my head. ‘No. I’m completely crazy.’
    He made a soft sound of amusement, then nodded towards Simone. ‘Simone’s bedtime now, please.’
    I stopped in front of Mr Chen. He was dressed all in black as usual, a scruffy T-shirt and a pair of torn cotton pants. His feet were comfortably bare and his long hair had already come out of its tie.
    He saw the way I was looking at him.