Eagle by Jeff Stone Read Free Book Online Page A

said, swallowing. “I learned long ago never to burn any bridges, no matter how unstable they may appear. I can't give you refuge, but I see no reason why we can't make a deal or two. I see you've brought something. Is that a bundle of
qiangs?”
    “Yes.”
    “Excellent. I can never have enough of those. They're worth their weight in gold, you know.”
    “I'm not interested in gold,” Ying said. “I want a short
qiang.
Do you have any?”
    “I might,” HukJee replied, leaning back in his chair. “What do you have in mind?”
    Ying placed the bundle on the ground and unwrapped it. He laid two of the
qiangs
side by side and picked up the third. “I want to trade these three long
qiangs
for a short one.”
    HukJee scratched one of his many chins. “Interesting. I don't suppose any of them are loaded?”
    Ying smirked and aimed the
qiang
in his arms at HukJee's huge head. “This one is.”
    “I see. Are you saying I don't have a choice in this matter?”
    “Of course you have a choice. You just might not like all your options.”
    “All right, then,” HukJee said. “Anything else?”
    “I need a new robe and pants,” Ying replied. “Black silk, with an extra piece to use as a mask.” He glanced at the table. “I also want some of your breakfast.”
    HukJee burst into laughter. “Put the
qiang
down, Ying. Your offer is both reasonable and amusing. No one has ever threatened to kill me for my breakfast!” He clapped his fat hands once loudly, and Ying heard a flurry of footsteps outside. “My men are coming back. If they see that
qiang
in your hands, they will show you what they can do with theirs. Then you'll miss thebest breakfast of your life. That would be a shame, wouldn't it?”
    Ying heard the door begin to open and he let the
qiang
slip through his fingers to his side. He kept his hand on the end of the barrel, far from the trigger.
    “Wise choice,” HukJee said.
    One of the bodyguards stepped into the office. “Sir?”
    HukJee smiled. “I need you to round up a few things. The list is short. Be quick about it; our guest is in a hurry.”
    A quarter of an hour later, Ying pushed himself away from HukJee's breakfast table, completely stuffed. He was certain he'd never eaten that much food before.
    “Enjoy yourself?” HukJee asked.
    Ying moaned and nodded. “It was delicious.”
    HukJee grinned. “Magnificent. I'd offer to have you join me for my midmorning snack, but I believe your goods have arrived.”
    Ying turned and looked out of the office door. One of the bodyguards approached, holding a brown leather bag.
    “Please take a look,” HukJee said. “Let me know if you are satisfied.”
    Ying stood from the table and the man handed him the bag. Inside was a short
qiang,
unloaded, plus lead balls, wadding, fire stones, a ramrod, and a horn of black powder. There were also black silk clothes and a wide black silk scarf that a woman might use to tie up her hair.
    Ying glared at the bodyguard. “A scarf?”
    The man shrugged. “The workers in back said that was all we had.”
    HukJee chuckled. “What about the
qiang,
Ying?”
    “I like it,” Ying replied, closing the leather bag. “The ammunition is a nice surprise. A pleasure doing business with you.”
    “Another satisfied customer,” HukJee said. “Wonderful!”
    Ying offered HukJee a slight bow.
    HukJee bowed back as best he could with his stomach still wedged beneath the table. “Come back anytime, Ying. Just be sure to leave your attitude at the door. Treat me fairly, and I'll do the same for you.”
    “I'll remember that,” Ying replied. He quickly tied the black scarf across his face and left.
    Ying crossed the docks at a brisk pace, hurrying to find a place to change his clothes before the sun rose any higher. He zigged and zagged through four different streets before settling on a narrow alley between two tall apartment buildings. He changed quickly, shoving the Pit Cleaner's uniform and the swatch of white silk he'd had