Chapter 6
Ruth smiled at Scott and asked, Did my comments to Mr. Perkins stimulate your curiosity?
Come on, Ruth, you knew they would.
Yes, you are right. I remember you were always so eager to solve the riddles I invented, but you enjoyed the games now, didnt you? she asked, laughing brightly.
He smiled but said seriously, Yes. But this time it was the statement you made about Pandoras box being opened that got my attention.
Ah, yes. I did say that didnt I?
Yes, and Perk thought you sounded frightened. So will you please tell us what this business is all about?
Ruths expression changed visibly from light banter to total seriousness - with a slight edge of fear mixed in.
All right, since youve come such a long way and its getting late, Ill get right to the point.
She patted her skirt and adjusted herself in her straight-backed chair and began.
As you already know, my grandmother, Mary Taylor Trent, was the daughter of missionary parents stationed in China. In 1870, she went to visit friends in Mongolia. While there she met my grandfather, Trevor Trent. After visiting for a few months, it was time for Mary to return to her parents in Peking, and Trevor agreed to accompany her on the journey back. On their way to the train station Mary made one last trip to a street filled with small merchant shops. She returned to one shop in particular where the week before she had seen a small painting that she couldnt get out of her mind.
After thirty minutes of bargaining she bought the painting, stuffed it into her Porte-manteau and rushed to the station.
Chapter 65
Scott saw Deng begin to move towards him and whispered over his shoulder to Jennifer. Jen, run for your life. Give the treaty to Brock.
She started to protest, but he cut her off. I cant fight both of you. GO!
Jennifer turned and began running.
Deng saw her turn and immediately raised the knife in his good arm, ready to send it flying into Jennifers back.
Scott reacted immediately. He scooped a handful of dirt and threw it into the air, not close enough to fly into Dengs eye, but dense enough to deflect his aim. Scott glanced over his shoulder long enough to see the knife imbed itself in a tree next to Jennifers fleeing body.
He whirled around just as Deng screamed and lunged at him. Deng moved the remaining knife to his good hand and as he lunged he dropped to one knee and swiped at Scotts left leg.
Blood immediately gushed from Scotts leg. Dengs aim was perfect; he nicked the anterior tibial artery and sliced the short shapenous vein.
Scott felt no pain but he could tell by the amount of blood staining his pants that it could prove fatal.
Deng walked slowly away with his back to Scott, and then turned and tried to smile, but his scar distorted his lips into an evil-looking sneer. No, you will not die yet, he said when he saw the look of concern on Scotts face.
Deng circled to Scotts right, forcing Scott to attempt to balance on his wounded leg. Deng moved in again and was rewarded with a kick to the right side of his face as Scott came from his blindside and splattered warm blood across his face.
Deng moved gracefully away, like a swordsman who knew his craft perfectly, but as he fell away he lashed out in a wide ranging arc and ran his blade across Scotts waist, opening a gash an inch-and-a half wide across his belly, and at the same time inflicting a deep cut on Scotts inner arm just above the wrist.
Scott fell back, blood spilling all over him as he tried to stay on his feet. He knew he could not defend himself against Deng. The man was an expert. He didnt stand a chance. He could see that Deng had hardly exerted himself and had already inflicted wounds that would be fatal.
And suddenly, for the first time in his life, Scott gave up. He was so weak from the loss of blood he could hardly raise his arms from his sides.
Deng looked at him. Are you finished, Mr. Fleming? No more tricks to pull out of your hat? I am disappointed. I thought you would be a worthy adversary.
Go to hell, Scott said weakly.
Deng closed in on Scott. He stood with his face less then an inch from Scotts, pulled his arm back to plunge his knife into Scotts belly and said, No. You go to hell.
Deng Lee never knew what happened next. As he prepared to stab Scott, he experienced a momentary explosion in his head and then blackness.
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