Julian Read Online Free PDF Page B

explain,” Bai said, nodding to his employee.
    “Wesley was born in this city,” Chang began, “but he is Chinese. His reaction when in danger is not to go to the police but to the head of his family, his grandfather. Wesley is Mr. Bai’s only surviving male heir, and therefore more precious to him than his own life. He is now on his way to live in … Europe, where he will be safe. You must understand the enormity of Mr. Bai’s debt to you, Aidan. He wants you to comprehend this. Fully.”
    “But—”
    “You say you acted by instinct. And yet you stayed with Wesley. You had been knifed, but you didn’t leave him to save yourself.”
    “What I’m trying to explain is, I didn’t think about anything, like being in danger or … I just … did what I did.”
    “Nevertheless.”
    Aidan weighed Chang’s words, but at the same time felt like a phony. He hadn’t been overcome by a duty or desire to save the little kid he saw tearing down the street to get away from four men. He was an athlete; his body was trained to react without thought. Wasn’t that what he had done? Alright, he had felt sorry for Wesley when it was all over. But how could he take credit for it, pretending he was a hero when he didn’t believe he was?
    Chang said no more. Bai crossed his legs, his fingertips caressing the chair arms. The silence weighed on Aidan.
    “Okay, fine,” he conceded. “Tell him I’m glad I could help, he doesn’t owe me anything, and we’ll let it go at that.”
    Chang rattled on in Chinese for a few moments. Bai nodded. Chang turned to Aidan. “Mr. Bai has given me permission to explain further. He has acknowledged his debt to you. Without your help his grandson might have been taken. Or worse. He cannot accept your answer. If you reject his gratitude he will be humiliated. He will lose face.”
    Aidan found himself at a loss. So unreal was the position he was in, he had no idea what to do or say. He only knew he didn’t want anything from the old man sitting across from him.
    “What should I say to him, then?” Aidan asked Chang. “I don’t want to insult him. I already have, probably.”
    “No, not … yet. It’s an old custom with Chinese of Mr. Bai’s generation to refuse a gift two or three times before reluctantly accepting. And showing humility as you have done, saying you aren’t worthy, is also polite.”
    “But I’m not being polite. I’m just … saying.”
    “I understand.”
    Aidan thought for a moment, then turned to Mr. Bai and said, “Thank you. I am glad to know I can rely on your help.”
    Bai seemed pleased. “Once again, I apologize for my grandson’s bad manners. He is a naughty boy who has been spoiled and has always had his own way. He has much to learn.”
    “He was scared,” Aidan replied.
    “Your hand is healed somewhat?” Chang translated.
    Aidan lifted his arm, flexed his fingers and wiggled them in answer.
    “I am most pleased to know that,” Mr. Bai said. “I hope you allow me to reimburse you for any medical costs you have incurred.”
    “You don’t need to,” Aidan said, “but, er, thanks just the same.”
    Then Bai stood, indicating that the interview was over. “Mr. Chang will provide you with certain information I would like you to have. He will be your liaison with me. Thank you again, Mr. Aidan.”
    After Chang had translated and Aidan had returned the goodbye, the old man left the room. Chang accompanied Aidan back to the car waiting by the door of the restaurant. On the return trip, no one spoke. When the driver turned into Aidan’s neighbourhood Aidan asked him to pull over when they were still a few blocks from the Boyd house.
    “I can walk from here,” he said.
    Chang looked as if he was about to object, so Aidan cut him off.
    “The Boyds don’t know about the, er, incident. They think I cut myself.”
    Chang nodded. “I see. Then let me take just a few more moments of your time.”
    He drew a business card from his pocket and