Chapter 45

  

San Francisco, 1906

  

Anand was nervous about meeting Li at the Siren’s Anchor that night. He was sure that Li would see from his face that he had been courting his sister Mai. But Li’s note had been insistent.

When Anand entered the saloon, Li was standing at the bar with a young Chinese man, at the age between a boy and a man. There was something familiar about him...

The young man smiled at Anand and extended his hand for Anand to shake. A scar ran from the man’s hand up the side of his arm.

“Recognize your friend?” Li asked. “This is Eddie. This is the boy whose life you saved three years ago. He’s here to return the favor.”

The three sat at a table together and leaned in close.

“Eddie is from a family of sailors,” Li explained.

“I owe you a great debt,” Eddie said.

“It was nothing more than any man would have done,” Anand replied, remembering that dark night when he, Li, and Samuel had rescued Eddie from the gang of men beating him. There was never any question that he would help the boy.

“You are too humble,” Eddie said. “My brothers agree we are in your debt. We want to repay you.”

“No payment is required, my friend,” Anand said.

“Wait until you hear what he has to say,” Li said.

Eddie grinned. “We’re going to help you intercept the ship you’re after,” he said. “The ship that holds the treasure you seek.”