“Your friend, the man you were with when we visited your apartment—”

“Brazuca?”

“Odd, I thought he was your romantic partner. I was not aware that people are referring to their significant others by their surnames these days.”

“I can’t keep up with the trends, either.” I decide not to tell him about smashing.

“Before he got into that unfortunate car accident, your Brazuca informed me of two potential lines of inquiry for the man who murdered my son.”

“And you saw the video of the murder.”

He looks away for a moment. If this man has a nervous tic, he would display it now. But of course he doesn’t. “Yes.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t kill him. But you were there. And you were kidnapped by those bikers who are associated with Dao. Not your friend Brazuca. You. Why is that?”

Kristof doesn’t move, but I can feel his energy shift. Become laser-focused.

I unzip my jacket and slump on the couch. There’s a moment of tension as I debate whether or not to put my feet up, but I don’t want to push my luck, which I can feel wearing thin.

Now that I’m comfortable, I tell them the truth, because I may not have liked Bernard Lam, but he didn’t deserve to die the way he did. I’m in this mess because I’m trying to protect my child. Edison Lam is involved to understand the death of his own. Some people say children are a joy. Others believe them to be a burden, one that will suck the life right out of you. Whatever it is, there’s no doubt that they steer the direction of your life.

Mr. Lam mulls over what I’ve just told him. “What you’re saying is my son planned to give you over to Dao as an incentive to reveal information about these Three Phoenix people.”

“He thought he might need me to get Dao’s attention. A little trick up his sleeve. He thought Dao could be paid off.”

“He underestimated Dao’s hatred for you.”

“Yes.”

“I have a proposal for you, Ms. Watts.”

I have a feeling I know what’s coming. Since Bernard Lam’s death, this has been inevitable.

“My son wanted to use you without your knowledge, which is why he insisted you weren’t part of that meeting.”

“Yes.”

“And you went along that morning and tried to find Dao on your own because you didn’t trust my son.”

“No, I didn’t. My purpose for being there was always to dig up some dirt on Dao. Maybe get him to admit that he ordered my assassination. Find a way to put him in jail.”