“If Gwen is with Mansfield,” said Zhang, interrupting Arthur’s thoughts, “I could investigate—”
“No.” Jade and Arthur said it as one.
“But—”
“If Gwen sees you or your astral projection,” Arthur said, “she’ll not only recognize you as paranormal, she’ll see all the magic you’re capable of.”
“And if she tells Mansfield,” said Jade, “he’ll have you arrested faster than even Ace can hire a lawyer to save you.”
Zhang pursed his lips but raised his chin. “It’s a relic, we have to find it—”
“Mansfield is a toad. Runs in my father’s circles, keeps powerful men tied to his pockets,” said Arthur. “He’ll try to exploit the Exclusion Act and every other deplorable prejudiced law on our books.”
“He has no limits.” Jade put her hand on Zhang’s. “You’re a paranormal American, a hard target. He doesn’t like fair fights, so he’ll sic his dogs on the most vulnerable members of your family instead.” Her gaze went to the curtains of the private room where, beyond, in the tea house, Zhang’s cousin Ling was serving another table.
Zhang closed his eyes, shoulders tense. “I have to do something.”
“We will,” promised Arthur. “The three of us will find another way.” He and Jade exchanged a look. “Somehow.”
Chapter Thirteen
Zhang walked Arthur and Jade outside the tea shop after dim sum. “I don’t suppose you know a good place to buy mint?” Jade said to Zhang, wrapping her scarf around her neck.
“A market, just a few blocks.” He hesitated, then said, “I could go with you?”
“Oh!” Jade straightened. “But you must have work—”
“I have things I need to pick up too,” Zhang said, and Arthur was pretty sure he’d just told a bald-faced lie.
But Jade was smiling again, and the two of them were gazing into each other’s eyes like they had at the table. “That would be wonderful, then.”
Arthur’s chest clenched. Whatever damned travesties of laws America passed to keep everyone separate, it couldn’t stop humans from falling in love.
Except, of course, that no one ever fell in love with Arthur.
He viciously shoved the self-pity away. Jade was his best friend. He was happy for her.
Jade shook her head slightly, as if clearing it. “Ah, Ace—did you want to come?”
Finally remembered I’m standing right here, did you.
Arthur wouldn’t saddle them with a third wheel. “I have my own errands. Banks and paranormals to visit, you know how it is.” He tried to find a smile for them, then gave up. “You two have fun. Together. Being together. The two of you.”
He turned and walked away, the one of him.
Arthur walked from Chinatown to Hester Street and the blue-and-white striped awning of Taussig’s Chemists. The Ivanovs were down in the shop. Sasha was washing the windows, her soft brown hair held back by its usual blue kerchief. Arthur’s heart lightened to see Pavel behind the soda counter, dutifully holding boxes as Levi Taussig unloaded supplies.
“Ace!” Sasha put down her rag and came close. “Everything is ready?” she said quietly, so the customers wouldn’t hear.
He nodded once, and followed as she led him to the back and the small stockroom. “My second-oldest brother, Harry, is expecting you at his Hyde Park estate,” he said, once the door was closed and they could talk in private.
Her eyebrows shot up. “But how did you explain us?”
“I said you’re friends of mine and refugees and you need temporary work to pay for Pavel’s medical condition. All true.” He coughed. “More or less. He’s just happy for the extra hands. He manages three of our family’s businesses, he’s just been elected to the Board of Regents at his alma mater, and he has five children under the age of ten.”
“Five?” Sasha broke into a smile. “A lucky man.”
“He is.” Arthur adored all of his nieces and nephews, however sodding many there were of them.
