Page 41 of Herding Cat

“Will you think about that next time you want to run away?”

“I didn’t run away.”

“The next time you decide to take a field trip?”

“What is a field trip?”

Garrett had the distinct impression she knew damn well what a field trip was and was just trying to deflect any looming reprimand by playing the innocent. Catherine must have caught on too.

“You know what I mean, Mae. Don’t you?”

The little girl stubbed her toe into the cement and hung her head. Again, a ploy. She peeped up through long lashes. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Don’t call me ma’am. Call me Catherine.”

“Really?”

“Yes, of course. And if you promise to be good, we shall come back and see you tomorrow. Would you like that?”

Mae put out a lip. “What about today?”

“I’m very busy. I have a meeting this afternoon.”

“What kind of meeting?”

“With a man in the Jade Market. He wants to show me some of his things.”

“The Jade Market?” Mae’s eyes shone, even as Garrett’s muscles bunched. The Jade Market? How many people would be there? “I love the Jade Market. Can I go with you?” Mae raised prayerful hands and soulful eyes on Catherine, a merciless assault. “Pleasssse?”

Catherine frowned and she shook her head. “I don’t think that would be a good idea. But I will come by tomorrow. And I’ll bring you a treat. How does that sound?”

Apparently not as good as a trip to the Jade Market. Mae actually worked up a couple tears.

But Catherine was adamant—and with good reason, although it annoyed Garrett that she’d accepted the danger to the girl, but not to her own person. As they made their farewells and he led her down the stairs to the car, he said, “Catherine—”

But she cut him off with a look. “Don’t even start. We’re going to the Jade Market this afternoon.”

“But—”

“No buts. I’ve had enough of being cooped up in hotel rooms and now that Steven’s minions have been caught, I am going to have some fun.”

Chapter Ten

Despite the fact that the threat had been nullified, her guardians thought it was still a good idea to change hotels and register under their names. Catherine’s new room was not a suite, but it had a lovely view of the bay. She noticed that Garrett maneuvered it so his room was the one that connected with hers, but she didn’t complain.

Even though she was still furious with him for risking his life, she knew he’d saved her. And he’d saved Mae. And even while it scared her to death, how close she’d come to losing him, and even though she was terrified of falling more in his thrall, she wanted him close.

More than that, she didn’t want this—whatever it was—to end. Not yet.

When she thought of tonight, a thrill scudded through her.

They would be together again.

All night.

She was really looking forward to it.

She was looking forward to going to the Jade Market, one of her favorite spots in Kowloon. She had an appointment with Mr. Chin, who carried some of the prettiest carved stones in the city. He was willing to sign an exclusive deal with her brand, Flytower, for his button covers, exquisite and delicate sculptures that would be perfect for their new line of sweaters.