The Poisoned Pen: A Guardian Story

Chapter Fifteen: The Short-Lived Respite

"Are you sure you don't want us to come and stay with you here, at the house?" Shen Ling asked, the anxiety evident in her voice.

"It's really no bother," Gao Han chimed in.  "I know we've only just met, but I feel like I know you, and neither of us would ever forgive ourselves if anything happened and we weren't here."

"Thank you for your concern, but I'm okay.  Really."  Shen Wei walked across to the drawing room window and gestured outside.  "As you can see, the house and grounds have been fortified to within an inch of their lives.  I feel safe.  But if you're here, it will only make me worry.  The best place for you two to be is far away.  The police are involved now, and I have Zhao Yunlan with me.  I'll be fine."

Gao Han looked across at where the writer's assistant was standing, slouched against a wall.  He did not look like any personal assistant he had ever seen before.  His eyes narrowed, and they narrowed even further when he saw how the man's eyes were fixed on Shen Wei, tracking his every movement.  Whatever the two men's relationship was, he had a feeling that it was much more complex than simply employer and employee.

"Shen Wei?"  Shen Ling's voice rang out.  "Gao Han is a bit of a fan of yours.  Any chance you could gift him one of the signed copies of your latest book that you have lying around?  And maybe add a personalised message?"

"Of course."  The writer found it nearly impossible to refuse his sister anything.  He turned his attention to her boyfriend.  "Why don't you come with me to the study?"

After the two men had left the room, Shen Ling turned her attention to Zhao Yunlan.

"I assume my brother is still not aware of your real identity?"

"No, and I'd like to keep it that way for the moment, so please don't say anything.  To anyone.  I will tell Shen Wei eventually, but only when I think it's the right time."

"I understand.  You've already gotten so much further with him than Lin Jing or I could.  We'll do things your way."

"Thank you.  Now, about your boyfriend, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I trust him.  We've been together for a few months now, and even though he's a journalist, he's never asked me anything personal or intrusive about Shen Wei.  He wouldn't say anything to anyone, but I won't tell him about you if you think it's for the best."

"I'd appreciate it.  The fewer people who know, the safer it is, for everyone concerned."

Twenty minutes later, Shen Ling and Gao Han were in her car, driving back towards Dragon City.

"So, when can you move in?" the woman in the driver's seat asked.

"In a few days' time.  I have some business to sort out first and I need to pick up the new car.  And I may not be able to stay over every night.  A couple of colleagues are away for a few weeks and we're taking turns covering the night desk."

"That's fine.  I'll just feel a lot safer knowing I won't be on my own most of the time.  Thanks for doing this."  Shen Ling smiled across at her boyfriend, who squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"Now," she said.  "I'll drop you back at the paper, then head on to the office."

Shen Wei tore his eyes away from the window after his sister's car disappeared from view.  Shen Ling and Gao Han's presence at the house that morning had been a relief, and prevented any awkwardness from forming between him and Zhao Yunlan after the night before.  Now, however, the two of them were alone.  He turned around apprehensively to look at his companion, but the man was busying himself clearing away the tea tray.  Then, he looked up and smiled widely, with no trace of hesitancy on his face.