Claw and Heart

2.

            "Mr. Wu I did not expect to see you again so soon," Angeline said while fidgeting his foot.

Thank God I wore low heels; my heels are killing me already. He thought.

"Sorry I had to take up your personal time. But I am afraid I have something to tell you first." Mr. Wu said in an accented tongue, which Angeline barely managed to make out.

"No really, it's alright. So go on."

"It's hard to find a local like you that speaks Chinese, and those who can speak Chinese aren't even half as fluent as you."

"Thank you." Angeline replied, clearly sounding pleased.

"So back to the topic, actually yesterday..."

He's holding back something. Angeline thought.

"I considered carefully and I may have to withdraw from the construction plan and terminate the entire project."

"Why?" Angeline slams his hand on the table, and seemed barley able to take in the surprise.

"Uh..." his eyes darted away, as if this was an interrogation. Sweat trickled down his cheek all the way to his chin. Mr. Wu was a professional business man, and seeing him crack under the pressure of his own words was perceived as odd from Angeline.

"Because the government was upset with my plans, and in the long run I think I am going to earn more criticism then profit. So after some careful thinking last night, I decided to end the project."

"But...wasn't living right by Stanley Park your will?"

"It was...but I am afraid that it is longer possible."

"Have you told the government that you are going to cancel your project?"

"I have not informed them yet, and that's why I am here, to consult you. Please I really don't know what to do..."

"Could you please tell me what exactly changed your mind?"

Mr. Wu didn't responded, after exchanging a silent a conversation; Angeline leaned forward and spoke in a hushed tone:

"Are you being threatened?"

"...yes." Mr. Wu finally said, like the last breath of a dying man.

"And when was this?"

"Yesterday evening..."

"Who is threatening you? And what was he threatening you with?"

"I am afraid I can't answer that...no I shouldn't drag you into this mess at all." Mr. Wu said as he began to get up.

"I am your head manager, and I have the responsibility to hear my client out."

"I admire your bravery, but this..." He paused in his tracks as he considered the right use of words, "May be unsuitable for a young lady like you."

"But you're my client!" Angeline spoke in a desperate voice. "And under the obligation of my contract, I am your head manager as long the contract it in its effective time."

"Then I am sorry to tell you, the contract is now defected. Now take this," he said as he took out a small leather brief case and sets it on the table.

"As a token to express my thanks for all what you done for me so far. And please stay away from my case, in fact leave it and never touch it again." He leaned forward and said with a voice so quiet only Angeline could hear: