“Six years? You haven’t spoken with your partner in six years.”
“That is correct. Mr. Kirkendall approached me with a business opportunity that I found interesting. At that time I owned a small dojo in Okinawa. I was afforded this by some success in tournaments and instructional discs.”
“Lu. The Dragon. I recognized you.”
There was the faintest of smiles, the slightest of bows. “I am honored.”
“You kicked some serious ass. Three-time Olympic gold medalist, world record holder. They use some of your vids at the Academy.”
“You are interested in the art?”
“Yeah, especially when it’s executed by a master. You were undefeated, Master Lu.”
“The gods favored me.”
“Your signature flying kick didn’t hurt either.”
A gleam of humor brightened his eyes. “It occasionally hurt my opponent.”
“Bet. What business opportunity did Kirkendall bring to you?”
“Partnership, with considerable funds, this location, and the freedom to operate this school personally. His money, my expertise and reputation. I accepted.”
“You don’t consider it odd that he hasn’t come to check up on you in six years?”
“He wished to travel and not to be encumbered by business. He is, I believe, eccentric.”
“How does he get his cut?”
“The business reports and figures are sent to him electronically, as is his share of the profits, which goes to an account in Zurich. I am sent confirmation of the receipt of these. Has there been some difficulty with the funds and their transfer?”
“Not that I’m aware of. That’s it?” Eve asked. “You don’t speak with him at all, don’t deal through an intermediary, a representative?”
“He was specific in his requirements for this arrangement. As it benefits me, and harms no one, I agreed to it.”
“I’m going to need the paperwork, the information on all e-transfers and communications.”
> “I must ask the reason before I agree or refuse.”
“His name has come up during an investigation of several homicides.”
“But he is traveling.”
“Maybe, or maybe he’s a lot closer to home. Peabody, show Lu the composites.”
Peabody took them out of her file bag, offered them. “Mr. Lu, do you recognize either of these men?”
“They appear to be twins. And no, they are not familiar to me.” The first sign of distress eked through his considerable calm. “Who are they? What have they done?”
“They’re wanted for questioning on seven murders, including two children.”
Lu drew in a breath. “The tragedy, the family, a few days ago. I heard of it. Children. I have a child, Lieutenant. My wife, who greeted you, we have a child. He’s four.” His eyes weren’t calm now, nor did they show distress. They were simply cold. “The media reports that this family was in their home, in their beds, sleeping. They were unarmed, they were defenseless. And the throats of these defenseless children were slashed. Is this truth?”
“Yes, it’s truth.”
“There is no punishment that will balance this scale. Not even death.”
“Justice doesn’t always balance the scale, Master Lu, but it’s the best we have.”