63 The Black Hand

"I can take Amy to get some coffee or tea while the two of you talk." Charlotte said, standing to leave. She walked to Amy and motioned for her to proceed her out the door.

Gordon motioned for his uncle to be seated.

"What did you intend to discuss with me?" Gordon asked.

"Amy's life has been threatened twice. I hired some of the best men on the black market to protect her. Ex-military, some mercenaries, rough characters who know how to fight. You get the idea. Still, a second threat was made. My men believe it is a person or group with military training and reconnaissance skills. A sniper made the second attempt by firing a warning shot while someone simultaneously left behind a note telling her the next bullet wouldn't miss. My men suspect someone or a group of people with The Black Hand May be involved. I know you had contacts there at one point. Can you help me get inside and have a meeting with their leader? If they're involved, I want them to tell me who ordered the hit." Calvin explained.

"I can arrange the meeting but they won't tell you anything." Gordon said.

"It's worth a try." Calvin said.

"Alright, I'll make a call and set it up. Don't mention this to our women. I'm pretty sure they'd object to us meeting with the most dangerous organized crime group in the province." Gordon instructed.

"I believe you're right about that." Calvin agreed.

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Amy say at the small table in the break room, not far from the office where their husbands were conversing. She stared at Charlotte, who had her back to Amy, making tea for them.

Amy remembered that Calvin had told her he once had a huge crush on Charlotte. So this was her rival.

Charlotte was beautiful. She had long hair that fell to the middle of her back that was obviously maintained well. It was cut in layers and gently curled. Charlotte's soft eyes could put people at ease. Her makeup was just enough. Not over the top, but tasteful in an elegant sort of way. She had a curvy body that many would consider sexy but her clothing was elegant, just as a proper young madam would wear.

Amy felt intimidated by her appearance. She wasn't like this proper young woman.

Charlotte set two cups of tea and saucers on the table.

"Here we are!" Charlotte said as she sat across from Amy.

"I'm so glad to meet you! I didn't realize that Calvin had remarried, but I already like you better than Julia!" Charlotte said with a smile.

"It was very sudden. But I do love him." Amy said in her defense.

Charlotte smiled in a kind manner.

"I'm glad you do. His first wife did not, and I wish him happiness, truly. I don't imagine living with such a critical and harsh person was easy for him. I can see that you are very different from Julia and I'm glad. Since we are now family, I hope we can be friends." Charlotte said

Amy felt relief. She had worried about meeting Charlotte because she knew Calvin had once been interested in her but she could clearly see that Charlotte had only goodwill toward her.

"I'd like to be friends very much. Will the rest of his family be so welcoming?" Amy asked.

"Of the ones I've met, yes. But I've never met his sons." Charlotte explained.

Amy sighed. She had forgotten that he had sons roughly her age. And she was married to their father. She didn't relish that meeting anytime soon!

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Two days later, Gordon and Calvin met together with their security teams and walked into the Red Dragon Bar; headquarters for The Black Hand.

Members of the mafia-like gang led them to the private office of their leader; Old Jia. Old Jia was a man of many years. Nearly 70 at least. But he still struck fear into the hearts of those who crossed him. Old Jia motioned for them to sit.

"Mr. Zhou, it's been too long since we met. I heard you married and started a family. I told my subordinates that surely the sun rose in the west, but it is wonderful news." Old Jia greeted him warmly, as a grandfather.

"Uncle, it has been too long. You must come to my home soon for a meal. My wife is an excellent cook." Gordon greeted him with respect as his elder.

"I would enjoy that. I can tell your wife is a good woman. You look much better than before." Old Jia said.

"I agree completely." Gordon said.

"So, What brings you all the way here for a visit? It must be very important for you to seek me on my own turf." Old Jia said.

"Yes. This is my uncle, Calvin Zhou. He has recently married a young woman himself." Gordon explained.

"Congratulations." Old Jia said.

"Thank you." Calvin's voice was stiff.

"His wife has had two threats to her life recently. Her security detail believes there are people with military training after her. We wanted to be sure no one in The Black Hand had received a hit order on her." Gordon explained.

"I'm flattered that my men were thought of first." He chuckled.

"Her name is Amy Ling and if one hair of her head is harmed by your men I will burn this building to the ground." Calvin burst out.

"Calm down. We do business the old-fashioned way here. No need for threats. Now, because I consider Gordon as a grandson, I promise you that we will not hurt your wife. In fact, I am willing to lend some of my men to her security team. No harm will come to her. However, the hit was not given to us. This is the first I've heard of the matter. There is a new group on the streets, bunch of thugs with no respect for their elders or the old way of doing things. The Red Vipers. They may be responsible. Try them, but take a show of force when you question them. Their leader is an arrogant fool who doesn't think before he engages his mouth. Or his knife." Old Jia explained.

"I'm sorry for my outburst. You've given me helpful information." Calvin said.

"No apologies needed. When my own wife was alive I'd have stormed hell's gates for her. I know what it is to love and protect a woman." Old Jia said.