Wolfe sighed a little. What next?

Long waited awhile before continuing, "I assume you have been keeping tabs on the Yin Long and Sheng Chiou."

Wolfe nodded a little.

"... Traditionally it would be Sheng's duty to retrieve Ming Yue," Long explained. "However, his other duties have prevented him from pursuing her. So Dewei has taken it upon himself to repair the Chiou and his own honor."

Wolfe nodded again, "So you're here to kidnap her," he gathered.

Long didn't answer. So yes.

"Will Dewei go about it in a dishonorable way?" he asked, guessing why Long was telling him.

Long didn't elaborate. Instead he explained, "Certain parties have reasons to prevent Ming Yue from being returned to the Yin Long."

Wolfe raised an eyebrow as he looked over at Long. But he didn't ask. "You wish me to prevent it?" he asked simply.

"It is in both of our interests," Long replied.

It seemed like Wolfe was willing to hear him out.

So Long explained what he could. Dewei was taking some time out to enjoy some of the local color. Long would have to return to him in a few hours to report on Ming Yue's whereabouts. He described Dewei's typically flamboyant style. He sounded like James. Except that he was an assassin instead of a singer. "When I leave, I must remain loyal to Dewei," he explained. "And Dewei must be able to walk back to the Yin Long on his own two feet."

About halfway through Wolfe took out a cigrette and began smoking. When Long finished he was silent for a long time, thinking everything through. "Does Dewei know where we're staying?"

"It's unlikely," Long replied. He hadn't moved since he had sat down.

Wolfe nodded, "Is he foolish enough to believe he can take on all of us with just you?"

"He's been known to be foolish. But if he's clearly outnumbered, he won't throw his life away," Long replied.

"What will it take for him to retreat?" Wolfe inquired after a moment.

Long hesitated for a few moments. "... Three of your skill to retreat with minimal conflict," he decided as a scale for Wolfe's resources.

"Three?" Wolfe asked, amused. He seemed to agree Dewei acted foolishly.

"He will fear little while I'm by his side," Long explained blankly.

Wolfe paused for a moment before asking, "Do you know when he plans to attack us?"

"After midnight," Long guessed.

Wolfe took another breath of smoke before asking, "He expects you to find where we are?"

"... He expects," Long agreed.

Wolfe took a few more drags on his cigarette. After a short moment he seemed to reach a decision. He told Long that Yue will be on a boat in the Koi cove at midnight. "Whether or not she is alone or accompanied will depend on my conversation with Blaze," he stated.

"... She's unavailable tonight," Long said, a little surprise in his voice that Wolfe didn't realize that.

Wolfe didn't seem daunted as he puffed some smoke, "She'll be available," he replied calmly. Clearly, Blaze was going to end up more pissed off later tonight.

Long didn't seem too that would work out for Wolfe, but he didn't try to tell him otherwise.

Wolfe shrugged slightly, "You worry about your idiot, I'll worry about my group of them," he suddenly stated, taking another drag of his cigarette.

Long didn't say anything.

Wolfe stood after a moment and started to leave before turning back. "This goes without saying," he stated, "but don't touch what's mine." And with that he stuck the cigarette back in his mouth that headed off.

Long didn't react, watching the water for awhile longer.

Nic's pad got a call.

After a few moments, he answered it with an annoyed look.

Wolfe ignored the annoyed look, "We need to talk," he stated.

Nic didn't say anything, waiting for Wolfe to get to the point.

"Where are you?" he asked blankly.

"Where are you?" Nic asked instead.

Wolfe told him his located by the beach. "It concerns your past associates," he stated seriously before moving to hang up.

Nic didn't stop Wolfe. It took him ten minutes, but he went to the location Wolfe gave him.