Remi raised his eyebrows, pleased that his own reputation had reached the ears of a man like Maik Tar. “I’ve always got work that needs to be done,” he said nonchalantly. “But why would I trust someone who used to work for the Kauls?”
“You used to work for the Kauls yourself,” Maik pointed out. “More recently than me. And now you’re your own man.” The former Green Bone turned his head, looking around the room at the Snakeheads, but Remi saw that his gaze didn’t linger on expensive suits or shoes, or even weapons. He was looking for the glint of green on fingers and wrists. Maik returned his attention to Remi. “I’ve heard you give jade to those who do a good job for you,” he said slowly. “That’s something the Kauls will never give back to me.”
Remi wasn’t highly trained in Perception but he could still tell that Maik wasn’t lying. “How do I know you weren’t sent here by the people in Port Massy?”
Maik blinked, then smirked. “Those pussies? You’ve got to be joking.” Two of Remi’s men couldn’t help laughing. Maik shook his head. “There used to be thick blood there, back when Rohn Toro and old Dauk were alive, but that was a long time ago.”
As soon as Remi had heard that Maik Tar was in town and asking after him, he’d known he would either have to kill the man or bring him onto his side. Now he admitted to himself that having a man of Maik Tar’s caliber and aptitude in violence in his employ could be useful indeed. Remi was in need of capable management at the street level. Two of his best lieutenants had been arrested in the past three months, and he was secretly worried about the Crews taking advantage of this weakness.
The Bad Keck wore jade but he was Espenian-born. No matter what sort of reputation he garnered in Resville, it could not compare to the notoriety and mystique associated with the Kekonese Green Bone clans. Keko-Espenians, no matter how they felt about the old country, all understood that the best jade warriors came from the island, that they grew up with jade and began wearing it as children, were trained at grueling martial academies, and wore it openly in a culture that revered greenness. There was simply no way to compete with those advantages. Maik Tar could be an unparalleled asset.
Still, Remi had his doubts. “You haven’t been a Fist in a long time.”
A shadow of ferocity crossed Maik’s face. “I used to be the Pillarman of Kaul Hiloshudon,” he said with a note of undiminished pride. “He trusted me with the clan’s toughest jobs, where blood had to be spilled, carefully and at the right time and in the right way. I was good at what I did, and it wasn’t just because I was young and green. I had the right sort of mind for it.” Regret settled over the man’s face like a mask. “I made one mistake, a terrible mistake, and now I can never go home. I want to do work I’m good at again, that’s all. But if you’ve got too many doubts about me, that’s fine, I can understand that.” Maik put on his cap and began to stand.
“Hold on, now,” Remi said. He chewed the end of the toothpick as he motioned to one of the Snakeheads to bring his briefcase. “A lot of men make themselves out to be bigger than they really are. Now that I’ve met you for myself, I’ve got to say—you don’t seem like one of those types.” Remi opened his briefcase and took out a handgun, a roll of cash, and a set of car keys. He placed them on the table in front of him. “You want work, you’ve got it. The gun, the money, and the car behind the restaurant are yours. Call it a signing bonus. From now on, you work for me. Talk to Teto after this; he’ll get you started.”
Maik gave a small, impassive nod of agreement, as if Remi had bought him a meal instead of handing him a new life as the newest member of the Resville Snakehead gang.
“Any questions?” Remi asked.
Maik picked up the cash and pocketed it without counting the amount. Perhaps doing so went against his Kekonese sensibilities. He took the gun and the keys, slipped them into his jacket, and stood. “Just tell me what you want me to do.”
CHAPTER
37
Leaving Home
the twentieth year, third month
When the boarding announcement for his flight came over the terminal speaker, Niko thought, It’s not too late. He could still walk out of the airport and go home, admit he’d made a mistake and ask for his uncle’s forgiveness and his place back in the clan. He’d summoned all his angry determination and righteous defiance to face down his parents with his decision. Now, however, an unsettled feeling was rolling around in his stomach, and he was more afraid than excited.