Marcus Webb sat in his car outside a restaurant on the outskirts of the city, checking his watch for the third time in five minutes; the meeting had been arranged through an intermediary, cryptic and urgent, and Marcus had agreed only because the caller had mentioned Brenda's name and offered a substantial consultation fee just for showing up. A black Mercedes pulled into the parking space beside him, and Chui Chung stepped out, dressed impeccably despite the casual location.

Chui tapped on ...