3:
Jing kept his word. At noon exactly, he was back in the room with a bowl of rice and mixed vegetables accompanied by a bottle of water. Under his arm, he carried a small flat television. He set it on the nightstand as Anastasia ate.
A man in a cowboy hat was on the screen. His bright white teeth shone against his dark skin as he grinned and shouted, "Amigos! Welcome to the premiere of 'Big Shot for the Bounty Hunters!' To all you ten million bounty hunters in the solar system, this is your one stop for information on fugitives and degenerates! My name is Punch, and I'll be your host! Today, our first outlaw…"
Anastasia flipped it off. "That'll last a year."
Jing had seated himself in an armchair near the door. He rested his chin in his palms and smiled.
"What're you looking at?" Said Anastasia grouchily.
"Nothing." He winked. "I think I may have a crush on you."
"Right. Do you even know my name?"
"It's Annie, right?"
"Anastasia."
"Hmm," He sat back. "Too long. I like Annie. Can I call you Annie?"
"Whatever you want." She said with her mouth full. She swallowed. "So, what'll happen to me?"
Jing shrugged. "Don't know. The Van will decide."
Anastasia was guzzling her water. She wiped droplets from her lips and said, "Who are the Van?"
"The Three Elders. The Leaders of the Red Dragons."
Anastasia was puzzled. "I thought Huang was the leader."
Jing shook his head and stood up. He walked over to the window. "He was only second in command. Now he's gone…and another has taken his place." He stuck his hands in his pockets and stared outside. There was a distinct tone of displeasure in his voice.
"Why is that so bad?" Asked Anastasia. "Someone had to…"
Jing turned back. "Because the man who took his place is my father, Mao Yenrai. He ordered the attack on your father."
"What?" She jumped off the bed. "Your father? What the hell…"
"He and Huang were close friends. They've known each other for twenty-five years."
"Screw that!" She spat out. "He killed my father! All he did was his job!"
Jing turned suddenly. "This is a syndicate! It doesn't matter! There is a strict order here, and when your father sentenced Huang, he might as well have killed him. One life for another."
"That's BS and you know it!"
"Maybe so." Jing was at the door. "But it's too late now." He turned. "I'll see you later, my fair Annie."
As he closed the door, Anastasia flopped down on the mattress and thought every curse word she knew.
Tucking her hands under her head, she turned towards the wall. Annie, huh? Why not?