Byron lowered the rowboat into the water and picked up the two paddles. Only Lucy, Byron, and Walton will head to the panda city. A small party can easily escape from danger.

“Why can’t I go!” Ivy complained. “It’s been ages since I visited Haigang. They got beautiful panda women there!”

Lucy crossed her arms. “That is exactly why you cannot come. We don’t need you to stir up trouble or get distracted. The medallion is the only thing we need.”

Ivy lowered her ears as her tail lay on the floor. She moaned as if Lucy broke her heart.

Lucy felt a little wrench in her heart. She didn't want to hurt the cat’s feelings, but she feared there might be kidnappers in the city. If Ivy wanders off and vanishes, Lucy might never see her again. Rescuing the cabin cat girl will waste more time.

"She'll be fine," said Walton, placing two pistols into his holsters beneath his jacket. "Nobody cares about wee poppets in Haigang. She only needs t' stay in our party."

Ivy glared at the short. "A poppet? I'm no mere poppet! I'm old enough to drink!"

Walton shrugged. "N ye look like a whelp too."

Ivy hissed as she stretched her claws out.

"Enough!" Lucy barked. She sucked in her breath to chill her nerves down. "Alright, you can come." She shook her finger at Ivy. "But you must stay close to us."

With a wide smile, Ivy saluted. "Aye aye, captain!"

Lucy hoped she wouldn't regret taking her. "And stay away from girls."

Ivy frowned.

*****

Lucy left the rowboat near a dock where Byron stayed to watch it. Any thief could hide in the city.

While strolling across the planked streets, the panda city doesn't seem attractive enough for tourists. All the bridges and walkways appeared to be dirty in seaweed and grime. The white mist darkened the sky, keeping the stars invisible. Few folks trekked around the open shops and vendors. Incense and barbecue lingered in the moist air, and a few eyes gazed in Lucy’s direction. She ignored the natives while following Walton’s lead.

"This place isn't that bad," Ivy whispered. "I don't care about their brothels. Too expensive for my taste. But their massage parlors are unforgettable. When I visited one, a beautiful panda lady gave me a-"

"Not now, Ivy," Lucy whispered. "Maybe next time if we don't anger the locals here."

Ivy lowered her ears. "Right…"

Lucy wouldn’t mind a massage at a parlor. A good foot rub could ease the pain away in her bare soles. Walking barefoot a lot has a price, although she couldn’t wear any shoes. Her hind feet were too big.

"Aye! Here we be." Walton stopped in front of a two-story tall house with a smoking chimney. The only house with a metal chimney.

A sign in logographic words hung over the main entrance. Lucy could smell soap and steam creeping from the building. “Is that Du Su’s bathhouse?”

Walton placed his finger on his lips. “Hush! Keep yer words low. I know the house from the aft inside me head.”

Ivy studied the bathhouse. “It doesn’t look fancy to me.”

“Du Su doesn't like t' gain full attention across this city. Workin' in a rundown bathhouse be a good place t' hide.”

“How do we get in?” Lucy asked.

“Jus' follow me lead 'n keep yer mouths shut. No matter wha' I say, don't interfere.” Walton pushed the double doors open and walked inside first.

The room was plain, with two benches and one desk near a doorway. Walton stood on his toes and pushed the bell on the desk.

From the doorway, a panda woman in a flowery robe strode to the desk. She wore a ribbon in her black ponytail. Her black and white fur looked drenched because of the steam from the other side.

“Greetings, sea travelers,” she said in a cutesy, high-toned voice. “May I assist you with our special baths tonight?”

Walton grinned. His little hands gripped the desk. He lifted his head so the attendant could see him. “Ahoy, lass. I 'ave a business offer fer Du Su here.”

The panda leaned forward, confused. “Who?”

“Du Su! He 'n I are two best associates. I needs t' speak t' 'im immediately.”

The panda shook her head. “I’m sorry, but Du Su isn’t here.”

“O' course, he be here. I fully know 'im well.”

“I said-”

“I know wha' ye said,” Walton snapped. “Du Su be a mighty private male. He like enough told ye nah t' let anyone know he's here. Savvy?”

The bath attendant gulped.

Walton nodded with a grin. “Aye, I see yer fear on yer cute face. He'll scuttle ye if ye allow unexpected visitors t' meet 'im. But don't worry, lass. Tell 'im Walton be here t' see 'im. Only I know about his present.”

The panda glanced at Lucy and Ivy. “And them?”

Walton twitched his nose. “Oh, jus' me two personal courtesans who watch me back. Pay no attention t' 'em. They like t' keep thar mouths shut.”

Courtesans? Lucy growled under her breath.

The attendant smiled as her lips trembled. “Wait here, please.”

After the panda left, Lucy smacked Walton’s head.

“Courtesans?” She hissed at him.

Even Ivy snarled at the cat. “I don’t even want to sleep with males, pussy!”

Walton dropped to the floor and rubbed his head. “Jus' follow me directions, aye? We be close t' gettin' in!”

Lucy sighed. “So what now?”

Walton stared at the door. “Now we wait. If the lass comes back, we shall be free t' meet 'im. If nah, then we be dead.”

Lucy ran her paw down her face. What did we get ourselves into?