The car drove outside of the city, which Yuanjia thought was most comforting. No man in his right mind, holding the power that the Don held would retain a permanent residence inside a city. He was glad that the Don was a man of intelligence when it came to security, even if it was most obvious and demanding.
He found that the man had taste as well. The gates were made of iron, delicately carved and yet still appeared rustic, even classic. The gardens were most pleasing to the eye, if only superficially, and the buildings around inside held the same classic make to them, managing to look expensive and meld into the countryside around them beautifully. It looked like this mansion had been here since the beginning of time, touched by time, it seemed, only to make it more beautiful with every passing year.
His own father's mansion was nicer, more appealing and less space wasted, traditional Chinese house, but much larger, more spacious, but this Gaijin could not be faulted for his lack of taste, the Deputy had to admit that.
They finally arrived at the house, where they circled around a large fountain, with Cherubim had water spouting from his mouth. Yuanjia stepped out of the car, pausing to stare, trying to understand this. He knew from his studies that he Cherubim were part of Christian Lore, Angels or helpers of their Three-Headed God. Why a God so almighty would need helpers or messengers confused Yuanjia, but Western religion was odd and beautiful in it's own way. However, the thought of these 'angels' spitting into a pool of water made Yuanjia's more sanitary cringe.
Two security men, huge, hulking apes, stepped out of the main door, dressed in suits that pressed at their huge bodies in a distasteful manner. Another sign of the small mind games that the Don tried to play to make his guests feel inferior to his presence. Yuanjia frowned but, straightening his blazer, he stepped forward.
"We are here to see the Don DeMarco. Our presence here has been announced, I believe."
"You weapons please," The man said, cutting straight to business. Yuanjia handed him his cane and, as the man's hand was extended, his hat too.
"Be so kind as to keep those for me. Oh, and that staff is from the Ming Dynasty, older than this wretched country. If there happens to be so much as a scratch on it, I do not care about business, I will torture you for five days and nights and execute you. Am I clear, oaf?" Yuanjia smiled brightly, off-putting the large man. The second guard stepped forward, looking at the fierce-looking Triad who was obviously armed.
"And his weapons?"
"Oh, he is to stay outside, where all dogs should remain," Yuanjia gave the man a pointed glare which made his own face go red. But he nodded, mastering his anger at the insult and indicated towards the door.
"This way."