Wade disconnected the line and opened the door to the bedroom just as Roberta burst in. “In the meantime, let’s get another one,” she said.

“Another what?” Nola asked.

“Another baby. We were on a roll with this story. But then, in three days, poof!”

“Get out!” Nola shouted. “Just get the fuck out!”

Puffing, Big Mouth marched out.

“Don’t alienate her,” Wade said. “The last thing we need is Roberta as your enemy.”

“Better than you as a friend.” Violently, Nola pulled on walking shoes. “I’ll go look for her.”

“Where? In the streets of Beijing?”

She was by the door. “How can I stay here when God-knows-what is happening to her?” Her hand on the door handle dropped. Searching the streets of this city of twelve million was indeed insanity.

Wade's tone was placating. “Hon, for all you know, the same woman who dropped this baby in your arms has had her ancestors show up in her dreams. She changed her mind and sent two goons for the baby.” He caught up with Nola and handed her a tissue. “Fans can be dangerous. Celebrities are subject to the weirdest things. You know better than to fall for it.”

“It wasn’t the mother; I just know it in my guts. More likely Ashford’s contacts who wanted Lulu returned. But he said they’d coordinate with me. Oh, God—”

“I shouldn’t have allowed you to get involved in the first place.”

“You didn’t.” She raised her voice. “You’re happy, isn’t that the truth? Isn’t this what you hoped for?”

Wade stepped to the bathroom and brought back a glass of water and a Valium. “It will help you cope,” he said.

She accepted the pill and swallowed it. “Now leave me alone.”

Leslie, who had traveled back in the trailer with her day’s wardrobe, rushed in. “I’ve just heard! How horrible—” He stood on Nola's other side and removed a strand of hair stuck on her wet cheek. “Listen. Remember your idea earlier, about your going to the opera and talking to Kong Ruiji? If anyone can help, he’s our man.”

A groan spurted out of her, and she clamped her mouth to stop the ugly sound. She must pull herself together. She must be strong, just as she had been for Jenna's sake after their parents’ death.

The opera building was located inside the Forbidden City. Lines of painted lanterns lit the way from the gate through moss-covered rock gardens, and open-sided, red-and-gold temples with upturned cantilevered roofs. Chinese naval cadets in crisp white created two parallel reception lines that flanked the red carpet leading to a grand staircase carved of milky marble. At the top, two giant brass urns flared with scented mist.