“A bad idea.” His voice stopped her. It wasn’t loud, but only now she noticed how polite the crowd was, speaking in hushed tones. Ashford continued, “The Chinese are extremely sensitive to criticism. Since you are our goodwill ambassador, they have interpreted your public remarks as part of a larger U.S. agenda meant to humiliate them.” His hand motioned toward the reception hall behind him. “We are about to enter a private hall—a sanctuary, if you will, of their tradition—for a toast to you. If you confront Kong Ruiji over this, you will not only show disrespect to the place and abuse his hospitality by cornering him in public about a private matter, but you’ll reinforce his belief in our hostile agenda. To top it off, you’ll further insult him with your implication that he has knowledge of this baby’s kidnapping. Do you think this protocol will help your cause?”

The air was filled with sweet incense, but it tasted metallic in Nola's mouth. Ashford looked at her with a penetrating gaze. At her left shoulder she heard Wade grumble. She felt like a child being called to the principal’s office, horrified to discover that a minor infraction had brought a suspension. She kept her eyes locked on Ashford’s. The enormity of her loss washed over her anew. Pink pajamas with a butterfly print.

“Don’t expect me to give up on her. I won’t—” she said.

“A scorched-earth tactic will destroy any chance I might have through unofficial back-channels to find out what has happened to her.”

“Knowing what has happened would do Lulu little good if she’s dead. I want her found alive.”

“Trust me. I’ve dealt with more than one crisis in my career.”

“What will you do? Who are the people you’ll be talking to?”

“Do I take your microphone and try to sing in front of thousands? Do I presume to know what it takes to perform the way you do?” His hand reached to her shoulder, but again she recoiled.

“Let the ambassador handle it as he sees fit,” Wade said.

She clutched at her shawl and drew it closer. How she hated their condescending tones. But unofficial channels were open to Ambassador Ashford; he understood the Chinese nuances so utterly foreign to her.

When she did not reply, he asked, “Do you want to leave it to me, or do you insist on taking matters into your own hands?”

“Give me a time limit.”

“You’ll hear from me first thing in the morning.” With a smile, he looped his arm through hers and squeezed her fingers with his other hand. “We have an understanding, then.”

With Wade on her other side, the ambassador led them into the banquet hall, where a group of Chinese dignitaries parted for her. Ashford bowed his head to Kong Ruiji. “Mr. prime minister. Your guest of honor, Miss Nola Sands.”