“Somewhere overseas. Somewhere nice. It just needs to be comfortable for one person, but put it in a good location.”

“Yes, sir. When should this be ready by?”

“Two days. Furnish it as well.”

“Yes, sir.”

He hung up, took in a breath, and then dialed in a different number. “I need you to prepare a house for me.”

THE DIRECTOR CAME into work the next day at the same time he usually did with a quick but sincere apology to Fei’er for his absence that she accepted without question. Then he was at his desk and working just like he normally did, quiet and serious and concentrated.

“Director.” Fei’er rapped her knuckles at the door after watching him for about twenty seconds. “You called for me?”

“Mn. Come in and sit down.”

Was she being fired? No, there was no need to be nervous about that—the Director would have told her if she’d done something wrong. Fei’er squared her shoulders and sat down in front of the Director’s desk.

“I wanted you to know that I’m done with the appointments.”

The breath caught in Fei’er’s chest. “Really?”

He smiled at her—slow and gentle and beautiful. “Yes, Meimei. I’m done.”

“How did you—I’m sorry, sir, I didn’t mean to pry.”

“No, it’s alright. You deserve to know.” The Director made a humming sound in his chest and leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “The List that has been plaguing this city for so long is about to be brought down. All the appointments that worry you—I won’t need to do them anymore. If all goes to plan, they’ll all be in prison, and none of them will be able to hurt me again.”

Fei’er was suddenly so relieved that tears filled her eyes.

“I was wondering if you would be willing to help me at the end.”

“Yes,” she said immediately. “Anything you need, sir.”

“I don’t want you to do this because it’s your job. If you want to, I can give you enough money to leave right now. You never have to see me again.”

“No!” She was too fast with this answer too, but she was desperate for him to believe her. How could she make it clear that she would do anything for him? How could she explain to him that she would do anything to make him feel like he could smile without abandon? “I want to help you, sir. Really. Anything you need.”

He nodded. “Okay. I’ll explain what I’m thinking. When I’m done, I want you to call He Peilin up here so I can talk to him as well.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I don’t want you telling anyone about any of this, including the end of the List. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir, of course.”