With that, she took her badge and ID, then went to talk to whoever it was that she needed to talk to.

About a half hour later, she called. “I couldn’t find anything,” she said, “I’m headed your way.”

I didn’t tell her, but through serendipity, I’d hit the jackpot. No, it couldn’t be, but it was. At first, I almost couldn’t believe my eyes. Yes, I recognized Faheem in the parking lot as I was waiting in the doorway of the lobby. I knew I would run into them somewhere, somehow. I didn’t care how long it would take I wondered what they were doing down in this area. The first thing that came to mind was vacationing. A long one. Then I saw Angel heading my way, pushing an empty wheelchair. I stepped aside and hid from view. Dr. Gillis startled me as she came up behind me.

“Sorry I couldn’t come through for you.”

“Thank you so much for even trying. That says a lot about you.” I flagged my hand in dismissal. I knew what I had to do next. I needed to see what the gang was up to. After all, if they were vacationing, it wouldn’t be a problem for me to stop by and say hello.

“Thanks for breakfast,” Dr. Gillis said, trying to keep up with my brisk pace.

“The next one is on you. But girl, there has been a change in plans. I’m going to take a taxi.”

“A taxi? Do you know how much that is going to cost to get you home?”

I laughed. “I think I spotted an old friend, girl. I’ll call you.”

“Oh, I see. Where is he?”

“No. You are not going to embarrass me. Don’t wait up,” I teased her. Faheem was pulling off.

“Yeah, right. I know who your heart belongs to. Just be sure to call me when you get in so that I know you are safe.”

“I will.” I jumped in a cab and ordered the driver to stay at a distance but to follow Faheem’s car. I didn’t see what Angel was driving. There was a black suburban on Faheem’s tail. That was odd. I followed them as far as I could, until I saw them go onto the bridge to Sag Harbor. Much easier for them to be located. Wherever Angel was, I had a feeling Tasha was nearby.

CHARLI LI

“Are you sure?” I repeated myself as I looked down at the report, blinking my eyes in disbelief.

“Yes,” Calvin Braggs said. “Mr. Trae Macklin and his business partner, Kaylin Santos, are in Beijing. They are being detained at one of the Black camps.”