Han did a double take. He didn’t recognize me. I could see the look of confusion in his eyes.

“Han,” I teased, “Don’t tell me you could forget this face?” I puckered up my lips and batted my eyelashes. “It’s me! 2009 we hosted the Shanghai Technology Conference? Attorney Charli Li, of Li, come on! Li and Ross,” I said, lifting my eyebrows. “Remember when we did business in Nigeria? I may have changed a little, but my voice is still the same.”

“Oh, Ms. Li. Charli Li. I . . . I. You look—look great!” He was stammering, obviously embarrassed that he didn’t know who I was. “I thought that you and your father wouldn’t arrive for a few days?” He humbly bowed and I bowed back.

As I happened to look in my pocket mirror to tighten up my lipstick, I saw three Chinese men walking backward so they could look at my behind. The way men had been looking at me in the States and since I landed in Beijing let me know all that work was worth it. Han was more confirmation. He was all smiles and still drooling.

“Yes. I’ve arrived early on a client’s behalf. Do you know the new consulate?”

“Yes, of course. His office is to your left. The one with the big double doors. Here’s his information.” He handed me a gold embossed business card for the consulate and a white and tan card for himself.

“Thank you, Han. It was good seeing you.”

“How long will—”

I turned around, not giving him a chance to finish his sentence.

The consulate sent me to the equivalent of the Police Liaison section in Washington DC. After that, they sent me to this place and that place. I swear I will give my all to begin the fight of my life.

MARI

I just found what I believed was the house here on Sag Harbor. Several times I drove by hoping to find any traces of the kids, Kay, Angel, Tasha or Trae. I finally parked almost a block away and hid my car under a large oak tree. I used my binoculars, and I still didn’t see any kids. Just men patrolling the house. This had to be it! I noticed a small shack in the rear, where the men were going in and out. What the hell is happening? Whose house is this?

I concluded that this may be a little out of my league. It looked too risky for me to try to go in there by myself, or even with Children’s Services. I turned my car back around and made my way out of the neighborhood. I needed a plan B.

FAHEEM