“Sorry to disturb you,” he said, “but that bloody pom police inspector is here to talk with us and he wants to talk to you first.”

The police inspector stayed for almost an hour, taking statements from both Marissa and Tristan. He told them that there would be a thorough investigation and that they would not have access to their belongings until it was completed. He apologized profusely for any inconvenience. He also informed them that there would be an autopsy on both victims and a formal inquest, and that they were not to leave the colony until the formalities were completed.

After the police inspector left, Marissa and Tristan sat alone. Tristan took the opportunity to try to get her to talk about her feelings.

“I just feel numb,” Marissa said. “I have trouble believing it has really happened.”

“Maybe we should do something,” Tristan said. “Instead of just sitting here.”

“I think it might help to get out of this hotel,” Marissa said.

“Good idea,” Tristan said, glad to hear Marissa make any kind of suggestion. “We’ll move to another hotel.” He got to his feet, wondering which one to choose. Only then did he remember Captain Fa-Huang. “I have a better idea,” he said. “What about going on the junk? We need to do something. We need something to occupy our minds.”

“I’d forgotten about the junk trip,” Marissa said. “I don’t think I’m up to it. Not now.”

“Marissa!” Tristan said. “Too much has happened for us not to follow the trail to its conclusion.” He stepped over to her and grabbed her shoulders. “Let’s do it! Let’s get even with these bastards.”

Marissa’s head was spinning. She couldn’t even look at Tristan. Sometimes she thought he was crazy.

“Come on, Marissa!” Tristan urged. “Let’s not let them get away with this.”

Finally she looked up at him. She could feel his determination. She didn’t have the strength to argue or even resist. “All right,” she said. “At this moment I feel as if I have nothing to lose.”

“Good show!” Tristan cried. He gave her a forceful hug, then leaped to his feet. He looked at his watch. “We don’t have a lot of time!” Rushing over to the phone, he called room service and ordered a number of boxed lunches as well as bottled water.

As soon as their order came, Marissa and Tristan descended to the lobby and exited through the service entrance as they had that morning. Bentley had moved the Mercedes to the alley. He was reading a newspaper while he waited. Tristan opened the rear door for Marissa, then ran around and jumped in the other side.

“Aberdeen!” Tristan told Bentley. “We’re going smuggling.”

They drove out of the alley and over to East Tsim Sha Tsui, then into the Cross Harbor Tunnel. Almost immediately they slowed to a crawl in bumper-to-bumper traffic.