Page 69 of Shadowing You

In her ear, Michael said, “Keep walking.”

She did, but then a hand grabbed her arm and spun her around.

“It is you!”

Ying’s hair was shorter, her face a little more seasoned, but it was Mei Lin’s old friend, the only dear friend she’d had when she’d worked here.

“I can’t believe you’re here.” Ying wrapped her in a hug. “What are you doing back?” She pulled away, took in the postal uniform and the helmet, and narrowed her eyes. “What is this?”

“It’s a long story.” Mei Lin tried to smile. “It’s just a job. I needed work.”

“But you were in America with your new husband.”

“Get out of there,” Michael said in her ear. “Now.”

“It’s a long story. I’ll call you.”

“Where are you living? Are you⁠—?”

“I’ll call. I have to finish or I’ll lose the job.” She squeezed Ying’s hand and started walking.

A door at the end of the hall opened.

“Mei Lin,” Ying called. “Wait.”

A man stepped through. He was tall, wearing a dark suit and looking nothing like a physician.

His eyes found Ying first.

Then Mei Lin.

“Run,” Michael said. “Now.”

She turned a corner and sprinted for the exit.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Ethan let Han set the pace as they walked out of the hospital. He felt the gaze of a guard on his back and resisted the urge to break into a run.

If Han had never been a translator before, he was an excellent actor. Ethan had a feeling Han had embellished Ethan’s complaints to keep the sketch going longer. Now, the older man looked as casual as could be.

“You did well,” Han said, voice low. “They will be glad to see us go.”

Ethan nodded but spoke to Michael, keeping his voice low. “Is she safe?”

Michael didn’t answer.

“Michael, is she safe?”

Still nothing.

Ethan’s heart raced. “Han, something’s wrong.”

“Just keep walking.”

Mei Lin was still in there. Every step farther from the hospital was a step away from her.

The sedan waited where they’d left it, the driver in the front seat scrolling on his phone. They’d almost reached it when Michael shouted in his ear.