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She nodded. “He was finally released but is still under their watch. His story is common. Even though our family is back in the States, because of my mother’s work against trafficking we have to be extra careful. But we’re willing to take the risk. Yesterday my dad flew in from DC and brought Soo-Lin’s latest letter to me. You won’t be able to read it, so I’ll translate the important part for you.”
Ally withdrew it from her purse and started reading. As Luckey listened, he was reminded of what Dr. Wolff told him about the latest body in the morgue. He’d said the young woman was likely either a ballerina or a gymnast. More than ever Luckey recognized the implications and understood the horror her friend’s news had raised in Ally’s mind. He dealt with the dark side of life every day. But now this case had become personal, because it directly affected this woman’s life, a woman who had already impacted him in a profound way.
He sat forward. “You were right to bring this to me.”
She stared at him through those beautiful, shadowed eyes. “Do I have your permission to tell my parents about this? They have no idea you came to see me at the university. But they love Soo-Lin and her family. When they read what’s in this letter, my father won’t wait to do something about it.”
“That’s what has me worried, Ally. Would you set up a time when I can meet with you and your parents?”
“Yes,” she said softly. Before he could blink, she got up from the chair and hurried over to the door. Before exiting it, she said, “I’ll drive home now. I’ll phone you when it’s arranged. Thank you, Luckey.” Her voice throbbed.
After she’d disappeared, Cy strolled into his office. “I can tell from the look on your face you’re a goner. No wonder. She’s gorgeous.”
Luckey tightened his jaw. “Her family is involved in a risky activity that could endanger their close friends in China.”
“I haven’t been assigned another case yet. Anything I can do to help?”
“Okay, come with me while I go talk to TJ. This case has just taken on a life of its own.”
Chapter Three
When Ally got back she found her mother in the kitchen starting dinner. It was three thirty.
“Hi, darling. Where have you been? We drove over to see your uncle Nick. When we got home, you weren’t here. I thought you didn’t have to go to the university for a while.”
“I went out, but not to the campus. Mom, I have something to tell you and Dad. Where is he?”
“Out talking to Hank about getting the horses vaccinated.”
“It’s that time of year,” Ally said, but her mind was on Luckey. “Mom? Do you have any special plans tonight?”
“No. Your father wants peace and quiet. We just want our family to be together. I’m fixing a salad and his favorite baked beans. We’ll barbecue some steaks.”
“Would you mind if I invited someone to join us?”
Her mother pondered the question. “You’re being very mysterious, rushing in here all out of breath. It must be a man to have created this unusual behavior in you.”
“He’s not just any man. His name is James Davis, but he goes by the nickname Luckey. He’s a Texas Ranger,” she said, feeling her face burn. It was embarrassing, because her mother could always see through her.
“Let me guess. Tall? Handsome? Honorable? Nothing but silver bullets in his gun and a black domino mask made from his brother’s vest?”
“Mom...!” She tried to give her mother an incredulous look, but couldn’t hide the grin on her face.
“So I’m right.”
“Except for the mask, and maybe the bullets.”
“Do you think I could ever forget your childhood hero? The Lone Ranger was your obsession when you were little.” She smiled. “All right. No more teasing. How did you meet this paragon?”
“He came to my office yesterday looking for help with a case he was working on. He thinks talking to you and Dad would be very useful. But before I say any more, I need to call him. Maybe he won’t be able to come this evening. Be right back.” She dashed up to her room and phoned his cell.
He an
swered on the third ring. “Ally?”
“Hello again. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“Not at all. I just got out of a meeting with my boss and am headed home.”
