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“That was the first thing I asked the guys to watch for. They saw no signs.”
“You know what, Davis? You have such scary instincts, all I can say is I’m glad you’re on our side.” Luckey smiled to himself. “However you want to handle it, go ahead, and round up the help you need. Vic is between cases. I’ll ask him to get things in place for the victims to go into protective custody. Get that spa closed down and there’s another citation waiting for you.”
Luckey heard the click as Ally came into the den with a tray of sandwiches and clam chowder. “What would you like to drink?”
“Do you have coffee?”
“I can hear a long night behind that request. Be right back.”
Nothing escaped Ally. She returned fast and they settled down in front of the coffee table to eat.
“Thanks for this. I didn’t eat after I woke up today.”
“That’s what I thought.” Her eyes searched his as she bit into a roast beef sandwich. “So what’s it going to be? Do I call my assistant or not?”
Ally, Ally... He ate a whole sandwich before he said, “You’d have to tell your parents first.”
“I already did, when I went to the kitchen. Mom’s all for it. Dad doesn’t like it, but he knows I’d do it anyway, so he gave me his blessing, as long as I follow your instructions to the letter.”
“You’re so incredible.” Luckey finished the chowder and took a drink of his coffee. “That was delicious, by the way.”
Her anxious gaze played over him. “Next you’re going to say you hate to eat and run, but there it is.”
Luckey leaned closer and kissed her. “I don’t want to leave you, but if we’re going to put this plan in action, I have to start things moving. Don’t get up, Ally. I’ll see myself out and call you within two hours.” He reached for the flash drive and hurried out of the house to his car.
On the way to his house, he phoned Vic. “Luckey Davis,” his friend said when he picked up. “TJ just informed me you need help on your case. I’m your man.”
“Now I know my plan is going to work. I’ll need you first thing in the morning. Let me explain what’s going on...”
* * *
ALLY SAT OUTSIDE the ranch house in her car Thursday morning and waited for Luckey’s call, adrenaline pumping through her body. The phone rang at 8:20 a.m. She picked up. “Luckey?”
“Go ahead and drive to the orphanage. Shan was dropped off on cue. Her handler has been arrested thanks to Vic. Park where you usually do, along the side. You’re being followed by one of the crew, so don’t be alarmed. I’ll know your progress every step of the way. Be careful.”
“You, too, Luckey.”
“Always. I’ll see you and Shan at your house.”
Ally hung up and headed for the orphanage. In case she had to persuade Shan, she’d brought the six sheets of paper with the Nüshu writing in her purse. Before getting out of the car, she said a prayer that this was going to work.
There were always three workers on duty at any given time, plus the cook and her assistant. One of them answered the doorbell to let her in. She talked with everyone like she usually did, until she found Shan in one of the bedrooms helping two of the children get dressed.
The bruises on her arms should have been noticeable before, but Ally hadn’t been looking. Now she saw that there were bruises on her legs, as well. Shan had been beaten. Who knew how many times?
Ally played with the children and helped Shan accompany them to the kitchen for their breakfast. “While they’re eating,” she said, “I’d like to talk to you, Shan. Let’s go back to the bedroom.”
The young woman nodded and followed her. Ally shut the door and sank down on one of the twin beds. She motioned for Shan to sit on the one across from her.
“Shan? Can you read the Nüshu language?”
She blinked. “No.”
“But you know about it.”
“Yes. A secret language.”
“That’s right. I have an example of it in my purse.” Ally pulled out the papers and showed them to her. “I’m going to translate what these words say. They were written in blood on the cheongsam of a dead Chinese girl found in Austin two weeks ago.”
