“So, becoming a donor isn’t a problem?”
“You’re whiter than milk. You’d stand out.”
“There’s plenty of skin tanning products that last two to three weeks.”
“There’s a risk someone will recognize you.”
“I’ll change my appearance, like the time I went on the run. You said it looked good.”
“You’ve got this all figured out, don’t you?”
“No. I need help with recording everything. You can get me the special equipment I’d need. You know, like, real small cameras and mics. You can get that kinda stuff, right?”
“This isn’t a game of spy. These guys wouldn’t hesitate to kill you. And you’ve got to make it out of Mexico first.”
“I’m not looking to get killed. I just think it will work. Say it wasn’t me but somebody like you doing it. Do you think it’d work?”
“It could.”
“Just could? What are the holes in it?”
“You, to start with. But let’s say you’re a donor. How do you know you’re not going to be strip-searched or drugged?”
“Can’t you get information from someone who’s gone through it?”
“We can track somebody back to their home. They are paid not to talk, but you can be sure, if it was a good experience, they’d spill some of it.”
“Super. I’d know what to expect. Now, what can we use to document what’s going on?”
“There’s a couple of microscopic cameras and mics—”
“Microscopic?”
“Equipment the intelligence community uses. But it’s all useless if you’re naked or unconscious. Then, not only can’t you film anything, but you’d also be light an organ when you wake up. You ready for something like that?”
“It won’t happen. I’d bust out of there if it came to that.”
“You think these guys aren’t armed?”
“There may be a security guard or something, but the cops will be on standby. I’d signal them, and they’d save me.”
Black scoffed. “Just like on TV, right?”
“I know this isn’t a game, okay? If we work out the details, nothing will happen to me, and we’ll nail these bastards.”
“No. I don’t like it.”
“Can you think about it? With your help, it could be perfect. I’ll do it any way you say.”
Black stood. “I’ll roll it around.”
“Thanks, man.”
Black took a step and turned around. “I don’t know anything about being married, but you’d better talk to your old lady about this.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Shu rolled his luggage through Beijing Capital Airport. He saw his name on a placard and signaled. The driver rushed over. “Mr. Shu, let me take your baggage.”
“No. I’ve got them.”
“You sure?”
“Where’s the car?”
“Outside door ten.”
Shu placed his suitcase on the back seat and sat in the passenger seat. “How’s the traffic today?”
“The usual, sir.”
“How long till we reach the Peninsula?”
“Uh, we’re not going to the hotel, sir. I was told to drive you to Mama Xian’s.”
Shu smiled. Gao was making good on his promise to go to their old stomping grounds.
As the car slogged its way toward the world’s most populous city, Shu looked at the skyline. He hadn’t counted them but was sure there were ten more cranes than two months ago.
The sleek, modern skyscrapers were on the verge of becoming the majority of structures. Shu marveled at the speed with which China was transforming itself.
More progress had occurred in the last twenty years than in the centuries before. Shu believed it was more proof the state-run economic system was superior to capitalism. He calculated it would only be a few short years before China took its rightful place as the world’s leader.
A pang of emotion hit Shu as the car turned down a narrow street. The old neighborhood was changing. The sidewalks were crowded with people buying food from the carts that lined the street. He remembered shopping on this street with his mother.
Shu craned his neck and smiled. The candy wagon was surrounded by children. Shu’s mother always bought him White Rabbit Candy and Haw flakes from the same stand.
Wondering whether he’d want to live in the area, the car turned and slowed. “Here we are, sir.”
The red and gold lettering on Mama Xian’s window needed a touch-up. Shu grabbed his baggage and walked into the eatery. The comforting smells reminded him he was home.
He searched the tables as the owner’s son approached. They caught up quickly, and he showed Shu to the private room in the rear. The men seated around a table were chatting. Gao smiled and rose.
A man Shu recognized as an assistant took Shu’s suitcase as Gao embraced his friend. “So good to see you.”
“Same here, my friend.”
“You’ve lost weight.”
“Sometimes I work so much I forget to eat.”
Gao turned to the table. “You all know my old friend and party stalwart, Park Shu.”
As the group stood, Shu was given a glass of baijiu. Gao raised his glass. “Ganbei.” Everyone emptied their cups. Shu shook hands with everyone, and Gao led him to a chair. “Sit here, next to me.”
“You didn’t have to do this.”
“I wanted to honor you. We’re proud of the success of your operation.”
“I couldn’t have done anything without your support and guidance.”
Gao nodded. “How is the expansion progressing?”
“The southern supply chain made its first delivery. The quality of donors was better than expected. I approved a second collection point.”
“How many per week can we expect?”
“The plan is to transport six per week, from three locations, for a total of eighteen.”
“Do you have the resources necessary?”
“We’re in the process of securing more vehicles. I believe we have what we need.”
“Operate for a month at that level, then add an additional run per week. That would double the volume. Can you handle that?”
“It’s a bit too fast. I’d like to iron out what we have just set in place.”
“But you have a month. That’s more than enough.”
Before Shu could speak, Gao stood. He raised his glass. “Another toast to Shu. He has brought much honor to the Party. Let’s wish him continued success as he expands his operation.”
Everyone knocked back their booze, and their glasses were refilled.
“You know, Shu and I grew up a couple of streets from here. We used to come to this very restaurant. Today, in honor of Shu, we will enjoy a special feast. I hope you’re hungry.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Before Cory hit the sidewalk, he worried about what Linda would say. She would never be on board with his plan. He wondered how to bring the subject up.
The thought hit him to disappear without telling her. He’d done that when he went into hiding. It had worked, but this was different.
Last time, Black had cautioned him about saying a word to anyone. Now, Black made a point of him talking to his wife about the plan. Was that because he believed she’d force him to abandon it?
Cory slipped through a closing subway car door. He considered whether Black would help him with his scheme. He realized if the operative said no, it was over. It was not only too risky, but Cory didn’t have the contacts to get inside nor the equipment necessary to record the illegal activities.
Cory couldn’t envision leaving the group free to continue with their off-the-grid transplants. He vowed to hound the police and his congressmen and continue raising the issue of becoming a donor if he couldn’t bring them down.
* * *
Cory bolted into the apartment. Linda was in the kitchen. “Is that you?”
“Yeah, I’m late. The train stopped for, like, fifteen minu
tes. I thought they’d have to evacuate us.”
“The subway is so run-down it’s disgusting. And they’d better do something about the crime, or nobody is going to ride it.”
“I know. How’s Ava?”
“The same. She hardly ate anything for lunch.”
Cory exhaled. “What are we going to do?”
“I called Dr. Bruno.”
“What did she say?”
“She wants to see her and go from there.”
“When is the appointment?”
“Day after tomorrow.”
“Good. Bruno is the best. She’ll help Ava get over this.”
“I hope so.”
“She will. Look, I got to get my guitar and run. I have three lessons.”
“All right. I’ll save you something for dinner.”
* * *
Cory hung his guitar up. The apartment was quiet. He went to Tommy’s room. Linda was reading to him.
“Hey, little man. How are you?”
“Dad, I got a ninety-two on my spelling test.”
“Super. You’re a better speller than me.”
Linda said, “Than I.”
“Oops, a better speller than I.”
“Hey, Dad, I scored over a hundred thousand points on the Avenger game.”
“Wow. I’m gonna have to practice.”
Linda said, “It’s getting late. You’ve got to get to sleep.”
Cory kissed the top of Tommy’s head. “Good night, pal. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Cory knocked on Ava’s door. “You up?”
He knocked again and cracked open the door. “Ava?”
His daughter was on the bed in a fetal position. “You okay?”
She shrugged.
Cory sat on the edge of her bed. She’d been crying. “What’s the matter, sunshine?”
“I don’t know.”
He rubbed her back. “It’s okay. You know, what you’re feeling is normal. You’ll get over it. Mom said she made an appointment with Dr. Bruno.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“It’ll be good for you.”
“I’m not going.”
“Do you know that I went to see her?”
“You?”
“Yes. I was having some problems, and she helped me work it out. It didn’t take long. Why don’t you give it a shot?”
“I don’t know.”
“Just think about it. I can come with you if you want. But you’ll talk to her in private, and she can’t tell us what you talk about. So don’t worry.”
“Okay.”
“You want to watch a movie or something?”
“I don’t feel like it.”
“You want some ice cream?”
“I’m not a baby.”
“I didn’t say you were. I’m just trying to cheer you up.”
“Just leave me alone. Okay?”
“Okay, sunshine. I love you. Good night.”
He closed the door behind him and went into the family room. Linda was on the couch. He said, “Ava’s a frigging mess.”
“What did she say?”
“She was crying. I don’t get why she feels like she does.”
“Should I go see her?”
“She wants to be left alone.”
“She can’t keep isolating herself.”
“Let’s see what Bruno can do with her.”
“She said she doesn’t want to go.”
“I know. She said the same thing to me. But I told her that she fixed me up, and it seemed to help.”
“I don’t want to force her, but we might have to.”
“She’ll come around. Don’t nag her about it.”
“When is this going to end? I want my daughter back.”
“Those bastards did this to her, to us.”
“How did this happen? How can these people do this?”
“Nobody is doing anything. I called Detective Grillo, but he had nothing to say.”
“I can’t believe it.”
“Believe it. The police are going after killers and drug dealers. These animals are a low priority.”
“That’s nuts. They’re letting them get away with it.”
“I won’t let them.”
“What are you going to do?”
Cory explained his plan to infiltrate the transplant operations as a donor.
“Are you crazy?”
“I know it sounds out there, but it’s the only thing that’ll work.”
“Then let the police do it.”
“They’re not doing shit.”
“Keep pushing them. It’s their job, not yours.”
“I know but—”
“But nothing! You got us into this in the first place.”
Cory leapt up. “You’re blaming me for what happened?”
“They came after us because you were out there crusading.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it.”
“Yeah? What about the threat they made to stop you from going to the press?”
“I had no idea they’d do something like they did. My kids mean the world to me. I would never put them in harm’s way.”
“I know that, and it’s why I’m saying it’s not worth the risk. Look at Ava, she’s a total mess.”
Cory hung his head. “You’re right. If something more happened to them, I’d never be able to live with myself.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Cory and Linda sat in Dr. Bruno’s waiting room. They had to coax Ava to go see the therapist, but before she went in, her mood seemed to improve.
He wondered how Bruno would open the conversation. She was a world-class listener who somehow got people to spill their guts. Cory smiled at the thought of Black going to see the therapist. Would she be able to get him to open up?
Black was the most different person Cory had ever met. He was incredibly guarded, but Cory felt he’d loosened up with him. They weren’t buddies, but they’d built a relationship.
Cory knew Black had been right. Again. Linda’s reaction to hearing his plan to pose as a donor ended it before it began. Cory was torn over giving up, but Linda was right, he had to be super cautious.
He wracked his brain trying to come up with something else, but everything had downsides. There had to be a way to put a major hurt on these criminals, and he would find it.
Cory wanted to hear what other options Black had. There must be something they could do. He’d give it another day before reaching out to the operative. Cory needed time to think of an excuse as to why he was abandoning becoming an infiltrator.
He wanted to save face with Black. Though he acknowledged he had no marriage experience, Cory didn’t want the operative to get ideas about Cory’s makeup.
Cory was searching his mind for a way to mobilize Black into action when Linda put down her magazine. “What do you think they’re talking about?”
“I don’t know. Probably about how she feels about what happened.”
“I never thought I’d be sitting in a psychologist’s office, no less for my kid.”
“Tell me about it. But at least we have a place to go for help.”
Linda took Cory’s hand. “I guess so. Let’s hope she doesn’t need to keep coming.”
“It’s going to take a couple of visits.”
“I can live with that. It’s been forty-five minutes already.”
“We having fun yet?”
“We have to say something to Tommy.”
“Just tell him Ava is going to a doctor. He doesn’t need to know any more.”
“You sure?”
“A hundred percent.”
The door opened. Ava stepped out. Her eyes were red. Linda popped up and put her arm around her. “How you doing, honey?”
Dr. Bruno said, “She did wonderfully. I’d like to see her Thursday, if that’s okay.”
Cory said, “The day after tomorrow?”
“Yes. Will that work?”
Cory looked at his
wife. “Uh, yeah. That’s good, right, Linda?”
His wife nodded as Dr. Bruno said, “Can I have a moment, Mr. Lupinski? There’s insurance paperwork that needs to be completed.”
“Sure.”
Linda said, “We’ll head downstairs and get something to drink.”
“I’ll meet you in the deli.”
Cory followed Bruno into her office. “Have a seat. I used insurance as a ruse. I’m concerned about Ava, and since she’s still a minor, felt it necessary to convey some of what we discussed.”
“What did she say?”
“She’s experienced a traumatic incident. I believe she’s suffering from PTSD.”
“Like what soldiers get?”
“Post-traumatic stress disorders develop when someone undergoes a distressing event. Soldiers often experience it, as well as victims of sexual or physical assault.”
“Are you sure that’s what she has?”
“No diagnosis is completely accurate, but she’s exhibiting symptoms.”
“What kind of symptoms?”
“Quite a few, but she’s having flashbacks, is unable to sleep, and doesn’t feel safe.”
“She hasn’t left the house. How can she feel unsafe?”
“Ava is afraid whoever did it will do it again.”
“She said that?”
“Yes. It’s a common feeling.”
“What can we do to help her?”
“Make her feel as comfortable as possible, at all times. We want her to feel things will improve over time. Ava must believe there is a path out of the darkness. We can’t have her thinking the only way to end it is to take her life.”
Cory leaned forward. “You think she’ll commit suicide?”
“I don’t believe so, but suicide rates among sufferers of PTSD are significantly higher than the general population.”
“What did she tell you? That she was thinking of doing it?”
“No.”
“So why are you saying that?”
“If I thought she was a danger to herself, I’d remand her into a safe environment. She’s not, but I wouldn’t be acting responsibly if I didn’t alert the parents of the risk, no matter how small it may be.”
“What do we do, Doc?”
“Act normally around her and support her as much as you can. Avoid putting her in a stressful situation. Try and make her surroundings as safe as possible.”
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