O’Dell exchanged a glance with Liáng and then replied, “Yes, I think that is a fair assumption. We should not become lax on that point.”
Rose nodded. “Then, with regards to her safety, I have an additional concern.”
The room stilled and waited for Rose to go on. “When I took the children to the park, I also took my journal and my Bible with me. I tucked both of them under the afghan that covered the babies. A few days ago . . . when Mr. Carpenter brought the pram back home, my journal was not in it. My Bible was, but not my journal. I . . . I am concerned that whoever took Edmund also took my journal, whether by accident or by intention.”
“Your journal. What was written in it?”
Rose sighed and, with difficulty, sat up straighter. “A record of our journey, beginning just after the lodge in Corinth burned. I am afraid my journal contains many personal details and insights.”
O’Dell thought for several moments. “I don’t know that it puts Mei-Xing in more danger than she is already in, but I can understand how troubling it may be to know that whoever has the book is privy to your personal thoughts.”
O’Dell returned to his briefing, “In conclusion, we still do not know why the kidnappers took Edmund instead of Shan-Rose, only that the letter left in the house on Acorn Street clearly tells us it was a mistake. More importantly, we do not know who took him and where he is at present.
“I believe I may know why they took Edmund.” Mei-Xing’s lovely face was a sad mask of realization.
Liáng was nodding, speculation in his expression. “Will you tell us what you mean, please, Mei-Xing?”
She nodded once. “Yes. Most of you do not, perhaps, understand Chinese tradition or know the Chen family personally, as I do. In traditional Chinese culture a girl child is negligible; a boy child is desirable.”
She hugged Shan-Rose as if to dispel such a notion. “Wei Lin Chen is a very traditional Chinese man. Fang-Hua only gave her husband one son, Su-Chong. A grandson would be invaluable to them. A granddaughter? Hardly worth mentioning.”
She turned to Joy, compassion and sorrow now crumpling her face. “The kidnappers may have been told that my child was a boy, you see. Miss Rose said she saw them standing over the pram, confused. I am so sorry, Joy! I believe they may have taken Edmund only because he is a boy! I am so sorry! Please forgive me!”
Mei-Xing broke down entirely. Shan-Rose, seeing her mother distraught, screwed up her face and howled.
As confusion and tearful commiseration took hold of the room, Joy walked to Mei-Xing and knelt by her feet. She and Mei-Xing wept together, their cheeks touching, while Shan-Rose’s shrieks rose and added to the general chaos.
Liáng reached out his arms to the child, and she leaned toward him, sobbing. He picked her up and took her out of the room, whispering comforting words as he departed.
“Mei-Xing, my sister,” Joy whispered through her tears, “I do not blame you. I do not fault you. There is nothing to forgive. Please.”
But it was still many minutes before O’Dell felt he should continue.
“We do not know who wrote the letters, but we believe it was the same man who rented the room from Miss DeWitt. She has been able to positively state that none of the dead men was the man who rented her room.
“So, what do we know of this mystery man? Very little. We have a description and we have his initials: R.S. I am convinced that he expected me to recognize those initials but, I am sorry to say, I do not as of yet.”
His face became stern and the group stirred, nervously waiting. “I want to say this in front of all of you, because it needs to be said: If anyone is to blame for the death of two good men, the attack on Mrs. Thoresen, and Edmund’s abduction, it is I. Why? Because I know better than to leave an enemy such as Fang-Hua Chen to her own devices. I know that one should never let sleeping dogs lie.
“However, because we were worn and weary when we finally found and brought Mei-Xing home and because she needed to heal and desired only peace, I disregarded my own true instincts. I allowed myself to be persuaded away from them.”
He turned to Mei-Xing. “Mei-Xing, I should have insisted, even against your wishes, that we seek out Fang-Hua and make her accountable for her many crimes. It is the only way to truly be safe from her.”
O’Dell addressed the entire room: “My lapse in judgment is to blame.
“That brings us to the real reason for this meeting. Our primary objective is to recover Edmund. As far as we know, only Fang-Hua Chen knows who this mystery man is and only she can tell us. If we find him, we hope and pray to also find Edmund.
“And so, we can no longer wait passively here in Denver. Now we must take this battle to our enemy.” His voice rose and strengthened with conviction. “We must go to Seattle immediately, and we must attack Fang Hua where she lives.”
~~**~~
Chapter 25
Toward the end of the discussion, when most of the questions had been answered and the objections overruled, a silence descended on the room.
At last Rose Thoresen spoke. “Mr. O’Dell, what you have proposed is most difficult and, as you say, dangerous. However, I believe I speak for each of us, that we would give our lives to return Edmund to us.”
With Tabitha’s help, she stood up. “I must retire now, but I promise to do my part. You may count on me. And I will pray, diligently, for those who are going into the battle.”
Joy and Grant rose from their seats. Grant leaned upon Joy’s arm and his voice shook. “I admit that I do not like the part I have been assigned.” He paused to breathe from the machine. “But I accept my limitations and I accept my role.”
Joy looked at the floor. “But I am faced with an impossible decision! Do I stay with my husband who needs me? Or do I go to look for our son who will need me when we find him?”
She began to weep again. “Would that I could be in two places, but I cannot! O God, please lead me!”
“You will go, Joy,” Grant decided quietly. “I am in God’s hands; you will go and do your part.” She nodded and clung to him, crying into his shirt.
The others looked at each other and began to rise, all except Mei-Xing. “We will do as you ask,” they answered, one by one.
Mei-Xing stared at O’Dell. “Is there no other way?”
“No.”
Liáng reached for Mei-Xing. “You will never be alone. We will be with you—I will be with you. And the Lord our God will be with you. He will give you the strength you need.”
She slowly nodded. “Yes.” She took his hand and stood to her feet. “Then I must go.”
“Mr. O’Dell.” Martha Palmer had to touch his arm before he realized she was there was speaking to him. Mr. Wheatley had admitted her to the house some time before, but O’Dell had been too preoccupied over the details of the plan to notice.
“Mrs. Palmer.”
She looked up at him in that curious, sideways manner her body forced on her. “I understand you are taking them to Seattle. To confront that woman.”
O’Dell nodded, but slowly. “I wouldn’t miss hunting her out for the world but, of course, our primary objective is to regain little Edmund.”
She grasped his arm and he steadied her. “Please take this.” She held a thick wallet in her hand. “I wish to pay all the expenses of the trip—No, no, Mr. O’Dell. I want no distractions to interfere with your efforts.”
The hand clutching his arm tightened. “We spoke once of letting sleeping dogs lie, my dear boy.”
O’Dell gritted his teeth. “I believe I said I wasn’t in favor of it.”
If they had planned a move against Fang-Hua Chen in the first place, baby Edmund wouldn’t be missing today! He could not get past the sting of that conviction.
Martha answered, “Yes, I believe we were agreed on that point. But now that this dog is no longer sleeping?”
“You mean now that this dragon is no longer sleeping?” He chuckled without humor. “We have overused the metaphor, Mrs. Palmer.
It no longer amuses me.”
Martha’s voice sank to a whisper. “But if I weren’t a Christian, Mr. O’Dell, I would charge you with slaying this dragon, not just uncovering her evil actions.”
O’Dell’s mouth hardened. “The old O’Dell would be happy to oblige you, madam, but the new O’Dell? I confess that I am struggling. Minister Liáng and Pastor Carmichael have . . . preached me quite a storm on this matter. The new O’Dell must not seek revenge. He must allow God and the law of the land the opportunity to work.”
He leaned closer. “But this much I will tell you: When we step onto that train tomorrow, we will be going to war. We will do all that is necessary to bring baby Edmund home—even if it means these two clans and their armies clash over this. Please pray for us, for much is at stake, even many lives.”
His voice dropped. “And yet, with the proof we have against Fang-Hua, I am confident that she will not escape justice. No, she will not escape.”
The party that boarded the train to Seattle was subdued. Their group consisted of twelve adults and one child: Chief Groves, Marshal Pounder, Edmund O’Dell, Samuel Gresham and three of his men, Bao, Minister Liáng, Joy, Breona, and Mei-Xing, who clutched Shan-Rose with an intensity that bespoke her fears.
Those remaining behind had their assigned tasks. Rose, with help from Mr. Wheatley, was to stay near the telephone, continue to guide the house, and pray. Grant, because of his declining health, would remain behind with her. “I can pray,” he gasped. “I do not need breath to pray from my heart.”
Tabitha’s decision was most surprising. “I have informed the dean of my school that I cannot return this term,” she announced quietly. “This family emergency requires that I remain at home for the time being. She was understanding of the situation and has promised to hold my spot open for me.”
Tabitha would take Breona’s place as housekeeper. No one mentioned it, but all understood that she would be watching Grant’s health in Joy’s absence.
Gresham’s remaining men, Morrow, Jeffers, and Goldstein, would remain at Palmer House, even sleeping there, until the party returned from Seattle.
On the train as it climbed toward the Montana border before turning west, Joy, Breona, and Mei-Xing shared facing seats. O’Dell was seated across the aisle from them and observed how, with calm and composed demeanors that belied the dangers ahead, the three women spoke together in soft tones, often grasping hands and bowing their heads to pray.
O’Dell had many times admired Joy Michaels’ grit and determination. But today he could not help but to also notice the sadness that seeped through her steadfast manner.
Lord, he prayed for her, I know my prayers are awkward, but my friend needs you. She has suffered so much! I am asking you to help us find her and Grant’s baby. I give myself to you in this task; please use me in any way you choose.
Gresham’s men, Betts, Cluney, and Donaldson, had but a single task: protect Mei-Xing and Shan-Rose. To that end, Betts and Donaldson occupied the first and last seats in their car, each facing the opposite door. Cluney sat in the middle of the car to back them up. No one entered the car who did not first pass under their scrutiny.
O’Dell knew they were armed—as were Gresham, Groves, and Pounder. As am I, he added.
Gresham had his head together with Groves and Pounder nearer the front of the car. Bao and Liáng—when he was seated—occupied the seats opposite O’Dell, just across the aisle from the women.
O’Dell was not the only one who noticed that Liáng stayed close by Mei-Xing, often foreseeing and taking care of her needs before she spoke. O’Dell and Joy exchanged a knowing look and Joy, studying Liáng as he asked something of Mei-Xing, nodded, approving what she observed.
Perhaps something good and beautiful can come of all this, O’Dell mused. Perhaps Mei-Xing will at last find happiness and peace.
They disembarked at the King Street Station under a drizzling sky. Liáng hailed two cabs to transport them to the hotel he had recommended—a fine, modern establishment they could afford, given Martha Palmer’s gift.
The gloomy afternoon had slipped into early evening by the time they registered. Mei-Xing confessed that she was weary, so the group said goodnight with the intention of meeting for breakfast in the morning.
Early the following day, Liáng arranged for a small, private dining room where they could prepare for and pray over their plans without interruption. By eight o’clock they had all gathered to eat.
For two hours after breakfast they discussed the day and each person’s role. When their plans were complete, Liáng led them in prayer. O’Dell knew that Groves, Pounder, Gresham, and his men were uncomfortable and out of their elements with the whole “praying thing.”
Lord, it wasn’t that long ago that I was like them—unbelieving, cynical, and blind to my own ignorance, O’Dell prayed. Open their eyes to see you! As you revealed yourself to me, I am asking that you reveal yourself to them.
They finished praying and looked to Liáng. It was his task to set their plans in motion. All of them knew; all of them understood: Once begun, there would be no going back.
As Liáng requested, their dining room had a telephone. Liáng dialed a number and waited as it rang. “Mr. Li? Good morning; it is Yaochuan Min Liáng calling.” He listened. “Yes, thank you, I am doing well in my Denver pastorate! I thank you for asking. I have returned to Seattle on important business.”
Liáng listened further and then spoke. “My friend, I have something of great consequence to discuss with you. May I see you this afternoon?”
He listened. “I appreciate your taking time out of your busy schedule for me. If convenient, may I meet with both you and Mrs. Li?” A moment later he added, “Yes, your home would be best. Two o’clock? Thank you.”
He hung up and turned to the rest. “Two o’clock.”
Everyone nodded; Mei-Xing appeared ill to O’Dell; Breona clasped her hand.
Please help Mei-Xing to be strong, Lord, O’Dell prayed.
Gresham and Cluney left to rent three motorcars for the next few days. Not long after lunch, O’Dell and Liáng divided their party into three groups for the three cars: O’Dell, Liáng, and Bao went into one; Joy, Breona, Donaldson, Chief Groves, and Marshal Pounder into the second; Mei-Xing, Shan-Rose, Gresham, Betts, and Cluney into the third.
The three automobiles sped through a fine, misting rain toward the Li home. O’Dell parked in front of the house. The other two cars drove past him, turned right at the corner, and drove all the way around the block. Both cars parked along the curb, just before the corner, facing the street on which the Li family lived. They would only need to turn the corner to park behind O’Dell’s motorcar.
Betts got out of his assigned vehicle, walked to the corner, and crossed the street—standing in nearly the same place Liáng had first seen Bao. From there, Betts had a view of the Lis’ front door and of the two motorcars parked across the street facing him. He pulled his hat down against the damp weather and sat on a nearby bench to await a signal from Liáng or O’Dell.
Liáng and O’Dell, both of them somber, rang the bell to the Li home. A servant showed them into a living room where a warming fire burned. After only a few minutes, Mr. and Mrs. Li joined them.
“Minister Liáng! How we have missed you!” Mei-Xing’s father bowed, greeting them formally. Then he and Liáng embraced.
O’Dell recognized in Mr. Li the same kind and gentle eyes that he knew in Mei-Xing. As Mrs. Li greeted them and Liáng introduced O’Dell, he saw that Mei-Xing’s mother, Ting-Xiu, had once been every bit as lovely as Mei-Xing—indeed, she was still a strikingly beautiful woman.
Jinhai Li gestured to some chairs near the fire. “Please. Sit down and warm yourselves.”
They sat down. “You said you had business of great consequence?” Jinhai asked. “I confess, you have puzzled me, my friend. What can be of great consequence between us?”
Liáng gathered himself and began. From the moment he began to speak, he k
new, he could not take back his words.
“My friends, we have difficult things to speak of this day, things that will try your very souls,” Liáng said in a quiet voice. “I know you have both come to love the Lord Jesus with all your hearts, but what we will tell you will pain you greatly.
“Before we begin, I must ask you: Are you willing to submit the situation of which I will speak to the Lord? Are you willing to pray with us right now and trust that God will see us through it?”
“You are frightening me, Minister Liáng,” Ting-Xiu whispered. “What can be as fearsome as you describe?”
Liáng nodded. “It is not my intent to frighten you, madam; nevertheless, shall we commit this time to God before we go further? Let us bring our chairs close together and join hands.”
“Our God, you are Lord of the universe and Lord of us,” Liáng prayed. “Help us this day to uncover what has been covered and bring what has been hidden into the light. Help us this day to submit to your word even as we speak of difficult, painful things. Be with us, O Lord! Give us your grace, I ask in the name of Jesus.”
Without pausing, Liáng began, “Mr. and Mrs. Li, my friend, Mr. O’Dell, is employed by the Pinkerton Agency. He is a detective.”
Jinhai and his wife stared at O’Dell. “A detective!” Jinhai expostulated.
Liáng continued. “He has a . . . story to relate to you. Please hear him.”
O’Dell nodded to the couple. “Yes, I am a detective with the Pinkertons. I specialize in finding lost people, often those who have been kidnapped. A while ago I helped on a difficult case. It ended in a small mountain town not far from the city of Denver in Colorado.
“Young women had been kidnapped and placed in two large houses there. These houses were frequented by men who . . . pay for services.” O’Dell looked into Jinhai’s eyes and willed him to understand what he was saying.
That he did was evident—Jinhai stiffened and his face grew grim. Beside him, Mrs. Li looked confused, but only for a moment before she paled.
Stolen (A Prairie Heritage, Book 5) Page 23