“When many people gather firewood, the flames rise high”.- Chinese Proverb

  Boston, MA – October 19th, 12 PM

  The long stretch of dock is lined with colorful sailboats and glamorous yachts. Lt. O’Shea and Erickson stroll to where a charter boat is unloading a group of men in various stages of undress, supporting each other as they weave down the weathered pier.

  Erickson blocks their way and flashes his badge at the party.

  “Hold up,” Erickson says.

  “Who hired a stripper?” the one with the “groom” t-shirt shouts.

  “I’m Detective Erickson. I need to ask you some questions.”

  “Where is the music?” the groom asks, patting his pants for his phone.

  O’Shea snorts, and he leaves his partner to handle the intoxicated bachelors while he hits up the captain. The man has a file already in hand.

  “Copies of all the permits and licenses,” the captain says.

  “I’m only interested in the crew and passenger list.”

  The captain flips through the papers for the combined manifest and hands it over.

  O’Shea skims the list. “No women?”

  “Not on this charter,” the captain confirms. “The bride made the arrangements.”

  “Mind if I look around?”

  “Be my guest.”

  Touring through the below deck, Lt. O’Shea isn’t surprised to find trash barrels filled with beer cans, wine and liquor bottles, socks, cigar butts, sunglasses, and other assorted paraphernalia. What he wasn’t expecting was an abundance of moisturizing facial masks.

  “Don’t knock ’em,” the captain says, handing one to O’Shea. “The boys gave me a box. Does wonders for wind chafing.”

  O’Shea notes the captain's glowing skin as he takes Jane Doe’s photo out of his pocket. “She look familiar?”

  The captain studies the picture earnestly but shakes his head.

  They go back to the upper deck; Erickson is waiting. The party dudes are lined up in a row along the dock, drinking water and trying to keep their cookies down.

  “Nothing,” Erickson says. “They weren’t here on the 10th. They came down from Vermont a week ago, and the only females they’ve seen since were fish.”

  The captain’s brow furrows in thought. He mutters, “Hold on,” then disappears into the wheelhouse. He returns a minute later with the captain’s log.

  “It’s been back-to-back bachelor parties this month,” the captain says. “On the last one, the best man was raving that he saw a mermaid in the middle of the night. I figured it was the Dramamine and tequila, but maybe...”

  “Were there any other boats in the area?”

  “Yeah, a custom-built superyacht about 150 miles out. It was heading toward international waters. Rude bastards didn’t give wide berth and sent our boat rocking,” the captain recalls. “The deck was a mess from all the vomit.”

  “Did you write down the name?”

  The captain consults his notes. “Vasak’s Toy.”

  Lt. O’Shea hands the captain a card. “Thanks for your help. If you think of anything else…”

  Erickson and O’Shea stroll back down the dock to the car.

  “If they went to international waters—” Erickson starts.

  “Then the case is going colder than my ex-wife’s heart,” O’Shea finishes.

  Hangzhou, China – October 20th, 7 AM

  Heading to school in the morning, Hailee meets Kang on his way into the building.

  “Anna is almost ready,” Hailee tells him. “Do you need me to go back up to interpret?”

  “No,” he says. “We understand each other just fine.”

  Hailee isn’t too sure about that, but she doesn’t want to be late for work. “Then I’ll get going,” she says, wondering what story Anna will have for her later.

  ***

  They made it out the door without a hassle for once, Anna thinks as she settles into the passenger seat. Kang checks all the mirrors and makes sure her belt is fastened before starting the engine. He’d be the pride of any driver’s ed teacher.

  Before pulling out into the street, he reaches behind the console.

  He issues her a McDonald’s bag and an order: “Breakfast. Eat.”

  Anna is torn between the need to be contrary and the delicious smell of an Egg McMuffin.

  “I’m only eating this because I’m hungry,” Anna says, opening the bag. “Just because I’m American doesn’t mean I love McDonald’s.”

  Kang smirks as he merges into traffic.

  “Are you learning English so you can tell me what to do?” Anna asks, savoring her first bite.

  “Bú shì,” he replies.

  Anna rolls her eyes. She may not know Mandarin, but she recognizes one word - No.

  ***

  When they roll up to the police station, Anna isn’t sure what to expect. She knows she shouldn’t be nervous; they probably just want to ask questions, or maybe she needs to pick someone out of a lineup. As he leads her through the station full of uniformed officers and their curious stares a niggling fear enters her mind. Her mind replays every movie and news article about people being locked up in a foreign country.

  Anna examines Kang’s face, but it is his normal stony expression. Provoking him isn’t illegal, is it?

  Kang stops in front of a nondescript door at the end of the hallway; he opens the door and steps aside so she can enter. Anna quells her overactive imagination and steps through.

  She braces herself as a petite body launches itself into Anna’s arms.

  Chai Lai Luan hugs Anna tight with excitement. Anna returns the warm embrace. Behind her, the other girls from the container are sitting around a table, including a newly discharged Cao Niu Ju. Anna is overwhelmed with relief and happiness at seeing them again.

  This time, when Anna looks at Kang, his face is softer, with a hint of a grin. Detective Man is there as well, standing beside a woman with cute glasses and a punk nerd vibe. The other person she doesn’t recognize in the room is a woman who appears like she was born in a pair of heels and ready to rule the world. She would have been intimidating if it wasn’t for her sincere smile.

  When Chai Lai Luan eventually lets go, the woman in heels approaches, “Hi Anna, I’m Dr. Zheng Ying Zi, I’m a licensed therapist. Agent Kang asked if I could help with today’s meeting and act as translator.

  “Nice to meet you,” Anna says. “But what is going on?”

  Anna's eyes couldn’t stop feasting on the familiar faces. The young women, once covered in bruises and broken spirits, are now healed and glowing with happiness. She doesn’t even know all their names, but each one is forever etched into her heart.

  “The police are hoping that by sharing your experiences, it might lead to new information to locate your abductors.” Dr. Zeng explains.

  Anna knew it couldn’t simply be a reunion. “I wasn’t originally a target.” Anna reminds Dr. Zheng, “I’m not sure if I’ll be able to help.”

  “All the girls wanted you to be here.” Dr. Zheng tells her, “and Agent Kang and Detective Man thought it was a good idea as well.”

  Dr. Zheng looks over at Kang and Detective Man, “Speaking of, you two may leave, Penny and I will take it from here.” When Kang hesitates, Dr. Zheng gives him a look that sends him on his way. Anna’s admiration of Dr. Zheng rises another notch.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “I need to learn how to do that,” Anna mutters under her breath as the woman with glasses comes over and introduces herself as Penny. She is Kang’s co-worker and is going to be observing and taking notes. Once the introduction is done, Dr. Zheng directs Anna to a seat between Chai Lai Luan and herself.

  “Thank you, everyone, for agreeing to come today.” Penny begins. “Why don’t we start with introductions? Who would like to go first?”

  Anna looks around the table; no one speaks up, but all eyes are on her. She has been nominated as the unspoken leader of the group. Anna is partly flattered that the girls look to her for support and also terrified she will let them down. She isn’t a hero, she was just in the wrong place at the right time.

  At least Dr. Zheng can fix it in translation if she says the wrong thing. Anna thinks before she begins. “My name is Anna Westcott. That day I arrived in Hangzhou airport…”

  Chai Lai Luan, Anna’s unwavering support in the container, was on her way home from the convenience store when she was taken. “I guess I shouldn’t have walked alone at night,” she says with a self-deprecating smile.

  “It’s not your fault.” Dr. Zheng assures her. Chai Lai Luan nods, but Anna can see from her tight expression that she doesn’t believe her.

  The athletic girl, Song Huan Rong, volunteers to go next. “I was on campus running track early in the morning. Two guys in hoodies were doing laps, one fell and twisted his ankle.” Her cool tone turns to anger as she continues her story. “I went over to help. That’s when they attacked.” She uncrosses her arms, her fists are tense with anger. “Damn, cowards,” she spits out as she bangs the table.

  Bo Chu Chu, or the princess, lived up to the name Anna had given her. Her family was once well-to-do, but her dad’s business partner embezzled funds. She was picked up from her job as a sales girl at the store she once used to shop at. “My dad spent all our savings to install a new security system. I should try to find a job I can do from home.”

  Anna’s heart breaks for her as she knows that feeling all too well. It’s not like anyone can tell her not to worry that the world is a safe place. It’s a lie everyone in the room knows too well. Anna watches as tears well-up in Bo Chu Chu’s eyes.

  The delicate, fairly like, Qi Mei Ling, shares a tissue from the box she has in front of her with Bo Chu Chu. Her eyes are swollen and red. “I keep crying all the time, then my little sister starts crying, and my mom starts crying. My dad smokes constantly, it looks like a bomb exploded in our house, leaving tissues and ashes everywhere.”

  Bo Chu Chu pulls a lollipop out of her purse, “Every time I cry, my dad gives me a one like he used to when I was five,” she says, handing it to Qi Mei Ling, “You take it. I’m going to get cavities.”

  Dr. Zheng reassures the girls, “All of your feelings are normal. Everyone, including your families, is going to need time to adjust. Your parents might not know how to react or how best to help you. Communication is very important.”

  Anna is lucky that her sister has been there for her, but realizes she can never let her parents discover the full extent of what happened. They would be on the first plane over to drag Hailee home if they found out that it was more than just a mugging. They’ve spent the last twenty-five years worrying about her health issues, she isn’t going to add international criminals to their list of things to stress about.

  ***

  After morning classes, Hailee runs into Zhao Lin, the math teacher, in the teachers' lounge.

  “Hailee, thanks for putting together the packets,” Zhao Lin says in a sugary sweet voice.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “I hate to ask another favor, but my in-laws are coming over, and my students are expecting their test scores tomorrow.” Zhao Lin smiles at Hailee expectantly, ready to gush with gratitude.

  Hailee hesitates. Normally, she would agree right away, but today is different. The grading isn’t an emergency—it can wait a day. But if she doesn’t help, she worries the other teachers might think she isn’t a team player.

  Zhao Lin’s smile falters as the other teachers in the lounge notice the awkward silence. Hailee needs to make a decision quickly—she doesn’t want this to become a big deal.

  “I wish I could, but my sister is still here, and we only have a few days left together,” Hailee says. The words surprise her—and everyone else in the room. This is the first time she has ever turned down a request.

  “Oh, I forgot,” Zhao Lin says softly, her face turning red as she realizes she’s been rejected in front of everyone. Hailee doesn’t want to cause anyone discomfort, so she tries to ease the tension without backing down.

  “I’m going out for lunch today. Would you like me to bring you back a coffee or milk tea?” Hailee offers, then addresses the rest of the room. “Anyone else?”

  Zhao Lin eagerly agrees, relieved to be off the spot, and a few other teachers place their orders. Though Hailee now has to spend part of her break playing delivery girl, there’s an extra spring in her step as she leaves the school grounds. It’s a beautiful day.

  Suddenly, her world tilts, and she’s thrown off balance. In a twist of arms and legs, she and the student she bumps into manage to stay upright.

  A deep voice asks, “Are you alright?” Hailee looks up to see Man Zhu Bai rushing over from across the street.

  Hailee and a small voice answer in unison, “I’m okay.”

  Looking down, Hailee realizes the student she’s collided with is Lina. “Sorry, I should have been paying attention.”

  “It’s okay,” Lina assures her before turning to her dad. “Dad, can Teacher Westcott join us for lunch? I want to ask her about my English project.”

  Man Zhu Bai answers Lina, but his gaze stays on Hailee. “It’s up to Teacher Westcott. She might want time to herself.”

  Lina looks at Hailee, her eyes pleading. “Please, Teacher Westcott.”

  Hailee hesitates. She should hurry back with the drink orders and get some work done, but her newfound ability to say no evaporates under Lina’s adorable pleading. “Sure.”

  Lina leads the way to her favorite food stall. In no time at all, the three of them are seated around a table with Gai Fan—bowls of rice topped with beef and vegetables.

  “Is it okay if I use my dad again for the essay about a family member?” Lina asks Hailee in English.

  “Yes,” Hailee says. “You can write about anyone in your family.”

  Lina’s face turns serious, and she lowers her voice.

  “Is it bad that I don’t have a mom?” Lina asks.

  Hailee looks at Man Zhu Bai, but she has no way of asking him how to handle the conversation. So, she trusts her instincts.

  “I believe families come in all shapes and sizes,” Hailee says sincerely. “What matters is that the people in them love you.”

  “So, my dad getting a divorce isn’t wrong?” Lina asks, probing further.

  This question is trickier. The culture places a strong emphasis on family. Hailee doesn’t know the specifics of the divorce, and though she’s curious, it’s none of her business. But she doesn’t want to give Lina the wrong impression by dodging the question.

  “Are you two talking about me?” Man Zhu Bai interrupts.

  Hailee gives a vague response, “I think people come and go in our lives for all sorts of reasons,” before changing the subject. “Enough English. It’s rude to talk in front of your dad when he can’t understand.”

  “But it’s fun,” Lina says mischievously.

  Man Zhu Bai watches his daughter’s face light up as Hailee winks conspiratorially at her. He wonders what secrets they’re sharing. If he had a teacher like Hailee, maybe he would have paid more attention in class. Then again, he might have been a little distracted.

  “Dad,” Lina’s voice pulls him out of his thoughts. “We have to get back to school. Don’t you have criminals to catch?”

  Man Zhu Bai is surprised. Normally, Lina tries to stretch out their rare lunches together, but it’s nice to see her look up to another woman. His little girl is growing up quickly.

  “Oh, now that you’re full, you’re trying to get rid of me,” Man Zhu Bai teases, tickling Lina’s side and making her giggle.

  The burst of laughter draws the attention of people around them. Man Zhu Bai notices the stares last longer than usual, accompanied by whispered conversations. He can only imagine what wild speculations are forming in their minds.

  ***

  After digging up all the bad memories and talking about their feelings, the meeting takes a lighter turn. The girls are taking their time getting to know one another, discussing their favorite movies, music, and fashions.

  Anna seizes the opportunity to ask Dr. Zheng the question that's been on her mind since the meeting started. She leans over and whispers, even though she knows the girls can't understand her, “One is missing.”

  Anna holds her breath, waiting for an answer. She prays she won’t hear the worst, but she can’t stand the thought of never knowing what happened to the Doll with the blank stare.

  “Ling Lie Xue,” Dr. Zheng replies. “Her parents refused to let her come. They want to pretend nothing happened.”

  Anna and Dr. Zheng exchange a look of concern and disappointment. Any medical professional knows that without care, wounds as deep as theirs cannot heal. Anna can only pray that the parents will change their minds.

  “On the other hand, some of them are making a fresh start,” Dr. Zheng adds, nodding toward Chai Lai Luan, who is animatedly chatting with Cao Niu Ju. “She says she wants to become a nurse.”

  A swell of pride fills Anna. She doesn’t know how to respond. The young women in front of her are so strong. Life can never be all happiness, but she hopes the worst is behind them.

  Dr. Zheng continues to update Anna on the conversations happening around her. Strangely enough, it’s a discussion about a handbag that captures everyone’s attention.

  Qi Mei Ling holds up her limited-edition Kate Spade bag. “I was only able to afford it because I took a survey and won a gift card on the prize wheel,” she explains.

  Cao Niu Ju pauses her conversation to ask, “At Qingchun Square?”

  “Yeah,” Qi Mei Ling says. “Did you play too?”

  “I got one for a coffee shop,” Cao Niu Ju replies. “I forgot all about it—it was months ago. Weren’t the guys doing the survey white?”

  “They were,” Song Huan Rong chimes in. “I did it too, but it was so long ago, and I didn’t win anything.”

  Speaking up from her spot in the corner, where she had been quietly observing, Penny asks Bo Chu Chu and Chai Lai Luan. “Did you take any surveys?”

  Chai Lai Luan shakes her head.

  “I took one a month ago,” Bo Chu Chu answers. “An exchange student was doing a study on the differences between dating in Eastern and Western cultures.”

  Penny asks, “Did you know the student?”

  “No,” Bo Chu Chu says. “I don’t think I’ve seen him again.”

  Penny pulls out a photo of Jock and Skater Boy. “I want you girls to take another look at this picture. Were these the guys who gave you the surveys?”

  All four heads nod in agreement.

  “What kind of questions were on the survey?” Penny asks while furiously writing down notes.

  “Um,” Qi Mei Ling thinks for a moment, “the usual stuff—age, gender, education level, income, that kind of thing.”

  “Wasn’t it for some brand’s Valentine’s campaign?” Song Huan Rong asks. “Didn’t it have relationship questions, too?”

  “Oh yeah,” Cao Niu Ju adds, “it asked about how many boyfriends you’ve had, when your first kiss was, things like that.”

  “It was embarrassing,” Qi Mei Ling admits. “I had to say ‘none’ for all of them.”

  Penny stops writing, “Are all of you virgins?”

  ***

  The leader of the Black Tigers, Zhao Fei, leans back in his cheap leather chair behind a desk with an oak veneer. Ryan sits comfortably in the client chair, knowing Zhao Fei’s position in the negotiation is as flimsy as the hunk of particle board he is sitting behind.

  “￥8000 per piece is a completely reasonable price.” Ryan asserts.

  “You sell to us exclusively.” Zhao Fei stipulates.

  Ryan raises his eyebrow at the absurdity. “Exclusivity? You can’t afford it.”

  Zhao Fei, “Double.”

  “That’s a decent offer, but let’s face it.” Ryan sits back, “If I only sell to you, it means that we have allied, and that wouldn’t be good for either of us.”

  “How so?”

  “How long do you think the Eight Dragons would let you live?” Ryan leans back in his chair with a condescending grin. “Even without guns, they can pick you off easily. After all, guns don’t kill people. People kill people.”