"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

  — A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

  Hangzhou, China – October 22nd, 6:00 AM

  Beads of sweat drip down over Ryan's taut abs as he completes his last round of crunches. The rigorous workout helps clear his mind, allowing him to orchestrate his next move.

  Li Jing Sheng hands him a bottle of water. "What do you want to do about Dupont and Jones?"

  "Nothing," Ryan replies, pressing the cool bottle to his head. "They're exactly where they should be." He takes a long sip before he starts on the elliptical. As his grandfather says, a good businessman focuses on the future.

  "I have a party to attend tonight," Ryan says, "Cancel any meetings after 5 pm and let Wàigōng know I won't be able to keep him company."

  Li starts up the treadmill next to him, adjusting the setting to a light walk.

  Ryan looks at the spot where Li's stitches are hidden by his shirt. "Should you be doing that?"

  Li lifts the edge to show the pink line where the stitches have been removed.

  Ryan shakes his head. "Be careful," he mutters before refocusing on his strategy for this evening.

  Li turns the treadmill's speed down one spot and increases the incline. The new skin stretches with each methodical step.

  ***

  "Boss Fang is a dead end. He was killed two months ago in an auto accident." Xin Hao reports. "But we did recover the victim's phones from Dupont and Jones's apartment."

  "We should plant a tracer on them and mail them to the address." Penny proposes.

  "That's a waste of time." Detective Ho says, between bites of his breakfast sandwich. "Chances are the guy already knows the girls have been rescued."

  "We still need to try," Officer Du jumps in, his voice full of passion and determination.

  "It's better to set up a sting." Detective Ho says balling up his trash and landing a free throw into the waste basket. "If he finds the tracer, he could rabbit."

  "It'll take too long. The hacker is all the way down in Shenzhen. If we mail the phones, we will have the location as soon as he turns one on." Officer Du counters.

  Man Zhu Bai breaks in before the debate can heat up, "We're setting up a sting."

  "Sir, should I coordinate with the Shenzhen station?" Penny asks with her tablet ready.

  "No need," Kang says, "The suspect is in Hangzhou."

  Detective Ho leans back in his seat, a teacher impressed with his students, while Officer Du, Xin Hao, and Penny look back at their notes, trying to figure out what they missed.

  ***

  "When did I get so much stuff?" Anna wonders as she tries to fit more souvenirs into the already brimming backpack.

  Hailee clasps her hands together to stop herself from snatching the bag away. She can't watch the futile attempts any longer. "I told you to take my bag."

  "You'll need it when you come home." Anna gives the zipper one last tug. The soft sound of threads snapping along the seams forces her to admit defeat. "Let's buy a new one. We didn't get to go to West Lake yesterday. We can go there then grab a case while we're out."

  "Think we can make it through today without attracting criminals?" Hailee asks half-jokingly.

  "No promises," Anna says with the same wry humor. A twinkle appears in her eyes. "You seemed happy to see Detective Cutie yesterday."

  "Why wouldn't I be?" Hailee says casually, "He has been very helpful." She pretends to be nonchalant, but inside, it's complicated. When she thinks of Man Zhu Bai, it is like holding her hand over a candle. If she keeps enough distance, the small flame is warm, but if she waits too long or gets too close, it will be painful.

  Anna twirls her hair around her finger and flutters her eyelashes, "Ohh Detective Man, you're so brave and daring."

  "I don't act like that." Hailee denies, her face turning red. Please, Lord, tell me I'm not that obvious. She instantly replays every interaction and second-guesses every word she said. Annoyed at herself for letting her doubts get to her, she grabs a cushion off the couch and chucks it at her sister. Unfortunately, Anna catches it and adds it to her performance.

  "Detective Man, let me repay you with a kiss." Anna puckers up and smooches the pillow. Engrossed in her act, she doesn't see the second missile, and it bounces off her head.

  After scoring a direct hit, Hailee pushes her counter-attack. "If that's the case, shouldn't you be laying your lips on Agent Kang?"

  Anna shivers and tosses the pillow back on the couch. "I bet his girlfriend's lips get stuck. Like the kids who lick a frozen pole."

  Hailee bites her tongue from making any comments about licking poles. She doesn't want to get her sister started again. She can admit only to herself that she admires Man Zhu Bai. There are some things that, once said out loud, are hard to rein back in.

  The relationship between them, even though they haven't known each other long, is already too complicated to be casual. He has seen her at her ugliest and most vulnerable, and she is his daughter's teacher. There are lines people can't cross casually.

  "So are we going?" Anna's voice cuts through Hailee's wandering thoughts.

  Hailee grabs a coat from the hooks near the door, "Let's go." She could use some fresh air to clear her mind.

  ***

  As much as she hates to admit it, Anna can't deny the beauty of West Lake. The calm water, the mature trees and lawns, stone paths, and the subtle scent of lotus flowers—everything feels carefully placed, yet timeless. She can feel the thousands of years of history beneath her feet as she walks across the stone bridge.

  Hailee tells her it's part of a legend—a snake woman and a mortal fall in love, a story of separation and finding each other again. The bridge is a thousand-year-old symbol of reunion.

  It'll only be nine months until they see each other next, but Anna can't help wondering how much will change in that time. It might sound crazy, but all the fighting, yelling, and crying they've done over the last couple of weeks has made her very happy. It hurts, but Hailee has started treating her like a real sister, not someone to be protected and coddled.

  Anna only half-listens as Hailee points out a giant dragon-shaped boat with a castle on its back. Her sister has a spark when she talks about this place's history and culture. It's obvious her sister loves it here. That she feels at home.

  Anna fights back the urge to tell Hailee that she has changed her mind. She needs her to book a ticket and come home right away. She doesn't want this new bond between them to end.

  But she knows she can't do it. For once, Anna will be the one to set aside her wants and force a smile. She won't even cry when it's time to say goodbye. Hailee deserves to have the same opportunity she got—a chance to live on her own terms.

  Anna's stomach growls, shattering her Zen-like reflection. Sentimentality must make her hungry.

  "Is there any place to get more of those bun things?"

  ***

  "Is your dad going to date Teacher Westcott?" Ju Zhong asks, as she bites into a savory pork bun. Juice runs down her chin, and Lina hands her a napkin. She always grabs extras. It's because she does such a good job of keeping Ju Zhong out of trouble that Ju Zhong's mom lets them wander around by themselves as long as they check in every once in a while.

  They settle down on their favorite bench, tucked in the bend of the path, protected by trees and flowers. The perfect spot for sharing secrets.

  "I wish, but my grandmother says she isn't suitable," Lina sighs dispiritedly.

  Ju Zhong wrinkles her brow, "Why?"

  Lina shrugs, completely confused by the logic of adults as well.

  "I know!"

  The girls jump out of their skins, so engrossed in their conversation they didn't see Peng Shi come up behind them. Ju Zhong scowls and smacks him for frightening her— a hoisin stain is left on the back of his new white shirt.

  Peng Shi tries to sit down on the empty spot on the bench. Ju Zhong moves over and blocks him.

  "Don't you want to know what 'unsuitable' really means?"

  Ju Zhong's lips twist in consideration. She looks at Lina. Peng Shi is a pain, but everyone knows his mom is the biggest gossip and doesn't watch what she says in front of him. If anyone knows what the grown-ups are thinking, it's probably him.

  Lina is reluctant to give him the satisfaction, but how else will she find out? She gives the nod, and Ju Zhong scoots over to make room.

  Peng Shi makes a show of brushing the seat and shooing Ju Zhong further away before sitting. Lina almost changes her mind, but her curiosity outweighs her annoyance with his antics.

  "I'm not sure I should say it in front of girls," Peng Shi teases, trying to draw out his power play.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  "Spill it," Ju Zhong demands, holding up her bun threateningly. "Or you will be wearing it."

  "Fine," Peng Shi says with all the confidence of a ten-year-old boy. "American women date a lot of men. They even start dating in high school." He leans in and whispers, "Sometimes they have babies before they get married."

  "Teacher Westcott isn't like that!" Lina's fingers clench.

  Ju Zhong is a step ahead already in boxing position. Peng Shi hurriedly puts his hands up in defense, "I didn't say Teacher Westcott did."

  Ju Zhong drops her hands.

  Now that the threat is no longer imminent, Peng Shi hops off the bench and out of reach before adding, "I wonder how many boyfriends she's had. Do you think it's more than a dozen?"

  "Don't make up nasty rumors," Lina says, wiping angry tears from her eyes, and Ju Zhong leaps up to chase him away.

  "Hey, don't ask the question if you don't want the answer," Peng Shi yells over his shoulder as he sprints out of sight.

  "Don't listen to him." Ju Zhong takes one of Lina's napkins and hands it to her to wipe her eyes.

  "I won't," Lina declares, regaining control over her emotions.

  ***

  On the other side of the shrubs, Hailee stops in the middle of the path. Anna doesn't know what was being said, but she hears the name Westcott from the little voices on the other side. Whatever it is, it drains the color from Hailee's face and dims the light in her expression.

  Anna guesses a carefree day isn't in the cards after all.

  "Want to talk about it?"

  "About what?" Hailee responds automatically.

  Anna feels the familiar twinge of disappointment. Her sister still doesn't trust her enough to open up. She thought they were past this.

  "Let's find the bun stall," Hailee says, eager to move on.

  "I have a better idea," Anna replies. There's something she's always wanted to do, and this might be her last chance. Maybe it's the way to break through that final wall between them. "Let's go to a bar."

  Hailee is surprised, but to be honest, she wouldn't mind a drink.

  ***

  The address is fake, therefore, the Hacker has to be a local. It's smart. Anyone wanting to track him down would head south to Shenzhen. It also means the suspect works at the post office or has a middleman intercepting packages.

  Inside the post office, Man Zhu Bai checks out packing supplies while Xin Hao approaches the counter with the envelope containing the phones. They will keep surveillance on the post office and see who picks it up. Then even if the tracking software fails, they will still be able to catch him before he can flee.

  The girl at the counter looks at the address. "Excuse me, sir, I believe there may be a small issue with the PO Box number. Could you please check it again?"

  Man Zhu Bai notices that a male clerk, approximately 30 years old, 165cm, 75kg, with a bowl style haircut, is tuning into the conversation.

  Xin Hao takes a cursory glance at the envelope, "I've checked it. It's correct."

  "Sir, you have six digits, and the longest is five."

  Man Zhu Bai has to appreciate her dedication to customer service. Most people would find Xin Hao's serious face intimidating.

  "Take it." Xin Hao pushes the package into her hands.

  The man comes over. "She is new." He looks Xin Hao over, "You don't look familiar."

  "I'm new." Xin Hao says deadpan.

  The man has less courage than his co-worker. "I'll take care of this right away," he says, taking the envelope from the female clerk.

  Man Zhu Bai waits till Xin Hao has left, then he goes to the counter to pay for a box and packing tape. His eyes follow the postman as he takes the package to the back room.

  ***

  Bored out of his mind, wearing a tux, custom-made for him, Ryan mingles with movers and shakers in Haungzhou. He has spent the evening slowly making his way through the crowd toward his quarry, the deputy mayor. Word is the man has higher ambitions, but doesn't have the acumen to make it happen. Just the way Ryan likes his politicians, dumb and desperate.

  "The mayor is pushing to upgrade the transportation system and cement Hangzhou's place as the most technologically advanced city." The deputy mayor explains to a group of foreign investors.

  "What about security?" Ryan cuts in, "Don't you think the city has become too reliant on AI?"

  "The security technology in Hangzhou is the best in the world." The deputy mayor says proudly.

  "That's all well and good for petty criminals." Ryan scoffs, "But machines can't substitute for human creativity. For real criminals, a bunch of cameras is a minor deterrent."

  The foreign investors nod in response to Ryan's authoritative tone. "Is it true the Mayor is planning to cut the police budget?"

  "It is only one option proposed," The deputy mayor hedges with practiced skill.

  "Too bad, people will be more supportive of a leader who prioritizes their jobs and safety over bragging rights," Ryan says, handing the man the platform he needs to counter the mayor.

  He can see the wheels in the deputy mayor's head turning. To make sure he fully understands, Ryan gift wraps the idea for him.

  "I'm planning to expand my company in Hangzhou. I, for one, would be more comfortable with a man in charge who understands priorities. Don't you agree?"

  An investor chimes in, "I'd prefer knowing more than a camera is keeping my interests safe."

  "I promise that safety is my priority." The deputy mayor assures. "I have a proposal on my desk that calls for the police budget to be increased."

  Ryan takes a glass of champagne from a waiter coming around. "Then you'll have my support at the public hearing tomorrow."

  ***

  "I did not... okay maybe a little. But I'm not daydreaming anymore." Hailee tosses back a shot from the line of glasses in front of her. "I'll find someone 'suitable' for me."

  Anna chugs one back as well, determined to keep up, "When you come home, I'll set you up with a cute doctor."

  Hailee shakes her head, "Save him for yourself."

  Anna waves her enthusiastically, "Nope. I don't want a doctor. They always think they're right."

  "That's not doctors," Hailee says, pointing her finger too close to Anna's face, "That's men."

  Hailee and Anna grab the last shots and clink glasses.

  The bar is hopping, and the band has drawn a crowd to the dance floor. Hailee grabs Anna's hand, "Let's dance!"

  On the floor, Anna and Hailee bounce around to the beat. Anna feels a pair of hands on her hips and stops dancing. The man comes closer, trying to entice her to move, but she doesn't budge. The glare she throws over her shoulder has him backing off. He puts his hands up and moves on to the next girl.

  Anna looks around to find Hailee, but she has disappeared. Anna's heart pounds, and the happy buzz is burned away by panic. She weaves in and out of the dancers until she finally spots Hailee on the other side of the room with her leg wrapped around a pole. Anna pushes through the crowd and grabs Hailee's hand.

  "Let's go someplace else."

  ***

  The post office closed hours ago without any sign of activity. Instead of calling it a day, Man Zhu Bai and the rest of the team sift through missing person reports looking for previous victims. The number of young women who disappear each year, while not unexpected, is disheartening. A shrill ring breaks through the somber atmosphere.

  Loud music and high-pitched wails can be heard in the background of distorted ramblings. Man Zhu Bai double-checks the caller ID on the phone—it abruptly hangs up.

  He looks over to Kang, "Want to help with a public disruption?"

  Kang is already getting his coat. "Let's go."

  ***

  It didn't take long to triangulate the call's location and find the KTV. It takes even less time for the kid at the registration desk to point them to the correct room.

  What they walk into is one of the most jarring scenes in their lives.

  An extremely intoxicated Anna belts out an ear-piercing rendition of Spice Girls ' "Wannabe" into a microphone while Hailee performs a gravity-defying dance routine with bends and twists that can only be accomplished with drunkards' disregard for the laws of physics.

  Kang finds the tablet that controls the music and turns it off. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a remote to mute Anna.

  Hailee comes to a sudden stop, almost losing balance. She grabs onto Anna just as she finishes belting out a high note.

  "Anna, I think I'm drunk." Hailee slaps her sister's shoulder enthusiastically. "I see Detective Man."

  Anna opens her eyes and blinks, "No, it's Agent Kang."

  Hailee giggles, "You're drunk too."

  Anna puts her finger to her lips, "Shhhh, maybe they won't see us and they'll go away."

  "I don't want you to go away!" Hailee cries, hanging onto Anna. Not willing to be outdone, Anna starts sobbing melodramatically as well. The two of them sink to the floor, melting into a puddle of tears.

  Before it can get worse, the guys hurry to pick the women off the floor.

  When Kang tries to help Anna stand, she slaps his hands away. She narrows her eyes in concentration and points at his face and says "Bu" in the same tone you would tell a dog. He lets go, but stays in catching range as she attempts to stagger to her feet.

  Man Zhu Bai isn't having any problem getting Hailee upright, it's keeping her that way. Every time he lets go, she slides back down to the floor. After the third attempt, she refuses to take his hand and folds her arms. "I don't think it's suitable for you to be here," she says in her most snotty teacher voice. Man Zhu Bai looks at Kang for help, but he is busy with Anna, who is rolling around the floor, belly laughing.

  "Not suitable," Anna cracks up, "that's a good one."

  Then in the tune of Figaro, Hailee sings, "Suitable, suitable, not suuuit-able."

  When Anna finally sits up, dizzy and out of breath, Kang sweeps her into a fireman carry.

  Seeing her sister get taken away, Hailee cries out, "Wait for me!" She opens her arms wide, and Man Zhu Bai picks her up princess style.

  When fresh air hits Anna, so does a wave of nausea. She squirms against Kang's hold. Does this guy have some sort of Superman complex? Does he pick up every woman he meets, literally? She warns him, "You're going to regret it if you don't put me down."

  A second later, Kang feels something hot hit his back. He stops in his tracks and slowly lowers her to the ground.

  Anna, feeling better, shrugs unapologetically, "I told you so."

  Hailee, witnessing the whole thing, leaps out of Man Zhu Bai's arms and buries her head in the nearest trash can.

  "Are you all right?" Anna runs over to check on her sister.

  Hailee pulls her head out, "I'm good."

  Kang takes off his button-down and tosses it in the trash, leaving only a sleeveless t-shirt protecting him from the night chill. He takes Anna's shoulders to guide her to the car while Man Zhu Bai assists Hailee.

  Anna reaches out to take Hailee's hand, "I don't want them to separate us."

  "I'll always be with you," Hailee says as their fingers can no longer reach.

  Kang puts a tearful Anna in the passenger seat while Man Zhu Bai helps Hailee into the back.

  "You're here!" Anna exclaims with excitement at being reunited with her sister. She reaches out and holds Hailee's hand again. Kang helps Anna buckle while Man Zhu Bai gets in on the other side.

  Her arms tired, Hailee lets go of Anna and slouches against the door. The cold glass of the window feels perfect on her hot skin. She studies Man Zhu Bai's profile. "You're handsome," she says wistfully.

  Then in a last burst of energy, she sits up and pokes his chest, "But if you don't think I'm suitable for you, then I don't think you are suitable for me."

  Her piece said she lets exhaustion take over and passes out on his shoulder.

  Man Zhu Bai has no clue what Hailee said, but the same word kept popping up. "What does suitable mean?" he asks Kang.

  "Look it up."

  "My phone is in the front."

  Kang takes his own phone and unlocks it with his thumb. "Open translation app." The screen brightens. "What does suitable mean?"

  The phone replies, "Suitable, appropriate, fit for."

  Anna takes the phone, "You've had this the WHOLE time!!"

  The phone translates her words into Mandarin, "Nǐ yìzhí dōu yǒu zhège ma?"

  Kang takes the phone out of her hand, "Shuìjiào ba."

  The phone tells Anna to "Go to sleep" before the screen goes blank.

  ***

  The alarm buzzing matches the beat of the drummer inside Anna's head. Ugh, she is never going to drink again. Anna reaches over Hailee, who is still sound asleep. She wacks the annoying clock into submission. The noise finally ends, and she can rest in peace.

  What feels like only seconds, but must be hours later, Anna cracks her eye open to find it is 10 am. About to turn over again, she remembers what today is. "The airport!"

  Anna springs into action, the adrenaline numbing the pain of her hangover.

  "I'll pack your bag. You shower." Hailee calls after her, rubbing her sore head.

  ***

  It feels strange that the airport is exactly the same as when she arrived, when she has changed so much. No one has a clue about the horrific things that happened here only a short time ago.

  "I'll miss you," Anna says. "Come home soon." She hugs her sister, wanting to never let go, but keeps her promise to keep a smile on her face.

  "I'll miss you too." Hailee squeezes tighter before letting go.

  Anna walks away, keeping her chin up. Hailee better not sign on for another year, or it will be her turn to be kidnapped. She looks back to see Hailee is still there waving goodbye. She knew her sister loved her, but now, after this trip, Anna knows that Hailee needs her as well.

  ***

  Ryan watches the news in the morning room as he enjoys breakfast. The world is its usual mess, the way politicians love it—plenty of people to point fingers at, so no one notices the pies they're poking into. Like a magician, the trick is misdirection and timing.

  The door leading to the kitchen opens, and Li glides into the room with a collection of global newspapers. His grandfather is old-fashioned, preferring print over digital.

  "Put those down and grab a plate." Ryan invites.

  "The Black Dragon's called. They agreed to the price."

  Ryan checks the calendar on his phone. "Good, let's wrap this up by the end of the week. Why don't you book two tickets to Boston for Sunday?"

  ***

  In his car outside of the post office, Kang keeps a careful eye on the people going in and out. There is minimal activity. He checks the time and looks up to see a plane taking off toward the west. Suddenly, it feels even quieter.

  Italics