a large black nylon suitcase. He placed it open, on the foot of her bed. He started filling it with her belongings from the rattan dresser drawers and her small closet.
She continued, “What have I done wrong?”
As she kept asking him what he was doing, he remained silent, and she sensed he was unhappy. She knew he cared deeply about her. She had been there now for more years than she could remember. It was the only life she had known. Lou E was much older, and he was like a father and husband to her. After he had gathered and packed all of her clothing, except for her personal items, he went over to Lee, who was sitting against the far wall of her bedroom, sobbing. She couldn’t look at him. He sat down next to her and pulled her against him. His strong and loving arms were wrapped around his beautiful Lee, his love. She leaned into him, feeling loved and safe.
“Lee, my darling child, it is not my choice, but by government order. You must fly to Hong Kong immediately.”
She held him tighter, more upset than ever by his words.
“Why?” She was trembling with fear. “Am I to be killed?”
She knew prostitution was illegal and thought that she was to be punished. Lou E and Mick had always protected their “charges” and paid large sums to local government officials for protection. The girls entertained them lavishly and felt honored to be with such notable and important guests.
“No.” Lou E was reassuring, but solemn. “I have been told to place you on a flight this afternoon to arrive in Hong Kong by this evening. Someone will be awaiting your arrival at the gate, and you will be safe and well cared for. You are to have no fears or concerns.”
He would not tell her that he and Mick were paid a large sum of money to arrange her transfer. They also had no choice. Mick and Lou E were heartbroken. Both felt great love for Lee, having known her from childhood to womanhood. She had a beautiful spirit and felt great affection and love for both of these men. Lou E had become her exclusive lover, and he allowed no one else to touch her. As Lee’s role shifted, she befriended the new girls and helped them adjust to their new world. She felt fortunate to have been cared for by such devoted men. They were her family. It was the only life she had known.
Lou E stood, pulling her up with him, held her, kissed her forehead gently, and said, “Shower and prepare yourself. I have bought some travelling clothes for you. You will be pleased with the new garments, shoes, and other items that I have chosen.”
She trusted him to do what was best for her. She always did his bidding. She looked up at him, into his loving eyes, and gently kissed his mouth. They felt the love between them that was everlasting. She went into the bathroom, removed her silk dressing gown, and when fully undressed, stepped into the warm shower. As she washed her hair, and felt the water flowing over her soft skin, she suddenly felt an excitement and trust, that there could be a new world, something wondrous in her future. She had read about Hong Kong, and the idea of going there was like a dream. The unknown was still frightening, but Lou E had always protected her, and she knew he always would.
.
65
Max called Greg at his DC office.
“Greg, I need to talk to you,” asked Max.
“Of course,” said Greg, and he paused.
“Is it true that the NYC subway was attacked by terrorists this morning?” asked Max.
“Yes,” answered Greg.
“What are you allowed to tell me?” Max asked.
“The FBI is working the case, and they are starting at the logical place,” he answered.
“Edgewood,” stated Max in a monotone.
“Yep,” answered Greg.
“So there could be a link to the director and others who work there?”
“Anything is possible,” answered Greg.
“Cut the crap. You know what I need to know.” Max was pissed.
“Dr. Adams and his staff are being questioned. Forensics is there now. Some items have been taken for further examination,” answered Greg. “Remember Wally Weber, the FBI guy from the anthrax case?”
“Yes, I recognize his name,” said Max.
“He is a big gun behind the scenes, and I heard through the grapevine that he is part of the investigation team,” stated Greg.
“Shit,” said Max. “I need to talk to Suzy. She cannot be