Chapter 20

I heard knocking at my door. I had removed the silver jewelry and left it in a wooden bowl I had found on the bedside table for Mei Wah to dispose of, but I wrapped the crucifix in cotton and placed it on the bureau next to my bed. I decided to keep my discovery to myself just in case Tony didn't know everything Thirds could do.

"Come in."

Mei Wah entered. "Tony would like you to join him in the living room, if you please." He smiled. "You look beautiful this evening, Miss Kim."

"Thank you." I followed him up the stairs. "Mei Wah, how long have you been with Tony?"

"Since the beginning, ma'am."

"The beginning? 1929?"

"Yes, Miss. My mother died during the Depression. My brothers, sisters, and I didn't know who our father was, and to be Chinese in New York during the Depression was ... not easy."

"How old were you, Mei Wah?"

"Seven, Miss. Mr. Tony took my family to a safe house that he owned. He made them go to school and learn a trade. But me, I wouldn't do what he asked." Me