Flower Net (Red Princess 1)

“I don’t know. I don’t think so.”

“What did he like to do in Beijing?”

“I hate to admit it, but again I don’t know. I’m an awfully busy man. When Billy was here, he slept late. By the time he woke up, I was probably into my third meeting of the day. When I got back to the residence, he was usually already gone for the evening.”

“Where did he go? Who was he with?”

“Mr. Stark, I simply don’t know. He was a college boy. I didn’t think it was appropriate to question his activities.”

“Perhaps Mrs. Watson knows something,” David suggested.

“Mrs. Watson?” The name lingered in the air. “Yes, my wife. Yes, she may be able to help you.”

“Can we see her?”

“She’s at the residence,” he said hesitantly.

“But?”

“Believe me, I want to see Billy’s killer found more than anyone. But Elizabeth is…How can I say this? Billy’s death has been very hard on her. I don’t want to put her through any more pain. Surely you can appreciate that. Can you give me a day or two? Let me talk to her first?”

David turned to Hulan, who had been noticeably quiet since Bill Watson’s earlier outburst. David had not seen Hulan in many years, but he could still recognize the look of anger lurking just under her placid facade.

“Inspector Liu?” He hoped she would keep her feelings in check.

She agreed with a curt nod.

Ambassador Watson’s look of concern melted into a toothy grin. “Good,” he said, bobbing his head in hearty agreement. He stood and extended his hand to David. “I’ll have Phil give you a call in a day or two.”

As soon as they slipped into the backseat of the Saab, Hulan’s passion overrode her prudence. She knew Peter would be listening, but her emotions still got the better of her. “I don’t need you to protect me.”

“Protect you? I wasn’t protecting you.”

“You were and you know it.”

In the front seat, Peter was all ears. Hulan snapped, “Drive!”

“Where to?”

“The offices of the China Land and Economics Corporation.”

Wordlessly, Peter backed out of the space and pulled out of the compound.

Hulan refused to look at David. Her voice when it came was low and bitter. “You have always tried to shield me.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“You interrupted my questioning!”

“Maybe I did. But consider this. He doesn’t like you. He wasn’t going to answer your questions. Why do you suppose that is?”

She turned to face him. He could see the tension around her mouth as she spoke. “This is my country and my case.”

“Yes, well, I don’t mean to spoil your day or anything, but you haven’t gotten very far with it. In fact, you wouldn’t have been in there at all if it weren’t for me.”

“Do you know why I hate you, David Stark? It’s because you argue like a lawyer.”

“I am a lawyer, and you are too.”