It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we started a new story. Larry Dunfee, a police detective, went into a fortune-telling establishment in China town. There he met the owner, a fascinating lady by the name of Micki Lee. (of course). Micki told Larry some things that she read in the newspaper and yet could read on his face he was troubled. Larry asked if he was wasting his time and she invited him to chat. Let’s go back and see what the chat is all about.
“So, what is the scam all about?”
“Do you think it’s a scam, Larry?”
“I suppose. You didn’t tell me one thing that wasn’t in the newspaper. By the way, you know my name. What’s yours.”
“Ah. Please forgive my miserable manners. Lee. My name is Micki Lee.”
“Micki? That’s unusual.”
“Would you prefer Mei-Xiu?”
“Oh, I get it. Americanized.”
“You are very quick, Larry.”
“I’ll overlook the sarcasm. What would you like to chat about?”
“Now that is interesting, Larry. I would think you have a whole boatload of things to chat about.”
“What do you mean?”
“Look at you. Your suit is rumpled, you haven’t had a shave for a few days, your hair looks like you combed it with a fork from the diner, and I’ll just bet you gargled with bourbon this morning.”
“How did you know about the fork and bourbon?”
“Stick to the subject, Mr. Dunfee. You are in deep yogurt and need a friend.”
“And I suppose you are just that friend? A bunco artist living in the back of a shop in Chinatown.”
“I think you have described the situation very well.”
“Oh, come on. This is not some detective show on TV. I’m not going to sit here and spill my guts to a perfect stranger. Besides most of the stuff bothering me is highly confidential.”
“I get all that, Larry but let me ask you a couple of questions.”
“Okay. Do you have any water?”
“Sure. You want some tea?”
“Ask the questions, and then I’ll let you know. Right now I’m thinking a bottle of water with the seal unbroken.”
“Suit yourself. Okay, question one. How far from here is your office?”
“Um. Maybe 20 blocks.”
“Second question. What brought you here?”
“Well, I ah—”
“You have no idea, do you?”
“Is that your third question?”
“Here’s the last question. How did I know you were thinking of quitting the department?”
“You said something about my face.”
“It’s deeper than that, Larry.”
“How deep?”
“I think you are in some danger and I think you were brought to my doorstep by someone very close to you.”
“I have no one close. My wife died a year ago.”
“A year ago today.”
“Could I get a cup of black tea, please? Make it strong.”
