Tangled Vines by Bratt Kay

Author:Bratt, Kay [Bratt, Kay]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Published: 2013-12-10T00:00:00+00:00

Calli sat outside her front door, her hand wrapped around the photos of Dahlia hidden in her apron pocket. Her heart still ached at the sorrow she saw on her daughter’s face in every picture. Even without them in front of her, she’d already memorized every line and the expressions she wore. Now Calli had to make a big decision and it was the hardest she’d made in decades—maybe ever.

The door opened and Linnea slipped out. “I want to talk to you,” Linnea said, looking back and forth between her and the door. Her serious tone let Calli know it was important. She nodded for her to continue.

“Neither you nor Ye Ye are healthy enough to travel. And before you say no, please just listen. You’ve done so much for me and I can never be at peace until I feel like I have done just as much for you.”

Calli shook her head. “Now Linnea, don’t be silly. You don’t owe us a thing! You’re our daughter and the joy you’ve brought to our lives is more than enough to repay anything you think we’ve done.”

Linnea nodded. “I know that, Nai Nai, but I want to find Dahlia. I am younger and healthy—I can cover more ground faster. You and Ye Ye can look after the store for a week or two, and let me follow up on the leads. I’ll start in Beijing and go from there. Jet can come with me.”

Calli looked at Linnea, her lips pursed in concentration. She had a point—her arthritis was bad and Benfu’s heart was weak. They’d finally gotten control of his terrible cough but any strenuous activity could cause a relapse. That was why she was debating even telling him about their daughter until she had concrete news. She didn’t want to chance that he’d suffer a setback. And who would take care of the other girls if they both left? It would be too much for Linnea to mind the store and the house, too.

Calli knew if Benfu was told about Dahlia, he’d want to leave immediately and crush some heads together until they gave up what they knew about his daughter. But she also knew his health was poor and the travel might make it even worse. She wished some of her older daughters lived closer.

She nodded. “Hao le. Linnea, you can go if Jet will agree to accompany you. I’ve decided not to tell your Ye Ye about this until we know more, so that we can protect his health. We’ll tell him you are going to visit your shirt distributor. I don’t like to tell a lie but when it’s over, he’ll understand.” She pointed her finger at Linnea sternly. “But I want you to check in with us every morning, afternoon, and evening. I want to know you are safe.”

Linnea smiled ear to ear. “Nai Nai, you’re going to have to finally buy a cell phone then. Unless you think snail mail is sufficient.”

“I’ll get Ye Ye

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