Instead of sharing these thoughts with Li, Chen asked, “So what are we supposed to do, Party Secretary Li?”
“We’ll find Wen. The local police are already searching for her. You will take charge.”
“Shall I accompany Inspector Rohn to Fujian?”
“No. This will be a joint investigation by the Shanghai and Fujian police. At present, your responsibility is for Inspector Rohn in Shanghai.”
“How can I be in charge there if I am accompanying an American woman here?”
“She is our special guest-for the first Chinese-American joint action against illegal immigration,” Li said. “What can she possibly do in Fujian? Things may be dangerous there. Her safety is a priority for us. To make her stay a safe and satisfactory one, you will keep her company in Shanghai. You will keep her informed and entertained.”
“Is that a job for a Chinese chief inspector of police?” Chen stared at the pictures of Li on the office wall-the long, colorful career of a politician shaking hands with other politicians, delivering speeches at Party conferences, making presentations at the bureau, at different times, in different places. Li was the number-one Party officer in the bureau, and there was not a single picture showing Li engaged in policework.
“Of course it is. And a very important job too. The Chinese government is determined to keep the smuggling of humans under control. The Americans must not have any doubts about it. We must convince Inspector Rohn that we are doing our best. She may raise all kind of questions, and we’ll let her know as much as we can. It takes an experienced officer like you to handle the situation. There is a line, needless to say, between the inside and the outside.”