The Interior

"Those were dark days for all of us," Sun said.

Hulan, who'd read Sun's dangan, knew that this wasn't the case. "But you were only a visitor to the Red Soil Farm, while we-and others like us-had to live and work there or at places like that," she said.

"Or places that were worse, like hard labor camps," Sun said knowingly.

"Anyone who reads a newspaper or watches television knows that my father spent time at the Pitao Reform Camp in Sichuan Province," Hulan said. "For some people, like my father and myself, personal stories of misdeeds and good works, of sacrifice and punishment, are very public. For others…" She let her voice drift off, hoping that Sun would accept the challenge.

But Sun was a politician. In his career, success was tied to the ability to deflect difficult questions. "The media is a game we must play, Inspector. I think many of your problems have stemmed from your inexperience. You let them say what they want about you. You never fight back. You do not wear a smile on your face. You don't work behind the scenes to build friendships. And so you react when you should be ruling what is said."

"That's a Western view," Hulan observed. "I think you've seen too many western movies!"

"You're absolutely right," Sun agreed cheerfully. "You want to know when I saw those movies? It was at the end of the war with Japan. They had them for the American soldiers who came to help us. Remember that, Henry?"

Henry barely nodded.

Sun continued. "Later I saw other western movies, and I'll always remember them for the way that people stood strong for what they believed in. Such an American trait, don't you think? To be unafraid to speak your mind, to believe in the human right to grow and change and be free?"

"It is words like that that make you very popular in China," Nixon said.

"It is words like that that we all want to follow," Sun clarified.

"This is why you are at the center of power," Nixon went on.

Sun tipped his head, modestly accepting the compliment. "But this isn't America. I can say many things today and tomorrow who knows?"

"Maybe tomorrow will bring even greater freedom. You can't turn back the clock," Nixon said.

"I just want my province to prosper and improve the quality of life for my people."

It was pure political talk, and Randall Craig, like many of the others at the table, was caught up in the sentiment. "It is people like you who will make China great in the next century."

"But, Mr. Craig, it is people like you who will make that possible. When you bring money to people, it changes their lives."

Hulan glanced at David. Was this the first parry in a new relationship that would be based on illegal money changing hands? David in turn shot a look across the table to Miles, but the senior partner was smiling and acting every inch the part of the great facilitator. Then David's eyes drifted over to Henry. This man, usually so light-hearted, had grown increasingly dispirited through di

19

MORE DISHES WERE BROUGHT OUT: STEAMED CARP, STIR-fried egg with sea cucumber, shredded ox stomach stew, Beijing duck, bird's nest soup, and finally rice. Then more tea, more toasts with the mao tai, and a few sweet dumplings for dessert. Sun, as the highest-ranking official, signaled the end of the evening by pushing his chair back from the table exactly at eight. The other Chinese in the room immediately stood. Everyone quickly moved back to the sitting room.

During di

Finally the time came for the four principals to take their seats. Miles and Randall sat on one side of the table, Henry and Doug on the other. David and Miss Quo, who would take notes, took seats just behind Miles and Randall. Governor Sun and Amy Gao sat behind Henry and Doug. The others clustered around while the photographer continued to shoot film.

"Well, Henry," Randall said, "let me first thank you for all of your hospitality here in China. You have certainly made us feel welcome. And now we come to the culmination of months of talk and hard work."

Miles ceremoniously brought out the final contracts from his briefcase. Miss Quo stood and distributed copies to the people seated at the table.

"Henry," Randall said, "I think you'll find everything in order."

But Henry, who'd been so quiet during di

"Henry?" Randall asked.

"Dad?"

Without moving his head, Henry turned his eyes to his son. "Doug," he said, "I need to speak you outside."

"Henry, can't it wait?" Randall asked, all friendly concern, as the two men stood.

Henry came around the table, tapped David on the shoulder, and jerked his head toward the door.

As David rose, Miles said in his most senior partner everything-is-under-control voice, "Whatever the problem is, David, I trust you to take care of it right now."

David nodded and followed Henry back into the dining room, where the waitresses were clearing the remains of the banquet. Henry said, "David, I've tried talking to him, but he doesn't seem to understand the seriousness of the situation. Maybe he'll listen to you."

But before David could speak, Doug said, "That's not what happened. I listened and I told you that it's not as bad as he made it sound."

"You still haven't told me how bad," Henry pressed.

Doug shrugged. "We've had some accidents. Some of the women have quit."

Henry grabbed his son's arm and squeezed. "How bad?"

"Bad," Doug admitted. He looked the picture of a contrite son. Only this time the boy in question was forty-something and he'd been caught with more than a few Playboys tucked under his mattress.

Henry's face crumpled in disappointment and horror. "Why didn't you tell me before?"

"We went over this a thousand times today, Dad. I was ashamed."

The dining room door opened, and Miles stepped into the room. "Is there something I can help you with?"

Henry said, "I've just asked my son a question. I'm waiting for the answer."