Read Online Shanghai Shadows by Lois Ruby - Free Book Online Page B

an alias, just a code name. Don’t ask so many questions.”
    So, I’d never know who they were, or whether they were all over China or only in Shanghai. I was just a tiny cog in the whole huge wheel of freedom fighters, of which Erich reminded me over and over. Maybe he was afraid I’d outshine him, as if I ever could.
    â€œNot a word to that blabbermouth, Tanya,” Erich warned.
    â€œOf course not. I’m no idiot.” I wiggled my eyebrows like that American comedian Groucho Marx. “Tanya likes you, you know.”
    â€œShe likes anything in pants. It runs in her family.”
    â€œThe Japanese soldiers, I know.”
    â€œI might have to accidentally trip one of them on his way down the stairs next Friday.” Erich gave me a diabolical smile, something so rare on his face that I just melted and reached over to kiss his forehead as he sawed away at a strain vaguely Brahms.
    Father sprinted across the room to snap the fiddle out of Erich’s hands.
    â€œYou are a fine son, but a hopeless musician.” He cradled The Violin as if it were an abused child. “I concede. I will not encourage you on this instrument any further.”
    â€œMe neither, Father?” I asked eagerly.
    Father’s deep sigh rolled over me like a wave.
    â€œNeither of you displays a calling to music. I pray that you’ll find your talents, your passions elsewhere.”
    Erich’s burst of relief saddened Father, and to compensate, I tried to look heartbroken.
    â€œSomeday when we have a place to call home, we will have a piano again,” Father said. “Perhaps that is your instrument, children. That would please your mother.”
    We both nodded in somber agreement while Erich flashed me a look that said, not a chance on earth . And in this way the music-loving world was spared any further assaults from the sausage-fingered Shpann children. I only hoped we’d make better spies than musicians.
    â€œNow,” Father said, “I’m off to the café to make a cup of coffee last all afternoon with the other useless men.”
    Once Father was gone, Erich handed me a street map and a letter he’d hidden under his mattress. It was handwritten on creamy vellum stationery thick enough to line our shoes with. I broke the chop seal on the envelope and read the note written in precise English:
    February 1, 1943
    Mr. Wushan Xi
    Kwan Ho Employment Agency
    Hongkew, Shanghai
    Dear Sir ,
    I seek the assistance of a clever servant girl, as I anticipate considerable company. Due to the vicissitudes of wartime, I do not know when these guests will arrive. Thus I would require that the aforementioned housemaid be available immediately and on duty shortly. As you well know, I am an impatient and exacting employer. Needless to say, the girl must be eager to work like a beast of burden, yet willing to waive all benefits save modest recompense. Though I live well, my resources are not as they once were. The girl’s reward will be the assurance that she is serving the aristocracy of Old China in a time-honoured capacity. I believe you have my telephone number in your file. Please contact my butler, Sheng, with details. Time, as always, is of the essence .
    Cordially yours ,
    MADAME LIANG
    â€œWhat a snotty woman. So, what does this mean?”
    â€œIt’s the final go-ahead for your first assignment. See the words shortly and waive ? Before the week’s out, the Japanese will confiscate all shortwave radios.”
    â€œWho cares? They have everything else of ours.”
    â€œThink. Shortwaves are our only means of contact with the outside. They’ll just barge into people’s homes and steal the few radios left, you’ll see.”
    â€œAnd I’m to stop them?” I asked hopefully, though I couldn’t imagine how.
    Erich laughed at how naïve I was and playfully pinched my arm until I yelped. Satisfied, he tapped the street map. “A REACTor,