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and an introduction to those persons who are part of your
household, so that I can deploy my people."
    "Twenty-three isn’t many. How many
army?"
    "None, they flew off after they
dropped off the Guard," Ou Yang said.
    "That’s unacceptable!" Ho Lew
said, frowning at me. "Get them back! And you need more guards."
    "Well, while you are trying to get
the army back here and arranging with the Jax for more Guard, I’d like that
tour."
    "I gave you an order,
Captain." Ho Lew said, giving me an angry look.
    "I don’t command the army, nor do
I negotiate contracts for the Guard. Whoever did negotiated for the size of my
current team. And, you don’t give the Guard orders, I do. So, I’d like that
tour so we can get started doing our job, while you take care of the other
matters." I had to admire the governor for managing to keep his composure—more
or less. He did look a little flushed, but his voice was under control when he
finally spoke.
    "Yes, I should have known. You’re
only a captain. I will talk with someone in authority." He smiled,
thinking his childish remark a rebuke.
    "You’re absolutely right, Governor
Ho Lew. I’m sure a man of your importance will be able to rectify the
mistake," I said with a small nod. He had no more power than me to change
the current deployment or it wouldn’t be what it was—and we both knew it.
    "Chang!" no sooner had he
said it, than an elderly man in a black suit, white shirt, and black tie
appeared from a side door.
    "Yes, sir?" he said, bowing low.
    "Give the captain a tour of the
house and introduce her to my family." He walked away without another
word. His day obviously wasn’t going well, and I suppressed a smile.
    "Captain, if you will follow me.
We might as well start on this floor."
    The house looked big from the outside,
and it was. The first level was dedicated to the servants and estate
maintenance. Specifically, servants’ quarters, kitchen, laundry, household
supplies, and repair facilities. The second level, officially the first floor,
had fourteen rooms for guests and daytime activities. He led us through a
reception room, formal dining room, a smaller breakfast room, game room, four guest
bedrooms, library, media room, dayroom, and three bathrooms in addition to
those in the guest bedrooms. On the third level, there were thirteen rooms
exclusively reserved for the family: six bedrooms with bath suites, family
room, three game and media rooms, two studies, and a library.
    His wife Mei, who looked about ten
years younger, son Yul, age eight, daughter Jia Li, age six, and mother Li Ming
were currently in residence. After a brief introduction with each, I met with
the team leaders.
    "Rosin, Solow, your teams will
rotate every eight hours. One Guard on each of the entrances. Colonel Ou Yang
and Chang will provide us with a short list of who is authorized to enter the
house. Everyone else needs approval. One Guard on each family member, in his
sight or outside the person’s room at all times. That leaves you to roam and
monitor your team. Lieutenant Ceder and I will coordinate our times. Our priority
is the governor. Any questions?" When no one said anything, I continued. "Sergeants,
you can determine who takes the first shift." I left and found Chang in
the kitchen.
    "Captain. Can I help you?" He
bowed. He probably did a lot of that working for the governor.
    "We are here to protect the
governor and his family; however, if possible, we will endeavor to protect you
and the other servants. The minute there is a sign of trouble, you need to find
me. I won’t have time to look for you."
    "Thank you, Captain." He
bowed again.
    * * *
    Sergeant Solow was just coming out of
the kitchen door while conducting his rounds when he saw me coming down the
hall. He nodded and waited.
    "What’s your current deployment,
Solow?"
    "One guard with each family
member. Li Ho Lew is in his study, Mei Lew is in the game room with her
children, and Li Ming is upstairs in the study off her