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at Lila.
    She shrugged her shoulders.
    â€œAisin-Gioro.”
    Nicki’s bag dropped to the ground.
    â€œYou’re kidding me.”

Chapter Ten

    â€œNo,” said T’ai, “I’m not kidding.” He handed Nicki her bag. “He’s a member of the Chinese royal family. What’s left of it.”
    â€œBut I thought Pu Yi, the boy emperor, had no children.”
    â€œHe didn’t. But he had plenty of nieces and nephews,” T’ai explained.
    â€œWhen the Manchu dynasty was overthrown in 1911, the family members were tossed out like garbage onto the streets,” added Lila.
    â€œNot quite, although it was a frightening time for the remnants of the Manchu imperial family,” said T’ai. “My uncle has always wanted to return to his homeland and try to help some of his cousins, but—”
    â€œHe’d be thrown in prison as a traitor,” said Lila.
    Nicki nodded.
    â€œNow I get it.”
    â€œWhat do you get?” asked Lila.
    â€œI think I have something that might lead to your uncle.”

    â€œHere we are,” said T’ai, holding the door for Nicki so she could carry her duffel bag with two hands.
    The university cafeteria was packed with students and faculty members.
    â€œYou wouldn’t think it would be so crowded this time of year,” she said.
    â€œSummer students trying to get in a few extra courses,” said T’ai. “I’m taking one at night so I can help Lila during the day.” He smiled. “We’ve got to convince the tourists that they need a trinket from Chinatown.”
    â€œI doubt your grandmother needs much help in that department.”
    â€œRight,” said T’ai, directing her to a seat near the windows.
    â€œHave you always stayed with your grandmother?” asked Nicki, wondering where T’ai’s parents were and why he didn’t live with them.
    â€œI have for a few years,” he said.
    â€œWhat about your parents?”
    â€œThey’re in Vancouver now. We don’t get along too well.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” Nicki said. At least you know where they are , she thought.
    â€œWhat about you?” asked T’ai. “Are your parents—”
    She cut him off immediately. “Are you sure this Dr. Byron knows where to meet us?”
    â€œI called him last night after you left. We’ve met here before.” T’ai removed his jacket, and Nicki placed her bag gently on the floor beside her feet. “He’s a nice guy, for a professor. He’s taken Mac and me out for lunch several times.”
    â€œAnd he’s an expert in Chinese history?”
    â€œHe’s a visiting professor. Sort of a research fellow, I guess, because he doesn’t teach any courses. But that’s his field all right.”
    â€œAnd you told him about the Ming?”
    â€œI said a friend of mine had a vase and wanted to know its history. I said nothing about David Kahana.”
    Nicki looked around the cafeteria. “Good.”
    â€œCan I get you something?” asked T’ai.
    â€œNo, thanks.” Nicki picked up a napkin and starting tearing little pieces from the edge.
    â€œNervous?”
    â€œI guess.”
    â€œYou don’t have to work today?” he asked.
    â€œNo, tomorrow.”
    â€œOn a Saturday? That’s too bad.” T’ai saw Byron from across the room. He stood up and waved to him. “Here he comes.”
    Nicki watched him weave his way through groups of people carrying trays of food and armloads of books.
    â€œDr. Peter Byron,” said T’ai, “this is Fu Yin.”
    â€œPleased to meet you,” said Nicki, extending her hand. “Thanks for agreeing to help us.”
    â€œI’m happy to do what I can,” the professor replied.
    â€œIt’s really very beautiful,” said Nicki, pointing to her duffel bag.
    â€œWe can’t look at it here,”