We wait for the translation. ‘There was nothing unusual about the lesson and nothing out of the ordinary, as far as Lorelei’s demeanour or behaviour went. She said she would be there the following week. This is officially the last confirmed sighting of her – Sunday, the sixth of April.’
‘We need to change that on the flier,’ I say to Tom, ‘on the website too.’
He nods. ‘Is there anything else?’ Tom asks the consul.
That seems to be it.
‘What happens now?’ I say.
‘The search will continue,’ Peter Dunne says, ‘and Superintendent Yin says he is hopeful that Lori will be found safe and well. That she is travelling in China, perhaps, as she thought of doing.’
‘Where are they looking?’ Tom says.
An exchange in Chinese, and Peter Dunne says, ‘These are operational matters. When any information comes to light you will be informed.’
‘What about the gay scene – was Lori part of that?’ Tom says. ‘Is there a gay bar, a club? Have they talked to people there?’
Peter Dunne speaks to Superintendent Yin, who gives a smile, uneasy. I wonder if he is embarrassed.
‘In due course,’ Peter Dunne says.
‘In due course? It’s over two weeks since they were alerted,’ Tom says. ‘What are they waiting for? He does know she’s gay? That she and Dawn were together?’
‘He does.’
Superintendent Yin sits stony-faced.
‘Is there going to be a problem?’ I say to Peter Dunne. ‘Will this affect how he does his job?’
‘Not at all,’ Peter Dunne says. ‘Homosexuality is not illegal in China any more but is often viewed with suspicion, and there are no civil-rights laws protecting gay people as there are in the UK. But Superintendent Yin is aware of Lorelei’s sexuality and her relationship with Dawn.’
Peter Dunne speaks to the detective and Superintendent Yin frowns, says something, frowns again. Peter Dunne talks some more and finally Superintendent Yin gives a swift nod.
‘I told him you will be visiting the apartment and talking to Lorelei’s friends,’ Peter Dunne says, ‘and that the appeal is on the Missing Overseas website and we’ll be doing some leafleting where Lorelei lives and where she spends her time to publicize the case. Do you have the draft for the leaflet?’
I find it. ‘We need to alter the date,’ I say, and pass it to Superintendent Yin who scrutinizes it. He points to the phone number for the police and they seem to be debating it. Then Peter Dunne changes some of the figures.
‘Is there CCTV where Lori lives?’ Tom says.
