The Scratch on the Ming Vase Read Online Free

on a bureau near the door.
    â€œBlue form,” he said. “Make it quick, will you?”
    Nicki sat on the floor in the hallway and filled it out, complete with false address, false references, and false employment history. She went back into the office and handed it to Newman.
    â€œFu Yin. And you’ve just moved here?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œFrom where?”
    â€œBuffalo.”
    While he scanned the form, she glanced at the photos on his desk. In one of them, he was standing next to an older woman in the front yard of a small, wood-frame bungalow, surrounded by flowering hibiscus plants. He had no mustache then. In the distant background was Diamond Head, the distinctive landmark near Waikiki.
    Oh, no . He’s from Hawaii!
    She felt a slight moment of panic and then she thought about it.
    He won’t recognize me.
    She looked at the photograph again, trying to figure out where in Honolulu it was taken.
    That’s out in the suburbs. Looks like Kaimuki .
    Newman followed her gaze to the photograph. “My mother,” he mumbled.He picked up the application form. “What about your Social Insurance Number?” he said. “You say it’s forthcoming. What’s that supposed to mean?”
    â€œThe employment office said it might take a couple of weeks.”
    â€œWhen they say two weeks, they mean two months.” He tugged at his mustache. “I can wait for it if you want to work for me. God knows I need housekeepers. But I can’t pay you until I have the number. It’s up to you.”
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œCan you handle a cleaning position?” he asked. “You don’t look very strong. What are you, five feet tall?”
    â€œFive two,” she replied. “And yes, I can handle it.”
    â€œI hope so.”
    His cell phone rang.
    He pulled it out of a brown briefcase sitting on the floor next to his feet.
    â€œJust a minute,” he said to the person who had called, then to Nicki, “Report to the head of housekeeping.”
    â€œThank you,” she said.
    Newman didn’t reply.
    Nicki pulled the door behind her, but didn’t let it click shut.
    â€œAloha, Kimo,” said Newman, leaning back in his chair.
    Kimo must be Hawaiian . She peeked through the crack.
    Newman threw both his feet up on the desk and put one arm behind his head.
    â€œArrested any chicken thieves lately?” Newman laughed.
    And Kimo must be a cop.

Chapter Six

    Nicki was in the den going through her mother’s desk when Fenwick came in, feather duster in hand.
    â€œWhat are you doing, Miss Nicki?”
    â€œI need my mother’s pass key for Haddon Heights, and I need the override tool. I have to bypass the security system, and I’ve got to be able to open a safe.” She searched the drawers until she found them.
    â€œI don’t understand, Miss.”
    â€œI don’t have much time. I’ve got to be back at the hotel in less than an hour.” She looked at her watch. “I’ve taken a job there.”
    â€œYou’ve done what?”
    â€œIt’s the only way, Fenwick. I’ve got to find that vase for Mr. Kahana. And Haddon Heights is where he was staying.”
    â€œJust tell the manager who you are, Nicki, and he’ll help you, I’m sure.”
    â€œI doubt it. If I reveal my identity, everyone will clam up and watch my every move. That’s the last thing I need right now.”
    â€œBut there’s a murderer out there, Miss Nicki. How do you know—”
    â€œI don’t know.” She turned to leave. “Fenwick, you’ve got to promise me that you won’t say a word to anyone. Please.”

    Nicki picked up a mop and pail and followed Dolores and Ellen into the service elevator.
    â€œYou’ll be dead on your feet for the first week or two, then you’ll get used to it. Once the blisters heal.” Dolores pulled a compact out of her pocket and