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“You think the killer’s still here?” Hom asked

She didn’t answer his question directly “Several guests in the hotel should be finishing their breakfasts right about now They all knew Miss Sinclair I want the rooht there too No one leaves without my approval” She held up her palm in caution “No one is to mention what he’s seen in this room Is that understood?”

The men nodded Hulan turned to the desk clerk

“How many exits do you have?”

“Four, one at each of the four compass points in our exterior wall,” he answered ?

??We use only two of theates on the sides are always locked The back gate is for employees and deliveries Guests always have to pass by the front desk to coo”

This was typical procedure for keeping track of people in China Even Charlie Freer at the American Embassy relied on watchers like this desk clerk to find Americans on occasion

“Then, Captain Hoates,” Hulan said “Again, no onehall Also, send some men to search the hotel I want to know if she was killed here or if her body was brought in Make sure they check the peri all s and doors, for traces of blood Do you have enough men to cover all of that?”

“Not in the bureau, but there are some others I can call”

“Let me make this very clear, Captain You will be held one hundred percent responsible for those men”

Ho

Hulan went on “I also need to make some phone calls Do you have a secure line down here?”

Hom shook his head

“Maybe with the headman?”

Holum