Clattering Sparrows by Marilyn Land Read Free Book Online Page B

to contain the spread of Communism in Asia, the United States forged alliances with tribes and warlords by supplying them and their armies with arms, ammunition, and air transportation for the production and sale of opium. This resulted in an explosion in the availability and illegal flow of heroin into the States and into the hands of dealers and addicts.
    Jumping at the opportunity to replace bootleg liquor sales at the end of prohibition in December 1933, many of the drug dealers were Mafia orchestrated and controlled, as they had been for years. Forced to seek new contacts in South America during the War, they now found themselves in a position of power and with heroin so readily available, the escalated sale of illegal drugs became rampant.
    When Su Ling’s father purchased the Columbia Laundry, their plans were already in place to smuggle illegal workers into the country to inexpensively man the laundry, but at his new wife’s persistence, they began smuggling illegal drugs as well. Her family ties to China’s drug lords granted them direct and easy access to an abundance of drugs allowing them to readily supply their contacts in the States.
    Hu Chen had been in America for many years and believed that working hard and being honest was the best way to proceed. He had seen many of his countrymen deported, and he did not want that to happen to him personally. Simply put, he was uncomfortable working on the wrong side of the law. Although he had originally agreed to the smuggling of illegal workers, after rethinking the situation, he was soon remorseful, but was unable to convince his wife to stop. However, wanting no involvement whatsoever in the unlawful drug activities, he stood his ground by exclusively taking over running the laundry while alluding all drug operations to her. Nonetheless, for almost ten years, their illegal smuggling, of both workers and drugs, had gone undetected.
    The Columbia Laundry was closed and boarded up, as was Hu Chen’s house further up the street. After Hu Chen and his wife were tried and deported to China, both buildings ultimately remained empty eyesores for years, tied up in the courts as to the rightful owner of the buildings. Finding no evidence of any relatives who could come forward and claim next ownership, the buildings were eventually sold at auction, and the proceeds claimed by the Government.
    Most people did not know that Hu Chen was Su Ling’s father. They simply knew she lived with her grandmother, and assumed that she was her only relative.
    Su Ling did not come to school the next day, but on Friday, she returned and finished the school year. She attended the dance escorted by her cousin who lived in Chinatown, and as Valedictorian of our class delivered the Valedictory at our graduation.
    Judy and I never discussed Hu Chen and his wife and what had happened at the laundry with one another, with our parents, or with An Lei and Su Ling. Many years would pass before my father related the whole story to me.
    On the Wednesday prior to our graduation, An Lei set up our game in their yard and we played Mahjong outdoors. The garden was in full bloom and a cool breeze provided the perfect setting. As we played, suddenly a butterfly landed on the wall of tiles in front of me. For several moments, we sat quietly observing its beauty, but as quickly as it had come, it fluttered away.
    An Lei was delighted, “Exquisite and delicate, the Chinese believe the exotic butterfly attracts good fortune. If you ever catch a butterfly or one lands on you, whisper your wish to it and set it free. The butterfly will deliver your wish to the spirits who will grant it.”
    An Lei made a special blend of tea and served not only our favorite almond cookies but several Chinese pastries as well. When we had finished the game and returned the tiles to their case, she asked us to remain seated at the table.
    She left the room briefly returning with a deck of Tarot cards. As she spread the cards in