Red Light

Pain and Purpose

Yiling unlocked his door. The smile he had lost was back. If it wasn't particularly firm, it was understandable.

He sang softly as he put away his few groceries and placed his now clean sheets back in the cabinet. He started to sweep and paused. The sun outside was shining. The floor could wait.

He put his shoes back on and headed down the street. There was a small park several blocks away. The grocer had mentioned some garden club had been working on it as a gift to the community. Today was a good day to see it.

Yiling looked at the neighborhood he was walking through. Signs advertising sexual acts, XXX rated peep shows and movies, bars. All in gawdy neon. Desperate attempts to drag in customers and the money in their pockets.

He had been so afraid when he was first sold and thrown into this world. Those first days were crushing. The rape and beatings as Wen Chao 'initiated' him into his new life. Thankfully, he couldn't remember most of it. Flash impressions of the pain. Being thrown around like a rag doll. Lying on the cold floor because he couldn't sit up. Feeling the constant pain of breathing with broken ribs. The sound of his own screams.

He shook his head again. Today, the memories were demanding. Pulling at him. He walked faster toward the park.

He had listened to Wen Chao gloat at the identity of his seller. Threatening to tell her he had tried to contact his loved ones just to see the panic on Yiling's face.  The only way to avoid it was to make sure he stayed on Wen Chao's good side as much as he could

Yiling... he hadn't been born Yiling. He had once had an entirely different name. An entirely different identity. He had chosen the name to hide himself. From those who might come searching and from those who were trying to destroy the pieces of himself that were left.

The image of Wen Chao slithered into his thoughts. Wen Chao...

Another brief prayer Karma was paying attention to Wen Chao along with all the other bastards who were profiting off so much pain.

As he stood before the park, he smiled. It was genuine. Strong. It was still too cool for flowers but it was green and growing. Something was thriving in this place. Something whole and beautiful by its mere existence.

The memories faded back in the face of this realization. They would ambush him again another day but, for now, he was safe.

Yiling walked through the small park admiring each plant. Appreciating the efforts of the gardners. Near the center was an old swing set that had been refurbished. Painted a vibrant red with new black swings.

He sat comfortably, swinging gently in the sunshine and smiling.
~~~
Lan Wangji's phone was in his hand three steps away from Nie Minjue's office.

"Wei?"

"We have recieved permission. Please meet me at the same location as previously. Is that convenient?"

"Yes, sir. Please give me thirty minutes to arrive."

"I will see you then."

Lan Wangji hung up as he was leaving his office. Tucked under his arm was a leather bound notebook that held the signed papers. There was no way he was leaving those in the building during the week he would be gone. They would sit secure in his safe at home.

As he exited the building, he passed a missing persons board. Notices from families, hoping for any clue concerning their loved ones, scattered across the board in layers. From behind several, was a notice with only the eyes visible. Large doe eyes slightly crinkled in laughter. Lost in his own thoughts, Lan Wangji passed by without a glance.
---
Yu Bin was taking the fastest shower of his life. Having an afternoon shift meant he was lazing in his sweats, eating some cereal and plotting possible begging locations on his map. He should have known the detective would tackle both inspectors first thing this morning.

He arrived with two minutes to spare. Lan Wangji was already there and seated exactly as he had been yesterday. Even the green tea was the same. Placed in front of his seat was a steaming cup of coffee. He had no doubts it was an Americano with one shot of espresso.

He seated himself and smiled at the detective. "Good morning, sir."

"Good morning." A gesture toward the cup. "I hope the coffee is acceptable."

"More than, sir. Thank you." Yu Bin swallowed the smooth coffee then savored the slightly bitter after taste. It was perfect. He sighed happily.

"If you agree, we will finish our drinks then proceed to get clothing for you as well. I was expressly told we work as a team or not at all. We will work out the details of that arrangement."

"Agreed." Yu Bin was excited and frankly relieved. The idea of sending Detective Lan Wangji into the red light district alone hadn't sat well with him. It was asking for trouble.

Together, they drank their beverages. Enjoying the moment of quiet before they began the flurry of activity the next two days would bring.

As soon as the doors were closed on Lan Wangji's car, they began talking. Yu Bin gave directions to a different thrift store in yet another part of town and as they drove, they discussed what they needed to prepare.

By noon, they were once again standing in Lan Wangji's laundry room. A pair of old military cargo pants with frayed hems joined a long sleeve t-shirt, a hoodie sweatshirt and a military jacket. The outfit would work well with the cover of Yu Bin being ex-military with an alcohol problem.

"May I request less bleach?" Yu Bin hesitantly asked.

"No." The detective wasn't stinting on the bleach.

"But, we will wash our clothing again to remove the smell. I tried to air the smell out of mine on the deck last night but it wasn't successful. Re-washing will be the only way."

He peeled the gloves off with a pop. "Acceptable?"

"Yes." Yu Bin was relieved the man was beginning to understand.

The rest of the day was lessons and strategizing. Lan Wangji watched as his partner showed him how to scuttle out of the way. Head down, peering through bangs with fear in his eyes. Mumbling apologies. Eating quickly so it can't be stolen.

Yu Bin was a hard task master but Lan Wangji didn't mind. The only way to get any information Yiling may have regarding Mo Xuanyu and his murder was to find the man. He had to get the details right or he wouldn't get that chance.

As they took a break for a bottle of water, Lan Wangji realized Yiling had been growing in his thoughts. Who was he? How had he ended up in prostitution? Who was she? And why was he so terrified of her?

His research had not turned up many women with suspected involvement in the top levels of trafficking and none of them were associated with Weng Chao. This may only mean that she wasn't suspected by the police currently. He shook his head. Only Yiling knew. He had to find the man to get any answers.
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World Peace and Chocolate for All! ❤💜❤

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