Chapter 29Their bags were packed again; they were ready to leave New York. A few days in Japan, and then, by week’s end, Tom Alan and Erika would be off to Taiwan for the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. It would be their only chance to redeem themselves on international ice, in front of world judges, before Sochi. A medal there would put them in good stead for the Games. Before taking off for Taipei at barely dawn the next morning, Tom Alan and Erika headed over to Irina Mischen’s practice space in her van. Otousan and Kyoko-san would be along within the half hour in a car, so they could all travel to the airport together. As Tom Alan slipped the van’s key back under the mat where he’d found it, Erika picked up the huge bouquet of flowers she would present to Mrs. Mischen
