“I never suspected that they would be. I have been to many countries that have similar problems, so I’m not as naïve as you seem to think.”
He grinned at me. “A common misconception in Vietnam is that most Westerners have little idea of the harsh realities of real life here.”
“I don’t think it is a misconception. Actually, many Westerners, particularly North Americans, haven’t a clue about the rest of the world. You have to understand that North America is so big, the rest of the world is just too far away for many people. I’m not one of them.”
“I am pleased to hear it.”
“So, why the continued interest in this man?” I asked, flicking the paper with my crimson nail.
“I’m sorry, but we are certain that he was not alone and there will be others returning to locate and remove the stones.”
“What were they, sapphires or something?”
“Diamonds, but uncut, they could be hidden anywhere.”
“So, by what you’re saying, they were never recovered. Weren’t they smuggled out by other criminals?”
He shrugged. “We suspect the stones are still here, the thief didn’t have time to do anything other than hide them.”
“Cool, so does that mean they’re just lying around somewhere?”
“One can only assume they’re somewhere safe, but then we’re spending a good deal of time undertaking a methodical search, and eliminating all foreign visitors.”
“Like me.”
“Like you. Again, I apologise, but we are talking about a substantial value, so it would be irresponsible of us not to screen all recent visitors.”
“Surely there are thousands of tourists and business people coming in?”
“True, but we are able to eliminate most very quickly.”
“Like me?”
This time the smile made him appear much younger. “Yes, like you.”
“Can I go now?”
“Of course. If you ever want to explore the real Vietnam, perhaps I could assist.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Then take my card, please call me. I get off duty in three hours,” he said, handing me a small card. I looked at it.
“Lieutenant Trung. I’ve heard that Vietnamese names have meanings, what’s yours mean?”
“Huynh is my familiar name, like your first name, it means elder brother.”
“Are you?”
“Yes, I have six younger siblings.”
“And the other bit, your family name?”
“Loyalty.”
“To whom or what?”
“In the old days, to the King, but now just to one’s country.”
“Are you?”
“Of course, aren’t you?”
“When they get things right, but not when they get it wrong,” I said.
“We have to trust that our government gets it right more often than it gets it wrong. I still believe that we need to trust something.”
“I’m impressed.”
“Don’t be, but please call, I’m not a policeman all the time.”
“I’ve met policemen before, and you guys never forget what you do.”
Han smiled, running his hand through his short hair.
“Perhaps, but with you I can forget.”
“Okay, maybe I’ll call.”
“Do that, I know some very good restaurants,” he said, opening the door for me. I smiled and walk out past him into fresh air. Actually, it wasn’t that fresh, but even the fumes were preferable to having a policeman question me. The courtesy bus was conspicuous by its absence, so I caught a cab.
The cab journey was a stark reminder of the two Vietnams. On the surface, the new buildings and thriving commercial quarter gave an impression of a go-ahead nation that was building itself up nicely. However, just beneath the surface, and one didn’t have to scratch too far, there was a second nation that scraped along on a poverty line, desperately trying to make ends meet whilst living in semi-squalor. I was experiencing flash-backs to my time in prison, and many times I saw the faces of the guards in the crowds.
“Your first time to Vietnam, Missy?” the cab driver asked, staring at me in his mirror
“Yes.”
“American?”
“No, Canadian.”
“I have cousin in America,” he said, as if I’d know them, being a near neighbour.
“Oh really, where?”
“Los Angeles, California.”
“Oh, never been there,” I said, hoping he’d leave me in peace.
“You not married?”
“No.”
“Boyfriend?”
“No.”
“Girlfriend?”
“No, look just drive, okay?”
“Okay. You want boyfriend?”
“No! I said, quite angrily, and stared out of the window.
Fortunately, he took the hint and drove me the rest of the way to the hotel in silence. I was amazed he didn’t kill at least five of the many idiots on bicycles or small scooters.
The hotel was as the lieutenant had said, like luxury hotels the world over. Rarely being able to experience such luxury, I relished it and intended to make the most of my short time here. I was under no illusions, for I could quite easily fuck-up again, but this time end up in the women’s prison. I unpacked my small case, undressed and ran a bath. It was so disconcerting staring at my naked reflection. I even looked female to me, and I knew I wasn’t. The doctor certainly knew what he was doing, but although I was somewhat more slender than most western women; my figure wasn’t masculine by any standards.
I enjoyed the bath, reading Maryanne’s notes on fashion. She’s compiled a concentrated document containing everything a fashion journalist should know about the industry. I knew exactly nothing about the subject, so would have to bullshit for most of the time, having been an army officer that should be second nature to me, for the most part.
Not that I actually intended taking much part in the fashion proceedings, but in case I was put on a spot, I should at least have a rudimentary knowledge. On getting dressed in a yellow floral print summer dress and shoes with flat heels, I rang down to see if I could have a snack lunch delivered to my room. A few minutes later, a steak sandwich was delivered and I sat back and enjoyed the first decent food in Vietnam.
Feeling refreshed and fed, I took the elevator down to reception. There was the usual stand with leaflets announcing tours and tourist information. I was amused to see one for the prison in which I’d been incarcerated. That was one place I never intended revisiting, either as a tourist or a guest.
I was reading a leaflet on the nightlife when a voice jarred me away from what I was reading.
“I know an excellent guide for the night life.”
It was Lieutenant Trung, and he was smiling at me while my heart started to race. Had he seen through my disguise? Was he onto me? What had given me away?
“Do you normally stalk foreign visitors, or am I actually under suspicion?”
To my partial relief, he simply laughed.
“No, I told you, I’m off duty, and so I took a chance.”
“A chance?”
“Yeah, I took a chance that I’d find you.”
“If I hadn’t been here, would you have gone home to your wife?”
Again he laughed at me. “I have no wife, and no, you aren’t under suspicion, I just hoped you’d let me show you around my city.”
I made a snap decision. If they didn’t know who I was, and I still believed this was the case, what better cover than having a police escort? If they did suspect me, then I would be careful to do nothing or go anywhere that might help them retrieve the stones.
“Okay, but I have to be back at seven for the opening of the show.”
“You will, good. You won’t be disappointed.” He seemed surprised that I’d accepted.
“Am I okay dressed like this, or should I change?”
He reddened a little, as he glanced up and down my body.