Monsoon (39 page)

‘You got a deal,' declared Jerry.

When Sandy told Anna, she clapped her hands in delight. ‘Fantastic.'

But when Anna stopped by the bar to tell Carlo about the plan, he was sceptical. ‘How can you be sure they're going to do it? They're a couple of old bikies passing through,' he said.

‘Do you want to ask them if they meant it?' said Sandy, overhearing his comment.

Carlo ignored her barb and changed the subject. ‘So when do you guys finish up here now that the bosses are back?'

Anna and Sandy exchanged a quick glance. ‘We'll talk about it later, Carlo,' said Anna.

‘Well, I'm outta here next week. Business meeting.' Carlo gave Anna a hard look. He'd made her promise not to mention anything to Sandy about his possible deal with Hung involving the old ceramics.

‘That could work out then,' said Sandy. ‘Anna, better get back in there and help Ho: we don't want him losing the plot the first night Barney is back.'

‘He's okay. We get on like a house on fire now,' said Anna as she headed for the kitchen.

‘What are you two planning then?' asked Carlo.

‘We'll talk later. Those people are waiting for their drinks, Carlo.'

Sandy hurried back to take orders. Anna had made her promise not to say anything to Carlo just yet about her plans to find her mother's family. And Sandy wasn't going to drop any hints.

When Anna returned from Halong Bay, she and Sandy had caught up over a coffee. Anna told Sandy that she wanted to share something special and personal with her. Sandy took one look at the light in Anna's eyes and the glow about her and thought that Carlo had proposed. But when Anna explained she'd had a kind of epiphany at the pagoda when she'd gone back to see the old nun, Sandy was surprised.

‘What sort of “awakening”? What happened?'

‘It's hard to explain. But I've decided I want to find my mother's family. I've rung Dad, he's sending me copies of any relevant papers.'

‘Wow! That's great! What did Kevin say?' asked Sandy, thinking this must mean a lot to him.

‘He was so pleased. Got a bit choked up. Said he'd hoped I'd want to do this. That being here would kind of provoke my curiosity,' smiled Anna.

‘Tom, Jean-Claude, Rick . . . we've all felt that you should dig into your family's past here. It had to be your decision though. That Temple of Nowhere is kind of special. Or was it triggered by something the nun said?'

Anna shook her head. ‘Maybe. Anyway, I haven't said anything to Carlo – yet. I'm not sure he'll be too interested. But I wanted to ask you first. If you'd help me.'

‘Hey, as if you have to ask! What's your plan? Where was she born? Do you think there are any family still there?' asked Sandy, thrilled for her friend.

‘It'll be in the email Dad sends. He said he doesn't know if there's anyone left from the immediate family.'

‘Will your dad come over here?' asked Sandy.

Anna shook her head. ‘No, he's never wanted to do that. My mother didn't want him to. She was determined to make a new life in Australia – and she did. Dad said this journey of discovery is my thing.'

‘What are you hoping to find, Anna?' asked Sandy quietly.

‘Look, I know I'm not going to fall in the arms of some lost rellies, or anything like that,' said Anna pragmatically. ‘I just want to see where Mum was born and grew up. It's probably changed, but I want to get a sense of the surroundings. Feel I'm walking in her shoes a little bit, that's all. And although she never wanted to have anything to do with her country after she left, I like to think she might be a little bit pleased I'm doing this.'

Sandy reached across the table and squeezed her hand. ‘I'm sure she is. Y'know, I remember her quite well. I remember your sixth birthday party – she made all that food – and the games we played.'

Anna looked over Sandy's shoulder into the distant past, seeing again her pale-faced mother with her dark eyes and long straight hair and how happy she'd been watching all the little girls playing in the backyard, under the gleeful guidance of Kevin. ‘She was sick then. It must have taken a lot out of her.'

‘What do you think Carlo will say?'

Anna dropped her eyes. ‘I'm not sure. I'll wait till I know where we're headed before I tell him. You know how Carlo is. He thinks I should ignore anything to do with my Vietnamese background. It makes him uncomfortable. But you're not like that because you knew her. Anyway, I'll need you to translate and for a bit of moral support.'

‘Yes, I know. Strange how Carlo expects you to totally accept his Italian family,' countered Sandy, but quickly dropped the subject when she saw the wounded look in Anna's eyes. ‘Listen, as soon as we're finished at Barney's, I'm free to do anything, go anywhere you want. Will Carlo mind?'

Anna shook her head. ‘Not really. He's got some business things happening.' She wished she could tell Sandy about the old plate and the subsequent discussions with Hung.

They'd left it at that. Now here it was, their final night in charge of Barney's.

Brad and Jerry carefully wrote down details of the orphanage, promising to see what needed to be done and to make it a priority.

As the evening quietened down, Sandy took a break and sat down next to Jean-Claude, who held her hand and gave it a small squeeze.

‘It's good to see you,' he said. ‘I'm heading to Hue tomorrow. What are your plans? I hope it's not too long before I get back and we can see each other again.'

‘We plan to go south too. Anna and I are taking a little trip . . . not sure where to at this point.'

‘And Carlo?'

‘He has business things to do.'

Jean-Claude glanced over at Carlo. ‘He's very confident, isn't he?'

Sandy smiled at the polite description. ‘Oh yes, Carlo is very sure of himself. I just hope he doesn't get burned. Doing business in a strange country when you don't know the customs can be difficult.'

‘I am happy to offer any advice,' said Jean-Claude, ‘but I don't believe he thinks I have anything to offer. We move in very different worlds. I think he's written me off as a fish farmer, so of little value to him. I feel that Carlo is making all the obvious mistakes – he's ill informed about the culture and feels superior. The Vietnamese are very proud and nationalistic. But they have a great sense of humour, are casual, friendly and generous. Well, you know all that, Sandy. The investment climate in Vietnam is very good now and developing long-term relationships with business partners here could benefit him – if he makes friends and earns their trust.'

‘You're right, Jean-Claude, but I'm afraid he thinks his time here is for making a quick buck on some deal. Frankly, I think he's got more than the landscaping ceramics in mind. He's socialising with some unsavoury characters.'

‘Like anywhere, especially an emerging business world, there are those who try to cheat the system, profit themselves. And corruption still happens. Certain kinds of people seem to sniff out those who'll work with them in not quite legitimate deals,' said Jean-Claude.

‘Those who are basically greedy,' said Sandy. ‘Anna thinks Carlo is shrewd and smart. And he can be, but in this country I worry that's he's out of his depth. He'll never admit it though. As soon as Anna has decided where we're going I'll let you know. But I must take Anna to Saigon – it's so different from Hanoi.'

He leaned over and kissed her cheek. ‘Take care, sunshine. I will stay in touch. If that's all right?'

‘Of course.' She kissed him, aware of the tingle that coursed through her. But she was determined not to get involved too quickly, as she had in previous relationships that had fizzled out. Jean-Claude was charming and sweet, but she would be going back to Australia soon enough and that could mean the end of it. She didn't want to get hurt again.

‘Sandy, this is your last night running Barney's. Now Barney and Lai are back, will Anna and Carlo return to your apartment?'

‘Yes,' sighed Sandy. ‘Only for a while, we'll be taking off in a few days.'

‘Please, stay in my apartment, be my guest. I'll be gone for a week or so. I'd be very happy for you to stay there.'

‘Jean-Claude, are you sure? That'd be wonderful.' The relief in Sandy's voice made him smile.

‘I can understand how, um, claustrophobic it could be having Carlo and Anna in your little flat, as you describe it.'

She gave him a quick hug. ‘I'll be very responsible. Wow, it'll be like a holiday for me.'

‘Enjoy. There's a woman who comes to clean. I'll drop off the key in the morning. Take care.' He waved to the others and said his farewells.

‘That was a touching little scene,' said Carlo as Sandy passed him. ‘Those Frenchmen are smooth.'

‘Yes, they have lovely manners. You Italians could learn a thing or two!' she teased.

Barney and Lai were jetlagged and tired, and excused themselves, taking Anna and Sandy aside.

‘We've booked into a hotel as we arrived without much notice and it will be late by the time this wraps up,' said Barney.

‘We can't thank you both enough. Everything looks wonderful,' said Lai.

‘I must say peace seems to reign in the kitchen. Ho is in great spirits. Can't say I've ever seen him so affable,' said Barney. ‘What's the secret?'

‘He adores Anna,' said Sandy.

‘Once we found our feet he's been great. He's taught me heaps,' said Anna.

Lai and Barney exchanged a look. ‘Never would have believed it. Hope it lasts – you'd better keep popping back in to see him, Anna. See you tomorrow.'

After Barney and Lai left, Sandy and Anna sat down at the table as the restaurant crowd had begun to thin out. Ho stuck his head out of the kitchen and waved to Anna.

‘Better see what he wants.'

In the kitchen Ho was standing with his arms folded, looking serious.

‘What's up, Ho? A problem?'

‘You finish in Ho kitchen?'

‘Yes, is something wrong?'

Ho picked a small package wrapped in a banana leaf and handed it to Anna. ‘You good cook. You learn Ho dish, very good.' He gave a little bow.

Anna unwrapped the parcel. Inside were Ho's three favourite cooking implements – a small chopping knife, a large carved wooden spoon and a set of long painted chopsticks. ‘Ho, thank you. These belong to you . . .' Anna hesitated, not wanting to offend him by refusing but knowing how carefully he looked after these utensils. She was moved. ‘I will use them every day and think of my friend Ho,' she said, giving a small bow in return.

Ho turned and went outside to his bicycle and pedalled away into the night.

‘Oh, he's forgotten the food parcel,' exclaimed Anna, seeing the package by the door.

The girl who'd been cleaning up the kitchen picked it up. ‘I will take tomorrow morning.'

‘Tell me where. I'd like to take the food,' said Anna. The late stayers had settled in around the bar and one long table. Carlo had turned off the pirated CDs and had his favourite music playing loudly.

‘I'll finish the paperwork in the morning. Carlo, keep note of the bar tab, won't you?' said Sandy.

‘I'll clean up Barney and Lai's flat first thing in the morning and then move our stuff back to your place,' said Anna. ‘I'm exhausted.' She picked up her gift from Ho. ‘I was so touched by this gesture.'

Carlo shrugged. ‘A few used kitchen tools. Big deal.'

Sandy and Anna exchanged looks.

‘Night, Anna. Don't stay open late, Carlo,' said Sandy.

Anna hugged Sandy. ‘Thanks. For everything.'

Sandy fell into bed, listening to the familiar noises outside her flat. How grateful she was that Jean-Claude had offered her his place to stay in until she and Anna set out on their trip to find Anna's family. She must tell Jean-Claude about it tomorrow when he gave her his key.

Anna was sound asleep when she heard noises. Raised voices, then the shattering of glass brought her wide awake. She sat up in bed. Carlo was not there. She pulled on a cotton robe and hurried downstairs to the cafe. There was a light above the bar and two low lights on inside. She could see figures outside standing near the stacked tables and chairs. She saw Carlo talking with two men – no, not talking, arguing. She went through the cafe, hesitating before calling out. She wanted to shout out to Carlo, to ask if everything was all right, but some instinct made her stop. Then she saw Carlo pull something from his shirt pocket and one of the men stepped forward and grabbed his hand.

Anna flung on the lights that lit the front of the cafe, calling, ‘Carlo, what's going on?'

‘Go back to bed, Anna. It's okay.' He flung an arm at her, gesticulating at her to back away.

Terrified, Anna dashed upstairs, grabbed her mobile and rang Sandy.

Sleepily Sandy tried to understand Anna's breathless garble. ‘Anna, calm down, take a deep breath. Tell me again. Is Carlo all right? Where is he? And what's happening? Who's with him?'

‘Two men. They look like police or something. What should I do?' she asked worriedly.

‘Keep inside. Unless he's being bashed up, let him handle it. Go down again and tell me what's happening. I'll hang on.'

Anna hurried downstairs and peered through the cafe. Carlo had stepped back towards the door to the cafe.

Anna called loudly, ‘Carlo!'

He spun around and stuck his head in the door. ‘Go to bed. It's okay.'

‘Who are those men? What's happening? What was that breaking glass?'

‘Just a dropped bottle. Go upstairs, Anna.'

She went upstairs, speaking to Sandy. ‘Well, he doesn't seem to be in trouble. They just appear to be arguing.'

‘Well he doesn't appear to need your help. I'm sure Carlo can take care of himself. But ring me if you're still worried.'