Yeshe looked away, staring at the wall. “So the deputy director did it himself,” he said toward the wall. “He could have sent men to clear it, to check it to be certain there was no one inside. The deputy engineer argued with him, said people might die. Jiao struck him, then had him escorted to his room. Then Jiao managed the detonations himself. The next day the deputy engineer was gone, summoned away on urgent business, Jiao said.”

The Tibetan stared forlornly at his prayer amulet. “Later, some of the hill people came down and told us a man and a woman had been inside. Such a terrible way to die. I have nightmares every night now, like I was one of those trapped inside. I am lingering for hours, slowly suffocating, dying with the agony of broken bones and pierced organs, alone in the total darkness with the trapped gods screaming all around me.”

CHAPTER NINE

The valley was washed in shadow as Shan planted himself in the road between two boulders, just beyond where the road leveled off at the top of the ridge. He had watched the white utility vehicle slowly mount the long switchbacks that led out of the valley, and now stood in its path with folded arms. As the car approached he took off his hat. He could see Cato Pike in the passenger seat, muttering to Cao as they skidded to a stop.

“Constantine Speare,” Shan said when Pike approached him. “Another Roman name and another pointed weapon.”

“Glad someone here appreciates my subtle wit,” Pike replied with a peeved grin. The American glanced in the direction of the valley, out of sight below. “I’d rather not linger.”

“Afraid someone will discover there is no UN office of Hydrogeology Development? Or that you don’t even work for the UN? Back in America that might just be considered a prank. Here it is suicidal.”

“Think of it more as vengeful curiosity,” the American said. The glint in his eye made Shan uneasy. Once again he became aware of the beast that seemed to hover behind Pike’s gaze. “And you’re the one who told me about this valley. Did you honestly think I would stay away?”

“I thought I would eventually find a way to bring you here, to pay respects to where…” Shan searched for words. “Where the deaths actually occurred.” He nodded to Cao as the Chinese student climbed out, standing behind the car to watch the road below. “You probably think you know China, Pike, that you probably would just be deported if they found you out. But not here, not in Tibet, not if you interfere with this project. They will shoot you and drop your body where no one will ever find it but the vultures.”

“They? Give me their names and you and I don’t have to cross paths again.”