Jiao’s face hardened. His eyes flared at Shan, then his anger was gone, and he shrugged. “Petty bureaucrats have to learn there is no role for them here. The Bureau of Religious Affairs does not appreciate the challenges of hydroelectric construction.”

It was clearly not the first time Jiao had used the words. Religious Affairs had been trespassing on what Jiao considered to be his territory.

Jiao leaned closer. “A few rusty gods in a cave aren’t meaningful to the motherland. And a handful of blurry photos sent by a convicted criminal cannot be relied on. If you wish to help us, Comrade Inspector, you can tell them to purge their files.”

Shan turned away, trying not to show his reaction to the discovery that Metok had sent photos to Religious Affairs. “But no doubt you explained how some old figurines hidden in a cave could foul your huge dam.” He cocked his head at Jiao. “It does sound a bit supernatural, just their thing.”

Jiao studied him with a simmering eye, taking in the frayed cuffs of his uniform and scuffed boots. “I’m sorry, Comrade Shan. I didn’t realize you were an engineer as well as an inspector. Why exactly did you come?”

“Comrade Shan is Lhadrung’s closest senior official,” Ren quickly explained. The director seemed to be unsettled by Jiao’s intervention. “He reports directly to the county governor.”

“Colonel Tan thinks that since his resources are being utilized by the Five Claws team we should have some knowledge of the project,” Shan added.

Jiao’s thin smile did not fade. “Resources?”

“Our jail in Lhadrung. Our new execution chamber. The secure compartment used for his military cargo that yielded a dead Institute worker. The Institute is a partner in your glorious project, I understand.”

Jiao’s gaze grew more intense. “So, you are here as constable of some farm town.”

Shan shrugged. “Constable, special inspector for the governor, roaming goodwill ambassador. Sometimes I get my hats mixed up.”

“We pride ourselves on our autonomy, comrade,” Jiao said, an edge of warning in his voice now. “If the colonel wants us to pay for using his cells, he can send us a bill. And that man Sun was not affiliated with the Five Claws. Just a cartographer on a day off.”

“I didn’t mention the dead man’s name,” Shan pointed out.

“The Institute is creating a master development plan. They are one of our valued partners in advancing the interests of the motherland.”

“Master development plan?” Shan asked. “I fear you have Lhadrung County confused with the suburbs of some eastern city.”