It was late afternoon when Shan arrived back in Yangkar. At the school he found Yara sitting with a young Tibetan student, helping with his homework. Shan handed her a one-word note, “Garage,” and drove on to park behind the station. Entering the rear door, he discovered Choden sleeping on a cell cot. He shoved the cell door shut with a loud clang and continued into the office.

With his usual diligence, Choden had left his report on Shan’s desk. His deputy had frequently reminded him that auditors would come some day and demand to see proof of the station’s efficiency. He constantly suggested ways that would assure they would receive passing marks in an audit. Today he had created a new form, titled Yangkar Station Complaint, Incidents, and Action Log. Listed under the column for Incidents was a brief description of how a customer of the astrologer Shiva had grown angry with her for advising that he must delay his trip planned for the first of the month and threw mud on her door. Shiva had laughed but Mrs. Lu, ever vigilant for antisocial behavior, had brought the news to the station. Action: Choden and the customer had scrubbed away the mud, the man had profusely apologized to Shiva, accepting Choden’s warning that it was perilous to offend an astrologer, and Shiva had given him a charm for protection against lightning, at no charge.

Next the new Chinese barber had complained that someone had stolen his cherished poster of the Chairman right off his front door. Action: Deputy Choden had explained that the wind had ripped off the poster and closed the case by pointing out the shreds that were stuck in the top of a tree in the square.

Incident Three: a young Chinese girl of perhaps five years, traveling with a middle-aged Chinese woman, had tipped over the trash cans in the square then run up the stairs of the old gate tower and laughed as the woman picked up the litter. Choden had gone out to help. The deputy had explained to the child that he would not lock her up for this first offense.

Shan’s grin faded as he read the final report. A Public Security officer had come looking for Shan. When told the constable was away on duties, she indicated she had to return to Lhasa but she would be back.

Choden understood the cause for Shan’s frown. “A frigid one. She was most unhappy when I told her you were gone for the day. A tough character, a real ballbuster.”

“From Lhasa,” Shan said. “The one who called.”

“Must be.”

Shan heard the question in Choden’s tone. He extracted the leather folder from his pocket and dropped it in front of his deputy. “I will have more reason to go to the city now,” he announced.