The two of them walked back to the concierge desk. Jennifer asked if there was a phone in the lobby that she could use to make a local call. Without a second’s hesitation, Sumit grabbed one of the several phones he had, lifted it up on top of the counter, and gave it a push toward Jennifer. As if that wasn’t enough, he lifted the receiver, handed it to her, and then punched an outside line with his index finger. All this was done with a gracious smile.

Jennifer tapped in the number and stared up at Neil while the call went through. She truly did not know what to expect.

“Ah, yes,” Kashmira said when Jennifer identified herself. “Thank you for getting back to me. I have excellent news. Our CEO, Rajish Bhurgava, has arranged something extraordinary for your grandmother. Have you ever heard of the burning ghats of Varanasi?”

“I can’t say that I have,” Jennifer responded.

“The city of Varanasi, or Banaras, as the English called it, or Kashi, as the ancients did, is by far India’s holiest Hindu city, with a religious legacy that goes back more than three thousand years.”

Jennifer shrugged at Neil, indicating she still had no idea what the hospital had in mind.

“The city is sanctified by Shiva and the Ganges and is by far the most sacred place for rites of passage.”

“Perhaps you could tell me how this all relates to my grandmother,” Jennifer said impatiently, recognizing it had nothing to do with an autopsy.

“Of course,” Kashmira said enthusiastically. “Mr. Bhurgava has arranged something unheard of for your grandmother. Although the burning ghats of Varanasi are reserved for Hindus, he has obtained permission for your grandmother to experience her rite of passage in Varanasi. All I need is for you to come to the hospital and sign a release.”

“I don’t mean to offend anyone,” Jennifer said, “but whether Granny is cremated in Varanasi or New Delhi doesn’t make a lot of difference to me.”

“Then you don’t understand. Those people cremated in Varanasi gain particularly good karma and a markedly good rebirth in the next life. We just need your permssion to proceed.”

“Mrs. Varini,” Jennifer said slowly, “tomorrow morning we will be coming to the hospital. I will be with my medical examiner friends, and we will come to some kind of agreement.”

“I believe you are ill-advised not to take this special opportunity. There will be no cost. We are doing this as a favor to you and your grandmother.”

“As I said, I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. I appreciate efforts on my behalf, but I would have preferred an autopsy. The answer is no.”