“I know,” said Roper. “I was reluctant to sample it but I was pleasantly surprised. Fittingly, it’s from Ban Woophi. The family gave it to me in thanks for returning three breadwinners to the village. Normally I would have emptied it over the jungle on the way back but I chanced a sip and, my goodness.”

Without waiting for confirmation, he picked up the flagon and poured a few centimeters into the mugs in front of him on the balcony.

“What is it?” asked Daeng, accepting one mug.

“Goodness knows,” said Roper. “They did try to explain but Bru isn’t my strongest language.”

“Have you considered they might be trying to kill you?” said Siri, accepting a mug himself.

“There are so many faster ways to be rid of me,” said Roper. “Try it.”

Siri and Daeng took a swig and grimaced as the grog bored its way through their intestines and into their stomachs. It was most certainly alcoholic and probably lethal but they enjoyed the spicy liquor.

“Good, eh?” said Roper. “If our pilot wasn’t so mercenary I’d have him swing by the village again and pick up a few barrels of the stuff.”

“Is he still holding you to ransom?” Daeng asked.

“Says he’s reluctant to fly with the storm coming.”

All three of them looked up at the single white cloud in the sky.

“So tomorrow’s trip to drop off the girls will be our last,” said Roper. “Where are they, by the way?”

“In their room discussing the effects of the cooperative movement on traditional Lao agriculture,” said Siri.

“They’re still not talking?” asked Roper.

“Not a word,” said Daeng.

“I’m sure it’s just nerves,” said the Englishman. “Once they meet their father they’ll be yakking away like nobody’s business.”

“I’m not so sure,” said Daeng. “There’s something wrong with this situation.”

“Nonsense,” said Roper. “All our returnees have been thoroughly vetted. I’m certain everything will be just fine.”

It was either breakfast or dinner. The policemen had lost all sense of time. But they were woken by the sound of the door squeaking on its hinges.

“Good morning, Comrade Ouan,” said Phosy. “We were hoping to have a word with you this fine morning.”