“There’s still a lot that doesn’t make sense,” said Daeng.

“Like what?” asked Bruce.

“Like why she’d be so stupid as to put her labels on all of her bottles and refills,” said Daeng. “Either she wanted to get caught or she was sure nobody would notice. She knew, given the seriousness of his condition that Jim wouldn’t survive an attack without his inhaler.”

“What about Silver City?” Bruce asked.

“The Women’s Union had keys for all the USAID buildings—I guess because there was a lot in the warehouses that could be used or sold. Although as yet, nobody has done so,” said Siri. “Porn was here in the old CIA days, so she’d remember the famous Ferrari and know what a coup it would be for a journalist to get a ride in it. She had time and opportunity to puncture the tank and set up the leis. She couldn’t have anticipated the pond. She’d have been hoping the car hit a tree or went over a cliff and caught fire, destroying all the evidence.”

“And given what she did to Madam Lah and your dear friend Civilai, you still like her?” asked Bruce.

“It takes time to hate someone you love,” said Daeng.

“If she did this—” said Siri.

“If?” said Bruce.

“All the evidence points to her, I agree,” said Daeng. “But after a lifetime of experience, it seems like you should be able to judge a person. If you’re totally wrong, it’s as much a reflection on you as on her. Look, you know, Bruce, this has been a real drain on both of us. Why don’t we give it a break now and come at it again when we’re fresh.”

“We’re both buggered,” said Siri.

“I completely understand,” said Bruce. “Look, I’ve got two minutes left on this tape. How about I ask just two more questions and we’ll call it a day?”

“Fair enough,” said Siri.

“How was Dr. Porn planning to do away with you, Daeng?”

“She’d been treating me for rheumatoid arthritis for a couple of years,” said Daeng. “She prescribed methotrexate. Originally, I was supposed to take it once a week. After our last appointment she changed the dosage to once a day.”

Daeng yawned and leaned against her husband.

“And what’s the problem with that?” asked Bruce.

“It’s very toxic in high doses,” said Siri. “Daeng has been known to have a drink every once and a while. That and methotrexate combined would have been enough to kill her.”

“So, why isn’t she dead?” asked Bruce.

Siri could barely keep his eyes open.

“All right, Son,” he said. “Time for a nap.”

He tried to stand but the room twisted.

“I said why isn’t she dead?” asked Bruce.