“How good do you need them to be?”

“Let’s imagine that I have a commodity that I would like distributed amongst a certain faction of the camps’ residents.”

“What is it?”

“I can’t tell you yet.”

“Is it legal?”

“Absolutely.”

“Religious connections?”

“You really think I’d be proselytizing at my age? No, it’s a good thing. Call it a gift. Would you be able to distribute it?”

“Is it bigger than an elephant?”

“Smaller than a house lizard.”

“Then I think I can. For you.”

“Excellent. I’ll have all the details for you beforehand, I promise.”

“And the other matter?”

“Right. I have a friend.”

“You do?” she looked surprised. “When did that happen?”

“Touché. This friend is exhibiting certain, what could be called symptoms. And as a doctor I am concerned because the symptoms suggest to me a condition—one that I have been expecting for some time.”

“Siri, you aren’t the type of doctor who needs a second opinion. Why are you telling me? Treat him!”

“I’m not his doctor.”

“Who is?”

“You.”

Porn blew on her tea even though it wasn’t that hot.

“And you think I’ve misdiagnosed a patient of mine?” she said.

“I hope not.”

“Then you’ll have to tell me his name. I’m full-time here at the Union. I have very few patients these days, and they’re only at my house some evenings and during the weekends. If I’m making bad decisions because of overwork I need to know about it. What’s his name?”

“Civilai Songsawat.”

She sat up straight then laughed again.

“Civilai?”

“Yes.”

“Our Civilai?”

“The one and only.”

“Siri, I haven’t seen Civilai as a patient for three years.”

“You didn’t see him last week after Daeng’s physical? He was arriving at your house as she left. He said you gave him a clean bill of health. Told him he was in great shape. Just had a touch of diarrhea.”

“I did examine Daeng, and, yes, Civilai did arrive as she was leaving. But I didn’t examine him. He brought me homemade scones and we chatted for twenty minutes until my next patient arrived.”

“You’re not his doctor?”

“No. He insists you’ve been his doctor for so long he would never dream of seeing anyone else. He said it would be a betrayal. I daren’t interfere.”

“The lying bastard,” said Siri. “He’s not once let me examine him.”

“Why would he lie about something like this?”

“Because he’s a stubborn old bastard. Because he knows he’s sick and doesn’t want to worry anyone. He’s too proud to let anyone take care of him.”

“What symptoms have you seen?”