Marissa glanced at Tristan. “I have a feeling the key lies with the doctor,” she said. Tristan nodded.

“Ask the doctor if he knows anything about infertility treatments,” Tristan said. “Particularly in-vitro fertilization techniques.”

“I speak some English,” Tse said suddenly, surprising everyone. “Chiang doesn’t, but I do. I have been studying English over the years from medical books from Guangzhou, where I was trained.”

“That’s encouraging,” Tristan said. “It sounds as if you’ve been studying well.”

“Thank you,” Tse said. “Unfortunately, I read English better than I speak.”

“Do you understand the term ‘in-vitro fertilization’?” Tristan asked.

“I do,” Tse said. “But I know very little. Only some mention in the books I have read.”

“Are you interested in in-vitro fertilization?” Marissa asked.

In spite of nervousness, Tse laughed. “It would be of little help to me. In China we have too many people and too many babies.”

“What about tuberculosis?” Marissa asked. “Is that a problem in the PRC? Have you seen much of it?”

“Not recently,” Tse said. “China has a national vaccination policy with BCG vaccine. Before 1949 tuberculosis was widespread, particularly here in the south of China. But the BCG has changed that.”

“What about heroin?” Tristan asked.

“We don’t have any heroin,” Tse said. “Drugs are not a problem in China.”

“What about venereal disease?” Marissa asked.

“Very little venereal disease in the People’s Republic,” Tse said. “The Communists got rid of venereal disease as well as opium, and launched a program of health care that emphasized prevention over cure. There wasn’t the money or the facilities for Western-style cure.”

“What about your practice?” Tristan asked. “What did it involve?”

“I have a typical country practice,” Tse said. “I have a small dispensary which is responsible for health education, immunizations, and birth control for nearly four thousand rural people. We treat minor illnesses and minor accidents and refer to the district hospital when necessary.”

“Do you use traditional Chinese medicine?” Marissa asked.

“We use it if the patient requests it,” Tse said. “We have access to herbalists and acupuncturists. But I was trained in modern medicine in Guangzhou although I have little modern equipment to use.”

Marissa looked at Tristan. “I’m running out of questions,” she said.

“Me too,” Tristan said. He shifted his position. They were all sitting cross-legged on the deck. Readdressing Tse, he said: “Who was it that recruited you?”

“The White Lotus Triad,” Tse said.

“There are triads in the PRC?” Marissa asked.

“Very much so,” Bentley interjected. “After all, it was from mainland China that they originated.”

“Ask the monk why it is important that he know Chinese martial arts,” Tristan said.

“I can answer,” Tse said. “Chiang has been tasked to protect me.”

“Why do you need protection?” Tristan asked.

“That I do not know,” Tse admitted.

“Have either of you been out of the PRC before?” Tristan asked.

“Never,” Tse said.

“And you have no baggage with you?”

“None.”

“Are you carrying anything on your person?”

“Nothing.”