'Uhm?'
'I wanted to tell you that I understand. About your need to go to this place Rochester. I'll try to explain if you like. And will go with you if you wish.'
'What? Oh. Thanks. Don't bother. Nothing gets through when she's in that mood.' He paused. Their eyes met.
Tran smiled. 'I would pay my own way. I'm not destitute, just without possessions.'
Yes, Cash thought. Like many of his compatriots, Tran had managed to bring some gold out. No great fortune, but a fair stake for the new life.
'Why?'
'Call it curiosity. This woman intrigues me. Your wife allowed me to read the papers you have here.'
'She did, eh?' Cash shrugged. 'You'd be wasting time and money. Annie's probably right. The whole idea is crazy.'
'I don't think so. There are so many strange facets to the case. The denouement is sure to be interesting. And unexpected. I would like to be there when the pieces finally fall together.'
'What about Le Quyen?'
'She will understand. She knows me. I won't be surprised if she packs for me without my saying a word.'
'Norm, you'd better take this,' Annie shouted from inside.
'Can't stop you from coming. You want to throw your money away, too, I'll be glad to have you. Folly loves company as much as misery does.'
'Norman!'
'I'm coming. Who is it?'
'That flaky nun. She's been trying to track you down. I can't make any sense out of what she's saying. Something about teeth and the body wasn't her brother after all.'
Cash took the receiver. 'Sister? Sergeant Cash.'
'Sergeant, it just came to me when Sister Magdalena said she had to go to the dentist because she had a toothache.'
'What?'
'That dead man wasn't Jack. I know that now. What should I do?'
'Easy now. What made you change your mind? You were so sure…'
'I know. I was positive. Till I thought about teeth. I just remembered when Sister Magdalena said that. The dead man had perfect teeth.'
'Yes?'
'Jack's were terrible. He had toothaches all the time. Lots of cavities. He always smelled like cloves. But he wouldn't go to a dentist.'
Cash felt no elation. He no longer much cared about O'Brien. He was preoccupied with John and Miss Groloch.
'Thank you, Sister. My lieutenant will be glad to hear this. It's the kind of proof he's been wanting.'
'But what should I do?'
'About what?'
'That man. I paid for his funeral. I had to borrow from the convent.'
He didn't think there was anything she could do. She had claimed the body. 'Let me ask some people who might know. I'll call you back as soon as I know anything.'
Hanging up, he announced to no one in particular, 'Back to square one. We don't know who the dead guy is anymore. Shit.'
'Norman!'
'Get off my back, will you?'
Annie backed away. Cash seldom lost control. She didn't know what he would do.
'I'm going back to the station. I want my stuff packed when I get home.'
He knew it would be ready. And he knew there would be a battle royal all the way to the airport. He left without another word.
Tran joined him. Cash said nothing, just waited while the man fastened his seat belt.
Beth raised an eyebrow when they marched in.
'Volunteer,' Cash explained.
'Norm?' Railsback called.
'Yeah. What?'
'Want to come here a minute? Ah. Hello, Major. You get anything, Norm?'
'Like I said, she took the train.'
