“I always had the feeling that my grandmother was disappointed I wasn’t somehow more Bengali. She called me her American granddaughter. She spent the rest of her life grieving for the grandchildren she’d lost.”
“I’m sure she loved you, but that’s one hell of a loss to overcome.” Connor kissed her hair. “We should get dressed before Mya shows up with supper. I’m not sure how she’d feel aboutthis. We’re in a monastery, after all.”
Connor needed help with his robes, while Shanti managed just fine on her own.
Connor looked down at himself. “I feel ridiculous.”
“You make a very sexy monk. Look at those biceps.”
A short time later, Mya brought their supper—tea, potato curry with peas, fresh vegetables, sliced guava, fish soup.
“Two meals on the same day.” Shanti took Mya’s hand. “Thank you, Mya. You and your father have been so kind.”
Connor and Shanti took turns feeding each other, some part of Connor amazed by the simple joy of sharing a meal with her. They had just finished when he heard it.
Engines. Men’s laughter. Loud voices.
He stood, went for his rifle and handguns, and checked them. If anyone came through the door, he wanted to be ready. He moved over to the window, careful to stay out of sight, using his infrared scope to see in the dark.
Son of a bitch!
“General Naing. He’s down in the courtyard.”
That bastard Dempo had betrayed them. He’d given them everything they needed—food, shelter, a place to rest, even laundry service—just to keep them here until Naing could arrive.
“What?”
“Get your boots on, grab your gear, and let’s go.”
A knock.
Connor stepped back, raised his rifle, finger on the trigger. “Go down the back stairs, and don’t stop for anything.”
Shanti hurried toward the secret stairway when Mya spoke.
“Please, I’ve come to help.”
Connor shook his head. “Shanti, go!”
Shanti darted past him, hurried over to the door, and unlocked it.
“Damn it! You’re supposed to obey my orders!”
“Sorry, not this time.”
Mya stepped inside, fear naked on her face, the bag that held their clothes hanging from her shoulder.
Connor glanced out into the hallway, shut the door, locked it. “What the hell is going on? I saw Naing out there.”
“The general and some of his men have come unexpectedly, seeking my father’s blessing to help him find you. My father does not believe they will search the monastery. You may remain if you choose. I have brought you food for your journey and robes to hide your hair and faces if you choose to leave us. Your clothes are here, too. They’re clean and dry. Wear them beneath your robes. I will take you to the tunnel and down to the river where a small boat awaits.”
“Thanks, but I think I’d rather head out on our own.”
It had been a mistake to bring Shanti here.
“And if you run into anyone, do you speak our tongue? A monk and two nuns traveling will not draw the attention of soldiers, but a man and a woman...”
Okay, she had a point there.