Fragrant Haven by Siobhan Daiko

Author:Siobhan Daiko
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: hong kong, naval, typhoon, french foreign legion, naval adventure, china 1940s, chinese maritime customs, colonial hong kong, postwar hong kong, vietnam 1946

***

James shaded his eyes. Maybe Arnaud had gone for a drink in one of those bars at the end of the road? Striding past a fruit and vegetable shop, the aroma of fresh ginger teasing his nostrils, he felt a tug at his sleeve. Good grief! The girl from the brothel. She was no longer wearing pyjamas, but the traditional long baggy pants and tunic with splits up the sides.

Glancing from left to right, she pointed towards a dark alleyway. Unease spread through James.

What was it Arnaud had said about the insurgents? A low-level revolt against French rule. Could Arnaud have been nabbed by some of them? And, if so, had they killed him? Fear twisted James’ gut. Perhaps he should turn around, head back to his ship, and get the hell out of here.

The girl was pulling him towards a rickety staircase. He followed her to a door at the top. She turned to him and, placing her two hands together, gave a half-bow. Then she spun on her heel and ran back down the stairs.

Wishing he’d thought to bring his gun, James peered through the keyhole. There was Arnaud, trussed up like a chicken ready for the pot with a gag around his face. On his own, thank God. The girl must have known he would be, otherwise why would she have led James here? He rubbed his chin. How to rescue Arnaud? The door seemed flimsy enough. He stood back, then ran at it, using his weight and strength as a battering ram.

Within minutes he’d untied Arnaud and they were legging it back down the alleyway to the jeep. The Frenchman got behind the wheel and switched on the ignition. Tyres squealing, the vehicle shot up the road.

James hung onto his seat. ‘What the bloody hell happened?’

‘I’m not sure. One minute I was fucking for France, the next I blanked out then found myself in that room. Don’t know how I got there or who did it to me. How did you find me?’

‘The girl I was with. God knows why she decided to help us.’

‘Might be a useful contact,’ Arnaud said. ‘She’ll be richly rewarded.’

‘Do you think it was the insurgents?’

‘I’m sure of it. They were probably going to hold me to ransom. Thanks for rescuing me, by the way. Merci infiniment. When we get back to Headquarters, I’ll write you that reference. Judging by your actions this afternoon, you’ll be an asset to the Customs Service.’

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