The People's Republic of America by John Wayne Falbey

Author:John Wayne Falbey [Falbey, John Wayne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: John Wayne Falbey

A few minutes later, the four Chinese operatives returned to the living room. Caitlin had set out coffee, tea, and pastries on a sideboard. While they were upstairs, Huang ordered Lu Chu Hua, in the role of his female companion, to distract Caitlin by asking for a tour of the inn. Qián Mei Xing, the other female operative, begged off, claiming travel fatigue. While everyone else was out of the room, Mei Xing added a carefully measured form of chloral hydrate to the teapot that was on a warmer on the sideboard in the spacious living room.

When everyone returned from their tour of the Fianna House, Caitlin asked Mei Xing if she was feeling better.

“Somewhat, but if someone will join me, I’d love another cup of tea.” She looked around expectantly, but knew there would be no takers among her group.

Huang, Chu Hua, and Mei Xing’s “companion,” Zhèng Wang Wei, all declined for different reasons. They all headed for their rooms with the excuse that they wanted to rest.

Mei Xing turned to Caitlin. “I don’t want to drink it alone. Won’t you please join me, Mrs. Whelan? I’d love to hear the history of Fianna House.”

“Please, call me Caitlin. And, yes, I’ll be happy to join you.” She poured two cups from the teapot and handed one to Mei Xing.

The Chinese operative pretended to sip the tea but, unlike Caitlin, was careful not to let it touch her lips.

Caitlin took her first sip. With an odd expression, she looked at the cup and licked her lips.

“Is something wrong?” Mei Xing said.

Caitlin shrugged. “The tea has a funny taste, a bitter taste.” She sniffed at the cup. “It has a strange aroma too.”

“Mine tastes just lovely,” Mei Xing said. “It is aromatic, but that’s one of the best properties of tea.” She pretended to take another sip. “Umm, I really like it. You’ll have to tell me where I can buy it.” Because the chloral hydrate would be diffused in the large teapot, and knowing Caitlin might not drink a full cup, Mei Xing had added more than five thousand milligrams—over a full teaspoon.

Caitlin sat in a maroon leather armchair and told Mei Xing the history of the Fianna House. After a few minutes, she paused in her narrative, as if distracted. She set the teacup on a small table in front of her, spilling some of its contents. She ignored the mishap and said, “Where was I? I’ve completely forgotten. Isn’t that silly of me?”

“You were explaining where the term ‘Fianna’ came from,” Mei Xing said.

Caitlin slumped back in the chair, her eyes glassy and half-lidded. She turned her head slowly and gave Mei Ling an angry, accusatory look. Caitlin’s breathing became deep and regular. A few moments later, her head lolled to the side, and she began snoring softly.

Mei Xing checked Caitlin’s pulse. It was strong and steady. She shook her gently and then more forcefully. Caitlin didn’t wake up. Mei Xing walked to the staircase and called up to the other three.

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