The Wide World by Pierre Lemaitre

Author:Pierre Lemaitre [LEMAITRE, PIERRE]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Published: 2023-12-05T00:00:00+00:00

Although it had set off before dawn, the convoy did not reach Hiển Giang until late in the day.

“Without the need to fire a single shot,” said Capitaine Moinard gravely, as he saluted Colonel Philippe de Lacroix-Gibet, who had come to welcome the guests from Saigon.

Flanking the colonel were Loan, in freshly pressed robes, looking pious and devout, rubbing his little hands as though washing them, and the sort of civil servant who always insists on being addressed as Monsieur So-and-So, as a mark of respect for his person and his office.

“Monsieur Claude Grandvalet, of the High Commission.”

He proffered a lean, pale hand that was suspiciously clean and looked as though it was freshly manicured every morning. Everyone seemed to be sending a message with their hands. Loan’s handwringing simpered, “Thank you, gentlemen, for coming here at my invitation,” the colonel’s brusque handshake with Étienne growled, “So this is the arsehole who’s going to pester me all week,” while the civil servant’s pampered paws announced, “I represent the law and order; feel free to spread the word.”

It was clear that the colonel despised the civil servant, who cordially returned the favour, and that neither would have lifted a finger had Loan fallen under the wheels of a passing truck. This febrile atmosphere instantly appealed to Étienne, who said, as he shook their hands:

“Thank you for your welcome, gentlemen, I don’t suppose you have any opium going begging?”

The men pretended to be shocked. They laughed it off rather than taking offence. Étienne’s position at the Exchange in Saigon made him the object of naked greed. Every man present seemed to have a transfer request behind his back, poised to receive the divine rubber stamp.

Loan approached Étienne and, clasping his hands over his chest, gave a deep bow.

“Monsieur Étienne, I shall leave you with your hosts. Might I expect your noble presence at mass the day after tomorrow?”

“Ah, Sunday mass, just like with the Catholics? It’s a little unoriginal, isn’t it? Surely the Superior Soul is above such things?”

“The Supreme Soul… Siêu Linh is a syncretic religion, Monsieur Étienne, we adopt the best of all that has gone before us… and all that is to come.”

Étienne whispered into Loan’s ear:

“Can I wear my bobble hat or would you rather…?”

Seeing Loan’s grimace, Étienne closed his eyes and nodded. “All right, all right, I’ll come incognito.”

Then, making the most of their aside, he said:

“Holy Father, would it be unseemly to ask you for a little…?”

He replaced the last word with a wink.

Loan was already nodding.

“Everything is prepared, Monsieur Étienne, you will want for nothing.”

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