The Bombay Prince by Sujata Massey

Author:Sujata Massey [Massey, Sujata]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical, General, Mystery & Detective, Traditional, International Crime & Mystery, Fiction
ISBN: 9781641291057
Google: zpMsEAAAQBAJ
Publisher: Soho Press
Published: 2021-06-15T07:00:00+00:00

18

A Golden-Eared Dog

Once the Cuttingmasters had left the car, Arman closed the passenger door and Perveen settled herself in the wide space. She had felt cramped before, but now she felt lonely.

“They’re angry with us,” Perveen said after they’d reversed course down Malabar Hill Road. “He believes I endangered Freny’s reputation and I’m casting aspersions on him.”

“Do not fret overly much. He is upset in the moment. And why can’t he have the right to mourn without lawyers around?”

“That’s true,” Perveen agreed. But she wished she could mourn with them. She had known Freny a very short time, but she would have liked to hear prayers intoned and to be in the same space with her during her last hours.

As they passed a bend in the downhill journey, a tall yellow bungalow caught her eye. “I forgot to speak with Alice today. There was no time.”

“And we are approaching her home. Arman, slow down and make a stop for Perveen.”

Because Saturday was a shorter college schedule, Alice might be home. “You really don’t mind?”

“Calling on her will give you both comfort. And don’t worry about me. I will stop for a round at the tennis club.”

Perveen spoke to the chowkidar at the edge of the drive who affirmed that Miss Hobson-Jones was in. They pulled up to the grand cast-iron and glass entrance, and Perveen got out, her briefcase in one hand while she clapped the door knocker with the other.

Govind, the household’s butler, opened the door and stepped away fast as a small brown dog bounded toward her and stopped right at her feet. The dog barked, but its tail wagged.

“Sorry!” Alice had appeared and scooped up the dog. “I must teach her the command ‘stay.’ Both in English and Hindi, don’t you think?”

“Diana might understand Gujarati. Kem cho!” Perveen said, stepping closer to put out her fingers for the dog to smell.

“Why Gujarati?” Alice asked as she patted Diana’s soft brown head.

“She looks to be the type of dog used for work at Parsi funerals.”

“I think the same!” Govind exclaimed. “She comes from Doongerwadi, maybe.”

“Just because Doongerwadi is a mile up the road doesn’t mean she belongs to them.” Alice’s voice was defensive. “And she’s not well-trained. I’m sure she’s a stray.”

“Memsahib, it’s her face,” Govind said.

Perveen nodded. “He’s right about the dog’s features, and I can explain a bit more, if you’d like.”

“Of course.” Alice sighed. “Tell me the truth!”

“Your Diana has such pretty golden ears—and she also has a white spot over one of her eyes. Parsis believe dogs are spiritual creatures, and we have a special reverence for dogs with golden ears and two spots on the forehead.” As she spoke, Perveen reached over to scratch the dog’s soft neck. “Dogs with these markings are brought in to view the dead. There’s an ancient belief that the spots are like extra eyes. They give the dog extra sight which is needed to ensure that the person being mourned is truly gone.”

“That’s so macabre!” Alice looked at Diana, who was vigorously wagging her tail.

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