Monsoon

by Di Morrissey

  ‘Yes, I know. Strange how Carlo expects you to totally accept his Italian family,’ countered Sandy, but quickly dropped the subject when she saw the wounded look in Anna’s eyes. ‘Listen, as soon as we’re finished at Barney’s, I’m free to do anything, go anywhere you want. Will Carlo mind?’

  Anna shook her head. ‘Not really. He’s got some business things happening.’ She wished she could tell Sandy about the old plate and the subsequent discussions with Hung.

  They’d left it at that. Now here it was, their final night in charge of Barney’s.

  Brad and Jerry carefully wrote down details of the orphanage, promising to see what needed to be done and to make it a priority.

  As the evening quietened down, Sandy took a break and sat down next to Jean-Claude, who held her hand and gave it a small squeeze.

  ‘It’s good to see you,’ he said. ‘I’m heading to Hue tomorrow. What are your plans? I hope it’s not too long before I get back and we can see each other again.’

  ‘We plan to go south too. Anna and I are taking a little trip . . . not sure where to at this point.’

  ‘And Carlo?’

  ‘He has business things to do.’

  Jean-Claude glanced over at Carlo. ‘He’s very confident, isn’t he?’

  Sandy smiled at the polite description. ‘Oh yes, Carlo is very sure of himself. I just hope he doesn’t get burned. Doing business in a strange country when you don’t know the customs can be difficult.’

  ‘I am happy to offer any advice,’ said Jean-Claude, ‘but I don’t believe he thinks I have anything to offer. We move in very different worlds. I think he’s written me off as a fish farmer, so of little value to him. I feel that Carlo is making all the obvious mistakes – he’s ill informed about the culture and feels superior. The Vietnamese are very proud and nationalistic. But they have a great sense of humour, are casual, friendly and generous. Well, you know all that, Sandy. The investment climate in Vietnam is very good now and developing long-term relationships with business partners here could benefit him – if he makes friends and earns their trust.’

  ‘You’re right, Jean-Claude, but I’m afraid he thinks his time here is for making a quick buck on some deal. Frankly, I think he’s got more than the landscaping ceramics in mind. He’s socialising with some unsavoury characters.’

  ‘Like anywhere, especially an emerging business world, there are those who try to cheat the system, profit themselves. And corruption still happens. Certain kinds of people seem to sniff out those who’ll work with them in not quite legitimate deals,’ said Jean-Claude.

  ‘Those who are basically greedy,’ said Sandy. ‘Anna thinks Carlo is shrewd and smart. And he can be, but in this country I worry that’s he’s out of his depth. He’ll never admit it though. As soon as Anna has decided where we’re going I’ll let you know. But I must take Anna to Saigon – it’s so different from Hanoi.’

  He leaned over and kissed her cheek. ‘Take care, sunshine. I will stay in touch. If that’s all right?’

  ‘Of course.’ She kissed him, aware of the tingle that coursed through her. But she was determined not to get involved too quickly, as she had in previous relationships that had fizzled out. Jean-Claude was charming and sweet, but she would be going back to Australia soon enough and that could mean the end of it. She didn’t want to get hurt again.

  ‘Sandy, this is your last night running Barney’s. Now Barney and Lai are back, will Anna and Carlo return to your apartment?’

  ‘Yes,’ sighed Sandy. ‘Only for a while, we’ll be taking off in a few days.’

  ‘Please, stay in my apartment, be my guest. I’ll be gone for a week or so. I’d be very happy for you to stay there.’

  ‘Jean-Claude, are you sure? That’d be wonderful.’ The relief in Sandy’s voice made him smile.

  ‘I can understand how, um, claustrophobic it could be having Carlo and Anna in your little flat, as you describe it.’

  She gave him a quick hug. ‘I’ll be very responsible. Wow, it’ll be like a holiday for me.’

  ‘Enjoy. There’s a woman who comes to clean. I’ll drop off the key in the morning. Take care.’ He waved to the others and said his farewells.

  ‘That was a touching little scene,’ said Carlo as Sandy passed him. ‘Those Frenchmen are smooth.’

  ‘Yes, they have lovely manners. You Italians could learn a thing or two!’ she teased.

  Barney and Lai were jetlagged and tired, and excused themselves, taking Anna and Sandy aside.

  ‘We’ve booked into a hotel as we arrived without much notice and it will be late by the time this wraps up,’ said Barney.

  ‘We can’t thank you both enough. Everything looks wonderful,’ said Lai.

  ‘I must say peace seems to reign in the kitchen. Ho is in great spirits. Can’t say I’ve ever seen him so affable,’ said Barney. ‘What’s the secret?’

  ‘He adores Anna,’ said Sandy.

  ‘Once we found our feet he’s been great. He’s taught me heaps,’ said Anna.

  Lai and Barney exchanged a look. ‘Never would have believed it. Hope it lasts – you’d better keep popping back in to see him, Anna. See you tomorrow.’

  After Barney and Lai left, Sandy and Anna sat down at the table as the restaurant crowd had begun to thin out. Ho stuck his head out of the kitchen and waved to Anna.

  ‘Better see what he wants.’

  In the kitchen Ho was standing with his arms folded, looking serious.

  ‘What’s up, Ho? A problem?’

  ‘You finish in Ho kitchen?’

  ‘Yes, is something wrong?’

  Ho picked a small package wrapped in a banana leaf and handed it to Anna. ‘You good cook. You learn Ho dish, very good.’ He gave a little bow.

  Anna unwrapped the parcel. Inside were Ho’s three favourite cooking implements – a small chopping knife, a large carved wooden spoon and a set of long painted chopsticks. ‘Ho, thank you. These belong to you . . .’ Anna hesitated, not wanting to offend him by refusing but knowing how carefully he looked after these utensils. She was moved. ‘I will use them every day and think of my friend Ho,’ she said, giving a small bow in return.

  Ho turned and went outside to his bicycle and pedalled away into the night.

  ‘Oh, he’s forgotten the food parcel,’ exclaimed Anna, seeing the package by the door.

  The girl who’d been cleaning up the kitchen picked it up. ‘I will take tomorrow morning.’

  ‘Tell me where. I’d like to take the food,’ said Anna. The late stayers had settled in around the bar and one long table. Carlo had turned off the pirated CDs and had his favourite music playing loudly.

  ‘I’ll finish the paperwork in the morning. Carlo, keep note of the bar tab, won’t you?’ said Sandy.

  ‘I’ll clean up Barney and Lai’s flat first thing in the morning and then move our stuff back to your place,’ said Anna. ‘I’m exhausted.’ She picked up her gift from Ho. ‘I was so touched by this gesture.’

  Carlo shrugged. ‘A few used kitchen tools. Big deal.’

  Sandy and Anna exchanged looks.

  ‘Night, Anna. Don’t stay open late, Carlo,’ said Sandy.

  Anna hugged Sandy. ‘Thanks. For everything.’

  Sandy fell into bed, listening to the familiar noises outside her flat. How grateful she was that Jean-Claude had offered her his place to stay in until she and Anna set out on their trip to find Anna’s family. She must tell Jean-Claude about it tomorrow when he gave her his key.

  Anna was sound asleep when she heard noises. Raised voices, then the shattering of glass brought her wide awake. She sat up in bed. Carlo was not there. She pulled on a cotton robe and hurried downstairs to the cafe. There was a light above the bar and two low lights on inside. She could see figures outside standing near the stacked tables and chairs. She saw Carlo talking with two men – no, not talking, arguing. She went through the cafe, hesitating before calling out. She wanted to shout out to Carlo, to ask if everything was all righ
t, but some instinct made her stop. Then she saw Carlo pull something from his shirt pocket and one of the men stepped forward and grabbed his hand.

  Anna flung on the lights that lit the front of the cafe, calling, ‘Carlo, what’s going on?’

  ‘Go back to bed, Anna. It’s okay.’ He flung an arm at her, gesticulating at her to back away.

  Terrified, Anna dashed upstairs, grabbed her mobile and rang Sandy.

  Sleepily Sandy tried to understand Anna’s breathless garble. ‘Anna, calm down, take a deep breath. Tell me again. Is Carlo all right? Where is he? And what’s happening? Who’s with him?’

  ‘Two men. They look like police or something. What should I do?’ she asked worriedly.

  ‘Keep inside. Unless he’s being bashed up, let him handle it. Go down again and tell me what’s happening. I’ll hang on.’

  Anna hurried downstairs and peered through the cafe. Carlo had stepped back towards the door to the cafe.

  Anna called loudly, ‘Carlo!’

  He spun around and stuck his head in the door. ‘Go to bed. It’s okay.’

  ‘Who are those men? What’s happening? What was that breaking glass?’

  ‘Just a dropped bottle. Go upstairs, Anna.’

  She went upstairs, speaking to Sandy. ‘Well, he doesn’t seem to be in trouble. They just appear to be arguing.’

  ‘Well he doesn’t appear to need your help. I’m sure Carlo can take care of himself. But ring me if you’re still worried.’

  ‘Thanks, Sands.’ Anna got back into bed and waited. It was another half an hour before she heard car doors slam, cars drive away and the front doors clang shut. Carlo fussed around in the cafe before coming upstairs.

  In the dark he slid into bed beside her.

  ‘What was all that about then?’ asked Anna.

  ‘You’re awake? Good.’ He leaned over to caress her.

  ‘Carlo! For God’s sake. I nearly called the cops. I thought you were in trouble. Who were those men?’

  ‘Cops! Well, some sort of security heavies. Said they’d been patrolling and checking on Barney’s, saw I was outside talking with a couple of fellows and they thought I needed protection. Assistance.’

  ‘What was the argument about?’ asked Anna.

  ‘Money. Barney pays them protection money. They were doing their job. They wanted payment. Fair enough, I thought.’

  ‘I hope you didn’t pay them.’

  ‘Of course I did. If Barney’s been paying, I’m not going to rock the boat.’

  ‘Sandy just paid them! They tried to get a lot more out of her and she told them off. Now you’ve paid them again!’

  ‘Yeah, well, Sandy doesn’t know how to handle people like that. I gave them US dollars and that got rid of them.’

  ‘Now poor Barney is out of pocket and they’re going to expect that all the time,’ exploded Anna.

  ‘Anna, keep out of business dealings. You don’t understand how things work,’ said Carlo crossly. ‘Go to sleep.’

  ‘Gladly. I’m tired. But you put that money back in Barney’s till out of your own pocket.’ She rolled on her side with her back to Carlo, who sighed.

  ‘I’ll wake you early, eh?’

  Anna didn’t answer.

  However, Anna was up early, dressed and downstairs before Carlo woke and long before the cafe was due to open. She checked everything was clean and tidy, then headed outside and hailed a cyclo. She had an errand to do before cleaning Barney’s flat and opening up for the breakfast trade.

  She showed the driver the address the waitress had written on a scrap of paper and they set off through the early morning streets. They stopped outside a narrow house on a corner. A small tree struggled at the edge of the road and above it a looping spaghetti tangle of electrical wires hung from a pole with several thick tendrils disappearing into the roof. An elderly woman in dark pyjamas had thrown a bucket of water across the footpath and was busy sweeping it clean. A sign in Vietnamese was painted on the door. It was the correct number so Anna knocked. It was immediately opened by an old man who smiled at her. She held up the plastic bag of food and the basket she was carrying. Nodding and murmuring he led her inside.

  There was the smell of cooking, the sound of a baby crying and women’s voices in a room down a hallway. Anna passed several rooms with cushions and mats on the floor. In one a woman sat breastfeeding a baby while a toddler played at her feet. The hallway led to an open courtyard where several women were chatting and children were playing. A small fountain splashed against one wall and an altar was set up under the eaves. Off the courtyard there was a bath house and a big kitchen where women were cooking. Dishes of food were spread along a table where older children were helping themselves to bowls of noodles and rice.

  ‘Good morning,’ said Anna. ‘Does anyone speak English?’

  A young woman came to her. ‘I do: can I help you?’

  ‘I’ve brought you food. From Ho, the cook at Barney’s cafe.’

  ‘Oh, thank you!’ said the girl, taking the bag with the plastic tubs of food. ‘He is so good to us. We thank Mr Ho very much.’

  Anna followed the young woman into the kitchen and looked around. It seemed very sparse and basic. One dish for each person and few utensils and pots. The meal looked very frugal. ‘What is this place, exactly?’ Anna asked.

  ‘It is a home for mothers and children who have nowhere to go or who are in trouble. We care for them for a few nights and then they must move on. They come back again, but we try to have space for those who need help, who are hungry,’ explained the girl.

  ‘Who owns this place? Do you get money from the government?’ asked Anna.

  ‘The old couple over there have lived in this building for many years. All of the family had moved out so they started taking in neighbours in need and the word spread and others came. It’s called The Family House.’ She pointed to the old man who’d opened the door and the woman who’d been sweeping out the front. ‘They are grandparents to anyone who wishes to come here.’ She smiled. ‘They have many, many children. Everyone here is their family.’

  ‘How nice. So no money is given by the government?’ asked Anna.

  The girl shook her head. ‘No. If they ask for official help, they must get papers. Too many regulations. They are good people who do this from their home, but any donations are welcome.’

  ‘And is it just for mothers and children?’

  ‘That’s right. Many are alone because of problems with their husbands. Some of the children live on the street, even from very young. They beg, work, get money. We look after them and then help them go to school.’

  ‘They are very good people,’ said Anna, nodding at the old couple. ‘But they don’t own this house? What will happen in the future?’

  The girl shrugged. ‘It is hard to say. We pray each day. We manage.’

  ‘Could I light some incense?’ Anna indicated the altar. ‘I will say a prayer for them too.’

  ‘Thank you.’ She called to a little boy, who ran forward with some incense sticks and shyly handed them to Anna.

  Anna lit the sticks and placed them on the altar beside the small brass dishes holding pieces of fruit and some rice. She clasped her hands and said a small prayer. Warm feelings washed over her at the recognition of the great goodness people can do if they try.

  The young woman escorted Anna to other rooms that contained sleeping mats and rolled bedding. ‘Upstairs are some beds and more spaces for mothers and their children.’

  ‘Is there anything the house really needs?’ asked Anna. ‘Maybe my friends and I could help.’

  ‘You are kind. We can always do with sleeping things. Dishes and some toys, perhaps. My name is Loc.’

  ‘I’m Anna. I’m here from Australia with my friend Sandy. We have been working with Ho.’

  ‘Please, thank Ho for me. He comes once a week to cook a special dinner for us. He is a good man. He has no family anymore, so he cares for us here,’ said Loc.

  ‘
Really? I didn’t know that.’ Anna realised she knew nothing about Ho’s personal life.

  ‘Yes, very sad. His wife left him and took away his children. He was not a good husband. He drank too much and was harsh to them.’

  ‘Ah, I see.’ That explains a lot, thought Anna. ‘And you, Loc? You help here also?’

  She smiled shyly. ‘These are my grandparents. I teach English and help them when I can. But I do not live here.’

  Anna glanced at the old couple. ‘I hope things work out for you. And The Family House. I’ll make sure Barney continues to support you, thanks to Ho.’ She wondered if Barney knew what Ho was doing with the leftover food from the cafe. She felt sure Barney would be willing to help even further if he knew the full story. She’d talk to Sandy. ‘I have to go back and open the cafe. You should stop by and introduce yourself to Barney. I’ll tell him about this.’

  ‘Please, do not get Ho into any trouble.’

  ‘Not at all. It’s a shame to see food wasted. I think Barney and Lai will be very happy to know about you. Goodbye.’

  The following evening, Anna joined Sandy at Jean-Claude’s apartment for dinner. She told Sandy that Carlo was at a business meeting.

  ‘Isn’t this a gorgeous place?’ said Anna. She gave Sandy a sly smile. ‘So, you like Jean-Claude? Could it get serious?’

  ‘He’s charming. He’s French. But where’s it going to go, Anna? He’s locked into Vietnam and France. I’m due to go back to Australia to look for another job.’ She shifted uncomfortably under Anna’s scrutiny. ‘Now, show me what your dad sent.’

  Anna spread out the scanned emails Kevin had sent her. ‘There’s some letters and a photo.’ Anna peered at the image of a family group. ‘That’s my mother; she was about fourteen then. Next to her are my grandparents, Mum’s brothers and sisters, and other people I don’t know.’

  ‘That must be the brother who drowned,’ said Sandy, pointing to the little boy holding Thu’s hand.