For a gang of outlaws, Tet Sang thought bitterly, the brothers were remarkably trusting. Without even being prodded, Ah Hin went on:
“We’re taking the rice because Big Brother wants a decoy. In case the mata catch us, they will think we are transporting black-market rice only. Hopefully, the Baby God will protect us from a raid,” he added piously. “But even if the mata come and confiscate the rice, that is no problem so long as the real goods are safe.” He patted the pack.
Guet Imm’s eyes were as round as longan seeds. “Whatarethe real goods?”
It seemed to strike Ah Hin for the first time that perhaps he should not be talking so much.
“Oh, ah,” he said uncomfortably. “I shouldn’t say. Big Brother wouldn’t like it.”
“Brother, you will kill me!” said Guet Imm. “I won’t tell. Just a quick peek. You know you can trust me.”
She was reaching out when Tet Sang caught her hand.
“You shouldn’t touch people’s things without asking,” he said. “Didn’t they teach you that at your tokong?”
He kept his eyes on Guet Imm until she lowered her hand.
“There was no such thing asyour thingsormy thingsat the tokong,” she said, with an attempt at dignity. “The deity calls us to share. Anyway, I asked, didn’t I, Brother Ah Hin?”
“I didn’t hear Ah Hin say yes,” said Tet Sang.
They both looked at Ah Hin. He went a delicate purple.
“Brother didn’t mind, right?” said Guet Imm.
Even Ah Hin must have clocked by now that there was good reason Guet Imm of all people should not find out what they were carrying. He said wretchedly:
“It’s my fault, sister. I shouldn’t simply talk.”
“I wouldn’t give you away,” said Guet Imm, hurt. “It’s not like there’s anybody I could tell also. Everybody I used to know is dead.”
“There’s Mr Aw at Weng Wah Coffeehouse,” said Tet Sang. “You’re here to make yourself useful, sister, not ask questions. If you don’t like the rules, you can go back to the coffeehouse.”
He limped away before either of the others could answer.
Ah Hin followed Tet Sang, silently offering his shoulder. After Tet Sang’s first moment of indignation, he took the offered support. At least it got Ah Hin away from the nun.
“Sorry, Second Brother,” muttered Ah Hin.
Tet Sang grunted.
The ensuing silence was tense, Ah Hin’s shoulders rigid beneath Tet Sang’s arm. He realised Ah Hin was looking for something more than he’d given.
“Don’t worry,” said Tet Sang. “I won’t tell Ah Lau.”
“That’s not why I apologized,” said Ah Hin, affronted. “I know you won’t do me like that, brother!”
Again, Ah Hin was being too trusting. Tet Sang kept the strict word of his promise, but Fung Cheung was not stupid. When Tet Sang said they should keep a closer watch on the goods, Fung Cheung raised an eyebrow.
“You’re scared Ah Hin will give us away?” he said. “I’ve been thinking he’s getting too pious.”
“Excuse me, do I look like a running dog?” said Tet Sang.
Fung Cheung rolled his eyes, but he asked no more questions.
Nothing was said to Ah Hin, but from then on, only Fung Cheung, Tet Sang, or Rimau—a childhood friend of Fung Cheung’s and married to his sister, now dead—were allowed to bear the goods.
Tet Sang had bad dreams of the past whenever it was his turn, but did not complain. The new arrangement served his purpose. Besides, his capacity for enduring pain was something he had measured to the precise outer edge of its limits.
