Saving Fish from Drowning - Heal Burma

AMY TAN
“Have you any idea when she might return?” The voice sounded
faintly British, though it definitely was not Harry Bailley.
“I don’t know,” Bennie mumbled. He did not have his wits about
him. “Who’s calling?” he finally thought to ask.
“This is Walter from Mandalay, Golden Land Tour...”
Bennie sat bolt upright. Mandalay!
“...I have an appointment to meet Miss Bibi and her group this
morning at the border crossing. I’m afraid the hotel is confused as to
which room she has been assigned to. They directed me to your
room. I apologize if there is a mistake, but are you Mr. Chen?”
Bennie was now wide-eyed, thinking in ten directions. Who was
this guy? He grabbed his notes, the letter from the travel agency.
Maung Wa Sao—that was their tour guide, not Walter. Walter must
be an expediter, a contact. Did he play by the rules, or if not, could
he be bribed? “Walter, I’m Bennie Trueba y Cela, the new tour
leader. You must not have received the message in time. And evi­
dently I did not receive a message from your end. I’m sorry. But yes!
We’re ready to meet you at the border. What time would you like us
there?”
The line remained silent.
“Hello? Are you still there? Is this about our border permits?”
Finally Walter spoke. “I don’t understand. Where is Miss Chen?”
“She was unable to come.”
“Did she take ill last night?”
Bennie contemplated his choices, then decided honesty was the
best route. “Actually, she died suddenly.”
“Oh dear! She died yesterday?”
“A few weeks ago.”
“That’s not possible.”
“I know. We were completely shocked ourselves. She was a dear
friend.”
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