Episode 33: Hard Facts

Phuong was sitting in his normal spot at the Star Cafe chatting to Bin Dong when Bill entered the next morning.  Thank god he thought to himself, at least I hadn't totally pissed him off.  As Bill approached, Bin Dong turned, nodded and retreated behind the counter to make their morning coffee.  After sitting Bill started to apologize but Phuong held up his hands, we cannot speak of this he said firmly.

Bill was confused, he felt as though something had changed in their relationship and that a measure of distance now separated them...

For the remainder of their conversation that morning Bill practiced his Vietnamese under Phuong's tutelage, as if it were a normal day which confused Bill more than ever.  As they exited they strode into the oncoming traffic and crossed the busy thoroughfare for their daily walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake.  

Once out of the turbulence of the scooter traffic and cacophony of noise Phuong said in a low voice.  I warned you about Mai he said firmly, you could have been killed the other night.  So this is what this is all about, said Bill.  A couple of thugs beat me up and you think it was because of Mai.   Mate, you're dead wrong about that he said firmly...  

Am I? Phuong shot back staring firmly at Bill

They continued to walk in silence, however Phuong was at odds with himself and felt compelled to protect Bill from the dangers of Mai and Anh.  

Phuong explained that Anh, Mai's lover had most likely set Trung and his thugs upon Bill the other night, hoping that it would scare you enough to leave Hanoi.  "Why would I leave Hanoi?" Bill protested.  It feels like I just got here, and to be honest I'm starting to like it, although a little bit warm for my liking he said smiling trying to lighten the mood.  

Phuong decided to take another tack with Bill, he then went onto tell Bill the story of Hanoi Rose and her escort service.  He said that she had enforcers that accompanied her everywhere and that it was most likely they were responsible for the beating and subsequent head wound.  

Bill was feeling perplexed, "Are you sure we have the same Mai?"  After all, she certainly didn't have any bodyguards with her when I was with her last.  Now it was Phuong's turn to smile wryly.