The Headmaster’s Wager. Vincent Lam

He nodded mechanically, obediently.

      Percival helped his son lie down in the back of the car, settling him in a way that was least painful for his wounds. He began the drive back to Saigon. Soon, Dai Jai fell asleep. Percival saw the wisdom of this car. The soldiers saluted him at checkpoints, and he drove through. Even if he had been stopped, they wouldn’t think twice about a beaten prisoner in the back of a police chief’s car. He would bring a doctor and make sure that Dai Jai received the very best care. He would have Foong Jie pamper the boy and nurse him around the clock. Once Dai Jai regained his strength, and once his scars faded, Percival assured himself, it would be as if none of this had ever happened.

       CHAPTER 8

      THE NEXT MORNING, PERCIVAL SENT Foong Jie to fetch Dr. Hua, the most expensive doctor in Cholon. He arrived in a short-sleeved shirt of fine white cotton, open at the neck, pressed white trousers, and excellent sturdy brown shoes in the fashion of an old French plantation manager. He carried his heavy leather bag and stopped short in the doorway when he saw Dai Jai’s condition.