It was a little past eleven o’clock when I arrived at Kim’s compound. My name must have been put on an approved list, because the tanks ignored me as I hurried up the walk.
“I’ve been away from home for weeks already.” I was at the window looking into the courtyard. “If I’m going to stay here any longer, I’ve got to go home to pick up some stuff.”
“Why?” Major Kim was half-listening. “We can supply you with whatever you need. We’ve got more shirts if you need them.”
“I’m not talking clothing.”
“What then?”
“Wood. I didn’t think I’d be here so long, so I didn’t take more than a few pieces with me. It’s autumn. Things get melancholy sometimes in the evening when I’m out walking. All these lights you’ve installed, they make it worse.”
“Light makes it worse?”
“You’re a creature of the wrong civilization, Major. The sun goes up; the sun goes down. That’s natural. Light blazing at midnight is abnormal. It’s unhealthy.”
“So close your curtains. Get yourself some eyeshades. Put your head under your pillow. Think happy thoughts.”
“Let me go home for a day, I’ll pick up some wood, and then I’ll be back.”
“I don’t think I can spare a driver. We’re having some people coming in for inspections.”
“I can drive myself. I still have a license. Or have you voided all of them?”
“It’s for your safety. I don’t want you on a mountain road by yourself.”
“Afraid I’ll decide to end it all?”
“No, afraid Zhao will decide to do it for you.”
“Ah. I get it. Well, I can wait a day or two. Am I going to need a pass to get around my own country?”
Kim’s phone rang. He stared at the button that had lit up and gave me a funny look. “Can I take this, Inspector?”
I stepped into the hall and closed the door, almost the whole way.
“Again?” Kim said. “I don’t like it.” A pause. “Then take care of it yourself.” I closed the door completely. When Kim opened it, I was looking at the photographs on the wall.
“These look like plane trees in summer,” I said. “See how they droop? It’s a form of anger-passive resistance, isn’t that what people call it? My grandfather used to say that lumber from plane trees should never be used to make a wedding chest.”
“When can you be ready to leave?” Kim blocked the door. He wanted to get rid of me.
“How about in an hour? You found a driver?”
“Just wait in your hotel room. Someone will call. They’ll ask if your TV is working or if the sound needs adjusting. Don’t go with anyone else.”
“You are one scared rabbit, Major. One day you’re telling me you are about to take over; the next day you’re peeking out from behind the curtains. Which is it?”
“Cautious, Inspector, cautious. No one ever lost a lung being cautious.”