Page 17 (1/2)

But the guard just ser seat

“A-Ma Temple?” the driver said out the

“Yes,” Spenser said

The guard pointed to a dark green Mercedes-Benz limousine parked nearby

“You’re supposed to follow us in that”

Rolling up the , the driver placed the ar

Spenser climbed into the limousine and set off in pursuit

THE ar Spenser crossed the Macau-Taipa Bridge, went around the cloverleaf, passed the Hotel Lisboa and headed up Infante D Henrique until the naed and the road became San Mo La, or the New Road On the west end of the island, they reached the intersection of Rua das Lorchas and headed south along the waterfront

The waterfront was like a scene from an adventure movie Junks and sa the water was cra from plucked chickens to silver opiu pictures while buyers and sellers negotiated prices in the singsong staccato of Cantonese

At the fork with Rua do Alhtly left, drove past the bus terrounds of the A-Ma Te from the fourteenth century, and it sat on a densely wooded hill with a view of the water The co pebbled paths The smell of incense was in the air as Spenser climbed from the limousine and walked to the armored car At just that instant, someone lit a coil firecracker to chase away the evil spirits He instinctively ducked, staring up at the driver’s open

“You okay, sir?” the driver asked

“Yes,” Spenser said sheepishly, rising again to his full height “I need to step inside for a moment If you will just wait here”

The driver nodded and Spenser walked up the path

Entering the A-Ma Temple, Spenser walked to a rear room he knew the leader of the monks used as an office, and knocked on the door The door opened, and a shaven-headed

“Mr Spenser,” he said, “you’ve come for your crate”