“They’re very hot, eh, Uncle?” Hang chuckled pleasantly.
“Yes,” Chhuon said self-consciously.
“You seem preoccupied tonight, Chairman Cahuom,” the cadreman said.
“It’s the crayfish,” Chhuon said. “I used to catch them in the river with my boys. I haven’t tried it in years.”
“Some of the soldiers caught these.” The cadreman smiled. “They’re camped by the bridge tonight. Perhaps we’ll have more tomorrow. They shine a light into the river and it attracts them. That’s how they do it.”
“Oh.” Chan tried to look amused. “I’ve always caught them during daylight.”
“Ah,” the cadreman chuckled. “But the big ones emerge only at night.”
Nimol returned with a bowl of watermelon seeds. She removed the heater. The seeds were a gift from Major Nui. As the major shuffled the cards Chhuon, feeling gui
