Novel Square
Chapter 13
Mr. Lau suggested we use the Syndicate’s private helicopter, which was waiting on the roof of the building.
On the way up, I texted Niccolo to let him know we were coming.
‘We’? he texted back.
Han is coming, too.
Lovely, he replied. I could hear the sarcasm dripping from his response. I just started eating, but you and Mr. Han are welcome to join me when you arrive.
Where are you? I asked.
A steak house called Cabana on the main floor of the El Dorado.
See you there.
I assumed Han had taken similar helicopter trips many times because he seemed unfazed by our flight. I, on the other hand, watched through the window as we took off and soared above Hong Kong.
The city had two parts, separated by a bay: a forest of skyscrapers on the mainland, and even more buildings along the northern coast of Hong Kong Island.
Down in the bay, dozens of cargo ships waited for their turn to unload on the docks.
A little further west were small, uninhabited islands, each maybe 10 to 40 acres in size…
Then Lantau, the massive island that was the site of the airport. Lantau was far less populated than Hong Kong, and most of its buildings were houses and apartments.
Then came a vast expanse of water…
Followed by land dotted with buildings, none nearly as impressive as Hong Kong’s skyscrapers…
And then the international playground of Macau, which looked like someone had rebuilt Las Vegas on the seaside.
Our helicopter soared over a dozen casinos and landed atop a 40-story hotel with gold-colored windows.
El Dorado.
As soon as Han and I disembarked, a hostess led us into a rooftop lounge where other travelers awaited their helicopter rides. From the lounge, we took an elevator down to the main casino floor.
A cacophony of beeps and chimes assaulted me as soon as the elevator doors opened. Everywhere I looked were flashing lights, computer graphics, and crowds of people hunched over slot machines.
“Where is your brother?” Han asked.
“A steak house called Cabana.”
“I know it. Follow me.”
We walked past blackjack dealers, roulette wheels, and dozens of large tables, around which sat hundreds of poker players.
“The tournament I mentioned,” Han said.
I noted that the poker players were of many different nationalities. Mostly Asians, but also plenty of Westerners.
We finally reached Cabana, an expensive-looking restaurant with dark wood décor.
My brother was sitting alone in a booth, his meal almost finished. As soon as he saw us, he waved us over.
I sat down opposite Niccolo. After a second’s hesitation, Han sat beside me.
“Hello,” Niccolo greeted us cheerfully, then looked at me. “So, how did the meeting go?”
“Nothing’s been determined, so I’ll be staying in Hong Kong for at least another day.”
“Probably longer,” Han added.
I looked at him in surprise.
“Mr. Gota and Mr. Xi are very busy men,” he said in a bored voice.
I turned back to Niccolo. “Sounds like I might be staying in Hong Kong for a few days.”
“Hm,” Niccolo said noncommittally. “I’m flying out tomorrow morning, so if this isn’t resolved by then – ”
“It won’t be,” Han said.
Niccolo flashed him an annoyed look before he returned his gaze to me. “Then I’ll have to leave you here by yourself.”
“I’ll manage,” I replied. “Did you find what you wanted here?”
I phrased it that vaguely because of Han. If he hadn’t been sitting next to me, I would have been far more inquisitive.
“I did: an excellent filet mignon.” Niccolo smiled and lifted his mostly-empty wine glass. “I recommend the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to go with it. I swear, they have better Italian wines on the menu here than most restaurants back in Florence.”
Han flagged down a waitress, who brought us two leatherbound menus.
“By the way,” I said to Niccolo, “we’ll be staying at the Continental Hotel in Hong Kong. Mr. Lau offered us the penthouse suite.”Property © NôvelDrama.Org.
“Sounds lovely,” Niccolo replied, “but I already booked a room here.”
I stared at him. “You’re not coming back to Hong Kong?”
“Not tonight.”
“Why not?”
“I have other business to attend to. I hate to be rude, gentlemen, but I must take my leave of you.” He stood up and smiled. “Would you cover my bill?”
“…uh… sure,” I said in bewilderment.
“Excellent. If I don’t see you before I leave, I’ll see you back home. Give me a call and keep me updated on your progress.”
“…alright…”
“Mr. Han – a pleasure,” Niccolo said. This time, he didn’t extend his hand to shake. “Arrivederci.”
Then he walked out of the restaurant and into the bustling crowds of the casino.
“Is he always like that?” Han asked as he watched Niccolo disappear.
“How do you mean?”
“Abrupt.”
“Sometimes,” I muttered, not knowing what else to say. Niccolo’s behavior completely mystified me.