Page 126 of Niccolo

“Ah,” he said as though he now understood the situation. “And what would your employer like in exchange for his most generous gift?”

“A phone call.”

I pulled out my cell and dialed. Fausto immediately picked up.

“Are you there with him?”he asked in Italian.

“I am,” I replied in Italian. “Here he is.”

I put the cell on speakerphone and placed it on the desk.

“Mr. Lau,”Fausto said in flawless English.“Thank you so much for taking my call.”

“Mr. Rosolini,” Lau replied in a pleasant voice. “I must admit, I was a bit surprised by Ms. Toscani’s sudden appearance, not to mention the gift she brought.”

“Forgive me for the abrupt nature of her visit. Time is of the essence, unfortunately.”

“I see. And what can I do for you today?”

“My nephews, Roberto and Niccolo Rosolini, are on their way to see you. I believe they will ask your gambling syndicate to return their family’s investment of 50 million euros.”

“‘Theirfamily’s investment’?” Lau said. “So… notyourfamily’s investment?”

“My nephews and I parted ways about eight months ago after the untimely death of their father, my brother.”

“Soyoudid not send them?” Lau asked.

“No, I did not.”

“Odd, then, that you know so much about their intentions.”

“I make it my business to know as much of my nephews’ business as possible.”

“I see. However, since Roberto is a client of mine, I am not at liberty to discuss our arrangements with an outside party. Even if theyarefamily.’

“I completely understand, and I appreciate your discretion. If I may be so bold, I would like to share some information that could impact your business with my nephews. You don’t have to respond, merely listen. Would that be acceptable?”

“I am assuming this line is encrypted and free from prying ears?”

“It is.”

“Then proceed.”

“Thank you. I shall speak plainly, Mr. Lau: I am at war with my nephews. No doubt you are aware that we are Cosa Nostra.”

“I am.”

“We are in a life-or-death struggle, which I hope to resolve within the next few days. It is of the utmost importance that I prevail in our conflict. If Niccolo and Roberto were to meet an unfortunate end in Hong Kong, as the next of kin, I would be more than willing to forfeit any claim I have on the investment they have with you.”

“‘Next of kin,’” Lau said with a chuckle. “As I recall, there are six brothers, are there not?”

“There are.”

“Have the other four met an ‘unfortunate end’ in Italy?”

“It’s in the works.”

“I see.” Lau’s voice went from pleasant to chilly. “I have to say, Mr. Rosolini, it’s not every day that someone propositions me in a murder-for-hire scheme like a common street thug.”

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