Page 127 of Niccolo

“I apologize for the unpleasantness of my proposal. The last thing I want to do is offend you. But there IS a war going on… my nephews are coming to you for money to fund that war… and if they DON’T get it, the war will be over shortly.”

“If theydoget the money, how long could this conflict drag out?”

“Months, Mr. Lau. Perhaps even years.”

“I thought that the other four brothers’ imminent demise was ‘in the works,’” Lau said mockingly.

“If Roberto and Niccolo survive, and they have 50 million euros at their disposal, they will continue to fight until their dying breaths.”

“But if theydon’tget the funds?”

“The conflict will last a week at most. And if neither of them were to return to Italy, it might be over in a matter of days.”

“Interesting,” Lau said. “Unfortunately, Mr. Rosolini, I am afraid I must disappoint you. I do not wish to become involved in any conflicts involving theCosa Nostra. If I were to have Roberto and Niccolo killed, and you failed to prevail against the other brothers, I would undoubtedly become their next target. Not only that, if my other clients found out I had one of my own investors eliminated, well… that would be bad for business, as I’m sure you can imagine.”

“Yes, I understand,”Fausto said pleasantly, as though he was discussing the weather.“But I was hoping 50 million euros might ameliorate the situation.”

“If the other brothers meet a decisive and unfortunate end while Niccolo and Roberto are still in Hong Kong, then we could revisit the subject. Until then, I must decline your offer.”

“I see. What if you withheld the 50 million euros?”Fausto asked.“Would THAT be acceptable? To give me more time to deal with the brothers?”

“I would have to confer with my other investors, but… it’s definitely in the realm of the possible. Under the terms of our agreement, Roberto isn’t allowed access to his initial investment for two years – although we occasionally make exceptions in emergencies. I could simply refuse this time.”

“Excellent, Mr. Lau – excellent. The longer you can stall Roberto and Niccolo in Hong Kong, the more time I’ll have to wrap up my business here in Italy. Might I make one suggestion?”

Lau arched one eyebrow in slight annoyance. “Yes?”

“I would not allow Niccolo to see you. He’s far more forceful and argumentative than Roberto. I believe he would be a great deal more… annoying to deal with.”

“Thank you for the advance warning,” Lau said in a cool voice, “but since my dealings have thus far only been with Roberto, I would not have received Niccolo in a business capacity.”

“Wonderful. My apologies for overstepping my bounds.”

“Not at all,” Lau said, his cheerful tone returning.

“Well, I look forward to speaking with you more on this subject. Ms. Toscani will give you my private number. Again, thank you for your time.”

“Not at all, Mr. Rosolini. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye,”Fausto replied, then hung up.

I picked up my cell phone and then laid down a business card with a phone number and no name or other information. “My employer’s private number.”

“Thank you,” Lau said with a grandfatherly smile. “Mr. Han, if you will, please take the funds to Mr. Gongsun and return Ms. Toscani’s briefcase.”

“You can keep it,” I said.

Lau’s smile stayed constant. “I would rather you take it with you.”

He probably thought we’d hidden listening devices inside it – or something worse. Like explosives.

“As you wish,” I replied.

“Mr. Han will see you out. Thank you for a most interesting visit, Ms. Toscani.”

“It was my pleasure, Mr. Lau.”

I followed Han out, then waited while he gave the cash to a corporate drone in a drab office. Then he handed me the empty briefcase.

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