Page 128 of Niccolo

Han didn’t speak another word until we reached the lobby.

“Goodbye,” he said coldly as he held open the glass door.

“Goodbye,” I replied, and took the express elevator back down to the ground floor.

When I got back in the chauffeured town car, the driver asked, “Where to now?”

“I need to get to the El Dorado Macau as quickly as possible,” I said. “What’s the best way?”

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It turned out the fastest way to the casino was a private helicopter ride, so the driver took me back to the airport.

On the way, I telephoned Fausto and held the phone up to my ear. I seriously doubted the driver spoke Italian, but I didn’t want to take any chances he might overhear.

“Well, THAT went rather well!”Fausto crowed as soon as he answered.

“It did,” I agreed.

“I would’ve preferred he take care of Roberto and Niccolo for us, but barring that, this is the best possible outcome.”

“I concur.”

“Alright, the jet will be refueled by now. When you get back to Modena this evening – ”

“Actually, I’m going to a poker tournament in Macau.”

There was a second’s pause. Then –

“What did you say?”he asked incredulously.

“I said, I’m going to a poker tournament in Macau. It should last three days at the most.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?!”he exploded.“I need you back here!”

“Then pay me ten percent as an advance.”

“WHAT?!”

“It’s the same amount you paid Lau. I know you have it just lying around, so – ”

“You think you can fucking EXTORT me?!”

“I’m not extorting you. I don’t work for free, and if you’re not going to pay me – ”

“THE AGREEMENT WAS YOU GET PAID AFTER THE JOB IS FINISHED!”

“I have expenses. If I don’t get it from you, then I’ll make it playing poker.”

There was a short silence. When Fausto spoke again, his voice was dangerously quiet.

“If you don’t come back on the plane, then don’t bother coming back at all,”he seethed.“And I won’t be paying you a single fucking euro for ANYTHING you’ve done so far.”

I sighed.

I had figured he’d probably go this route…

So I played my trump card.

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