Page 104 of Roberto

“Certainly,” he said with a smile, which got even bigger when he saw the amount on the check.

“How quickly can the funds be available?” I asked. “Say, 100,000 Hong Kong dollars to start?”

It sounds like a lot, but 100,000 Hong Kong dollars was only $12,800 US.

The manager beamed. “We have an excellent relationship with the El Dorado Casino, so we can probably verify the check and get you that amount within 48 hours.”

“I need it quicker than that.”

His tone became apologetic. “I’m sorry, I just don’t think we – ”

“What if I put up collateral?”

“In that case, we could extend you a personal loan until the check clears.”

I took off my Rolex and slid it across his desk. “Will that do?”

He looked at the watch, blinked, and looked back up at me. “Um… yes, that will do nicely.”

After filling out all the necessary forms, I walked out of the bank without my Rolex but with 100,000 Hong Kong dollars in my pocket.

I returned to the hotel and switched out my suit for the jeans, t-shirt, and hoodie.

I felt extremely odd. Other than when I’d trained with Lars (along with our family’s foot soldiers), I hadn’t worn these kinds of clothes since I was 12 years old.

Ever since I turned 13, I had favored dress clothes and suits.

Yes, I’ll admit it: I had been an unusual child.

The next thing I did was call an Uber.

In case Lauwasworking with Uncle Fausto, I didn’t want to use one of the hotel’s town cars. Lau owned the hotel, and the driver might pass on information about where I went.

Also, most taxis in Hong Kong were bright red, which would stand out too much for the kind of mission I was on.

So Uber it was.

The blue Toyota Camry shown on the app pulled up to the curb.

When I got in the backseat, the driver greeted me in Chinese.

“Do you speak English?” I asked.

He shook his head and said, “No English” in a thick accent.

“Cantonese?” I asked.

He nodded and said something I didn’t understand.

Good.

I had already downloaded a translation app, dictated a message, and translated it into Cantonese.

I think my girlfriend is cheating on me.

I want you to help me follow her, but we might have to wait around for several hours.

Hit the button on the screen and speak into the phone. This app will translate your reply into English.

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