Page 21 of Roberto

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.”

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