Page 273 of Roberto

“I need to make a phone call before you leave.”

“Why?”

“To tell them to let you use the helicopter on the roof – and to give instructions that if you detonate the bomb and kill us when you leave, assassins will still hunt you down.”

I considered, then nodded. “Go ahead.”

Lau pulled out a cell phone and made a call. He spoke in Cantonese, though I heard the name ‘Rosolini’ more than once.

Then he hung up.

“Did he do what he said?” I asked Mei-ling.

“He did,” she confirmed in a shaky voice.

“Alright. Do we have a deal?” I asked the old man.

“When can I expect my money back?” he growled.

“I’ll transfer it as soon as we arrive safely in Italy. Do we have a deal?” I repeated.

He looked at me for a long moment… then nodded.

“We do. The two of you may take my helicopter to your plane.”

“WHAT?!” Gota roared.

Lau silenced him with one single, hateful look.

Then he turned back to me.

“Well played, Mr. Rosolini.”

“Thank you, Mr. Lau. It’s been… interesting.”

The old manalmostsmiled…

And then he told everyone, “Let them go.”

“Are you SERIOUS?!” Gota snapped.

Lau glared at him with the fire of hell in his eyes. “Let… them…go.”

Gota looked like he was about to object…

But then he gave up.

He lowered his gun and muttered something in Japanese.

His three underlings glanced at each other, then holstered their guns…

At which point Xi spoke in Chinese, andhismen put up their guns, too.

I held out my hand to Mei-ling. She came out warily from behind the desk and put her hand in mine.

Lau gave me one last irritated look.

Han’s face was back to emotionless, as usual.

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