Page 107 of Roberto

I’d seen him around the lobby. He was one of the hotel’s employees – most likely security.

“Yes?”

“I’d like to know the nature of your business here,” he said sternly.

I frowned. “I’m staying in the penthouse.”

He snorted. “Sure you are.”

That’s when I realized I was still wearing sunglasses and a hood over my head.

I pulled off both so he could get a good look. “My name is Roberto Rosolini. I’m – ”

“Oh – my apologies, Mr. Rosolini,” the man said, obviously embarrassed. “I didn’t recognize you.”

“No problem at all,” I said, and got on the elevator with a smile.

If someone who waspaidto be on the lookout hadn’t recognized me, then I hoped Mei-ling wouldn’t either.

Not until I was ready.

45

The blue Toyota Camry was waiting outside the Continental Hotel when I came down at midnight.

I couldn’t stand the hoodie and jeans, so I wore my suit instead. I figured there was no way Mei-ling would see me in the dark, so it would be safe enough.

Wearing my normal clothes again was sweet relief.

However, my driver didn’t recognize me. I had to go up to his window and tap on the glass.

At first he did a double-take – and then he made a face like,Not bad.

Once I got in the backseat, I handed him a 1000-dollar bill to start things off.

“Take me back here,” I said via the translator and gave him the club’s address.

The driver said something into the phone.

Nice clothes.

I chuckled. “Thank you.”

Twenty minutes later, we were sitting in the alleyway across from De Sade.

I kept feeding the driver 500-dollar bills as I watched limousines, luxury cars, and cabs drop off well-dressed men and women.

At one point, the driver asked for the phone and spoke into it.

I’m going to take a nap. Keep track of the money and give it to me later.

I said “Okay,” and he leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

Even though it was 1 AM, there was no chance I would fall asleep. Too much adrenaline was coursing through my veins.

I kept revisiting the scene from Mei-ling’s apartment and wondering how our reunion would play out.

Shortly after 4 AM, the silver convertible pulled out of the underground parking.

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