Page 10 of Roberto

Macau was like an Asian Las Vegas, filled with dozens of casinos. It even had its own currency, separate from mainland China. The same was true of Hong Kong.

“They’re practically right next to each other, just across the bay,” I said. “Why?”

Niccolo looked thoughtful. “Give me and Dario a minute alone, will you?”

Dario looked just as surprised as I felt.

“Whatever you’re going to say, why can’t you say it in front of me?” I asked.

“Justgive us a minute,alright?” Niccolo snapped impatiently.

“Fine,” I said grumpily, and stepped out into the hallway.

Three minutes later, the door opened and Niccolo ushered me back inside.

“Alright,” Dario told me, “I’m giving you permission to go to Hong Kong to negotiate with the Syndicate in person. I wouldpreferyou come back with 50 million, but I authorize you to accept as little as 20 million.”

“I’ll come back with at least 40,” I promised.

“We still need to deal with the bankers who fucked us over,” Niccolo said.

“Handle it when you get back,” Dario replied –

To Niccolo.

Not me.

I frowned. “Wait – what do you mean, whenNiccologets back?”

“He’s going with you,” Dario said.

I stared at him in shock. “What?!”

“I’m going with you,” Niccolo reiterated.

I got angry. “Why?! Don’t you trust me?!”

“Of course we do,” Dario replied soothingly. “You’ll handle the finances all by yourself. Niccolo has other business to attend to.”

“Whatother business?!”

Dario gave me a steely-eyed look. “Roberto… your don has spoken.”

That was a warning to let me know I was overstepping my bounds.

“…yes, Don Rosolini,” I said quietly.

“Good. You’ll leave as soon as Niccolo makes the arrangements. Once you speak to the Syndicate in Hong Kong, inform me of their answer.”

“Of course.”

Dario patted my shoulder reassuringly, then stepped out into the hall. Two foot soldiers immediately escorted him back to the safe room.

I stared at Niccolo. “What the hell was that all about?!”

My twin brushed me off as he stepped out into the hallway. “Don’t worry about it.”

“But – ”

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