Amanda was tempted to tell Susan to mind her own business but, to be fair to Susan, she meant well. Even worse, she was right; she must avoid meeting Daniel. She felt so much better since she had made her mind up to break up with him but Amanda was lucid enough to know that meeting Daniel too often might be counterproductive.
Susan left in search of Neil and for a short time Amanda stood alone watching the other guests around her. It was certainly fascinating to study all those elegantly dressed people – especially their faces. People young and old had gathered – but despite all the glamour and small talk Amanda could feel an undercurrent of nervousness; she was not the only one dreading another assault. David’s beautiful roof terrace had been closed and she could discern men clad in camouflage gear there. Their presence was probably meant to demonstrate that the situation was under control but it didn’t particularly encourage her to feel more relaxed.
‘Dreaming, my love? Can I fetch you a glass of champagne?’ Amanda was woken from her thoughts by Daniel’s voice, mellow and persuasive as ever. Why did she suddenly have goosebumps?
‘No need, just take mine!’ Geoffrey popped up next to her. His tone was decidedly jealous as he pushed a full glass into her hand.
‘Thank you,’ Amanda uttered, slightly overwhelmed. Helen of Troy must have harboured similar feelings when a handful of jealous suitors had been battling for the hand of the most beautiful woman of her time. But Amanda was aware that she wasn’t so beautiful by any means and, even worse, Helen’s story hadn’t had a happy ending…
Automatically she grabbed Geoffrey’s glass.
‘Sorry, I think…’ she stammered. ‘I think I need to talk with Susan, urgently.’ She fled, leaving the two bewildered men behind. She found Susan in a different section of the garden standing with Neil and some other guests from the convention.
But Amanda’s concern that she might be doomed to listen to a high-brow lecture about biochemistry proved unfounded. The group was discussing the down-to-earth pitfalls of Chinese cuisine and some of their anecdotes were so funny that time seemed to fly. Amanda was genuinely surprised when the loudspeakers went on and the countdown for the New Year started.
Everyone joined in and the New Year was greeted with noisy cheers and well-wishing. The first blasts of fireworks erupted in the night sky, bathing Victoria Harbour in spectacular lights in an amazing array of colours. From time to time curtains of silver and gold rained down from the sky like myriad cosmic falling stars onto the island and the dark waters.
There seemed to be no end to this amazing show, each new blast more spectacular and colourful than the preceding one, while the guests in the garden watched spellbound, accompanying each new explosion with enthusiastic exclamations of ahs and ohs.
But then cries of fright and consternation mingled with the sounds and exclamations of admiration and in no time panic was spreading and engulfing the garden with the speed of a tsunami.
‘What’s going on?’ Susan cried.
Neil, being the tallest, looked towards the VIP section where David had been last seen with the Chinese ambassador.
‘I don’t know!’ he said. ‘All I can see is the security agents forming a sort of a wall… Now I can see the ambassador being hurried away… but I can’t see David… too many people there.’
Anxious minutes passed until word spread through the crowd that David had been assassinated, that he was not be the only one, there were one, two or more other victims – nobody knew for sure and rumours thrived.
Much later, as they sat together in Geoffrey’s living room, Amanda could barely remember how Geoffrey had managed to get them out of the ensuing chaos as all the guests had wanted to flee the place at once, a stampede of panicking people.
‘Do we know for sure now if David is among the victims?’
‘He’s the only one,’ Geoffrey answered grimly. ‘I just received the confirmation on my mobile from his PA.’
‘Poor David!’ Amanda couldn’t help it as tears poured down her cheeks. ‘Why did he insist on having the party – there was reason enough to cancel it! We all knew he was the target,’ she sobbed.
‘He didn’t want to be perceived as a coward… I guess,’ Geoffrey answered, clearly fighting hard to stay composed. He opened a bottle of whisky and poured a generous portion into some glasses. ‘We need this now, it’ll calm us down. I feel like I need a double dose though.’
They drank in silence. Then Daniel cleared his throat. ‘I haven’t said thank you yet, Geoffrey. It was really kind of you to offer me a ride and get me out of that chaos. I guess I’d still be standing there now. I’m really grateful.’
‘It’s nothing. Couldn’t leave you standing amidst all those people behaving like headless chickens,’ Geoffrey answered roughly. After a short pause he continued. ‘I just wonder how the assassin outwitted security. Every visitor was frisked – they had dogs searching the place – the President of the United States couldn’t have asked for a tighter security…’
Amanda closed her eyes; the whisky demonstrated its soothing effect and her nerves, strung like a harp, started to calm down. In her mind she wandered through the garden, trying to imagine how the assassin could have sneaked in. She tried to remember the people she had been talking to – had there been anything unusual she should have noticed?
Suddenly she opened her eyes. ‘Heidi!’ she cried out. ‘Heidi told me… but I was too blind, oh my God, how stupid I’ve been!’
‘You mean Heidi had a go at David?’ Geoffrey looked incredulous. ‘It must be the whisky. That’s impossible. Heidi was standing only a few yards away from me when the fireworks started.’
‘Of course Heidi didn’t shoot him. But I see now who the assassin must have been, he was hidden among the waiters – in disguise! Please call the police – we must take action, fast!’ Amanda cried. ‘Don’t look at me as if I’m mad. I swear that the man I last saw as Jacky’s bodyguard was standing at the lobster bar disguised as a waiter. But he was wearing a false beard and dentures – Heidi pointed out that he could be a good-looking guy if it wasn’t for the ugly beard and dentures. How could I have been so blind? I’ll never forgive myself.’
‘Now I believe you! That’s typical of Heidi, no doubt,’ Geoffrey conceded. ‘She X-rays every man in her vicinity. Amanda, my compliments, you may have solved the riddle. I’ll call the police immediately.’
‘I told you it was Jacky from the beginning,’ Susan insisted, ‘but nobody was listening to me!’
‘We did, but we had no proof, but now things have changed – we have an eyewitness,’ Geoffrey replied.
‘Not a very comfortable position for Amanda to be in, is it?’ Daniel interjected and looked at her. ‘Take care, darling, these guys don’t fool around.’
Happy New Year?
‘That’s your new passport.’ The man in the dark suit with the bow tie handed him the document.
‘I’m from Singapore?’
‘Yes, your mother lives there with you in a small flat. It’s all checked and authenticated. You’ll be in China in half an hour, and your flight to Thailand leaves in three hours. You’ll fly first class, no queues or waiting. Here’s your money. US Dollars and some Singapore dollars to make it look more authentic.’
‘I told you I wouldn’t fail.’
‘Don’t brag. Without our help you’d never have been able to pull it off. The fireworks made it easier, everybody watching the sky – that was a clever idea.’ He smirked. ‘I guess the security agents will get a good grilling tonight.’
The other man grinned back and a short silence followed as he counted the money. ‘That’s only a small part, where’s the rest?’
‘The balance will be paid into your account in Thailand. If airport security finds you with a bag full of US dollars, what do you think is going to happen?’
The other man shrugged. ‘Yep, that’s correct. But pay up, or – dead or alive – I’ve left instructions that will bust you.’
‘I’m n
ot an idiot and a deal is a deal, you’ll get your money. Did you notice anybody who might be able to recognize you? Better tell me now.’
The other man frowned and, tucking the money into his jacket, his mind went back to the party. ‘I don’t think so… maybe though. There was one moment when I got nervous…’
‘When was this?’
‘When Heidi was pointing at me, talking to that German bitch, Geoffrey’s latest…’ He made an obscene gesture. ‘The same woman who was on the yacht when we tried to sink it and who threw herself at David when I tried to run him over with the car. But I don’t think it signifies, after all. After a minute or so both stopped looking at me and afterwards I didn’t see them again.’
‘Heidi looks at every man – either she wants his money or she wants sex. Usually both. But the German woman – we’d better be watchful, she’s not stupid. She might remember you. I’d better take care of her.’
The other man laughed roughly. ‘I can see how this will look, but why should I care? I’ll be at the beach from tomorrow.’
‘At the beach? You must be kidding – you’ll never get out of the brothel as long as you have a dollar left in your pocket…’
The other man laughed. ‘Not I, don’t worry. I never need to pay. When the girls see me naked they go crazy. But you’re right, I won’t get out of my bed for several days. Thai girls are the best…’
He left, whistling a merry tune. As soon as the door had closed behind him the man with the bow tie turned to the servant who had been waiting unobtrusively in a corner of the room. ‘All is prepared?’
‘Of course, master.’
‘He’ll never reach China?’
‘Accidents do happen, master.’
‘What about his threat to bust me?’
‘He left an envelope with an incriminating letter in the hands of his best friend but it’s in our hands now, master. His friend was easily convinced to keep quiet and join our cause.’
The man with the bow tie snickered, a strange sound that filled the silence. ‘No need to tell me how you convinced him. Now to this strange woman, the one from Germany. What do we know about her?’
‘We’ve shadowed her since she survived the boat incident, sir. She’s staying in the Intercontinental in a suite. I thought tracing her might come handy one day.’
‘You’re a bright chap,’ murmured the man with the bow tie. ‘I’ll not forget you when the rewards are handed out. The boss told me they’ll be huge. We’re close now, you’ll see the share prices crash down the second the stock exchange opens. Some people will lose millions – and we’ll make a fortune, a billion at least… a brilliant scheme.’
‘I know, master. In the meantime I propose to take care of the lady, if you don’t mind?’
‘Of course not, get her out of our way. I know this nosy type. Our plans have worked to perfection so far but every possible obstacle must be removed.’ He frowned and muttered to himself, ‘That leaves Heidi to be dealt with. I’ll make her talk first, she’s always had a crush on me.’
‘I’ll take care of the German woman, at your command.’ The servant bowed deeply and left the room.
Amanda had been convinced that she’d never be able to close her eyes, the option of sleep eluding her as long as her mind worked in highest gear. It was clear to all of them now that Jacky must be the culprit; Susan had been right all the time. Unless the bodyguard had been playing his own game – but that seemed rather unlikely. Jacky had been betting against David’s company – but so had Wu’s grandson, as Geoffrey had reminded them. Amanda remembered her last meeting with Wu Junior, his cold eyes full of contempt. Could it be that he was the mastermind behind this killing spree? Had he been targeting David and even his grandfather from the start to become the undisputed tycoon of Hong Kong? Maybe Jacky was involved – but could he just be a minion in this deadly game of wealth and power?
Finally fatigue took its toll and Amanda dozed off. She had returned to her hotel having steadfastly refused Geoffrey’s offer for her to stay and use his own bed. Life was already complicated enough. She slept like a log until noon when she was awoken up by some curious rays of sunlight that were sneaking into her room through a tiny gap in the curtains. The sunlight immersed her room in a dim golden light. Amanda opened her eyes, stretched and yawned. The sleep had done miracles to calm her mind and she was ready to tackle the world once again. Lazily she turned round and noticed the blinking light on the phone on her nightstand. A message?
Still trying to come fully to her senses she grabbed the receiver and dialled the operator. Maybe Susan or Geoffrey had left an urgent message.
‘Service centre, may I help you… Miss Lipton?’
‘Good morning, my message light is blinking.’
‘Yes, there’s a message for you, Miss Lipton. May I read it out for you?’
Of course, why do I think I’m calling? Amanda was tempted to reply but opted for a friendly reply instead. ‘Of course, please go ahead.’
‘There’s a message from a Mr Geoffrey. It reads: “Hi Amanda, it would be lovely to meet for lunch in the Italian restaurant where we had lunch last time, next to Nathan Road. See you there after one p.m. Cheers”. I’m sorry, Miss Lipton, the caller hung up without leaving his phone number, I hope you don’t mind.’
‘It’s ok, I have Geoffrey’s number. Thank you.’
Amanda placed the phone back onto its base and glanced at the alarm clock on her bedside table. It was half past twelve. Half past twelve already!
She bolted out of bed; only a man could be inconsiderate enough to arrange a lunch date with practically no advance notice. To be fair to Geoffrey he was probably as rattled by events as she was and wouldn’t care about social niceties in the present situation. But she couldn’t turn up on a date looking as if she’d dropped right of her bed.
Amanda showered and dressed in a time that broke all Olympic records. The whole time she racked her brain about what might have happened. Something very important or urgent must have occurred. Geoffrey wouldn’t have called without a reason, not now, at least.
The clock hadn’t even struck one when she presented herself to the head waiter of the small Italian restaurant. As it was New Year’s Day the restaurant was almost empty; most people must be still sleeping or at best having breakfast at this hour. She was one of only a few guests.
Amanda looked around and suddenly the restaurant appeared no longer as cosy as she had remembered it. Today it looked sombre and deserted and, to make things worse, she discovered that she had arrived before Geoffrey as far as she could see.
‘There’s a booking for two persons in the name of Geoffrey McPherson?’ she enquired rather than stated.
The waiter shot her a peculiar glance; maybe in Hong Kong a lady was not supposed to arrive in advance for what he might have interpreted as a date? Amanda decided to ignore his impertinence and followed him to a table that was tucked away in a dark corner lit only by a romantic candle. Amanda did not feel romantic at all and could only hope that Geoffrey hadn’t chosen this moment to declare his feelings.
‘Mr Geoffrey has left a note that he might be delayed,’ the waiter said. ‘Can I serve you a drink in the meantime?’
Amanda realized she was thirsty; she hadn’t even had time for her usual breakfast coffee.
‘A coffee would be lovely,’ she answered.
‘A ristretto, madam? Single or double?’
‘A double one, please.’
Amanda felt increasingly ill at ease, but she couldn’t tell exactly why. A good ten minutes later – the restaurant still almost empty with the exception of the two men that had arrived immediately after her – a steaming cup was placed in front of her. Better late than never. Inhaling the rich aroma she raised the cup, noticing in the mirror hanging opposite her that the men kept staring at her. They looked slightly shabby and were sitting close to the entrance. In the mirror Amanda could see that the men’s eyes remained glued to her every movement. Testing their rea
ction, she lifted the cup to her lips and noticed a shadow of a furtive smile fleeting across the face of the younger man. He wore a t-shirt adorned with a skull and an imaginative coat of arms.
Was she fantasizing? And yet the fact that Geoffrey was late was highly odd – he had always been on time. She opened her bag to take out her mobile and call him – but although she rummaged in her bag twice over, she couldn’t find her phone. Amanda suppressed a curse as she remembered she had left it behind on charge.
Amanda was dismayed, but there was nothing she could do now but wait. But the more she thought about it, the more the behaviour of the men near the entrance appeared odd. Why did they keep watching her, and why had they been so keen to see her drinking her coffee?
Amanda decided to test them again. She moved the cup close to her mouth and then set it down again.
‘Waiter, the coffee is cold!’ she complained aloud.
The younger man looked decidedly disappointed after she had put her cup down. That was more than odd – what was going on here?
She waved for the waiter who was approaching slowing from the shadows.
‘Please bring me a fresh coffee – a hot one please – and the menu, and a large bottle of still water. My friend should arrive any minute. Where are the restrooms, by the way?’
Reluctantly the waiter took her order and removed the cup of cold coffee. Then he pointed out the sign for the restrooms close to the entrance. Amanda draped her coat around her chair, grabbed her bag and passed the two men who followed her every move with their eyes. The entrance to the restrooms was partially hidden by a coat rack and as soon as Amanda was out of sight she frantically started searching for a way out of the restaurant. She was sure that she must have walked into a trap – nothing else made sense.
Amanda opened all the toilet doors – ignoring the ‘male only’ sign – to examine her options, but no help there either. There was no window; not even a mouse could have escaped through the small air grilles.
Death in Hong Kong Page 15