The Fury of Beijing, page 14
“No, things are progressing as we expected, but there are things we need to review.”
“I’m in a limo with Fai and Silvana, and I’d like to plug them into the conversation, but I don’t think the driver should be part of it.”
“Where are you staying?”
“The Four Seasons.”
“Do you want to come to me or shall I come to you?”
“Just one second,” Ava said, and then covered the phone with her hand. “ Fai, have you eaten?”
“No.”
“Harold, we’d appreciate it if you could come to the hotel. We can have our conversation over a drink, and maybe a snack or two.”
“That sounds fine, and I would like my assistant to join us. She’s been communicating with Patricia Nolan and can report on that.”
“The more the merrier, but I don’t expect we’ll get to the hotel much before six.”
“Then we’ll plan on being there around seven.”
“Great, see you then,” said Ava.
Ava’s estimate of when they would arrive at the hotel was a quarter of an hour too optimistic, but they still had time to check in and freshen up before gathering in Ava’s suite at ten to seven. Fai and Silvana were nervous, which at first surprised Ava, but when she thought about what they were about to do and what was at stake, she realized it was understandable.
“We should check the room service and order something before Harold gets here,” she said as the actresses settled side by side on a sofa.
“You look after it. We trust your taste,” Fai said.
The menu had a nice selection of Italian appetizers, and without any hesitation Ava ordered a board of cured meats and cheese, two orders of mussels cooked with garlic and white wine in a chili fish broth, and two portions of spot prawns drizzled with a sauce made from olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano. She ordered two bottles of Chardonnay to go with the food.
Within a minute of her hanging up, the suite phone rang.
“It’s Harold. We’re in the lobby.”
Ava gave him the number of their corner suite, and then said to Fai and Silvana, “They’re on their way up.”
Fai took a deep breath and Ava thought she looked worried.
“Are you having doubts?” she asked.
“No, I’m just a little nervous. And in fact, rather than having doubts I feel just the opposite. I’ve done a lot of thinking about Chen and Lau Lau’s legacy over the last little while. When you told me the plan, I was a bit worried that what we’re going to do could damage it, but the more I think about it, the more I believe that actually we can elevate it in a way that even winning the Oscars couldn’t.”
“What do you mean?” Silvana asked.
“Well, how many of the last ten films that won an Oscar, or how many of the directors who won, can you name?”
Silvana frowned. “I can think of Parasite, but only because it was Korean.”
“Exactly, but Tiananmen is going to be one of a kind. It will be the masterpiece that the Chinese government wanted no one to see; and then the masterpiece that won the Palme d’Or; and then the masterpiece that only a select few others saw; and then the masterpiece that rejected Oscar recognition,” Fai said, her emotions showing. “I think our film has a chance to be remembered forever as one of the best films ever made. It may not be, but the fact it can’t be seen will create an aura, a mystery, that will keep it in people’s minds, and make it part of any discussion about great films.”
“I hadn’t thought of it that way, but now that I do, I think you are absolutely right. In their own perverse way, the Chinese government is giving the film a life beyond what could be expected of even a massive hit,” said Silvana.
Ava listened in amazement as they took the same simple notion she had expressed to Hines and expanded on it. But then that was what great actresses did, she thought. They transformed words on paper into living beings. Now Fai had taken her idea and infused it with meaning that made it somehow grander than just an attempt to secure a safe future for her and Silvana. It also, she realized, made it easier for them to rationalize what they were going to do.
A knock at the door drew Ava’s attention. She opened it to find Harold Hines and a stunning young woman. Ava had expected to see the young man who had been Hines’s assistant previously, and was caught off guard. “It’s good to see you, come in,” she said finally.
Ava stood to one side and then followed them into the living area.
Hines held out his hand to Fai and Silvana. “We meet again,” he said. They shook, and then he continued. “Let me introduce Maxine Latner. She is currently articling at the firm, but that’s a status that shouldn’t last for much longer because we are very impressed with her, as I’m sure you will be.”
Ava saw the young woman blush. She was tall, lean, fine-featured, fair-skinned, and had ash blonde hair that hung to her shoulders. She was dressed plainly in black slacks and a powder blue cotton blouse that was buttoned to the neck. Her conservative appearance, in Ava’s mind, only added to her attractiveness. She was, in fact, exactly the kind of woman that Ava would have pursued in her earlier years. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Maxine,” Ava said.
“And I’m thrilled to be here,” she said, glancing at Fai and Silvana. “I’m a huge fan of these two ladies.”
“Then come and meet them.”
There was a round of handshaking and then everyone sat—the lawyers in chairs across from the sofa.
“I’ve ordered some food and wine. Do you want to start to work now, or wait until we’ve eaten?” Ava asked.
“Let’s start now, and then we can chat as we eat,” Hines said, reaching into his briefcase. He extracted a thick pile of paper and put it on the coffee table that separated them. “I brought copies of the agreement that we want the Chinese to sign, and the statement that Patricia Nolan has drafted for Fai and Silvana. Where do you want to start?”
“There will be no statement without an agreement, so let’s begin with that,” Ava said. “And for clarity’s sake, why don’t you explain it to us.”
“Yes, please, I’m hopeless when it comes to legal jargon,” Silvana said.
“I understand. I’ll try to keep it as direct and concise as I can.” Hines took what looked like a five- or six-page document from the top of the pile and opened it. “There are two basic parts. The first addresses the matter of the safety and security of Fai and Silvana. The second describes the actions that would be invoked if the first part isn’t honoured.
“In terms of your safety, we have tried to cover every eventuality. For example, the agreement would be breached if either lady goes missing or is even detained. We have also tried to mitigate any chance of you being charged with a crime. We don’t quite request total blanket immunity, but we come close enough. In fact, just about the only crime the Chinese or Hong Kong governments could charge you with is one of a capital nature, like murder, and even then the agreement calls for you to have access to the lawyer of your choice within twenty-four hours, and a public trial.”
“Murder?” Silvana said with a smile.
“I know it’s far-fetched, but as I said, we have tried to be thorough,” Hines added. “And now, in case of any breach—and it would be a US court determining if one occurred—the forfeiture of the film rights is almost instantaneous. In addition we have specified financial penalties aimed squarely at Top of the Road—including its principals—and they are large enough to put the company out of business and ruin the owners.”
“I take it the focus on Top of the Road is deliberate,” Ava said.
“It is. If the Chinese government reneges, there is no legal vehicle to hold them accountable. So we have to make Top of the Road a party to the agreement and then pound the hell out of them in an American court if something goes wrong.”
“Excuse me, are you saying that even if we go ahead with this you still don’t think we’ll be safe?” Silvana asked softly.
“No, I’m not saying that, but we can’t ignore the fact the Chinese government has a record of not honouring agreements. That aside, we all know how they don’t want the film released, and we have to hope that may override any animosity they feel about the people involved in making it.”
“And turning down the Oscar nominations should help to lessen those that feeling,” Ava said, and then looked towards the door. “Excuse me, but I think our food has arrived.”
( 23 )
There was not much conversation as they ate at the round table near the window that looked out onto a garden. Ava sensed that Harold Hines’s reluctance to say the agreement was an iron-clad guarantee of their safety had made Fai and Silvana even more acutely aware of the perils they faced. She completely understood their emotional state but could only respect Hines’s honesty. When the last of the mussels were eaten, and after refilling everyone’s glasses, she said: “I don’t think there is any value in talking about the agreement anymore. I’ll read it tonight, and if I have questions I’ll discuss them with Fai and Silvana, and then talk to Harold. Is everyone okay with that?”
“I am,” Fai said.
Silvana nodded.
“That is your call,” said Hines.
“Okay, so that leaves the statement about why the Oscar nominations are being turned down. What do you have?” Ava asked him.
“I spoke to Patricia at length. She was surprised at first about the decision to turn down the nominations, but after I explained the reasons behind it, she understood. She and Maxine talked before we left the office to come here,” Hines said, turning to Latner. “Why don’t you tell the ladies what she’s advising.”
“Something short—in fact very short,” Maxine said. “After speaking to Mr. Hines, she and her team worked on various approaches, but found it difficult not to be convoluted. Some of the draft statements ran to almost two pages. The problem—as she sees it—is the moment you start mentioning the Chinese government’s sensitivity towards the film, it’s like entering a maze with a never-ending number of twists and turns. So she and the team decided to keep it as simple and personal as possible, and to avoid any mention of the politics and history that are involved.”
“Read it, please, Maxine,” Hines said.
The intern stood, walked to the coffee table, and picked up a single sheet of paper. She rejoined them, pursed her lips, and then said almost melodramatically, “To our dear colleagues, from Pang Fai and Silvana Foo. We cannot adequately describe the depth of grief and sense of loss we feel at the passing of the producer Chen Jie and director Lau Lau. They were more than our collaborators. At various times they were mentors, agents, a partner, and a husband, and at all times they were cherished friends. While we are grateful to the Academy for the nominations it bestowed on our and their work, under the present circumstances we respectfully request that they be withdrawn. We do not believe we could cope with the display of emotion that such a public ceremony would generate, and we believe that Chen and Lau Lau would sympathize with our position.”
There was an awkward silence, and then Silvana said, “That is rather beautiful, but it doesn’t even make any mention of the film.”
“That is deliberate. Patricia felt if it did, that would compel the Chinese government to demand that their opinions on what happened in Tiananmen Square be part of the narrative. By ignoring it, she’s hoping they’ll let it slide,” Maxine said.
“I told her we needed something that didn’t diminish the film or the people who made it,” Hines said. “I understand the statement is vague, but I think it permits Fai and Silvana to maintain their dignity, and there is nothing in it that is disrespectful to the Chinese government.”
“Do you think the other side will accept it?” Ava asked.
“I don’t know, but they might like the idea of exiting quietly, and the statement certainly allows them to do that. If we start including references to Tiananmen and the controversy surrounding it, it could look like the Chinese government is strong-arming Fai and Silvana—at least that’s the pitch I would make to Eli Brand.”
“What do you think?” Ava asked Fai.
“I like it,” she said without hesitation.
“How about you, Silvana?”
“Yes, I like it too. I think it humanizes an otherwise inhumane situation.”
Ava looked at Hines. “You have a green light for the statement, and assuming we okay the agreement later tonight, what are your plans?”
“I’ll call Eli Brand and ask him to meet with me tomorrow—just the lawyers, no principals. I’ll take him through the documents and see if I can get him onside. If I can, and if he is as persuasive with Christensen and his partners as I’ve heard he is, then the meeting two days from now could be a formality.”
“I have trouble believing that Top of the Road won’t resist being at financial risk if things go badly,” said Ava.
“The Chinese may not give them any choice, and remember they are being paid very well right now.”
“Still, I would like you to make it clear to Brand that if there is resistance, we are prepared to walk away from the deal. There has to be a serious level of accountability if this is going to work,” Ava said.
“If it is necessary to make that point, rest assured I will.”
“One more thing—when I met Brand as Jennie Kwong, I paid him a lot of money to get a copy of the agreement between Top of the Road and the Syndicate. So he is buyable, and we’ll pay if that is what it takes to get him working as an advocate.”
“I wish you hadn’t told me that,” Hines said, smiling wryly. “But now that I know, I’ll keep it in mind.”
“I apologize if you think I’m telling you how to do your job.”
“That’s not necessary; I prefer clients who provide clear direction.”
Ava nodded. “Thank you, Harold, and I think that concludes an excellent meeting. I’ll get back to you later this evening if we have any issues with the agreement. If you don’t hear from me, you can assume it’s a go.”
The two lawyers stood. Maxine gathered their papers, and a moment later they left the suite.
“I like him,” Silvana said.
“He’s very capable,” Ava said. “Now, do you want to go over the agreement with me?”
“No, you know that I trust you to do what’s best for all of us. Besides, that wine did me in. I’m ready for bed.”
“Then we’ll touch base in the morning.”
“Before I go, though, there is one last thing,” Silvana said. “Are you sure Mo is going to be at the meeting?”
“That’s what we’ve been told, and they know if he’s not it’s a major problem.”
“I’m glad he’ll be there, but I’m not sure I’m going to be able to restrain myself from hitting him or throwing something at him.”
“Me neither,” Fai said. “C’mon, Sils, I’ll walk you back to your room. Maybe you can treat me to a night cap from your bar.”
“Why not,” Silvana said.
Fai leaned forward and kissed Ava. “With me gone, you can go over the agreement in peace and quiet.”
“I’ll do that, so take your time.”
When the suite door closed behind the two women, Ava picked up the copy of the agreement from the coffee table and took it to the desk. She started to read the first page before quickly realizing that her mind was elsewhere. Silvana’s question about Mo had started her thinking about him again. It was one thing to get him to come to LA, but quite another to safely get her hands on him. She needed to find a way—but how? She opened her notebook in a search for an idea: any idea that had a chance to work.
There were several major problems that had to be solved, beginning with how to get to him, and ending with getting rid of him without being seen. Several things made those formidable tasks. Mo was unlikely to be alone at any given time unless he was in a hotel room. And every high-end hotel in LA had extensive cctv in the lobby, in elevators, in stairwells, and on each floor. In fact, she doubted there was a square foot anywhere in any of the hotels—outside of a guest’s room—that wasn’t being observed and taped. So she had to accept that getting into his room without being seen wasn’t likely, and even if she managed it, there was the not insubstantial question of being able to leave the same way without being identified. On top of that, she thought, it was safer for all concerned if Mo’s body wasn’t found. A missing Mo would create confusion and buy time—both of which worked in her favour. But if I want Mo to go missing, I can’t do this alone, she suddenly decided, and without Lop, Sonny, or Derek, there was only one other option. She had discounted it before, but now she couldn’t. She reached for her phone to call Shanghai.
“Wei,” Auntie Grace answered.
“It’s Ava again. Is Xu available?”
“I can’t remember a time when you called so often. I like it.”
“Thank you, Auntie, I only wish I wasn’t bothering Xu so much with my problems.”
“He’s happy whenever he hears from you. It doesn’t matter if it’s because you have a problem or not. Now, let me go and get him.”
“Hey, mei mei,” Xu said a minute later. “How is Los Angeles?”
Ava didn’t think she had told him she was going. “How did you know I was here?”
“I spoke to Lop last night. He explained what was going on.”
“Of course, I should have known that he would. So he also told you about the possibility of Mo coming here?”
“Yes, he said you were working on it.”
“It is now a fact, and that’s why I’m calling. I need some help here. Neither Lop nor Sonny has a US visa, and I can’t do this job by myself, so I’m wondering if you would reach out to Johnny Lam?” she asked, referring to the Mountain Master of the Los Angeles triads.
“I’ll do it gladly. What is it you want from him?”
“I’m in a limo with Fai and Silvana, and I’d like to plug them into the conversation, but I don’t think the driver should be part of it.”
“Where are you staying?”
“The Four Seasons.”
“Do you want to come to me or shall I come to you?”
“Just one second,” Ava said, and then covered the phone with her hand. “ Fai, have you eaten?”
“No.”
“Harold, we’d appreciate it if you could come to the hotel. We can have our conversation over a drink, and maybe a snack or two.”
“That sounds fine, and I would like my assistant to join us. She’s been communicating with Patricia Nolan and can report on that.”
“The more the merrier, but I don’t expect we’ll get to the hotel much before six.”
“Then we’ll plan on being there around seven.”
“Great, see you then,” said Ava.
Ava’s estimate of when they would arrive at the hotel was a quarter of an hour too optimistic, but they still had time to check in and freshen up before gathering in Ava’s suite at ten to seven. Fai and Silvana were nervous, which at first surprised Ava, but when she thought about what they were about to do and what was at stake, she realized it was understandable.
“We should check the room service and order something before Harold gets here,” she said as the actresses settled side by side on a sofa.
“You look after it. We trust your taste,” Fai said.
The menu had a nice selection of Italian appetizers, and without any hesitation Ava ordered a board of cured meats and cheese, two orders of mussels cooked with garlic and white wine in a chili fish broth, and two portions of spot prawns drizzled with a sauce made from olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano. She ordered two bottles of Chardonnay to go with the food.
Within a minute of her hanging up, the suite phone rang.
“It’s Harold. We’re in the lobby.”
Ava gave him the number of their corner suite, and then said to Fai and Silvana, “They’re on their way up.”
Fai took a deep breath and Ava thought she looked worried.
“Are you having doubts?” she asked.
“No, I’m just a little nervous. And in fact, rather than having doubts I feel just the opposite. I’ve done a lot of thinking about Chen and Lau Lau’s legacy over the last little while. When you told me the plan, I was a bit worried that what we’re going to do could damage it, but the more I think about it, the more I believe that actually we can elevate it in a way that even winning the Oscars couldn’t.”
“What do you mean?” Silvana asked.
“Well, how many of the last ten films that won an Oscar, or how many of the directors who won, can you name?”
Silvana frowned. “I can think of Parasite, but only because it was Korean.”
“Exactly, but Tiananmen is going to be one of a kind. It will be the masterpiece that the Chinese government wanted no one to see; and then the masterpiece that won the Palme d’Or; and then the masterpiece that only a select few others saw; and then the masterpiece that rejected Oscar recognition,” Fai said, her emotions showing. “I think our film has a chance to be remembered forever as one of the best films ever made. It may not be, but the fact it can’t be seen will create an aura, a mystery, that will keep it in people’s minds, and make it part of any discussion about great films.”
“I hadn’t thought of it that way, but now that I do, I think you are absolutely right. In their own perverse way, the Chinese government is giving the film a life beyond what could be expected of even a massive hit,” said Silvana.
Ava listened in amazement as they took the same simple notion she had expressed to Hines and expanded on it. But then that was what great actresses did, she thought. They transformed words on paper into living beings. Now Fai had taken her idea and infused it with meaning that made it somehow grander than just an attempt to secure a safe future for her and Silvana. It also, she realized, made it easier for them to rationalize what they were going to do.
A knock at the door drew Ava’s attention. She opened it to find Harold Hines and a stunning young woman. Ava had expected to see the young man who had been Hines’s assistant previously, and was caught off guard. “It’s good to see you, come in,” she said finally.
Ava stood to one side and then followed them into the living area.
Hines held out his hand to Fai and Silvana. “We meet again,” he said. They shook, and then he continued. “Let me introduce Maxine Latner. She is currently articling at the firm, but that’s a status that shouldn’t last for much longer because we are very impressed with her, as I’m sure you will be.”
Ava saw the young woman blush. She was tall, lean, fine-featured, fair-skinned, and had ash blonde hair that hung to her shoulders. She was dressed plainly in black slacks and a powder blue cotton blouse that was buttoned to the neck. Her conservative appearance, in Ava’s mind, only added to her attractiveness. She was, in fact, exactly the kind of woman that Ava would have pursued in her earlier years. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Maxine,” Ava said.
“And I’m thrilled to be here,” she said, glancing at Fai and Silvana. “I’m a huge fan of these two ladies.”
“Then come and meet them.”
There was a round of handshaking and then everyone sat—the lawyers in chairs across from the sofa.
“I’ve ordered some food and wine. Do you want to start to work now, or wait until we’ve eaten?” Ava asked.
“Let’s start now, and then we can chat as we eat,” Hines said, reaching into his briefcase. He extracted a thick pile of paper and put it on the coffee table that separated them. “I brought copies of the agreement that we want the Chinese to sign, and the statement that Patricia Nolan has drafted for Fai and Silvana. Where do you want to start?”
“There will be no statement without an agreement, so let’s begin with that,” Ava said. “And for clarity’s sake, why don’t you explain it to us.”
“Yes, please, I’m hopeless when it comes to legal jargon,” Silvana said.
“I understand. I’ll try to keep it as direct and concise as I can.” Hines took what looked like a five- or six-page document from the top of the pile and opened it. “There are two basic parts. The first addresses the matter of the safety and security of Fai and Silvana. The second describes the actions that would be invoked if the first part isn’t honoured.
“In terms of your safety, we have tried to cover every eventuality. For example, the agreement would be breached if either lady goes missing or is even detained. We have also tried to mitigate any chance of you being charged with a crime. We don’t quite request total blanket immunity, but we come close enough. In fact, just about the only crime the Chinese or Hong Kong governments could charge you with is one of a capital nature, like murder, and even then the agreement calls for you to have access to the lawyer of your choice within twenty-four hours, and a public trial.”
“Murder?” Silvana said with a smile.
“I know it’s far-fetched, but as I said, we have tried to be thorough,” Hines added. “And now, in case of any breach—and it would be a US court determining if one occurred—the forfeiture of the film rights is almost instantaneous. In addition we have specified financial penalties aimed squarely at Top of the Road—including its principals—and they are large enough to put the company out of business and ruin the owners.”
“I take it the focus on Top of the Road is deliberate,” Ava said.
“It is. If the Chinese government reneges, there is no legal vehicle to hold them accountable. So we have to make Top of the Road a party to the agreement and then pound the hell out of them in an American court if something goes wrong.”
“Excuse me, are you saying that even if we go ahead with this you still don’t think we’ll be safe?” Silvana asked softly.
“No, I’m not saying that, but we can’t ignore the fact the Chinese government has a record of not honouring agreements. That aside, we all know how they don’t want the film released, and we have to hope that may override any animosity they feel about the people involved in making it.”
“And turning down the Oscar nominations should help to lessen those that feeling,” Ava said, and then looked towards the door. “Excuse me, but I think our food has arrived.”
( 23 )
There was not much conversation as they ate at the round table near the window that looked out onto a garden. Ava sensed that Harold Hines’s reluctance to say the agreement was an iron-clad guarantee of their safety had made Fai and Silvana even more acutely aware of the perils they faced. She completely understood their emotional state but could only respect Hines’s honesty. When the last of the mussels were eaten, and after refilling everyone’s glasses, she said: “I don’t think there is any value in talking about the agreement anymore. I’ll read it tonight, and if I have questions I’ll discuss them with Fai and Silvana, and then talk to Harold. Is everyone okay with that?”
“I am,” Fai said.
Silvana nodded.
“That is your call,” said Hines.
“Okay, so that leaves the statement about why the Oscar nominations are being turned down. What do you have?” Ava asked him.
“I spoke to Patricia at length. She was surprised at first about the decision to turn down the nominations, but after I explained the reasons behind it, she understood. She and Maxine talked before we left the office to come here,” Hines said, turning to Latner. “Why don’t you tell the ladies what she’s advising.”
“Something short—in fact very short,” Maxine said. “After speaking to Mr. Hines, she and her team worked on various approaches, but found it difficult not to be convoluted. Some of the draft statements ran to almost two pages. The problem—as she sees it—is the moment you start mentioning the Chinese government’s sensitivity towards the film, it’s like entering a maze with a never-ending number of twists and turns. So she and the team decided to keep it as simple and personal as possible, and to avoid any mention of the politics and history that are involved.”
“Read it, please, Maxine,” Hines said.
The intern stood, walked to the coffee table, and picked up a single sheet of paper. She rejoined them, pursed her lips, and then said almost melodramatically, “To our dear colleagues, from Pang Fai and Silvana Foo. We cannot adequately describe the depth of grief and sense of loss we feel at the passing of the producer Chen Jie and director Lau Lau. They were more than our collaborators. At various times they were mentors, agents, a partner, and a husband, and at all times they were cherished friends. While we are grateful to the Academy for the nominations it bestowed on our and their work, under the present circumstances we respectfully request that they be withdrawn. We do not believe we could cope with the display of emotion that such a public ceremony would generate, and we believe that Chen and Lau Lau would sympathize with our position.”
There was an awkward silence, and then Silvana said, “That is rather beautiful, but it doesn’t even make any mention of the film.”
“That is deliberate. Patricia felt if it did, that would compel the Chinese government to demand that their opinions on what happened in Tiananmen Square be part of the narrative. By ignoring it, she’s hoping they’ll let it slide,” Maxine said.
“I told her we needed something that didn’t diminish the film or the people who made it,” Hines said. “I understand the statement is vague, but I think it permits Fai and Silvana to maintain their dignity, and there is nothing in it that is disrespectful to the Chinese government.”
“Do you think the other side will accept it?” Ava asked.
“I don’t know, but they might like the idea of exiting quietly, and the statement certainly allows them to do that. If we start including references to Tiananmen and the controversy surrounding it, it could look like the Chinese government is strong-arming Fai and Silvana—at least that’s the pitch I would make to Eli Brand.”
“What do you think?” Ava asked Fai.
“I like it,” she said without hesitation.
“How about you, Silvana?”
“Yes, I like it too. I think it humanizes an otherwise inhumane situation.”
Ava looked at Hines. “You have a green light for the statement, and assuming we okay the agreement later tonight, what are your plans?”
“I’ll call Eli Brand and ask him to meet with me tomorrow—just the lawyers, no principals. I’ll take him through the documents and see if I can get him onside. If I can, and if he is as persuasive with Christensen and his partners as I’ve heard he is, then the meeting two days from now could be a formality.”
“I have trouble believing that Top of the Road won’t resist being at financial risk if things go badly,” said Ava.
“The Chinese may not give them any choice, and remember they are being paid very well right now.”
“Still, I would like you to make it clear to Brand that if there is resistance, we are prepared to walk away from the deal. There has to be a serious level of accountability if this is going to work,” Ava said.
“If it is necessary to make that point, rest assured I will.”
“One more thing—when I met Brand as Jennie Kwong, I paid him a lot of money to get a copy of the agreement between Top of the Road and the Syndicate. So he is buyable, and we’ll pay if that is what it takes to get him working as an advocate.”
“I wish you hadn’t told me that,” Hines said, smiling wryly. “But now that I know, I’ll keep it in mind.”
“I apologize if you think I’m telling you how to do your job.”
“That’s not necessary; I prefer clients who provide clear direction.”
Ava nodded. “Thank you, Harold, and I think that concludes an excellent meeting. I’ll get back to you later this evening if we have any issues with the agreement. If you don’t hear from me, you can assume it’s a go.”
The two lawyers stood. Maxine gathered their papers, and a moment later they left the suite.
“I like him,” Silvana said.
“He’s very capable,” Ava said. “Now, do you want to go over the agreement with me?”
“No, you know that I trust you to do what’s best for all of us. Besides, that wine did me in. I’m ready for bed.”
“Then we’ll touch base in the morning.”
“Before I go, though, there is one last thing,” Silvana said. “Are you sure Mo is going to be at the meeting?”
“That’s what we’ve been told, and they know if he’s not it’s a major problem.”
“I’m glad he’ll be there, but I’m not sure I’m going to be able to restrain myself from hitting him or throwing something at him.”
“Me neither,” Fai said. “C’mon, Sils, I’ll walk you back to your room. Maybe you can treat me to a night cap from your bar.”
“Why not,” Silvana said.
Fai leaned forward and kissed Ava. “With me gone, you can go over the agreement in peace and quiet.”
“I’ll do that, so take your time.”
When the suite door closed behind the two women, Ava picked up the copy of the agreement from the coffee table and took it to the desk. She started to read the first page before quickly realizing that her mind was elsewhere. Silvana’s question about Mo had started her thinking about him again. It was one thing to get him to come to LA, but quite another to safely get her hands on him. She needed to find a way—but how? She opened her notebook in a search for an idea: any idea that had a chance to work.
There were several major problems that had to be solved, beginning with how to get to him, and ending with getting rid of him without being seen. Several things made those formidable tasks. Mo was unlikely to be alone at any given time unless he was in a hotel room. And every high-end hotel in LA had extensive cctv in the lobby, in elevators, in stairwells, and on each floor. In fact, she doubted there was a square foot anywhere in any of the hotels—outside of a guest’s room—that wasn’t being observed and taped. So she had to accept that getting into his room without being seen wasn’t likely, and even if she managed it, there was the not insubstantial question of being able to leave the same way without being identified. On top of that, she thought, it was safer for all concerned if Mo’s body wasn’t found. A missing Mo would create confusion and buy time—both of which worked in her favour. But if I want Mo to go missing, I can’t do this alone, she suddenly decided, and without Lop, Sonny, or Derek, there was only one other option. She had discounted it before, but now she couldn’t. She reached for her phone to call Shanghai.
“Wei,” Auntie Grace answered.
“It’s Ava again. Is Xu available?”
“I can’t remember a time when you called so often. I like it.”
“Thank you, Auntie, I only wish I wasn’t bothering Xu so much with my problems.”
“He’s happy whenever he hears from you. It doesn’t matter if it’s because you have a problem or not. Now, let me go and get him.”
“Hey, mei mei,” Xu said a minute later. “How is Los Angeles?”
Ava didn’t think she had told him she was going. “How did you know I was here?”
“I spoke to Lop last night. He explained what was going on.”
“Of course, I should have known that he would. So he also told you about the possibility of Mo coming here?”
“Yes, he said you were working on it.”
“It is now a fact, and that’s why I’m calling. I need some help here. Neither Lop nor Sonny has a US visa, and I can’t do this job by myself, so I’m wondering if you would reach out to Johnny Lam?” she asked, referring to the Mountain Master of the Los Angeles triads.
“I’ll do it gladly. What is it you want from him?”
