Choke Point by Jay MacLarty Page B

James Atherton?”
    He shrugged, the abrupt change of subject catching him off guard, then realized how petty such a casual show of indifference might appear. “He seemed like a nice guy.” If you like tall, suave, and good-looking.
    “He offered to give us a tour of Macau.”
    An offer, Simon was sure, meant for two, not three. “That was nice of him. When?”
    “Five this afternoon.”
    “Sounds good.” More than enough time to come up with a reasonable excuse.

C HAPTER E LEVEN
     

The Pacific Pearl, Taipa Island, Macau
     
    Friday, 29 June 10:58:36 GMT +0800
     
    Never moving from behind his desk, Li Quan stood and bowed his head in welcome. A small man, with intelligent eyes and amber-colored skin, he was dressed in a dark navy suit over a starched white shirt and matching navy tie. He extended his hand toward two stylish but very uncomfortable-looking steel-mesh chairs facing the desk. “Please.” In sharp contrast to the frenzy of activity taking place just beyond the door, the office was silent and serene—incredibly stark, sterile, and well organized. Decorated in pastel shades of gray, with glass and chrome furnishings, the room seemed perfectly suited to its occupant’s formal manner. “I understand your father’s condition has improved dramatically.”
    Kyra nodded. “That’s correct.” Dressed in an open-neck cotton blouse and tailored slacks, she looked fresh and rested, her damp hair combed straight back from her face, giving her the chiseled look of a high-fashion model. “The doctor is very optimistic.”
    “This is good to hear. Your mother has tried to keep me informed. Unfortunately, I have not yet had time to visit the hospital and pay my respects.”
    “We understand. You have a hotel to open.”
    “There is still much to be accomplished,” he continued, obviously feeling the need to explain. “With all the rain…” He gestured toward the window, then rolled his eyes heavenward, as if to say: It is in the hands of God. “We have crews working around the clock, but…”
    Simon hardly listened to the words, they sounded rehearsed, and concentrated on the man’s verbal intonations and body language, hoping for some insight into his character. Quan continued unabated—all his attention and comments directed toward Kyra—summarizing the progress of construction, answering questions never asked, but not once referring to the problems that threatened to delay the opening. After fifteen minutes, Simon had heard enough about nothing. “Excuse me, Mr. Quan, but what about all the accidents?”
    “Most unfortunate,” Quan answered. “Very bad joss. ”
    “And you believe that’s all it is?” Simon asked, being careful not to sound accusatory.
    “Construction accidents are common, Mr. Leonidovich. A certain number of problems are to be expected, neh ?”
    “Yes, but—” He hesitated, knowing he was venturing into unwelcome territory, and that he needed to choose his words carefully. “You don’t think it’s possible someone might be trying to sabotage the opening?”
    “Possible?” Quan smiled tolerantly, his tone a touch condescending. “‘All things are possible until they are proved impossible.’”
    Simon nodded, recognizing the quote. “‘And even the impossible may only be so, as of now.’ Pearl S. Buck.”
    “Very good, Mr. Leonidovich. You are obviously an educated man.”
    Kyra snorted softly, a mixture of admiration and incredulity. “The man’s got a brain like an elephant. He reads everything and forgets nothing.”
    Simon knew better, but kept his eyes on Quan, conscious of the man’s clever evasion. “So you accept the possibility?”
    “Yes, Mr. Leonidovich, I accept the possibility. I reject the likelihood. The Pearl will bring worldwide attention to the province. Why would anyone wish to delay the opening?”
    That, of course, was the question. “I wouldn’t know,” although he could think of at least six countries that would be against any