The Dan Harpur Box Set: Dan Harpur Action Adventure Novels 1 - 3 (The Dan Harpur Series) by Andrew Jackson

Author:Andrew Jackson [Jackson, Andrew & Jackson, Andrew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-05-24T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

The Kings Romans Casino Hall was a truly gaudy display of civilisation. From the balcony above, Walter Uba looked down upon hundreds of scurrying people and knew he couldn't have been further from the lush, wild openness of his homeland.

Dozens of green felted tables were laid out in neat lines, each presided over by a stern-faced croupier and shadowed by an equally stern-faced security guard. Games of blackjack, craps and roulette were divided into their own separate areas across a well-worn florally carpeted floor. Above them huge over-sized chandeliers lit up the chaotic scene, adding to a forced image of grandeur. Around the edges of the hall, and for as far as Walter could see, slot machines greedily consumed the money of any passer-by who dared hesitate; lured in by its multi-coloured flashing lights and the seductive promise of instant wealth for a single spin of its reels; no skill required, no game to play, just the irresistible temptation of wealth.

The noise was quite overwhelming, as excited gamblers whooped and cried at the spin of a dice or the turn of a card, whipping other customers up into a frenzy of their own. It took Walter a while to adjust to the alien environment.

He couldn't have met his first client amongst that endless chaos. So he chose a private room on the first floor where they could talk freely without the distraction of the busy casino; which was already becoming unbearable despite the early hour of the afternoon.

The room itself was basic, and contained only seating, a table and a small private bathroom. Perfect for taking a short break from gambling, consuming alcohol or drugs - which were banned in the casino - or in Walters case, meeting with a wealthy client.

He took a reassuring glance over his shoulder, at the two loyal bodyguards standing erect either side of the entrance to the room and thought over what Omar Lamidi had told him about dealing in ivory and the complex criminal underworld that serviced it.

"I have already secured your first customer. She is the biggest buyer in Laos. You would do well to keep her happy. She will take most of our product. The price per kilo has already been agreed upon, but the Chinese are a slippery bunch. She will try to wriggle out of it or secure new terms; paying less or receive more. Do not allow it. She will have the raw ivory carved up in Laos and sell it on for ten times the price she pays. Any deal is already weighted in her favour."

"She?"

"Her name is Meizhen Chen. She is a triad. I am told they own half of Kings Romans and control almost all of the ivory in and out of the country. But as the supply of ivory fluctuates, so does the value. The price goes up as it becomes scarcer. It changes on an almost daily basis, so you must always have your ear to the ground for the best possible deal.

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