"Good evening, Mr. Dunross." " Taipan sent for me." " Yes, sir." "Working late tonight, Claudia?" "Mr. Dunross, the taipan say you should go right in." "Good evening, Taipan." "You're early." "Five minutes early is on time, Taipan." "Isn't that what we've been taught?" "Filthy night." "Midnight." "Come in." "Ah, Philip." "On time, as usual." "Thank you, Taipan." "I brought my son John as you requested." "Good evening, sir." "I am honored to be here." "Here it is our custom that there be a witness" "For the handing over from taipan... to taipan." "It's always our current comprador, and on this occasion, his son and heir." "Well, let us get on with it." "Ian Struan Dunross, I ask you formally, do you want to be taipan of the noble house?" "Yes, sir." "Here." "Read it aloud." "30th of August, 1841." "Is this Dirk Struan's handwriting?" "Aye, it's his hand and his words." "Read them." ""My legacy shall bind every taipan that succeedeth me" ""and he shall read it aloud and shall swear before God" ""in front of witnesses in the manner set forth" ""by me, Dirk Struan, founder of Struan and Company," ""to accept them and to ever keep them secret" ""prior to taking to himself my medal." ""This is my legacy." ""First, there shall be only one taipan at one time," ""and he hath total, absolute authority over the company." ""Whatsoever he orders, it shall be obeyed." ""His power in the company is absolute." ""Second, the taipan alone chooses his successor," ""who must be kinsman to the Clan Struan by birth or marriage." ""Third, at each taipan's retirement, which will be solely his own decision" ""and be at a time when it pleasures him," ""he shall take no more than ten parts of every 100" ""of all value for himself." ""Fourth, each taipan shall approve the election of the comprador." ""who shall in perpetuity be from the house of Chen." ""Last, the taipan shall swear his successor, whom he alone" ""chooses in the presence of the comprador," ""using the words set down under my hand in our family Bible." ""Here in Hong Kong this 30th day of August" ""in the year of our lord 1841." ""Signed and sealed." ""Dirk Struan. "" "Put your hand on it." "Do you, lan Struan Dunross, kinsman to the Struans, swear before God that you will obey the legacy of Dirk Struan, assuming all his promises, responsibilities, and obligations without question?" "I swear before God." "And do you solemnly vow before God in the presence of Alastair McKenzie Duncan Struan, 11th taipan, and Philip Chung Shin-Chen, fourth comprador, that you will also be bound before God to all of this legacy?" "I solemnly vow, so help me God." "Now..." "It's done." "Well, I'd like to be the first to wish you well, Taipan." "Anything I can do to help, you have." "And I am honored to be second." "Congratulations, Taipan." "Thank you." "All of you." "By custom, I become chairman of a London subsidiary, but you can terminate that anytime you wish." "It's terminated." "Whatever you say." "You will be much more useful to Struan's as deputy chairman of the first Central Bank of Edinburgh." "Struan's goes public next year." "Public?" "No." "We've always been a private company with no stockholders prying into our private affairs." "Ian, for God's sake" "It's the only way we can survive." "The only way we can raise the capital we need." "Once you open Struan's to the public, Taipan" "Please forgive my son, Taipan." "Perhaps his American education was not the wisest decision I have made for him." "Or perhaps he should remain here instead of returning to the United States." "What do you think, John?" "I would prefer to return, sir." "I'll have my doctorate in a couple years and I've worked very hard." "Then it's up to you, Philip." "Typhoon?" ""Lasting Cloud" is due to dock tomorrow night." "Aye, but she'll be held somewhere off the Philippines." "Captain Moffitt's too canny to get caught in a storm like this." "I don't agree." "Moffitt likes hitting schedules." "This typhoon's on schedule." " "Lasting Cloud" better not get caught." " Why?" "We've got a new computer onboard and L4 million worth of jet engines." "Uninsured." "Or at least we're carrying the paper." "Well, it was that or lose the contract, and it's a chance to double our money." "Besides, the decision had to be made, and I made it." "That was your privilege." "But there's a lot of risk in one ship." "Well, there's damn little I can do about it now." "Philip, these are some private matters." "Will you excuse us, please?" "Certainly, Tai" "Mr. Struan." "I shall be wherever you need me, Taipan." "Sending John to an American university was a total blunder." "He'll never be as good as his father." "If I were you, I'd have Philip start training some other relative." "There's no need." "Philip is Struan's last comprador." "We longer need an intermediary between the Noble House and the Chinese." "The idea's outdated." "The formal system ends with Philip." "Is there anything in the Noble House you're not going to change, Taipan?" "I'll change anything that needs changing to save Struan's, and that may be quite a lot after the mistakes you've made." "Now, what are these private matters?" "Open the Bible and you'll see what you've inherited." "Now read your destiny, Taipan." ""I swear by the lord God that whomsoever has" ""the other half of any of these coins," ""I shall grant him whatsoever he asks." ""Dirk Struan. "" "Signed by every taipan since him." "Add your name after mine." "And if I don't?" "You'll sign, by God, or another man will." "The curse goes with the blessing." "Take it all or take nothing!" ""Fang-Shoi, paid in full 18 June 1845." ""Calum Struan." ""Sun Chen-Yet, paid in full, October 10, 1911, Hag Struan. "" "Who has the other two halves?" "You'll sign blind like all the other taipans before you." "Now, answer my question, damn you." "The answer, Taipan, is that I don't know." "And now you can pray with all your soul that you never find out, because you're bound by Dirk's promise just as I have been." "It's your phone now." "Not mine." "Dunross." "Telex for Taipan." "No." "Mr. Alastair Struan has retired." "I'm the taipan of Struan's now." "Yes. lan Dunross." "What does the telex say?" "Yes." "It's all right." "I understand." "That was from our office in Taipei." ""Lasting Cloud" has foundered off the coast of Taiwan." "They fear she's gone down with all hands." "Hi." "It's a wonderful party." "Yes." "Thank you." "Hello, JohnJohn." "Quite a party this year, Taipan." "Yes." "Philip outdid himself." "I can think of better ways for Struan's to spend their money." "Mm." "You're beginning to sound like a banker, Paul." "Would that Victoria Bank could afford a little time for a celebration." "Oh, yes, we can." "But from what I've been hearing, you can't." "You should know better than to believe the rumors." "Enjoy yourselves." "Damn sight more than rumors." "Even with the market fluctuating the way it has been, we haven't dropped a point." "You know what, Philip?" "When John comes home, you ought to put him with us for a while." "Seriously." "It'll be an invaluable experience." " I'm sure it would be." " Mention the idea to him." "When is he arriving?" "Probably next week." "He hasn't let us know exactly." "It was good of you to come, Mr. Tipp." "I hope I can assume the Bank of China approves of this occasion." "You may assume whatever you please, Taipan." "Since you were kind enough to invite me," "I could hardly refuse, could I?" "In any event, I'm always pleased to see you." "After all, China is China, the Middle Kingdom." "We of the Noble House have always considered China to be the mother and father of our home here." "Your home." "Our land." "Temporarily administered by the British." "Hong Kong is and always was earth of the Middle Kingdom." "What do you forecast will happen in 1997 when the treaty making Hong Kong a British colony expires and all this reverts to us and Hong Kong becomes truly part of China once again?" "1997 will take care of 1997." "Old friends will still need old friends." "As I am your guest today, I will not disagree..." "But... but should old friends fail you, how will you remain the Noble House and for how long?" "And, um, what about Noble Star?" "Well, that's the taipan's best horse, if you ask me." "But can she run against Pilot Fish?" "That stallion's good, but not in the same class, unless there's an act of God or the devil." "And there's always that to consider." "Tell me, Linbar, is there any truth in the gossip that your taipan's pulled off a marvelous deal, yet another rabbit out of the battered old hat?" "Who has put that into your ear?" "Only the last five people I've spoken to today." "I was waiting for you to take your turn." "Then I'm afraid you'll have to keep waiting." "Race tips are the best I can manage, and no one's been known to win a bundle on my expert advice." "Though, Buccaneer is worth a bet." "Here we go." "May I have your attention, please?" "Thank you." "Believe me, I won't make a very long speech." "But, as Struan and Company celebrates its 150th year, there are a few things I would like to say, some of which may interest some of you." "First of all, we've always been a Hong Kong-based company." "And we shall remain a Hong Kong-based company." "As a firm demonstration of that, while other companies have been making foreign investments because of these uncertain times," "Struans has been searching for an investor to come here to Hong Kong." "And so, I'm very pleased to announce on this occasion that Struan's is about to expand-- a multi-million dollar expansion with the investment of Par-Con Industries of Los Angeles, California." "Par-Con?" "That's Lincoln Barlett." "The man's raided a dozen companies in the past two years and taken over most of them." "Dunross can't be that big a fool." "Hello, Philip." " How are things?" " Robert." "I didn't expect to see you here." "Well, your airport contact mentioned to immigration that you were coming to meet a special plane." "Yes, but that doesn't usually bring out the head of the criminal investigation department." "Oh, I was just passing by and thought I'd lend a hand, bypass all the red tape for you." "It's the least we can do for the Noble House." "I sent a constable to take your car to the gate." "It'll be waiting at the gangway for you and your guest from Par-Con." "If you'd like to go up and greet your guests." "Thank you." "No trouble at all." "Good evening." "I'm Philip Chen of Struan's." "I've come to meet Mr. Bartlett." "And me." "I'm Casey Tcholok." "Linc, Philip Chen's here." "Mr. Chen." "It's a real pleasure." "I've certainly heard a lot about you." " You have?" " Yeah." "Hey, we got a little surprise for you." "Ran into him in L. A. and we offered him a lift." "Hey, John." "Your father's here." "Hi, Dad." " How could you do this?" " What?" "I just wanted to surprise you." "And, indeed, you have." "Be in my office first thing tomorrow morning." "Welcome to Hong Kong." "If I could have your passports, please." " Of course." " Thank you." "Get these stamped, Sergeant Lee, and quickly, please." "Yes, Superintendent." " Superintendent?" " Armstrong." "Superintendent Robert Armstrong, Chief of C. I. D." "Do you greet all private planes, Superintendent?" "Only the special ones." "You're very well informed, Miss." " It's part of her job." " The car is right over here." "Please." "What's that smell?" "Oh, that's Hong Kong's very own, Mr. Bartlett." "That's the smell of money." "And the taipan wondered if 10:00 tomorrow would be convenient." " If that's too early?" " 10:00 will be fine." "This is your first trip to Hong Kong, Miss tcho--?" "Please call me Casey." "It's easier." "And yes." "First time in Hong Kong." "First time in Asia." "And for you, Mr. Bartlett?" "Never got past Hawaii before, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it." "Exactly what does taipan mean, anyway?" "Taipan means "supreme leader" in Cantonese." "The person with the ultimate power." "The European heads of all the old trading companies are all taipans to the Chinese." "But even among taipans, there is always the greatest-- the Taipan." "And that's lan Dunross?" "That is the taipan of the Noble House." "I hope your accommodations will be satisfactory." "I'm sure they're very nice." "Shall I send a car for you in the morning?" "Say at 9:45?" "Don't bother." "I think we can find our own way." "Thank you for everything, Mr. Chen." "Hi." "These two in here." "The rest over there." "Oh, wait a second." " Here." " Thank you, sir." "I hope you have a profitable stay." "It will be profitable, pal." "Take my word for it." "And I thought I had the bridal suite." "What do you think?" "I think our Mr. Dunross knows what brand of beer you drink." "What else do you think he knows?" "More than you want him to," " But not everything." " Nope." "What do we know about him?" "Want to review his bio?" "You know what I mean." "Charming, good at his job, maybe even brilliant, and tough-- ruthless if he wants to be." "I wouldn't like him for an enemy." "Sometimes an enemy is more valuable than a friend." "This is his home turf, Linc." "He knows the game better than we do." "Yeah." "We learn fast." "Go on." "Let's see... lan Struan Dunross." "That makes him family." "Born Hong Kong." "Oxford grad." "Fluent in Chinese-- Mandarin and Cantonese dialects." "Wife died nine years ago." "He likes fast horses and fast cars." "Taipan." "Sounds a lot better than boss." "Don't start getting ideas." "We make this deal, turn it around a few times, and go home." "Isn't that what you said?" "Nothing long-term." "What's the matter, Casey?" "Don't you like Hong Kong?" "It's a great place to visit, but I wouldn't want my money here when the Chinese come knocking at the door with an eviction notice." "1997's still a long ways away." "Folks around here don't think so." "Have you looked at the cash flow out of this place?" "What do you think brought me here?" "Don't worry." "I know exactly what I'm doing." "I hope so." "How do you want to handle this 10:00 meeting?" "I don't." "You handle it." "I'll wander in later." "Long day." "Yeah." "Hello, Mr. Dunross." "Hello." "We've never met, have we?" "No." "But we're about to." " I'm Casey..." " Miss Tcholok." "Of course." "I had a rather deranged call from Philip Chen last night." "Something about refusing to be picked up." "Philip was afraid that you and Mr. Bartlett might get lost." "Where is Mr. Bartlett, by the way?" "Linc will be coming later." "He asked me to handle this first meeting." "I hope that won't upset things too much." "If it does, we'll try to accommodate the problem." "Would you and Mr. Bartlett care to be my guests at the races on saturday?" "I think that would be lovely." "But I'll have to check with Linc-  when he arrives." " When he arrives." "After you, Miss Tcholok." "Try Casey." "It's easier on the jaw." "Why is the front door at an angle?" "Sorry?" "The front entrance to the building." "It seems to be at a slight tilt, not quite straight." "I was wondering why." "You're very observant." "The answer's feng shui." "When the building was put up, someone forgot to consult our feng shui man." "That's the man who makes sure you're building on the earth dragon's back and not on his head." " What?" " Oh, yes." "You see, every building in all of China is built on some part of the earth dragon." "To be on his back is perfect." "But if you're on his head, that's very bad." "And if you're on the dragon's eyeball, that's really terrible." "When the feng shui man was finally consulted, he said we were just fine, right on the dragon's back, but the devils were getting in the front door." "So we shifted the angle slightly, and now all the devils are deflected." "Tell me the real reason." "That is the real reason." "Feng shui." "You really believe that?" "Devils and dragons?" "I believe none of it." "But when you're in China, it's always best to act a little Chinese." "Morning, Taipan." "Morning." "Marie, this is Miss Casey Tcholok." "Will you please show her into the boardroom?" "Yes, sir." "Shall I?" "No." "There's no need to announce her." "I'll see you later." "This way, Miss." "Hello, Taipan." "And what did you and Miss Casey Tcholok talk about in the elevator?" "I'm surprised you don't already know." "My sources of information are not that good." "But almost." "What's she like-- Miss Casey Tcholok?" "Attractive." "Confident." "Very observant." "Philip wasn't too keen on her." "He said she was like California fruit-- great to look at but no taste." "Philip's a snob." "Oh." "And he asked whether you've heard from John." "John?" "No." "Why?" "Philip said he was due in the office first thing this morning, but there's no sign of him." "And there's no answer at his flat." "You know how John came home." "Yes, I know." "Philip called me last night." "He was very upset." "Claudia, let me know as soon as John arrives." "I'd like an explanation of why he was on Bartlett's plane." "I repeat." "We can better any arrangement you can make with Struan's, Mr. Bartlett." "Any arrangement." "Dollar for dollar, Mr. Gornt." "Precisely." "Now, it's no secret that our companies are very serious rivals." "But we can outbid Struan's and outmatch them." "I can arrange our share of the financing within the week." "And I can set up our joint company under Hong Kong law." "That means a maximum tax of 16. 5%." "That's a lot better than the United States." " Oh, much better." " Well?" "How can we seal our relationship?" "First I have to find out what Struan's are after." "I started negotiating with them, and I don't like changing airplanes in mid ocean." "Oh, I can tell you exactly what they're after-- profit for them and to hell with anybody else." "The deal we've discussed is very fair." "They invented Hong Kong rules." "Do you know what they are?" "No." "Tell me." "Anything is legal, so long as you don't go to jail." " And they're pushing that these days." " And you don't?" "Oh, we do what we have to." "One of these days, I'm going to take Struan's down." "If you can, why haven't you done it before?" "Oh." "It's been my company's intent for many, many years, Mr. Bartlett." "I nearly had them three years ago when their previous taipan's joss ran out." "Joss?" "What's joss?" "Oh, joss is a Chinese word for luck or fate." "And a bit more." "You'll find that we are very superstitious here." "Joss is terribly important." "It's like timing." "Alastair Struan's joss ran out." "He had a disastrous year." "Struan's nearly went under then, but Dunross squeezed out." "He went right to the very edge, but he got away with it." "He won't get away with it again." "If I were you and wanted to take Struan's," "I'd join with another company here, say, Asian Properties." "Go in strong." "Is that what you want to do?" "Take Struan's?" " Is that possible?" " Yes." "But not with Asian Properties as a partner." "Their taipan, Jason Plumm, he's got no guts." "You'd need me." "Now, it's no secret that I detest Struan's generally and lan Dunross personally." "How serious are you?" "I'll tell you after I've seen Dunross." "And are you going to suggest to him that the two of you can swallow Rothwell-Gornt?" "My purpose here is to make Par-Con international." "Up until a short while ago, I'd never heard of Struan's or you." "Very well, Mr. Bartlett." "We'll leave it at that." "Whatever you do will be interesting." "But remember you're in Hong Kong, Mr. Bartlett." "You're not in Los Angeles or Chicago or New York." "We do things differently here." "Would you like a small demonstration?" "Very much." "There's a small Chinese bank here-- the Ho-Pak." "It's run by a man called Richard Kwang." "Oh, it's not like the Victoria." "It is small but solid." "I'd place it somewhere in the middle of the list." "And there are 1 25 licensed banks here in Hong Kong." "Now, I will start a run on the Ho-Pak by this afternoon." "How can you do that?" "You weren't listening, Mr. Bartlett." "This is Hong Kong." "Once, on a rainy afternoon, there was a bus queue standing outside a bank." "Somebody in the building opposite looked out of the window and he thought that the line was waiting to get into the bank." "So he rang a few friends, warned them to get their money out." "And they rang a few friends." "And, in a few hours, what was imagined became real." "Yes, Mr. Gornt?" "Call my stockbroker." "Tell him to start selling Ho-Pak short." "20,000 shares." " Right away, Mr. Gornt." " That's all it takes?" "That and a few phone calls." "The right phone calls." "Is this just to impress me, Mr. Gornt, or is there profit hiding behind the gesture?" "Oh, yes." "Here in Hong Kong, profit is our pleasure." "You'll discover that soon." "Why not another bank?" "Why pick on the Ho-Pak?" "Because it is vulnerable, and because I don't particularly like Richard Kwang." "Excuse me, Mr. Gornt." "Ms. Ramos is here." "Could you spare her a few minutes?" "Are we concluded?" "Yeah." "Send her in." "Well, I hope we can have dinner together sometime." "Right." "Hello, Quillan." "Sorry to interrupt." "But I just got back from Bangkok." " I wanted to say hello." " I'm glad you did." "This is Linc Bartlett from America." " Orlanda Ramos." " Hello." "Hi." "Oh." "Linc Bartlett." "The American millionaire with his own jet." "What?" "Don't look so surprised, Mr. Bartlett." "Hong Kong is just a village." "Everyone gossips." "And it's my business to know these things." "I'm the society reporter for one of the Chinese television stations here." "Perhaps you'd like to do an interview." "Not in Chinese." "The language of your choice." "Orlanda Ramos." "Spanish?" "Portuguese." "From Macau." "Sorry to have broken into your meeting." "No." "I was just leaving." "Mr. Gornt, I'm sure that we'll talk soon." " I'm sure we will." " Ms. Ramos." "Bye." "Nice-looking man." "He's a cocky American beggar who needs to be taken down a peg." "Is that what you want me to do?" "Not at all." "I want you to distract him." "I want you in his thoughts." "Make him fall in love with you, Orlanda." "Is that all?" "Succeed with Bartlett, I'll give you a present-- a new Jag." "What's so important about Linc Bartlett?" "Why is he so important to you?" "Sorry." "I shouldn't have asked." "Mr. Plumm is here, sir." "Here." "Go and buy yourself a new dress." "And Orlanda..." "I wouldn't like Bartlett to know about our arrangement." "Nor would I." "Jason, old boy, do come in." "Sorry to keep you waiting and worrying." "Well, what happened?" "Bartlett suggested a raid." "On Struan's?" "Then I'm in." "Provided I get control of Struan Ships, their Hong Kong property operation, and 40% of their holdings in Thailand and Singapore." "You must be joking!" "But you need me." "You and Bartlett can't pull this off on your own." "Besides, you won't be satisfied just with destroying Dunross." "You want the whole pie and a stake in the American market." " And you?" " No." "We know where our toast is toasted." "We're content to tail along behind." "We don't want to be a Noble anything." " Is it a deal?" " No." "The offer's good for a week." "That should give you time to make up your mind." "I'll think about it." "Oh, by the way," "I would unload my Ho-Pak stock if I were you." "Ho-Pak?" "But that's a blue chip." "That hasn't been down in years." "What have you heard?" "Is Richard Kwang in trouble?" "Just a little advance warning, Jason." "Will I see you at Dunross's party tonight?" "Good god, Quillan." "You're not going to accept in person?" "Oh, I wouldn't want to miss the last great party of Struan's' last taipan." "Taipan?" "Mr. Linbar's here." " Any word from John Chen?" " No." "But I just had another interesting call." "It seems that Mr. Bartlett went to Rothwell-Gornt this morning for a private meeting with Mr. Gornt." "Are you sure?" "Oh, yes." "Very sure." "He's on his way here right now." "Send Linbar in, please." "Mr. Linbar." "You look too happy." "What's the deal?" "Par-Con will commit up to 40 million in cash, according to the lady." "And when I asked her when Bartlett would confirm the deal, the little scrubber had the bloody cheek to say," ""Oh, it's confirmed now." "I can commit up to 40 million" ""without consulting him or anyone. "" "Do you think that's possible?" "I don't know." "It sounds too good." "Tell me about Casey." "What's she like?" "Well, she's good at figures." "Fast and confident." "And she's the best-looking bird" "I've seen in years." "What's her weak spot?" "lmpatience." "She wants to belong, to be one of the boys." "I'd say her Achilles heel is she desperately wants acceptance in a man's world." "No harm in wanting that." "Like the Holy Grail." "This way, please, sir." "Hello, Mr. Bartlett." "Taipan is expecting you." "Straight down the corridor." "That's pretty good service." "We try, Mr. Bartlett." "We always try." "I can see that." "Mr. Bartlett." "Mr. Bartlett." "Welcome to Struan's." "I'm Ian Dunross." "Won't you come in, please?" "Quite a view from up here." "How's the meeting going?" "Quite well, as I understand it." "My fellows seem to be very impressed with your Ms. Tcholok." "Casey knows her facts and figures." "She said she can finalize everything herself." "Can she, Mr. Bartlett?" "Yeah." "She can negotiate and settle up to 40 million." "Why?" "Nothing." "Just wanted to find out your form, that's all." "Please sit down." "Lunch won't begin till 1 2:40." "Is that tradition?" "Yeah." "I'm afraid so." "We have a lot of them here." "So, tell me about yourself, Mr. Dunross." "Oh, come now, Mr. Bartlett." "I'm sure there's nothing I can tell you that you don't already know." "I doubt that." "Your father was taipan here once." "Yes." "He was very good." " At first." " And then?" "Ah, a skeleton so early, Mr. Bartlett?" "Well, briefly, we had a rather long, tedious, drawn-out difference of opinion." "Eventually, he handed it over to Alastair Struan, my predecessor." "With the understanding that eventually the job would go to you?" "No." "It doesn't work that way." "The taipan chooses his own successor." "Why were you chosen?" "I was well-trained for the job." "By your father?" "My father wanted me to be worthy to become taipan one day." "Although he never thought I'd amount to much." "Sounds like my old man." "Such are the things that spur us on, Mr. Bartlett." "Listen, why don't you call me Linc, and why don't I call you lan?" "We just drop this "Mr. " business." "All right." "Linc." "That's better." "Ok, lan, let's put it on the table." "I want into Asia, and you need to get in the States," "Is that a fair statement?" " I think that's fair." " I got what you lack." " And you got what I lack." " Yes." "And now what we both lack is lunch." "Well, I'm always ready to eat." "Thank you." "Ah, where's Philip?" "He begged off." "Something at home." "Oh." "Gentlemen, Lincoln Bartlett." "Jacques Deville." " Linbar Struan." " Pleasure." "How you doing, Casey?" "Just fine, thanks." "We've come up with a proposal for your consideration, Mr. Dunross." "Yes, I have the outline of it." "How does it sound?" "It sounds as if you can proceed on the assumption that, in general terms, it's acceptable." "That's a pretty cautious answer, lan." "There may be a few legal problems to be ironed out." "No." "I already checked with your attorneys." "Our attorneys?" "Yes." "I had them review our joint hypothetical needs-- yours as well as ours-- and they had no problems." "Anything wrong with that?" "No, no." "Not at all." "It's just that it's very adventurous of you." "Casey likes to cover all the bases." "Evidently." "My compliments." "Can you finalize by next Tuesday?" "I'll let you know tomorrow." "Shall we?" "Thank you." "Mr. Bartlett, why don't you sit opposite Ms. Tcholok?" "Some people are surprised that I have a woman as my negotiator." "Are you?" "No, actually, this company was once run by a woman" " The Hag." " The Hag?" "Hag Struan." "Our eternal boogie man." "Who was she?" "Calum Struan's wife." "He was Dirk Struan's son." "Her real name was Tess." "She was the daughter of Dirk's most hated enemy--Tyler Brock." "Calum and Tess eloped, the story goes, when she was beautiful, sweet 16, and he heir to the Noble House." "Legend has it that she ruled Calum all his life and tyrannized the Noble House until the day she died at age 92." "Toothless, hairless, vicious and dreadful to her very last day." "So you call her the Hag?" "Everyone did." "She went round in a long, black dress and wore a funny hat with a huge, moth-eaten feather and carried a black walking stick." "There wasn't anyone who wasn't totally terrified of her." "What she was, Linbar?" "Your great-great-grandmother?" "Oh, good lord, no." "I'm not descended from Dirk's line." "I'm descended from Rob Struan, Dirk's half-brother and partner." "Only the taipan is descended directly from Dirk." "You can see the family's resemblance." " How?" " From the family portraits." "If you and Casey would like to be my guests tonight," "I'll show you the whole gallery." "I'm having a small party, and I think you may enjoy it." "It's terrific." "What time?" "I'll have a car fetch you at 8:30." "Fine." "I'd like to take a look at Dirk Struan." "Is there a portrait of the Hag?" "Oh, two, in fact." "If you like" "What's the matter?" "That's one of our house rules." "No phone calls during lunch unless it's an emergency." "It's for you, Taipan." "Hello." "What?" "No." "No." "No." "I'll be right there." "Uh, Linbar, have Claudia cancel my afternoon board meetings, will you?" "Yes, Taipan." "That was from Philip." "I'm afraid John's been kidnapped." "Struan and Company, may I help you?" "I've just seen Dunross's car leave." "Do you know where he's going?" "No, sir." "I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that." "But I can certainly try to find out if you can call back later." "Find out as soon as possible." "Thank you, sir." "Bye-bye." "Taipan, I cannot believe that this has happened to us." "My poor John." "I'm very sorry, Diane." "You know we'll do everything we can." "Have you called the police?" "Philip did." "You all right?" "I..." "Yes." "Where's the letter?" "In there." "They sent John's wallet and his keys." "When you called the police, who did you talk to?" "Brian Kwok." "I don't know what to do, Taipan." "The only thing you can do." "Pay the ransom." "They want $500,000." "They could have asked for a million." "Yes." "You're right, of course." "Still, it is a lot of money." "It's John we must worry about, not the money." " Mrs. Chen." " Yes." "Come in, please." "Brian." "Robert." "Thank you for coming so quickly." "Bad news." "I'm very sorry, Philip." "Yes." "Thank you." "Is that the box?" "How did it arrive?" "It was hand-delivered." "One of the servants answered the door." "There was a young man on a motorcycle." "All he said was, "There's a parcel for Mr. Philip Chen" and went away." "There's a ransom letter inside." "Who's touched this?" "I opened it, and only me." "You didn't remove anything?" "No, of course not." "Why would I remove anything?" "This one's for you, Brian." ""Mr. Philip Chen, I beg to inform you that I'm badly in need" ""of 500,000 Hong Kong currency, and I hereby consult you about it." ""So wealthy that it is like plucking one hair from nine oxen." ""Being afraid that you might refuse," ""I, therefore, have no alternative but to hold your son hostage." ""I send you your son's wallet and keys as proof of his situation." ""You will hear from me very soon, and if you smoothly pay the money," ""the safety of your son will be ensured." ""If you fail to do this, your son will learn" ""the true meaning of cruelty, pain, and death." ""By the Werewolf. "" "Sounds fairly serious." "You heard of this Werewolf?" "It doesn't ring any bells." "We'll run it through the computer." "If Mr. Werewolf has a history, we'll find it." "You didn't see or talk to John again after his arrival?" " No." " Taipan?" "I haven't seen him at all." "What are you getting at?" "Oh, just that John flew in on Mr. Bartlett's plane." "And well, I was wondering if there's any connection." "And then no one mentions it again?" "As if it didn't even matter." "John Chen is kidnapped, and it's..." ""Oh, dear." "Well, let's get back to business. "" "That was the most cold-blooded demonstration" "I have ever seen." "Nothing cold-blooded about Dunross." "Did you see the look on his face?" "I don't know." "But I get the feeling there's something we don't know." "Maybe bringing John back with us wasn't one of my brighter ideas." "If Dunross suspects" "We can kiss this deal good-bye." "Not necessarily." "He needs us more than we need him." "Now, it's just not gonna be as easy as I thought it'd be." "What do you mean?" "Nothing." "Forget it." "Linc, is there something I don't know?" "Relax." "You had all those meetings with John Chen privately." "I said relax." "It should be an interesting party tonight." "Wait your turn, please." "I'm here to see Mr. Kwang." "Never mind." "There he is." "Philip, what a terrible thing to happen." "Poor John." "I could hardly believe the news when you phoned." "Oh, never mind this." "Just nervous customers." "You know how these damn rumors get started." "This is to John's safe deposit box." "You must let me open it as a favor." " That's against-- - you must!" "Well..." "Under the circumstances." "Hurry!" " Please." " But this will remain..." "Absolutely private, richard." "I'll--I'll be outside." "Thank you." "My god." "What on earth?" "Be quiet and listen." "John has betrayed us." "He has betrayed the family." "What are you saying?" "I took John's safe deposit key from his key ring," "And I persuaded Richard Kwang to let me open the box." " Look." " What is this?" "A contract John signed with Par-Con a year ago." "He's been working for them, giving them private information about the Noble House." "No." "Here's a copy of a memo from John to Lincoln Bartlett with a list of all the important stockholders and their secret holdings, including mine." "Now listen to this." ""I can guarantee that you will have no trouble" ""in any takeover Par-Con cares to mount" ""if you agree to give me 3%" ""of the new Par-Con Asia Trading Company. "" "Oh, my God, Philip, if the taipan finds out, he will ruin us." "You've got to burn everything." "When could John have" "Oh, my God, he came home for your birthday in March." "Yes, and this was his present." "My son is a traitor to all his ancestors, to the house of Chen." " Oh, no." " What?" "Get the servants into the back room and close the curtains." " But" " Now!" "Yes." "Oh, my son, my son..." "All gods curse you to hell." "Father..." "Curse those seabirds that fly over my head." "The taipan is coming now." "You have good eyes, seventh son, but when he arrives, you will call me Uncle, just one of many uncles, understand?" "Yes, Father, but don't you" "Why do you think that I have given you your name and spent so much money to have you learn to be like the people from the Golden Mountain?" "To help the family, Father." "Then go and greet the taipan, and after that, listen... carefully." "Good afternoon, sir." "I'm Paul Choy, Mr. Wu's nephew." "My uncle is waiting for you." "Nice to meet you, Paul." "Hello, Taipan." "It's good to see you." "Long time, no?" "Too long, old friend." "Please." "Have you heard the news about John Chen?" "Oh, yes." "Bad charts for the house of Chen," "Very bad charts." "Ransom note was signed "The Werewolf. "" "Have you ever heard of such a name?" "Werewolf?" "That is a new name for my ears." "Perhaps if you asked among your friends, your friends who hear almost everything." "That is a possibility." "How much is this Werewolf asking?" "$500,000." "Aiyah!" "How noble house Chen must be suffering." "This has been a bad day." "Tomorrow could be worse." "Yes, for all of us." "Tell me what you've heard about the Ho-Pak bank." "Are they finished?" "Is Banker Kwang ruined?" "The Ho-pak has always been sound, but I heard the stock has been sold short." "Curse all banks." "I will ask my friends about this Werewolf." "Thank you, old friend." "Could you get the boat, please?" "Certainly, sir." "On reflection, I suggest you put your nephew with Rothwell-Gornt-- better for him, better for us." "I want you to gather all my captains," "Goodweather Poon, and Two Hatchet Tok." "Have them here by sunset and then write a letter to the noble house Chen." "Tell him that my men will protect him, if he likes, when he goes to pay the Werewolf's ransom." "Yes, Father, but why should you concern yourself with this Chen business?" "It's not our family's affair." "Listen, my young fool." "Everything I do is for our family." "It is not John Chen I want to find." "It is what he has." "The house of Chen has no secrets from me, my son." "What does John Chen have?" "Hmm, something." "Something that will give me great power," "Power to control the Noble House." " Hello, Martin." " Hello, Miko." "Just a small party?" "Oh, put on your best smile, and everyone will think you're friendly." " A drink, madam?" " No, thank you." "Let's go do it." "Divide and conquer." "Ah, Casey, good to see you." " Where's Linc?" " Working the room." "This is quite a house." "Well, it goes with the job, Taipan's residence." "It suits you somehow." "That couldn't be true for many men." "Is that a compliment?" "No." "I'd say it's more in the area of naked admiration." "Have you any news about John Chen?" "No, but we're hoping to hear soon." "There's someone I'd like you to meet." "Christian..." "Were you summoning me, Taipan?" "I'm gonna do you a very great favor, Christian, and introduce you to this lady." "Christian Toxe, editor of the China Guardian, may I present Miss Casey Tcholok," "Vice President of Par-Con?" "Oh, this is a favor." "Miss Tcholok, I'm enchanted." "How very nice to meet you." "If there's anything Christian doesn't know about Hong Kong, it isn't because he hasn't tried to find it out," "So I'm leaving you in very good hands." " See you later." " Oh." "Well, where shall I begin?" "Whose family tree shall I reveal to you?" "How about lan Dunross?" "Still can't get over the fact that you speak better Cantonese than I do." "Starting to think you're almost Chinese." "Well, part of me is." "Well, part of your brain, anyway." "Any word on John Chen?" "Oh, nothing." "It's a little odd, don't you think, his being kidnapped just a few hours after his return?" "Maybe, but I can't think of a better victim than the son of noble house Chen," "Unless, of course, someone decides to kidnap you." "Well, don't think I'm worth much of a ransom these days." "I think you're just saying that to fool the cogs, lan, but I wouldn't worry too much about that." "After all, I keep my eye on you." "Oh, is that supposed to make me feel safe or nervous?" "Who knows?" "Perhaps a little bit of both." " Whitmore." " Ah, Mr. Bartlett." "How are you?" "Let me introduce Paul Havergill of Victoria Bank and Richard Kwang of the Ho-Pak, one of our finest Chinese banks." " Hello." " Gentlemen." "We've just been discussing a small run on the Ho-Pak today." "Perhaps you've heard." "Yeah." "Nothing serious, I assure you, Mr. Bartlett." "Is Miss Tcholok here?" "She's inside." "It's a nice party." "Yes, very." "If I can be of any assistance to you while you're here or if Richard can help you, please don't hesitate to call on either of us." "You see, Mr. Bartlett, in banking, we are all friendly competitors." "Why do the Gornts hate the Struan's so much?" "Not certain of all the reasons-- thank you-- but I suspect it goes back all the way to Tyler Brock." "Have you heard of him?" "He's Hag Struan's father, right?" "You obviously know the history." "Rumor has it-- and it is only a rumor-- that the Gornt family are Brock's descendants." "Where did it all start between Tyler Brock and Dirk Struan?" "When Dirk was a boy, he was an apprentice seaman on Tyler Crock's ship." "Brock flogged young Struan unmercifully then left him for dead somewhere on the China coast." "Dirk was 14, and he swore before God and the devil that he'd return the beating but with a cat o' nine tails." "As far as I know, he never did." "Dirk was killed in a typhoon in 1841." "Brock lived for another 22 years," "Though he died penniless, thanks to his own daughter." "The Hag." "Quite a lady." "She plotted against her own father and brought him down." "Brock lost everything-- ships, his property, his wealth-- and Struan's position as Noble House was safe." "Tyler Brock died swearing revenge." "So, if Quillan Gornt is really related to Tyler Brock-- that would explain many things." "Bet you can't do that again." "How much?" "It's nice to see you again, Mr. Bartlett." "Don't you like the party?" "Oh, the party is fine." "I just saw this beautiful table, and I couldn't resist." " I'm Linc Bartlett." " I'm Lando Mata." "Are you a gambler, Mr. Bartlett?" "No." "I'm only an amateur." "You play?" "I'm afraid billiards is not my game." "Orlanda, if you'll excuse me," "I must pay my respects to the taipan." "Mr. Bartlett." "Pleasant surprise to see you here." "Hong Kong is very small, Mr. Bartlett." "It's almost impossible not to see familiar faces." "You mean, because I'm a friend of Quillan's?" " I'm Lando's date tonight." " Just tonight?" "He's an old family friend." "We're both originally from Macau." "Too bad he doesn't play billiards." "I worked my way through college shooting pool." "Lando only plays games he knows he can win." "He owns one of the largest casinos in Macau." "If you're a gambler, you should go see it while you're here." "It's only a short trip." "I only play games I know I can win, too." "I caught a glimpse of your associate." "She's very beautiful." "Is she your mistress?" "Casey is my executive vice president." "Everyone is speculating about it." "The two of you are quite the talk of Hong Kong." "Don't believe the gossip." "I'm very particular about what I believe." "That's the only way to survive out here." "Funny little man, but his sources of information are really first-class." "The China Guardian is a pretty reliable magazine." "Maybe it's because Christian Toxe has a Chinese wife that he's so well tapped in." "Is she here?" "I'd like to meet her." "Well, she's always invited, of course, but she never comes." "It's face, to save her husband's face." "Why, because it's a mixed marriage?" "God, what's that bastard doing here?" "Excuse me." "I thought I'd drop by." "I hope you don't mind." "Not at all." " Bad joss about John Chen." " Yes." "You know, I have always envied you this house." "It really is quite beautiful, quite beautiful." "Excuse me." "Did you want me to join you?" "I believe you two know each other." "No." "We've never met, but of course I know who Mr. Gornt is." "Ah, let me introduce you formally." "Quillan Gornt, taipan of Rothwell-Gornt," "Miss Casey Tcholok of Par-Con Industries." "I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Gornt." "From the wrong sources, I'm sure." "Perhaps, you'll let me tell you our side of the legends one day." "How long are you staying, Miss Tcholok?" "That's up to my boss Linc Bartlett." "Oh, I know Mr. Bartlett." "In fact, we had a meeting this morning." "You did?" "He didn't mention it to me." "Oh." "Well, I'm sure he will." "Once negotiations begin, you'll find that we can better any offer that Struan's can make," "Any offer." "That decision is up to Linc, not me." "Yes." "I know." "I just wanted to tell you personally, lan, that we're in the same market." "Then we shall see, won't we?" "We shall see who makes the best deal." "If you'll excuse me..." "Yes." "Don't worry about us." "We can look after ourselves." "What was that, a formal challenge to battle?" "All life is a game, Miss Tcholok, only here in Hong Kong, we play by different rules." "Let's go and find your Mr. Bartlett, shall we?" "I wanted to say hello to him." "How do you explain that, Jacques?" "You're better at guessing than I am, but for Gornt to show his face in this house?" "If the ghosts were asleep, they're certainly awake now." "Awake and angry." "Makes it $10." "I'm afraid I'll have to owe it to you." "I thought a lady had to pay her gambling debts at once." "Linc, Quillan Gornt wanted to say hello." " Evening, Mr. Bartlett." " Hello, Orlanda." "Mr. Gornt, didn't expect to see you here tonight." "Oh, I'm always invited to lan's parties, just as he is always invited to mine." "Of course, we never go." "Except tonight." "Casey, this is Orlanda Ramos." "I was just showing her the finer points of billiards." "How do you do?" "Lando must be wondering where I am." "So nice to meet you." "I thought it only fair to notify Dunross of our intentions." "I'm sure he knew already." "And I'm sure he'll appreciate your consideration." "Hardly, Mr. Bartlett, hardly." "If you two are free at the weekend, perhaps you'd care to come out and spend the day on my boat Sunday, if the weather is fine." "That's very kind of you." "I won't be staying for dinner-- thank you, lan-- but thank you so much for your hospitality." "Miss Tcholok, Mr. Bartlett." "I'll walk out with you." "Gentlemen." "Have you made a deal with Gornt?" "No, not yet." "But you have examined the possibilities." "Well, I'm in business to make money, same as you." "Yes, but there are ethics involved." "Hong Kong ethics?" "How long you been dealing with Gornt?" "Few weeks, but you can agree to our proposal right now." "You said Tuesday." "I'll tell you Tuesday." "Until that time, I have the right to deal with Gornt or anyone else, for that matter, but if you accept our offer now, the deal is closed, and, frankly, I'd rather deal with you." " Why?" " Because..." "You're the Noble House." "Gornt isn't." "He wants to be." "But you are, at least for now." "We've managed to stay on top for the past 150 years." "We plan to stay there." "And I think you will... provided you can come up with the 24 million cash you need to pay off your 3 January notes to Orland International." "Hmm, you seem to be particularly well-informed." "Well, I can do better than that." "You've got 8. 4 million in consolidated corporate losses so far this year against a written-up paper profit of 15 last year." "Do you want me to go on?" "No." "That won't be necessary." "I don't suppose you want to tell me who in my company is your informant." "Why would I need a spy?" "All that information's available from banks, if you know how to dig and who to ask." "Is that--Now, that has got to be Dirk Struan." " Yes." " There's a hell of a resemblance." "My offer is firm till Tuesday." "midnight Tuesday." "Midnight Tuesday." "One minute into Wednesday, and all debts and friendships are cancelled, and you may need friendship more than you think." "More inside information?" "If I were you, lan, I'd close this deal tonight." " I'd close it right now." " Right now?" "I want 14 million U. S. on signing." "Casey offered 4, and your man Deville said that would be acceptable." "It isn't. 14 million is." "No deal." "Very well." "Let's return to the party." "Wait." "All right." "14 million, contracts next Tuesday." "That'll give me time to get my tax people here." " Well?" " I accept." " Are we agreed?" " It's Casey's deal." "You mind shaking with her?" "A taipan deals with a taipan on closing." "It's an old Chinese custom." "Is she the taipan of Par-Con?" "No." "I am, but I want her to close it." " I promised." " I repeat..." "Who's the taipan of Par-Con?" "A promise is a promise." "You, of all people, should understand that." "Yes." "Tell Casey I'll meet her here." "It's Tyler Brock." "Sorry." "Didn't mean to make you jump." "I didn't hear you come in." "It's a bit melodramatic, isn't it, leaving the knife like that?" "Hag Struan did it." "She ordered it left that way." "She hammered it into the wall with a cricket bat and cursed before God and the devil anyone who took her knife out of her wall." " Why?" " Pleased her." "She was taipan." " Seriously, why?" " I was serious." "She hated her father, and she wanted us all to be reminded about our heritage." "This is her." "It was done just after she and Calum were married." "There's also another one done a couple years later." "What about when she was older?" "No portraits survived." "She destroyed them all." "Is that jade?" "Emeralds." "Dirk Struan willed her the necklace on the condition that it never left Asia and was passed down to the wife of each taipan." "Hag Struan kept the necklace all her life, and when she died, she ordered it buried with her." "And was it?" "Must've been worth a fortune." "What a waste." "No." "She kept Sstruan as the Noble House of Asia for almost 75 years." "She was the taipan, the real taipan." "Although others had the title, it was Hag Struan who kept faith with Dirk's legacy." "An emerald necklace isn't much, compared to that." "Besides, it was probably pirated from the treasury uf some mandarin who stole it from someone else." "We have a deal to shake on." " No." "Sorry, but I have to cancel out." " What?" "Linc agreed to the 14 million up front." "I didn't, so you'll have to close with him." "He's waiting in the bar." "Besides, a taipan should deal with a taipan, no?" "Is this your idea or his?" " Does it matter?" " Very much." "If I say it was Linc's idea, he loses face, and if I say it was mine, he still loses face in a different way." "You're very generous, Casey." "Yes." "We're all bound by saving face, one way or the other." "Come on." "Stop, damn you." "Come on!" "Bloody lan Dunross." "Of course, Dunross could've buggered my brakes." "At a party with all those guests around?" "Oh, come on, Quillan." "Even lan bloody Dunross wouldn't go that far." "You're wrong." "For all his Scots cunning, he's an animal of sudden, unpremeditated action," "And that's his failing." "What did the police say?" "Oh, all I told them was that my brakes had failed." "There was no need to involve those nosy buggers," "At least not yet." "We certainly don't need the police to wash our linen, however droll, do we?" "No." "The peak is no road to lose your brakes on." "Must've been very unpleasant." "Do you really believe in this whole plan?" "In the next ten days, Jason, you and I are going to pluck the Noble House like a dead duck." "Is Bartlett in, I mean, really in?" "He will be." "The prize is too great for him to resist." "And if Struan's manages to get a desperation loan, borrow enough money, or extend their line of credit, then what?" "Struan's won't be increasing anything." "Take my word for it." "With Mr. Linc Bartlett's money to back me..." "Quillan, you're not making any sense." "If Dunross wants to extend, he'll ask the Victoria Bank, and Paul Havergill will have no choice but to put it to a vote of the board, and you know as well as I do Struan's has the votes." "This time, they won't." "Richard Kwang will vote against them." "Have you gone bonkers?" "For God's sake, Richard Kwang isn't even on Victoria Board." "He will be, and Dunross will never expect an attack from there." "What in hell are you up to?" "You'll find out in time." "Oh, one other thing-- Victoria doesn't have a regular board meeting scheduled for a couple of weeks." "I know that, but all it takes is a phone call from Dunross, and Havergill calls a special meeting." "He won't." "Trust me." "Then, by God," "I think this time, you may have done it." "You're damn right, I've done it." "I'm in... for 25% and a seat on the board." " Ten." " 15." "Agreed." "Shall we put that in a memo?" "Perish the thought." "Nothing in writing till after the funeral." "Down with the Noble House." "Straight down to hell." " Have you decided anything?" " Uh-uh." "Why do I feel so uneasy?" "Maybe it was something you ate." "Listen, Linc." "I know you're the boss and you make the decisions, but" " Would you relax?" " Relax?" "Suppose the taipan finds out John was working for us." "The Struan deal is closed." "We shook on it." "Besides, he needs it more than we do." "Linc, I know you don't have to tell me everything, but" "That's right." "But what was John Chen going to give you that was so important?" " A coin." " What?" " Actually, half a coin." " Are you kidding me?" "Maybe I am." "Now forget all about it." "Get Seymour Steigler on the phone for me, will you?" "You forget how to dial?" "What the hell is eating you?" "Have you made a deal, any deal, with Quillan Gornt?" "No." "Gornt wants to raze Struan's and asked if I wanted to play." "And you said..." "I said--I said I'd think about it." "By all gods, let's just go if the bank doesn't open in the next ten seconds." "Stop." "Get back in line, please." "Queue up or go home." "If you don't form a line, I will have the bank closed, and none of you will get inside, and none of you will get your money, so please get back in line." "Come on." "Move!" "I haven't got all day." "You want to close all your Ho-Pak accounts?" "Yes." "Now." "But we haven't" "I want my money now, cash or bullion now." " Don't you understand?" " Yes, sir." "I can give you a cashier's check." "I want money, understand?" "Money!" "Yes, sir, but that much cash" "My cash, you miserable worm." "Now give it to me." "Cashier's check is just the same, Uncle." "We can take it to the Victoria, and they will honor it instantly." " I can guarantee." " Shut your mealy mouth!" "And what if this--this--this cashier's check is no good?" "What then, Nephew?" "It is good, Uncle, and it is the quickest way for you to remove your money from this bank, and wouldn't it be better to have the money out as fast as possible?" "Yes." "I want it fast." "What?" "All right." "Make the check..." "Yes, sir." "And make sure that every last penny is there." "Yes, sir." "$53, 778, 627.08." "Come here, old woman." "I want to talk to you." " Why?" " Just come here." " What's in the bag?" " What bag?" " This bag." " This?" "Nothing." "Just my shopping." "I saw you come out of the bank." " How much money have you got in there?" " No!" "No." "Oh, please..." "$756." " What are you, a beggar?" " My money." "My cut now is 20%." " Five." " Ten." "Six." "You are strong and young." "The strong must protect the old and weak, aiyah?" "True, true." "Very well. 7%." "You owe me eight cents out of that." "Yes." "I know." "Now run along, old woman." "I have more important things to do." "You must be very important." "I can tell." "More important than you think." "Have you heard of the Werewolf, the one who has kidnapped the son of noble house Chen?" "Aiyah!" "Is that you?" "That's... a close friend of mine." "The brave have great friends, and if you are brave enough to want another customer," "I see a easy one." "Who?" "He was in the queue before me, and the man withdrew $8,000." "Which one?" "Where is he?" "15% share?" "Seven I took for you." "Seven I give you." "Now where is he?" "You see that man in a gray suit with a big, black bag?" "Hai, poon." "God of gamblers, come sit on my shoulder." "Let him in." " Did you mail the letter?" " I got everything." "What took you so long, smallpox kin?" "I had to wait for the bus, father." "Water." "I need water." "Give him a drink, dog-eared Chen." "Oh, water." "Come on." "Sit up." "Hey, what's that around your neck?" "Nothing." "Let me see it." "Wait!" "Enough." "Only meant to bend his head a little." "I think he's dead." "You killed him." "High-born fellas must have soft skulls." "What's he have around his neck?" "It's just an old broken coin." "It's not worth anything." " Hello, Taipan." " Good evening." " You're right on time." " How has your day been?" " Up and down." "How was yours?" " It's busy, but we're getting there." "Our head counsel and tax attorney, Seymour Steigler, is coming on Thursday." "We went over some of the details on the phone." "He doesn't think there'll be any problem closing it." "Good." "What type of food would you like for dinner?" " How about Chinese?" " Sorry?" "You've got to be more specific." "That's like saying you want European food." "Well, egg roll, sweet and sour, chop suey, fried rice." "Just no snake or dog or anything like that." "Snake is very good in season, especially the bile mixed with tea, and a little young chow dog stewed in oyster sauce." "Oh, no." "Have you eaten" "They tell me it was true." "But don't worry." "Tonight it'll be egg rolls and chop suey, if we can find someone who knows how to make it." "Would you like to see something first-- something I think may stimulate your appetite?" "What's that?" "Gold." "99. 99% pure... in the regulation 35-ounce bars." "25 bars per crate." "Six crates times..." "You're looking at almost two and a half million bucks." "Yes." "In the old days, gold in Hong Kong was mostly in what they called smuggler bars." "They weighed just a little over six ounces, and a good courier could carry over 200 of them, or so they tell me." "Seems that everything here has a story attached to it." "Well, Hong Kong may not have a very long history compared to Europe or the States, but it's all quite colorful." "Quite wonderful, too." "The charm of Hong Kong must be getting to you." " Everything about it." " OK if I pick it up?" "Help yourself." "Real money." "Yes." "Gold does have quality of permanence." "This yours?" "No." "All of this belongs to Lando Mata's Macao gambling concession." "He's shifting it from here to Victoria Bank." "Does that mean Ho-Pak's going belly up?" "Gold gets moved around all the time." "I don't suppose Struan's has much money tied up here." "There are many banks in Hong Kong." "We deal with quite a few of them." "I could use a bottle of beer." "This much money makes me real thirsty." "But you promised you'd take me." "My wife changed her mind." "Now she's going, so I can't." "But everyone will be at the party." "I have to go." "Tell your wife to be sick." "Oh, my little flower heart" "You promised." "I'll see you afterwards." "Afterwards I'll be tired." "First you promise me a mink coat and you never gave it to me, and now you won't take me to Tsu Chu Te's party?" "You don't love me anymore." "Of course I love you." "Don't I pay for this apartment, your clothes?" "I'll accept Four Finger Wu's invitation." "That's what I'll do." "What?" "That foul old man?" "Has he been" "At least he doesn't break his promises." "And he invited me to Tsu Chu Te's party." "You won't go with him." "I forbid it." "Where's my mink coat?" "Probably on your wife's back." "I told you." "It'll be ready Friday." "Promise on all the gods?" "I promise!" "There." "Oh, now you've given me a headache." "Oh, you poor man." "I'll make it better for you." "Oh..." "You're getting to like it here." "Anything in particular change your mind?" "Why?" "You're starting to make me nervous, Casey." "How?" "Just for the way you look at lan Dunross." "You could keep your eyes on him all night." "What are you, my father all of a sudden?" "No, your boss." "You work for me, remember?" "And I do a damn good job." "And that's the way I want to keep it." "This is a business trip." "It's not a romantic holiday." "I don't want your emotions interfering with my plans." "Kind of overreacting, aren't you?" "Yeah." "Maybe I am." "But no romance, especially not with lan Dunross." "Pick another guy, another time, another place." "You're the boss." "You bet I am." "How's my investment this morning?" "She's a fine horse, Mr. Gornt." "Yeah." "What's so bloody important?" "Did you see the way Noble Star charged the wire?" "It's 6:30 in the morning, Brian." "I've been up all night, Robert, working for both of us, so I thought you could buy me some dim sum for breakfast." "Working?" "When?" "At the taipan's party?" "I heard you were there the other night." "It's all work, isn't it, whatever we do?" "Besides, lan's a friend." "Oh, you and your bloody friends." "All right, let's have it." "What did you hear?" "There's a $100,000 reward waiting for whoever finds John Chen." "Offered by whom?" "That's the part I didn't get, but $100,000, Robert." "There's got to be something special about John," "Or John's got something that's very special to someone else." "If it's true." "And you woke me up for that." "I woke you up because I was hungry and it's your turn to buy." "Oh, you're a terrible man." "She's a trier." "Noble Star is a real trier." "What about Saturday?" "I'll be very unhappy if Noble Star loses to Pilot Fish." "Mr. Gornt has a good horse there-- a serious threat." "I want Noble Star to win, Alexej." "In that case, I suggest you ride Noble Star yourself, Taipan." "I'm considering it." "I would not advise it." "I know." "I'll see you tomorrow." "Come on, girl." "You called this meeting, Mr. Bartlett." "You convinced me, Mr. Gornt." "I'm not quite sure how you pulled it off, but the Ho-Pak is looking very dead." "And the Noble House is still alive, thanks to you." "Yes, I heard you closed your deal with Dunross." "In principle." "But not in fact?" "What are you saying, Mr. Bartlett?" "How's your cash flow?" "I've already told you." "I'm 20 times stronger than Struan's." "If you were 20 times stronger, Mr. Gornt, you'd be the Noble House." "I asked you a serious question." "Either give me a serious answer, or drop me off at the next corner." "All right." "What exactly do you want to know?" "And if Victoria Bank went against him and there was nowhere else that Dunross could get credit, it would only be a question of timing." "The right moment, and Noble House would be wide open for a takeover." "Where the hell did you get all this information?" "I got Struan's balance sheets for the last seven years." "That's impossible." "You want to bet?" "No." "No, I don't." "Where is your executive vice president?" "Shouldn't" "Casey's not in on this, not yet." "Besides, I'm the boss of Par-Con." "I never doubted that, Mr. Bartlett." "What do you have in mind?" "A raid on the Noble House." " It's been tried before." " Not by me." "What do you want me to do?" "The same thing you did with Ho-Pak." "I want you to start rumors." "As soon as the market opens, you sell Struan's short." "Let everybody know that the price of the Noble House stock is gonna drop like a supermarket sale." "It'll make Struan's the special of the day, marked down $10 a share." "And what will you do?" "Nothing." "Simple as that." "For you, perhaps." "I'll be the one that'll be exposed." "It'll be my money at risk." "Now, I may despise lan Dunross, but I don't think he's a fool, and I'd never underestimate him." "If I sell Struan's short and Dunross can keep the stock from falling, then I'm the one that's vulnerable." "Not if I cover all your losses." "All?" "I pay all the losses and take half the profit for today, tomorrow, and Friday." "If we don't have him on the run by close of business Friday, we've failed, but if Dunross is ready to go," "I'll pull the rug out from under the Noble House on Monday, and it'll fall." "If you're willing to do this to Dunross, how do I know you won't do it to me?" "I'll put four million in any Swiss bank you name by 10:00 this morning." "That's 31 million Hong Kong, which sure as hell is enough to cover any losses." "Four million." "No strings, no paper, no promissory note." "Just your word." "My word?" "It sounds too good to be true, Mr. Bartlett." "Where's the catch?" "First you do a deal with Dunross." "Now you give me the chance to destroy him." "Is it something personal?" "Just business, Mr. Gornt." "I don't owe Dunross anything, and he doesn't owe me." "I'll think over your proposition and give you an answer by noon." "Now, Mr. Gornt." "Right now or not at all." "The Bank of Switzerland and Zurich." "Account number 181819." "I'll write that down for you." "No need." "The four million will be there by 10:00." "And if we fail?" "I'll lose my money." "A rig's always a gamble." "But the odds are right, and so is the timing, and I've seen enough of Hong Kong to know it has its own special rules, and there's no way I'm gonna learn those in a week." "But why should I, when I got you?" "Look over there, inspector." "The old woman." "The old amah." "What do you make of that, sergeant?" "I don't know, sir." "But it's the third time." "The old amah points to someone who's just come out of the bank, and he goes off." "Then he comes back again and slips her something." "I think it's money." "Keep your eye on the old woman." " What are you doing here?" " Nothing." "Nothing at all." "Why are you giving this man money?" "Is he accosting you?" "Is he trying to squeeze you?" "He--he's my cousin, and I owe him $500, and I paid him." "You have a lot of cousins, don't you?" " Turn out your pocket." " Why?" "I haven't done anything wrong." "You can't search me without a warrant." "I know the law." "Then we'll search you down at the station." "Come on." "I only get some money from the bank." "I saw the old man run down the alley, inspector." "If I'd gone after him, this one would have run away." "That's a lie." "Why would I run?" "I have done nothing." "Let me see your I. D. card, please." "Why?" "You think I am an illegal?" "I lived here for three years." "You see?" "Where are you from, Ah Tam?" "My village was Ning-Tok." "That's near Canton, sir." "My family lived there ten years ago." "My father owned the pharmacy." "I know the pharmacy." "I remember when your family moved away." "You see?" "Ning-Tok was a wonderful village, not like this foul place." "Why did you leave?" "Because your son wanted to come here?" "My son?" "I have no son." "Then who was that young man you were talking to?" "A friend." "A very important person." "Why is he important?" "Oh, he knows important people." "Who does he know, elder sister?" "He knows..." "The Werewolf." "You are making this up." "Would I lie to someone from our own village, huh?" "Where the hell have you been?" "You told Dunross you'd meet him at the stock exchange 45 minutes ago." "I had an early meeting." "Ran a little late." "Meeting with who?" "Quillan Gornt." "Your coffee's cold." "Gornt." "What for?" "Insurance." "Against what?" "The Struan deal is closed." "Yeah, but it's not signed." "We know the Noble House has no cash reserves, and Dunross may not have the money flow to come up with his half of the deal." "And Gornt will?" "What is it, both ends against the middle time?" "It's much better than that." "Gornt is gonna start selling Struan short." "I've backed him for four million." "He's feeling very brave." "$4 million?" "It's a bargain." "They go to war." "We own the battlefield." "All we got to do is wait till Monday." "If Gornt wins, we win." "If Dunross wins, we win." "I mean, either way, we become the Noble House." "Ah, my old friend." "It is a sad time." "If the son of Noble House Chen can be kidnapped, then who of us is safe?" "I must find John." "Of course." "You have a father's heart." "Come." "When did you receive this new letter?" "This morning." "It was postmarked Aberdeen." "It insults my honor that this Werewolf would even come here to mail his filthy letter." "What did it say?" "Tonight." "He wants the money tonight." "500,000." "Where?" "Man Mo Temple." "I'm to take a taxi, then walk across the street and go down the steps." "The Werewolf will be watching me." "So will my men, to protect you." "This Werewolf could take the money and kidnap you as well, but my men will make sure that does not happen." " What time?" " 9:00." "My men will be waiting." "Don't worry." "How can I repay you for your kindness?" "Between us, old friend, there are no debts." "Good God." "Look at that." "Struan's are off three and a half points in one day." "Yes." "It looks as if the rumors were right again." "Yes, but everyone's heard about the Par-Con deal." "It's going to fall through." "Sell 100,000 Struan's." "Mr. Gornt, don't you think that your" "No." "Now please do what I ask." "You were right about selling Ho-Pak short, but Ho-Pak's not the Noble House." "Richard Kwang was without resources." "But the taipan will get all the support he needs." "Times change." "People change." "If Struan's have extended themselves and can't pay," "Well, my dear fellow, this is Hong Kong, and I hope the buggers go to the wall." "Make it 200,000." "You're wrong this time." "Then go to hell." "I'm British." "I'm going to heaven, didn't you know?" "But if you say sell, then I sell." " Sorry we're late, Taipan." " My fault." "Somebody's selling you short." "And guess who." "Quillan Gornt seems to be adventurous today." " What are you going to do?" " Play the game." "Are you going to go to that party tonight, the one at the floating restaurant?" "The Floating Dragon, yes." "It's Shi-teh T'Chung's annual charity bash." "Would you like to go?" " We've been invited." " Then why don't I send a car for you?" "We can have a drink at the Great House and then go down to Aberdeen together." "They look pretty friendly." "Suppose the Struan- Par-Con deal doesn't fall through." "I said it will." "You could get badly burned, Mr. Gornt." "If the price of the stock doesn't drop, it'll cost you a fortune." "Buy or sell, the broker makes a quarter of 1%." "Yes, Mr. Gornt, if the client pays." "Are you suggesting my credit isn't good enough?" "No." "No, of course not." "Good." "Then kindly sell another 300,000 Struan's." "Now, Mr. Stern." "I want to see it on the board today." "If Struan's gets brought down, the whole market could fall." "There would be an adjustment, that's all." "Adjustment?" "It'll be a bloodbath." "Thousands of investors will be wiped out" "Look, I really don't want a lecture on Hong Kong economics." "Now, if you won't carry out my instructions," "I will take my business elsewhere." "It's your money, Mr. Gornt." "But there's never been 500,000 Noble House shares on offer in the history of the exchange." "They could suspend trading." "Then I suggest that you hurry up." "I have 300,000 Struan's." "We buy!" "All my shares?" "Yes." "Yours and all the rest." "With what?" "It's almost $18 million cash." "The Noble House is good for that and millions more." "Has anyone ever doubted it?" "I doubt it." "I'll sell short again tomorrow." "It's a bad day for the Noble House, Taipan." "There have been worse." "Thank you for coming." "You think my boat has too many ears?" "It's beautiful here." "You will help Philip tonight when he delivers the ransom?" "We will make sure that he receives what he pays for." "But you did not ask me here to talk of John Chen." "No." "Listen, old friend." "I have never sought a favor from you before." "Oh, a long line of your taipan ancestors have sought plenty favors and made great profits from my ancestors." "I want to borrow $40 million." "Then you are speaking to the wrong man, Taipan." "40 million?" "How could a poor old fisherman like me have such cash?" "More came out of the Ho-Pak yesterday, old friend." "Aiyah!" "Curse on all those who whisper false information." "At what interest?" "Highest interest." "I will ask among my friends." "Perhaps they can help." "Perhaps we can help together, but perhaps my friends will seek a favor in return." " What kind of favor?" " The Noble House has many ships." "My friends have cargo that needs to be carried privately." "Not the white powder." "Perhaps they could even raise 100 million if Taipan agreed." "The white powder is terrible joss." "All drugs are terrible joss." "My ancestors, old green-eyed devil and the terrible Hag, both put a curse on those who deal in the white powder." "I don't fear curses, even from them." "Ships of the Noble House will never carry narcotics, old friend." "There can be no bargain for that." "Then, Taipan, do not expect water from an empty well." "There's nothing to worry about." " Gornt's up to his tricks, that's all." " It's not just Gornt, lan." "It's the Ho-Pak and the way the whole market is reacting." "I've started transferring my accounts to New York." "What else have you heard?" "You know me." "I'm just more cautious than you, Taipan." "The cost of my money comes very high." "No more than mine." "Have you heard something?" "Another 600,000 Noble House shares will be on offer tomorrow." " The price will fall." " Who's selling?" "The Chinese." "They're very nervous here." "You should be prepared." " Prepared?" "In what way?" " What would Dirk Struan do?" "He's perpetual." "I'm temporary." "What about your shares?" "You've got 300,000." "Plus." "And they're not on offer." "I bought at 16, remember?" "When you first went on the market." "So I'm not worried yet." "Perhaps Alastair Struan was right when he advised against going public." "Noble House is only vulnerable because of that." "Without going public, we could never have survived the disasters I inherited." "We shall never know that, shall we?" "Never know if your decision was the only one possible." "But if you resign, it will no longer be your problem." " No." "I can't." " Come now, Taipan." "Be sensible." "Even if the Noble House survives this attack, there will be others." "Your predecessors resigned when they were in less trouble." "I'm sorry, that's not possible." "Why?" "Because you swore an oath to an unknown, unknowable God in whom you don't believe?" "On behalf of a murdering pirate who's been dead over 100 years?" "For whatever the reason, the answer is thank you..." "No." " You could lose the whole company." " No." "That is not going to happen." "If joss is against you and you fail, my offer to head the new syndicate stands, but only for the next two weeks." "I shall have to sell my stock at 21." "Below 20, not 21." "It will go that low?" "20 is better than 21." "Yes." "We shall see what tomorrow brings." " Hello, Taipan." " Casey." " Mr. Mata." " Ms Casey." "I wish you good joss, lan." "Take care." "Where's Linc?" "Oh, he's tied up on the phone, talking to the States." "Said he'd meet us later at the Bloody Dragon." "I hope your offer still stands." "There's a modest bottle of champagne waiting on ice." "Lead me to it." "While I think of it, Lim Chu, if I want some foreign devil's car interfered with," " I will order it." " Yes, Taipan Boss." "That means now, tomorrow, and every tomorrow after that." "The Noble House has always survived by holding greater honor than its enemies." "OK, that's enough." "Kill the mic." "That was great, whatever you were talking about." " What a nice surprise." " For both of us." "Been on the phone for hours, just came out for a walk and let my ears cool off." "Who was that you were interviewing?" "Sir Shi-teh T'Chung." "He's giving his annual charity party at the Floating Dragon in Aberdeen tonight." "Aren't you going?" "I don't know." "Casey's going with lan Dunross, which leaves me without a date." "Unless, uh..." "You wouldn't happen to be free this evening?" "I'm going to the party." "But I don't have a date either." "I knew something wonderful was going to happen today." "Well?" "Tell me the rest of it." "Oh, it's a long story." "Besides, Lim Chu shouldn't have told you the story." "Oh, it was my fault." "There was a picture of you when you were a teenager with an old Chinese man, and I just asked who he was." "Lim Chu started grinning and said to ask you about..." "Uncle Chen-Chen." "Who was he and what's so funny about him?" "It was a long time ago, Casey." "Hong Kong was different then." "Who is Uncle Chen-Chen?" "A family retainer." " He sold me." " What?" "He sold me when I was 14." "Sold your what?" "My virginity." "To who?" "Well, it was sort of an auction." "Every pleasure house in Hong Kong bid for the privilege of servicing the first pillow time of a future taipan, the great-great-great-grandson of the green-eyed devil himself." "You've got to be kidding." "Uncle Chen-Chen made 20,000 Hong Kong on the deal." "What about you?" "I didn't find out what had happened for ten years." "What was her name, the lucky girl?" "She was called Elegant Jade." "Why?" "Just wanted to know if you remembered." "Give me the bag." "What?" "Who are you?" "I'm the Werewolf." "Now give me the bag." "Here." "Now, where is my son?" "Just keep walking." "Don't look around." "But my son!" "You promised!" "Hey, hey, where's the bag?" "They--they took it!" "Open it." "It worked, Father." "Chen Pay." "You should have seen his face." "He was so frightened." "Did you look inside the bag?" "Is the money there?" "There was no time." "We come back here fast as we could." "In one step, we have reached heaven." "Where's number one son Chen?" "We don't know any number one son Chen." "Where is number one son Chen?" "He's dead." "We buried him." "I swear." "Where?" "Where?" "Near the old Sha Tin Road." "Listen, we'll split the money with you." "Just answer the question, you son of a whore, or I'll slit your tongue." "Where is number one son Chen's things?" "Things he had with him?" "We sent everything to Noble House Chen." "Everything except for the money he had, I swear." "It's true." "Everything he told you is true!" "Who killed him?" "Who killed number one son Chen?" "He did." "He killed him!" "Hit him with a shovel." "It wasn't our fault." "What else did you take from number one son?" "His watch." "My father stole his watch." "There!" "There it is!" "Nothing else?" "Nothing!" "Shall we cut these ones, too?" "No." "Not yet." "Here, you take this one." ""This number one son Chen" ""had the stupidity to try to escape." ""No one can escape the Werewolf." ""All Hong Kong beware." "My eyes are everywhere. "" "What is this?" "My father was gonna make us dig number one son up and put that on his chest, and put his body beside the old Sha Tin Road." "Sounds like a good idea." "And when you start to dig, make sure you find him quickly or your eyes won't be anywhere." "What do you make of that, Taipan?" "Four Finger Wu and his new crumpet." "I'd say there was hope for all of us." "She's incredibly beautiful." "Venus Poon." "She's what I guess you would call a TV starlet." "Casey, let me introduce you to Richard Pugmire of Hong Kong General Stores and Charles Biltzmann of American Super Foods." "Gentlemen, Casey Tcholok." "Par-Con, nice to meet you." "I've heard a lot about you and Linc Bartlett back home." "All good, I hope." "Is it true what I've heard, Richard, that General Stores and Super Foods are merging?" "There are no secrets in this bloody town." "Should be finalized by the end of the month." "How do you think your horses are gonna do this Saturday?" "Think your Noble Star can catch Quillan Gornt's horse?" "We'll certainly be trying." "I thought all the races here were fixed." "If you can prove that, I'm sure the stewards would like to know." "Until you can prove it, Mr. Biltzmann," "I'd advise you to be somewhat more cautious about making such comments." "Charles was only joking, Taipan." "Yes, I'm sure he was." "You weren't very friendly." "You don't have to be friendly to everyone." "And tomorrow, everything will settle down, I guarantee you." "The Ho-Pak's as solid today as it's always been." "Just certain foul people spreading rumors." "Oh, there are a lot of foul people around." "And if you wouldn't quote an article explaining that in the next issue of the China Guardian" "Oh, there will be an article, Richard, you can count on that." "Favorable, I hope." "Accurate." "Or at least as accurate as I can make it." "Of course, we cannot ignore what's been happening at your Aberdeen branch." "A few noisy, impatient people, that's all." "More than a few." "I drove out there this morning." "There must have been at least 500." "Well, I wasn't there." "And at the other branches?" "Sha Tin?" "Bangkok?" "Well, I haven't got the exact figures, but you know how these things get exaggerated." "Well, I heard there were still hundreds of people waiting at closing." "Richard, have you spoken with Victoria about assistance?" "I can assure you there is no need." "The Ho-Pak can handle..." "Yes, the Ho-Pak can handle what, Richard?" "A positive article in the Guardian would be most helpful, Christian." "If there's anything I can do to persuade you" "You can tell me the truth." "These people are out to ruin me." "Which people exactly?" "I don't know." "God, do you think they'll ever feed us?" "Last year was a bore, but I think Sir Shi-teh is gonna break his own record." "I hear that you and Dunross went on a buying and selling spree." "Pity I missed it." "Well, you'll get another chance tomorrow." "Mmm. 500,000 of his own stock." "Can the Taipan pay for it?" "Don't ask me." "Ask his banker." "You know better than that, Quillan." "Bankers are pledged to secrecy." "Did you see that darling Four Finger Wu had on his arm?" "Wasn't that Richard Kwang's plaything?" "Looks like Richard's losing more than his bank." "Oh, God, if they don't feed us soon, I'm leaving." "You must learn to be more patient, Jason." "That's quite a dress." "I'm glad you like it." "It's new." "For the occasion?" "You might say that." "Mr. Tip, it seems to be your week for parties." "I thought that is your responsibility, Mr. Dunross." "Tip Top-Toh represents the Bank of China here in Hong Kong." "How do you do?" "I'm Casey Tcholok." "Very interesting name." "Tcholok?" "Originally it was Tcholokian." "My grandparents came from Romania." "Did you say the Bank of China?" "Mm-hmm." "Does that surprise you?" "Why, I didn't realize-- that the People's Republic of China had a bank?" "Here, I mean." "In Hong Kong." "We have for many years." "A bank and much more." "After all, Hong Kong is China, too." "I was troubled to learn of your difficulties today, Taipan." "Oh, a temporary storm." "I'm sure the Noble House will weather it." "Hope so." "If the Noble House totters, the whole economy of Hong Kong will be strained." "Really?" "Why should that worry you?" "Oh, it does, Ms. Tcholok." "It worries us very much." "Just as a parent worries about an absent child." "They should have a lottery..." "Guess what time dinner is finally served against the whole bundle." "Where is your spirit of charity, Bruce?" "After all, this is a charitable event." "Yes." "This year, dinner seems to be turning into breakfast." "Some people aren't waiting." "There's Linc." "And Orlanda Ramos." " Do you know her?" " Only by reputation." "Good or bad?" "That depends on your point of view." "Orlanda was Quillan Gornt's friend for quite a few years." "You mean his mistress?" "Yes, I suppose that's a word, but it was all very discreet." "Does the taipan know?" "Ha ha!" "My dear, this is Hong Kong." "Everybody knows." "I wouldn't be too sure of that." "Excuse me." "Hello, Orlanda." "Fantastic dress." "Running a little late tonight, Boss?" "Orlanda said there was no point in getting here early." "Shi-teh's parties are famous for starving guests." "It's nice to see you again, Casey." "Are you enjoying Hong Kong?" "I'm afraid I haven't seen much of it yet." "Well, I'd love to show you around, and if you want to go shopping..." "Casey doesn't have a lot of free time." "I keep her pretty busy." "Now that you mention it, I could do with some time off." " Not on this trip." " Oh, that's not fair, Linc." "At least let me have Casey for an afternoon." "We'll see how things go." "I'm starving." "I warned him to eat something before we came." "Aah!" "No, my arm!" "Good night." "Take care of yourself." "Good night." "Say hello to Chong for me." "Taipan, if you don't mind, I think I'll forego the meal." "No, no, I'll see you in the morning." "I think a little intervention might be in order." "Americans are dreadfully susceptible to temptation." "Yes, I'll see to that." " Good night, Jacques." " Good night." "Hello, Taipan." "Are you going to wait it out?" "Orlanda's been telling us about this fish restaurant here in Aberdeen." "You want to join us?" " No." "I'm afraid I'm here for the duration." " Noblesse oblige?" " Is that your motto, Taipan?" " Well..." " What is it?" " French." "Oh, it means, "At any cost, I will do my duty. "" "I've always wanted to learn French, but then, English, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Cantonese are all I can manage." "Well, that's pretty good." "I can only speak" "Fire!" "Fire!" "Get out!" "Hold on, everyone!" "Please!" "Don't panic!" "There's plenty of time!" "Don't push!" "There's no danger yet!" "Look for another way out of here." "OK, there may be a door to the half deck down the back." "Remain where you are." "A boat will take you off." "We have room for everyone!" "Do not push!" "We'll be all right, Orlanda." "I don't give a damn!" "Just get a photographer here right now!" "Then call for the fire department!" "Stupid sod." "There's nothing out there." "Not a damn thing." "No roofs, no ladders, nothing." " We can jump if we have to." " Jump?" "Yeah." "No sweat, kid." "I can't swim." "Stay put." "Cut off!" "No way down!" "Whew." "Fine time, my friend, to get the hell out of here!" "I should rather think so." "Quillan!" " How you doing, Casey?" " OK." " Out you go." " When you go." "Take Orlanda." "Come on." "Everyone, this way." "Come on." "I've lost my purse." "You can get another one." "Let's go." "All on the top deck, abandon ship!" "Now!" "Those last explosions could have blown our bottom out!" "Come on!" "After you, Taipan." "Passengers on the bottom deck, we will come alongside." "Do not jump." "We're gonna have to jump, Christian." "Into Aberdeen?" "You must be bloody joking, old chap." "If you don't bounce off all that bloody efluvia, you're sure to catch the bloody plague." "There's no choice." "How deep's the water here?" "Must be 20 feet or more." "That's enough." "This lady is with child." " Hi." "Can you swim?" " No." "We're out of time." "Casey, you go first." "Wait below." "OK, ready." "Just hold your breath, honey." "I don't know where my husband is." "Well, when everyone started running..." "Honey, why don't we just go" "Why don't we just go see if we can find him?" "Say, did you see the way that Casey zipped out of her dress?" "Not a bad figure." "Not bad at all." "Quillan!" "Come on, get up, quick!" "Come on, lad." "Come on." " Are you OK?" " Yeah." "Yeah, I'm all right." "You could have left me there." "But since you didn't, I sell again tomorrow." "By next week, you should be finished." "Jolly good luck." "The idea of burning to death or drowning with you fills me with equal dismay." "What else did number one son Chen have with him, huh?" "Nothing." "We tell everything we know," "How Chen wrote first letter." "All of it!" "Two motherless liars!" "Which one of you helped the old man kill him, huh?" " We're innocent!" " He did it!" "Do you believe these two, huh?" "You, get in the hole." "Put your face in the dirt." "I spit on all your generations." "And you..." "On my mother's head, I'm innocent." "You wouldn't know your mother if you" "What is that string around your neck, huh?" "Aiyah..." "All gods belch in Tsao Tsao's face." "Look what we have found." " Morning, superintendent." " Morning." "Are you sure it's him?" "Oh, yes, sir." "It is John Chen." "Apparently the body was left here sometime during the night." "There's a note on his chest from the Werewolf." "Nothing has been touched." "Have your men sweep the area 100 yards either side." "And get some men over to these farms." "Maybe someone saw something and" "Get him the hell out of here." "And we have the Par-Con deal." "Perhaps after last night, Gornt won't continue to sell." "Hmm." "He'll sell." "What do we do?" "Unless we can buy every share of Noble House stock, we're in very great trouble." "You're almost two minutes late." "Oh?" "Sorry." "I don't seem to be able to get through to you about punctuality." "It's impossible to run this company without executive responsibility." "If you're late one more time, you lose your yearly bonus." "Sorry." "I want you to take over our Australian branch from Bill Foster." "Yes, certainly." "I'd like that." "Good." "Be on a flight tomorrow." "Tomorrow?" "That's impossible..." "I realize that, but I want you to go tomorrow." "Stay two weeks, then report back to me." " Do you understand?" " Yes, I understand," "But what about Saturday?" "I wanted to see Noble Star run." "I want you in Australia." "Tomorrow." "Foster's failed to get possession of Woolara Properties." "Without Woolara, we've no charterer for our ships." "Without the charterer of our ships, our present banking arrangements are null and void." "You have two weeks to correct that fiasco and report back to me." "And if I don't?" "If you're not on that flight tomorrow, you're out of Struan's as long as I'm taipan." "Good." "If you succeed with Woolara, your salary's doubled." "Anything else, sir?" "Yes." "Don't be late for the plane." "Everyone's so happy you weren't hurt last night, Taipan." "Thank you, Mary." "I'd say it was good joss." "But Mr. Gornt wasn't hurt, either." "The draft of the Par-Con contract is on top, plus the most pressing letters and a list of your appointments for today, at least, the appointments I know about." "Call Tip Tok-Toh's office at the Bank of China and ask if I can meet him first thing tomorrow morning." "He can name the place." "Say it's urgent." "Use a favor if you have to." "Were you expecting Superintendent Kwok this morning?" "No." " Brian." " Can I talk to you for a moment, Taipan?" " Privately." " In my office." "John Chen's dead." "They found him early this morning at Sha Tin." "Head bashed in." "Oh, dear God." "Oh." "Poor John." "Werewolf left a note saying he was killed because he tried to escape." "Not that that means anything." "Have you told Philip and Dianne?" "Right before I came here." "Do you know, he paid the ransom last night. 500,000." "Yes." "Yes, I knew he was going to." "And still they killed John?" "Is there any information?" "I mean, do you have any ideas?" "Of who this Werewolf is?" "No." "Nothing." "If he takes the money and hides, we'll probably never find him." "No." "No, I suppose you won't." "Sorry to bring bad news, but I thought you should know." "Yes." "Thanks, chum." "Why don't you meet me for a drink tonight?" "I think we both could use a little time off." "A good idea." "But it'd have to be late." " How about the Regent at 10:30?" " You're on." " And thanks again." " OK." "Poor John Chen." "What a bloody waste." "Here you go." "Thanks." "Come in, Linc." "My house is yours." "You sure?" "Old Portuguese custom." "Please." "This is very nice." "I like it." "And quite a view." "You could see all of Kowloon before Sinclair Towers was built." "That's the block straight ahead." "We had the best view in Hong Kong." "Did you know Struan's owns Sinclair Towers?" "No." "I think he and Dunross had it built just to spite Quillan." "He used to own the penthouse here." "Gornt?" "That's a pretty expensive gesture, even for Dunross." "He probably made a profit on it." "The taipan usually does." "I'm glad you called." "I'm glad you invited me over." "I won't be a minute." "Do you live here alone?" "I live with my maid." "She's out shopping." "How do you like your coffee?" "Black." "You look happy." "We were." "Do you leave this out for any particular reason?" "Left it out because there was no reason to hide it." "Quillan was the first man in my life." "You don't have to explain." "I know I don't, but I'd rather tell you about it than have you wonder." "I was in love with him for five years... from the time I was 17." "Now?" "Now I'm 25." "We've been apart for three years." "I don't love him anymore, but he's still my friend." "Quillan pays for this apartment." "He's a generous friend." "Yes." "Generous and caring and all the things a friend should be." "Look, l--I want to be honest with you, Linc." "I'm--I'm not ashamed about my relationship with Quillan, and there are no regrets, but this is Hong Kong." "I'd rather you heard it from me instead of whatever gossip you're bound to hear." "That's fair enough." "It's even better than fair." "Besides..." "I'm your responsibility now." "How so?" "According to Chinese custom, you've interfered with joss, with fate." "You interfered with the gods last night by saving my life." "Without you, I could've died, but that would've been up to the gods to decide." "But by saving me, you took over their responsibility, so now you have to look after me forever." "That's good, wise, Chinese custom." "OK." "You're on." "Except now I formally release you." "My Chinese half releases you." "Perhaps I don't want to be released." "Linc, wait." " Please." "Not now." " Why?" "Because--because I don't want an affair." "Orlanda." "It's the first kiss I've had in three years." "Sorry you didn't enjoy it." "I did." "That's the problem." "But an Asia girl, especially a Eurasian girl, finds out very quickly that men want her pillow, and that's all they really want." "And I can't do that." "I have to be in love." "And I'm not in love with you, Linc." "I'm not in love with anyone." "I think you're a very attractive man." "l--I like you." "Abject apologies." "Refused." "You have nothing to apologize for." "Maybe I do." "Also refused." "Good." "How about dinner tonight?" " It's best if" " I'll be here at 8." "You pick the restaurant." "No." "Let--let's just say good-bye now." "Yeah." "You just said hello." "I'll see you at 8." "It's best not." "Maybe." "But why don't we let the gods decide?" "Sorry to be so long." "Bloody traffic's jammed for bloody miles." "That's all right, sir." "I've sent Sergeant Mark over to watch her flat." " The old woman is still there." " Ah, she'd better be." "She's the only lead we've got." "Lucky you found her." "Yes, if you happen to think there's a grain of truth in what she said." "You don't think so." "You know the Chinese, sir, especially the old amahs." "Not the most truthful people in the world" "I've had the privilege to meet." "How long you been out here, inspector?" "Four and a half years, sir." "Long enough to make you an expert on Chinese veracity." "Come on." "We'll take my car." "I take it my lady's still inside, sir." "Yes, inspector." "That's the only entrance to the building." " Has she gone out at all?" " Yes, sir." "She walked over to the Ho-Pak Bank and waited for about 20 minutes but the Werewolf suspect didn't arrive so she walked back here." "Very good, sergeant." "Carry on." "That's one, sir." "Sorry to interrupt, madam, but we have a search warrant." "Search?" "Search what?" "If you are looking for the gambling den on the fourth floor, it's got nothing to do with me." "Enough." "Is this the woman?" "Yes, superintendent." "Ah Tam, you are under arrest." "Me?" "I've done nothing." "I'm not illegal." "l--I'm a law-abiding citizen." "I have papers." "Quiet, or we'll take you to our headquarters, and surely the judge will want you kept in custody." "Now..." "What do you know about the Werewolf?" "Me?" "Werewolf?" "Nothing." "Why should I know about the foul kidnappers?" "And what has he to do with me?" "Nothing." "Nothing at all." "I want the truth." "Now." "I'm just a respectable amah who does her work and nothing else." "How could this old, poor..." "Elder sister, I suggest you talk quickly and openly." "We know everything already." " What do you want with me?" " The truth." "Take her to the station." " She'll talk there." " Torture?" "You want to torture..." " Come along." " No." "Please." "Then when will the Werewolf come back?" "This afternoon?" "You went to the bank to meet him again this morning." " No." " I saw you, elder sister." "I followed you." "People of the same village should stick together, aiyah?" "People from the same village should not tell each other lies." "Tell me the truth, elder sister." "Tell me the truth or we'll take you to the station." "I don't know anything." "He was just someone I met." "And he said the Werewolf was his friend." " But I knew he was lying." " How did you know?" "A friend of the Werewolf would be very rich." "A friend of the Werewolf would wear silk clothes and have a gold watch." "She doesn't know anything, sir." "She knows more than she'll ever tell us." "What are you looking for?" "You won't find Werewolf there." "Hey." "You can't." "We have a search warrant." "Now be quiet." "Where'd you get this purse?" "Did you steal it?" "No." "It was a gift from my mistress in Ning-Tok." "She gave it to me the day before she died." "Ning-Tok?" "Where is that?" "Outside Canton, sir." "Her family came from the same village many years ago." "Outside Canton." "This purse looks too expensive to have come from a small village In mainland China." "But it's true." "You can just open it and see." "Where were these photos taken?" "In Ning-Tok?" "Outside Canton, in China?" "Yes, yes." "In my village." "In Ning-Tok." "Brian?" "Casey, are you up?" "Up and ready." "How are you?" "I'm terrific." "Let's go over that paperwork." "Steigler's plane gets in around noon." "I wanted to get those contracts nice and legal by tomorrow morning." "It's going to be late." "I already checked with the airline." "Should be here around four." "You don't leave anything to chance, do you?" "I'll just get my notes." "Our names are in the paper." "I know." "I read it earlier." "Ian called." "Said he tried to reach you, but... there was no answer." "Yeah?" "What'd he have to say?" "Just wanted to know if we were all right." "Where have you been?" "Woke up early, so I called Orlanda to see how she was and she invited me to breakfast." " Oh." "I take it she's fine." " Yeah." "Did you know she used to be Quillan Gornt's mistress?" "Orlanda told me all about it." " And?" " What?" "First you show up with her last night, and now a breakfast." "What's that got to do with you, Casey?" "You're the one who said this was a business trip, not a romantic holiday, remember?" "No emotions interfering with your plans." "Another time, another place." "Ring a bell?" "I know exactly what I'm doing." "Famous last words." "Linc..." " Casey, enough." " She was Gornt's mistress." "Don't you think that's a little too convenient?" "Should've seen the way he was watching the two of you last night." "So what?" "Relax." "If I play the music, Gornt'll dance." "It's nothing to be worried about." "No, I can think of a whole list of things." "Suppose lan finds out about the four million you wired to Gornt's Swiss bank and pulls out of the deal." "Right now, Dunross can't afford to pull out anything." "The taipan's all gift-wrapped and waiting to be delivered." "To you or to Gornt?" "Either way, it's the same thing." "In the end... we're gonna be the Noble House and I'm gonna be the taipan." "Taipan Linc Bartlett." "How about that?" "And when were these photographs taken?" "I told you." "Six years ago in Ning-Tok." "The lady in the photograph?" "My mistress." "She gave me the purse on her deathbed." "Last night, you said it was the day before she died." "Now, which is the truth?" "l--I don't remember." "And the man?" "Who is the man standing beside her?" "Her son." "Her son who lives across the sea, in the north." "The north of the land of the golden mountains." "You're lying again." "No." "That is her son Chu-Toy." "He was born in Ning-Tok." "I helped deliver him with my own hands." "I remember when they send him away from Ning-Tok to this foul place when he was just a boy." "Why?" "Why was he sent here?" "To go to school." "The government send him." "Chu-Toy was very smart." "We didn't see him again for, oh, many, many years." "Until his father was dying." "Chu-Toy had become a man." "But I still recognized him." "Yes." "Six years ago." "Was that the only time Chu-Toy returned?" "Yes, it was only once." "The once of the photograph." "His mother insisted." "She wept and begged him to have the picture taken." "So Chu-Toy let her have her way as a dutiful son should." "And after that?" "After the photograph?" "Oh, he went away in a big car and we never saw him again." "Not even when his mother died and gave me her purse." "Are you sure the man in the photograph is the same Chu-Toy who was sent away to school in Hong Kong?" "Of course I'm sure." "Please, can I go home now?" "I've told you everything." "17. 50?" "Struan's have never been below 25 since they went public." "You were right, Mr. Gornt." "Absolutely dead-on right." "Yes." "And look at that." "Another 300,000 shares on offer." "What a day." "Yes?" " Are you sure?" " Yes..." "The Ho-Pak's finished." " They closed their doors." " Yes, I know." "The head office in Central is still open, but they'll have to liquidate." "God." "Poor Richard Kwang." "Yes." "Pity." "Are you going to buy, lan, or just let your stock plummet?" "Oh, Quillan." "How'd you do on the day?" "Oh, very well, thank you, lan." "Very well." "Yes." "My partners and I are quite satisfied." "Oh, you have partners?" "Oh, yes." "One doesn't mount a raid on Struan's lightly." "One needs very substantial financial backing." " And you do?" " Well, fortunately, Struan's is roundly detested by a lot of good people." "Well, yes, lan, my backing is impressive." "I'm sure if you knew who it was, you would agree with me." "You're finished." "A man can get burned by selling short in such a volatile market, Quillan." "Don't you think so?" "Well, it sure as hell isn't like the New York stock exchange." "Are you selling short, Mr. Bartlett?" "Not personally." "Not yet." "Well, you should." "A lot of money to be made in a falling market." "So I hear." "And a great deal of money will change hands with control of the Noble House." "What do you think of a raid, Hong Kong style?" "A raid is a raid wherever, but you never know until you've won and all the votes are counted." "As lan said, sometimes you can get burned." "So what are you gonna do about Gornt?" "I'm going to wait." "It's an old Chinese custom." "Patience." "But if Gornt wins, we have no deal." "I understand that quite clearly." "Could he?" "I mean, can Gornt really get control of the Noble House?" "No, not actually." "But with enough stock, he can force his way onto the board and appoint other directors to help him disrupt and destroy." "And his only purpose is to destroy." "Because of the past?" "Partially." "The stakes are high." "Face is involved." "Huge face." "And this is Hong Kong." "Here, the strong survive and the weak perish." "But you have come for profit, and profit you will have," " one way or the other." " Yeah." "I have another appointment." "We'll talk to you later." "Bye." "Can't tell how much he knows." "Or doesn't know." "Nope." "What's the point of playing games, the way you and Gornt were doing?" " Isn't that a little" " A little what?" "Tacky." "I never said I had a lot of class." "Robert." "What are you doing here?" "Oh, I feel rotten." "Drinking on duty." "I just had them sent up." "Here." "What's the problem?" "I did a white room interrogation of an old amah." "Give me the creeps." "Cheers." "It's as if you're thirsty." "What old amah?" "Oh, there was something about her knowing our friend the Werewolf." "It was all a pack of lies at first." "And then?" "Come on." "Drink up and we'll go and have a whiskey." "Bad." "All right." "Let's go." "The old amah, she finally told the truth." "You know how it is." "You catch the lies eventually if you're patient." "I'm fed up with lies." "She's from Ning-Tok." "That's a village outside Canton in mainland China." "You ever hear of it?" "There are lots of villages in mainland China." "What's so special about that one?" "Ning-Tok?" "Oh, that's a name I'll always remember." "In a bad way, old chum." "Come on." "I'll buy." "Oh, just a minute." "I've got to make a call." "Look at you, in such a bloody hurry." "You did very well, Superintendent." "Did I, Commissioner?" "Yes." "Very well." "No." "No, I don't think so." "You must be very tired." "Very tired of these sort of things." "I think about it and it still seems impossible." "Brian a communist mole?" "It doesn't make sense." "Except for the evidence." "Theoretically, Brian Kwok was born in Hong Kong." "His passport has no visa to mainland China, nor was he ever in Ning-Tok, yet here he is." "But Brian's been my friend." "There is no Brian Kwok." "There is only Chu-Toy." "You must realize that." "Yes, I know you believed he was your friend, but the Chinese are the most patient and secretive people on earth." "Aren't they?" "Brian would've become assistant commissioner in a few years." "Precisely, and think what that would have done to us." "I know how betrayed you feel, Robert." "Personally betrayed." "And I'm delighted to tell you that you have the honor of beginning the interrogation." "No." "I can't." "We'll set him up for you, but you're the one for the coup de grâce." "I want to know everything." " Get someone else." " Don't be so bloody boring, Robert." "Chu-Toy, alias Brian Kwok, is an enemy agent who has eluded us for years, and that is all." "No, no, I can't interrogate." "Dear fellow, you can and you will." "You're the only one who can." "After all, you know him well, and Brian is far too smart to be caught like an amateur." "Break him, Robert." "Break him and do it very quickly." "There are a couple of clauses I want in just to protect us." "I don't want this deal renegotiated, Seymour." "I want it wrapped by Tuesday." "No complications." "What about Rothwell-Gornt?" "Best I should feel him out, huh?" "What'd I just say?" "OK." "OK." "You leave Gornt and Dunross alone, Seymour." "Hong Kong's more complicated than we thought." "Leave Gornt and Dunross to Casey and me." "You just deal with their attorneys." "You'll see Struan's attorneys in the morning." "The taipans told them it's top priority." "I should be." "My down payment gets Dunross off the money hook." "If he survives." "Here today, gone tomorrow." "Hey, that must've been some scare on that burning boat." "Story made the New York papers." "Anything else for me?" " That's it for now." " OK." "I'm gonna take a shower." "Wash some of the airplane off." "Sure." "Go ahead." " If you're not doing anything for dinner" " I'm busy." "Why don't you give Casey a call later?" "OK." "Thanks a lot." "Oh, come on." "Take Seymour out and show him around." "He can show himself around." "It's up to you." "I gotta change." " Where are you going?" " I think I may have a date." "Oh?" "Have a swell time." "Damn tramp." "I should've drowned her while I had the chance." " Taipan's office." " Is he in, please?" " This is Casey Tcholok." " One moment." " Hello, Casey." " Hello, lan." " Is there a problem?" " Oh, no, no, no." "I was just wondering if you wanted to have dinner tonight." "I'd love to." "It would have to be late." "Oh, late would be fine for me." "I'll send a car." "I'll wait for the car." " I'll see you then." " Bye." "Well, the client's in fine shape, Superintendent." "Physically." "His blood pressure and heartbeat are nicely up, but..." "That's what's to be expected." " A two-hour cycle?" " Yes, on the half-hour." "Wake, sleep, wake, sleep." "By this time tomorrow, he'll think he's been In there for 1 2 days." "If he can stand it." "Who'd have imagined Brian would've turned out to be a spy?" "He was always so smart." "Let's hope the poor bugger's not too smart." "The sooner he talks, the better." "Are you doing the interview yourself?" "It's on the damn door." "Can't you bloody read?" "Yes, sir." "I'm sorry." "I just--well, I knew he was your friend and" "Yes, it's time for his shot anyway." "Damn you to hell, Brian Kwok." "Damn you to hell." "Listen, Werewolf Dung." "I want to know where you got the coin from." "The half coin." "I told you." "My father gave it to me." "I'm tired of his lies." "Cut off his ears." "It was number one son Chen." "I took it from him." "Who killed number one son Chen?" "I did." "I hit him with a shovel." "Please." "Don't hurt me anymore." "Disgusting coward." "Silence him." "What should we do with this worthless dog?" "He's told the truth at last." "Call my son." "Young Choy does not enjoy this matter." "It's time he grow up." "Time he knew how to treat enemies." "Time he knew real values, not ill-omened, stink-wind, golden mountain values." "My son has forgotten who he is." "Call him." "Seventh son, your father wants you." "Is he dead?" "Not yet." "What a dirty, motherless whore." "To kill number one son Chen and then take the ransom." "Disgusting." "More terrible to get caught, aiyah?" "Give Goodweather Poon a hand." "What?" "You have vomit in your ears?" "Give him a hand!" "What do you want me to do?" "Take his legs." "Put him overboard." "Father, he's not dead." "Put him over the side!" "Linc." "You look terrific." "Thank you." "Would you like to come in?" "Sure." "I didn't know if you were going to come." "I mean, I thought you would, but after this morning..." "What?" "I'm sorry I was such a twit." "But I'm glad you're here." "So am I." "There." "Come look at the view." "It's beautiful." "We're 700 feet above sea level." "Sometimes when it rains at night, I like to stand out here naked." "Well, that's a happy thought, but you better be careful." "That's a long way down." "Heights don't bother me a bit." "But I was really terrified last night." "And not too gracefully, either." "Well, last night was pretty scary." "Yes, but if it hadn't been for you, I would have completely lost face." "You did just fine." "No." "No, I didn't." "You see, face is sometimes more important than life here." "I'm beginning to get that idea." "With Dunross and Quillan Gornt, that battle's mostly over face." "That's right." "And they're both fine men in one way, both devils in another." "What do you mean?" "They're both ruthless, both very strong." "Well, the Chinese have a saying..." "It means, "When pulling weeds, make sure you get rid of the roots. "" "The roots of those two go very deep in Asia, maybe too deep." "It would be hard to get rid of those roots, and it would probably be a very bad idea." "Why?" "Perhaps because they balance each other, keep each other from becoming too strong, having too much control." "But don't listen to me." "When it comes to big business," "I'm out of my depth." "I'm not so sure about that." "What is it?" "I was just thinking how lucky I was to meet you." "Do you always compliment a man?" "No." "Just the ones who please me." "And they're as rare as a heart of a dragon." "Are you hungry?" "I'm starving." "You ready to go?" "Do you like Italian food?" "I could kill for it." "How about fresh pasta with oil and garlic, then a veal piccata, and green salad?" "Let's go." "We don't have to." "Look!" "Hold the lines out!" "Let them come through!" "Get the bales, hurry!" "Hurry!" "Just below the tempest." "Hold the lines up!" "Tie them off!" "Quickly!" "Very good." "Why don't you bring them aboard, Father?" "You could lose them." "Better to leave the harvest of the sea to the sea till it's safe to bring it ashore." "And sometimes we throw some things to the sea that need no harvesting, aiyah?" "Why did you kill that man, Father?" "The captain didn't kill him." "You did, seventh son." "You threw him overboard." "I saw it clearly." "But I didn't want to!" "Tell that to a fine foreign devil judge." "See if you can convince him." "Your secret is safe, my son." "Never fear." "Nobody aboard this boat saw anything, did they, Goodweather Poon?" "No, nothing." "But you want to know what's in those bales?" " No." " Opium." "Delivered on shore, this night's work will bring a great profit." "The profit's not worth the risk, not to me." "Profit is profit!" "I don't want anything to do with drugs!" "I refuse to" "Refuse?" "You refuse nothing." "You are my son." "You will obey." "I threw that man overboard because you forced me," "But I will not" "Quiet!" "You will do whatever I tell you." "Oh, God, those foreign devils!" "Halt!" "We're coming aboard!" "Cut the bales!" "Let them go!" "Hurry!" "Hurry!" "You're approaching the Chinese international border!" "Stand back!" "Where are you going, Father?" "Into Chinese waters." "They cannot follow us there." "There." "You see?" " Oh, good evening, Taipan." " Good evening." "There's a message from your office." "Would you please call on Mr. Wu in Aberdeen as soon as possible?" "Oh, thanks." "You haven't seen Brian Kwok tonight, have you?" "Oh, no, sir." "Superintendent Kwok has not been here." "OK, thank you." "Yes, Superintendent Kwok, please." "This is lan Dunross of Struan's." "Yes?" "Oh, all right." "I'll speak to him." "Evening, Taipan." "It's Robert Armstrong here." "You were calling Brian." "He didn't mention anything about meeting you, but I'm afraid he's had to go out of town." "Just a quick trip." "You know how it is." "Certainly, Taipan." "I'll give him the message." "Sorry to inconvenience you." "Good night." "Come on now." "Can't sleep all day." "Here's your breakfast." "That's it, Brian, old chum." "Eat your bloody breakfast now." "Lunch is in two hours." "Rest for a moment." "When the dance ends." "My legs feel weak." "You wouldn't want me to fall." "You can't fall." "You're in my arms." " Please?" " OK." "But I sure like holding you." "Isn't she beautiful?" "Yeah, they all are." "Are they all for hire?" "For pillowing?" "Yeah, I suppose that's what I meant." "Then the answer is no." "And yes." "Like most things in Asia." "You see, it always depends on her availability, on the man, the money, and the amount she's in debt." "Why in debt?" "When a girl first comes to work here, she has to look pretty." "Clothes, hairdressing-- everything's expensive." "If a girl is beautiful enough, the nightclub owner advances her money to pay for everything she needs, and the girls go out and buy and buy." "Then they have to pay it all back." "The longer they stay, the harder it is to look pretty, and so more the cost." "Sounds like a trap." "It is." "Interest on the debt is 20%, at least." "And so it builds and builds, plus the fines if they're late or badly dressed or unpleasant to the customers." "Pretty rotten life." "Oh, not rotten." "Not rotten at all." "They think they're very lucky." "You see, for a short time in their lives, they live well, eat well, and laugh a lot." "No tears?" "Always tears," "But tears are a way of life for a girl." "But not for you." "I've had my share, but tonight, you've made me forget all the tears I've ever had." "Which girl would you like?" "What?" "You choose, and I'll have her brought over here." "Then if you want" " Are you serious?" " Very serious." "I don't want any of them." "I want you." "Yes, I know, but I can't give me to you." "So I offer you one of them." "Offer me?" "Linc, this is Asia." "Here, sex is not Anglo-Saxon guilt." "It is pleasure to be sought after like great food or great wine." "What is the value of one night to a man with one of these pleasure ladies?" "A moment of pleasure?" "A memory?" "Nothing more." "It has nothing to do with real love." "Well, then, I don't want to pay for" "This is my gift to you, and there is nothing wrong about paying." "These are pleasure ladies who may-- may offer you their youth, which has great value in exchange for some of your money, which has almost none." "It is a fair exchange given and received with face on both sides." "I thank you for your gift, and I return it to you unopened." "The thought alone is gift enough." "You don't seem to be the kind of man to be content with only a thought." "That depends on what I'm thinking about." "Is this the taipan?" "Yes, Miss." "The taipan is waiting." "What's this?" "Quick-fried prawns with pea pods, shredded beef and black bean sauce." "Some quick-fried dumplings, Shanghai style." "Quick-fried vegetables spiced with Szechuan cabbage, and tiny kung pao chicken." "Is that all?" "Oh, who could resist an offer like that?" "And my father had this little optical company." "So a good man for negotiating and the problem of profit." "Maybe haggling was in my blood." "There was probably some Armenian rug merchant back in my family." "But I just had a knack for business." "Then by the time my father died, I was practically running the company." "So you took it over." "A little slice of the market." "But no capital and no room to maneuver." "Got behind the good quality of our work." "Then a year later George Tafu-- ran Randolph Optical-- offered me a chance to subcontract some of his orders." "I thought that was a big deal, except what he was really doing was stealing my customers." "On top of that, he reneged on the deal." "He never paid for the work we did." "Two months later, my company went under." "What did you do?" "Well, first I went out and got all of George Tafu's balance sheets, and then I figured out how to take him and Randolph Optical to the cleaners." "Only problem was, I couldn't afford to do it." "So I started looking around for someone who could." "Par-Con." "That's right." "I sat down and wrote a letter with all my ideas to the head of Par-Con, Mr. Lincoln Bartlett." "And five days later, he called me." "That's how you met?" "Incredible." "The advantage of not knowing better." "What did Linc do?" "He listened to my plan, and then he said, "OK, go ahead. "" " Just like that?" " Mm-hmm." "Little over three months later," "Par-Con took over Randolph Optical." "Linc asked me if I wanted to reorganize it, and I did." "Today, Par-Con's Randolph division grosses $150 million a year." "So then Linc offered you a permanent position in the company." "Well, he waited for me to ask for the job." "And when I did, he just tossed me a little box." "Inside were Par-Con's business cards with my name on them." "Linc had them printed weeks earlier, but first I had to ask." "And that's been your relationship?" "Strictly business," "Though people have a hard time believing that." "When a man and a woman work closely together, everyone assumes it's sexual." "Not that women in business don't use their sexuality." "I was reading the newspaper tonight about the races on Saturday." "Big contest." "It's between you and Gornt, as usual." "What's your horse's name?" "Noble Star." "Gornt's is called Pirate Fish." "I think I may put all my money on Noble Star." "I wouldn't do that." "You should always hedge your bet." "Some bets you don't hedge." "Some bets you can't hedge." "I think I know what you're gonna do now." "And?" "But maybe I'm wrong." "Let's find out." "I was right." "Suddenly, I'm" "I wasn't finished." "Oh, no?" "Wait." "Please." "What I said before about a man and a woman in business, people assuming that it's sexual." "Oh, sometimes it's very hard to keep it from becoming... sexual." "Sometimes like right now." " And?" " Right here." " And?" " Now and..." "Well, I don't know how to say this." "If we make love, right at this moment, that seems like a wonderful idea." "I'm gonna feel very funny sitting across a negotiating table from you tomorrow." "We both have the same disadvantage." "Except you're the taipan and I work for Linc, and Linc would know." "Oh, I just wish I met you somewhere else." "Bad timing." "There you go." " Portal to portal service." " Always." "Aren't you coming?" "My car's just there." "If this weren't Hong Kong..." "Ah, but it is Hong Kong." "Nothing can change that." "Good night, lan." "Good night, Casey." "Good evening, Taipan." "My uncle's waiting for you." "Good evening, Paul." "Your uncle tells me you've got a job." "Yes, sir." "At Rockwell." "I start next Monday." "Hello, Taipan." "Please." "I'm sorry that I failed to help John Chen as you requested." "I apologize for failing you." "Joss." "Why did you want to see me?" "Our families have been old friends for many years," "Very many years." "Yes." "The seaborne Wu and Struan's are like brothers." "The present is like the past." "The past like the present." "They are the same, yes." "And with the Noble House, the word of one taipan is the word of all taipans, especially the word of the green-eyed devil, is that true?" "It is... to ask such questions from an old friend when you know the answer." "What does the name Wu Fung Choy mean to the taipan of the Noble House?" "He is your illustrious ancestor and friend of my illustrious ancestor." "Yes." "But your ancestor kept his promise to mine." "The green-eyed devil kept his bargain to Wu Fung Choy, and after him, Calum Struan also kept the bargain." "Will you keep his bargain, Taipan?" "Or will you dishonor the Noble House?" "Perhaps it is real." "Of course it's real." "Where did you get this?" "How many coins were there at first?" "You tell me." "Four, there were four!" "One to your illustrious ancestor Wu Fung Choy, paid and honored." "Why would your family have two?" "That is not possible." "So this has been stolen." "From whom?" "Stolen or not, you must grant whatever I ask." "Or is the face of the green-eyed devil no longer the face of the Noble House?" "One coin, one favor to whoever asks." "I ask." "If, and only if, the favor's possible and if the coin is real." "Let me take it and I shall see if it matches the other half." "You take your old friend to be a fool." "Here." "Match your coin with this." "Your half fits, then my coin is real." "If it is real, you, taipan of the Noble House, must do as the green-eyed devil swore by all his gods you would do." "When will I have your answer?" "Monday." "That is soon enough." "Yesterday, I asked a favor of you, and you refused." "That favor was different, Taipan." "That was not the same as an ancient promise collecting an ancient debt." "Then reconsider it, old friend." "Because if there is no Noble House, there will be no noble favor." "Aiyah." "You're out late." "You're up late." "I slept all day when I wasn't running to the loo." "So I thought I'd venture out." "How are you feeling after your swim in Aberdeen's foul harbor?" "No ill effects." "Christian, you know so much about this place." "Who would you go with?" "Dunross or Gornt?" "In business, Quillan Gornt." "For the future, lan Dunross, if he can weather this storm." "From what I hear, though, that's not likely." "Why Dunross for the future?" "Face." "Gornt hasn't the style to be the taipan or the necessary background." "Is that so important?" "Here, totally." "If Par-Con wants years of growth--Dunross." "If you're in for a killing, a quick in-and-out raid, go with Gornt." "Why do you ask me?" "I don't know who else to ask." "What do you know about Orlanda Ramos?" "Probably more than I should." "But knowing scandal and gossip about a living person isn't the same as knowing legends of ancient times, is it?" "Is Gornt using her with Linc?" " You saw them at the party last night." " I saw all of you." "In fact, I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like that, everyone watching everyone." "Is Gornt using Orlanda?" "I suppose someone could ask, is Bartlett using you?" "Forgive me." "I'm afraid I'm a bit out of sorts." "I think I better go home." "Oh, no." "What now?" "Is it true, Taipan, that old friends have refused to help you financially?" "Yes." "Terrible." "Terrible times, when old friends forsake old friends." "It is your play." "I've never played this course before." "You've had no need to." "You have Shei-Goh to play on, or the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club." "This is a place for the Chinese." "If Hong Kong is part of China, Mr. Tip," "I was born in China." "Cantonese was my first language." "If I am not Chinese, then what am I?" "What do you want of me, Taipan?" "What is it that you ask?" "I ask for your friendship." "I ask for your support." "You ask the Bank of China to rescue the Noble House." "Yes." "That is what I request." "It is your play, Taipan." "I envy your swing." "Have you considered selling part of your company, perhaps even 51%?" "I'm not allowed to do that." "No taipan can do that." "Dirk Struan-- old, green-eyed devil-- made sure none of us could sell his company." "How much money does the Noble House require?" "Revolving credit of 200 million." "A substantial sum." "And without it?" "Our place could be taken by others... others who don't share our friendship with the Middle Kingdom." "I will pass on your request, Mr. Dunross." "That's all I can do." "It's also a question of time." "When will be too late?" " Monday." " Frankly, Mr. Dunross," "I would not hold out too much hope that the Bank of China would approve of your request, but the chairman of the China Great Wall International Trust Corporation in Beijing is a man called Tsu-Yan." "I believe you know him." "Not exactly." "Last time I saw Tsu-Yan, we were both 1 2 years old." "Oh, Mr. Dunross, we may hope he remembers you with kindness." " I know I'm right." " The hell you are." "It's obvious." "Where did you meet her?" "At Gornt's, and she was his mistress for years." "He's using Orlanda to get at you, to soften you up." "I did some checking." "Did you know that" "Gornt pays for her apartment?" "We got a lot riding on this deal and you're going to blow it over" " What?" "Go ahead." "Say it." " She's just the same as Gornt." "They're both after your money." "That's all." "It's my money and it's my company and I'll do whatever I want to." " Do you understand that?" " Par-Con's not your personal toy." "I've got stock, too, remember?" "You want to vote your shares, I'll vote mine, and you know who wins that spitting contest." "You want my resignation, Linc?" "I just want you to stay the hell out of my personal life." "No waters allowed, and if you beat down this door again, you'll regret it." " I have to drink something." " No water." "What do you think you're doing?" "How dare you treat Superintendent Kwok like this." "It's Commissioner Crosse's order, sir." "He said" "I don't give a damn what he said." "Get some water." "Now." " Yes, sir." " Come on." "Come here." "You're not too steady on your feet." "You all right?" "What--what the hell's going on?" "I don't know." "I've just heard." "That's why I'm here." "I was told you'd been on leave for a few days." "Crosse has gone mad." "He claims you're a communist spy." "Me?" "Me?" "That's insane." "This is all you can have." "How long have they had you in here?" " I don't know." "What's the day today?" " Friday the 30th." "God." "It's been over a week." "Listen, Robert, it's all a mistake." "You've got to help me." "Don't you see?" "What are you doing in here?" "I have a right to know what's going on, sir." "You have no rights, Superintendent Armstrong." "This is a security matter." "Now, listen, spy." "I want the names and addresses of all your contacts right now." " Who is your controller?" " Sir, it's all a mistake." "There's no controller." "I'm not a spy." "Then explain how you were photographed in Ning-Tok with your mother." "Explain how your real name is Chu-Toy." "I'm Brian Kwok." "You are a liar, and I'll see to it that you spend the rest of your days in this cell unless you confess to everything." "And you are forbidden to come in here without permission." "What possessed you to do it, Brian?" "What?" "I'm innocent." "I'm sorry, sir." "You've got to leave." "All right." "Brian, I'll do what I can." "You did very well, Robert." "Did you see his face when he heard his real name?" "No mistake about that." "No mistake about his guilt." "Step up sleep-wake schedule, doctor." "Every hour on the hour." "I don't know that that would be medically safe." "Well, you'll keep close tabs on him." "If it's too much, then you'll ease back." "Leave at 1 2 hours, then you'll interrogate him again." "If that doesn't work, put him in the red room." "No." "No, not Brian." "Brian Kwok is dead and that man killed him." "He betrayed you, Robert." "He betrayed us all." "A communist agent spying in Hong Kong." "God only knows the damage." "We'll have to find out what he gave them, who his contacts are." "No, Robert." "Chu-Toy is not your friend." "Welcome aboard the Sea Witch, Mr. Bartlett." "Take her out." "It's quite a boat." "Yes." "How many does she sleep?" "Oh, six comfortably." "There's a permanent crew of four." " I'll show you around if you like." " No, this is fine right here." "You say that there was something you wanted to ask me." "Yeah." "You haven't changed your mind about Struan's." "Their stock is down to nine and a half." "That means we are between 50 and 60 billion Hong Kong ahead." "You will double your money in less than a week." "That's not a bad investment." "What do you buy back in?" "Oh, it depends on when you decide to dump them." "How many shares do you need for control?" "Enough to give us three immediate seats on the board." "When that happens, lan's through." "Then, shortly afterwards, I merge Struan's with Rothwell-Gornt." "You're a taipan of the Noble House." "In the best of all possible worlds, yes." "What did you want to ask me?" "About Orlanda." "And me?" "And everything." "Very well." "The first time I saw Orlanda was when she was 10." "It was a Saturday at the races." "Her father was a manager in my shipping division" "Eduardo Ramos, a good fellow." "Third-generation Macao." "Her mother was pure Shanghainese." "And Orlanda was the prettiest girl that I've ever seen." " Go on." " Three years later..." " You sure you want to hear all this?" " Oh, I'm very sure." "Very well." "Three years later..." "Eduardo Ramos was in serious financial trouble." "Had bad debts, gambling, whatever." "His wife came to me and offered Orlanda as a mul jai." " As a what?" " A mui jai, Mr. Bartlett, is a daughter given by a debtor to a creditor forever, in settlement of debts that could not otherwise be paid." " What do you mean "given"?" " Exactly that--given as property." "It's an ancient Chinese custom." " Do you accept it?" " Of course." "I settled her father's debts, gave him a modest guaranteed pension, and paid for Orlanda's schooling." "Hmm." "In return, her parents guaranteed to return her to me a virgin and suitably enamored on or before her 18th birthday." "I didn't see her again until that time." " You owned her." " In a way, for five years." "But no more than she owned me." "I was very much in love with her." "Why'd it end?" "Ah." "Why does any relationship end?" "Any marriage?" "Thousand reasons and none." "If I could give you the answer to that, I'd be a far wiser man than I am." "Oh, there were arguments, unpleasant moments, angry words." "But I've chosen to forget all that." "After all, it has been three years." "But you're still good friends." "I will always be Orlanda's friend and she will always be mine," "But that is all." "I'm not using Orlanda, Mr. Bartlett." "She is not a prize." "She is not bait." "I wouldn't want to see her hurt." "No." "You don't believe me?" "This is Hong Kong." "I'm out of my depth." "Does Orlanda know that her mother came to you?" "About the mui jai?" "No." "That is a perpetual secret that I must ask you to honor." "Will you?" " Yeah." " Good." "And now you know it all." "Well, what's your decision?" "You see, Mr. Bartlett, time has come for you to make up your mind which side you are on." "Why don't we leave it this way?" "Next Tuesday, old debts and friendships are canceled and we start fresh." "All of us." "And Mr. Alastair called twice." "Asked that you call him the moment you came in." "I'll get to him later." "Phillip has been waiting to see you." "Yes?" " Mr. Mata is calling again." " I'll take it." "Lando." "How's Macao?" "Casino is crowded, and that is all that matters." "I had to sell you." "At 21?" "No. 20 as we agreed." "I'm sorry things are going so badly for you." " Can you hold on?" " I could use your help." "Then come and talk to me." "Besides, it'll do you good to get away from Hong Kong." "Are you free tonight?" "I can be." "Then come when you can." "I shall expect you." "I haven't been much use to you lately, Taipan." "Please forgive me." "It's all right, Philip." "I understand." "I'm very sorry about John." "Very sorry indeed." " When's the funeral?" " Tomorrow." "Tomorrow at 10:00." "I was wondering if you'd say a few words." "Yes, of course I will." "Of course I will." "Is there anything I can do?" "Staying home with Dianne, the time goes by very slowly." "There is something I need your advice on." " Ahem." " Here." "This was" "B-Bartlett gave this to you already?" "Bartlett?" "What has Bartlett got to" "This is your coin." "Of course." "Your family would have one." "But why do you think Bartlett gave it to me?" " Tai" " Tell the truth, Comprador, now." "It was John." "He stole the coin." "He was going to give it or sell it to Bartlett's." "Why?" "John was working for him." "I found papers, contracts in John's safe deposit box." "He was betraying us, betraying the Noble House, giving Bartlett all our secrets." "Why didn't you tell me?" "I was afraid, Taipan." "I was afraid, ashamed." "And when I found the coin gone," "I knew John had taken it." "Four Finger Wu." "He gave the coin to you." "Why do you think so?" "When I delivered the ransom, the 500,000, he sent his men to protect me from the Werewolf." "Was it him?" "How did John know the secrets of the Noble House?" "Where did he get the information he gave to Bartlett?" " I don't" " You must have told John." "There is only you, Alastair, my father, Deville, and me who know the private details!" "I didn't tell him." "I swear I didn't." "You kept records, private records!" "That's how John found out." "Yes, l--l-- kept records." " I had to." " Had to?" "Why?" "Come on, damn it!" "Because my father, before he passed the house and the coin over to me, he made me swear to keep, to record the private dealings of the Noble House, to protect the house of Chen." "It was just that, Taipan, never to use against you or the house, just a protection." "Get Jacques in here straightaway." "So, Bartlett's got our structure." "Our balance sheets." "What else has he got?" " l" " Answer me!" "I don't know." "I don't." "But the coin." "It's mine." "It belongs to me." "What is it, Taipan?" "Take Philip home, please." "He's not feeling too well." "And there are private papers to bring back." "You give Jacques everything." "The letters, the contracts, the private records, everything." "Do you understand?" " Taipan" " Everything." "Yes." "Come on, old man." "Let's see you home." "Come on." "Miss Casey Tcholok's on the line." " Do you want to call her back?" " No." "I'll take it." " Casey." " Hi." "Yes." "Fine." "That would be very nice." "Why don't you take the ferry across and I'll meet you?" "Good." "Oh, and Casey..." " Bring your passport." " OK." "Hi." "Good timing." "I just got here." "Why do I need my passport?" "We're going to Macao." "Portuguese territory." "What's in Macao?" "Oh, there's the Port of the Circle." "That's the Chinese port." "The facade of St. Paul's, the Bishop's Purse." "No, I mean, why are you going?" "To see Lando Mata." "He thought it would do me good to get out of Hong Kong." "It's only an hour's trip." "I thought you might enjoy it." "In that?" " In that." " Yours?" "Struan's." "Good afternoon, Taipan." "Is your life always like this, Taipan?" "I mean, your house, cars, this boat." "The best of everything." "The taipan of the Noble House lives well, but the taipan loans it." "He carries all the responsibility for the Noble House and he can't share it, so he sweats." "Dirk Struan had his own plans and rules." " He wanted us to sweat." " Why?" "Once when he was beset by his enemies," "Tyler Brock and his scum," "Dirk just laughed and said," ""An able man has many burdens." ""And as I am abler than most," "I sweat more than most. "" "And are you sweating now, Taipan?" "Should I be?" "It seems Struan's is way out on a limb, about to go under." "Shall we go inside?" "It may get a little wet out here." " Are you avoiding the subject?" " No." "Just trying to keep you dry." "The Noble House will survive, Casey." "You don't have to worry about that." "Doesn't look that way from the outside, lan." "From what I've heard, everyone seems to think that Gornt will make the raid stick." "We have a deal till Tuesday." "That's what we agreed." "Do you want to change that?" "No." "But in your present state, it'd be crazy to proceed." "So, we have two alternatives." "It's either Rothwell-Gornt, or we've got to help you with some kind of bailout operation." "Oh?" "You have a preference?" "I think you're best for us, long term." "Huh." "Thank you." "How far are you willing to go?" "I'm not sure." "Par-Con's bankers are First Central in New York, and we do a lot of business together." "Dave Murtaugh is the vice president and he's a good guy." "And I called him a couple hours ago and he'd be very interested in becoming Struan's New York banker." "In return for what?" "They'd become your prime leading American bank and you keep between $10 million and $15 million on deposit at all times." "If that works, Murtaugh said he'd be willing to discuss a revolving $100 million credit line against the value of the unissued shares you've got in your treasury." "He said he'd need your personal guarantee." "Well, that's the taipan privilege." "Um, what does Par-Con want out of this?" "What do you and Linc want?" "A long-term deal with Struan's as old friends." "I've discovered what "old friend" means here, Chinese style," "And that's what I want." "Next." "Is that a yes?" "I'd like to know all the terms before I agree to them." " What does Linc want?" " Linc doesn't know about it yet." "Don't you think you should consult him?" "I'm executive director of Par-Con, and Struan's is my deal." "It cost us nothing but our influence to get you out of your trap," "And that's what influence is for." "I want our deal to go through, and I don't want Gornt to win." " Why?" " I told you." "I think you're best for us in the long run." " And that's the only reason?" " What else could there be?" "And some of the little fish restaurants out here are wonderful." "One of them specializes in sea slugs." "Oh, God." "I'll pass." "Ha ha." "The Chinese say if its back faces heaven, it's edible." "Seems like everybody in Hong Kong depends half their time thinking about eating." "Chinese are very concerned about food." "They're very suspicious of restaurants that waste money on decorations and candlelight." "They like to see their food." "The Chinese are at their best eating, like the Italians." "I really like being with you." "Yes, but something's bothering you, isn't it?" "Oh, you're a mind reader, too." "I've been taught to use my eyes and senses, Linc." "Certainly I try to read your mind in order to do what pleases you." "Isn't that what a woman should do for a man?" "Not the women I've known." "But now you know me." "Is that what's bothering you?" "I saw Quillan today." "We talked about you." "You want to know anything about me, Linc, all you have to do is ask." "All right." "Why did you and Quillan break up?" "I didn't break up with him." "He broke up with me." " And he was right." " Why?" "It's not a story I'm proud of." "Well, I'd--I'd like to hear it anyway." "All right." "Once when Quillan was away," "I went to Macao with another man." "We spent the night." "He was a young man from London." "Minor executive at Asian Profiteers." "And I was bored and spoiled." "God knows I wasn't in love with him, but I went with him anyway." "Naturally, someone told Quillan." "Well, that was the end of it." "Just like that?" "I begged for forgiveness." "Quillan said there was nothing to forgive." "Still, it was a matter of face." "And he left me." "And it ended there, just like that." "No." "Not quite." "Quillan had the young man fired and sent back to England." "He sent me on the same flight." "He gave me money to buy clothes and go to the theater, and he said, "Have a happy time." ""Come back without problems. "" "But he said if I ever spoke a single word to that young man ever again, he would never forgive me." "Doesn't make much sense." "I told you it was a matter of face." "Did this young man try to talk to you?" "Yes." "Did you talk to him?" "No." " Never?" " Never." "He tried to speak to me on the plane." "He phoned me in London." "I never spoke a single word to him." "And after I came back here, l--I found" "What?" "He killed himself the day I left London." "I didn't think that just because I wouldn't talk to him..." "Did he know about you and Gornt?" "Yes, of course he knew." "It wasn't your fault, or Gornt's, for that matter." "It was just bad joss, for him, and good joss for me." "What?" "Otherwise, you might still be Quillan Gornt's mistress." "What would you like me to be, Linc?" "How about if we start with honest?" "That Gornt set me up, didn't he, with you?" "Don't look away." "Just tell me the truth." "The truth is" "Yes." "What were you supposed to do, Orlanda?" "I was just supposed to distract you, that's all." "Well, it looks like you succeeded." "You can tell Gornt that, or I will." "No, Linc, please, l" "I didn't know you then." " I didn't think that I'd" " What?" "No more lies, Orlanda, not now." "The game you agree to play for Gornt is over." "It's finished." "Yes." "Yes, it is." "Good." "We could begin again." "Would you like that?" "I'd like that very much." "To be everything that you could desire in a woman." "Everything." "Good afternoon, Taipan." "It's good to see you once again in Macao." "Thank you, Alvarez." "It's very kind of you to meet us, indeed." "Well, it's Mr. Mata's pleasure." "May I have your passports, please?" "Whole different feeling here." "Yes." "Macao is very European." "In fact, the Portuguese have been here a very long time, 250 years before Hong Kong was born." "What will happen in 1997?" "I mean, does Macao revert to China when Hong Kong does?" "No." "That happens two years later, in 1999." "In fact, the Portuguese government tried to give Macao back to China in 197 4." "The People's Republic refused to accept it then." " Obrigado." " We can go now." "Please." "Think I'm in Las Vegas." "Oh, I think the gentlemen in Las Vegas could learn a thing or two from here." " Hello, lan." " Hello, Lando." "How are you?" "And welcome to my house, Miss Casey." " Hello." "Thank you." " What a pleasant surprise." "I thought she might enjoy the trip." "I'm delighted that you're here, both of you." "Come in, please." "Minha casa, vossa casa." "Oh, this is really beautiful." "Yes." "It is a pleasant house." "Unfortunately, I'm not here that often." "There's a wonderful view across the Pearl River and beyond--mainland China." "Perhaps you will visit again." "I'd love to." "Listen." "I know you and the taipan have things you want to talk about, so" "Oh, I will not keep him long." "In the meantime, if you'd care to refresh yourself..." "Fine." "Maria?" "Maria will show you the way." "Thank you." "Very attractive woman." "Is she on your side?" " Should she be?" " I hope so, Taipan." "There have been rumors about Mr. Bartlett and Quillan Gornt, rumors about private agreements." " Are they true?" " Bartlett is a businessman." "If I were in his position, I'd probably be doing the same thing." "By the way, I only got 17 and a half for my Noble House shares, so I kept my word better than I intended, but I suppose I was lucky to get out when I did." "Considering what you paid for them, you still made a profit." "Ah, yes, but that was three years ago." "Do you still believe you will survive?" "I have to, don't I?" "I've spoken to other members of the syndicate here." "They all agree you'd be an ideal choice to represent the gambling concession." "Under those and other certain conditions, they would be willing to invest in Struan's." "What other conditions?" "You sell them half the treasury shares..." "I can't sell control of Struan's." "With our money, you'll smash Gornt." "I can't pass over control-- that's impossible, Lando--even if I wanted to." "No one has to know." "The next taipan would know." "I can't do it." "Oh, you can, lan." "You're the taipan of the Noble House." "You can do whatever you wish." "You could even move the whole house to Macao, if you wanted to." "I'm sure the government would be pleased to extend you the necessary concessions." "Wouldn't that be better than losing to Gornt and whoever is backing him?" "I'm not going to lose." "Yes, you will, Taipan." "On this, you have no choice." "Meeting over?" "Yes." "Lando had to go out." "How did it go?" "Oh, as expected." "Is that good or bad?" "Oh, you might say it was disappointing." "Wasted trip?" "Oh, I'd hardly call it that." "So far, the trip has been the best part." "A visit to Macao is not complete without going to a casino." "I'm no gambler." "I always lose." "Well, perhaps you haven't found the right game." "This is the oldest gambling game in China, probably from 1,000 years ago." "The odds sound pretty lousy to me." "Oh, it takes a practiced eye to play fan-tan." "I want to watch this." "Squeeze in down here." "Excuse me, sir." "Can I just get in?" "Thank you." "You mean, you have to guess how many buttons are in the cup?" "No." "It's how many are left over after he lines them up four at a time" "One, two, three or four." "Thank you." "This time, it's three." "Practiced eye, except this time, it's two." "I thought you never gambled." "This isn't gambling." "I can't lose." " I'm afraid you will." "It's three." " Two." "Come on, three." "It's three." " Three." "Come on, three." " Two." "Three." "Come on, three." "I've been playing this game since I was a boy." "Yeah?" "Well, when I was a kid, they used to put a jar of jellybeans in Rankhart's Candy Store, and whoever guessed-- oh, I got it right!" "Here." "Oh, dear me, ten out of 1 2?" "You should be barred from playing the game, banned from the club." "It's just my practiced eye." "What's behind the smile?" "Oh, general satisfaction." "All is well at this point in the world." "At least all the various problems are in their compartments." "What compartments?" "The only way to deal with problems is the Asian way." "You take your problems, whatever they are, and put them into individual compartments." "then you take them out when you're meant to deal with them, preferably one at a time." "That's good if you can do it." "Oh, but you have to do it." "If not, you go under." "Tomorrow will take care of tomorrow's problems." "You mean, everything can wait?" "No..." "Not everything." "I'm glad we're not in Hong Kong." "Then you're not in a hurry to go back?" "Tomorrow's problem." "Whatever happened to her?" "Whatever happened to who?" "You know..." "The first one..." "The one your Uncle Chen-Chen sold you to." "Elegant Jade." "Did you fall in love with her?" "Madly." "Frail love." "During summer holidays when I was home in boarding school in England, and on my first day back in the third summer," "I went to find her, but she was gone." "Where?" "Tried to find her everywhere." "Then I went to ask Uncle Chen-Chen." "He'd become very old." "Did he know?" "Oh, yes, but..." "He told me it was time for her to go." "It was too easy for a young man to give too much to a girl-- too much time, too much thought." "I had to put my mind on the Noble House." "When you were 17?" "Taipans are raised from an early age." "Did Uncle Chen-Chen ever tell you where she was?" "Oh." "Oh, yeah." "In Taipei." "He made me swear that I would never try to find her." "Why?" "Well, it would take away her face and her beauty." "For both of us, and it would destroy the memory." " Did you ever see her again?" " No." "I'll tell you one thing, lan Dunross." "You had one... hell... of a teacher." "Did you send the cable to Bangkok?" "Yes, Father." "Why are you asking this Mr. Lee to come join you?" "White Powder Lee is a very good chemist." "He will be in charge of my new pharmaceutical plant." "You see how many ships the Noble House sails in these waters?" "My half-coin will pay for many cargoes, safe cargoes, with guaranteed delivery." "The taipan will never agree to carry opium in his ships." "He told you." "I allow you to listen to my conversations in order for you to learn, and still you learn nothing." "This gives me power over the taipan, all taipans." "This gives me control of the Noble House." "Our ancestor Wu Fung Choy used his half-coin to demand a clipper ship from the green-eyed devil, but he forgot to demand safe passage of the ship as part of his bargain." "What happened to Wu Fung Choy's ship?" "The green-eyed devil's son, Calum the Weak, delivered the ship as he had to, and he sent his own ships out of the east like assassins in the night." "They murdered our ship and Wu Fung Choy with her." "That is the honor of the Noble House, my son." "Now get the car." "Venus Poon is expecting me at 10:00." "The car is at the dock." "I'd like to know more about the history of our family, Father, the history of the seaborne Wu." "Then when I allow you to hear my conversations, listen well." "Did you go to Kellett Island to the foreign devils' yacht club?" "Yes, but the taipan's boat hadn't returned." "Good." "Then he's spending the night in Macao." "I am pleased that the taipan is doing to one American what the other is trying to do to him." "Oh, it's so beautiful." "You see, little mealy mouth?" "I promised you'd have it on Friday." "Yes, and this abject person is filled with sorrow for having doubted you." "Though I shouldn't have given it to you after you shamed me allowing Four Finger Wu to escort you to the party." "I only did that because I was angry." "What is it?" "I'm dizzy." "My head is spinning." "It's too much excitement." " Then let's go to bed." " No!" "Oh, no." "My head hurts." " I really must lie down." " But l" "But I told my wife I'd be in Taipei." "Well, then go to your club and call me tomorrow." "But" "Four Finger Wu, please be late tonight." "You wait for me here." "Casey?" "You up?" "Just want to say I'm sorry." "Madam not in, sir." "Very sorry." "Who's in control?" "Ning-Tok." "Who's in control?" "Chu-Toy." "Ning-Tok." "Who's in control?" "Ning-Tok." "Who's in control?" "Chu-Toy." "Ning-Tok." "Who's in control?" "Chu-Toy." "Ning-Tok." "Ning-Tok." "Ning-Tok." "Ning-Tok." "Ning-Tok, Ning-Tok." "All right, Brian." "I'm here." "I'm putting everything right." "There's nothing to be afraid of now." "Robert?" "It's me, old chum." "Robert." "Let's get you up." "Thank you." "Thank you." "Oh, Robert, I'm sick, very sick." "The doctor said you're in fine shape, nothing to worry about, just bad dreams, Brian." "That's all it is." " Where are you going?" " I must leave now." "Stay with me, Robert." "Please stay with me." "We'll talk." "Yes." "You wanted to talk." "Don't leave me." "All right, old friend." "Then talk." "I won't go while we talk." "What do you want to tell me, about Ning-Tok?" "Yes." "I'll tell you about Ning-Tok." "I went there, Robert." "Yes." "I went there when my father died." "I had to go." "Tell me how you went to Ning-Tok, and I'll stay." "Friends." "My friends helped me." "It only took a day." "What friends, Brian?" "Who are they?" "Don't remember." "Then I must go." "Next week, I'll come back." "No." "I'll tell you who it was." "It was--it was" "Who?" "Chung Li." "He helped me." "Where does he live, your friend Chung Li?" "He" "Fourth alley in Aberdeen, number 8, lucky 8, fifth floor." "Very good, old chum." "Now, who else?" "Who were your other friends who helped you go to Ning-Tok?" "Sensible Tok, who owns the Hu Tok restaurant." "Remember?" "Took you there." "You liked the food." "Remember?" "Yes, yes." "I remember." "Who else?" "Tell me, Brian." "Who else helped you?" "Dr. Meng in the princess building." "Dr. Meng, he made all the arrangements." "I'm tired." "If you're tired, I'll leave." "No, please." "Is Dr. Meng your controller, Brian?" "Gweilo foreign devils have raped my country for centuries." "You know that's true." "Yes." "Yes, Brian." "That's true." "Was Dr. Meng your controller?" "No." "Controller was in Shanghai." "God, head aches." "I'm so thirsty." "And what did you give to your controller in Shanghai, Brian?" "Dossiers, S. I. Files, whatever they asked for." "Ian?" "Ian?" "Who's there?" "Lim Chu, miss." "The taipan is not here." "I know, miss." "The taipan had to return to Hong Kong very early, miss." "He left the boat for you." "He told me to make sure that you were back in time for the races, so we have to leave soon." "Oh." "How did he go?" "He took the dawn jet, miss." "I'll be down in a few minutes." " From the taipan, miss." " Thank you." ""Considering the vast sum of money you've won," ""don't you think you should take me out to dinner tonight?" ""lan. "" "Have you collected Philip's papers?" "Yes." "They're at the office." "Claudia locked them away." "Taipan, what is this all about?" "Nothing terribly pleasant, Jacques." "I'll explain it to you later." "Thank you for your kind words about John, Taipan." "Again, I'm sorry." "Sorry is sorry, but that still doesn't help extricate us from the trap your son and you put us into." "I know." "I know." "You've got the weekend, Philip." "You'll claim every favor you're owed and raise 14 million." " But, Taipan" " If I don't get that by Sunday midnight, have your resignation on my desk by 9:00 a. m." "You and your family will be out of the Noble House forever." " You can't." "The le" " I can." "The house of Chen has many branches." "Sunday midnight, Philip, or it will be too late." "Good day, Mr. Gornt." "Morning." "Louie, if you win, you have a $10,000 bonus, but if you finish behind Noble Star, you're fired." " Yes, guv." " Pirate Fish and..." "If Noble Star wins, you are fired." "But, Mr. Gornt, what do you want?" "Look." "I'm not suggesting you do anything." "I'm just telling you what will happen," "And, Louie, if I fire you," "I'll make sure you never ride for anyone else again." "Taipan..." "These are the papers that Jacques said you wanted." "Thank you, Claudia." "By the way, did you and Miss Tcholok have an enjoyable time in Macao?" "Since your source of information is so good, Claudia, why don't you give me the details on the American Super Foods merger with Hong Kong General Stores, say, in the next 15 minutes?" "Yes, sir." "Excuse me, Taipan, but it's Alexej Travkin." "He says it's urgent." "All right." "Yes, Alexej?" "Jockey is sick, Taipan, Johnny Moore." "I had him up on Noble Star." "He seemed all right this morning." "He's running 103-degree temperature." "Doctor says it might be food poison." "You mean, he's been tampered with?" "I don't know, Taipan." "I only know he's no good for us today." "Who do you want up on Noble Star?" "We'll decide before the race." "I'll see you when I get there." "OK." "I still think you're wrong." "Deal goes the way I want it." " End of discussion." " Like hell." "You just want to go with Gornt because of Orlanda, and that's not good enough reason." "This has nothing to do with her." "Dunross is in a trap he can't get out of." "I wouldn't be so sure." "What are you up to, Casey?" "I'm just telling you, the Noble House is the right deal for us." "I know you better than anyone, and you're up to something." "I'm just trying to stop you from making a business mistake for emotional reasons." "Emotional reasons, huh?" "Where the hell were you last night?" "Yes!" "Good." "Did you have it?" "Good, good." "This box is the only way to go to the races." "Yes." "Struan's has always had the best position, right at the winning post, thanks to Dirk." "Another family legend?" "Dirk Struan began the turf club, he put up all the money for the first meeting, so he was rated this position when the first stands were built." "So far, we've managed to hang on to it." "It's certainly worth hanging on to." "Really like it-- the track, the horses." "Yes." "There's a special joy, a special excitement about racing." "That moment when the horses turn for the finish?" "Oh, there's nothing quite like it." "Well, I'm glad you're interested in something outside the Noble House." "Oh, yes." "I wasn't always taipan." "I won't always be taipan." "You think about that time?" "Oh, yeah, every now and then." "By the way, you're on for dinner, my treat." "Oh, good." "Good." "Should cash in your ticket." "The odds are 15:1." "No, thanks." "I'll be back." "Ah, Casey, did you win, too?" "Only had ten bucks on her." "It's not the amount that matters." "It's the winning, and it's very lucky to pick the first winner first time at the track." "I didn't pick it." "Christian Toxe gave me a tip." "Ah, Toxe." "Want to come boating tomorrow?" "Supposed to rain." "Then we'll stay inside." "I'll phone you in the morning." "Well, which is your box?" "I don't have one." "I'm not a steward yet, but I will be." "That was the worst race I've ever seen." "That jockey ought to get arrested." "Whose jockey was that, Mr. Biltzmann?" "Taipan." "The crook riding, you know, the favorite." "He held his horse back, just reined him to a dead stop." "It was an out and out fix." "Now, now, Mr. Biltzmann, if there was anything irregular," "I'm sure the steward would be onto it at once." "Oh." "Yeah?" "Then how come they're paying off?" "Listen." "I'm no sucker, and I know a fix when I see one." "Did you see the jockey do anything untoward?" "I'm afraid I didn't watch the race." "Quillan?" "The race was fine." "That berk's manners are appalling." "Excuse me." "I didn't see anything, honest." "Of course, if I hadn't have won..." "Fan-tan, horse races... is there anything you don't win at?" "I hope not." "Then would you be prepared to gamble all your Par-Con stock against a potential profit of $4 million to $8 million within 30 days?" " What?" " The odds are excellent." "Yes or no?" "OK." " Oh, thank you for bringing her today." " What?" "I brought her for me, not for you." "But, little treasure" "Go away." "You're giving us indigestion." "All gods spit on you, old man, but even she, with all the technique I've taught her, cannot teach a noodle to dance." "The fire in Aberdeen seems like it was such a long time ago." "What's that been, a couple of days?" " That's Hong Kong." " What do you mean?" "It's a Hong Kong characteristic." "When you live here, there's never enough time, whatever your work." "There's always so much going on-- people leaving, arriving, one crisis or another." "Everything happens faster here." "Just look what's been going on since you've arrived" "John Chen kidnapped and murdered, the fire, the bank run, stock market disaster." "Taipan, how do you think Buccaneer is going to do in the next race?" "You think he's going to be a favorite?" "I'd say he was worth a small wager." "Are you betting, Linc?" "Yeah." "I've just been watching the tote." "The last race was over 20 million Hong Kong." "This one is gonna be even more." "This has got to be the richest track in the world, the way they're betting." "I think I'll place that small wager, if you'll excuse me." "How about a business proposal for you and Casey as individuals outside the Par-Con-Struan deal?" "Are you interested?" "I'm interested enough to listen." "Before I lay it out, there are ground rules." "It's my game, and you two are bystanders, but you're in for 49% of the profits, to be shared equally between you, ok?" "What do we do for our 49%?" "You put four million U. S. by 9:00 Monday morning into a Swiss bank of my choosing." "Against what?" "Whatever Gornt gave you for the four million you gave him." "That was a very good idea, by the way." "How long you known about it?" "I told you, there are no secrets here." "Are you in?" "Casey, you know what this is all about?" "No." "What's the profit potential?" "Four to eight million within 30 days, as much as 24 within six months." "Total or our share?" "Your share." "That's lot of profit for something completely legal." "In or out?" "If I put up the four million, why does Casey get cut in for half?" " What's her risk?" " She signs over her Par-Con stock." "I thought you said you didn't know anything about this." "I don't know any more than you do." "You're willing to gamble your stock blind?" "Maybe you better think about that a little." "I already have, and I'll take the chance, OK?" "It's your money." "OK, Taipan." "Who do we have to kill?" "Do me a favor, will you?" "Invite these people to my box after the second race." "Interesting list." "Any special reason?" "Just in case Struan should ask." "I have an announcement." "You can leave it at that." "You come in now." "Anderson, you come in now." "Last horse coming in now, jockeys." " Ahem." "Paul." " Ah, Richard." "You wanted to talk to me?" "Uh, yes." "I have a proposal for you." "I was going to make one to you." "And they're off!" "Listen, Paul, if all the Ho-Pak securities" "I have a proposal for you that's good until 5:00 today." "The Victoria Bank will bail out the Ho-Pak and guarantee all your depositors." "In return, we'll buy your personal holdings at par" "Par?" "That's 1/15 of their value!" "Actually, it's five cents on the dollar, which is about what they're worth." "The Ho-Pak's in better shape than" "Than what?" "These are hard times, and banks must be very careful." "Even the Noble House is desperate for money, not that we intend to lend them any more." "But the Ho-Pak" "Kindly shut up and listen." "This is the one chance you have." "Five cents is ridiculous!" "I'll agree to a merger, a seat on the Victoria Bank's board-- provided you give me your notarized resignation undated in advance and that you'll always vote exactly as I wish." "As to money, I don't want to protract the negotiation." "It will be settled now or not at all." "57 cents on the dollar." " That's the very least I'll accept." " Ten, Richard." " 30." " 11." "You're trying to destroy me." "30 is more than fair." "18, but that is final." "25, and it's a deal." "20." "Good." "Come back here after the fourth race." "I'll have a provisional letter of agreement ready for your signature and your undated resignation." "Yes, yes, I'll be here." "Who won?" "Buccaneer." "I need to win, Alexej." "I need Noble Star to win." "Let me ride Noble Star." "I'll consider it." "We must decide now, Taipan." "It's time." "I can win." "I know I can win." "All right, Alexej, you ride." "And by God, you better win." "What's all this about, lan?" "You want to make an announcement?" "Yes." "As courtesy, I thought you should all know." "The Noble House is formally contesting the American Superfoods takeover of your Hong Kong General Stores." "What?" "But you can't do that!" "I already have." "All you have done, lan, is make an announcement." "How are you gonna pay?" "In 30 or 300 days?" "The bid's public." "We complete in 30 days with a cash down payment and submit the tender by 9:30 Monday morning." "This is nonsense." "Think you can inspire confidence in Struan's with an empty show of strength?" "The Noble House is crumbling, and everyone knows it." "The Noble House is still the Noble House." "I repeat, Monday morning." "9:30 in cash." "Can I go to press on this, Taipan?" "Certainly." "We have a deal." "It's set." "We're contesting your offer, Mr. Biltzmann." "Just as it's done in the States." "I presume you don't mind the contest." "My deal is locked." "Isn't it?" "Well, the directors had agreed, but the stockholders still have to ratify the agreement." "So it isn't locked, Mr. Biltzmann." "Your own deal stands, except that we would extend by two years, and there's a seat on Struan's board for the full period." "Now, listen" "You, of course, have the perfect right to counter." "Like hell I do." "I already made my deal." "Well, it wasn't good enough." "How much cash?" "Why don't you make it all public here?" "What is the down payment?" "Four million." "U. S." "Ian, don't you think we should exam" "Don't worry." "I have alternate financing for this." "You break this deal, and I'll" "I'm getting out of here." "What alternative financing?" "From abroad." "Fortunately, the Noble House has friends all over the world." "That was fantastic." "What a performance." "And he's going to pull it off." "Maybe, maybe not." "You know what we just did." "We just bought the Noble House on a promise of four million bucks." "What do you mean, promise?" "If I don't come up with the money, Dunross is finished." "He's down the tubes." "You gave your word." "You agreed to put up the four million, and I agreed to put up the stock." " Linc, don't you" " Don't worry." "I'll take care of you." "That's not what I'm talking about." "You can't renege now." "Oh, why not?" "Didn't you see what Dunross did to Biltzmann?" "That poor slob didn't even know what hit him." "If they can do business Hong Kong style, so can I." "You think Dunross wouldn't do the same thing to us?" "McMillan, you come in now." "Zy and Wilson, you come in together." "Right, jockeys." "Good luck." "Mmm, did you hedge your bet?" "Not even a little bit." "One win is enough for you." "This one's mine." "Only if you cross the finish line in front of me, and you won't." "You're not to win." "Who says?" "You're not." "You're all locked away." "Stay there, stay there, stay there." "Pull back, come on, come on, come on." "Come on." "Come on!" "Come on!" "Yeah!" "Yeah!" " Come on, come on!" " Noble Star!" " Yes!" "Get in there!" " Noble Star!" "Excuse me." "Doctor." "Oh, dear God." "Victoria Bank merging with the Ho-Pak." "How do you figure that?" "I didn't hear the announcement." "You just weren't listening." "Paul Havergill said he's guaranteeing all the Ho-Pak depositors, and Richard Kwang will be on the Victoria board." "Must have been one hell of a deal." "I guess." "What's the matter with you?" "Oh, I don't know." "I'm sorry, Linc." "That accident-- I just keep seeing it." "Yeah." "That was pretty awful." "How much did you lose?" "Pretty heavy bet." "Should have split it and put half your money on place." "Some bets you don't hedge." "You didn't have your money on the horse, did you?" "You had your money on Dunross." "Oh, be smart." "Learn from example." "Anybody can trip and fall." "What are you gonna do, Linc?" "I don't know." "I got till 9:00 Monday morning to decide." "We'll just wait and see what happens between now and then." "And when you make your decision?" "Chinese have a saying." ""When pulling weeds, make sure you get rid of the roots. "" "Excuse me for intruding, Taipan, but when I couldn't reach you," "I found Philip and he suggested we wait for you here." "I hope you've been comfortable." "Please, sit down, gentlemen, sit down." "We heard about Alexej Travkin." " Terrible news." " Joss." "I hope you have better news for me, Mr. Tip." "I've spoken to Tsu-Yan and he remembers you well." "He will be willing to see you first thing tomorrow morning in Beijing." " Call the airport." " No need." "Tsu-Yan has said a plane and a visa will be waiting on your arrival." "Did he give you any indication regarding my request?" "That he's invited you is a favorable sign." "Beyond that, no." "You explained the question of time?" "I believe you'll find Tsu-Yan to be well-informed in many ways." "The situation here is a matter of serious discussion in Beijing." "The Middle Kingdom wishes to protect its interests." " Of course." " My government is very concerned with the financial well-being of Hong Kong." "After all, we have considerable interests here." "Well?" "It's beautiful." " l" " You earned it." "And I always keep my word, don't I?" "Here." "No." "No?" "What do you mean, no?" "I promised you a Jag." " I mean I don't want it, Quillan." " The hell you don't." "I know you, Orlanda." "I don't want your car." "I don't want anything from you." "Not now." "Not anymore." "Good lord, you've fallen for him, haven't you?" "Yes." "I'm sorry" "Oh, no, no, not to worry." "Real or pretend, the end result will still be the same." "In fact, this could work out better." "Orlanda in love!" "Yeah, I'm upset." "No, it's not your fault." "Right." "When I get back." "All right." "Bye-bye." "Hi." "Come on in." "I'm sorry I'm not ready, but I've been on the phone for the past hour." "Listen, I might as well get the bad news over with." "Doug Murtagh just called from New York." "He couldn't sell it." "No First Central." "I'm sorry, lan." "I guess today's not your day." "Uh, who knows?" "With luck, I may salvage it yet." "Luck runs pretty thin sometimes." "I'll go get ready." "I'm afraid I have to beg off tonight." "How about tomorrow after Jason Plumm's party?" "What's wrong with tonight?" "I have to go out of town." "Oh." "Want some company?" "Well, that's not possible on this trip." "Why not?" "I'll tell you when I get back." "I'd like to know now." "Last night was not something I do casually, and I sure as hell don't want to feel like a fool." "Last night was very special." "But tonight you're going out of town?" "Alone, if that's what you're asking." " I have to go." " Then go." " I'll call you as soon as I can." " If you want to." " Casey." " Where are you going?" "I can't tell you." "Then if that's the way you want to play the game..." " It is no game." " No?" "I'm sorry, lan." "I'm not sure if I believe you." "Welcome to Beijing, Mr. Dunross." "I hope your trip was a pleasant one." "Yes, it was fine, thank you." "And our offices are closed today." "Tsu-yan is expecting you in Pan-Ching." "It is less than hour's drive." "Fine." "Yes." "You're just as I imagined you to be." "And you as well." "It's been a while, Tsu-Yan." "Almost 25 years." "We've become a little older, if not wiser." "So my old friend has become taipan of the Noble House." "And my old friend has become chairman of the China Great Wall International Trust Corporation." "Yes, but you were always destined." "Yes." "And you were always smarter." "No, lan." "I think we were quite equal." "That's why we were such good friends." "And now you come to me in friendship." "And in need as well." "Yes, I know." "We've been watching the recent events in Hong Kong carefully and with little pleasure." "How strange, the turns of history." "I remember when your father was taipan, and it's impossible to imagine him asking China for help." "Those were different times, and I'm not my father." "You must remember," "Noble House has been a friend of the Middle Kingdom for many years." "Friendly acquaintance perhaps might be a better description." "Your famous ancestor, the green-eyed devil, was, after all, an opium trader and a pirate as well." "The Noble House was hardly built on noble foundations." "I have never made that claim." "Wisely." "Unfortunately, the current government of Hong Kong is not equally wise." "No?" "In what way do you find them foolish?" "The answer is not as simple as the question, lan." "But of course you know that." "Shall I give you an example?" "Please." "You were always a good teacher." "Two days ago, Thursday, the Hong Kong police made a serious error." "They mistakenly arrested a good friend of yours" "Brian Kwok." "Brian?" "Why?" "He's been falsely accused of espionage." " That's impossible." " I quite agree." "What would you suggest, lan?" "How would the taipan of the Noble House deal with such an unhappy situation?" "As quickly as possible." "Yes, some things are best resolved with haste." "But that's not what you've come here to discuss." "Our company might be willing to issue a line of credit to the Noble House with certain conditions." "How much credit?" "First you must accept the conditions." "First you tell me the amount." "You were a scoundrel as a boy, lan." "I see you haven't changed." "Very well. 300 million Hong Kong dollars on a revolving basis at 10% interest." " 4." " 8." " 5." " 7." "5. 5." "Only for you." "How soon?" "That will depend on the conditions." "As I understand it, you need the money tomorrow." "I need it right now, but tomorrow will have to do." "The first condition is that Tip Tok-Toh be made a director of the Noble House." "And be given a seat on your executive board." "Consider it done." "And the next condition?" "Old friends should assist old friends and help correct mistakes." "I'm sorry, miss, but Mr. Bartlett's gone out." "Did he leave a message for me?" "No, no messages for you today." "OK, thank you." "Good morning, Casey!" "Are you ready?" "For what?" "We're going boating." "Don't you remember?" "I thought we'd go to Deepwater Bay." "Sea should be calm there, lunches onboard." "I didn't say" "And you didn't say you'd come, I know." "That's why I'm here." "I shall persuade you." "How?" "By telling you about Sundays in Hong Kong with everyone gone and nothing to do." "I see you've already been for a walk." "Now you can go and sit in your room and watch television and hear the news about the landslide above Aberdeen, and that's today's big story." "Or I could read a book." "And after an hour, you'll be restless and you'll go for another walk and then back to your room." "While with me, you can enjoy something a little more exciting." "Such as?" "Such as perhaps catching me off guard and learning some information which you can use to help your friend lan Dunross." "I don't think you're ever off guard, at least, not about the Noble House." "Come and find out." "And if I don't?" "A very fine lunch will go to waste." "Well?" "Why not?" "A more gracious acceptance has never passed my ears." "Maybe another week, ten days at the most." " And then?" " Back to California." "Got a hell of a house there, right on top of a hill." "You'd really like it." "I'm sure I would." "Why don't you come back with me?" "To California?" "What would I do?" "No, Linc." "I can't." "Oh, why not?" "What's holding you here?" "My self-respect." "I want to be everything a woman could be for you... everything that you could desire." "But I won't be your mistress." "I won't be kept by you." " That's not what I meant." " Then what did you mean?" "Just..." "I want to be with you." "And I want to be with you... always." "And when I'm old and you no longer desire me," "I will fill that part of your life with whatever will make you happy... openly and freely." "All I ask is to be your tai-tai." "What's that, a tai-tai?" "It means "supreme of supreme. "" "It means to be part of your life." "It means that I love you." "Orlanda..." "No, wait." "This complicates things too much." "No, it makes everything perfect." "I want you, Orlanda." "I want you with me." " Always?" " Now, always, constantly." "Then keep me, Linc." "Keep me forever." "Hello, Robert." "It seems as if you're always on duty." "I was just passing by and heard you were coming through." "Thought I'd lend a hand." "But obviously you didn't need any help." "Have a good trip?" "I hear you've arrested Brian Kwok." "Is that true?" " Who told you that?" " An old friend." " In Beijing?" " Damn it, Robert." "Answer me." "I'm afraid I can't, Taipan." "Don't play that game with me." "If Brian has been arrested, I have the right to know." "That may be so, Taipan, but I don't have the right to tell you." "Sorry." "It's the salt air." "It's very relaxing." "And all that wine at lunch." "We'll be heading back soon." "Aren't you glad you came now?" "Delighted." "Are you off guard yet, or was that just the bait?" "Try me." "What's gonna happen tomorrow?" "Oh, tomorrow will take care of tomorrow." "Seriously." "I will win, or I will not win, but with joss," "I will have lan Dunross where I want him." "And then?" "Have any doubt?" "I'll take him over lock, stock, and box at the races." "And you really want that, don't you?" "Oh, yes." "That represents victory." "He and his ancestors have deprived me and mine long enough." "Isn't there enough room for both of you?" "Oh, well, once perhaps there was long ago," "But not anymore." "Look, I know Dunross has impressed you with his great house and his grand manor, but you've only seen one side to him." "There is another side which is far less attractive." "In what way?" "Dirk Struan was a grasping greedy bastard." "So was all his line." "Ian Dunross is no better." "Although I must admit, he has a certain charm." "Now, that you've described him, how would you describe yourself?" "How you ladies manipulate us men." "In truth, my dear, I confess I am no better." "I'm glad to hear it." "Good." "Come, let me show you around the rest of the boat." "She sleeps six comfortably, plus the crew quarters, of course." "This is the master cabin." "Come on, Quillan." " Just don't." " Don't what?" "Let's go back up on the deck." "OK?" "Why don't we have a drink?" " Go to hell." " Oh, I will soon enough." "Now, calm down." "If I really wanted to rape you," "It wouldn't be much of a contest, I'm afraid." "If you were to call bloody murder, my crew wouldn't care a thing." " You bastard!" " I'm not, actually." "I'm really very legitimate." "Look, it was a prank, that's all." "Nothing more." "What can I do to apologize?" "Just open the damn door." "Turn the handle the other way." "Did Tsu-Yan agree, Taipan..." "Tsu-yan has requested that Brian Kwok be freed from prison" " before the funds are released." " Brian's in prison?" " Yes, I heard yesterday." " Why the devil didn't you tell me?" "You no longer consider me comprador of the Noble House and favor me with your trust." "Claudia, get me Casey Tcholok on the phone, will you?" "She's on the Sea Witch with Quillan Gornt." "With Gornt?" "Yes." "I could leave a message at the hotel." "Call the governor." "I need to see him as soon as possible." "Say it's regarding Brian Kwok." "Philip, you come with me." "You consider yourself trustworthy?" "Yes." "I've proved it in the past many times." "So did my father and his." "Even so, if I were you, I would have already decided the ways and means of my destruction." "Perhaps I have." "Not you." "Dirk Struan, yes, but not you." "And the money?" "The 40 million you were to raise?" "It is under consideration." "That is not good enough." "It is still early." "You have given me until midnight." "Again, I ask forgiveness." "Because you think you're finished." "Because I might be finished if once more I cannot prove my worth." "How do you propose to do that?" "I promise that I will deal with Four-Finger Wu long before his request must be granted." " How?" " This is China." "I will deal with it in Chinese fashion." "I swear it by the blood of my ancestors." "I will continue to protect the Noble House as I have sworn to do." "But without money, there will be no Noble House for you to protect." "My resignation." "May I ask that it be extended a week?" "No." "A day, perhaps." "Other extensions may be discussed later." "I have heard that tomorrow morning," "Gornt and Bartlett will continue to drive our stock down." "I expect so." "Then you should withdraw it from trading." "I could have a word with the stock exchange committee." "The governor can see you immediately, Taipan." "He's waiting in his office." "Whatever you want, my love." "Whatever you want." "In this unhappy affair of Brian Kwok, it would seem to me more a matter for the police than the concern of the Noble House, which is why I asked Commissioner Crosse to join us at this meeting." "Exactly what is it that you want, Mr. Dunross?" "I would like this situation to be handled wisely." "Beijing considers Brian's arrest to be a serious error." "Oh?" "On whose part?" "They say he's been falsely accused." "They can say whatever they damn please." "That doesn't change the facts." "And what are the facts?" "That doesn't concern you." "Now, I must admit, having the taipan of the Noble House acting as a communist emissary is a bit of a surprise." "Yes, that does strike rather an odd note." "What is your connection with this, lan?" "As an old friend who's trying to rectify a mistake before it's too late." "There is no mistake." "Is that why you went to Beijing?" "No, sir." "I went to meet with Tsu-Yan," "Chairman of the China Great Wall International Trust Corporation." "Would you give me the reason?" "To establish a line of credit." "But freeing Brian Kwok is the price, is that it?" "Let the spy go to save the Noble House?" "I can certainly understand your interest, Mr. Dunross." "Unfortunately, for you, however, I fail to share your enthusiasm." "If the Reds want Brian Kwok, let them bloody well ask for him." "That is a demonstration of sublime ignorance, commissioner." "Gentlemen, please." "Let's not be precipitous." "If you've forced Beijing into making an official request, then you've forced them to acknowledge what has happened." "But if Brian is simply released and allowed to cross the border" "We can all pretend it didn't happen." "That might be your style, Taipan, but it is not mine." "Governor, how many banks, how many businesses have failed in the last few years, and who has come to the rescue?" "China." "The entire economy of Hong Kong depends on Beijing." "London may not be happy about that, but they cannot deny it." "No, but they regard it as Beijing's protection of a future investment." "And if Beijing's protection were to be withdrawn for all of Hong Kong, what then?" "Is the Bank of England prepared to accept the responsibility not just for the Noble House, but for all of Hong Kong?" "All for Brian Kwok." "Is that a threat?" "That's a possibility, if Brian Kwok is not released tomorrow evening at the border at 6:00 and allowed to cross." "Her Majesty's Government is not subject to blackmail." "It is not blackmail!" "It is survival." "Take her back to the yacht club." "I thought you were asleep." "I'm too happy to be sleeping." "I want to be awake to enjoy." "I'm happy that I've pleased you." "You did more than please me." "That was only the beginning." "I've put my soul into your life." "Close your eyes, my darling." "Everything will be done as you desire." "And, yes, you should have seen their faces when I told them how much opium I could supply." "That is why they elected me chief of the new brotherhood, which was only right." "There are better uses for your half-coin, Father, safer and with good profit." "The Noble House could provide investments and" "Oh, what investments?" "What profit?" "No, my son, the white powder is the most profitable investment in the whole world." "And now that we have the ships of the Noble House!" "But Taipan hasn't agreed yet." "Aiyah!" "How could I have a son with such a small mind?" "He will agree." "Of course he will agree to everything." "Oh, secretly, we will have access to the Noble House bank accounts to hide our profits." "And the taipan will intercede for me with Lando Mata so that my name will be chosen for the new gambling syndicate in Macao." "Ah, yes, everything is possible." "Everything!" "You will wait for me in the back." "You didn't tell me you were coming today." "Why should I have to tell you anything?" "Who pays for this apartment now?" "But because I was feeling generous," "I have brought you a present." "Ayeeyah, it is beautiful." "Not now, little mealy mouth." "First you must earn it." "Gretchen, look at that." "It's raining again." "I could never get a cab tonight." "Good evening, Casey." "You're not still upset with me, are you?" "Yes." "No harm done." "Go to hell, Quillan." "Excuse me." "Where have you been?" "China." "Can we have dinner?" "When?" "As soon as we leave here." "I was supposed to meet Linc." "Have you seen him?" "No, not tonight." "Maybe he'll turn up." "Would you like to wait?" "Linc's going with Gornt." "I'm sorry." "It was his choice." "Has he told you?" "Not in so many words, but..." "What are you gonna do?" "Watch." "Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention, please?" "Are you going to announce your resignation, lan?" "No, Quillan." "I'm announcing that Struan stock has been withdrawn from trading until Tuesday morning, at which time it will open at 30." "30?" "Your stock's at 9. 50 and going down." "The stock exchange committee have agreed unanimously." "It's for the protection of the investors now that the Noble House has been given a new revolving credit." "Not by the Victoria." "No." "Well, would you be so kind as to identify this mystery bank?" "You'll find that out in good time." "I think you're lying, lan." "Good." "How many shares have you sold short?" "700,000?" "You're in the ringer, Quillan." "Not bloody likely." "30 will be the price on Tuesday." "A pox on you, Tuesday, and your party." "Now, can we have dinner?" " There you go." " Thanks." "All right?" "All right, lan, this other bank, is it true?" "Almost." "That's why you went to China." "Let's go!" "Quick!" "They're over there." "Help!" "Help!" "Orlanda?" "Orlanda?" "I went out to get some food." "Oh, my God." "Linc's there." "Where?" "Where was he?" "My apartment." "He's there." "Oh, my God." "Look after her." "I'm gonna look around." "No." "It's too dark." "I'll get a flashlight." "Wait for me." "We're on our way!" "Will he be all right?" "How the hell do I know?" "What's he doing in your apartment?" "That's a stupid question." "I love him, and he loves me." "I'm going back to California with him." "Oh, God, please let him be alive." "Yeah." "Please." "Just hang on." "There's help on its way, honestly." "Stay behind this..." "I'll try and get up there!" "Father!" "Father!" "Jimmy!" "There's one over here!" "Come on and help me find..." "Jimmy?" "Up here!" "Come on!" "There's somebody up here." "I can't now, sir." "They'll be here in the next round." "Come on!" "Hurry, now!" "Keep speaking." "We're over here." "Right." "There are two more over here." "Two more!" "Somebody, come and help me." "We need some help." "Come on!" "Come on!" "We need help!" "Have you seen Dunross?" "Have you seen lan Dunross?" " Who?" " The taipan." "No, I haven't." "Hey, I'm sorry, sir." "You can't." "All right." "Come in here with the light." "Get some light over here on the left." " Mr. Gornt." " Who the hell are you?" "Paul Choy." "My uncle's up there." "Four Fingers in Rose Court?" "Yes, sir." "He was visiting." "Bad timing." "It's Quillan." "Quillan!" "Where's lan?" "He's up there..." "looking for Linc." "Bartlett?" "What the hell is he doing there?" "He was in my apartment." "You've got to find him." "Oh, God, Quillan, please help." "In your apartment." "Stay there." "Quillan will find him." "I know Quillan will find him." "Dunross?" "Ian bloody Dunross, where are you?" "We need that stretcher." "The taipan, have you seen him?" "He's up there." "You'd better get to a doctor." "No, no, no, no." "I'm all right." "I'm all right." "l--I must find the taipan." "Oh, he's not hurt." "He's searching for Linc." "You're bleeding." "Your face." "Oh." "Yes." "Well, I'd better..." "Yes." "My head!" "What the hell are you doing here, Quillan?" "I'm looking for you." "Casey said you were playing hide-and-seek." "Sorry I'm not dead?" "Yes." "Joss." "But you'll be dead soon enough." "Sooner if we don't get the hell out of here." "Bartlett?" "Linc Bartlett..." "Can you hear me?" "Ah, he must be dead." "He could be trapped in there." "He could be alive." "Yes, you need him for your deal, don't you?" "Not now." "Not anymore." "I think you're lying, lan, about everything." "Well, I'm going up." "All right, Gunga Din, if you're going to play the hero, let's do it right." "I lead." "All the emergency vehicles, park them right here." "Everybody, back!" "Really, I tell you!" "We need more corpsmen to rush up here." "I'm afraid." "I'm so afraid." "Come along, ladies." "You'll have to move." "It's not safe." "We're expecting more trouble." "Please." "Behind the barricade." "You all right?" "Yes, I'm fine." "Listen, listen..." "Listen." "I can't hear anything." "Is anyone there?" "Can you hear me?" "Yeah, in here!" "Bartlett?" "Is that you?" "Yeah." "Who's there?" "Quillan Gornt and lan Dunross." "We're both here." " Are you hurt?" " No." " Linc, can you see my flashlight?" " No." "Get me out of here, will you?" "OK." "Don't worry." "We're gonna get you out." "We're gonna get some help." "I'll stay." "You go on back down." "OK." "Hey, you might need this." "Dicey, that." "All right." "I'll go back." "OK." "Linc?" "Quillan's gone to get some help." "Where are you?" "How the hell do I know?" "All right." "Wait there." "I'm gonna see if I can get closer to you." "Give us a shout when you see my flashlight." "OK." "Nothing." "Not yet." "Not yet." "Nothing." "No, not yet." "Nothing." " There." "I see it." "Hold it there." " All right." "I'm coming up." "OK." "Where are you?" " Here." " Where are you?" " Down here." " Yeah?" "Oh." "Well, it looks like we're gonna have to dig you out." "It'll take some time." "Can you hold on?" "Sure." "What happened, anyway?" "Earthquake?" "Landslide." "The entire building came down." "Where's Orlanda?" "She's fine." "She's down below with Casey." "That's good." "She wasn't in the apartment when it hit." "Yes, I know." "How are you feeling?" "Well, I could use a cold beer." "I was standing in the kitchen, and the whole world hit the fan." "Guess I got knocked out." "The next thing I knew, I was here." " What's on top of me?" " Most of Rose Court." "Is anybody there?" " Yes, yes." " You ok?" "Yeah." "I think I'd like to go home now." "Right." "I need some help." "I've got a man trapped up there." "I want four men immediately." "All right." "Well, we pegged him--Bartlett." "Is--is he dead?" "No." "He's fine." "He's just trapped under some beams." "Will he be OK?" "He will as soon as we can get him out." "He's alive." "He's alive." "I was so sure." "So sure." "Yeah." "Yeah, it's going to be OK." "All right." "Another one for the ambulance here." "Hey, are you OK?" "Father." "Let me just get closer." "Let me get closer." "Aah." "Ian, are you OK?" "Yes." "Yes." "Yes, I'm fine." "I'm OK." "You came in here just to find me?" "That's right." "Why?" "It's pretty funny." "Oh." "We thought it was rather nice of us, actually." "Hold on." "I think I see some light." "It's about time." "Who's going to win tomorrow, you or Quillan?" "Me." "The Beijing company's going to finance the Noble House." "On Tuesday, Struan stock opens at 30." "I'm afraid you're going to lose your four million, Linc." "But Quillan Gornt is going to lose a damn sight more." "What's wrong?" "What is it?" "What?" "Gee." "I just bumped my head." "Listen, lan, how tough is it to get married here?" "What?" "How tough is it to get married in Hong Kong?" "Hold on." "I think I see them coming." "Ho!" "Quillan Gornt's here." "Oh, my God!" "Hold on!" "Linc!" "Linc!" " Linc!" " lan!" " Linc!" " Aah!" "For God's sakes, somebody come up here!" "Linc Bartlett!" "Linc!" "Linc!" "Come on!" "For God's sake, get up here!" "Come on." "Come on." "Come on!" "Ian!" "Oh, no." "What?" "What is it?" "Oh..." "I'm sorry, Orlanda." "No!" "No." "No." "Yes." "Yes, of course." "I'll tell her." "Thank you, sir." "Thank you." "The governor extends his sympathies." "Did they find him?" "Yes." "I'll take..." "I'll take Linc's body back to California." "He wanted to be cremated." "It's in his will." "I'll make the arrangements." "I keep thinking, if he hadn't been in Orlanda's apartment, and to that you say joss, right?" "It is joss, Casey." "It's something no one can change or make less painful or wish away." "It's what had to happen." "No, it didn't have to..." "But it did." "Oh, I don't know." "You should get some sleep." "Would you like to stay here?" "No." "I better get back to the hotel." "There's so much to do." "I'm taipan at Par-Con now." "Linc and I had a deal." "I willed him voting power of all my stock for ten years, and he did the same for me." "For ten years?" "Yes, I'll send you a formal verification when it's official." "It's awfully business-like, isn't it?" "Oh, God, lan." "It's OK, it's OK." "Come on, come on." "It's all right." "It's all right." "It's OK." "No, it's not." "Not yet." "But it will be." "When you were with Linc, before it happened, was he" "He was fine." "He asked for a cold beer." "Yeah?" "That sounds like Linc." "The last thing he asked me was whether it was difficult to get married in Hong Kong." "Orlanda?" "He was going to marry Orlanda?" "I don't know." "You're right." "It is joss." "Oh, take me back to the hotel, lan." "Casey, Casey" "Don't say anything." "Let's not talk anymore, OK?" "I need to think about all this, about everything." "I've got to get it straight in my head." "Just don't say anything, please." "I told you to buy Struan's." "700,000 shares to cover my short-selling." "Yes, Mr. Gornt, but I can't." "Well, the governor's closed all the banks in the market because of the catastrophe last night." "And you were lucky you weren't hurt." "You" "Hurt?" "I'll be a damn sight more than hurt if Struan's opens at 30 tomorrow." "Now talk to the other brokers." "Somebody's got to have Struan's stock." "I've tried, Mr. Gornt." "Perhaps if you had a reasonable conversation with Mr. Dunross" "Damn lan Dunross!" "Damn his miserable luck!" "Excuse me, Mr. Gornt." "Mr. Paul Choy is here." "He said you were expecting him." "Who the hell's Paul Choy?" "He said he was Mr. Wu's nephew." "Wu?" "Oh, Four Finger!" "Yes, I'd forgotten." "All right." "Send him in." "Buy Struan's." "I'll try, Mr. Gornt." "Come in, Mr. Choy." "I'm sorry to be late, sir," "But there were some problems." " My uncle" " Ah, yes." "Yes." "I'm sorry." "Still, I agreed to give you a job, and my word is better than most." "I appreciate that, Mr. Gornt, but I've come to tell you that I can't go to work for you now." "Ah, yes, I understand." "Take a few weeks." "Take as long as you need." "No, sir, that's not it." "I won't be working for you at all." "No?" "Well, why the hell are you here?" "I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity." "You got your hands on the old man's money, didn't you?" "Yes." "Old Four Fingers must have tucked away quite a bit." "What exactly did you have in mind, Mr. Choy?" "My God." "Where have you been?" "I've been trying to get in touch with you ever since I heard." "I spoke to L. A. They said they'd already heard from you." "Now, look, Casey, don't you worry about anything." "I'll make all the arrangements" "It's done." "Everything is done." "Oh." "Well, you should have called me." "I didn't need your help, Seymour, and I'm busy now." "We've got a lot to talk about." "There's the will, the Struan deal, not to mention the mess back home." "The vultures are already circling." "It can wait." "I'll see you back in L. A. next Monday." "Monday?" "There's a million things to do." "Linc's affairs are going to take a year to untangle." "No, they won't." "I read the will, remember?" "Yeah." "I guess you're the boss now." "Uh..." "Couple of the stockholders are not going to be too thrilled about that." "Going to be a couple of lawsuits." "Somebody's bound to sue" "We'll talk about it later." "Yeah." "In the meantime..." "I figure we ought to delay the Struan deal." "Now, I can pick up a few extra points" "Seymour, you're fired." "As of this moment." "What did you say?" "What's the matter with you?" "Now get the hell out of here." "You can't fire me." "I've got a contract." "I just did, and if you want your contract settled, you'll go quietly." "Open your mouth once more and you won't get a penny." "Out." "That's it, Seymour." "I'll see you in court." "The governor's secretary said he would call back, but probably not until tomorrow." "Pressure of official business and all that." "But Linbar Struan called from Sydney." "Please call him when you have a moment." "He thinks he's got the situation there back in line." "I'll be damned." "Is my next appointment here yet?" "Oh, yes." "He's been waiting." "Send him in, please." "Mr. Choy?" "Mr. Choy, Taipan." "Come in, Paul." "I'm sorry about your father." "Thank you." "You knew he wasn't my uncle all along, didn't you?" "I was the one who suggested he send you to the United States." "Please sit down." "I guess you know why I'm here." "The half-coin." "Yes, sir." "First let me ask you who has the coin, now that Four Fingers is an ancestor?" " The family Wu, sir" " Who in the family Wu?" "The coin was given to an individual, who would pass it on to an individual." "Who?" "Me, sir." "Show it to me." "You'll have to prove Four Fingers gave it to you." "Sorry, Taipan, but I don't have to prove anything." "I just have to present the coin and ask the favor..." "In secret." "That's the deal." "And if it's the real coin, then your honor and the face of the Noble House are at stake and the" "I know what I have at stake!" "Do you?" "This is China." "Lots of curious things happen in China." "Do you think I can be fooled by an ancient legend?" "No, sir, but I have presented the coin." "Now you must grant the favor." "You know the coin was stolen from Philip Chen?" "No, sir." "It came from my father." "It's Philip Chen's coin." "There were four coins, Taipan." "Mr. Chen's coin must be one of the others." "This one belonged to my father, and now it belongs to me." "He gave it to you?" "I inherited it... but his request is not my request." "No?" "Then what is your request?" "First I must know if you will grant it." "And if not, will you sell the coin to Quillan Gornt?" "Return the coin freely and I'll grant all sorts of favors." "No, Taipan." "I can't do that." "The coin can only be returned like this." "I ask a favor in Jin-Qua's name from the taipan of the Noble House." "Well?" "First, I want old-friend status, equal to my father's, with all that that implies." "Second, I want to be appointed a director of Struan's, at a salary equal to the other directors." "Agreed?" "Is that all?" "No." "Next, I want you to introduce me to Lando Mata, and tell him that you're backing me to bid for the Macao gambling syndicate." "And last, I want a stewardship at the Turf Club three years from now." "That's all of it." "If the coin is real, I'll agree to everything except the part about Lando Mata." " That's part of the deal." " I don't agree." " I've asked for nothing illegal" " Lando Mata is out!" "If that's out, then the whole deal's off, and I'll put my father's request in its place or consider some other alternatives, none of which will make you very happy." "Believe me, my request is the easiest one to honor... but it's your choice." "All right." "I agree to grant your favor... but I'll have to ask Lando." "I can't tell him anything." "Do you accept?" "Yes, sir, and thank you, Taipan." "You won't regret it." "You're very sure of yourself." "Just trying to keep ahead of the game, sir." "He's got someone in there." "They've found him." "I finally tracked down Mr. Tip." "Where is he?" "He's on his way to the border." "Left half an hour ago." "Taipan?" "Mr. Tip." "I'm delighted you're on our board of directors." "I'm certain your guidance will benefit us all." "Oh, you'll find my voice to be only an occasional whisper, I assure you." "A wise whisper, Mr. Tip, is more valuable than a loud voice." "We shall see, Taipan, we shall see." "Hello, Robert." "Hello, sir." "Sorry to be late." "Only a couple of minutes." "Anyone else coming?" "I don't think so, not officially." "You can get on with it." ""Chu-Toy, alias Brian Kwok," ""you are formally charged with espionage against Her Majesty's Government," ""on behalf of a foreign power." ""Under the authority of the deportation ordinance of Hong Kong," ""you are formally ordered out of the crown colony." ""If you return," ""you are formally warned you do so at your peril" ""and are liable for arraignment and imprisonment" ""at Her Majesty's pleasure. "" "Now..." "Now what happens?" "You walk across that bloody bridge and get back to your pals." "You think I'm a fool?" "You think I believe you're really letting me go?" "They're playing with me, Robert." "They'll never let me go free." "You know that." "You know that, Robert." " You're free, Brian." " No." "No." "Now I understand." "The moment I'm almost dead, they'll pull me back and torture me with the hope of freedom." "That's it, Robert." "That's what they're trying to do!" "I told you you're free." "You're free to go." "Don't ask me why they're letting you go, but they are." "Go." "No." "It's a lie." "It has to be." "Go!" "You really mean it?" "Yes." "Thank you, sir." "If it was up to me, I'd have you shot." "Now get the hell across that bridge, Chu-Toy, before I whip you across it." "Robert?" "That's just for old times' sake..." "For the Brian I used to know." "Yes." "Thanks." "Congratulations, Taipan." "I'm sure Tsu-Yan will be very pleased." "Yes." "Papers will be ready for your signature tomorrow morning." "Till then, Taipan." "Commissioner?" "Satisfied?" "Quite." "This was not on my recommendation, you know." "Well, then I suggest you take credit for it anyway." "You've got gall, Taipan." "I'll say that for you." "Pure gall." "I'm afraid it runs in the family." "Could I give you a lift back to town?" "Mr. Dunross," "On behalf of Her Majesty's Government, get stuffed." "Orlanda?" "It's Casey." "May I come in?" "How did you find me?" "I called Quillan." "He told me he brought you here." "Yes, for a few days." "I can't stay longer than that." "It's so expensive." "Please, sit down, Casey." "Did you have any insurance for your apartment?" "Insurance?" "No, I don't think so." "I've lost everything." "I've got little money in the bank." "Casey, about Linc, I loved him." "I wasn't trying to trap him." "No." "Here's a check." "It's for" "I don't want your money." "I don't want anything from you." "It's not from me." "It's from Linc." "He wanted you to have some protection." "Really?" "But how" "The last thing Linc said to lan Dunross was to ask how difficult it was to get married in Hong Kong." "Married?" "Did the taipan-- did he tell you that's what Linc said?" "Yes, he told me." "What are you going to do, Orlanda?" "Will you stay in Hong Kong?" "Where else can I go?" "Why not try the States?" "I could help you find a job." "You'd help me?" "Why?" "Because that's the way Linc would have wanted it." "And maybe we could be friends?" "Yeah." "Maybe we could." "Oh." "Hello." "I know." "You just happened to be in the neighborhood." "How are you feeling?" "Lousy, but better." " Good." " Where have you been?" "Oh, I had to take care of the last details on the China loan." "It's set?" "Then you did it?" "I don't know how, but you did it." "You won." "That's my job." "That's what the taipan of the Noble House is supposed to do." "And what does the taipan of the Noble House do in 1997 when China absorbs Hong Kong?" "Who knows?" "Perhaps it'll be the other way around, and Hong Kong will absorb China." "Here are the papers on my General Stores deal." "But Linc never put up the four million." "Oh, but he did." "He cabled it Saturday night." "My Swiss bank confirmed it this morning, and I sent a check to the board of General Stores." "They accepted." "Business as usual?" "You're like the Post Office." " Don't you ever take a break?" " When there's time." "But there never is." "I don't know if I could live that way." "Why don't you try?" "Why don't you stay here in Hong Kong?" "We could take some time off together." "It's not an offer I make every day." "No, it isn't." "But..." "I've got work to do." "I'm taipan of Par-Con, remember?" "I can't stay here, any more than you can come with me to California." "You're leaving?" "The morning." "Everything's arranged." "All right." "I'll take you to the airport." "I've got to pack." "I bet you've never kissed a taipan before." "Certainly not in the lobby of this hotel." "New car?" "Yes, and kindly don't bugger the brakes on this one." "You wanted to see me, Quillan, before the stock exchange opened." "Did you ask me to come here just to gloat?" "What do you want?" "If your stock opens at 30, I'll be ruined." "Yes, I know." "Then name your terms." "Why should I?" "Well, life would be dull without me, lan." "You know that." "No one else can give you an even fight." "No, I suppose not." "I'll let you buy back in at 18, and I'll take All Asia Airlines as the price." "I accept." "Don't you want to bargain?" "I want no quarrel from you... as you'll expect none from me." "You'll have the All Asia papers by noon." "Damn you, lan Dunross, and perdition to the Noble House." "Where's the luggage?" "I had it sent on ahead." "Here's a present." "Those are all the papers John Chen gave us, everything about Struan's." "There aren't any other copies." "Thanks." "I wasn't expecting that." "Well, I figured we ought to start fresh." "Thank you." "That offer you made last night" "How long is it good for?" "Why?" "I'm thinking about it." "And?" "How about 30 days?" "It'll take me about that time to reorganize Par-Con the way Linc would have wanted it, and then I think..." "I'll come back." "Thank you." "No." "Don't come in." "Let's just say it here." "30 days." "It will feel like a long time." "Very long." "When Linc and I came here, the plan was to raid Noble House." "He wanted to take you over, wanted to be taipan." "You knew that, didn't you?" "I had a reasonably good idea." "He almost made it." "Is that what you're going to do in 30 days-- mount your own attack on the Noble House?" "It's worth a try, isn't it?" "Oh, it's worth a try, Casey." "It's certainly worth a try."