Could she spot a subtle hint of relief in Daniel’s eyes? Amanda wasn’t sure, but for a second she imagined she’d seen the truth: a romantic relationship, yes, but the notion of being chained to a relationship – not to mention marriage – sent him into sheer panic.
‘I told you to keep your hands off him – he’s not marrying material!’ her inner voice bleated.
‘Shut up!’ she answered aloud, forgetting for a second that she wasn’t sitting alone at her table.
‘Sorry?’ Daniel was taken aback.
‘I’m sorry, Daniel, it’s nothing to do with you. I meant my phone.’ She fidgeted with her mobile, conspicuously pushing the off button.
‘I didn’t hear your phone?’
‘It’s been vibrating, some messages coming in. I’ll shut it down.’
Daniel still looked a bit doubtful and Amanda was thankful when he resolutely steered the conversation onto more secure ground. ‘You’re involved in a case of murder – once again. You simply can’t resist a good murder, can you?’ he teased. ‘Tell me all about it.’
And so she did.
It became a pleasant evening between best friends in the end. Daniel insisted on inviting her for a late cocktail in the famous sky bar. They danced together but Amanda resolutely refused his thinly veiled invitation to inspect the contents of his minibar, kissed him goodbye and drove back to her hotel.
‘I haven’t done too badly,’ she said to herself, ‘I’ve been a good girl.’
‘For once, yes,’ answered her inner voice.
New Year's Eve
‘Nervous? Excited?’ Susan was grimacing in front of the bathroom mirror applying the finishing touches to her make-up while Amanda weighed the pros and cons of the two dresses she held, hoping her best friend would make the final judgement as to what to wear tonight.
‘The green one,’ Susan said without hesitation.
‘But the black looks more formal,’ Amanda objected.
‘Eighty per cent of the women attending tonight will be dressed in black. The green one matches your eyes and will make you look special.’ Susan spoke with authority.
Amanda obeyed the words of wisdom of her best friend and wriggled into the dress. It was very fashionable but she was happy that she had discovered and used the fitness room at the hotel.
‘I’m more nervous than excited. A bit scared, actually.’ She came back to Susan’s question.
‘Why? Because both Daniel and Geoffrey will be there?’
Amanda blushed; why could her friend always read in her like a book? To make things worse, Susan started humming the song ‘Torn between two lovers’.
‘Oh, stop it, Susan! I broke up with Daniel and Geoffrey is a nice bloke, but I have no intention of dating a man in Hong Kong when I’m going to be back in Europe in a week’s time. There’s no future for such a relationship. I may appear to have developed a habit of getting involved with the wrong kind of guys, but I’m not hopeless!’
Susan frowned. ‘I can see your point. It’s a pity – Geoffrey would make an amazing husband. Contrary to Daniel who’d be hopeless as a husband. Well, you know it yourself, don’t you, pet?’
‘But I wasn’t thinking about them.’ Amada changed the subject. ‘I’m nervous because so many people attending the party means that David is taking a huge risk. Don’t forget – a killer is running round. Quite a ruthless specimen if you ask me.’
‘You’re right.’ Susan made a face. ‘To tell you the truth, I did forget about it. That’s the result of having a fiancé who lives on a different planet most of the time. I don’t understand why the police haven’t arrested Jacky yet – it’s all so bloody obvious, isn’t it?’
‘If it were that obvious, he’d be in prison already. Hong Kong police doesn’t have the reputation of being overly lenient with murderers. Don’t forget that Wu Junior has his hands in the pie as well and arresting him would create the kind of full-blown scandal even a hard-boiled policeman might want to avoid.’
‘It’s Jacky – read my lips.’ Susan was adamant. ‘I had terrible vibes when I met him the last time.’
‘Well, whoever is the mastermind behind these crimes, David’s life is in danger and a public event makes a great opportunity to give it another try. I can only pray that David has taken precautions.’
Later, as they joined Geoffrey and Neil for a pre-party drink in the living room, Susan voiced Amanda’s concerns.
‘Oh, don’t worry too much. David’s fully aware of the risk,’ Geoffrey said. ‘But I’m confident he’ll be safe enough.’
‘Why?’
‘He told me that a member of the Beijing government and politburo will be there. His house will be brimming with security and they’ve been turning every corner upside down since yesterday. It would be sheer madness to attempt any assault under the watchful eyes of the Chinese secret service. I’m pretty sure that even our files have been scrutinised already – David had to remit lists of all invited persons beforehand.’
‘I guess my file must be boring to a point that it may rouse their suspicion because there’s nothing in it?’ Amanda quipped.
‘Not sure – from what Susan told me, your trail has been littered with corpses over the past two years,’ Geoffrey answered with a fat grin. ‘I’m not even sure if it’s safe having you in my house…’
‘Well, I might look innocent…’ Amanda grinned back.
She was happy that Geoffrey hadn’t changed his attitude towards her. The only hint to his previous message had been a whispered, ‘I’m really looking forward to our dinner tomorrow evening. I have a big surprise for you.’
That had been so mean of Geoffrey. Amanda had been bursting with curiosity since then. What had he meant? What kind of surprise could he have in store for her?
As Geoffrey had foretold, David’s house resembled a fortress under siege. Police and alert, lithe young men in dark suits were checking every arriving car before the guests had to pass a sort of turnstile similar to airport security gates.
Even inside David’s villa those alert young men could be spotted everywhere and although Amanda found their presence disconcerting she had to agree that launching any attack on David tonight would be sheer madness under these circumstances.
Villa and garden had been decorated with an abundance of fairy lights and were set ablaze by glaring torches, to the effect that the garden with its decorations could be mistaken for an extension to a Disneyland theme park. Amanda expected any minute to spot Mickey Mouse and his friends lurking around the corners.
Outside a huge open-fire barbecue had been erected together with a seafood bar where fat oysters were glistening on mountains of crushed ice lit up in vivid, changing colours. Out of respect to David’s deceased sister only subtle music was playing and no dance floor had been erected. There might not have been any love lost between the siblings but conventions must be respected.
At the beginning the hum of voices had been fittingly subdued to pay respect to the special circumstances but, as the evening progressed and the unending flow of champagne and martinis loosened tongues, the party went into full swing. The food was excellent, the weather clement for that time of the year. Geoffrey explained that – with only a few exceptions – the entire who’s who of Hong Kong was present tonight meaning that business opportunities were abundant. In every corner animated guests could be found standing in clusters discussing not only the latest gossip but investigating the latest hypes in real estate, commodities or the stock market.
Amanda and Susan were moving slowly through the crowd accompanied by Geoffrey and Neil. But time and time again Geoffrey had to stop as he bumped into friends or business acquaintances. Just as Amanda thought they had finally made it to the champagne bar they encountered another friend, a lady of undefined age. She was immaculately dressed in a black designer gown and balanced on gleaming golden high heels that were as remarkable as the lady herself.
‘Geoffrey, darling!’ she crooned. ‘How wonderful to see you he
re. You’ve neglected me!’ she complained while she greeted him with a kiss and lingered in his arms a bit too long for Amanda’s taste.
‘Heidi, darling! Please accept my apologies, but I’ve been very busy. I have friends over from Europe, but how on earth could I ever neglect you?’ Geoffrey answered gallantly and presented her to the others.
‘Heidi, let me introduce you to Susan and Amanda, and that’s Neil, Susan’s fiancé. Maybe you’ve heard of Professor Hopkins?’
‘Who hasn’t?’ Heidi purred and took Neil’s hand. ‘I’m ever so delighted to meet a true celebrity. My last husband worked in a pharmaceutical company – he held you in greatest esteem. Research is such a fascinating world, isn’t it?’
Neil blushed; she wouldn’t release his hand and Susan’s eyes were darting daggers.
‘Heidi, no use hunting here. Neil and Susan are getting married soon,’ Geoffrey put in with a faint smile.
‘I’m not hunting, Geoffrey darling. But Professor Hopkins – let me call you Neil – maybe you could help me with a bit of advice. It’s so difficult for a weak woman to understand what’s going on in the world of medicine and where best to invest…’ She directed her big blue eyes at Neil who blushed even more, if that was possible.
‘Stop playing the simpleton, Heidi.’ Geoffrey grinned and turned towards Neil. ‘I’ve never met a woman with a better hand for investments in my life than Heidi – and not a lot of men either.’
‘Too many compliments,’ Heidi demurred. ‘I’m trying my best though. Neil, we must talk together later, just the two of us, when it’s a bit less crowded and noisy. And this is Amanda?’ She turned around and Amanda had the impression of being X-rayed on the spot. ‘Your latest girlfriend, I presume?’
Now it was time for Amanda to blush. ‘Not at all, Heidi, we’re just good friends,’ she protested.
Heidi linked her arm in Amanda’s and resolutely steered her away from the small group. ‘We must talk, Amanda, I can feel that we’ll become best friends. Geoffrey is a darling, he’s so cute. I envy you.’
Amanda tried to protest in vain but Heidi just laughed softly and pushed a glass of champagne into her hand.
‘Cheers, Amanda. It’s no secret in Hong Kong that I’ve been fishing for Geoffrey for years.’ She sighed. ‘But he’s too clever to bite. Maybe, just between you and me, of course, I’m a bit too old for him after all. How old would you say I am?’
Amanda knew immediately that this question was a very dangerous trap. ‘Impossible to tell, Heidi, in your mid-thirties, I guess?’
Heidi giggled. ‘That’s very kind. I’ll never tell my true age, what’s the point? But Botox does wonders, doesn’t it? Only the hands will always betray one’s true age. But men usually don’t pay attention. A low neckline, a bit of adoration, a glass of booze and they tend to forget about the rest.’
Amanda felt carried away by this vortex of a conversation; she had no clue why she had become Heidi’s new confidante. But there was no time to think: Heidi was already continuing her animated monologue.
‘It wouldn’t work out well between Geoffrey and me, he’s far too nice for me. But he’s so cute. Usually I marry for money, but Geoffrey has both. He’s a nice chap and he’s rich – you can’t ask for more, can you? Very tempting.’
Amanda felt slightly overwhelmed by Heidi’s gush of words and had the uneasy feeling that Heidi was assessing every tiny detail of her appearance – and of her character probably – while she uttered her stream of gossip.
‘I didn’t know that Geoffrey was rich. I mean, I knew of course that he must have some money, living in a nice flat on the island…’ Amanda said lamely.
‘He doesn’t show off, like most of us like to do, but he’s got deep, deep pockets. You should give it thought, darling. I can see that he’s head over heels in love with you. Usually he’s only in for a flirt. Tell me, what have you done to make him seriously interested? Have you slept with him already?’
Amanda chose to ignore this last question. ‘I don’t care if a man is rich or not. I earn my own money. But I agree that Geoffrey really is a nice guy. But I’m going home at the end of the week, back to Germany. I have my job there, I have my own life, it simply wouldn’t work out.’
‘You’re from Germany! That’s where my ridiculous name comes from – my father was in love with your country. But tell me, you do have a proper job? How fascinating! What do you do, darling?’
‘I’m a school teacher. My subjects are English and history.’
‘How altruistic – a lot of work, stress, and you’ll be paid a mere pittance, but I guess there must be people who have to sacrifice themselves. Just imagine, educating the spoilt brats of other people…’ Heidi shuddered and looked at Amanda as if she were a strange insect. ‘How endearing.’
‘Maybe, but I like my job. But I’m not a very interesting person – tell me more about you! Geoffrey mentioned that you have a good eye for investments?’
Amanda knew from experience that everybody usually likes one subject best: talking about themselves. Her strategy worked and Heidi changed the subject, talking about her former marriages, her life in Hong Kong and her latest investments.
‘You see we live in a fishbowl here,’ she finished. ‘Everybody knows about everybody else. See the man there with the protruding eyes?’
Amanda looked in the direction Heidi was boldly pointing and spotted a Chinese man in his late fifties with sallow, sagging features standing next to his skinny wife who didn’t look very photogenic either.
‘What about him?’
‘His mistress is the lady over there.’
Amanda followed Heidi’s glance and saw a tall, young Chinese lady standing close to the bar wearing a remarkable pair of shiny black boots.
‘You must be kidding!’
‘I swear, rumour has it that she’s the mistress of the whip. He bought her a flat that cost more than ten million…’
‘She must handle the whip with true mastery then,’ Amanda commented drily.
‘So difficult to find appealing men around here.’ Heidi sighed. ‘Look at the waiter close to the lobster buffet. His body is first class, but his beard and dentures, a true insult to taste. The one next to him is better, don’t you think?’
Amanda looked at the first waiter and she could only agree, he was certainly no beauty. Then she saw the young waiter next to him, who must have been eighteen, if not younger.
‘You mean the young waiter over there? I’m not sure if he’s out of school yet.’ Amanda was flabbergasted.
‘I like them young… they’re so cute and innocent at that age. Small gifts usually do the trick…’ Heidi answered dreamily and floated towards the buffet to have a closer look at her potential prey.
‘How was your chat with Heidi?’ Geoffrey seized the opportunity and dragged Amanda out of Heidi’s reach.
‘Is she always this talkative?’
‘Oh yes, very much so. But you need to be careful, she can be very spiteful and she’s dangerous.’
‘She pretends to gossip but I couldn’t help feeling I was being cross-examined all the time.’
‘Yes, that’s Heidi.’
‘But she wasn’t spiteful to me – why would you call her dangerous?’
‘Heidi would walk over corpses if a good deal was in her sights – she’s unbelievably greedy when it comes to money. You remember that my banker told me that some people in Hong Kong had been betting large sums against David’s company?’
‘Yes, I remember Mr Wu was one of those.’
‘Heidi was involved as well and we’re not talking about a pittance, we’re talking millions…’
‘You mean…’
‘Yes, another plunge in David’s shares would make her an even wealthier woman.’
They had reached a section of the garden that was brimming with security. Here, reclining on a gilded chair, the ambassador from Beijing was holding court. Wu Junior was listening in awe to his words, as were a good dozen other
guests, including Jacky and Lewis.
‘How come Wu and Jacky are here?’ Amanda asked in a low voice. ‘Isn’t that strange? We all know that they hate David.’
‘No one would dare to snub the representative of the Central Government in Beijing,’ Geoffrey whispered back. ‘David has made a very clever move. Everybody now understands that he’s got the full support of Beijing and that he’s innocent in their eyes. You’ll see his share price explode when the stock exchange opens again.’
‘No wonder Heidi was in a strange mood. She’ll lose a lot of money if that happens.’
‘Don’t forget Jacky – he was betting on lower share prices as well. A lot of people here are bound to lose money big style on Monday,’ Geoffrey said, then excused himself as he had spotted a man in the crowd he absolutely needed to talk to.
‘Unless David doesn’t survive the evening.’ The thought flashed through Amanda’s mind and she tried to banish it as quickly as it had materialised. But the uneasy feeling lingered on. Suddenly the smart setting looked all wrong to her and she longed to be back in the safety of her home, far away from this pool filled with blood-lusting sharks.
‘Did you see him?’ Susan suddenly popped up next to her and tugged nervously at her sleeve.
‘Who? Mr Wu?’
‘Who cares about Mr Wu? You’re obsessed by that man. No, I mean Daniel, your Daniel.’
Amanda tried hard to ignore a treacherous fluttering of her heart. ‘It’s not my Daniel any longer, Susan, I told you.’
‘Hmpf, you did, and I sincerely hope you’re speaking the truth. He may be candy for your eyes but he’s poison for your soul.’
‘Don’t be melodramatic, you read too many trashy novels!’
Death in Hong Kong: (Amanda Lipton Mysteries Book 3) Page 14
