As I headed south the rain lightened to become more like heavy moisture in the air than actual rain and the traffic remained free flowing, perhaps actually helped by the number of KE patrol cars I passed for a change. The day seemed to be looking up when a thought finally filtered through my brain. I knew the name Palace of China and not just from the message this morning. Some of my former colleagues from the Organised Crime Unit had mentioned it in passing as being associated with one of the Triads, though I couldn't remember which. Not that it meant anything, I was sure any Ms Johnson worthy of the name could get a private room there, but at least my brain wasn't letting me walk into something completely blind.
My destination was obvious to me from at least a block away. The Tang dynasty style building dominating the landscape of the surrounding area. From my swift research earlier I knew that there was no access to the parking lot for private individuals, it was valet parking or pre-screened chauffeurs only. Thumbing the biometric lock I'd installed on the glove compartment I dropped my Colt in, immediately feeling like a 2 year old who's security blanket had been taken away, as I brought the car to a halt at the entrance hoping that the engine would not choose this moment for it's first ever backfire.
Opening the door I was greeted by a slender female of obvious Chinese descent dressed in a modern interpretation of what I assumed was Tang dynasty style costume with the restaurants name woven subtly into the fabric over the left breast.
"Do you have a reservation Sir?" I didn't have to see her face as the sneer could be heard in her voice.
"I'm with the 12 o'clock Johnson party" The change in demeanour was palpable as the valet responded,
Of course Sir. If you ask for Mr Chien he will see to it that you make your reservation. I will ensure your vehicle is cleaned and ready for you upon departure." Heading towards the doors it's impossible to miss the two Chinese gentleman positioned either side of the entrance, each seemingly carved from stone and each looking like he could bench press me using a single hand without breaking a sweat. No wonder this place had such rave reviews, I wouldn't want to be the one to complain about the quality of my food, and if anything the security rating should have been bumped up a couple of notches.
The interior screamed money and sophistication even louder than the exterior, and that had rated at least 150 on the decibel scale as I'd driven up to it.
I just hope I remember what goes where if this little get together includes a meal. Turning to the coat check on the left I dropped my fedora and greatcoat off. Before I could begin to ask for Mr Chien a voice behind me broke the silence.
"Welcome to the Palace of China. I am Mr Chien. If you would like to follow Golden Lilly she will escort you to where you party is waiting." Turning I see a distinguished middle aged gentleman and a beautiful young woman.
"Please Sir, if you would, several of your party have already arrived." The young woman's voice had just enough of an accent to remain alluring and exotic whilst ensuring that every word could be understood.
A guy could get used to this far too damn quickly jumped through my frontal lobes as I responded.
"Of course, please lead on. It wouldn't do to keep them waiting.""Thank you," her voice then took on a more conspiratorial tone that was tinged with amusement,
"though you need not fret. You're not the last to arrive."With that she headed up the stairs and enjoying the view I followed. Turning to the right she soon stops before an ornate door, knocks softly and gestures for me to enter. Taking a deep breath and receiving an A OK back from the mental diagnostic my brain was running I stepped through into the room. My eyes were immediately drawn to the four different, but beautiful, woman within before finally taking in the two males already in the room.
So much for A OK. Come on brain, get with the program. If I had to guess the elegant Chinese lady who exuded confidence and control would be Ms Johnson, the young woman against the wall would be an employee of the establishment and the remaining two potential companions on whatever business we were soon to discuss. Of the two men in the room I would put money on the caucasian being ex-military but I couldn't tell much about the Asian other than I didn't think he was Chinese in ethnicity.
[spoiler]
Memory Test - Palace of China:
8d6t5 2[/spoiler]
