The Treasure of Lei Fong Wu

Chapter Two

“It even smells new!” Kaylee said as they walked through the lobby of the Apex Regency Hotel. Part of the aroma was evaporating solvents from paint and tile adhesives that were still recent, and workmen scurried around putting final touches on a number of areas. Here and there were unfinished electrical conduits with wires hanging out, awaiting lights or other fixtures, and every now and then there was an unpainted swath of wall. But the over-all effect was still spectacular, a kind of understated elegance that screamed “We’ve got more money than God!”

“It’s pretty,” murmured Zoe, who looked a little uncomfortable here. “I like the carpet.”

“It’s softer than our bed!” Wash agreed, taking a few practice bounces. Zoë rolled her eyes at her husband, who was grinning like the rube she felt like. “I wonder what the beds will be like?”

“Now, children,” Simon said quietly. “Be jway. We’re trying to appear affluent enough to maintain a low profile,” he reminded.

“This here is the fanciest cathouse I done ever seen!” exploded Jayne gleefully. “I swear, I could strip down to my skivvies and roll around this here carpet and it’d be as soft as a gorram virgin whore!” He ended his ode to luxury and privileged circumstances with an ear-splitting, wordless cheer.

“That’s better,” breathed Simon, sighing with closed eyes as he approached the front desk. “Ho tze duh pee goo.”

A very dignified middle-aged man greeted him with a bow and a smile, while a very pretty young woman in the green and pink silk suit that was the Regency’s uniform stood by, pad in hand, awaiting instruction.

“Ni how? May I help you, Sir?”

“Yes,” Simon said, coming close to the counter. “I waved ahead about some rooms for myself and . . . these good people. Name of Smith.”

“Smith . . . yes, of course. Four suites. I put you on the second floor, on the ocean side, as you requested. Hmmm. It seems that, for whatever reason, your credit code neglected to be transmitted.”