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“I was”

“I thought you were supposed to stay in China”

“In case you haven’t heard, Hong Kong was returned to China,” Stuart said lightly

“Does Inspector Liu know?”

Stuart grinned as if his hand had been caught in the proverbial cookie jar “Your wife…” He let out a lohistle “We had a nice chat this h”

“Which doesn’t answer my question”

“I didn’t tell her h I have my project to finish I’ll be back”

“Is everything okay up there? I heard a report on the weather”

“Yeah, it’s a bitch I took back roads down to Wuhan, then took a coht Saestured to the wo? Hoould you like to be introduced, dear? Shall I say you’re the absentee owner of the Panda Guesthouse?”

“Whateveranswered

A waiter appeared and silently refilled their glasses with Mumm’s As soon as he’d stepped away, Stuart said, “I’m here for a few days Why don’t you co?” Then heKongslightly Stuart then returned to scrutinizing the competition “David, have you been to an auction like this before?”

“No, I haven’t”

“Bidding?” Stuart asked with feigned disinterest

“You knohy I’m here”

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