Episode 98: Impeccable!

Since meeting Bill, Mai had been spending less and less time as "Hanoi Rose", however as the centerpiece of her business it was difficult to fully extricate herself from all aspects of her old life.  

And although personally in high demand and in most cases with the money not an object for her clients she unconsciously had made herself even more exclusive as she significantly decreased her availability.

This only heightened the prestige of her agency and as it became the most sought after lotus of perfection in all of Hanoi and indeed Vietnam.

Thus she had began grooming a number of her other girls, looking for that one special protégé.

She was always on the lookout for that special mix of beauty, charm, coolness and smarts...ultimately looking for herself in each girl that she interviewed with only the absolute best being considered to work with her agency.

Mai spent much of the day surrounded by her small and intimate stable of girls, monitoring the social events in Hanoi through her booking agents, ensuring that the girls wardrobes and jewellery were perfectly matched for the event and that each girl's hair and makeup were impeccable in preparation for the evening ahead.  

She singled out each girl and discussed both the event and the intricacies of her patron for the event...including what conversation topics to engage him in, his favourite perfume, the style, cut and color of her lingerie and most importantly his sexual predilections.  

Depending on the patron she would also be assigned at least one bodyguard to ensure she was delivered exactly to the specifications as they had been requested.

Mai knew instinctively that to be with the man she loved she must become the figurehead of her agency and to leave the day to day business behind once and for all...

Episode 97: Intrigue

Lea had gleaned little from Alessio over the course of their time together and he remained a mystery man in many ways.  Initially this had been fine as it was nothing more than a fling but as the days together lengthened she became more curious about him as her feelings grew for him.

Trying not to come across as too needy or too much like a journalist, she played it cool and only asked questions around the edges that weren't too intrusive or more importantly color his opinion of her.  

However, the one response to a question he'd posed that stuck in her mind was when she asked about the type of business he was in.  

Her journalistic nose twitched when he said that he was a importer of Indo-chinese homewares for the European market.  And although she couldn't quite put her finger on it, there was just something that didn't quite seem right...she could feel it.

True, it was obvious that he was comfortable in Asia and obvious that he must of visited many times before, but when she had commented on their hosts beautiful homewares and in particular the statues and ornaments that adorned this magnificent home he paid scant attention and made no comment.

In addition, Lea had observed an intense discussion between Alessio and their gracious host, but from a distance she was unable to make out what was being said.  

Yet, this seemed so out of place for the man she thought she knew.

Episode 96: Traveling Companion

The phone rang loudly in John's ear, his nerves already highly sensitive thus waking him with a start.  He groggily reached for the receiver.

"Hello..." Nothing but static on the line, but just before he was going to hang up a voice from the other end of the line.

"John, are you there?"  it's Rupert Palmer from the Foreign office.  Yes, I'm here Rupert.  

I have news of your niece...Lea, Rupert went on quickly.

John sat up abruptly in bed and turned on the bedside lamp.  Yes, what is it he asked excitedly?  

Look, she's been detained in Bangkok in this bloody messy little Coup that they're having.  What?  How did you know she was there?

A passport check was made with the British consulate in Bangkok two days ago for both Lea and her traveling companion.  Listen...do you know an Italian national by the name of Alessio Mancino? the static chattering down the line.

No, why should I?   

Interpol has been tracking him for sometime he also goes under the assumed name of Gino Fiorio....do either of these names ring a bell he asked solemnly?  

Do you know if she's been seeing this man prior to her trip?  Rupert went on asking question after question before John interrupted him.

Look Rupert I'm confused?  Lea left London before me on her way to Hanoi, and as far as I know she was traveling alone.  When she hadn't arrived I put a call into Craig at the Yard.  There was silence on the other end of the phone...

Listen what's this all about?