Chapter 3
True enough, Samuel’s warnings did not deter Leto and he still went on with his plans to sneak into Mr. Lao’s VIP room, even if there was a huge chance of it failing.
There was always a guard posted outside its doors, and they examine every nook and cranny of the trolley of the room service staff coming in and going out of the room. Leto observed the time intervals of the room service and the schedule of shift of the employees assigned there. They were thoroughly inspected by the security before and after delivering the food. Lao is a truly meticulous individual; it was becoming obvious he had some things to hide.
Game plan: Leto will try sticking a micro-chip digital audio recorder on one of Lao’s bodyguards, in hopes of hearing whatever conversation that can be used as lead or evidence for Lao’s transactions and accomplices.
He knew the plan sounded inefficient. There was a possibility that Lao would not be with his accomplices the entire day. But the audio recorder was the only spying device he had with him at the moment, and he couldn’t think of any other way.
It was too risky to disguise himself as a housekeeper just to install the hidden camera, and besides, he didn’t have a camera inconspicuous enough that could pass the man’s tight security.
Leto was desperate and he knew it, but he couldn’t just stand by and do nothing just because he couldn’t find any weaknesses on Lao’s defenses. And compared to disguising himself, getting unlucky and then getting caught if he ever does take the gamble and sneak into Lao’s room; he would rather bet on this and fail, but still manage to get out of the VIP floor alive.
There were two guarding the entrance. One of them he recognized from the CCTV surveillance for having gone in and out several times of the room already. This one is more likely to stay close to Lao.
As luck would have it, the man reeked of alcohol after drinking in the bar lounge. Leto had also managed to put on the wireless earbuds and had had it synced with the micro-chip audio recorder that he needed to slip onto his target.
The recording device might be tiny, but it was equipped with GPS and High Sensitivity Microphone that would be able to record high quality audio for a long duration. It even comes with a camouflage kit. It can match the color of the material it will be stuck on to make it less visible. It was one of the newly imported spying equipment from America that was issued to them for their upcoming drug-related operations.
To keep the bodyguards’ attention off him, Leto would go with the room service crew and pretend to drunkenly bump into the man once the inspection for the room service’s trolley begins.
Leto waited for the room service’s ETA which he was sure was scheduled to arrive at Lao’s, and rode the elevator with them. He swayed unsteadily on his feet, a pretense for drunkenness. The staff observed him without getting too close, as if to check if he felt like throwing up or passing out. He was glad to know that at least his acting skills weren’t as bad as he thought they would be.
But Leto was still anxious. Just one wrong move and the whole mission and his life were forfeit. He couldn’t help but worry about Samuel’s warnings. But it’s too late to back out now—any moment and they’d be on the floor where his target’s room was in.
Directly but slowly, he followed the room service to the hallway, a hand on his forehead. They were quickly noticed by the two guards, and as expected, their attention zoned in on the room service personnel. Leto could feel his heartbeat getting more erratic in his chest as he worried. He was only a few inches away from them.
Then the staff stopped by Lao’s room. Like wind up dolls, the bodyguards closely inspected the food trolley. His target bowed and that was the exact moment he purposely bumped into him, moving away just as quickly once he had pinned the recorder on the other man’s back.
“Sorry, sorry, sorry!” Leto slurred. He raised both of his hands acting as the man moved to his waist, aiming for a gun. “Whoah. Just chill, bro. Apologies, I just felt a bit lightheaded. I’m really sorry,” he said with a slight grin, his hands coming to his head again. “Ouch. Tsk,” he said, before proceeding to walk again.
“Are you okay, Mike?”
Great, the audio from the recorder was clear. He could feel his nerves finally calm, until—
“Yeah, I’m good. But there’s something off about that dude. Call the other two inside and check this trolley. Let’s tail that guy, just to be sure.”
Ah, great. He has really been down on his luck the whole day.
He continued to walk the hallway, even though he knew there was no way out by taking this route.
He was trying to get a feel for the men following him. There was absolutely no doubt that it was safer to do this than confront them head-on, and, if his luck continues, deal with a shoot-out.
Up ahead, he saw a turn in the hallway and took it, all the while listening to the recorder as the bodyguards came closer. He came to a sudden stop upon seeing the dead end in front of him.
He’s a dead man.
He slowed his steps, studying his surroundings. There was a CCTV on one corner directed on the other side of the hallway. He was out of its range. He’s still somewhat lucky. But where would he go from here?
Choose wisely the door you will be opening to escape, you’re safety will depend on this. He remembered Samuel’s words from earlier.
Heh. Not bad. He couldn’t believe it.
It seems like the Pervert was a legitimate fortune seller. Cool. But this wasn’t the time to be awed. First he needed to follow his advice and choose the right door to safety.
There was only one out of six rooms whose door wasn’t within the range of the camera. Fortunately, it was close to him. The question though, was whether it was unlocked, or whether its owner would answer if he knocked. Tsk, he presumed too much and became careless, this would really end up killing him. Perhaps it’s time to tone down his bullheadedness a bit.
Ah, que será será.
He calmly went to door and reached for the knob. He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in when he realized the door was unlocked. He quickly turned the knob open and went inside. He closed it and finally felt his breath even out when finally he lost sight of the bodyguards tailing him. But his relief was short-lived as he heard the cocking of a gun behind him twice.
Ah, hell. He’s really out of luck this time. Leto was trying to keep himself calm, but he was ready to draw his gun anytime. He raised both of his arms and slowly turned around to face the people he had not meant to intrude on.
He almost forgot how to breathe as he faced the two men holding guns almost touching his face, prepared to finish him any second now. But they weren’t the main cause of his surprise. He really, really couldn’t believe his luck.
On the sofa, behind the two armed men, sits another man sporting a familiar grin and languid eyes. It was the very same man he had turned away just a few hours ago. They both seemed surprised by each other. The only difference was that Leto was a nervous wreck and Samuel only looked amused.
Leto Cipriano, it’s your lucky day after all.
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Translator’s Message: dun dun DUN DUN.
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Special Leche Flan Translations 