After they’d presented their credentials to a formally courteous, uniformed fellow at reception, a high-speed Otis elevator whisked them silently to the top of the building. When the doors swished open, Harry and Aldo stepped directly into a plush-carpeted meeting room that took up the entire floor. A young woman with Asian features and a pasted smile broad as a grimace greeted them. Her blazer was the same uniform they’d seen in reception. A crest on the breast pocket showed a pair of rampant lions, not quite identical to the country's emblem.
“I’m Melissa Chen,” she began as she beckoned them in. “Mr. Singh will be joining you shortly. Meanwhile, may I offer you coffee or tea or bottled water, sparkling or still?”
Their first sight of the room was so impressive they both ignored the qu
