Chapter 82

“Are you traveling to Bali for business or pleasure?” the pretty stewardess in traditional dress said as she handed them hot hand towels in preparation for the breakfast after takeoff.

“Bit of both I think,” Tam said, smiling.

He looked around, muttered, “Oh, hell,” and as the plane took off, threaded his fingers through Quinn’s.29

If Jakarta were New York in July, Bali was New Orleans—or, better yet, Florida—in August. Quinn and Tam arrived mid-morning at the revamped Ngurah Rai International Airport in the capital city of Denpasar, where they were met by Pierre, the driver from the Grand Hyatt Bali in Nusa Dua.

Pierre was an amiable, talkative type—emphasis on talkative—who spoke perfect English. He peppered Quinn with questions about life in New York, which Pierre seemed to think was a cross between Home Alone 2and The French Connection, and especially the nature of their visit.