I’m walking down Orchard Road. It’s not the Orchard Road you think it is, Elm Street is not around the corner, I’m in Singapore, in fact, crossing a busy section in the heart of the shopping district, observing the red pedestrian traffic light that keeps everybody on the curb and extends priority to a passing tram car. The tram stop on the other side of the street is busy, rush hour has already started. I’m looking at the...

He appears next to me as I exit the club. "Shall we take a taxi?" he asks. "Why should we," I reply --- I'm arrogant, I know, but I can't help it. "Why do you have to leave without a trick?" he shoots back. He's black, slender, wears a polo shirt and unassuming beige slacks. My gaze descends to his package. He follows my eyes. He knows there's no need for concern, his physique will speak for itself. He's winning. He hails...