“Copy that,” Ryan said. He grabbed Vincent Chen’s leather briefcase, relieved to find a laptop computer inside. That was something anyway. With any luck, Gavin could link to it remotely and give them a little nugget to go on. Yuki took Kim Soo’s ID and cell phone. Ryan draped the case over his shoulder and took a quick peek out the back door.
The police were still busy at the other end of the path. Rain pummeled the pavement, throwing as much spray back up as came down. If anything, it was raining even harder than before. They couldn’t retrace their steps. There would surely be crowds gathered around the wounded — and possibly dead — they’d left behind. The police might even be there by now. Better to go straight out the front of this place.
The shamisen music stopped abruptly when Yukiko led them into the cramped six-by-fifteen-foot bar, shouting like the place was on fire and pointing back at the storage room. Ryan didn’t know exactly what she was saying, but he was pretty sure it was something about dead bodies and men with guns. They were out the door before anyone recovered from the shock.
Keeping east, they fell in with a fleeing crowd and were shunted through the red
“You were right,” Ryan said as they slogged through the rain, over the gravel courtyard of the shrine. “A female brought down Vincent Chen.”
He looked at Yuki, rain pressing a pale shirt to her shoulders, dripping from her bangs. Long tresses clung to her cheeks. A woman would probably be his downfall as well.
59
Protocol dictated that the paramount leader of China should arrive last, just prior to departure. Support staff and Colonel Huang had timed the ride to the airport so they could lift off moments after President Zhao was seated. The plane was a Boeing 747 used by Air China as a passenger jet when it was not pressed into service to fly the Chinese president on international trips. Prior to becoming China’s version of Air Force One, the 747, usually one of two, was fitted with more luxurious furnishings, including beds, sofas, and plush seating. Madame Zhao enjoyed flying in such comfort. She had wanted to accompany him to Japan, but present circumstances made that an imprudent idea.
Zhao was not surprised to see Foreign Minister Li’s motorcade already on the tarmac as his armored Hongqi L5 limousine came to a stop behind the uniformed military escort. He was, however, surprised to find Minister Li speaking with that detestable General Xu of the Central Security Bureau. The sun was up, a dull orange disk through the greasy pall of haze to the east, but lights illuminated the base of the plane and the length of red carpet rolled out from the air stairs.
The gaggle of men around Li and Xu snapped to attention when they saw the president approaching. Li gave a slight bow. Xu, a bow that was even slighter.
“Good morning, Zhao Zhuxi,” Li said. He gave Colonel Huang a look of uncharacteristic sympathy. “I was sorry to hear about your men. The criminals responsible will be captured and punished to the fullest extent, I am sure.”
Colonel Huang thanked him for his courtesy, but looked nervously up and down the tarmac.
“Zhao Zhuxi,” General Xu said, “the attack on your protective staff is what finds me here to greet you this morning. I have seen personally to providing three replacements from among our very finest at the Central Security Bureau.”
Zhao nodded thoughtfully. “I was under the impression that the very finest would be assigned to the paramount leader in the first place.”
“Just so,” Xu blustered. “But CSB has many talented and skilled officers. Is that not correct, Colonel Huang?”
“It is, General,” Huang said.
Zhao turned to him. “Do we need more personnel?”
“General Xu is correct,” he said. “We should not travel without a full complement.”
“Do you know these replacements, Colonel?” Zhao asked.
“I do, sir,” Huang said. “By name and reputation. I have not had the pleasure of working with them.”
“You know best, of course, General,” Zhao said.
“Is something wrong, Zhao Zhuxi?” Li asked.
“No.” Zhao shook his head. “The timing is unfortunate. That is all.”
“Please,” Li said. “Allow me to offer three of my security detail. They are accustomed to working directly with Colonel Huang and his men. The three new officers may assume responsibilities for my protection.”
General Xu started to object, which made Zhao more prone to accept the offer.
He raised an eyebrow. “This seems quite outside the norm.”
Li bowed again. “The timing, as you say, is unfortunate. It would be my great honor to second Colonel Long Yun and two others. The best of my best.”
“I could not,” Zhao said.
“Your safety is paramount,” Li said. “Please do me this honor.”
Colonel Huang’s jaw muscles flexed. He was obviously surprised at the news.