The Defector, page 18
He answered. “Hello?”
A woman’s voice replied, speaking perfect Mandarin. “Hello? Who am I speaking to?”
He gave the phone a look. “You called me.”
“Yes, I did. I’m hesitant to say my name, but I believe we have a mutual friend.”
Chan was tempted to hang up, though no one should have this number but Kane, so it had to be important. The woman at the other end of the line spoke perfect Mandarin with a local dialect, and it led to a thought. “Give me your first name.” There was a hesitation. “Listen, I think I know who you are.”
“Who do you think I am?”
“I think you’re the girlfriend of the biggest pain in my ass I’ve known my entire life.”
She laughed. “That definitely sounds like him. Fang.”
He smiled. “I’m not going to say my name because I can’t be entirely certain you are who you say you are, but the fact you’re calling this line tells me something’s wrong.”
“Not necessarily wrong.” There was a sigh, triggering a burst of static. “Listen, up until a few minutes ago, we assumed our mutual friend was a traitor to his country. Now we know better. We know he sent a message to you and that another message is due to be sent shortly.”
Chan picked up on that. “Shortly?”
“Well, I’m assuming shortly. According to the person who would be triggering that message to you, it was due to be sent the moment his escape attempt began.”
Chan relaxed slightly. “So, you have no information on when that might be starting?”
“No. My understanding is he’s in position and it could begin at any moment, or it could be days. We just don’t know. We have no comms with him.”
“Yes, well, I’m in position and should be able to get to the rendezvous point no matter when he starts, as long as I haven’t vomited myself to death. I still don’t see why you’ve risked calling me. Despite this call being encrypted, there is a chance someone could intercept it.”
“We need to know what his plan is.”
Chan tensed. “Why?”
“My last briefing tells me the North Koreans are pouring more assets into the area. We’re concerned they’ll create a cordon that he won’t be able to get through.”
“I’m sure he’s got a plan for that.”
“Yes, we believe he does, and that that plan involves us coordinating with you.”
“Oh? Care to explain that to me?”
“The moment the truth was discovered, his contact fully briefed us. The only missing element was you. I’ve made contact with you against CIA orders, because I think he wanted us to talk. If we know where you are picking him up, we can have a diversion created that should draw the North Koreans away from your planned rendezvous. But if we don’t know where to create that diversion, he probably has no hope in hell of getting through.”
Chan pursed his lips as his stomach fought him. His wife had told him to get the Gravol suppositories and not the pills, but there was no way he was shoving something up his ass. It was the wrong choice. He sighed. “The rendezvous point is at Changp’o, one kilometer offshore.”
“Aren’t you concerned about patrols?”
“Of course I’m concerned about patrols. This isn’t my first rodeo, as he might say. Create your diversion south of the rendezvous and that should create an opening for him to get through. And don’t call this number again. I can’t risk the signal being detected. As soon as I get the trigger message, I’ll be tossing it overboard.”
“Understood. Good luck.”
“Good luck to us all.” He hesitated. “One thing, Fang.”
“What’s that?”
“If I don’t survive this, tell my wife that I’ll miss her nagging.”
Fang chuckled. “Are you sure you want those as your final words?”
“Oh, I’m sure my final words will be far more colorful than that, but my final words to her, yes, she’ll know what they mean.”
Fang’s response was subdued. “I’ll make sure she gets the message. And when you see Dylan, just in case you don’t make it, tell him that I love him and that I forgive him.”
“I will. Now goodbye. I have work to do.” He ended the call then rushed to the rail, emptying his guts yet again. If he did see Kane again, he was punching him in the throat before he delivered any message from the man’s girlfriend.
55 |
Nyongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center Perimeter Nyongbyon, North Korea
The Nyongbyon complex was huge, almost ten square miles of land divided into two sections, one housing the reactor and all the research facilities, the other, the residential component where those that worked here lived along with their families. It reminded Dawson a little bit of military housing, though unlike back home where you were free to come and go as you pleased, this housing was surrounded by chain-link fencing rimmed with barbed wire and patrolled by armed guards.
He had familiarized himself with the area and the general layout of the major buildings. The problem was there were only six of them and there was no way they could cover the entire area. It was simply too big. Assumptions had to be made as to what Kane’s plan was. He could sneak out any number of exits, but all those exits would be guarded, and he would be closely watched everywhere he went. Sneaking out was an unlikely option, so that left two other options. One was escaping in a blaze of glory, counting on them to take out any hostiles on the outside as he sprinted toward them, or alternatively, a momentary lapse by his guards taken advantage of that might buy him a few seconds, perhaps even a couple of minutes to make a partial escape that would eventually be discovered.
The question was, where did Kane think Bravo Team would be waiting? Directly in front of them was the reactor Kane and the others had entered hours before. To the right, the complex continued, to the left was the residential area. If Kane expected help, he had to know it was coming from the front—there was no way the team could provide support from any of the other directions. There were simply too many buildings in the way and too many opportunities to be discovered, with fewer opportunities to make a clean escape.
“What do you think?” asked Niner, lying prone on the ground beside him.
“I think he has to be coming out that front entrance, either in disguise or on the run.”
“Maybe we should try to put a two-man team at the rear, just in case,” suggested Atlas.
Dawson shook his head. “No, then we would be rescuing them after the shit hit the fan. Let’s just spread along this tree line. No spotters just shooters. Once I give the order, start taking down anything in a uniform that moves.”
“It would be nice to have some secondary explosions,” said Spock.
“It would definitely provide a distraction,” agreed Dawson. “Atlas, pick a good position that gives you a full range and choose six targets for that eighty-four. We only get one chance at it, so make them juicy.”
Atlas grinned. “As juicy as Vanessa’s roast chicken?”
Niner groaned. “Why did you have to mention her roast chicken? It’s like incredible.”
Jagger smacked his massive lips. “I’ve never tasted better. I can’t get Costco rotisserie chicken anymore. It just doesn’t taste like chicken now that I’ve had hers.”
“Yeah, Vanessa’s legs and thighs and breasts are the best.” Niner squinted. “What’s the chicken’s ass called?”
Atlas clenched a fist. “I don’t know, but if you say my girlfriend’s ass is juicy, you’re going to be tasting my knuckles before you taste her chicken again.”
Niner shrugged. “I thought I was talking about her chicken, though her legs and thighs―”
Atlas reached across Dawson and belted Niner in the shoulder.
“Geez, a little touchy aren’t we? Maybe she shouldn’t be wearing sweatpants that say ‘Juicy’ on the ass if she doesn’t want us making fun of you.”
Spock cocked an eyebrow. “Us? Don’t get me involved in this.”
Dawson put an end to it. “Before this turns into a friendly fire incident, let’s spread out. Find good cover that gives each of you full coverage of the entire area. And Atlas, watch where you’re shooting that thing. Try not to hit the main building. For all we know, they keep plutonium in desk drawers. Last thing we want is to trigger some sort of nuclear disaster. There’ll be no end to the paperwork.”
“Copy that, BD. No Chernobyls.”
Niner reached over and grabbed Atlas’ ass. “Now go get that juicy thing in position, sweet cheeks.”
Atlas rolled away, breaking the grip on his ass as he growled. “I’m so kicking your ass when this is over.”
“Promises, promises,” muttered Niner as he scampered to the left, the team spreading out, preparing for what could be the biggest Charlie-Foxtrot of their careers.
56 |
Nyongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center Nyongbyon, North Korea
Kane inhaled deeply as he steadied his hammering heart. This was the best damn tour he had ever been on. About an hour into the tedious boredom, where Gorman explained everything in detail to the fake Burkett, while Jack wisely said little that might risk revealing the fact he knew almost nothing about the subject at hand, Kwan had dragged him into a supply room and locked the door. Pak had said nothing, evidently quite willing to let Kwan monitor him in this controlled environment.
She had monitored part of him for the past forty minutes and he wasn’t sure how to feel. The sexual component was of course fantastic, and to maintain his cover, he simply shut down the emotions that caused him guilt. But there was something else in the back of his mind now troubling him. Was his assigned companion actually falling for him? If she wasn’t, she was incredibly talented at her job and deserved an Oscar for her performance. If it was all an act, then he would feel no guilt when he betrayed her. But if the poor girl was developing feelings for him, it was yet another distasteful aspect of this mission.
But this woman was supposed to be a pro. Countless women over the years who hadn’t received the training she should have, had fallen for him within hours, just as she appeared to have. But he had to think she was simply putting on a spectacular show, and that when push came to shove, she wouldn’t hesitate to put a bullet in his head.
And he had to remember that, because if he hesitated, it could cost lives, including his own.
“Shall we rejoin the tour?” she asked.
He smiled. “Probably a good idea. Somebody is going to ask where we are, and I’d hate for the major to get in trouble.”
She giggled. “He does seem rather uptight, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, he does, but I won’t hold that against him. We’ve only ever seen him at work. I bet on a Friday night with his friends, he’s a wild man.”
She roared with laughter then slapped a hand over her mouth at how loud it was in their confined space.
He gave her a hug. “Let’s get out of here.”
She opened the door and they emerged from the supply room. Nobody paid them any mind, likely due to the color of her lab coat, a bright red, which from the people he had seen wearing the same color suggested security. He hadn’t seen too many of them, nor were there many armed guards on this floor. It appeared that most security was concentrated outside of the building and in the main lobby.
They evidently trusted their staff. To a point.
It opened up some possibilities for success on this floor, but he wasn’t so sure about the main floor or outside. Subterfuge could get them part of the way, and it had been long enough for Bravo Team to be in place to assist in the escape. The moment that began, Morrison would trigger the final message, Tommy would send it, Chan would receive it then move into place, then they would have one hour to escape, be captured, or killed.
Kane made eye contact with Jack at the far end of the room where Gorman was disassembling a scale model of the reactor. Jack continued to feign interest while remaining careful with anything he said. The last thing they needed was Gorman discovering he was a fraud.
A gong sounded. Kane instinctively checked his watch and frowned, the CIA-customized device he normally wore confiscated at the start of his initial interrogation. The entire room became a buzz of activity, some smiles appearing for the first time since they had arrived.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“End of the shift,” said Ri as he rose from his desk nearby. “Now, I understand Dr. Burkett has ingratiated himself on Dr. Gorman, however, I suggest we all have dinner at my residence after our new arrival gets a tour of his apparent rival’s quarters. My wife is expecting us and is accustomed to entertaining. I promise you a delicious meal and good conversation.”
Kane smiled broadly and bowed. “We would be honored, I’m sure.” He turned to Pak. “With your permission, of course.”
Pak gave a curt nod. “I would never deny you the pleasure of Dr. Ri’s company, especially after his wife has no doubt gone to so much trouble.”
Ri smiled. “Then it’s settled.”
The staff in white coats filed out of the room, and an agitated Gorman, accompanied by Jack sporting a smirk, joined them. Kane turned to Jack. “So, Dr. Burkett, how was your tour?”
Jack eyed Kwan. “Not as good as yours, I think.”
Kane wrapped an arm around her. “No, I doubt it was. But was it informative?”
“It confirmed what I suspected. They’re decades behind, but I have no doubt I can get them operational quite quickly.”
“Well, you’ll be happy to hear that Dr. Ri has invited us to his home to enjoy his wife’s cooking.”
Jack frowned. “I’m not a big fan of Asian cuisine. No offense, but while your wife might be an excellent cook, I doubt I could stomach it.”
Ri bristled and Kane held out a hand. “Have you ever eaten Korean food before?”
Jack shook his head. “Nope.”
“Then you don’t know what you’re missing. Trust me. And besides, you better get used to it. It’s not like they’re going to fly McDonald’s in every day to satisfy our ridiculous American palates.”
Jack frowned. “You mean they don’t have McDonald’s here?”
Everybody stared at him. “Of course they don’t have McDonald’s here.”
Jack shrugged, his hands palm up. “What’s everybody looking at me for? I don’t pay attention to garbage like that. I just know I like McDonald’s.” He sighed. “Fine. Let’s go to Dr. Ri’s and let his wife introduce me to North Korean cuisine. I’ll visit Dr. Gorman’s residence tomorrow.”
Ri gave a curt nod then headed for the doors. “I’ll go on ahead and alert my wife as to what to expect.” He pushed through the double doors, the two guards on either side snapping to attention briefly. Kane had no doubt the man was delivering a warning about Jack.
The room was nearly empty now and Kane looked about. “When does your night shift arrive?”
“They don’t,” replied Gorman. “We only have the one shift from eight AM to six PM, six days a week. All the expertise is concentrated and working together at all times.”
Kane nodded. “Efficient.”
Gorman shrugged. “They seem to think so.”
Pak regarded him. “You disagree?”
Gorman dismissed his own criticism with a wave of his hand. “Forget I said anything. I’m just accustomed to working in functioning reactors where everything goes twenty-four-seven. In time, this place will be the same, I’m sure, with Dr. Burkett’s help.”
Jack headed for the doors. “Let’s go, I’m starving.”
Pak cleared his throat. “Aren’t you forgetting something, Doctor?”
Jack stopped and turned. “What?”
Pak pointed at the bright yellow lab coat lying on the back of a chair.
“Oh shit, yeah, I forgot about that monstrosity. We definitely have to have a talk about a change of color coding around here. I personally like those red ones your guards are wearing.” He retrieved his lab coat and shrugged it on as he headed for the doors. “By the way, where’s the bathroom around here? I have to drain the lizard.”
Kane grabbed the guard nearest him, hauling him in and breaking his neck as Jack, who had just given the signal to act, lunged forward with a pencil and plunged it into the other guard’s jugular. Gorman collapsed backward into one of the lab tables, gasping in shock as Pak reached for his weapon. Kane grabbed Kwan and put her in a sleeper hold as Jack disarmed the major, breaking his wrist in the process. Pak collapsed to his knees, wincing in agony, and Jack pistol-whipped him unconscious.
“Take me with you,” gasped Kwan as Jack stripped out of his clothes and donned the major’s uniform.
“Don’t trust her,” said Jack as he pulled on pants far too short for him.
“Please, Dylan, take me with you.”
She was almost out cold and he quickly debated what to do. He had no intention of killing her, it wasn’t necessary, though death might be the preferable choice if he didn’t take her with him. If they didn’t succeed in escaping, then any decision he made was irrelevant. But if he did and left her behind, she would be blamed, likely tortured for God knows how long, and as a woman, that torture would include repeated rape.
He did care for her as a person and he realized she was doing a job. The question was, was she still doing that job? If he took her with them, could he trust her, or would she betray them? He eased up and Jack cursed as he finished putting on the ill-fitting uniform.
“You have to stop thinking with Mr. Wiggly.”
“You know what they’ll do to her if we leave her behind.”
“Yes, I do, and I know what she’ll do to us the first chance she gets.”
Gorman finally recovered enough to ask questions. “What’s going on here? Who are you people?”
Jack extended a hand. “Nice to meet you, Doc. You can call me Jack.”
“Jack? Jack who?”
“Just Jack. And to answer your next question, no, I’m not Dr. Burkett. We’re here to get you out.”
_preview.jpg)
_preview.jpg)
_preview.jpg)
