The Genghis Tomb Page 4

  From that day forward, Wu Tao became the future premier’s most valued—and indispensable—protégé. Over the many ensuing years through his long climb to ultimate power, it was always to him that Li Peiyan invariably turned whenever a particularly thorny problem required quick and effective resolution. And never once in all this time had the man he considered his proverbial ‘jewel beyond price’ ever failed to perform.

  Now Wu’s mentor had again called him to duty.

  It was while the colonel reached to pour a second cup of coffee that the premier entered through his adjoining office door. He immediately waved off Wu’s salute as being unnecessary. A welcoming smile filled his round face as he placed several folders on the table and sank into his preferred chair. Gesturing at the carafe, he said, “How you ever learned to stomach that vile drink has always puzzled me, old friend—but please, feel free to indulge yourself.”

  “Thank you, sir,” replied Wu. “I believe I will.”

  As they spent the next several minutes amiably catching up on things of little import, Wu took note of the premier’s continued robust appearance—though he’d clearly shed more than a few pounds since their last meeting seven months before. Perhaps this was somehow connected to his recent re-election to yet another five-year term in office. If so, he thought, then it shouldn’t surprise him, for he knew how difficult it had been to obtain all the necessary votes from the current Politburo.

  The premier eventually moved their conversation to more serious matters.

  “I have another assignment—and once again it’s something I wish handled by you, and no other.” He paused to smile. “In this particular instance, your facility in English should prove to be of some benefit to you. Can I assume you’re up to another challenge?”

  “Of course, sir.”

  Pleased, the premier slid the folders across the table. “I don’t expect you to read through these now. For the moment, just secure them in your briefcase. Unfortunately you have another long flight ahead of you, my friend. It will provide ample time to digest their contents.”

  Wu did as instructed; then asked, “And to exactly where am I going?”

  The answer surprised him.

  “To Ulan Bator. I’ve already issued orders making you acting head of Security and Intelligence at our embassy there. Your authority will be unquestioned. Inside those folders you’ll find all the necessary paperwork and code clearances. Should you require anything more, you know how to reach me direct.”

  “And the nature of the problem?”

  The premier heaved a sigh before answering.

  “It’s all laid out in those folders, of course, but let me tell you that roughly twenty-four hours ago one of our deeply embedded ‘assets’ transmitted something very disturbing to our foreign control officers here in Beijing. Once you read it you’ll understand the potential problem it suggests—and all the damage it could conceivably cause to our long-range plans regarding Mongolia.” He leaned forward in his chair. “As always, you will have my full backing in whatever course of action you deem necessary. I trust your judgment in these matters implicitly. Perhaps it may all amount to nothing, my friend—but my every instinct tells me otherwise. I sincerely hope you prove me wrong.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Ulan Bator, Mongolia 8:14 AM

  Deep within the Chinese embassy, Colonel Wu leaned back in his swivel chair, gauging the emotion of the agitated officer sitting across the desk from him. Having caught up on his sleep during the flight from Beijing to Ulan Bator, he was now eager to begin his new mission.

  But first there was the little issue of Major Kuo to resolve.

  During his many years resolving thorny problems for the premier, Wu learned early on the necessity of establishing complete authority over all those around him in order to perform at his best—and this regardless of others rank or high position. It was inevitably an essential ingredient to his success. Depending on the particulars of any given undertaking, however, it wasn’t always a task demanding immediate action.

  Today was an exception.

  Though his stern face gave no outward indication, Wu actually felt a twinge of sympathy for the younger man before him. Not only was Kuo given almost no time to clear out his spacious office in advance of Wu’s arrival—but now he must wait in silence to be enlightened by his apparent replacement. Doubtless the career officer anticipated the worst possible scenario. Was he about to be demoted in rank? Perhaps sent back to Beijing in disgrace for some perceived failure in his duties? All of this, and more, Wu read in the major’s worried demeanor.

  Time to put Kuo’s fears to rest.

  “I’m sure this comes as a confusing—if not disturbing—development for you, but I can assure you that circumstances prevented it from being otherwise. And as to why you’ve been given no official explanation from your superiors at the Ministry of State Security, the answer is rather simple. Basically, they have absolutely nothing to offer. In point of fact, they’ve been ordered by a much higher command to ask no questions, effectively instructed to turn a blind eye to all activities here during my hopefully brief stay at this embassy.” Wu paused, allowing his emphasis on ‘much higher command’ to fully register. “Am I understood so far?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Good. Let me also alleviate any concerns you may have regarding your future position here once I’m gone. Barring anything unforeseen, at that time you’ll resume all of your former duties as if this never happened. As to the duration of my stay, it could be as short as just a few days—or as long as several weeks. To a certain degree, the actual time frame will depend much on you.”

  “Me, sir?”

  “To be precise, on your ability to follow all of my orders promptly and efficiently. I’m told I can be rather difficult to work for, considering my exacting standards and the extended work hours I insist upon.” He paused. “Which now reminds me. Have a cot brought into this office and set up before the day is out. See to it at your first opportunity.” He then looked pointedly at Kuo. “And I strongly suggest you do the same in the outer office. Whenever I require something done—regardless it be day or night—I’ll want you readily accessible.”

  “Of course,” said Kuo, an expression of relief building on his round face. “Not a problem, sir. Are—is there anything else along these lines that I should—”

  “Since you bring it up, once we’ve concluded this meeting, have a pot of fresh coffee sent in. Nothing local—black—preferably a European blend. As to my other daily requirements, all of that can be sorted out later.”

  The major hurriedly jotted this into his pocket notepad as Wu extracted several sheets from his briefcase. “I see from your personnel file that you’ve been stationed here for the past six years—your primary task, as directed by M.S.S., being to recruit, train, and place various operatives within Mongolia. Can I assume that you’ve had some success in this area?”

  “I believe so, sir.”

  Wu selected a legal size sheet and slid it across the desk. He’d no need to refer to its handwritten contents. Another task he’d accomplished over his long flight. “These are your most immediate priorities,” he said, “and it’s important you address them in the order they’re written. As you see, you will begin by supplying me with the files on all our current operatives within Ulan Bator. And I do mean all—including those set up by your predecessors. We can branch outward from there if it becomes necessary. Use whatever office manpower you require, so long as I get them without delay. I wish to familiarize myself with them while you’re working on your other assignments. Understood?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  It pleased Wu to see Kuo had the ability to both read and listen at the same time. He considered it a mark of intelligence not always shared by middle grade officers. “Any questions, Major?”

  “Yes, sir . . . Here where you request a background dossier put together on this Professor Tsakiagiin at the university. If time constraints are as limited as you sug
gest, how comprehensive do you wish it?”

  “As detailed as possible.” Wu glanced at his wrist. “I’ll expect something on my desk by no later than five this afternoon. Consider it a test of your staff’s efficiency.”

  “I will, sir.”

  Fifteen minutes after dismissing Kuo, Wu poured his first cup of coffee of the day, again perusing the several files entrusted to him by Li Peiyan. By their content, he could readily understand the old man’s reason for alarm. This potential obstacle to China’s long-range plans for Mongolia might well prove considerable, thus reinforcing Wu’s apparent mandate to take decisive action as soon as possible. After all, if the premier wasn’t convinced of the urgency, he never would’ve assigned him the mission.

  But Wu found the documents’ shortage of pertinent facts somewhat disturbing. To properly formulate a plan of action, he required more detailed information—facts he didn’t presently possess but must somehow acquire. And fairly quickly! Without them—despite the premier’s directive—common sense dictated it was still far too early in the game to commit to anything heavy handed. At least not in the short term, anyway.

  Later, of course, would be a different matter.

  Of highest priority was the glaring need to learn all he could about this David Manning, the American professor from Greece scheduled to fly into Ulan Bator later in the week. Curiously, the name seemed vaguely familiar to him, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Definitely a quick search of the Internet was in order. There was no question he’d come across this name before. But exactly when—and in what context—continued to elude him. Over the past dozen years he’d regularly honed his facility in English by reading every foreign newspaper and magazine that came his way. Doubtless, that was the source. It would eventually come to him. Such things invariably did.

  As time was of the essence, he re-opened his briefcase, feeling he’d no alternative but to once again review everything in its entirety. He began by setting aside the four sheets of phone intercept translations, choosing instead to listen to the original taped conversations spoken in English. Perhaps Beijing’s specialists had misinterpreted something critical; a slightly different nuance to a phrase with more than one meaning—or perhaps a telling English expression so unfamiliar as to be omitted from their typed reports in Mandarin.

  But such wasn’t the case. The experts had done their job.

  An hour later, Wu finally put everything aside, accepting that he’d no viable option but to implement a necessary—albeit somewhat risky—course of action. Clearly the key to learning just how critical this situation truly was lay with David Manning and the contents of the envelope he was set to deliver to Professor Tsakiagiin three days hence.

  He buzzed in Kuo.

  “Clip this flight arrival information to your sheet,” he instructed, handing him a typed copy from Beijing’s last phone intercept. “It’s still a few days out, but I want someone assigned to tail this Prof. Manning from the moment he arrives. I’ll have photos for your man to I.D. him as he gets off the plane. Also—and this is absolutely critical—I want a voice-activated listening device placed inside Tsakiagiin’s university office. Use your most experienced man. I want it installed and thoroughly tested prior to Manning’s arrival. Understood?”

  “Yes, sir. Anything else?”

  “One thing more,” Wu replied, refilling his cup. “Go through M.S.S. channels, if you must, but I want your counterpart in our Athens’ embassy put through to me on a secure line as soon as possible. Preferably within the hour.”

  Kuo blinked.

  “A problem, Major?”

  “Sir, the time difference between here and Greece is—”

  “Of no concern to me. Just see to it.”

  Salonika, Greece. Two days later.

  It was 10:47pm when Elizabeth and young Jake finally returned from delivering David to Mikra Airport for his late afternoon departure. A light rain was beginning to spatter the windshield as she parked outside the rustic, stone building that had been their home for the past several years. It was now well beyond the boy’s regular bedtime, and the effects of the long day showed on his sleepy face as she unlocked the front door and led him inside. The lateness of the hour was the result of their stopping on the way back to visit with Maria and Nick. With his scheduled return to Alexandria now just a few days off, it was, in all likelihood, her last chance to see him.

  While waiting for Jake to wash up and don his pajamas, she sat before her bedroom mirror and untied the silk scarf retaining her long, auburn hair. The nightly routine of brushing it out was always tedious, and she again seriously contemplated having it severely shortened. As always, the prospect of achieving this particular luxury brought a wistful smile to her face. The problem, of course, was David, for she knew how disappointed he'd be to see it happen. She heaved a determined sigh, mentally adding this to her list of matters needing discussion upon on his return.

  And a rather long list it was fast becoming.

  A great many things required resolution over the next few weeks. Topping the list was the looming necessity of their moving to a new residence. Definitely not a prospect she liked to dwell on. These past years certainly held happy memories, but she and David always knew their allotted time here to be finite, now fast coming to a close. The university's wish to convert the house into an administrative office for the new campus annex could no longer be forestalled.

  But move to where? They hadn't even begun to investigate what was available close by to either rent or purchase. Why had they procrastinated for so long?

  Yet despite this and other pressing problems, she didn't for a second begrudge David's trip to Ulan Bator. How could she? If anything, she felt the timing was absolutely perfect. Better than anyone, she knew his growing frustrations over the legal delays at his excavation site. Too, the obvious boredom he was experiencing had clearly taken its toll—which made the rather sudden and intriguing mystery surrounding Nick's family heirloom a welcome and much needed diversion.

  “Mom?”

  “Hey, champ.” Elizabeth turned in her chair. “All set for bed, are you?”

  “Yeah, but if it's okay, I gotta go do something first. I kinda promised Marko.”

  “And what's that, hon?”

  He leaned his elbows on her knee. “Remember the little dragon toy he brought over last Sunday? You know, the one uncle Nick got him for his--”

  “I remember. What about it?”

  “He can't find it anywhere. Thinks he left it in dad's office when we were all out in the lab. I said I'd go see when we got home and phone him. Okay?”

  “Not okay, Jake.”

  “But—”

  “In case you didn't notice, it's starting to rain and you're in your pajamas. Besides, do you know what time it is? Even if it is there, your aunt Maria will already have Marko long tucked in and fast asleep—where you should be at this hour.”

  “But I promised, mom! Please?”

  Elizabeth moved her head in exasperation, thinking his stubbornness must surely come from his father. “Okay, here's my best offer,” she then said. “You hike yourself off to bed right now and I'll go take a quick look. But whether it's there, or not, there'll be no phone calls tonight. That’s final. Tomorrow will be soon enough. Deal?”

  He gave a reluctant nod, accepting this was all he was going to get.

  “Can I at least stay awake to see if you find it?”

  “If it's there, hon, I'll put it on your night stand. Now scoot.”

  Only when she knew him in bed did Elizabeth finally slip on her hooded jacket and make the short walk over to David's lab. Thankfully, the rain hadn't yet fully developed, still little more than a steady sprinkle.

  Using David's key, she unlocked the door and stepped through, reaching for the familiar wall switch that controlled the overhead lighting as she did so.

  Her fingers never made the connection.

  A hand shot out of the void, clamping her wrist and jerking her vi
olently inside.

  Before she could even think to react, she was spun around, a strong arm encircling her neck and shoulders as a wet cloth was now pressed hard over her nose and mouth. Thus prevented from crying out, the chemical stink of it made her gasp in panic—which only served to heighten its intended effect.

  Helpless, she felt her head suddenly swirling beyond any ability to control as her sense of panic increased. Within mere seconds, she blacked out, no longer capable of feeling anything.

  It was with decidedly mixed feelings that the man drove his rented car back to one of Salonika's best four-star hotels. On the plus side, he knew his mission had been completed successfully, his ample payment well earned. Yet his last minute encounter with Manning's wife continued to bother him even as he swung into the hotel’s spacious parking lot. Bottom line, it simply never should've happened!

  And most definitely not to a professional such as himself!

  He rode the elevator up to his tenth floor suite, still unwilling to write the incident off as mere bad luck. Though he recognized the principle that sometimes shit happens, he'd built his long career not believing in bad luck, instead relying on careful planning and patience to reduce any opportunity for error to occur. Tonight's incident was a major slip-up on his part, pure and simple. His every instinct had warned him to wait another hour before picking the lock on the lab door, but impatience had over-ruled his common sense.