"This is Kim Hwan's bailiwick," said General Norbom, "so why don't we leave it to him, Major?"

"Yes, sir."

"Now, what is it you wanted to see me about?"

"This transfer order, sir. It requires your stamp."

"What's it for?"

Lee handed him the paper. "Four quarter-sized drums of tabun, sir. I'm to take it to the DMZ."

The General put on his glasses. "What on earth does General Schneider want with gas?"

"It's not for the General, sir. Military intelligence reports that chemical drums are being dug up at the border, and that more are on the way from Pyongyang. We are to bring these to Panmunjom in the event that they're needed."

"Christ," sighed Donald. "I told you, Howard, this is going to get out of hand."

Lee's face was impassive as he stood stiffly beside Donald, watching Norbom read.

"You requisitioned the gas," the General said to Lee. "To whom is it being delivered?"

"I will be staying with the shipment, sir. I have orders from General Sam." He removed the papers from his shirt pocket and held them out.

Norbom gave them a cursory glance, then tapped his intercom. "Shooter."

"Yes, sir?"

"Authorize Major Lee's transfer and get me General Sam on the phone."

"Yes, sir."

Norbom handed the papers to the officer. "I have only two things to say, Major. One is drive carefully. The other is when you get to Panmunjom, err on the side of caution."

"Of course, sir," said Lee, saluting, bowing curtly to Donald, his eye lingering on the diplomat's and chilling him inexplicably before he turned smartly and left.

Lee's face remained expressionless, but he was smiling inside. The months and money he had spent persuading Sgt. Kil to join them was paying off. General Sam's aide had signed his superior's name so many times it was indistinguishable from the real thing. And he'd be the first to get Norbom's call, finding ways to make the General unavailable until it slipped Norbom's aging mind or it was too late. In either case, Lee and his team would get what they wanted: the chance to put the second and deadliest phase of their operation into effect.

He met his three men at the canvas-backed truck, an old Dodge T214. U.S. soldiers had nicknamed this vehicle the Beep-the Big Jeep. It was three quarters of a ton, with sturdy shocks and a low center of gravity that was perfect for some of the off-road traveling they'd be doing.

The men saluted as Lee approached and he climbed into the passenger's seat. The other two men sat in the back, under the canvas.

"When we leave the base," he said to the driver, "you will return to the city, to Chonggyechonno." He half turned toward the back. "Private, the Deputy Director of the KCIA does not believe that the enemy is behind this afternoon's attack. Please see to it that Mr. Kim Hwan does not perpetuate falsehoods. Make certain he does not report for work in the morning."