"Ms. Chong, suppose I were to tell you that I believed you--"

"I'd ask you to try another tack."

"But what if I meant it?" Hwan slid off the desk and squatted in front of her where she had to turn away or look at him. She looked at him. "I did poorly in the reverse psychology training, and I'm a terrible poker player. Suppose I also told you that while someone tried very hard to make this look like the work of your military, and the evidence points to that, I don't believe it is."

She frowned. "If you were to tell me that, then I'd implore you to persuade others."

"Suppose they didn't believe me. Would you help me prove my suspicions?"

Her expression was wary but interested. "I'm listening, Mr. Hwan."

"We found footprints near the bomb site-- the prints of North Korean military boots. For someone to frame your military, they'd need the footwear, of course, as well as the proper explosives and possibly weapons from the North. We don't know in what quantities these might have been taken not a large amount, I'd imagine, since a group like this would want to remain close and very small. I need you to try and find out if such a theft has occurred."

Kim stubbed out the cigarette. "I think not."

"You won't help?"

"Mr. Hwan, would your superiors believe me if I came back with such information? There's no trust between our nations."

"But I'll trust you. Can you contact your people any way other than through the bar?"

"If I could," Kim said, "what would you do?"

"Go with you and hear what they have to say, find out if any other matériel was taken. If these terrorists are as desperate as I suspect, they may be planning other attacks to push us toward war."

"But you said yourself that your superiors don't agree with your suspicions--"

"If we can find evidence," Hwan said, "anything to support my suspicions, I'll bypass my people and contact the head of the crisis Task Force in Washington. He's a reasonable man, and he will listen."

Kim continued to look at the Deputy Director. He sighed and rested his temples in his thumb and index finger.

"Time is very short, Ms. Chong. The result of today's explosion may not just be war, but the end of reunification talks for our lifetime. Will you help me?"

She hesitated, but only for a moment. "You're certain that you trust me?"

He smiled faintly. "I won't give you the keys to the car, Ms. Chong, but in this matter-- yes, I trust you."

"Ah right"-- she rose slowly-- "we'll work together on this. But understand, Mr. Hwan, I have family in the North-- and I will only go so far for you or even for peace."

"I understand."

Hwan walked briskly back to his desk and punched the intercom. He told the Desk Sergeant to arrange for his car and driver, then regarded his prisoner.