“I agree, but we have to acknowledge that the severity of their attacks has been escalating. At first it was just unoccupied buildings. But their bombing of the defense force convoy last year killed two soldiers and injured eight others. You’re a significant target. Perhaps they thought the costs were justifiable.”

“You believe this?”

“What I know is that all leads thus far point in their direction. Having said that, they are denying responsibility, which is also unprecedented. The press is speculating that it’s because collateral damage was worse than they’d expected.”

“It would be hard not to anticipate the casualties.”

“Again, I agree. And these things lead me to be skeptical of their involvement.”

“China, then.”

“I think that’s the most likely answer, but finding sufficient evidence to make an accusation may be impossible.”

“What about fabricating evidence?”

Himura was understandably surprised by the question. “It would be dangerous. Tensions are running higher than they have since the war. I fear we’re in danger of crossing a line from which we won’t be able to return. I’m not sure we’re ready—”

“I’m not interested in your analysis of our tactical situation,” Takahashi said, letting a hint of anger creep into his voice. “I asked only if it was possible.”

“Please accept my apologies for overstepping my boundaries,” Himura said with a submissive bow. “It was inexcusable. Yes, I believe it’s possible.”

Takahashi took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “There’s more, isn’t there? I know you too well, Akio. I can see it in your face.”

“Yes, sir. Randi Russell and the injured man…” His voice faltered.

“Go on.”

“They escaped.”

Takahashi stopping short, feeling the pain flare in his injured knee. “What? How?”

“The car transporting them was attacked. It was a professional job. Our chase cars were blocked by traffic and four of our men were killed. It appears that the entire assault lasted only a few seconds and that there was sufficient electronic interference to prevent anyone from recording it.”

“Were you able to track them?”

Himura’s fearful silence answered the question.

“And the debris from Reactor Four?”

“Noboru Ueno didn’t have it. Either the injured man lost it in the sea or he had it on him when he escaped.”

Takahashi felt the rage building inside him but allowed only a hint of it to read on his face. The Americans now had samples from Fukushima, and there was no way to predict how long it would take for them to understand what they were looking at.

He felt the sweat break on his forehead and began walking again, letting the breeze cool what felt like a sudden fever. “Find them, Akio. Find them now.”

15

15

Outside Busan
South Korea

Jon? Can you hear me? Jon!”

A woman’s voice. Familiar, but too distant to place.

“Jon!”