“So why not go later?”
“Public demonstration in the park early on. We need to get in and out while it’s crowded, get lost in the people.”
“More chance of getting spotted.”
“Less chance. Everybody will be focused on other things. Safety in numbers,” Seong-min said. “And maximum impact once the devices go off.”
“It’s risky.”
“We have our orders.”
Jun-yeong took another drink and studied his companion. “Tell me again, who gave these orders?”
Seong-min glared back. “You questioning them, choding?”
“I’m just doing my patriotic duty.”
“That doesn’t include questioning your superiors. You either do as you’re told, or I’ll have you on the first freight liner back home.” He gripped his glass a little tighter. “You think that will go down well?”
Jun-yeong grunted but didn’t reply.
“Good.” He sucked down the last of his club soda. “Now, it’s time to get out of this hellhole and get some sleep. We’re going to need it.”
The two men left the bar. Jun-yeong sulked while Seong-min walked up ahead, keeping his head down. The kid had skills, no doubt about that, but his respect for leadership left a lot to be desired. He would have to mention as much in the final report when they got home.
Still, something about their orders didn’t sit well with Seong-min either. Planting the decoys was a risk, and, ultimately, an unnecessary one. The Sarin compound was deadly enough to kill in minutes, no elaborate distractions needed. Orders were orders though, and Seong-min knew from experience not to question them.
The call had come through several weeks before. Seong-min had been in the office, completing paperwork. His secure line had flashed. The voice had told him to attend a meeting. The meeting went ahead, presided over by someone from Gukga Anjeon Bowibu, the State Security Department. Papers were prepared, identify documents forged. On paper at least, Seong-min had officially become a life-long citizen of the Republic of Korea, or South Korea to the rest of the World. A visa was stuffed into his hand, along with an airplane ticket to Seattle. The State Security Department officer hadn’t told him what his objectives were, only that he’d receive another phone call in a few days’ time. Seong-min had gone home to his wife and children. Said nothing, as ordered.
Three days had gone by. The second phone call had come through as promised. This time, a new voice. It sounded Western. Decent Korean, but a heavy accent. He had all the right codes and security clearances. Told Seong-min he was a counterintelligence asset, recruited by the State Security Department. Seong-min had believed him. No reason not to. Orders were clear: plant the toxins at the hotel and convention center. Get the decoys in place. Detonate at the right time. Get out. Simple.
The kid had met up with him at the North-South border. They had crossed through to the South together, spent a few days in Seoul going over the plan. They had flown out together, then holed up in Seattle for a few weeks while they prepared.
Jun-yeong had grown bolder as he had become used to the Western environment, and Seong-min was beginning to worry he was getting out of control. Thankfully, in less than twenty-four hours, the mission would be over.
If they made it out alive, Seong-min vowed to teach the kid some manners. But for now, sleep beckoned.
Chapter 27
JUNE LISTENED TO Jack breathing in his sleep. He was quiet, calm even. The top sheet was partly wound around her legs, and not as a result of their passionate love making during the night. For her, even in spite of the energetic passion during the night, she was lying awake yet again. With the blackout curtains drawn across the windows, only dim light seeped through. June couldn’t tell if it was daylight already, or if it was the ambient light of downtown sneaking into the room. Either way, she knew she was done with sleeping.
In the bathroom, she put on a tiny black camisole and panties with the thick, white terry robe over top. She kept the lights off as she tiptoed through the suite to the kitchen. Even though the coffeemaker begged to be turned on, she heated water in the microwave for tea instead. Mug in hand, she peeked in the second bedroom, hoping for a place to sit with a light on and read for a while. Jack’s things were spread all over the room. Toiletries, papers, even a laptop. She closed the door again and went back to the kitchenette.
With her tea in one hand and handwritten speech notes in the other, she slid down the wall and plunked to the floor. A hallway nightlight was just close enough that she could use it to read. A nearby vent rattled quietly, hot air flowing out into the room. She moved her feet a little closer. Clutching the cup in both hands to catch the warmth, she took a series of sips. She daydreamed about the night before. It wasn’t long before her mind drifted off to past lovers. She decided Jack was the best of them, if for no other reason than he was in the next room. And available for more.