“Of course, of course, I am a man of my word.”

  Laughing almost to himself now. Caught up in a joke that only he knew. The bag came out from the front pouch hidden under the Monster’s shirt in one sweep of his bear-like arm.

  “For the love of God!”

  Dan staring at the now clearly visible contents of the bag.

  White powder.

  The Monster raising himself to his full massive stature. Pulling Kelley up with him. The powder poised at her face along with the knife.

  He cut the bag.

  . . . . .

  Sir, we have emergency signal from Geisha I.”

  “Alert Marine One to ready for intrusion. Marine Two will stand-by.”

  “My God, Dusty.”

  Benny, overcome with fear now. Fear for them all. Keiko had sent the signal that indicated their lives were in immediate danger.

  “Launch Marine One Now!”

  Seeing the powder on his daughter’s face was too much for Dan Bronsan. He lurched forward despite the pleas of Keiko. The box cutter missing its target and falling to the ground. The Monster laughing as he sent his own knife towards Dan Bronsan’s now unprotected jugular.

  The explosion threw Keiko into the room and on top of Peanut. The four Marines were inside in an instant. Before they could open fire, an other-worldly scream of pain and horror came from the Monster. One of the Marines would later describe the scene as similar to something he had seen back home at the farm. Keiko was busily ripping the Monster’s throat open from ear to ear with the box cutter that had fallen to the ground during the explosion. It was not an easy job, but she did it with the proficiency of a surgeon, ignoring his animal-like screams. As the smoke cleared, Peanut lay there, spinal cord exposed and eyes wide open. No one home though. Dead. Keiko spit on his body almost as an afterthought and collapsed.

  Dan stumbled towards his daughter. Her face showing the signs of apparent shock.

  “Please stop, sir. No one move.”

  Captain Arnold of Marine One barking the order.

  “Command Center we have a possible nuclear, biological, chemical situation here. I repeat, we have a possible NBC situation. Request NBC unit on scene immediately.”

  “Copied and understood. Secure area and await Nuclear Biological Chemical unit. Marine Two, do not enter. I repeat. Do not enter. Return to base.”

  . . . . .

  When the body of the Monster dressed as a Sanno Hotel kitchen worker was inspected by the NBC team with numerous knife wounds and covered with a white powder, it became clear that the sarin threat Haruki Okamoto had used to terrorize his hostages was indeed a farce. The powder turned out to be nothing but cake mix. But of course damage was done. Kelley Bronsan had suffered a sprained ankle during the chaos in the New Jersey suite but had also lost something else. Something much more precious. A part of her soul. It would take some time and possibly the intervention of one Joe Dickwell to get it back.

  58

  “Look, Benny, I need to speak with you. Now. Not later. It’s about the nut job at the Sanno yesterday. I know him. Knew him.”

  “What in the name of all that’s good in Motown are you talking about my brother? You sure that this sobriety thing hasn’t dried out that brain of yours too?”

  “God damn it, Benny. I’m serious about this. I can’t talk now. I think my friend Jack is involved in all of this as well. He’s disappeared. I left to get a coffee while he was visiting his wife at Hiroo Hospital, and when I returned, he had left. Vanished. Nobody in the hospital seems to have seen him leave. His wife is dead. I don’t know what he is capable of now. Look, I know this sounds bizarre. We need to talk. Please. Where can I meet you? Not at the bar. Anyplace but the bar.”

  “Okay, okay…aaah…yeah…okay, look, remember that baseball field at the park near the Hiroo Station?”

  “Oh yeah, remember it well. When?”

  “Meet me at the stands in an hour.”

  “I’ll be there. Thanks, my friend.”

  In the last twenty four hours, things had started to take shape in the mind of Adam Welsh that were quite terrifying. A connection had begun to form which was too logical in its very insanity to ignore. His connection with Peter O’Mara. The incident at the cave with Peanut . The overall weird behavior of Jack. His vanishing after the death of Yumiko. He hadn’t believed any of what Joe Dickwell had told him back then, but now…well, now was another story. All of this starting to make sense in a bizarre way to Adam. He needed to find Jack. Needed to save him from himself. Benny would help somehow. Needed to talk to Benny. Before it was too late for them all.

  59

  Jack Bender stared into the void. It was quiet here. Peaceful. The cave entrance was open. The pitch black abyss at once tranquil and foreboding. The light breeze along with the soft tapping sound of a nearby woodpecker accentuated the feeling. Jack was always surprised at the presence of a woodpecker in Japan. As it turned out, there were in fact six varieties of woodpeckers in Japan. Something Yumiko had informed him of not so long ago. Memories of Yumiko wafted through the air. One of their first dates. Sitting in a park near Chinatown in Yokohama. Throwing coins into a ceremonial water basin.

  “Say a prayer for luck, Jack. Close your eyes. Keep the wish a secret.”

  “I can’t tell even you, my love? The most beautiful and the sexiest girl in all of Japan.”

  “Jack, we are at a holy place,” she admonished.

  Jack knew the warm glow that flushed her face was not from anger though. It was one of complete happiness and fulfillment. Yumiko loved the fact that Jack found her desirable.

  He missed his wife. A void, yes. Bigger and more all-consuming than the Indian Ocean on a moonless night.

  Memories of a West Pac from long ago.

  He fumbled for the switch, found it. The bright light, like the time on the ship in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Creeping along the deck, grasping the safety lines. The only thing separating him from a watery grave. Middle of the night in the I.O. If he fell overboard, no one would notice till morning. Then it would be too late. To drown alone at sea would be the worst possible way to go, thought Jack. Just enough time to think of one’s life. Nothing but open space. The knowledge that death was imminent but still an eternity to think. Jack would finally make it to the door, pull the dogs open and then the light from within would pierce the darkness like Neptune’s sword.

  Just like now. Standing inside Ikego Cave 134. Looking towards the rear of the cave now. The innocuous looking fifty-five gallon drum marked Toxic Waste beckoning to him like an evil sibling craving attention.

  60

  “So what’s the deal, Adam? Cut the bullshit. Not enough time for bullshit. Real world now my brother. Yes, indeed. Real world.”

  “He’s my friend, Jesus.”

  “Fuck that noise! Art wasn’t your friend? Rose?”

  “Goddamn you, Benny.”

  “Okay, okay…this is not productive, gentlemen.”

  Dusty Rhodes. A voice of authority and reason. Here in the Hardy Barracks now. Headquarters for Japanese and U.S. Naval Intelligence. Commander Blasingame’s office. Blasingame, Dusty, Benny Carter and Adam Welsh. Adam seated in the middle of them all. All a result, in his confused mind, of a double cross by Benny.

  “Christ, Benny! What happened to friendship? Should have known, god damn Air Farce asshole would sell me out.”

  “Sit.”

  Blasingame all Navy now. No bullshit indeed. Grabbing Adam’s arm before he could get to Benny.

  “We’re all friends here. Master Sergeant Carter did you a favor Petty Officer Welsh. The only reason you are not locked up in the brig as a co-conspirator is because Mr. Carter has vouched for you.”

  Benny staring directly into Adam’s eyes. There was truth being spoken here, and Adam knew it.

  “He has stated that you had nothing to do with the planned attack.”

  “Planned attack? Jesus.”

  “Petty Officer Welsh, please just answer our questions. Time is in short supply.”

  Benny had been at the baseball field in Hiroo of course. Just like he said he would be. Adam knew something was wrong the minute he opened his mouth. Not the same Benny. The appearance of the two FBI agents adding validity to Adam’s paranoia.

  “For your own good, my brother,” as he bowed his bronze head.

  “Federal Bureau of Investigation. Petty Officer Welsh, you will come with us.”

  Adam had been enraged, but deep down he had known that to resist would not only be foolhardy but also cataclysmic. For him and for many more. He had accompanied them without a word.

  “We need to know the whereabouts of Jack Bender. We had him under surveillance up until he entered Hiroo Hospital earlier. Somehow we lost him.”

  The agents in the back of the room lowering their heads in response to Blasingame’s quick glance.

  “Since you are his friend and, as far as we can tell, are the last person to have seem him, your assistance is vital. Not only to the people in this room but to the very security of the United States of America, Japan and more than likely the world. Do you now understand the need for the utmost expedience in the resolution of this matter?”

  Commander Steve Blasingame all business now. Adam looking at him with contempt but also the knowledge that he spoke the truth. Still not understanding the big picture though. Bits and pieces all he had. Parts of the puzzle. Parts that the assembled personages needed. Now.

  61

  Dan Bronsan was not made for Japanese hospitals, nor their health care systems. Sitting upright in his bed here at the Hiroo Hospital just a few blocks from the Sanno Hotel, he resembled a walrus perched on a buoy. This was the thought that passed through the mind of Joe Dickwell as he entered his room.

  “Mr. Bronsan, glad to see that you’re up. How’s your back?”

  “Call me Dan. As for the back, they say I need to lose some weight. Can you believe that?”

  “No, I can’t. Hmmm…well anyway…”

  A slight grimace from Dan. Gone though as fast as it had come. Despite being an inept people pleaser, Dickwell was a good man. Probably helped save his life.

  “How’s my…”

  “Kelley is just fine, Dan. She’s just a few rooms away. Quite a personality that daughter of yours. The nurses can’t get enough of her. Lights up the room. Really a …”

  Dickwell cutting himself off. Realizing from Dan’s look that he was showing a bit more feeling towards Kelley than was probably acceptable at this time anyway.

  “Aye. I’d like to see her…”

  “Daddy!”

  Kelley rolling through the doorway on cue. Almost running over Joe as she drove her wheelchair from the hallway all the way to her father’s bed.

  “I love you so much. I’m so glad we made it. Are you all right, Dad?”

  Dan lowering his massive head to meet hers. Kissing her on the cheek and almost carrying her out of the wheelchair with a hug that a panda would envy.

  “I’m fine, my little angel. No worries.”

  “Well, I’ll let you two talk. I need to…”

  “Joe, don’t go just yet. Some English teacher. Why didn’t you tell me you were a Naval officer?”

  “Now, Kelley, the Lieutenant was under orders. For your own protection.”

  Dan bailing him out. Joe thankful. Kelley beaming at him now. Joe becoming weak in the knees.

  Damn, I’m not a teenager. Jeez, what’s happening here?

  “Yes, well, thank you Mr. …ah yes, Dan. I am sorry that I had to mislead you, Kelley. Please understand.”

  Kelley moving towards Joe now. Looking up at him with those brown eyes. Close enough so only Joe could hear.

  “Oh I understand. I just hope that everything else about you is on the level.”

  A slight grin now. Coy. Alluring.

  “Oh yes, Kelley. Everything else is genuine. Yes, indeed.”

  “Well, I’ll let you two be together.”

  “Please call me. Soon.”

  Kelley placing her cell phone number in his hand. Locking gazes and then turning back to her beloved father. Dan addressing Joe as he made his exit.

  “Keiko… how is she?”

  A note of concern in his voice, impossible to hide.

  “She’s okay, all things considered. She has been through quite an ordeal the last few months. She’s in protective custody right now of course.”

  “Can I see her?”

  Joe pausing before giving him the only answer he could. The only true response.

  “Yes, of course, Dan. When the nightmare is over.”

  62

  Asahara sat motionless. Atashi had given him the news of Peanut’s demise. Having done so, the lawyer waited.

  “What would you advise, my friend?”

  The very question along with the demeanor of The One catching Atashi off guard. Part of the genius of Asahara of course.

  “I’m sure The One will formulate a brilliant…”

  “Enough! Do not play with me. Now is not the time for games. Our next move must be a decisive one.”

  “The caves then.”

  Atashi surprised at the words emitting from his mouth.

  “The American is out of control. His wife has just died. He must be neutralized. In any case, his purpose has expired.”

  Atashi’s ruthless, merciless tone surprising and disgusting himself all at once. He had to continue though. His very existence would be determined by the next few words he conveyed to Shoko Asahara.

  “Our sources indicate that Japanese and American joint intelligence know of him and are closing in as we speak. Since the death of his wife, he has failed to make his prescribed check-in times.”

  Asahara grinning approvingly.

  “Yes, my friend, the American must be eliminated. Can he use the sarin? Is it weapons grade? Is that the term? I have no use for these technical issues. The cleansing. That is what the goal is. Never lose sight. No, the goal, the dream and the…”

  “Yes, of course, the dream.”

  The lawyer taking the calculated risk. Cutting off The One. He had to though. He had witnessed these ramblings before. Soon they would get more confused and disoriented and then someone would die. Horribly.

  “We do not know at what stage it is at. Unfortunately, Okamoto San was killed with all the technical data in his brain.”

  “Yes, of course. Poor Okamoto. And the traitor ? She still lives?”

  “We believe so. The Americans have her under heavy guard. She knows nothing. Nothing of value.”

  “I will determine that. Please make the American disappear. An accident of course. We need to move swiftly. Do we have anyone in place at the Yokosuka base? Use them. I must sleep now. Go.”

  Goro Atashi bowed and left. No need to press his luck. The sarin was another story. Not quite what it seemed. No need for Asahara to know this however. It would only complicate things.

  63

  “He was, he is a good man. Jesus. I can’t believe all this. It’s bullshit.”

  “Petty Officer Welsh, I know you have a reputation as a… How should I put it? An independent thinker. One who follows the sound of his own drum, perhaps. Those are of course admirable qualities…in a civilian. But godamn it, Welsh! You are in the United States Navy, and you will remember that. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Crystal, sir.”

  Adam looking directly at Commander Blasingame. Mild attempt to hide the contempt. Not knowing whether to laugh or to cry. He still had to play the game. He could appreciate that. One thing Adam Welsh knew how to do was play the game. Three hundred and whatever days and a wake up. Then the pension and the Philippines. Maybe Thailand. Anywhere. Escape into the arms of an LBFM or Little Brown Fucking Machine as the Filipino bar girls were called. Adam hated that expression. Always preferred to look at them as human beings. Women. Girls. Would introduce himself. Have a conversation. Establish an emotional tie. Something. No wham, bam, thank you ma’am and two hundred pesos for Adam. Maybe that was sicker. The emotional ties. Like it was a normal relationship. No matter. It was an escape. Role playing that Freud would no doubt have had a field day with. Of course old Sig had never been to Subic or Angeles City for that matter. Adult Disneyland. In any case, the lie he had lived for almost twenty years would be over.

  “Adam…Petty Officer Welsh, we know that this is difficult for you. Jack Bender was your friend.”

  “He is my friend, sir.”

  “Yes, of course. I stand corrected. He is your friend. By all accounts he was…is a good man. The prolonged illness and death of his wife seems to have been too much for him. Not to be cold but this however is really of no concern to us right now, Adam. What is at stake here is much bigger than friendship. However misplaced.”

  The glare from Adam impossible to miss. Controlling himself. For now.

  In the two hours or so that they had been here, Adam had felt the old obsession come back. Hadn’t felt it in a while but here it was. Old John Barleycorn, like a thief in the night. Always waiting. The patience of Job. Remembering Jack’s comment at a meeting long ago.

  He’s out there doing push-ups, Adam, waiting. Ready to come right back into our lives. Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic, my friend. One day at a time. Constant vigilance.

  Hardy Barracks was not really a barracks in the common interpretation of the word. More like an office building and low cost military hotel for soldiers stationed or passing through the Tokyo area. Built right after WW II to house the transitional government team. MacArthur himself had been in the very office where Commander Steve Blasingame and Petty Office First Class Adam Welsh now sat. The circumstances not entirely foreign to each other. MacArthur presiding over a pivotal time in the century. A time where a misstep could have adversely changed the future of civilization. A rebirth was indeed taking place then. Now the figures present presiding over a kind of imminent destruction, albeit preceding a rebirth if the Aum Shinrikyo and the fanatic Shoko Asahara would indeed have their way.