CHAPTER 58
FRIDAY
Over the North Pacific Ocean
Tom leaned back and closed his eyes comfortably in his seat. He was on a military plane making a routine flight from South Korea, bringing a contingent of soldiers home. They looked like they were sitting in the cargo bay of an old ship. The soldiers shifted, trying to find the best way to sit on the stiff seats. Some of them eyed Tom, who seemed to be the only one sitting back in bliss. His feet were crossed on top of his big bag of gear in front of him.
From the front of the plane, an Air Force crewman walked towards the passengers. He was looking around, searching for the one man not wearing a military uniform or fatigues. He stopped in front of Tom and tapped him on the shoulder. Tom opened his eyes and stared at the crewman.
“You have a call, sir,” the crewman said.
Tom unbuckled his seatbelt and rose slowly. He followed the crewman to the front of the plane where he was shown a phone. Tom picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Tom? It’s Sara.”
“Sara, how are you?”
“Good. I just needed to tell you that Anderson wants to talk to you as soon as you land. I hope you get to relax over the weekend.”
“I’m sure I will.”
“I got your book for you. I can bring it to you if you want.”
“That would be nice. Thank you, Sara.”
“Anyway, Tom, the reason I called is to update you. This phone is secure so I can give you some news. The documents you found and scanned are very valuable. We met with the FBI and helped them freeze several bank accounts belonging to Room 39. The FBI also got in touch with some of their counterparts in the Caribbean and Europe who raided the offices of the companies Room 39 owned there. Anderson and the Director have been calling the foreign offices of governments around the world to tell them about the worldwide drug smuggling operation. Some of them have already acted. The Australians said they had been watching another ship off their coast flying a Tuvalu flag and their SAS raided it already. Can you believe it?”
“I think the Aussies found a new national pastime.”
“Maybe. But on board that ship they found a lot of drugs, a North Korean crew, and more documents about Room 39. The US Coast Guard has also mobilized after spotting a ship they suspect to be North Korean not far from Hawaii. I think they might raid it soon. In short every government around the world is looking through banks, companies, and ships to break any remnants of Room 39.”
“Has there been any word of the facility in the news?”
“Not directly. As you know the charges you placed detonated. There was a news report about a small earthquake in North Korea. But there was no nuclear blast, so we did exactly what we wanted.”
“How about those hackers. What happened to them?”
“We don’t know. That guy we told you about, NATPAC or Lo Min, just disappeared. But listen to this Tom. I was just watching BBC World News and they reported that Lo Jie, that Chinese general, has resigned from his post due to, they say, an illness. China is cleaning house.”
“So the Chinese leaders want nothing to do with Room 39?”
“No. We are hearing that they are getting rid of all of the bureaucrats who were involved with Lo Min, Lo Jie, and Room 39.”
“Sounds good.”
“Yeah, Tom, it was a good mission. Anyway I’ll bring by that book and the rest of your mail tomorrow. Have a good flight. I’m glad you are coming back.”
“Thanks, Sara.”
Tom hung up the phone. He noticed he was standing next to a window so he stood for a moment and observed the sky and the open ocean. The sun was bright and was touching everything below.
As Tom stared, his thoughts ran back to Jiyeon. He realized she was the first person to whom he felt comfortable enough to tell his story. The story of his life he had locked deep inside. He did not need to tell her. He did not need anybody to know. But Tom felt when two souls spoke the same language, they could share stories others would not understand.
Tom pulled out his phone to take a picture of the clouds below. He noticed that he had received a message, probably just before takeoff a few hours ago. He had not noticed it until now. Tom opened the application and read the email. It was from Anderson.
Tom, great work over there. Get some rest but don’t get too comfortable. I have something else for you. Let’s talk when you land. These next guys are a bit less friendly than the people you just visited.
-JA
Tom smiled. He leaned forward again to look back at the sun above.
EPILOGUE
INVESTIGATOR’S REPORT
Zurich, Switzerland
Lo Min has been spotted in and around the area of Zurich, Switzerland. Few have spoken to him and fewer have visited his home. Reports state that he passes his days walking through the town and admiring its majestic stone buildings and the winding streets. He has also been spotted enjoying boat rides on Lake Zurich.
Reports indicate that if engaged in conversation, he will declare the Swiss government system of cantons superior to any other system in the world. Witnesses have also seen Lo Min rant about the beauty of Lake Zurich. If asked about where he had lived earlier in life, it is reported that he tends to become silent, at times walking away from the conversation.
Restaurants in Zurich have reported that a small, sickly man on occasion arrives to eat alone. He asks to sit so that his back faces a corner. He typically orders a strange type of alcohol unknown to the barmen. When told that his drink is unavailable, he swiftly orders Sambuca.
One witness has seen him driving into the mountains. He reported that the license plate on his car had a six-letter word on it. The witness had forgotten what the word was at the time of report.
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