Embassy of the Empire Read online

  21 |

  En Route to Hyatt Place Luoyang Luoyang, China Present Day

  Acton followed the GPS directions back toward their hotel. They had an English station playing on the radio, but he turned it off in disgust. The channel was clearly Chinese propaganda, its jingoistic tone reminding him of Tokyo Rose type broadcasts by the Japanese in World War II. The communist propaganda machine was in full swing, and it sickened him. He might believe American media had become a disgrace, but they were nothing compared to the Chinese state broadcasters.

  “Do you think it’s wise to return to our hotel?” asked Laura.

  “It’s what the alert said to do. We’re going to have to trust that our governments know what they’re doing.”

  She gave him a look. “Are you serious?”

  He laughed. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. What would you suggest?”

  “Maybe we should call for help. Dylan might be able to give us better advice.”

  “That’s a good idea. Do it.”

  Laura quickly sent an encrypted message through an app that Acton’s former student and now CIA operative, Dylan Kane, had installed on their phones for just this purpose. She put the phone down. “Done.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I said, ‘We’re in China. What should we do?’”

  He chuckled. “Nice and succinct.”

  “Yes, but when will he see it?”

  He sighed. “That’s the question, isn’t it? Hopefully soon, because if the shit hits the fan, they’re likely to shut down all cellular and Internet access.” He snapped his fingers. “Call Tommy. See if there’s a way around that, just in case.”

  She dialed the phone and put it on speaker. It rang several times before it was finally answered.

  “Hello?”

  Acton leaned closer to the phone. “Hi, Tommy, this is Jim Acton.”

  “Oh, Professor Acton, aren’t you in China?”

  “We are.”

  “Have you heard what’s going on?”

  “Yes, that’s why we’re calling. I’m here with Laura and two Australian students. We’re heading to our hotel now on the advice of an emergency alert from the US Embassy.”

  “Is that wise? I mean, won’t that mean they just know where to round you up?”

  Acton tensed at the concern in Tommy’s voice, suggesting the situation was perhaps worse than he thought. Laura placed a hand on his thigh, squeezing, clearly as concerned as he was. “Why? How bad is it?”

  “It’s pretty bad. Apparently, the Chinese are firing missiles at one of our ships, and we shot some planes out of the air and sank one of their ships. Both countries’ fleets are less than a day apart. By this time tomorrow, we could be in a full-scale war. I just heard a report that we’re at DEFCON 3, but I think the news is just making shit up. You know how they are.”

  Acton’s chest tightened at Tommy’s update. “Question for you. If they shut down communications here, is there any way to bypass it?”

  “Not with cellular. They control that completely, but they can’t touch satellite. Do you have a satphone with you?”

  Laura held the phone a little closer to her. “We have a satphone back in the hotel room. I didn’t bring it with us because I didn’t think we would need it.”

  “Well, if you can get the satphone, then you can still reach the outside world.”

  Acton cursed. “Well, that means we have to go back to the hotel for sure.” He glanced at the GPS. “We’re maybe ten minutes away. How far apart did you say those ships were?”

  “About half a day if the news is to be trusted.”

  “Then by tomorrow morning, all hell is going to break loose.”

  “I’m going to contact Chris Leroux at the CIA, and see if there’s anything he can do,” said Tommy.

  Tommy’s pipeline into the CIA was an excellent idea. “You do that. We’ve sent a message to Dylan, but I have no idea when he’s going to see it. It might be too late if he’s on an op somewhere.”

  “Well, if he’s reachable, then Leroux will be able to get to him. I’m sure he has contacts in China that can help you as well.”

  “Let’s hope. I’ll call you back as soon as we get the satphone.”

  “Okay. And can I give you a piece of advice?”

  “What?”

  “You might want to shut off your phones and remove the batteries. Right now, you’re completely trackable, and you’re using foreign-registered phones. If the Chinese decide to crack down, they’re going after those Maryland phone numbers first.”

  Acton cursed. “Okay, here’s what we’re going to do. At the top of each hour, if we need to communicate, we’ll turn on one of our phones and call you. Understood?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “And call Greg. Tell him what’s going on, and tell him he was right, and to savor that moment, because it’s the last damn time I’m going to say it. We’ll talk to you soon.”

  Laura ended the call and Acton handed her his phone then glanced in the rearview mirror. “Okay, everybody. Phones out, turn them off, and remove the batteries.”

  Laura frowned. “Umm, ours are iPhones. We can’t remove them.”

  He frowned. “Just turn them off. Hopefully, that’s enough.” The two students in the rear seat held up their phones and batteries, both apparently non-Apple devices.

  Amelia Robinson stared at them wide-eyed. “Who the hell are you guys?”

  Acton smiled. “Archaeology professors, just like you want to be.”

  Her counterpart Kyle Rapp shook his head. “I’ve never heard of archaeology professors who have friends at the CIA.”

  Acton exchanged a grin with Laura. “That’s just because you haven’t been on the job long enough.”

  22 |

  Trinh/Granger Residence St. Paul, Maryland

  Tommy Granger pulled up the number for his contact at the CIA, Chris Leroux. He dialed it and got the disconnected message that he now knew was merely a ruse. Leroux would be notified that he had called and would get back to him, hopefully in short order. He leaned back on the couch, his phone clutched in his lap, and stared at the television screen with the continuing coverage of the unfolding crisis.

  His girlfriend, Mai Trinh, emerged from their bedroom, towel-drying her hair. “What’s wrong?”

  He waved at the television screen.

  “Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that. Cooler heads will prevail, I’m sure.”

  “I’m sure they will, but before they do, it could spell trouble.”

  She eyed him. “What’s going on? You weren’t this upset when I got in the shower. Has something else happened?”

  He wagged his phone at her. “Professor Acton just called.”

  A quick inhalation of breath was followed by her hand darting to her chest. “Oh, no, I forgot they were in China! Are they okay?”

  “They’ve just been told by the embassy to go back to their hotel and await further instructions.”

  “That sounds wise.”

  “Perhaps, but if the Chinese decide to start rounding up Americans, they’re going to hit the hotels first.”

  Mai plunked down beside him on the couch. “I never thought of that. What are they going to do?”

  “They said they reached out to Dylan for his advice, but they’re concerned that if the shit hits the fan, the cellphones and Internet might be turned off, and then they’ll lose all communications.”

  “But don’t they normally travel with a satphone?”

  “They do, but they left it at the hotel.”

  “Why would they do that?”

  “Because they’re in the middle of a modern Chinese city with excellent cellphone coverage.”

  “Oh, right.” Mai chewed her cheek for a moment. “Is there anything we can do to help?”

  “I just contacted Leroux. Hopefully, he’ll get back to me shortly.” The phone vibrated with an unknown caller. “This might be him.” Tommy tapped to take the call.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, Tommy. It’s Chris. This better be important. In case you’re not aware, we’re kind of in the middle of something here.”

  “If it’s the China situation, then yes, I’ve been watching the news. I just got a call from Professor Acton.”

  Leroux groaned. “Please tell me he’s not in China.”

  “He is, sir, along with his wife, and apparently they have two Australian university students with them.”

  “Where exactly are they?”

  Tommy put the call on speaker so Mai could listen, then grabbed his laptop, bringing up the email with the travel details. “They went to a city called Luoyang.”

  “Never heard of it. Where are they heading now?”

  “They said the embassy has advised all Americans to return to their hotels.”

  “That’s probably the smartest thing they can do at the moment.”

  “But won’t the Chinese know exactly where to go if they decide to start rounding up Americans?”

  There was a pause. “Yes.” Leroux cursed. “And with their files, they’d be prime targets. I have no doubt the Chinese are aware of their involvement in the coup attempt a few years back. They would likely be priority targets if things were to go bad.”

  “Is there anything you can do?”

  “I assume they have their cellphones with them?”

  “Yes, but I advised them to turn them off because they could be tracked. If they need to call, they’re going to call at the top of each hour.”

  “Smart. I’m texting you a number now. If they contact you, have them call it.”

  “Will do. They said they sent a message to Kane, but I don’t know if he got it.”

  “He won’t. He’s deep undercover right now. Even I can’t reach him.”

/>   “What about Delta?”

  “This is China. Delta can’t just stroll in there. Besides, this is happening now, and depending on where they are, it could take hours or even a day to get into position, and by then, it’ll be too late.”

  “How bad is it? The news makes it look pretty bad.”

  “It’s bad. Things are in the works in the background, but it’s going to get worse before it gets better.”

  “Are we in any danger?”

  Leroux chuckled. “No, not unless this goes nuclear, which it never will. The only people in danger at the moment are the men and women on the frontlines, and anyone unfortunate enough to be in China at this time. I have to let you go. I’ll see what I can do. Just give them that number if they happen to call.”

  “Will do, thank you.” The call ended and Tommy leaned back, exhaling in relief. “I’m getting too old for this shit.”

  Mai eyed him. “You’re not even twenty-five.”

  “I know, but those two have put me through so much stress, that I feel like I’m fifty-five.”

  Mai shrugged. “You look pretty darn good for fifty-five.”

  He grunted. “With the stress my poor heart’s been under the past couple of years, I doubt I’m going to see fifty-five.”

  23 |

  Approaching Hyatt Place Luoyang Luoyang, China

  A lump formed in Acton’s throat as he checked his rearview mirror. The two Australian students were holding each other, their eyes wide with terror as they stared out the windows, whimpering every time they heard a siren or saw a government vehicle race by. His own heart rate had ticked up, and he was forcing himself to relax as best he could, and not panic every time he saw flashing lights or the police.

  This was China. This was a Communist dictatorship that subjugated its population on a daily basis. Seeing police and military vehicles was completely normal here, and if he let every sighting get to him, he wouldn’t be able to function.

  He glanced at the GPS. They were almost at the hotel, and he hadn’t yet decided what the best course of action would be.

  “I’ll go in.”

  He glanced at Laura. “I don’t think so.”

  “Right now, we have to assume that if they’re going to show an interest in any of us, it’s going to be you. They’re Australian, and I’m British.”

  He frowned, for she was correct. Everything they had heard indicated hostilities had broken out between his country and China, not any of theirs. Even the warnings they had received on their phones from their own embassies indicated the same.

  “Maybe we don’t need the satphone. Maybe there’s another option,” he suggested, though as the words came out of his mouth, he knew they were merely a desperate attempt to keep her from heading off on her own.

  She firmly shook her head. “You know as well as I do that we need that phone. It could be our only lifeline.”

  Acton had another thought. “If they were only going to go after me, then perhaps the best thing to do is for you to go to the hotel and stay there, and for me to drop the kids off wherever they’re staying.”

  Again, Laura shook her head. “Bollocks. There’s no way we’re separating. I don’t care if they’re only after you. And besides, you and I both know that if war does break out, my country and theirs are going to be drawn into it. And the Chinese will assume anybody with white skin is a spy regardless.” She turned in her seat to face the Australian students. “But it’s entirely up to you what you want to do. We’ll take you to wherever you’re staying if you want. But if you want to stay with us, you’re welcome.”

  “Nup, we’re staying with you guys!” yelped Amelia without a moment’s hesitation, and Kyle, who appeared more terrified than her, barely nodded, his eyes filled with tears.

  Laura reached out and squeezed his arm, providing a modicum of comfort, then returned her attention to the task at hand. “I don’t think we should go to the hotel.”

  “Isn’t that what I’ve just been saying?”

  “That’s not what I mean. I mean, park somewhere close by, and I’ll walk the rest of the way.”

  Acton grunted. “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.” He pointed at the GPS. “We’re almost there, but I don’t see where I could park.” He stared at the street ahead. “I don’t see any parking spots either.”

  “Then just drop me off and circle around.”

  He spotted a gas station and pointed. “Actually, this might be a good option.” He pulled in and up to the pump. “I’m going to fill us up. You go to the hotel. We’ll meet you here.” He indicated some free parking spots in front of the small store. “If we’re not here, it’s because I felt it wasn’t safe. I’ll circle around and keep circling until you come out.”

  She opened the door. “But if I’m not back in thirty minutes, you go without me.”

  His voice cracked as he responded. “If you’re not back in thirty minutes, I’m going in after you.”

  She leaned over and gave him a kiss, and neither of them said anything, though the look they exchanged spoke volumes. She gave him one last smile then stepped out of their car, closing the door. He watched as she rushed toward the hotel, and prayed this wasn’t the last time he saw the only woman he had ever truly loved.

  24 |

  Embassy Dig Site Luoyang, China

  Professor Cao sat in his trailer at the bottom of the dig site, staring blankly at the news reports carefully filtered by his government-controlled media. Little was being said beyond the fact Americans had attacked a Chinese vessel unprovoked in international waters, however he had traveled the world enough to know facts were always in question when it came to his government. He loved his country, was loyal to it, though he yearned for the freedom so much of the world enjoyed, including his friend Professor Acton. It was always a thrill to visit a dig somewhere else on the globe, and spend weeks or months there forgetting the problems of the world he lived in, and instead discovering what challenges people hundreds or thousands of years ago faced. Sometimes, it made him envious of them, and a little more often than not, it made him feel a little bit better about his life despite the country into which he had been born.

  Today, something was going on that wouldn’t affect him too much unless things went seriously wrong. Little things such as this always cropped up, and cooler heads usually prevailed. But until they did, Acton and his wife, and his two Australian students, might be in danger, and it had him on edge. He wanted to send everyone home, though that would be unwise. His government hadn’t directed him to do so, and it was never smart to display fear or doubt in your government’s ability to control any situation.

  “Professor Cao?”

  There was a knock at the door of the trailer, and he recognized the voice of one of his students, Wenjun. “What is it?”

  “There are police here, sir.”

  Cao’s ears pounded with the news. His hands gripped the arms of his chair before he willed them to let go so he could stand. He stepped outside and Wenjun pointed up at the road above the dig site. The flashing from the lights of the police could be seen in the dusk, though the vehicles were out of sight. “Did they say what they wanted?”

  Wenjun shook his head. “No, I just saw the lights. A few of them are at the gate now.”

  Cao shifted his gaze and spotted several police officers talking to a guard assigned by the government. The guard stared down into the pit then pointed directly at him, sending his heart racing anew. He struggled to steady his breathing as he headed for the ladder, repeating to himself that he had done nothing wrong, therefore had nothing to fear.

  If only that were true.

  In America or England, or pretty much anywhere else the people he associated with in academia lived, that would be true. But in a communist dictatorship, one never knew when one’s government would come for them.

  He reached the top of the ladder and walked over to the gate. “May I be of assistance?”

  “Are you Professor Cao?” asked one of the men in a suit, not a uniform.

  Cao’s eyes darted to the left and right. Half a dozen police vehicles were visible and at least a dozen officers, a curious show of force for an archaeological site, even in China.