Chapter 21
The American on Tokugen Numataka’s private line sounded
anxious. “Mr. Numataka–I only have a
moment.”
“Fine. I trust you have
both pass-keys.”
“There will be a small delay,” the American answered.
“Unacceptable,” Numataka hissed. “You said I would have them by the end of today!” “There is one loose end.”
“Is Tankado
dead?”
“Yes,” the voice said. “My man killed Mr. Tankado,
but he failed to get the pass-key.
Tankado gave it
away before he died. To a tourist.”
“Outrageous!” Numataka bellowed.
“Then how can you promise
me exclusive–”
“Relax,”
the American soothed. “You will have exclusive
rights. That is my guarantee. As soon as
the missing pass-key is found, Digital Fortress will
be yours.”
“But the
pass-key could be copied!”
“Anyone who has seen the key will be
eliminated.”
There was a long silence.
Finally Numataka
spoke. “Where is the key now?” “All you need to know is that it will be found.”
“How can
you be so certain?”
“Because
I am not the only one looking for it. American Intelligence has caught wind of the missing
key. For obvious
reasons they would like to prevent
the release of Digital
Fortress. They have sent a man to locate the key. His
name is David Becker.”
“How do you know
this?” “That is irrelevant.”
Numataka paused. “And if Mr. Becker
locates the key?” “My man will
take it from him.”
“And after
that?”
“You needn’t be concerned,” the American
said coldly. “When Mr. Becker finds the key, he will
be properly rewarded.”
No comments:
Post a Comment