Golden Buddha (Oregon Files 1)

“Po.”

“The fire reached part of one of the buildings,” an officer at the parade reported, “but the fire department has got that under control. They are hosing down the float as we speak, but the framework is still hot and it melted in onto itself. There is a pile of twisted metal that is still too hot for inspection.”

“Can you see the motorcycles inside the wreckage?”

“It seems they are inside the frame,” the officer said, “but it’s hard to be certain.”

“I’m coming down there,” Po said. “Keep the crowd back and order the rest of the floats to the end of the route. The parade has officially ended.”

“Excellent, sir,” the officer said. “See you shortly.”

Po disconnected and turned to Rhee. “I’m going down to the parade. Would you like to come along, sir?”

Rhee considered this for a moment. “I don’t think so, Ling,” he said. “We’re going to get some flack over this—I think it’s best if I go to headquarters and coordinate efforts there.”

“I understand, sir,” Po said as he started to walk down the driveway.

“You find these men,” Rhee said, “and recover the objects.”

“I’ll do my best, sir,” Po said.

Then Rhee opened the door to the mansion and went inside to report to the mayor of Macau.

INSIDE the Chevrolet SUV, Juan Cabrillo adjusted his radio and called the Oregon.

“Where are we at, Max?”

There was a slight lag as the scrambled signal was rearranged and delivered.

“The Ross team took a casualty,” Hanley said. “He’s being worked on in the clinic.”

“Report to me as soon as you know more,” Cabrillo said. “What else?”

“The temple team has made it to the catacombs, as planned.”

“I saw the smoke,” Cabrillo said. “No injuries?”

“None,” Hanley said. “So far so good. They are initiating the extraction.”

“What about the others?”

“Most everyone staying in town has reported in,” Hanley said. “King made it back to the boat and is going to direct offensive actions until Murphy returns.”

“Target three?”

“The 737 landed a few moments ago,” Hanley reported. “They should be going through customs as we speak.”

“Our man is still with them?”

“Awaiting instructions.”

“What else?”

“The second leg of the journey is almost ready to activate,” Hanley said. “The way it looks so far, we can deliver the package on time.”

“Good,” Cabrillo said. “We’re almost at the airport.”

Hanley stared at the flashing blip on one of the monitors. “I’ve got you made, Juan.”