Double Identity

Chapter 12 Return Of The Turtle

The first light snow of the year had drifted down on Peking during the night. It was nothing much, merely an October frosting, and Wang-wei did not even notice it as he drove to the house in the Tartar City. His thoughts were on something other than the weather and they were not easy or happy thoughts. He had not liked the tone in which Chou had summoned him to this meeting.

He did not, in fact, like Chou. The man might be heir apparent, but he was also a thief. No less! He had indeed taken Sessi-yu and her marvelous Golden Lotus. The fact that Wang-wei had already found a new concubine did in no way assuage his hurt. He had nearly loved Sessi-yu.

As he left his car and entered the compound he was admitted by the same guards. As he climbed the stairs to the anteroom Wang-wei knew that it was not deja-vu— this had all really happened before. Of course. Not much over a week ago he had sent his Turtle on the mission, put Dragon Plan into effect. New uneasiness stirred in the little Chief of Secret Services. There had been nothing from Peshawar now for two days.

Yes, he had certainly been here before. Many times. But as he entered the long room with the mirrored floor Wang-wei had a strange premonition. He would not be here again!

Chou and the Leader were waiting for him as before. There was the same table and chairs, the same refreshment on the table. Only this time the Leader did not offer him a drink or smoke. His tone was curt as he pressed a button and lights went on in the apartment below.

“Your Turtle is back,” said the Leader in his cold small voice. “I thought you would like to see him — since it so intimately concerns you.”

Wang-wei stared at them. “Turtle Nine? Back so soon — I–I had not heard. He did not report to me.”

“He did not report to anyone,” said Chou. His voice was mean, nasty. “He came by way of the British Trade Commission. Well sealed and packaged. I am convinced that the British did not really know what they were delivering — they did it as a favor to the Americans.”

“I do not understand.”

“You will. Watch.”

A door opened in the apartment below and four coolies entered. They were carrying something. Wang-wei felt the sweat start on him. A coffin! A plain pine box.

“Take a good look,” said Chou softly. “It is the last time you will ever see your favorite Turtle. Turtle Nine! Remember how you bragged of him?”

Wang-wei could not answer. He automatically loosened his collar as he stared down through the glass floor. It was his Turtle, right enough. Turtle Nine. The perfect double for Nick Carter. Now pale and still in the box, his hands crossed on his big chest.

“He was even embalmed,” said the Leader crossly. “Courtesy of the American Air Force. How they must be laughing at us!”

Wang-wei wiped his sweaty face. “I–I still do not understand! I have heard nothing. I—”

Chou leaned to hand him something. A small slip of paper with a gummed back. A seal of some kind. “Perhaps this will enlighten you, friend Wang-wei. The coffin was sealed with many of them. All signed. Read it.”

Wang-wei stared down at the little paper seal in his hand. It bore the AXE symbol — a murderous little hatchet! Across the seal, scrawled in a bold hand, was: Worst wishes, NC.

“Phase One and Two of Dragon Plan have failed,” said the Leader. “We shall have to think of something else.”

Wang-wei mopped the inside of his collar. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the coffin. “Yes, Comrade Leader. I will begin planning at once.”

“Not you,” said the Leader.

To Wang-wei the words sounded oddly, and terribly, like a firing squad.