Deadly Coast (Tom Dugan, #2)

by R.E. McDermott

Ishii turned his attention back to the distant circle just as the two technicians started toward him in a run. They crossed the five-hundred-meter separation and came to stiff attention in front of him, bowing deeply. He returned their bows with a shallow bow, and then barked at them in Japanese, sending them to a control panel. Ishii turned back to his guest. “We’re ready, Doctor,” he said. “You’re sure we’re safe here?” the German asked. “Quite sure.” Ishii pointed to telltales, streaming from a pole in the light wind. “We’re well upwind. Now please watch closely. It will be over quickly.” The German nodded and raised

stiffened and strained desperately at their restraints before collapsing like rag dolls, hanging from their posts by tethered hands. Within five minutes, all were dead. Next to him, the German lowered his binoculars and spoke. “Very efficient. But what of residual evidence?” “None,” Ishii said. “Unlike earlier agents, the gas causes no burning or scarring. Victims appear to have died of natural causes, as you’ll see during the autopsies. Of course, the enemy will know you’ve used gas, but proving it is a different matter. We’ve used the gas extensively here in China against both military and civilian targets for several months without problems.” He

that we can’t win—a different matter entirely. Besides, what I’m proposing has approval of the highest authority in both your government and mine. Hardly treason.” “And what are you proposing?” the German asked. “A fighting retreat to our respective homelands, using every weapon at our disposal to convince the Allies that invading our countries would result in unacceptable casualties. We can’t win, but perhaps we can avoid losing. But we must act together. If either of our countries