Darkness Under Heaven: A Historical Espionage Thriller (A Peter Avakian Thriller Series Book 1) by William Christie

Author:William Christie [Christie, William]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781685491123
Publisher: Rough Edges Press
Published: 2022-04-13T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Commissioner Zhou was trying to make time for a very late lunch at his desk. His morning had been consumed by two missing police officers; their vehicle discovered in an alley. But no trace of the men at all. And that was what had attracted his interest. Officers had been killed by criminals before. They had deserted and joined criminal gangs. But they had never simply disappeared, leaving their vehicle behind but otherwise untouched. A thorough search of the area had uncovered nothing.

He had just begun tucking into his noodles when Inspector Cheng dashed into the office without either a knock or a word of apology.

“We have found him!”

Commissioner Zhou set down his chopsticks, preparing himself for the information to be incorrect, as it had been before. The hunger for recognition had led two of his inspectors to be overly hasty, to their subsequent regret. “Where?”

“Chongwai. An apartment near the New World Plaza.”

Directly in the area predicted by the pattern of Avakian’s movements. And not more than two kilometers from his office. Commissioner Zhou almost laughed at the effrontery of the man. “And the details?”

“The apartment is rented by a Mark Strauss.”

Inspector Cheng had a great deal of trouble pronouncing the name, and the Commissioner did not correct him. “The one employed by the World Bank.” Commissioner Zhou always relied on a mastery of detail to impress his superiors and keep his subordinates vigilant. He had examined Avakian’s dossier many times.

“Yes, Comrade Commissioner. In the search area you determined.”

“You may appeal to my vanity when time is less pressing. I now require the details of how he was found.”

“Inspector He’s team was checking the address and made inquiries with the manager before proceeding to the apartment. This Mark Strauss is out of the country, but the apartment is occupied. There were complaints from other residents about noise at night. The manager assumed that the occupants were guests of the tenant.”

“Did the manager go to the apartment?”

“No. Inspector He felt the manager was afraid of a confrontation with a strange foreigner.”

“What is Inspector He’s status?”

“Awaiting orders.”

“Did he radio the information?” This would have been a grave error, and contrary to his specific orders. Other agencies also monitored the police radio nets.

“No, Comrade Commissioner. He attempted to call your cellphone but only reached the voicemail. He then called me.”

Commissioner Zhou angrily snapped open his phone. It must have occurred during his last call. He punched in Inspector He’s number. “He? What is your situation? Have you approached the apartment? Good. Do not. That is correct—do not enter that floor. Seal off the building exits and do not alert the residents. Keep the manager under your control. No, no evacuation of residents. It is imperative that we not warn him in any way, so do not display your weapons. By phone, notify the rest of your team and have them join you at once. I will also send additional forces to you, and you will assume tactical command until I arrive. Your orders are to cover all exits and stairs, including the roof and the floor above.

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