The Iron Tiger - Jack Higgins [32]
'That's right.'
'Am I allowed to ask for how long you've been making a monkey out of them back on Formosa?'
'I've never been to Formosa,' Cheung said. 'The Nationalists did have an agent called Cheung and they did send him on a mission to Nikkim. He got as far as Singapore. I took his place from there.'
'What about the guns I flew into Tibet and Moro and his boys? All that was a fake, too, I suppose?'
'An elaborate pretence which enabled me to communicate constantly with my superiors to help pave the way for the regaining of what has always been legally a part of the Chinese Empire by the Army of the People's Republic.'
'I can do without the speeches,' Drummond said. 'Where did Famia fit in?'
'She and her mother were of no particular importance. I paid them well to keep me informed of your movements.'
'You speak in the past tense.'
'Only where Famia is concerned. She was struck in the head by a piece of sharpnel back at the airstrip.'
Remembering the months of pretence, Drummond dismissed her with no particular regret. 'Do you really think you're going to get away with this?'
'Why not?' Cheung said. 'India will not interfere. She is interested only in maintaining the status quo and the two countries have never had a mutual defence pact. In the United Nations, there will be an emergency session, they will talk far into the night and do precisely nothing. No one wants to rock the boat, Jack. A phrase you taught me.'
'You've got it all nicely worked out, haven't you?'
'Except for one rather important detail. The Khan is dead, which is something of a convenience, but these are a superstitious people, and to them the Khan is priest as well as king. Prince Kerim can be his only successor.'
'And as such, an obstacle to the setting up of a People's Republic.'
'Not at all.' Cheung smiled briefly. 'With our guidance, he could be of great help to his people. He could lead them along the true path.'
'Now I've heard everything,' Drummond said.
'Good, then perhaps you will be sensible enough to help me in this matter. After all, you always did have an eye to the main chance. Where is the boy?'
Drummond stared at him in astonishment. 'You mean you don't know?'
'He is not at the mission. Neither are Father Kerrigan nor the American girl. My men have spent hours checking the crowds and searching the immediate area of the city.'
'And you expect me to help?'
'I know you went straight to the mission from your bungalow after Brackenhurst brought you news of the invasion. Famia told me.'
Drummond decided to take refuge in the truth. 'That's right. We left my jeep and told Father Kerrigan to pack up as quickly as possible and meet us at the airstrip. Your men moved too fast for him, I suppose.'
'But Brackenhurst also is proving difficult to locate. You arranged an alternative plan in case of trouble. I know you, Jack. I know how your mind works.'
'Can I go now?'
'You might find it wiser to co-operate. I could make things easier for you.'
'Do me a favour, for God's sake,' Drummond said. 'That's like a line from a bad play.'
Colonel Cheung stared at him, apparently calm, the leather swagger stick beating against his right boot. 'All right, take him away, Sergeant,' he said abruptly in Chinese. 'Bring the other one.'
Drummond paused in the doorway and shook his head. 'Now you really are wasting your time,' he said.
Chinese headquarters had been set up at the palace and the commanding officer, General Ho Tsen, stood on the terrace and looked out over the garden. He seemed far from happy and paced up and down impatiently.
There was a slight cough from behind and he turned to find Cheung standing in the window. 'You have found him?' he demanded eagerly.
'I'm afraid not, General.'
Ho Tsen slammed a hand hard down on the balustrade. 'This is your direct responsibility, Colonel I expected to find the boy ready and waiting when I arrived.'
'It seems that the priest and the American girl left the mission with the boy shortly before our men arrived. We've confirmed this by questioning herdsmen