Vanishing Point - Marc Cerasini [40]
Cohen's handshake was perfunctory.
"A pleasure," Jong said in flawless English.
Lhey sat around the central table. Jong with Yizi on the couch. Sherry on the lounge chair. Lev Cohen remained standing, a drink from the bar in his hand.
"Mr. Lee is a Taiwanese chip manufacturer who holds many defense contracts with the United States military. That means Lee here has a stake in who wins the next presidential election," Bell explained.
"More than that," Jong declared. "Your government has been my nation's greatest ally, since the dark days of the Japanese invasion, since our present government was established in 1947. I and many of my compatriots know that it is only America's military might and our own resolute spirit that keeps Taiwan, the Republic of China, safe from those bandits in Beijing."
"Excuse me for being blunt," Sherry said, "but I'm not sure I understand why you're here, exactly."
"Of course," Jong said with a nod. "Senator Palmer is head of the Senate's Defense Appropriations Committee. In his position, he has made it a point of sharing American defense technology with Taiwan. I merely want to make certain your husband will continue to support my nation when he becomes president. "
"Unfortunately my husband has not yet been elected," Sherry replied.
Larry Bell threw his long arm around Jong's shoulder. The cultured man winced at the familiarity of the gesture. "Don't worry about old David," Bell said with a laugh. "He's one guy who knows how to win."
"I would like to make his victory even more certain," Jong said.
Larry Bell rose and glanced at his watch. "Look at the time," he cried with all the conviction of a high school thespian. "I really have to go. There's so much to do before tonight's gala event."
With a curt farewell, Bell departed. Sherry focused her gaze on Jong Lee.
"You were saying?" she prompted.
"I was merely suggesting that I would like to make a generous monetary contribution to Senator Palmer's presidential campaign fund." Jong said with a crooked smile.
Lev Cohen spoke up. "We have a committee for such things, Mr. Lee. Contact them and they'll tell you where to mail the check."
Sherry Palmer silenced the chief of staff with a touch of her hand.
"What Mr. Cohen means is that there are many barriers against my husband's campaign accepting foreign donations. There are limits to the amount one can give, and much scrutiny. If they wished, our political enemies could use such contributions against us."
Jong smiled again. "I understand perfectly, Mrs. Palmer..."
She raised a finger. "That's Sherry."
"Ah, yes... Sherry. I would, however, prefer to give much more than the allowable amount, and also avoid such scrutiny."
"Just how would you do that?" Lev Cohen demanded.
Again, Sherry silenced the man with a gesture. "I'm not sure I understand."
Jong frowned. "Then I must be even more blunt. I am prepared to contribute five million dollars cash, today, in exchange for one piece of information."
Lev Cohen paled. Sherry smiled knowingly. She'd been waiting for this shoe to drop since Jong Lee entered the suite.
"I know why your husband is here in Nevada, Mrs. Palmer," Jong continued. "I know that even as we speak, he is witnessing a demonstration of a brand new weapons system at Groom Lake Air Force Base less than fifty miles from this spot."
Lev choked on his drink.
Sherry blinked in surprise, then quickly recovered. So that's where he went, she mused bitterly. And the worst part about it is that I had to hear the truth from a defense contractor from Taiwan!
"I'm not free to discuss such things, Mr. Lee," Sherry replied coolly.
"No need to. Though the information is top secret, I know this because the chips I manufacture are vital components in the system being demonstrated."
Sherry's eyes narrowed as she studied the man.
"You see, I require information that only your husband can provide," Jong continued. "I need to know whether or not today's demonstration was a success, and whether or not the program will continue. It is