‘A system of beliefs that survives intact for two millennia and boasts over a billion followers is hardly a cult,’ Peng offered. ‘But yes, those with ties to the underground church are being located for questioning.’
Liu appeared satisfied with Peng’s report. ‘I was informed you are familiar with Kilkenny and Tao.’
Peng nodded. ‘That is why I was sent to assist you.’
‘Tell me about them.’
‘Until a few years ago, Kilkenny was a junior officer in the American Navy’s special forces. He is presently a businessman involved in technology research and investment. He is also connected to the CIA, but tangentially and not in the agency’s direct employ. He was married briefly to an astronaut who died this past August. I met him during the previous summer, when he was investigating the incident involving their space shuttle. In my opinion, Nolan Kilkenny is an honorable man.’
‘Honorable men do not break criminals out of prison.’
‘I suspect he does not view Yin as a criminal — they share the same faith.’
‘And Tao?’
‘She is a spy,’ Peng said matter-of-factly. ‘Much of her background is unclear, but she now runs an investment company with ties to both Kilkenny and the CIA. Several years ago, under another identity, she operated a widespread espionage network in China. That network was dismantled, but she eluded capture and the Sixth Bureau lost track of her. I uncovered her during my surveillance of Kilkenny. If possible, Beijing would like Tao taken alive.’
‘And the others?’ Liu asked.
‘Their fates are left to your discretion.’
37
After Yin’s mass, the Night Stalkers completed flight prep on the BATs while the team members still clad in civilian clothes changed for the trip across the border. The children, much to Kilkenny’s discomfort, huddled around the doorway of the yurt, peeking in with rapt fascination as he changed. He further entertained them by demonstrating the chameleonlike characteristics of his SEALskin suit, changing from a solid dark gray to camouflage stripes.
‘Having fun?’ Tao asked, drawn into the yurt by the children’s laughter.
‘They are. At least my striptease was only PG, or I would have had to post a guard.’
‘Or charge admission.’
‘I can’t think of anyone who would pay to see me naked. How’s your suit?’
Tao did a slow spin, allowing Kilkenny to view her at all angles. The sleek nanotech fabric wrapped her lithe curves like a second skin.
‘It’s a good fit,’ Tao replied.
‘That’s an understatement. I bet the tailor who put that outfit together never worked with a set of measurements quite like yours. Slip on a pair of stiletto heels and you’d be set for a late night of after-hours clubbing.’
Tao glowered at Kilkenny. ‘You first.’
Bishop Yin appeared in the doorway looking puzzled, his suit bunched up in places around his light frame and Ke Li’s cross dangling from his neck.
‘Have I put on this uniform correctly?’ Yin asked.
‘There’s really only one way to wear it,’ Kilkenny said as he looked over Yin’s suit. ‘Unfortunately, it’s not a one-size-fits-all, and I guessed a little too big for you. I apologize if it’s uncomfortable, but it will keep you warm.’
‘Then I will be fine.’
‘We’ll find you a good tailor once we’re out of China,’ Kilkenny promised. ‘Your cross might be a problem when we’re airborne. Would you like me to stow it for you?’
Yin placed a protective hand over the symbol of his faith. ‘No, I wish to wear it.’
‘Then let’s get it inside your suit so it won’t bat around in the wind.’
Tao loosened Yin’s collar and carefully slipped the cross inside. It barely telegraphed through the loose fabric covering Yin’s torso. Tao placed a reassuring hand on his chest over the shrouded symbol.
‘That should protect it,’ Tao said.
The Bishop folded his hands over hers, ‘And it will protect us, my child.’
Outside, they heard the sound of hoofbeats racing toward the encampment.
‘Stay with him,’ Kilkenny said as he unholstered his pistol and slipped through the doorway.
The hoofbeats stopped abruptly, replaced with orders shouted harshly in Chinese. The horses whinnied and snorted, sounding winded from the ride. In the darkness beyond the halo of campfire light, Kilkenny saw movement in the shadows. The forms of two men with their arms clasped behind their heads grew more distinct. They were Asians and dressed in civilian clothing. Gates and four warriors followed closely behind, weapons trained on the unexpected arrivals.
Recognizing the two men, the patriarch of the clan rushed toward them, his hands waving frantically in the air.
‘You catching any of that?’ Kilkenny called out.
‘The head man just vouched for these guys,’ Chow answered. ‘That good enough for us?’
Kilkenny holstered his pistol. ‘Yeah, cut ’em loose.’
Weapons were lowered, and Chow informed the men of their release. The patriarch escorted them to the fire and ordered others to fetch water for the riders. Both men were caked in dust from a hard ride, their horses frothy around the muzzle. The men brightened when Yin and Tao emerged from the yurt. After they had drunk their fill, the patriarch questioned them. The exchange flowed quickly, with the men talking rapidly.
‘What are they saying?’ Kilkenny asked Tao softly.
‘Apparently we got out of Chifeng just in time. The whole city is locked down — no one going in or out. The local police with army backup are running house-to-house searches. Phones, TV, radio — all shut down. Curfews. They’ve imposed martial law as part of their effort to apprehend a group of very dangerous criminals who escaped from the prison.’
‘That would be us,’ Kilkenny said.
‘Before the lines were cut,’ Tao continued, ‘they received word that all border crossings are closed. Also, you and I and the Bishop are the latest additions to Mongolia’s Most Wanted.’
‘Would they really arrest us?’ Kilkenny asked.
‘If the Chinese asked them to, yes,’ Tao replied. ‘When you’re landlocked between two very powerful neighbors, you learn to get along.’
‘Is there a problem?’ Yin asked.
‘Yes,’ Tao replied. ‘We planned to go north and take you out through Mongolia, but that way is now closed to us.’
‘Which means we go to Plan B,’ Kilkenny added.
‘Plan B?’ Yin questioned, unfamiliar with the phrase.
‘Our second choice,’ Kilkenny explained. ‘It’s a much longer flight, but it should still work.’
‘A longer flight,’ Yin repeated, a childlike twinkle in his eyes. ‘Having never flown before, I think I would like that.’
‘Then I hope you find our BATs comfortable, because we’ll be spending a few nights in them.’
Tao motioned for Kilkenny to quiet down as she tried to glean more news from the riders. The patriarch nodded his head gravely and looked at Kilkenny and Yin.
‘What is it?’ Kilkenny asked.
‘Helicopter searches. They’re looking for camps like this one, any place where we could have found refuge. And they’re arresting suspected Roman Catholics.’
‘Then we’re out of here,’ Kilkenny decided. He looked at Gates and the team. ‘Time to saddle up. We need to put some distance between these kind folks and ourselves. Roxanne, please express our sincere thanks to our host and to these brave gentlemen for this information. They may have just saved Bishop Yin’s life.’
‘Permit me,’ Yin said.
Starting with the patriarch, Yin bowed deeply to each of the men and offered what Kilkenny could only imagine was a glowing tribute at the end of which he blessed them, then all who dwelled in the house of their host.