First Strike Read Online Free Page B

“We need to send someone to Wiengwei to find out whether there’s any chance the rebels have acquired a nuclear capability.”
    Ardman leaned back in his chair and for the first time in the meeting, he smiled. “Just what I thought. In fact, I’ve decided to send my best man. Right away.”
    There was silence for a moment.
    â€œBut, that’s Dad.” Jade pointed out.
    â€œWe’re off to the White House in a couple of days,” Rich added.
    â€œTo see the President,” Jade continued. “You promised. And Dad promised.”
    Ardman held up his hands for silence. “We have an excellent contact in Wiengwei. A friend of Ralph’s in fact, so he’s keen to help. And apparently Ralph was there recently organising some deal or other, so that’s another connection. One that might explain how he found out whatever it is that he found out. All you need to do,” he told Chance, “is check in with this man on the way. The flights are arranged.”
    â€œFlights?” said Chance.
    â€œIt’s on the way to Washington. Sort of. Well, given your schedule, it’ll have to be. It also gets all three of you well away from Colonel Shu. She may know who you are now, and Goddard’s team can track her down while you’re well out of the way.”
    â€œWait a minute,” said Rich. “What do you mean, all three ? You don’t expect me and Jade to go to Wiengwei as well, do you?”
    â€œI’m afraid so,” said Ardman. “I really can’t afford toorganise two flights to the same place. Not with over 400 televisions to pay for suddenly. You’ll leave the spying to your dad, of course.” He raised his eyebrows, as if he didn’t rate the chances of that.
    â€œBut we still get to go to the White House reception, right?” Jade wanted to be sure. “All of us?”
    â€œOf course. You can stop off in Wiengwei to refuel, have a quick chat with our friend Mr Chang, and be in Washington in good time for the White House reception. You should have a day or two to spare to see the sights. If it all goes smoothly.”
    â€œAny reason why it shouldn’t?” Chance asked.
    Ardman smiled. “None at all.”
    â€œTerrific,” Jade muttered.

3
    They changed planes in Hong Kong, where they also picked up tourist visas that Ardman had arranged for China. Given his worry about cost, Jade suspected they might not have been issued through the ‘usual channels’. From Hong Kong they got a direct flight to Weijiang, the main city of Wiengwei province.
    Immigration seemed to take an age, but otherwise there were no problems. They only had hand luggage as Ardman had sent their cases direct to Washington on an RAF flight. Jade wondered if that meant there was actually more or less chance of their luggage arriving when and where it was supposed to.
    Chance, Rich and Jade eventually emerged into a large open area where there were a few small shops selling foodand newspapers. Through the main doors they could see several cars parked at the kerb.
    An old woman carrying a basket pushed past Jade. She was surprised and saddened to see that there was a live chicken cramped inside the basket, grey feathers poking out through the weave.
    â€œLots of signs,” said Rich. “But they’re not much help. They’re all in Chinese.”
    â€œMaybe Dad can read them?” said Jade.
    â€œThis way,” Chance decided, and set off across the airport.
    â€œYou can read Chinese!” said Jade, impressed.
    â€œNo. But I can read English.”
    The sign actually said ‘ENGLISH’. It was written in block capitals on a sheet of grey cardboard using a chunky marker pen. It was being held by a small boy of about twelve years old. He had short, dark hair, and enormous front teeth that he was showing off in a broad smile.
    As Chance, Jade and Rich approached, the smile got even broader and the boy