Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Kidnapping

The board meeting at New Pacific headquarters has been going on for more than 12 hours.Every director's face looked exhausted. There is only one issue, and that is how to deal with the huge oil tanker Yangping that is still burning in the South China Sea. The news of the burning of the Yangping was spread all over the world.Surrounding the Yangping was the US Seventh Fleet, the Philippine Navy, and ships from the Soviet Union.In other words, the Yohira was burning blazingly under the gaze of the whole world. How the Yangping will be handled is not only related to the reputation of the New Pacific Oil Company, but also to the face of the Japanese government.

"The meeting has been going on for 13 hours." President Wakamiya yelled impatiently. He looked around at the five directors present. In other words, this meant that the Yohei had also been burning for more than 13 hours.Nothing was resolved.If we let it continue to burn like this, soon, the whole world will know the incompetence of our company.Is there any good countermeasure? "But—" one of the directors spoke nervously, "Under the current circumstances, we should either let it go out by itself; or, since that location is the closest sea area to the Philippines, should we ask the Philippine Navy to sink it? Except Apart from these two paths, I don’t think there is any other way.”

"You mean to extinguish it by yourself? According to the calculation results of the computer, it will take three months for the 370,000 cubic meters of oil installed on the Yohii to be burned. You mean we have to sit aside, Can't do anything?" "So, please ask the Philippine Navy to help us sink it?" "Are there only those two ways? Have you thought of any better ways?" "If the hull of the Yopei can be temporarily sunk into the sea, it should be able to extinguish the fire. After the fire is successfully extinguished, it will be fine if it floats up again." Another director said.

"What a bad idea? With that kind of ability, the fire on the Yohei would have been extinguished long ago." Wakamiya said dismissively, "Any other suggestions?" While Wakamiya was looking around at the faces of the directors, Tanahashi, the head of the secretary's office, rushed into the room with a panicked expression, and whispered in Wakamiya's ear, "Mr. Horie called." "Horie?" "It's Mr. Horie, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs." "Then you should have said it earlier." Wakamiya said as if sternly reprimanding him, he interrupted the board meeting, ran to the phone in a hurry, and picked up the receiver.

Speaking of Wakamiya and Horie, the two knew each other before Horie became the Minister of State. Not only are they from the same hometown, but Wakamiya is also a senior of his 5th class at N University.To put it bluntly, the two are in a relationship of mutual use.When Horie was an alternate in the National District of the Senate earlier, Wakamiya exhausted all the strength of the New Pacific Oil Company to support him.It was so blatantly done that it was criticized in the newspapers about corporate elections, but Horie was elected beautifully. "I'm Horie, long time no see." On the other end of the phone, Horie seemed to greet sincerely as usual.

"We are each other." Wakamiya replied politely.Even if the other party is a student of N University, but the other party is a person who is likely to be promoted from a deputy minister to a minister in a few years.Wakamiya saw this very clearly. "I'm afraid you are very distressed about the matter of the Yangping ship?" "To be honest with you, it's such a headache. I'm sorry for bothering everyone. How did other countries react?" "If you talk about a formal protest, it has not yet been raised. However, a call with a slightly lighter tone than the protest has already come. In particular, the Singapore government has come to warn that if this continues, the Yangping will be left there. There will be a new round of anti-Japanese movements in the country."

"This is really a mess." "When the cholera epidemic happened a while ago, the Philippines was regarded as the culprit, which caused adverse effects in Japan. I am afraid that there is a high possibility of retaliation this time. The Yohei is indeed very close to the territorial waters of the Philippines. Now, Fishermen in the Philippines are unable to go fishing because of the Yohira, and they are said to be protesting to the Japanese embassy.” "What should I do?" "A decision must be made as soon as possible. If there is any further delay, the Philippine government may formally lodge a protest. At that time, it will be difficult for our government, the Philippine government and New Pacific Petroleum to mediate. That will be a big trouble .I think this is extremely detrimental to the New Pacific Organization developing towards Southeast Asia, right?"

"The decision you want me to make is to let the Yangping ship sink first?" "From a long-term perspective, I think it is the best way. Speaking of sinking it, it may be better to let the Philippine Navy do it than the U.S. Navy. That approach will definitely make the ship sink. Satisfy the other party's self-esteem. Since the negotiation depends on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please leave it to me." "New Pacific Commercial is starting new business negotiations with the Philippines. Therefore, it may be better to take a lower stance towards the Philippine government in this matter."

"This is still something that can turn disaster into blessing. If it is handled properly, maybe New Peace will still have an opportunity to expand its business in the Philippines." "So that's the case. I'll contact Tamura-kun from New Pacific Corporation immediately." "Speaking of which, the reason why the Yangping suddenly exploded in the South China Sea is—" "That's because someone planted a bomb." "Is that really the case?" "That's true. We resolutely rejected our company's request for one million US dollars. That's why it happened. The other party seems to be a young man. I really don't know what he thinks about the national interest, really. It’s extremely chilling.”

"That's how I feel relieved." "Uh?" "I'm sorry. I want to tell you that this is a blessing in misfortune. Because if the accident on the Yohei was caused by a mismanagement of the ship or other inadvertent reasons, it will have a bearing on Japan's credibility. But if it is It will not cause too much damage to Japan's reputation. Mr. Wakamiya, when you communicate with the mass media, you should emphasize that reason. In my opinion, it is necessary. The Philippine government has always The radicals are pissed off. Maybe they will come back and sympathize with us."

"Then I will follow your advice." Wakamiya seemed very encouraged immediately.As soon as he hung up the phone, he ordered to Pengqiao: "Immediately, prepare for a press conference for me. There is no need to keep it secret anymore." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its deep apology to the Philippine government for the continuous burning of the Yohei in the sea of ​​neighboring countries, and also expressed the hope that the Philippine Navy would sink it. While Shinpacific Oil Company expressed its apology to the Philippine government in the name of President Wakamiya, it also issued a notice stating that it will provide corresponding compensation to the fishermen who suffered losses due to the burning of the Yohei. Newspapers in Japan were full of speeches delivered by President Wakamiya after the press conference.The newspapers are full of phone calls asking for $1 million, reprisals for refusing to pay, and news about the huge oil tanker "Yangping" after it was bombed.The newspapers also made various guesses and imaginations about who the prisoner was.Some newspapers said that it was a new gauntlet sent by the Red Army, which specializes in fighting against big business, while others said it was the rampant actions of money-grubbing young people. Totsukawa had no choice but to pay attention to these false reports.President Wakamiya seems to think that the criminal extorted 1 million dollars → was rejected → the Yohei exploded and burned, and this was the end of the case.After that, it seems that the only job is for the police to catch criminals.However, Totsukawa does not think so simply. The inmate demanded over $1 million.However, since that was rejected by President Wakamiya, the prisoner got nothing.Faced with the fate of the Yangping being caught on fire and sunk, will the prisoner really let it go? "No." Totsukawa thought. President Wakamiya initially accepted the prisoner's request but deceived the other party, but the prisoner reversed the trend and used Wakamiya's lies to activate the time bomb installed on the Yohei.The prisoner smiled and said on the phone: "Indeed, it is very similar to what the New Pacific Oil Company did." Because the young man had already expected that President Wakamiya would not abide by the agreement.Rather than saying that the prisoner is smart, it is better to say that the prisoner makes people feel that he has a deep hatred.That kind of person probably won't be satisfied with that. "It's not good. Mr. Kame." Totsukawa murmured to Criminal Kamei, "The key is how will the prisoner do it next time he shows up?" As if to find out the answer, Totsukawa stared at the sky with piercing eyes. When it was almost 11 o'clock in the evening, a black Lincoln Continental was parked in front of the private residence of Shinpacific Corporation President Yuzo Tamura located in Denenchofu (place name).The driver in a neat suit got out of the car and said to the intercom at the door, "I'm here to pick you up from New Pacific Petroleum." In the inner room, Tamura, who was making preparations to go out, heard from the maid that someone was coming, and ordered, "Just let me know and I'll go." Because just now, the president of New Pacific Oil Company Wakamiya called and said that he wanted to discuss with him urgently about the Yohei. Mr. Wakamiya, the head of the conglomerate at the same level who has been suffering from a headache because of the Yohira incident, hastily talked on the phone just now that he can turn that incident into a blessing. The 65-year-old Tamura slowly moved his body to the porch, and the driver who was waiting at the side greeted him softly, "Thank you for your hard work", and helped him into the rear seat of the Lincoln Continental. His wife Lizi and the servants came out to see him off. "I may be late when I come back, you go to bed first." Tamura said to Riko. After the car started, Tamura took out his usual cigarette and put it in his mouth.Lizi who came to see him off often saw his habitual posture. After the black Lincoln Continental disappeared into the darkness, Satoko and the maid returned home. Lizi said to the maids, let them go back to their rooms to rest.She came to the living room alone and turned on the TV. "The Yopei is still burning in the South China Sea. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a request to the Philippine government for help in sinking the Yopei. This is a news report for you at 7 p.m.." Riko turned on the TV because she wanted to know what happened after that.Riko does not interfere with her husband's work.But she is very concerned about how the Yangping will be handled.This is because her father was the former president of the New Pacific Oil Company. The scene of the burning Yohii was displayed on the electronic tube screen.However, that was a picture taken by the American News Agency during the day. The announcer reported in a very excited tone about these captured pictures: "Based on the request of the Japanese government, the Philippine government ordered the destroyer 'Mindanao' and the submarine 'Charlotte' to sink the Yanghei. .According to the news released by the Philippines, the attack on the Yangping will wait until dawn." "According to the Associated Press report, the Yangping is still spouting flames, like a huge red lotus, constantly burning." Suddenly, the phone in the room rang loudly. Riko picked up the phone while watching the TV screen. "This is Tamura's house." "Madam? This is Tanahashi, the secretary to the president of New Pacific Oil Company." "Ah, it's Mr. Tanahashi." "Has your husband gone out yet?" "Eh?" For a moment, Lizi felt something was wrong, and hurriedly asked. "There should be a car to meet him." As usual, Tanqiao said with a worried look. "Yes. My husband went out in that car. Isn't he there yet?" "That's right. If you arrive at President Wakamiya's house in Nakano (place name), you should be notified." "Yes. My husband should know that." "When did you leave home?" "30 minutes, no, about 40 minutes ago." "That's strange. At that time, the road should not be congested. You should be able to get there in 20 minutes." "Did something happen on the road?" Lizi's face turned pale all of a sudden. "I don't think that kind of thing will happen." Tanahashi said hurriedly on the other end of the phone. "Maybe the car is out of order. I know the route to your side, why don't I drive in the opposite direction and have a look." "That's up to you." After putting down the phone, Lizi became uneasy.The strong Satoko felt this strong uneasiness hit his heart only shortly after the incident on the Yohei. However, there is no other way but to wait patiently. Thirty minutes later, Tanabashi called again. "I was looking for it while driving just now, but I didn't find the Lincoln Continental that your husband should be sitting in. This is going to be bad." "It might be better to call the police? In case something happens to my husband—" "Our president will wait another 30 minutes. If no one comes, we will call the police at that time. Therefore, please wait another 30 minutes, madam." "Just wait another 30 minutes." Lizi nodded, and instead of calling the police, she called Seiichiro Tamura, a son who lived separately, because she couldn't bear this kind of fear alone. In New Pacific Oil, Seiichiro, who was sitting on the chair of the third input class, said very optimistically: "Don't worry, it's okay. The car may have broken down on the road, and it may be a taxi by now. " He is 28 years old, young and just married. Riko put down the phone and waited.Not long after, the phone rang again. "Mr. Tanabashi?" She asked as soon as she picked up the phone. "No, I'm not." A young man's voice said. "Who are you?" "I can't tell you the name. I just want to let you know that Mr. Yuzo Tamura has been kidnapped." "my husband?" "Your husband is safe now. But please prepare me a million dollars immediately. In exchange for that money, I assure you that your husband will come home safe and sound." After learning about this from Mrs. Tamura in the private residence, Wakamiya gritted her teeth and roared, "It's that guy again!" "It was the same man who kidnapped President Tamura this time." "The request is also 1 million U.S. dollars." Tanqiao muttered palely. "It must be another plan to ask us to transfer money to the bank account in Indonesia. Have you notified the police?" "Madam was overwhelmed by the intimidation of the prisoner, so the police don't know yet, but I think the police should be notified. The other party is not an ordinary kidnapper, but the bastard who bombed our company's Yangping. It is very likely that he is some kind of radical organization." The people inside. To deal with that kind of people, it would be better for us to ask the police for help." "Should we still go to the police station named Totsukawa?" "Well, it's somewhat unreliable. But since it's the same prisoner, maybe he will be better. I'm going to Munga Mountain (place name) from here soon, so you should help me run to the Totsugawa police station for a while. Let's go." Wakamiya ordered Tanabashi to be done, and then left the house and rushed towards Tamura's official residence in Denenchofu. In Tamura's mansion, the eldest son, Seiichiro Tamura, had already driven back out of worry. As soon as Wakamiya saw Lizi, he said, "I have already notified the police." "But, the prisoner said that the police must never be notified." Li Zi looked at Wakamiya as if he had aged five or six years. "I think the other party is not just an ordinary prisoner, but some kind of radical. I'm sure he used the Yangping ship to blackmail us. Later, he blew up the Yangping ship. Our big company itself is like the prey of these people. .To deal with these people, there is no need for us alone to deal with them. Let the experts deal with it. Mr. Tamura will come back safely. The more we tolerate such people, the more self-righteous they will be. It should be done Just be more decisive, but the result will be better." Wakamiya said as if giving a speech. About 30 minutes later, Totsukawa, Kamei criminal and two experts finally arrived. Two experts quickly installed call recording devices on three telephones in the mansion. Wakamiya said to Totsukawa: "Mr. Totsukawa, although the prisoner did not introduce himself, it is obvious that he is the same prisoner who caused the explosion on the Yohei." "I think so." "Did anyone see you when you came in?" Wakamiya asked, and Totsukawa asked a little puzzled, "Why do you ask?" "Why do you ask?" Wakamiya hissed angrily, "The prisoner may be watching the house. And the prisoner warned not to notify the police or something. Although you are wearing civilian clothes, people should know that you are criminals." Identity. It’s strange if you don’t know about the characteristics of criminals.” "I don't think so." Totsukawa said with a calm smile: "The first reason I want to talk about is the number of people. I think the prisoner is one person, at most two people. In the case of the Yohira, no matter which time The calls were all from the same man. If there were a large number of them, they would not have done such a stupid thing. As for the reason, because there are many people, they will be easily exposed, which is not good for them. Therefore, I think that the prisoners The number of people should be less than two. It is likely that the criminal committed the crime alone. Now that Yuzo Tamura has been kidnapped, there should be no spare manpower to monitor the mansion." "You mean that he alone blew up the 370,000-ton Yohei?" Wakamiya said, looking at Totsukawa in doubt. Totsukawa said calmly, "That's a good point." "However, do you know that the Yohei is a huge oil tanker with a total length of more than 300 meters. The construction cost of just one ship is—" "That kind of giant oil tanker can be destroyed by only one person. Isn't this the evil result of the fragile side of modern civilization?" "Do you study philosophy, too?" "So what?" Totsukawa laughed heartily at the other party's statement. "The second reason is that the prisoner is a very intelligent person." "Are you now admiring a prisoner who should have been hated?" "I was just giving a fair assessment of my enemies." "Then why do you say that?" "I think the prisoner had expected that you would notify the police. It was the same at the time of the Yohei accident. The prisoner has the ability to plan countermeasures before our actions. Therefore, even if we the police intervene, I think the prisoner will He accepted it calmly. Although he expected our police to intervene, he carried out the kidnapping according to the plan." "How do you know if that guy is what you think? Since the fight, haven't you been trying to subdue the criminal? As a result, have you solved the case?" "Don't worry about it." Totsukawa said something clearly, and then added, "However, the prerequisite for your side to provide us with assistance is still necessary." "Needless to say, we would be happy to assist. It is in this determination that we have called you here despite the prisoner's warning." "We are very grateful for this. Having said that, I would like to ask Madam." Totsukawa looked at Lizi and asked, "When do you think the prisoner will contact you next time?" "He said he would call back at 10 a.m. tomorrow." "Is it 10 am?" Totsukawa glanced at his watch, it was exactly midnight. There are still 10 hours. "It's quite comfortable to be a kidnapper." Criminal Kamei suddenly expressed such an astonishing emotion. "The prisoner asked for so much money. I don't think he would want it right away. He appointed it at 10 o'clock. Because the bank didn't open until an hour ago. Ma'am. When the prisoner asked for 1 million US dollars, didn't you? Did you say that you don't have to ask Madam to come up with so much money right away?" "Yes." Riko nodded nervously. "So, shouldn't the prisoner make you wait at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning?" "It's not like that." Riko shook his head left and right. "Then what did the prisoner say then?" "He said that if he asked Wakamiya, President of New Pacific Oil Company, for help, the 1 million US dollars should be ready soon. Because when the Yopei had an accident, he should have prepared 1 million US dollars." "What's going on?" Totsukawa looked at Wakamiya. Wakamiya seemed to be embarrassed and said: "Indeed, it was prepared. Because it was a critical moment when the Yohira could pass through the Strait of Malacca." "And what about the $1 million?" "In the vault. Because it hasn't had time to put it in the bank yet." "The prisoner has even considered this point." Shi Jinchuan hissed, secretly marveling.He turned to Lizi again and asked, "In other words, the prisoner still appointed 10 o'clock tomorrow morning?" "Well, that's right." "That guy is really proud!" Wakamiya roared angrily. "What are you going to do?" "Can't decide yet. It's really annoying and worrying. That guy is a born criminal, a criminal!" "Maybe still a chivalrous fellow." "It's funny. That guy is nothing but cruel. Maybe, maybe he killed Tamura-san." "Should be safe at least until the ransom is paid. The prisoner should be well aware that a dead body cannot be exchanged for a million dollars." "Aren't we going to be able to do anything until tomorrow morning? Even the police can only be idle like this?" Wakamiya frowned and stared at Totsukawa. "I asked my subordinates to find a car. Mr. Tamura is riding in a black Lincoln Continental, right?" Totsukawa said calmly. "Do you think you can find it?" "I don't know. Maybe it depends on the method of kidnapping." "Then what method do you think the criminal used to kidnap Mr. Tamura?" "Is the driver reliable?" "Well, you have been my driver for nearly ten years, so it should be reliable." "Can you tell me your name and age?" "The name is Hiroshi Watanabe. If I remember correctly his age, he should be 35 years old. He is married and has a child. He is an honest and serious person." "I think the driver might also be locked up somewhere. Was the driver who came here to pick up your husband really a man named Hiroshi Watanabe?" Totsukawa asked Riko. "Ah." Lizi tilted his head and thought for a while, then said, "Actually, I know that drivers often come, but I have never paid attention to what it looks like." "That is to say, when you come here to greet him, the prisoner may have changed his disguise as a driver." In that case, the driver named Hiroshi Watanabe might have been killed, or imprisoned somewhere. "In New Pacific Commercial, is there a position of vice president?" "Are you asking me?" Wakamiya confirmed to Totsukawa. "Madam is also fine, any one of you can answer." "Just like our company, Shinpacific Corporation also has a vice president. Does that have anything to do with it?" "I want to inquire about the internal situation of the company. In particular, the business situation of New Pacific Commercial in Indonesia. I want to know. The more detailed the better." "why?" "When the prisoner threatened your company in the Yangping case, he ordered you to transfer 1 million U.S. dollars to Bank Indonesia's Danpaisaru branch. I want to know why the prisoner made such a request. If you know that With a little bit, we might be able to figure out the general background of the criminal." "So what?" "Why did you say that?" "The prisoner first demanded $1 million from my New Pacific Petroleum Company. It's like asking our company to be responsible for something and paying $1 million in compensation. But, let alone Indonesia, our company has never done so in any country. Any blame. I'm sure I'm not mistaken. It's the same with Shinpacific. So I say it can't be for that reason." "Maybe it's like what you said. So let's stop here first. I just want to ask a few questions." Totsukawa said stubbornly.He's a soft-spoken guy who doesn't like to compromise. Wakamiya hissed softly so that Totsukawa would not hear.Seeing the other party's expression was calm and silent, he said "It's okay, it's okay" and forbeared a little. "Call President Kajigi-kun to come here. He is a person with excellent practical ability, and his answer should be helpful to your question." Just after 1 o'clock in the morning, Kajigi, the vice president of New Pacific Trading, drove over.Kajigi, who is only 50 years old, is indeed a person who looks very capable.When he came to Tamura's mansion, when he heard that the president had been kidnapped, his expression changed immediately, but he quickly regained his composure. Totsukawa brought Kajigi to the study on the second floor, and said directly, "Please tell me briefly about the relationship between New Pacific Corporation and Indonesia." Kajigi said: "I'm afraid it's hard to say." Then he paused, lit his pipe and lit the fire, and continued: "Your problem is difficult to summarize simply. There is a huge trade gap between our company and Indonesia. The mutual influence. Because there are too many relationships, it is very complicated, and it is impossible to answer clearly at once.” "Then, does the Assam Chamber of Commerce in Denpasar, Bali have any business with you?" "When it comes to Denpasar, I know it is in Bali, but I don't know about the Assam Chamber of Commerce. I know all the companies that have trade with our company, but the name of the Assam Chamber of Commerce is the first I heard it once." "Mr. Wakamiya of the New Pacific Oil Company also said the same thing. The prisoner asked us to send 1 million dollars to the Assam Chamber of Commerce. I feel that the prisoner's tone of saying that we paid the company 1 million dollars seems very reasonable. Really and Doesn't the Assam Chamber of Commerce have anything to do with it?" "Not at all. I've never heard that name." Totsukawa squinted his eyes and watched Kajigi for a moment, it didn't look like he was lying.However, if the so-called Assam Chamber of Commerce in Denpasar, Bali has nothing to do with New Pacific Petroleum Corporation and New Pacific Commercial Corporation, then why did the prisoner still say that the money was sent there? Of course, prior to this, the International Criminal Police Agency has been notified and Indonesian police have been commissioned to investigate the situation of the Assam Chamber of Commerce in Denpasar.However, there has been no response yet. "Does your company have a branch in Denpasar?" "Our company's branch office is located in Jakarta. Of course, Denpasar is the metropolis of Bali, so our company also has staff there." "In Bali, what kind of business does New Pacific Commercial currently carry out?" "That can't be explained clearly in one or two sentences." "That is to say, there is a deep relationship?" "Our company is proud of our company's contribution to not only Bali, but also the entire economic development of Indonesia. But you may—" Kajigi raised his voice further. "As various rumors in the world say, there are a lot of malicious propaganda about their government, only our company has never done this kind of thing. In these cases, I think you should know what's going on Bar." "Understood. Therefore, the relationship between your company and Bali Island is... the relationship between New Pacific Oil and Bali Island should be very good." "Bali Island is the place with the largest number of tourists in Indonesia. However, hotels and traffic roads are insufficient. In that regard, our company has given great assistance to the other government, and it has provided the construction of hotels in Denpasar Financial assistance, and the export of 200 buses to the island for sightseeing around the island. Of course, Bali’s product export to Japan also uses our company as an important window.” "Therefore, it can be said that New Pacific Commercial must have made a lot of money, right?" "Totsukawa-kun." Kajigi smiled wryly, and said, "The so-called commercial company is a profit-making organization. It's not a charity organization." "Has anything happened that hurt the local Indonesians in terms of doing sales?" "What we do is very famous. No one is stupid enough to do bad things to the local people. That's all, there is no need to go on. Because, first of all, after kidnapping the president, he asked for 1 million It's not Indonesian, it's Japanese, isn't it?" "Yes. I don't think it's wrong to be Japanese. Because it doesn't feel like an Indonesian who speaks Japanese very well. But, in a sense, it can be said that he is related to Indonesia. Because If not, it would not have said that the money should be deposited into the account of the Assam Chamber of Commerce in the Denpasar branch of Bank Indonesia.” "Have you investigated the Assam Chamber of Commerce?" "The police over there have been entrusted to investigate, but have not received a reply yet." "Your bureaucratic style is like that." Kajigi smiled and said, "Our company should also try to investigate. It's just a simple job." Kajigi picked up the microphone placed aside, made an international call, and called the resident in Denpasar, Bali. Indeed, he looks like a businessman, and he is really quick and easy in doing things. The night sky is very clear. At 7:00 a.m. local time, the American ABC radio and television station said that the live broadcast of the scene of the sinking of the Yopei will begin at 8:30 a.m. Needless to say, the sudden setting of the broadcast time at this moment must be to take advantage of the fact that the United States is using their methods to prepare for the live broadcast when the Yangping is burning. Through the space relay station, CCTV, one of Japan's commercial broadcasters, also suddenly announced that it would make an exclusive report. The Philippine Navy was originally scheduled to start shelling at 7:00 am, but in order to cooperate with TV reports, it was changed to 8:30 am.That is 9:30 Japan time.This is an influential mass media, and even the actions of the army had to be changed in time.Needless to say, the Philippine government must have also received an additional payment from ABC Radio and Television. When the time came, the TV in the living room of Tamura's official residence was turned on. For this TV broadcast, ABC Radio and Television urgently dispatched a 3,000-ton broadcast ship to the South China Sea. This ship is equipped with various broadcasting equipment, and a large helicopter is carried on the rear deck.The live broadcast suddenly started with a close-up of the figure of the Yopei seen from the helicopter. The lens of the TV camera carefully scanned the 370,000-ton ship from bow to stern. A flagpole about 70 meters high near the bow drooped limply and twisted like a malt candy stick.Swaying on the sea, the deck, which is half the size of the Korakuen Stadium, cracked large holes formed by explosions one by one, which looked like a piece of burnt skin, and every part of the hull Red lotus-like flames spewed everywhere.The camera moved back, and a stick of black smoke was reflected in the screen, rising high above the South China Sea. The fast-speaking English announcer started reporting around this scene, during which the phrase "like a phoenix, with no sign of sinking" was frequently mentioned. Wakamiya clasped his hands tightly, just staring at the picture of Yohei on TV without moving.Wakamiya would never have imagined that the giant tanker was burning and would soon be sunk by the Philippine Navy. The Totsugawa Police Department was sitting on the sofa in the corner of the room while watching TV.His watch was reading 9:10.Soon, the Philippine Navy will begin its first round of attacks.However, Totsukawa was only thinking about kidnapping the prisoner. He made an appointment to call at 10 am.In other words, he may be watching the TV broadcast at the moment.No, he is definitely watching!Totsukawa was quite sure of this.Because he blew up the Yopei! First blowing up a 370,000-ton giant oil tanker, and then kidnapping the president of New Pacific Trading, Tamura, Totsukawa couldn't help but feel a strong sense of revenge in the prisoner. "Where does this revenge mentality come from?" This doubt has repeatedly surfaced in Totsukawa's mind several times, dozens of times.However, as far as the present situation is concerned, it seems that there is no answer at all. Suddenly, the phone on the tea table in the living room rang loudly. Everyone who was watching TV turned their eyes to the black microphone. As soon as the pale Lizi picked up the microphone, the telephone recording device began to turn. After Lizi answered two or three times, he called out "Mr. Kajigi" and handed the microphone to the vice president.Kajigi took out his notebook and wrote down the memo as he said on the phone.他一放下话筒，就朝十津川有些得意地说：“前面提到的阿萨姆商会有消息了。” 不愧是情报网遍及全世界的巨型商会啊。据说在中东石油危机的时候，商社的情报比外务省所得到的情报都还要快，甚至还更准确。 “是什么样的商会呢？”十津川问道。 梶木笑了笑道：“好像是一对老夫妇开的一家很小的杂货店。丈夫的名字叫坦·沙里诺，现年62岁，他妻子的名字叫琼，现年55岁。一天的收入约1500卢比，换算成日元，也就刚刚一千元。极小的一家商店而已。” “和日本有什么关系吗？” “目前调查的结果来看，好像是一点也没有。更不用说和我们公司会有关系。像我们公司根本就不会跟这么小的店做什么生意。” “和新太平洋石油公司也是如此吗？” “和我们怎么会有关系？”若宫很恼火地叫了起来。 好像的确是那样，十津川这么想着。一天一千日元，一个月也只不过三万日元而已的小杂货店，应该是不会和新太平洋商事、新太平洋石油公司有什么贸易关系的。 但是，犯人把这个杂货店指定为汇款地，应该会有什么隐情在其中。 当地时间8时30分。 菲律宾海军的驱逐舰“棉兰老号”行驶到距离洋平号只有一千米处的海面附近。基准排水量为2800吨的这艘驱逐舰装备有两门12.7厘米的单射炮和两支三连发的鱼雷发射管。 最开始是由12.7厘米的单射炮来射击。 美国第七舰队的新型巡洋舰和苏联的驱逐舰在附近注视着这一切。 “这一带的舰只如果互相射击的话，一定会像一场射击在奥林匹克的比赛。”播音员如此般开玩笑地调侃着。 射击开始了。 说到这完全自动化的轻型炮的射击，那比起过去的射击而言，缺少了后座力。让人感觉“嘭！嘭！嘭！”很机械般地，炮弹就这么飞出去了。距离仅仅才1000米，而且目标又大又不会动。因此，不命中才怪。 炮弹像被吸引过去了一样，纷纷命中洋平号。那时只见炸亮了道道闪光，接着就喷出了新的火焰。 但是，37万吨的巨大身躯并未就此沉没。甚至连倾斜都没有出现。“真是了不起！”若宫不由得感觉到一种说不出来的佩服。 已经进行了三轮射击了。 但是，洋平号还浮在海面上。 “30分钟后，将由潜水艇进行鱼雷攻击。而且就算沉了，她也真够顽强的。”播音员像是感慨很多地报道说。 那个时候，客厅里的电话铃声再度响了起来。 十津川条件反射般地看了一眼手表。刚刚好，10时。 里子神情紧张地望着这边。 “请您接一下。”十津川语气沉着地催促里子。 她拿起了话筒。麦克风的开关一打开，对方的声音在整个房间里都能听见。 “喂喂。”里子一出声，“是夫人吗？”就听见一个青年男子的声音在问。像是曾经听到过的某个声音——就是跟洋平号出事时相同的一个声音。 “100万美元准备好了吗？” “嗯嗯，准备好了。要怎样做，才能让我丈夫回来呢？”里子的声音随即高了起来。 而那名男子却仍是语气沉着地说道：“把那些钱拿到印度尼西亚银行的东京支行去汇款。汇款地址跟洋平号那时一样，写巴厘岛上登巴萨市的阿萨姆商会。必须去印度尼西亚银行的东京支行去汇款。因为如果不那么办，那边就无法尽早收到那笔钱。只要阿萨姆商会一收到那100万美元，就让您丈夫回去。从现在起，马上过去。您要是磨磨蹭蹭的话，只会让您丈夫回去得更晚。” “我丈夫现在还平安吗？” “平安得很。” “因为我丈夫血压高……” “知道了噢。您丈夫的情况我全部都调查过。血压高，肝脏不好，容易感冒。全部调查完后，我连降压药都准备好了，不用担心。” “请你给我看看我丈夫平安的证据。不然的话，我不会交给你100万美元那么大笔钱的。” “相信我说的话吧。”那男子就这么简单地说了一句之后，接着说道：“新太平洋石油公司的若宫社长我想也在您那里吧。他就是因为不相信我说的话，才落得个让37万吨的巨型油轮沉没的下场。你可要好好地考虑一下再行动噢。” “请让我听听丈夫的声音。” “好吧。但是，今天上午必须把100万美元汇入印度尼西亚银行的东京支行的阿萨姆商会的户头上去。否则就杀了您丈夫。您应该参考洋平号的下场，好好考虑一下才对哦。” 男子的声音消失了，随即传来是老人有点喊叫的声音。“是我！”那声音接着说：“我是社长田村。我现在没事，请你们放心。血压也没有怎么升高，就照他说的，给他100万美元，我就可以平安回去了。所以尽早——” “警部！”接到另一个电话的龟井刑事朝十津川大声尖叫了起来，“侦测到目标了！是从甲州街道，竹家附近的公用电话亭打来的。” 在附近的警车一接到命令便急忙朝那个公用电话亭赶了过去。 然而，在那里发现的只有在电话机上横着的一个话筒和它旁边还在转动着的一个小型录音机而已。像是永不会结束的磁带仍旧在不断地传出田村社长的声音。 那个录音机旋即被带回了警视厅进行指纹检验。与此同时，电视机的屏幕上出现了菲律宾海军潜水艇的画面。 “鱼雷攻击即将开始了！”播音员像吼一般地报道着。 洋平号宛如一艘永不沉没的船还在继续烧着。 580吨的小型潜水艇“夏洛号”在海面上浮出了一半的舰桥，缓缓地接近洋平号，发射了四枚鱼雷。 在直升飞机上装备的电视摄像机作了一个角度的扇形扫描，便捕捉到了飞一般冲过去的四枚鱼雷的白色航迹。在深蓝的大海上，这四道白色神奇般的航迹真是美妙得让人窒息。 Hit the target!无论谁见到了都会这么想。 ABC的播音员也在那一瞬间发出了欢呼声，但是在船体处消失的鱼雷航迹又从另一侧冒了出来，因为鱼雷从船底下通过了。可能是对船的吃水深度的计算搞错了吧。或者也许是洋平号完全静止的缘故以致靠追踪螺旋桨推进器声音制导的针雷失效了。 “夏洛号”又紧接着发射了四枚鱼雷。这次两枚未中，两枚命中。 真不愧是鱼雷命中！37万吨的巨大船体也剧烈地摆动了起来，命中击起很高的水柱时，那“轰”的一声都从电视机里传了出来。 但是，洋平号还是没有沉没。船体虽然微微倾斜了一些，但依然是被团团烈火包裹着浮在海面上。 “接下来，30分钟后将由飞机进行爆破。”播音员报道说。 这真让人感觉是在把巨型油轮当成是各种兵器试验的标靶。 “这下怎么办才好？”里子表情催硬地看了看十津川，而后又看了看若宫。 “刚才磁带里是您先生的声音吗？”十津川问道。 “嗯嗯。肯定是的。” “至于接下来该怎么办，那是你们的自由。” “我想还是按照犯人所说的，先给他100万美元吧。毕竟我丈夫的生命是什么也代替不了的。” “但是给了他100万美元之后，果真就能抓到犯人吗？”若宫看了看十津川。 十津川决定直截了当地说明白了：“要是通常的绑架案，在交送赎金的时候就要分胜负了。因为犯人接收赎金，即使不情愿也不得不出面了。但是，像这次的情形，直接说白了好了，是比较困难的。要是在国内，抓捕汇款地址上的人还比较容易。但是由于是在印度尼西亚，不得不向那边的警方请求协助。” “如果请求印度尼西亚警方，逮捕阿萨姆商会的人不是就可以了吗？如果那样的话，就可以取消那100万美元了。日本这边的犯人不是也能抓到了吗？” “这不用说，印度尼西亚方面，我们会立即通报请求印度尼西亚警方协助的。但是最终要由他们方面的能力来决定。而且，给阿萨姆商会汇入100万美元之后，在对方来提取款前是不能去抓捕的。因为如果这边的犯人没有得到提款成功的消息，一定非把田村社长杀了不可。” “你飞一趟印度尼西亚怎么样？” “不用你说，如果有上司许可的话，我是愿意去印度尼西亚一趟的。但是，我就算去了，在当地我也没有一点调查权。要是调查对象是当地人，我就更不用说了。” “印度尼西亚的警察可靠不住。”突然梶木插了一句叹了口气。 十津川神情诧异地注视着新太平洋商事的副社长，说道：“可是，梶木先生，你不是说新太平洋商事和印度尼西亚有很大的贸易额吗？” “是啊。在印度尼西亚方面，我们公司赚得的收入，去年一年约有120亿日元。” “尽管这样，印度尼西亚的警察仍然不可靠，是吗？” “实在是不可靠哦。”梶木像是在唾弃一般地说着，“我并没有说印度尼西亚其他方面不是的意思，或者这么说，我很尊重那边的人，我也有许多知心朋友。他们一般是政府要员或者贸易商，但是基层的警察却不可靠，因为他们只会忙于索取贿赂而已。”梶木就将雅加达的警察是如何懒惰的，有哪些索收贿赂出名的人一一举例喋喋不休地讲了起来。 十津川听着并不怎么开心。因为梶木讲话的方式中不时流露出一种蔑视他的同行们的傲慢。 “必须委托你说的那种人去办理案件这可就麻烦了。”十津川挖苦道。梶木像是还没有领会到那其中的讽刺意味，轻轻嘘了一声后，说：“本人以为也许还是不先惊动印度尼西亚方面比较好。” “你想怎样做呢？” “正如我刚才所说的，我在那边有许多政府高官的铁哥们。被绑架的社长也是。警视总监也好、雅加达和登巴萨市的市长我们都认识。让他们从上面施加压力的话，警方也许就会乖乖去办事了。”梶木简直就像是在指挥、训斥自己的部下一样地嚷嚷着。 “那不如你去办好了。”十津川口气生硬地说，“不过，在让你的手下去办之前，先给考虑一下社长被杀了怎么办呢。” “你这是在威胁我吗？”梶木转眼瞪了十津川一下。 “那倒不是，我意思只是说犯人是个头脑很聪明的人，在洋平号的案件里，这一点就足以证明了，他决不是个头脑简单的家伙。犯人一定也早就算到了我们这些人会在这里想着抓捕他指定的提取那100万美元的同犯这一着棋了。我想说的，也就这么些了。” “既然这样，那你说我们该怎么办？别说是你想说什么都最好不用去做噢？” “我没有权力来下这个命令。特别是事关印度尼西亚方面。” “既然如此，你就先别多嘴。正如我刚才所说的，我打算拜托那边方面的高级官员。而且今年的新社员中有名即将赶赴印度尼西亚上任的社员。让他立即赶往登巴萨市进一步详细调查阿萨姆商会的有关情况。大家或许没有什么异议吧？” “别的倒没什么。其实，我们并不想给你们增麻烦。只是今天汇过去100万美元之后到阿萨姆商会的老夫妇俩提取到这笔钱之前的这段时间里，如果可以的话，请不要草率行动。这是为了以免田村社长被害。” “你看我们支付了100万美元之后，犯人会让社长平安地？回来吗？”这次是若宫打岔说道。 “这我可说不准，我可不想重蹈洋平号出事那时的复辙。”十津川这么一说，若宫便不再吭声了。 田村里子和梶木两个人把装有100万美元的行李箱运送到印度尼西亚银行东京支行的时候，已经是10时30分了。 中国南海上空，两架由菲律宾空军所属的幻影战斗机开始了对洋平号的轰炸。 据银行方面说，在印度尼西亚银行登巴萨支行有账户的阿萨姆商会要收到这100万美元需要两天之后才行。 十津川立即请求国际电信局为他核查一下从东京打往登巴萨的国际长途电话。因为他认为犯人是非常有可能通过国际长途电话和收款人阿萨姆商会联络的。 当然，他也要请求国际电报局的业务窗口进行核查。 就当十津川在田村官邸的客厅里将指令下达给部下的那段时间里，还在播放中的电视机里不时地播出菲律宾空军攻击洋平号的场面。 F4幻影战斗机是一种最大速度为2.4马赫，携4枚全天候导弹，一门Vulcan型炮，装有6.4吨炸弹的双座战斗机。 菲律宾空军的两架幻想飞机上装上了麦克风，可以听到喷气式飞机所发出的撕裂般的声响。它们飞到濒死的洋平号的上空，就把225千克的炸弹一股脑儿地全倾泄了下去。投弹的同时，阳光照射到机翼上一闪一闪地反射开来。 为了显示将发生的一切，镜头抖动着往下伸去。宝贝炸弹没一个命中的，都在洋平号的周围炸空了，一个个水柱被炸了起来。看起来，似乎是由于遮天的黑烟影响了投弹的准心。因为为了进入轰炸线路，飞机必须要突入黑色的烟云当中去。第三次轰炸，两架幻影战斗机为了猛地穿过那阵黑烟，超低空飞行到洋平号的头顶上空。 喷气式飞机那闪烁着银白色光芒的机体，一瞬间从电视摄影机镜头前，闪电般地飞了过去。 这次，225千克的炸弹有一两枚命中了。摄影中的电视摄影机不禁震动了起来，画面也在摇晃。 火柱升腾而起。 然而，洋平号像在发誓决不沉没一般，继续在海面上顽强地浮着。驱逐舰的舰炮轰击，潜水艇的鱼雷攻击，而且还有轰炸，已让眼下的洋平号满目疮痍。甲板上，船般板面上都裂开了大窟窿。从那里，海水大肆地往里面灌，洋平号正以肉眼几乎觉察不出的速度一点点地开始倾斜。 洋平号像一头正等待着一步一步逼近死亡的巨象或者巨鲸，就那么搁置在那儿，大概不久就会沉没了吧。 但是，到了下午，菲律宾海军为了名誉再度开始了由潜水艇发动的鱼雷攻击。 仅仅靠上午的攻击中知道的洋平号的吃水深度，装有450千克的炸药量的鱼雷就一个接一个地命中了洋平号。每次火柱腾冲一次，37万吨的巨大船体便急剧地向一边倾斜一些。眼下，熊熊烈火将整个船体都遮蔽了，洋平号像一头濒死的巨鲸，翻腾着，摇晃着。 “啊！终于，37万吨的巨型油轮要沉下去了！”播音员语气兴奋地尖叫了起来。 十津川，静静地注视着正在往下沉没的洋平号。准确地说，他注视着的是让洋平号沉没的犯人。 巨型油轮洋平号彻底地沉没消失在了中国南海深处。海面上漂浮着一层污黑的油，是那些还没有燃烧起来的。装载了电视摄影机的直升飞机像是在哀悼洋平号的死亡一般，一遍又一遍地在那片海域的上空盘旋回转。