Death Minus Zero Read online

  As Chan stepped out of the car he felt the cool, crisp air of the Swiss environment envelop him. He paused a moment to take it in.

  “It is good to see you, Colonel,” Dr. Melier said.

  He was dressed in a white tunic and pants, slim hands clasped against his stomach. The slight smile on his angular face was as urbane as his wardrobe.

  “I hope everything is ready, Doctor.”

  The smile never faltered. “But of course. We have been ready for the past few days. When you have yourself settled, I will show you around.”

  “Good.” Chan turned to Chosan. “And security procedures, Major?”

  Chosan merely inclined his head. “All in order, Colonel. My people are on station as we speak. Surveillance is up and running. Nothing will be left to chance.”

  Chan looked around at the well-cultivated grounds surrounding the house and noted the lack of any personnel.

  “I see no one.”

  Chosan permitted himself a brief smile. “Which is how it should be, Colonel. Rest assured my people are present. Not being seen is part of their remit. We would not wish our armed people to be seen by any of the Swiss population.”

  “Very good, Chosan.” He became aware of Zhou’s brooding presence just behind him. “You know Yang Zhou. He is here as my personal bodyguard. He will be afforded all due respect while here. Am I understood?”

  Chosan inclined his head. “Of course, Colonel.”

  “One other thing. While I am here, you will address me as Mr. Chan. No military titles. I understand we are fairly well isolated here, but I am not prepared to make any foolish errors. It is not to be suggested we have anything to do with the military. After all, Switzerland is a peaceful country and we do not want to offend them. That is understood? Yes?”

  Luggage had been taken from the car and placed on the ground. Dr. Melier called for help from inside the house and the bags were quickly picked up and taken inside. Chan was about to follow Melier inside when he turned and crossed to speak to the driver before he got back into the car. This done, he followed the others inside.

  “A small matter of no consequence,” he said by way of explanation. “Now, Dr. Melier, please show me around our delightful residence.”

  * * *

  THE HOUSE WAS on a long-term lease arranged through a company based in Hong Kong, which in turn operated on behalf of the Beijing department controlled by Chan. A three-year contract, paid in full, had sent the Swiss real estate agent away a happy man, with his calculator in his hand by the time he had reached his car, totaling up his commission. That had been four months ago. Since then Chan’s people had moved in gradually, preparing for the day, now arrived, when their special guest showed up and their real work could begin.

  The house, split-level, had six bedrooms, multiple bathrooms and four reception rooms. The spacious kitchen was equipped to a high standard. At the rear of the house was a study and office, already furnished with a pale wood-and-chrome desk and comfortable leather reclining seats. There were connection points for computers and peripherals. A large-screen Apple iMac had already been installed.

  At the rear of the house a sweeping lawn and patio gave extensive views of the distant, snowcapped mountain peaks. Some distance away, across the rear garden area, stood a solid building that housed a large modern generator that provided the house with all the power it needed.

  Dr. Melier gave Chan a full tour of the house. The colonel made no comment until they completed the inspection and ended up in the office. Chan took the chair behind the desk, swiveling it around so he could gaze out the panoramic window at the sweeping view. Melier waited, hands still resting together across his torso.

  “This will suit us admirably,” Chan said. “Peaceful. Isolated. No neighbors. The perfect situation for you to carry out your work, Doctor.”

  “I believe so.”

  Chan swung the chair around and fixed Melier with a stern expression. The fierce gleam in Chan’s eyes was unsettling.

  “Let us be clear from the start,” Chan said. “This exercise will test us both, Dr. Melier. We cannot—we must not—fail. If we do, there will be no forgiveness by Beijing. The first attempt to gain control of the Zero system failed. Do you know what happened to General Tung Shan?”

  “I suspect he was executed shortly after he disappeared.”

  Chan nodded. “Then you understand the price we both could pay if we fail. Beijing is not a tolerant master, Melier. It expects success and has no time for excuses. If you don’t get what we need from Kaplan, I will be following you to the grave. I am not being overly dramatic. Simply stating the truth. If we fail, our masters in Beijing will seek to silence anyone involved.”

  “Col—Mr. Chan, I fully understand the possible penalty if I fail to get the information we need from Kaplan. I am loyal to whoever employs me, but not to the point where I fail to understand the severe price I will pay if I do not succeed. Believe me when I say I hope our mission brings us both what we want. If you were to ask if my efforts will be colored by what will happen if I fail, I will tell you truly—yes, they will. So trust me when I say my efforts will be one hundred percent.”

  “Then it seems we have a similar agenda. Basically, to survive. So, my dear Dr. Melier, tell me everything you need and I will provide it.”

  “The overriding requirement is patience. A great deal of patience, because this endeavor cannot be hurried. One misstep and any gain could be lost in a heartbeat. There must be no kind of distraction while I conduct sessions. None at all. This must be understood by all your people. Enforced without question.”

  “That is ensured. I will have everyone instructed of that situation.”

  “No exceptions, Mr. Chan.” Melier stared directly at Chan. “No exceptions.”

  Chan understood and inclined his head in acceptance of Melier’s demand. He understood what the man was saying. No interference. No interruption when he was working. Not even by Chan himself. It was part of the reason Chan had sent for Jui Kai. The young woman would be able to afford him some distraction while Melier worked.

  “When will you begin?”

  “Kaplan must be allowed time to recover from the journey and the tranquilizers he has been given. Mind and body must be rested. No distractions. No pressure. I would say that for the next day he be allowed complete freedom from any kind of stress. I am sure you want the process to begin as soon as possible, but pushing him too quickly could be a mistake.”

  “Whatever you say, Doctor. I was told to expect Kaplan would need a resting period after he arrives. Let me make it clear that you will be allowed all the time you need. You have my word.”

  * * *

  CHAN GATHERED EVERYONE in the main room and addressed them as to what he would expect.

  “When Dr. Melier is conducting his sessions with the American, he will not, under any circumstances, be disturbed. This applies to every member of this group. No exceptions. The work he will be carrying out is of great importance and he requires absolute privacy when he asks for it. No one will invade that privacy. I have promised him that privacy and it will be strictly enforced. Understand this. If anyone steps over the line, I will execute them on the spot.”

  Chan let a silence follow his words. Long enough for the gathered people to digest it. “Good. Dr. Melier will not be starting his sessions for a day after the American arrives. Carry on with your duties until told otherwise.” Chan raised a hand to dismiss the group but paused to add, “One final caution. Under no circumstances will any cell phone calls be permitted. We stay anonymous as much as possible. Calls can be traced. All phones are to be switched off. Now. There will be no exceptions. Anyone who disobeys will be dealt with by instant execution. Take this as your one and final warning.”

  Chan dismissed them, keeping Major Chosan behind.

  “Keep your people
on twenty-four-hour alert.”

  “Are you expecting problems, sir?”

  “I always anticipate problems, Chosan. The Americans will be searching for Kaplan. Since the incident with the group in America, it is not beyond possibility that they may have gained knowledge of Kaplan’s whereabouts. If that is the case, they may well mount an attempt to recover him.”

  “You believe they would come here and strike at us?”

  “In their position what would you do, Chosan?”

  “Exactly that.”

  “Then we must be prepared. Stress to your men that they must be vigilant.”

  “It will be done.”

  “If anything happens and we are under attack, your responsibility is to protect Kaplan. I do not care how much of a sacrifice it requires. Kaplan is to be our prime consideration. Nothing else matters.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The silver BMW SUV arrived in late afternoon. Saul Kaplan, accompanied by Nan Cheng and Bolo, was taken from the vehicle and into the house. The driver joined them in the house after parking the car. Kaplan, still partially under the effect of the drugs he had been given, was taken to one of the bedrooms by direction of Dr. Melier, where he was immediately put to bed. One of Chosan’s guards was assigned to stand watch outside the room’s window, while a second man guarded the bedroom door. The arrival procedure was carried out efficiently and with the minimum of duress for Kaplan.

  Chan called for a meeting in the study he had made his command center. He sat behind the desk as the group came in and arranged themselves across from him. One of the house staff brought in refreshments. There was tea or coffee and bottled water for those who wanted it. Chan allowed everyone to settle.

  “I trust you all find the accommodation to your tastes. Luckily all the bedrooms are large and we have arranged for extra beds so everyone should be comfortable. It is important, because we may be here for some time. The task ahead, which will be led by Dr. Melier, assisted by Nan Cheng, will not be an easy one. I doubt if we will be seeing any results for a considerable period. We must all be patient.

  “I believe it has been stated before that Dr. Melier is faced with a considerable task. His needs are paramount. The breaking of the man, Kaplan, is his sole objective. I may be repeating myself, but for you who have only just arrived, let me emphasize that our only concern here is the extraction of the data for the Zero Platform. Saul Kaplan carries the secrets inside his head, and Dr. Melier is tasked with learning those secrets. Nothing else matters. Nothing. While we are here, our work is to ensure that Dr. Melier has no problems. That he is able to work undisturbed. If he asks for assistance, if he needs anything...he is to be given it immediately. No questions.”

  Chan gestured over his shoulder at the panoramic view beyond the window. “Let us be honest. We are in a comfortable area. This house is exceedingly comfortable and we are secure. As long as we keep to ourselves and create no fuss, there is no reason why our stay should be troubled.”

  “Do we remain within the grounds and house?” someone asked.

  “Yes,” Chan said. “There will be armed guards outside, so do not disturb them. I understand the requirements regarding supplies. This will be addressed. We are at least two hours from the closest town and that is where anything we require can be purchased. I want to maintain a low profile. To stay distant from anyone. If we do not create problems, I do not expect anyone to bother us. The Swiss are a respectful people. They maintain a respect for privacy, so if we do not cause them any concern, there should not be any trouble.”

  Dr. Melier said, “There are adequate facilities to entertain yourself during breaks. Satellite television. Recorded films. Music. It may be tailored for Western values, but much of it is tolerable.”

  A question came from one of Chan’s men. “Doctor, have you made any forecasts on how long it may take to break Kaplan?”

  “This is no textbook project. Kaplan is an intelligent man. No fool. He will resist from day one, because he understands what I will be attempting. So I will have to go carefully. Kaplan will be watching for traps even during a casual conversation.”

  Nan Cheng raised a hand. “If I may, Doctor?”

  Melier nodded.

  “I spent some time with Kaplan after his kidnap, and while we were in the safehouse I was able to converse with him. I saw from the start how clever he is. He understands his position. He knows he is at risk. That we control his life. He also is smart enough to realize that whatever we do to him must have a safeguard against ending his life. If he dies, we lose everything. He is also aware that we can do things to him that will make his life intolerable yet keep him alive. Whatever we do must not be so extreme as to destroy his mind or to put him in extreme pain.”

  “Nan Cheng is correct. Kaplan will fight us,” Melier said. “So we must approach him with caution. Start the chemical treatment with small doses at first and then increase them. Assess him. Try to find any weakness in him we can exploit.” Melier raised his hands. “It is going to be an interesting time for us all.”

  “Not so interesting that you lose track of why we are here,” Yang Zhou said.

  “We can always depend on Yang Zhou to point out the drawbacks,” Chan said. “But to be serious, he does have a point. We must not forget the sole reason we are here and must not allow Kaplan to distract us. Believe me, he will try. As he will no doubt attempt to make us angry. Angry enough to do him physical harm.”

  * * *

  AFTER THE MEETING, Melier took Nan Cheng to show him the room he had chosen for his sessions with Saul Kaplan.

  It was a conservatory with a glass-paned roof, the rear wall comprising a full-width window that gave an unobstructed view across the wide lawn to the tree line beyond. After the property line, the land rose in increments toward the hazy lower slopes of the eventual mountain peaks, where snow gleamed on the highest elevations.

  “An impressive view,” Melier said.

  Cheng nodded. “Extremely so.”

  “Restful,” Melier said. “A view to relax a person and allow serendipitous thoughts.”

  Cheng stared at the curve of sky and the scraps of white cloud.

  “The calm before the storm,” he said.

  Melier smiled. “Very poetic, Cheng. I hope we do not experience too much of a storm with Kaplan.”

  He gave Cheng a tour of the room. In the prime position, facing the panoramic window, was a full-length recliner; the padded leather chair could be adjusted from a sitting position to complete recline.

  “For Kaplan?” Cheng said.

  Melier nodded. “To make him feel comfortable and aid his relaxation.”

  There was a number of matching leather armchairs in the room, the leather of a light buff color. Cheng noticed that the room’s walls were painted a muted shade of off-white, while the floor was covered by a beige carpet. There were also banks of lights sunk into the walls.

  Melier moved to a square panel set in the wall. He activated a switch and louvered blinds were electronically drawn over the window and the roof panels. As the light was subdued another switch activated the wall lights. Melier retracted the blinds and switched off the lights as normal light returned.

  “Very mood-setting,” Cheng said.

  “Conveniently all this was fitted when the house was rented. It was all installed by the original owner, who had the place built for him.”

  Melier showed Cheng the metal trollies covered by white cloth. He removed the cloth to expose the rows of neatly arranged hypodermic syringes. Next to them were small, sealed bottles holding clear liquids. Cheng scanned the labels. They were what he had been expecting, though some of the bottles held solutions he did not recognize. Others held sedatives, muscle relaxants and stimulants. His curiosity made him point at the ones he did not recognize.

  “My own formulati
ons,” Melier said. “To influence Kaplan’s brain functions. Manipulate his synaptic responses. I need to make him more responsive when it comes to revealing information in the deepest recesses of his mind.”

  Cheng must have betrayed momentary doubt.

  “Do not concern yourself, Cheng. All my developed serums have been thoroughly tested. Very thoroughly. I have been conducting trials over many months. Some successful. Others not so.”

  “But you achieved what you set out to do?”

  “I lost a few at the start, before I was able to adjust serum strengths. Fortunately not as many as I had expected. Once I had the control levels maintained, things got better, and after the initial few months we were getting a hundred percent success rate. My association with Colonel Chan allowed me to complete my work in comparative privacy. He is, if nothing else, extremely clever at arranging such things.”

  “Are there aftereffects?”

  “Some,” Melier said. “A small percentage. Again, that figure fell with experience. Each problem area, once removed, provided even more information.”

  “My interest is Kaplan. It would be unfortunate if he had long-term disabilities following your treatment.”

  “In his case I believe he could survive intact. The successful test subjects were all of a type—strong-willed and intellectually positive.”

  “That does characterize Kaplan.”

  Melier completed the tour of the room.

  Cheng said, “May I ask how the colonel is about all this? The time it may take, I mean.”

  “Ah, Colonel—Mr. Chan.”

  “I ask because I know him of old. He is not a patient man.”