Honorable Enemies (1994) by Joe Weber Read Free Book Online Page A

These guys have continued to stonewall under the guise of political revolution. I thinks it's time to call their bluff."
    A rare smile creased Tidwell's face. "This is an excellent time to bring up a summit."
    "As good as any," the President replied firmly. He glanced at his daily appointment schedule lying on the middle of the desk, then moved it aside and thought for a moment. "What's the current situation?"
    "Not good, I'm afraid."
    Tidwell opened his flat carrying case and retrieved two pieces of paper. "We have received an avalanche of reports about the violent anti-American protests in many cities in Japan, and we're seeing a groundswell of Japan-bashing beginning to take shape in some of our larger cities, especially in California. The media has seized on the attacks and it's the current hot topic on the talk shows."
    The seasoned statesman, who often soothed the bruised egos of those individuals who crossed swords with the President, slid the papers back into his portfolio.
    "Sir, these protests and racial clashes are becoming a firestorm that is feeding on itself while the goddamn media fan the flames."
    "We can always count on the media vultures," the President said with a touch of sarcasm, "to take a bad situation and make it worse."
    "They're all falling over each other trying to compete," Tidwell offered.
    The President paused to sort through his options. "Bud, we need to stop the violence before we tackle the other problem s w ith Japan. If we allow this situation to get out of control, it could really hurt us domestically."
    "That's true." Tidwell nodded. "We've got to get a grip on things or we'll be dead in the water. I just received confirmation of three drive-by shootings in L . A .'s Little Tokyo district.
    "Four Japanese-Americans are dead," Tidwell went on sadly, "and three others are in critical condition. People are canceling athletic and entertainment events because of the potential for outbreaks of racial violence."
    The President, who was convinced that relations with the Japanese would only become more acrimonious, didn't want to continue the discussion. "Bud, let's talk about our options during the Cabinet meeting, okay?"
    "Yes, sir."
    "Right now," the President went on with undisguised irritation, "I want to get this game of posturing with the Japanese out of the way."
    Tidwell quietly acknowledged the statement while the President touched the button that signaled his staff assistant in the reception room. Less than half a minute later the administrative aide escorted the two Japanese diplomats into the Oval Office.

SAN FRANCISCO
    FBI Special Agent Susan Nakamura glanced at her watch as she drove her white Toyota Camry southwest on Market Street. After working all night on the latest information about the Pearl Harbor attack, Susan was running late for her flight to Honolulu.
    She reached forward and selected an easy-listening FM station as she neared Golden Gate Avenue. A few moments later she saw a large crowd of people moving into the street near the Civic Center.
    She began to slow down when she saw the flashing light s f rom four police cars approaching from the opposite direction. Another anti-Japanese demonstration was forming.
    The traff slowed to a crawl as the mob of angry Caucasians charged a group of young Japanese protesters.
    Susan was attempting to turn around when she saw an assortment of bottles, sticks, rocks, and other debris fly through the air. Heavily outnumbered, the Japanese were defenseless as the police began to fire tear gas into the unruly crowd.
    Blocked in front and back by other cars, Susan sat helpless as the enraged mob broke and ran in her direction. She made sure her windows were up and the doors were locked, then reached for the 10-millimeter Smith & Wesson in her purse.
    Two scraggly men who appeared to be drunk stopped by the hood of her car.
    Susan stared straight at them and slid her weapon next to her leg. "Move on and do yourself a favor," she said