Honorable Enemies (1994) Read Online Free PDF Page A

green light beckoned him to push the playback button.
    Simultaneously, Steve clicked on the television and stabbed the play message button. He absently listened to a message from his former wife while he tuned the television. Steve stared at the screen while he listened to a second call, a short message from the Director of the CIA.
    Mesmerized by the video he was seeing, Steve ignored the call from the ranking man in the Agency as he watched the riveting drama unfold on the screen. The amateur video, which was being replayed in slow motion, had recorded a scene of devastation that shocked Wickham.
    He stared at the helicopter while two automatic weapons sprayed a barrage of fire straight at the camera. A second later, the picture tilted down and Steve could hear a tremendous commotion in the background. The picture became a series of blurs as he listened to a multitude of screams interspersed with gunfire, shouts, and yelling.
    "Christ Almighty . . ." he said quietly while he turned up the volume. "This is unbelievable."
    A different video camera recorded the departure of the helicopter as it turned and gathered speed. Wickham looked at the distinctive identifying symbol of a television station on the side of the JetRanger.
    "What the hell is going on?" he said to himself.
    The usual smile on the face of the familiar anchorwoman had been replaced with a grim set to her jaw.
    "Tensions in Honolulu continue to escalate as authorities attempt to locate the pilot of the helicopter that opened fire on the Pearl Harbor tour ship.
    "As word spread of the tragic attack on the Japanese-chartered tour ship, hundreds of outraged Japanese tourists protested at police headquarters, demanding protection. Another large group gathered at the Halekulani Hotel for an organized public demonstration.
    "We have learned that a helicopter painted in the colors of Honolulu television station KGMB--a JetRanger similar to the chopper that opened fire on the tour ship--was forced to land at Barbers Point Naval Air Station shortly after the incident.
    "Authorities have confirmed that the television station pilot and her cameraman were interrogated and released about an hour and a half ago.
    "In related news, the reaction in Japan to the horrifying shooting spree has been described as a mixture of anger an d h ysteria. We hope to have a report from downtown Tokyo in the next few minutes."
    The newscaster paused and glanced away from the camera for a brief second.
    "I've been told that we now have a live report from our correspondent in Hawaii. Dave."
    The picture went blank, then focused on a middle-aged reporter in a polo shirt. His hair and facial features suggested that he was a native Hawaiian. Behind him, across the harbor, a dozen boats surrounded the Star of Honolulu and the closed USS Arizona memorial.
    "Helen, senior officials in the Honolulu Police Department have confirmed that seven people were killed during the brutal shooting at Pearl Harbor."
    He glanced at his notes before continuing. "The latest figures that we have indicate that sixteen people were injured, eleven with minor injuries, and the others are described as serious or critical."
    "Dave," she asked with a touch of sadness in her voice, "do the authorities have any leads at this point? Any idea who might have been flying the helicopter?"
    A pained look crossed the man's rugged face. "No, Helen." He shrugged and cast a look at the war memorial. "From all accounts, witnesses to the shooting agree that the pilot appeared to be a Caucasian, but the police are simply baffled. An extensive aerial search is under way, including both military and civilian aircraft, but so far no trace of the helicopter has been reported." He heard his cue. "David Kaiulani, reporting from Honolulu, Hawaii."
    Wickham finished his beer in three gulps, then pushed the mute button on the remote control and called the Director of the CIA.
    The phone rang three times while Steve felt the anxiety build. He