1942

“However,” Tojo said, “you may have these forces for only sixty days after landing on Oahu and the landing must take place within a month. If the island isn’t conquered by that time, we will have to evaluate the situation. We must not unduly delay our activities around Borneo and elsewhere. Those other lands contain the oil the navy said it so desperately needed.”

Yamamoto smiled at the transparent gibe. “It will not take sixty days. By the time of the landing, the Americans will be confused and disoriented.”

Tojo nodded appreciatively. “You mentioned a diversion, what is it?”

“It will occur in two phases,” Yamamoto answered. “In the first phase, which is commencing as we speak, I have ordered our submarines back into Hawaiian waters. They will strike at any shipping that attempts to leave or enter the islands.

“As to the second phase, the First Air Fleet is refueling and resupplying and will return to Hawaii with additional planes and a regiment of marines. They will then land on the island of Molokai, perhaps Lanai afterward, and establish air bases there that will be operational within a few days. That will place the Japanese air forces permanently within a hundred miles of most of the targets on Oahu, particularly those around Pearl Harbor. I am confident the Americans will find it extremely difficult to justify moving their forces to the north of Oahu when we are so close to them in the south.”

Takashi did smile this time. Yamamoto thought it looked like a monkey grinning. Tojo recognized that a deal had been struck and ordered sake brought out.

“Excellent,” he said. “But restrict your efforts to a plan and nothing more at this time. Do not land on Molokai or elsewhere until the army is completely ready to support you. Should there be a delay in taking Hong Kong, or should other factors arise, we might yet have to reconsider Hawaiian operations.”

“I fully understand,” Yamamoto answered.

Tojo raised his cup, and the others followed suit. “Let us drink to the success of the operation and the confusion of our enemies.”

CHAPTER 4

In Jake Novacek’s opinion, the office on the second floor of a nondescript Honolulu building was better suited for a small-time lawyer than for one of the most powerful men in Hawaii’s Japanese community. As the one receptionist-secretary recognized and greeted him, Jake knew that security personnel were just across the hall and were watching him carefully. He was in civilian clothes in an attempt to avoid undue notice. Many military personnel dealt with Toyoza Kaga, but few in an official capacity. If anyone was watching, he would be noted as just another soldier who owed Kaga money, wanted to borrow some, or maybe needed a compliant doctor for a girlfriend’s abortion.

After a moment, Kaga welcomed him warmly and by shaking hands, an unusual gesture for a Japanese. Most preferred to avoid physical contact with others. Kaga was average height for a Japanese, five four, thin, bald, and in his early sixties. He was one of the richest men in Honolulu, although he lived simply, without ostentation or extravagance.

“Captain,” Kaga said cheerfully, “have a seat. Coffee?”

“No, thank you. How is your empire prospering?”

“Mine or Imperial Japan’s?”

Jake laughed. “Yours.”

It was little known, but Toyoza Kaga had his hand in scores of businesses throughout the islands. Many he owned outright, and others he simply influenced and prospered from by dealing with them. Not all Kaga’s businesses were totally legal. There were gambling operations, minor bootlegging, and, of course, prostitution. By keeping tight control on the operations, he avoided the wrath of either the civilian or the military police, who all knew that soldiers and sailors had to have their ashes hauled every now and then. Kaga’s places were clean, nonviolent, and discreet, and therefore easy to ignore.

“This is the first time we’ve spoken since the attack,” Kaga said. “I hope it will not be the last.”

“Nor I,” said Jake. “I used the information you gave me about the unlikelihood of sabotage and gave it to my boss, who gave it to General Short. Unfortunately, Short or his staff chose to ignore it.”

“A shame,” Kaga said and meant it. He was firmly convinced that a Japanese victory in the war would be a disaster for both himself and the Japanese living in Hawaii. “At least there have been only a few incidents against my people by American military personnel.”

“Do you object to the internment of the radicals?”