Alexa meant the invitation. Even though she barely knew Jake Novacek, she found herself trusting and liking him. She needed strong friends at this time in her life, and Captain Jake Novacek looked like he would more than fill the bill.
“I will do that, Mrs. Sanderson,” Jake said, wondering if she meant it or was just being polite.
“My name is Alexa, Captain, and my friends call me Lexy for some ungodly reason.”
“Mine is Jake,” he said, grinning. She did mean it. Lexy? What a lousy nickname for an elegant lady. He decided that he would never call her Lexy. They shook hands as if meeting for the first time, which, in a way, they were. Her grip was strong and firm, which was interesting; most women had no idea how to shake hands. “And I am honored to be your friend, Alexa.”
Behind them, neither saw Melissa nudge her husband in the ribs.
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto again entered the residence of Prime Minister Tojo. He was pleasantly surprised to find that Tojo was not alone. Present with him was Lieutenant General Sakai Takashi, who commanded the 23d Area Army, based near Canton, China. Yamamoto took Takashi’s presence as a good omen, although the army general looked grim and unpleasant.
As was proper, Tojo took the lead. “As you may have surmised by General Takashi’s presence, we have decided to give conditional approval to the invasion of Hawaii. The fact that Hitler has declared war on the United States means there will be no major reinforcements available for their Pacific Fleet for some time.”
Yamamoto bowed from a seated position. “I am honored. However, you said ‘conditional approval.’ May I ask what the conditions are?”
Takashi answered. “I’ll be blunt, Admiral. I agree that it is a marvelous opportunity to further injure the United States and thus further ensure Japan’s victory. But it will necessitate changes to plans and events that are already taking place. I am also concerned by the size of the American army contingent on Oahu. Therefore, I insist that the navy provide total superiority of sea and air.”
Takashi’s comments verged on rude, but Yamamoto ignored it. Too much was at stake to let interservice pride get in the way. “When the army steps ashore,” he replied firmly, “there will be no opposition from American planes or ships. Additionally, I will provide a full brigade of marines to lead the amphibious part of the assault.”
Takashi blinked in surprise. He hadn’t expected that.
Yamamoto continued. “I will provide a diversion that will confuse the Americans and cause them to split their forces. Right now, they expect that any landing will occur on the northern shore of Oahu, farthest from Honolulu. In that regard they are correct; however, we will make them think otherwise.”
Takashi almost smiled but caught himself. “Good. For my part, the army will provide the 38th Infantry Division. It is now involved in mopping-up operations in Hong Kong and is not scheduled for further action for a couple of months. It will be resupplied and will be the focus of the invasion.”
Yamamoto was delighted. The 38th was a crack, class A division, instead of the second-tier force he’d planned on, and it consisted of nearly thirty thousand men. Takashi, however, was not quite telling the truth. The British were putting up a stout defense, and it was estimated that they would fight on for another week or so.
“Additionally,” Tojo said, “the 38th will be reinforced by one infantry regiment each from the 52nd, 53rd, and 54th divisions, which are stationed in Japan. They are class C divisions but will give a good account of themselves under the circumstances.”
Yamamoto nodded. The additional regiments, regardless of quality, would bring the 38th up to a total of nearly forty thousand men, and, when the marine brigade was added, the Japanese ground forces would truly be formidable.
“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.”