Chapter Two: What Are Ten Seconds Worth?

“The Japanese catcher used the word spider. Their code for a third-base trap.” It was a quick lie. “Move!” Gao had no time to investigate. He bent near the rail as if tying a shoe and flashed the cancellation sign. The third baseman charged, but the batter pulled back. The future changed. A shriek like train brakes tore through Cheng's skull. His vision went black. Then a new call arrived. “The runners go! The catcher throws past third! Both runs will score!” Cheng gripped the rail. “Double steal on the next pitch.” “Our runner at second is the slowest man on the team.” “The third baseman will be late getting back. The catcher will rush the throw.” Gao looked at him like a gambler with every chip already at the edge. Then he gave the sign.