Dear Papoose,
I’m so sorry that I had to leave without saying goodbye. You know I’m not big on that and besides there was someone I had to visit urgently. I cannot explain everything now, but there’s something I need you to do. So much depends upon your success. I’ve set up some important meetings. As a cover, I’ve arranged for you to go on a college tour. This way Kaya won’t worry and your activities can hopefully go unnoticed.
Forgive me for being cryptic, but I can’t risk giving too much away. If this journal gets in the wrong hands, at least there will be some safeguards. There will be some adversaries that will try to stop you, but I have some special connections that owe me some favors. You can count on them to assist you. It is crucial that you follow my instructions to the letter. Take this journal with you, and don’t skip forward. It is vital that you follow the leads in order and don’t worry, I have faith in you!
You’re always in my heart,
Lolli
An envelope slid out of the center of the journal. Jagan tore it open with his teeth. Inside was a bus ticket to Bristol, New Hampshire.
Chapter 18
Kaya sat at the kitchen counter, her hair tied in its usual sloppy bun. With the back of a spoon, she smothered her bagel with cream cheese and strawberry preserves. A dark sedan slowly turned the corner onto the dirt, circular driveway. She got up and adjusted the sash on her black robe. She wasn’t expecting company.
A man in his thirties clad in a navy-blue military uniform exited the vehicle. Kaya’s heartbeat accelerated and the soles of her feet began to moisten. “Can I help you?” Kaya said in a stern voice, holding open the kitchen door. Help you leave that is. She knew what the man wanted and she wasn’t having it. These recruiters were so pushy.
“I’m looking for Jagan Love.” The recruiter had a stern look on his face. His uniform was pristine, not a wrinkle in sight.
“I bet you are.” She had dealt with these types before and she wasn’t intimidated. They could all go to hell.
“Excuse me, ma’am?”
“Your kind has been out here one too many times and I’ve told you to stop coming around. Jagan’s not interested in joining.”
“With all due respect, ma’am, he came into the office and filled out the form expressing interest.”
“I don’t care what he filled out. He’s going to college and that’s that.” Bocephus got in place behind the man and began to sniff.”
“Nice dog,” he said. The man’s pupils were dark and dilated. He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a card. “My name is Sergeant Pigford…Paul Pigford. Here, just see that he gets it.”
“Fat chance,” Kaya said as she grabbed the card and inspected it. What kind of a name was Paul Pigford anyway?
“Have a pleasant day, ma’am,” the recruiter said as he tipped the brim of his hat.
“Go jump in with the gators, sir,” Kaya murmured under her breath.
Bocephus chased the plumes of dirt hovering behind the car as it drove off. “Good boy,” Kaya yelled out as she lit a cigarette. Bly emerged from the barn wiping his greasy hands on a rag.
“What was that all about?” he asked.
“Those damn recruiters. Why won’t they just leave him alone?” Kaya’s voice quivered.
“You have to let him pursue his dreams, Kaya.”
“What…and let what happened to him, happen to Jagan. No way!”
“You don’t know that’s going to happen.” Bly stepped over and placed his hand on Kaya’s shoulder. Tears streamed down her cheeks.
“Come on, you’re overreacting.”
“Am I? Since when does a Marine recruiter have an accent?”
“Maybe he’s from up North?”
“No, it wasn’t an American one. French, maybe.”
“Well, maybe he lived overseas for a while.”
“I’m not buying it. The inflection was subtle, which means he was trying to conceal it. When he said dog, he added an extra sound at the end. It sounded like dawg-a.”
“I think you’re reading too much into things Kaya. Besides, you have to let him move on sometime.”
“Like hell I don’t.” Kaya turned away and walked inside. She wished her father would take her side at least once. He was oblivious to what was going on but she could see the signs and they were ill-omened.
Chapter 19
Scarlet Colicci
Scarlet turned the page of her book. The light was dimming due to evening's approach, but she was too lazy to get up and flip the switch. Every time she became immersed in the story, Indigo's snores interrupted her imaginations. Babysitting was boring, even if the baby was a handsome Marine. This was not what she had in mind to pass the autumn days. She never asked for this assignment but thought once she accepted; it would have been a little more exciting. The book slipped slowly from her hands as her underwhelmed mind drifted off to sleep.
The sounds of Jekyll and Hydes' frantic yelps woke Scarlet from her slumber. The cabin was dark, yet she managed to feel her way to the main room where the pooches were clawing at the picture window.
"What is it boys?" The dogs were not dissuaded and continued to scratch and moan. Scarlet ran to the kitchen and grabbed a flashlight. She held onto both of their collars with her free hand. As soon as she opened the front door, the agitated pups pressed into each other and slipped right out of their master’s grasp and through the opening. They raced around the exterior of the cottage to the back and ran off into the woods. Scarlet quickened her pace in the hopes she could keep them in her sight.
The gibbous moon lit the back ends of the canines; their hind paws hurled chunks of mud and vegetation into the fog. Scarlet moved the light from left to right, not wanting to be taken by surprise. As she focused the beam back in front, she noticed only trees and the forest floor ahead. Pressing her fingers to her lips, she whistled. After a few seconds, she repeated the call, but instead of the sounds of her panting pups, she only heard the familiar vibrations from the cicadas and the spring peepers.
The still of the night was interrupted by the snaps of twigs. Whatever was stepping on the tiny branches was heavy and the noise was rhythmic indicating a gait of some sort. Scarlet stood perfectly still and depressed the button on the Maglite. Taking cover behind an imposing hemlock tree, she slowed her breathing. The decibels increased along with the intervals of the steps. Moving her head slowly, she peaked between the boughs. The black bear was massive, and worse, pregnant. Those damn dogs! How could she have been so stupid to come out here unarmed? This wasn't the excitement she was yearning for. The sow must have picked up her scent by now. Scarlet shoved the flashlight into the back of her Wranglers and placed her foot between the offshoots of the trunk. The metal felt like ice against her butt-cheeks. After a fifteen-foot ascent, she sat on the limb and waited. The hungry mother-to-be circled the tree and leapt up, perching her front claws on top of the bark.
A loud crack of a gunshot echoed in the distance. Indigo. The tired mother abandoned her prey and took off into the wilderness. Scarlet waited for a few moments and slid down the tree. She sprinted back towards the cabin, scolding herself along the way for her foolish mistake. She never should have left him alone.
The front door was closed. Hadn't she left it open? With a deep breath and a quick slap to her face, she entered. The living area was in order and the lights were still off. Creeping towards the bedroom, she noticed that door was also shut. She gently turned the knob and nudged it ajar. A surge of hormones invaded her bloodstream, sending her heartbeat into hyper-drive.
Indigo was nowhere to be found.
Chapter 20
A loud pop emanated in the kitchen.”Congratulations on the win.” Kaya poured the Brut into the three flutes. She was so proud of her son and felt bad for giving him so much grief about the working out. He was a pro on stage and the women loved him. Some of the girls even asked for his autograph.
“Thanks mama,” Jagan said as he hesitantly accepted the glass of
bubbly. What would it hurt? The competition was over after all.
“Here, here,” Bly said holding up his crystal. He had already downed more than his share of beer at the show.
“So, how does it feel to be top dog?” Kaya brushed her fingers under one of her eyes to catch the tear. She noticed Bly’s voice was getting louder. He’d definitely had one too many. She was wondering how long it would take for his legs to give out. They didn’t call him vodka legs for nothing.
“Great mama. Listen, I have some news.” Jagan felt uneasy about lying, but it was Lolli’s explicit instructions he was following. She must have had a strong reason so he was going to have to trust her.
Kaya’s forehead crinkled as she took a generous sip. “Please don’t tell me what I think you’re going to tell me.” Please, not the military she pleaded to her ancestors. It’s not that she had anything against the government, it’s just she didn’t want her son coming home in a box.
“Let him talk,” Bly said exerting his authority. His buzz eased the pain in his stiff joints. He poured himself a glass of Scotch hoping to keep the relief going.
“Jagan, you agreed not to enlist yet… remember?” Kaya was getting her list ready in her head. She was already five steps ahead at letter E and she was relieved dad went for the darker liquor. She couldn’t handle the wobbly legs business tonight.
“Kaya, will you let me speak?” He was already mentally exhausted.
“You said you’d wait until you were twenty-five. We had a deal.”
“Pop, see what I mean? She won’t let me get a word in at all.” This was actually going to plan. Kaya wouldn’t have bought the story without some type of argument.
Bly set his sniffer on the counter and grabbed his daughter’s shoulders, facing her towards him. “Will you just be quiet and let the boy talk.” He was beginning to sound like a Hobo.
“Fine,” she said holding up her hands in surrender. Even she was tired of the bickering.
“I’m thinking about looking at some colleges,” Jagan said averting his mother’s gaze.
“What?” Kaya embraced him, spilling her drink down his back. Jagan rolled back his eyes at his grandfather. “I’m so excited. Have you picked out a school yet? You know there are plenty of good universities here in Georgia. Maybe we could go look at some this weekend.”
“Mom, relax. You’re ranting.” Jagan said eyeballing Bly for assistance.
“This is great news Jagan, so what did you have in mind?” Pop asked.
“Thanks. Well, I found this college tour program. It’s already been paid for, and…well I leave tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” Kaya poured herself another glass of champagne. The foam oozed over the top of her flute. She was so thrilled; she didn’t even care about the details.
“I know it’s sudden, but the opportunity just came up, so I took it.” Jagan took a swig and the muscles in his neck began to twitch.
“What kind of tour is this,” Kaya’s eyebrows pushed closer together.
“Stop worrying mom, it’s legit.”
“See that, Kaya, no need to worry. I told you everything was going to work out just fine.” Bly grabbed her hair and kissed her on top of the head.
“Where are you going, exactly?” Kaya asked.
“New Hampshire.”
Chapter 21
Scarlet couldn’t believe he was gone. Searching around for clues, she lifted the sheet and peered under the bed...nothing. After she checked the closet, she heard the muffled sounds of running water. Stepping quietly towards the bathroom, she spotted the light emanating from the base of the door. As she went to turn the handle, the door flung open.
"Boo!" Indigo appeared in the doorway with a small, white towel wrapped around his cut waist. Water dripped from his hair and body. He could have been the poster-boy for any product catering to the women of the world.
"Not funny," Scarlet said, holding her hand against her chest. She was so relieved he hadn’t taken off and a little distracted by his lack of clothing.
"The least you could do is have a sense of humor, after kidnapping me and all." Indigo thought about running, but he wanted to be there when his buddies sprung the joke on him.
"I didn't kidnap you, I rescued you." Scarlet's eyes shifted towards his bare chest. She was surprised he hadn’t hauled ass when he had the chance. Maybe he was hanging around just to mess with her.
"Maybe you do have a wit after all, because that is funny. As if an itty-bitty thing like you could rescue me, a Marine. You really are a comedienne."
"Get dressed. We need to talk."
Scarlet went to the kitchen and put the kettle on the stove. Jekyll and Hyde rushed in, each proudly displaying their half of a raccoon carcass nestled in their jaws. "Reaaally? So that's what the wild goose chase was about." She walked towards the front door and pointed. "Out...now!" Useless mutts.
" Il tuo amore mi tormenta," Indigo sang as he fastened the button on his Wranglers. He was in a good mood. It was nice to get out of those cuffs.
"You know Italian?" Scarlet inquired as she brought in a tray of tea and crackers. She hated to admit it, but she enjoyed his singing.
"Yup."
"It was beautiful but..."
"But what?"
"Sad." Scarlet shifted her gaze towards the cup of tea. "Someone special?"
"It's old news,” he said avoiding the question. So, what's this all about? I think I have a right to know."
"Your life is in danger."
"That’s nothing new. It’s just a part of the job."
"I know, but this is different."
"How so?"
"I can't say. I made a promise."
"To who? Indigo took a sip of the tea and crinkled his lips. Indigo figured he may as well go along with the prank and have a little fun.
“How 'bout some honey?" Scarlet got up and plunged the dipper into the jar. She was trying to think of a way to stall.
"Got anything a little stiffer, like some Cognac or whiskey?"
"I think my grandfather stored some shine out in the shed, but I don't think that's such a good idea." Scarlet was horrified. She had never seen anything like it before.
"Why not?" Indigo asked in a whiny tone.
"Look for yourself," Scarlet retrieved the hand-held Victorian mirror from the top of the chiffonier and held it up to his face.
"I already know I'm hot," he chuckled.
Her eyes drooped and her face slackened. "Your eyes are yellow."
Chapter 22
Bly shut off the ignition of his classic car and stared ahead at the university parking lot. The coach bus was positioned adjacent to the sidewalk and stood out amongst the empty parking spaces.
“Don’t get out Pop. This is something I need to do on my own.”
“I understand. You know I’m going to miss you and I’m so proud.” Bly was still a little buzzed.
“Thanks. Will you say goodbye to Lolli for me? I haven’t spoken with her since the incident with Westley.”
“You know that wasn’t your fault. He’ll be as good as new in no time.”
Jagan knew his grandfather was only saying that to spare his feelings. “She’ll never be able to ride him again. He’s lame.”
“There’s still Buttercup. Listen, about your grandmother. There’s something I need to tell you.” Bly was feeling guilty for not setting Jagan aside when he was younger. Someone should have told him.
A loud horn emanated from the charter. A middle-aged woman holding a clipboard waved her hand in the air to motion the remaining passengers to get on board.
“Sorry, guess I’d better go. Will you give a message to Lolli for me?”
“Sure, son.” Damn. It was too late.
“Tell her she’s always in my heart.”
Chapter 23
Chancellor Dorn
Photographers and reporters surrounded the Concorde waiting for the Chancellor to step out. The Swiss police had the Zurich airport locked down due to the numb
er of death threats and protests. As the door opened, the paparazzi rushed towards the plane, knocking down one of the barricades in the process.
Chancellor Dorn's press secretary emerged first and gave a brief, rehearsed release. Private security quickly escorted the entire party to a helicopter transport. The chancellor's assistant, Deak Roland, handed his boss a bloody Mary and a Quaalude, a necessary ritual for every flight. "We've just passed the Swiss border, your eminence."
"Excellent."
Deak's formidable appearance made the flight staff uneasy. The chancellor overheard their remarks about his freakishly tall stature, unusual facial features, and Mallen streaks. He looked like he was straight out of a circus sideshow.
The chopper shook as it made the descent towards the chateau which was perched atop Mount Hohenzollern. The intense fog and altitude gave the illusion from the air that the castle was floating on a cloud. Upon their arrival, the household staff greeted them and tended to their every need. After everyone settled in, the Chancellor, Deak Roland, and the recruiter met in the conservatory for a cocktail.
“Have you procured the subject?” The Chancellor asked staring intently at the man. Deak leaned in closer towards him in a threatening display.
“We’ve hit a bit of a snag,” the recruiter said. “The target’s on the move.”
“Most unfortunate,” the chancellor responded. “Get over to London immediately and meet with the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Office at MI6. He will assign you to one of his remote viewers to locate my prize.”
“As you wish,” the man got up and bowed towards the Chancellor.
“And don’t fail me again. Deak hasn’t had anyone to torture in a while and he’s getting antsy.”
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