Stratagems

  Tanya rummaged through something in the front then placed a two-way radio in Kyle’s hand.

  “There’s supposed to be heavy cloud cover, Tanya. Where is it?”

  Tanya glanced back briefly. “I’m not sure. I see the tops of some clouds to the west.”

  Kyle pushed the button on the side of the radio. “Zane?”

  “Here,” Zane came back, his voice barely audible.

  “What’s the status?”

  “I counted three, but there might be more. Some guy headed south of your position is close to me, waiting around, and another two are in the small restaurant by the gift shop.”

  “Is everything ready?”

  “I’m all set here.”

  “I don’t see many clouds,” Kyle said, worried.

  “The wind is from the west and I see a heavy cloud bank headed this way. Give it another five, maybe ten, minutes. How’s Tanya?”

  “Doing good. Keep me posted.”

  “Okay.”

  Kyle set the radio next to him on the seat, got on his knees and looked in the back. He threw back a tarp and found two black jackets, pulled both out and onto the second seat, and handed one to Carmen.

  “Here, take your jacket off, put this on, then put your jacket on over it.”

  Carmen picked up the strange, black jacket. It was more than just a jacket. It was heavy leather with an assortment of metal loops dangling at all angles, thick black straps with buckles woven into the material that ran over each shoulder, one across the upper chest, one large belt across the waist and two smaller straps for each leg. She looked up at Kyle. “What’s this for?”

  Kyle smiled as he slipped on the new jacket. “It’s a jacket and harness, just a precaution,” he said. “Please, just put it on.”

  Carmen pulled off her warm winter coat. “Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like this?”

  Kyle slipped on the jacket, pulling the harness straps tight and locking them in place with the buckles. He pulled two lower straps around his left leg just below his waist, tightening the buckle until it was snug. He repeated the process on his right leg, then slipped on his regular jacket, hiding the new one. He switched to Carmen who was struggling with hers. She allowed him to take over, a sigh escaping her, but she didn’t say a word.

  After they were bundled up in both jackets, Kyle kept low in the seat, looking out the front window. Just as Zane had said, clouds were slowly moving in, the type of dark clouds Kyle had been hoping for. They started from the south and west, moving slow across the land, eating up the cement trail as they inched closer like a wall of fog. They hadn’t reached the restaurant yet, but it was only a matter of minutes before the entire restaurant would be engulfed.

  Kyle leaned over the front seat, kissing Tanya on the cheek. “You’re a life saver.” He handed her a blank envelope, placing it gently on her lap, whispering, “a thousand dollars, just like I promised.”

  “Be careful,” she said, and returned the kiss.

  “You ready?” Kyle asked, settling back and looking over to Carmen.

  Her face was staid, her countenance fixed as she reached behind her and exposed a rather large, black pistol. She popped the clip like a professional, took a quick glance then shoved it back inside with the palm of her hand, tucking it behind her back. She looked up at Kyle and responded with one simple word. “Ready.”

  Kyle looked around to make sure no one was watching. He didn’t want someone rushing Tanya's car with her still inside. When all looked clear, he stepped out, the chill greeting his cheeks. He closed the door quietly so it wouldn’t echo on the mountain, then moved around to the front of the car as Carmen joined him, casting him a concerned look, but cooperating nonetheless.

  Kyle moved beyond the steps on the north side where a group of cars were parked, choosing instead the steps far on the left side of the parking lot, toward the south, taking each one slowly. The sun had disappeared behind a layer of clouds that were several hundred feet above them. The cloud Kyle was interested in, the one he was counting on, was slowly inching its way in their direction from the south. He guessed there was probably a 20 to 30-foot visibility, which would be adequate for what he needed, if it arrived on time. He knew the winds were prone to shift on occasion, but hoped his luck held out.

  They reached the top, the gift shop and café several yards to their right and up a few more flights of steps, the other half of the trail meandered far off on their left, disappearing into the approaching cloud bank. Carmen looked over the edge of the mountain to the city of Albuquerque spread out below. There was still enough clear sky in that direction to provide a partial panoramic view of the city and the mountains and volcanoes that lay far to the west. She turned to Kyle and muttered, “it’s beautiful.”

  They both stood still for a few seconds, Kyle hoping to remain out in the open for the meeting. It was still clear to the north and he could see people on the observation deck, getting a better view of the world. Soon he spotted one man approaching, and knew it was the same gentleman who had been sitting in the limousine.

  “That’s the guy who abducted me,” he whispered to Carmen, his heart starting to beat faster. “I think he’s in charge. I want to fill you in on something before he gets here. If for any reason we have to make a run for it, go down this trail, into the clouds. Keep on the trail and stay to the right when it forks farther down.” Kyle reached low, grabbing hold of her hand. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. You’re my girlfriend for this little performance.”

  She looked at him suddenly, nodding slightly, but didn’t say a word.

  The man drew closer, a smile scored across his face. It wasn’t a pleasant smile, not one that would make someone feel warm and welcome, but instead held an ominous quality. He stood taller than Kyle had imagined from their meeting in the limo, but was dressed in a suit more like a banker. He finally reached them and gazed into Kyle’s eyes. Just for an instant Kyle was afraid he was going to pull out a gun and kill them on the spot.

  “I expected you to be alone?” he said, casting a brief glance toward Carmen.

  Kyle squeezed her hand lightly. “We're sort of together.”

  “You’re a bit naive to bring a loved one into this little game you’re operating,” he said smugly. “Don’t you think you already have enough loved ones in danger as it is?”

  “So, what am I supposed to call you?” Kyle said.

  “How about Harry,” the man said with the same smile as before.

  Kyle ignored him, fairly certain his name wasn’t Harry. “Do you have the money?”

  Harry stood frozen for a moment, sizing Kyle up, then pulled a small, brown leather duffle bag from behind him, and tossed it to Kyle’s feet. Kyle stood frozen for a moment, somewhat surprised they produced the money. He knelt down and grabbed the bag by one of the two straps. Carmen kept her place at his side as he pulled it up and unzipped the top. Inside were small stacks of hundred-dollar bills, each bound by a paper strap with the amount of “$10,000” written across each side. Kyle pulled one out with this free hand, inspecting the money. It looked real. The thought that they were phony crossed his mind, or that they were registered to be tracked, or that there was a tracking mechanism somewhere in the bag. All the scenarios from the movies popped into his head; he had never seen so much money in one place. The single stack of hundreds in his hand was about half-an-inch thick, the bills new and crisp. He shoved the stack back in the bag and tossed the remaining stacks around, making sure there wasn’t any with cut newspaper. They all appeared real, similar to the first stack he held in his hand.

  He zipped up the bag and held it to his side.

  “Your turn,” Harry said.

  Kyle reached in his left jacket pocket and produced a key with a bright orange tag, the number 12 printed on the side. “This key is to a locker on the crest just east of the upper tram, about a mile or two south of here. Inside the locker you will find a CD that has all the pertinent files Charlie was working on, plus what w
e had done ourselves. You will also find two sheets of paper that show we know more than you realize.”

  Harry reached slowly into his coat and produced a radio, smaller than the one Kyle had used to talk to Zane only moments ago. Harry put it up to his mouth, pressed the button and called out for Antonio. Soon the radio crackled to life as Antonio answered.

  “Look for a group of lockers somewhere in the building next to the tram. Go to locker 12 and use whatever means necessary to open it, then call me back. I’ll wait.” He lowered the radio, looking directly at Kyle. “We won’t be needing the key.”

  They stood in silence, waiting for Antonio. Kyle had not anticipated someone waiting at the visitor’s center. He had hoped the distance would buy him some time. Traces of mist floated past, as if on cue. He turned and saw the cloud had finally come upon them, slowly immersing them in a fine, white vapor. He felt the moisture on his hands and cheeks as it moved toward the restaurant, their silhouettes blurring, leaving only outlines until the cloud fully engulfed them and they were out of sight from anyone else. Kyle looked around. The three of them appeared to be alone, Kyle’s pulse increasing. It was getting down to the moment of truth. He realized that Harry, knowing “Harry” wasn’t likely his real name, could easily turn the situation to his advantage, especially with someone stationed at the summit already.

  “It’s here,” the voice came back on the radio. “One CD and two sheets of paper.”

  “Thank you,” Harry said into the radio. “So, Kyle, for the price I have just paid I not only get all the information you have possession of, but you will cease to purse this further and deter others from doing the same?”

  “That’s absolutely right,” Kyle said. “Just what we agreed to.”

  “And you will never mention this to anyone in the future, especially the authorities?”

  “That’s the deal.”

  “He’s lying,” a voice said from the mist. Kyle looked past Harry to the silhouette appearing from the direction of the cafe, moving slowly down the steps. Kyle heard his footfalls as he approached, and knew who it was before he was in full focus. “He’s no longer employed by Allied and can’t guarantee anything.”

  Rudy Kain appeared next to Harry, his gun drawn, pointed at Kyle. Carmen drew a breath as his face emerged; Kyle squeezed her hand a couple of times and she quickly regained her composure.

  “I knew you were the weasel,” Kyle said smugly, “I even told Norm as much.”

  Harry turned to Kyle, his eyes cold and calculating. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask for my money back.”

  “I gave you the information, that must be worth something.”

  “Is it worth your life, Kyle?” Harry asked, holding out his hand.

  Kyle clutched the leather straps in one hand while holding Carmen’s hand with the other. She looked toward him and said in a low voice, “just give them the money.”

  He looked back at her, sighed and handed the bag over to Harry.

  “I’ll take that,” Rudy said, extending his hand as Harry had done.

  Harry stared into Rudy’s eyes, ignoring Kyle altogether. “I don’t think so, Rudy. I really don’t.”

  Rudy stepped back, his face contorted into lines of confusion and shock. “What are you talking about? This is federal money.”

  “I think ‘was’ is the word you’re looking for. It ‘was’ federal money.”

  Kyle heard a high-pitched whistle followed by a flat, dead thud. At first, he didn’t know what it was, but then looked at Rudy. His eyes fluttered uncontrollably and his body leaned forward, his arms slowly spreading out as the gun fell to the ground. A few metallic clicks echoed in the cloud as the pistol bounced a couple of times. His eyes stopped fluttering; he opened them wide, turned toward Kyle, his mouth moving as if to say something but no words came out. Finally, slowly, his body fell to the ground, face first, and Kyle noticed the small hole in his back, a stain of blood issuing forth. Another set of footfalls descended the steps as Harry turned to look. A dark silhouette appeared from where Rudy's body lay motionless.

  Kyle squeezed Carmen’s hand, holding on tight, then rushed his body against Harry. He stumbled back, surprised, lost his footing and hit the ground, the leather bag rolling to the side. Still holding Carmen’s hand, Kyle reached down, grabbed the bag and bolted down the cement walk into the clouds, pulling Carmen along with him. He almost stumbled when he first set out, then regained his balance and ran as fast as he could. The slope of the trail, which was actually more like a long, concrete sidewalk deteriorated in places from years of cold and snow, sloped down, allowing him to gain speed as he ran as fast as he could while pulling Carmen along. She soon jerked her hand away to keep up with Kyle’s stride.

  A whizzing sound passed by his ear, then a ricochet as a bullet flared off a nearby rock. Another whizzing, farther away but still close enough to throw a scare into him. Carmen uttered the word “stop,” and Kyle did. She turned back toward the way they had come, at the same time reached her right arm back, pulled her gun that was tucked between her pants and the new jacket, and fired four rounds immediately into the mist. It all happened so fast Kyle almost missed it. He watched her as she squeezed round after round, stunned at how cool, calm and quick she had maneuvered. She didn’t have a silencer, so the reports after each shot echoed through the valley below. Kyle wondered if there were any innocent bystanders about, but figured she knew what she was doing. Screams echoed from the observation deck off to the far left, also hidden by the clouds. The whizzing had stopped for the moment.

  Carmen turned to Kyle. “Whatever you have planned, do it now.”

  They turned heading south again, not running as fast as before but keeping a brisk pace. The sidewalk seemed to go on forever. To the left were rocks forming a gentle slope down to the parking lot, and to the right more rocks leading up to the edge of a cliff overlooking the vast openness of the wilderness.

  Kyle stopped.

  A man suddenly appeared in front of them, a gun with a long, black silencer drawn and pointed at Carmen, who had tucked her pistol back in her pants. Kyle knew the face, but couldn’t remember the name.

  “Stay right there,” he said, then yelled, “Dwight? I got ‘em! I got ‘em.”

  Kyle turned to Carmen and whispered, “he’s one of the fake FBI guys.”

  “You move,” the man said, his breathing labored as he spat out the words, “and I kill you both on the spot.” The man extended his free hand toward Kyle. “I’ll take the bag.”

  Kyle glanced over at Carmen, everything in slow motion. They were being taken alive, otherwise the guy would have fired by now. Kyle gripped the bag tight as he quickly twirled around in a circle, flinging it to the east, in the direction of the edge of the forest. The bag disappeared into the clouds, gone from sight. They heard it land and roll far in the distance, then it was quiet again.

  “Wrong move,” the man said, aiming the gun in their direction.

  At first Kyle thought his eyes were playing tricks on him when he saw a shadow appear from behind the man, emerging from the mist. It moved fast. A loud crack echoed and the gun flew out of the man’s hand, his head flew back, eyes rolling inside their sockets. Kyle didn’t see the blood fly until after he hit the ground. He looked up and recognized Zane holding a small, metal bar.

  “Let’s move,” Zane said, and started running south.

  “The bag,” Kyle said, moving in the direction he had let it fly.

  “No,” Carmen yelled, pulling him back. “Just let it go.”

  “Come on,” Zane said again, his silhouette growing dimmer as he moved farther away from them.

  Kyle and Carmen followed close behind, running fast, anticipating the gunfire to resume at any second. The trail was straight for the most part, but rocks and snow made it difficult to run. Glimpses of concrete between piles of slush and snow gave way to a dirt trail dotted with rocks and pebbles. Kyle caught hints of the edge as part of the trail paralleled the precipice, trees
disappearing far below into the clouds, a small railing the only barrier from the abyss. They ran for a long time, slipping on snow and ice. When the trail split, Zane ran to the right and Kyle and Carmen followed. He soon stopped at a small observation area, a cement deck that extended out beyond the mountain's face where one could see in all directions, encircled by a low metal fence.

  “Stay right here,” Zane said, and disappeared into the cloud where the line of tress started.

  “What’s going on?” Carmen asked, panting hard.

  “Take off your jacket,” Kyle said, taking his off as well.

  “Tell me what’s going on,” Carmen demanded, growing impatient.

  “You’ll know soon enough, and keep your voice down.”

  Carmen unzipped her coat and set it on the ground next to Kyle’s as Zane reappeared from the mist, this time carrying something very large. It took form slowly as he emerged from the haze. The first piece of the object to appear was a long wing, metal rods and wires with cloth tied tight around them, until the entire frame of the pre-assembled hang glider was in view. Carmen’s eyes widened and she slowly turned to Kyle. “You’re out of your mind.”

  “Step back,” Zane said. “We have to move fast. If a wind comes up it could rip this thing right out of my hands.”

  Kyle looked at Zane, moving to the side. “Did you radio Tanya?”

  “You bet your ass I did,” Zane muttered. “She should be half-way down the mountain by now, and that’s where I intend to be shortly.”

  Zane moved the glider into position with Kyle and Carmen immediately behind it. “We have to work fast,” he repeated.

  “I’ll do my own,” Kyle said. “You help Carmen.”

  Kyle glanced over; her face confused as Zane had her kneel down. He pulled the main hang strap and safety strap from the glider frame and connected it to the harness with a large carabiner. He followed that with a few safety webbings, connecting to the loops on her jacket. Her head followed Zane’s hands from one loop to the next as he moved quickly and got her fastened. Kyle did the same for himself, turning to Carmen. “This is called a tandem glider. It’s used to instruct beginners or just take someone for a ride. Just let me do the driving and we’ll be fine.”