“As you say,” replied the wolf.
“I am called Ohan,” said the first eagle.
“I am Mah,” said the second. “Of the sky.”
“You are welcome here,” said the white wolf, and as he spoke he was joined by his wife.
The two male Eagles greeted her with softer tones, asking not her first name but referring to her as a Snow by marriage vow.
She greeted them politely.
“What brings you so far east?” asked the old white.
Ohan spoke first. “Word of your trouble came to us—we who claim as our own the place called Alaska by the humans. We have met with Wahkan of the mountains, and his sons. They have made known to us the threats against all of our kinds. We felt it right to come to you.”
“Perhaps Wahkan fears the sort of battles he remembers,” said Joseph. “His friendship to me is dear. Therefore, any friend of his is also a friend to me. So I call you friends, Ohan and Mah. But in truth, I tell you, I do not believe we are facing a battle as imagined by Wahkan.”
“Are there no threats of men against you?” asked Mah.
“Many. But they are threats of modern times.”
“Swift spoke of this,” said Ohan. “But we do not understand.”
“We are not facing humans in physical battles,” Joseph explained. “They use unusual tactics in these times. Their schemes are not ideas that would relate to life as you understand it.”
“Such ways make no sense to us,” said Mah. “We rarely see the humans. We live nothing like them.”
“You are better off in many ways for that,” said Joseph. “But where I live, my pack must keep the humans in mind in our daily lives. We live peacefully with them as much as possible.”
“The favor is not returned,” said Evelyn Snow.
The eagles looked at her, noting the growl in her throat.
“Most are ignorant of us,” said the white. “Only a few wish harm. Only a few we will need to deal with.”
“Then we may kill the offenders for you,” Ohan said. “We may rid you of them, while you remain innocent in your homeland.”
“Your intentions are for my benefit,” said Joseph. “I thank you for them. But our problem is more complicated than you imagine.”
“Tell us,” said Mah. “We have heard that some humans wish to become like us. What can this mean?”
“It means modern things are strange to your minds. Imagine the flying machines of humans in your homelands.”
“We know those well.”
“Those machines are creations of human minds and ingenuity, are they not?”
Both eagles nodded their noble heads slowly.
“Keep that in mind,” said the white. “Some humans seek to create more complex machines than those that fly. They wish to have machines that could allow them to understand the mystery of our bodies and our long lives. They seek to discover greatness without rising to it from within themselves.”
“Have they no regard for the Great Mystery?” said Ohan, indignantly.
“None.”
The eagles looked at one another, the pale glow of their intent eyes flaring up.
The white wolf saw the displeasure coursing through their bodies. Their wings seemed ready to unfold and their feet flexed over the ground, the surface solid with cold.
“Allow us to stay and learn from you,” said Ohan. “Allow us to assist you in some way. We have come far to meet you. Let us be allies in some way.”
“Yes,” agreed Mah. “The forces moving against you cannot be tolerated by any of us of the younger world.”
“I welcome you as friends,” said the white wolf. “Your concern is deeply appreciated. You may take shelter on my lands for as long as you please. But I do give you these rules. I ask that you regard my animals as my own and not for hunting. And you must take care in daylight to avoid being seen by unwitting humans.”
“We fly less in daylight in our lands,” said Mah. “In our travels we have seen the need to use more caution than is usual for us. The humans are many now.”
“Many,” agreed Joseph.
There was a moment of silence between the four animals. All were reflecting in their own minds of how greatly they were outnumbered in the world.
“Matters require my attention,” said Joseph. “Forgive me, friends. Use the granite hilltop for a peaceful rest, as it is safely amid my borders. None but our kind will find you there. Hunt what you may of wild food before the sun rises. I may also have food brought to you.”
“We will speak more when you are free,” said Ohan.
“I look forward to it,” Joseph said, slightly bowing his head.
The eagles made similar bows in their twitchy, birdlike manner. They stepped apart, opened their heavy wings, and employed the great strength and effort to slowly lift themselves from the ground. Then they were gone beyond the tops of the trees.
16
“Get some sleep,” Jason said. The lights of Portsmouth were coming into view and they would soon be entering Massachusetts again.
“I doubt I’ll get a wink,” Merrill returned.
“You should try.”
“Before I get foolish with exhaustion, I need to call Global. Debra and the kids won’t reach the condo for hours now, but I want some men waiting there to set them at ease.”
“I can call,” Jason said. “Rest your eyes and let your mind follow.”
“You’re too good to me.”
“No, sir.”
Merrill closed his eyes and listened as Jason called the security service. He provided account information and answered all applicable questions. Having served Merrill for nearly a decade, all such information was well known to him. Then he gave the address to the Virginia Beach condo and requested two good men to be available within a few hours. They were to greet Mrs. Debra Boyd-Merrill, who owned the property under her maiden name.
“All set,” Jason said after ending the call.
“Thank you.”
“They will secure the premises in advance.”
“Excellent.”
“Now you can rest,” Jason said. “The worst is behind us.”
“I certainly hope so.”
***
Less than five minutes passed before Merrill’s phone sounded. He opened his eyes as he retrieved the device. The number on his screen was not a direct line from Global but rather someone associated with the organization—someone he wished not to speak with.
“It’s him,” he muttered, thinking, Kraft.
“I can deal with him,” Jason offered.
“No, I must face this sooner or later,” Merrill said, and he answered the call.
“Raymond,” said a flat, deep voice.
“Yes?”
“If the Boston news can be trusted, it appears you’ve had a very hectic night.”
“To say the least,” Merrill sighed.
“Rest assured that your wife and children will be looked after by two capable men. I just saw the orders processed.”
“I truly appreciate that,” Merrill said, trying to sound grateful. “And I appreciate your calling to set me at ease. That’s very thoughtful.”
The voice laughed faintly. “Let’s stop dancing about, shall we?”
“Let’s what?” Raymond said, trying to play dumb.
“Did you burn Portland or did they?”
“T—they did,” Merrill lied. “They’re attacking us.”
“They’re countering you. That’s a little different from attacking.”
“Either way, the buildings are burning.”
“Tell me, what direction are you headed in?”
“South,” Merrill answered. Obviously he would be joining his family in Virginia.
“I’ll trust you for the moment,” Kraft said. “It will save me the trouble of tracking your phone.”
“Brandon,” Merrill began. “I …”
“Stop. Listen to me. Your sister’s phone has been sporadically active all night. Th
at means the Ludlow’s are gathering whatever information they can from it. The old man can’t be a fool. In a matter of—”
“What can I do about—?”
“Interrupt me once more,” Brandon Kraft growled, “and I’ll pull the guards off your family. Do you understand?”
Merrill winced. He was not a combative man. “I understand.”
“Rowan’s obsession with Ludlow has never set well with me,” Kraft said. “It’s all a little too spooky for my taste. But I’ve played along because the money used to be good, and the promise of something greater seemed quite feasible. That old man up there possesses very considerable assets, and he’s hedged himself in well on all sides. No one knows exactly who he really is or how to get at his assets. His ability to cover his financial tracks puts congress to shame. Which leads me to believe that, perhaps, he really is as old as Rowan claimed. Can you imagine that, Raymond? Imagine the knowledge and experience.”
Merrill sighed but said nothing. Kraft resumed.
“Rowan believed she could get to him in time. Well, she was clever enough with her work, but clearly she underestimated him. I didn’t completely believe in her. But I wanted to. Wanted to see if she could really pull it off with all that crazy ambition of hers. Too bad. A mind like hers is a significant loss. You can bet she’s dead by now. Or at least on her way out.”
“Yes,” Merrill said.
“I doubt you care much.”
Merrill said nothing. He did care. In a strange way. Not like most families. She had made it too difficult.
“In the process of playing Rowan’s game,” resumed Kraft, “you may or may not know that an extremely costly surveillance drone has been lost.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
“Yes. More so is the fact that an outstanding balance is still due to the owner. Man named Vincent Brown. Former Northrup developer who branched out on his own years back.”
“I’m sorry,” Merrill stated. “I wasn’t aware of every detail. But there’s no way I can possibly cover Rowan’s debts. Even if I do manage to collect insurance on my lab, I’m still ...”
“Up the creek.”
“Yes.”
“You and Debra could get jobs at a mall or something. Put the kids in public school. Try living like average Americans.”
Raymond said nothing.
“Don’t like that idea?”
“No,” Merrill said.
“She brought MK-2 with her,” Kraft said next. “Were you aware of that?”
“I was, yes.”
“You were aware and did nothing to stop her?”
“How could I?”
“You should have tried something. Now they have it.”
“I can’t accept that responsibility,” Merrill said. “It was never my project. Rowan has never listened to me unless it suited her. You’ve dealt with her. You know.”
“There’s more,” Kraft said after a pause. “The last exploratory team I sent to Ludlow has vanished. Four good men lost and nothing gained. One man in particular was excellent. One of the best I’ve ever had.”
“I’m sorry,” Merrill said again. He hated himself for groveling.
“Are you?”
“I am, Brandon. Truly sorry for everything.”
“And I’m sorry to be giving you the bad news. Since you are Rowan’s business partner—I’ll bet you regret that old decision now—Mr. Brown will be looking to you for the millions he’s owed.”
“How many millions?” Merrill said, trying to steady his voice.
“Too many. The device was leased and lost under the Merrill name. Brown has been more than patient, but now that Rowan’s gone, I expect he’ll either threaten to file suit against you, or else … call me to fix things.”
“These dealings couldn’t possibly be brought before a public court.”
“Not realistically. So of course I assume the latter option. You could see how that would place me in a very awkward situation—accepting pay from one client to deal with another client. It’s not something I look forward to.”
Merrill said nothing. His stomach was sick.
Jason, hearing the conversation, said, “Don’t let him manipulate you, sir.”
Merrill heard Jason but remained focused on Kraft.
“MK-2 could solve all your problems,” Kraft said next. “I can auction it off in a matter of days. You, Brown, and me, we can all walk away with a nice profit. That’s our best way out of this little fix, Raymond. As I see it, it’s our only way.”
“How on earth could I possibly get it back?” Merrill said. He was passing from nervous fear into anger now. He hated Brandon Kraft for threatening him.
“Mr. Ludlow doesn’t know me,” Kraft said. “If I approached him out of the blue regarding the machine, he would surely turn me away. Or worse …”
“You’ve got men for that sort of work.”
“Not as many as I used to. And besides, those tactics have availed nothing. I only agreed to the last mission because I had unwavering faith in the team leader. I thought he could deliver me something. At least a clue. Then I agreed to assemble a larger team as backup for Rowan—with a share in MK-2 as collateral. I was wrong to trust her plan. I see that now. To get to Ludlow we need a different approach. Someone needs to offer this man—or whatever he is—an olive branch.”
“I’m a scientist, not an intelligence operative,” Merrill said. “You’re asking too much of me.”
“And you’re asking me to absorb significant losses on your behalf, Raymond. You might cost me other clients—ones who settle their debts timely. A short sale of your Arlington house couldn’t begin to cover what you owe me.”
Merrill was quiet.
“Consider it,” Kraft said.
“What do you really expect me to do?”
“A man of your intelligence doesn’t need a map drawn for him. MK is in Ludlow. Use your head.”
“And if I fail?”
“I’d rather not go there just yet. Consider what I’ve told you. I’ll call you back shortly.”
17
Lars stood by the fireplace. He was soaking in the heat, watching the flames dance.
The slider opened. Joseph Snow entered the house, looking like a hotel guest in a plush white robe. His wife had entered in like fashion a minute prior.
“All is well,” he said. “Our two guests have come as a gesture of good will and support.”
Lars nodded. Evidently the way of life was valued by others as well. He had been wondering what one of those eagles could do to a human being. Could they haul a man away as easily as a bald eagle plucks a trout from a river? They certainly looked large enough.
“I’ve decided to reach out to Raymond Merrill,” Joseph said.
“I’d say it’s your best bet,” Lars replied.
“Do you need some rest?”
“I’m good,” Lars said, though it wasn’t entirely true. As long as the old man was willing to let him stay, he wanted to be where the action was. He could sleep when he was dead.
“Stick around for some breakfast,” Joseph said, and then began climbing the stairs to the upper floor.
Lars moved to the counter that divided the kitchen from the great room. Janie was brewing more coffee after grinding some beans. The smell was almost intoxicating. He sat on a stool and rested his arms on the counter.
“My father seems to like you,” Janie said, not loudly but not quite whispering, either.
“I don’t know about that.”
“He’s not keeping much from you.”
“Perhaps I’m useful.”
“It’s an interesting loop to be in.”
Lars nodded as she looked up from the metallic Bunn coffee maker.
“You don’t seem to mind being used.”
“I’ve been used by worse,” he said, stopping short of admitting how much he was enjoying it. It truly was the most exciting “loop” he’d ever been involved in. Unsettling at times, but exciting.
Evelyn Snow came down the stairs, dressed for the coming day. “Don’t let him kid you,” she said to her daughter. “Mr. Olsen is having the time of his life with us.”
Lars felt his face warming. He got a kick out of that old woman. She was no nonsense.
“Am I wrong?” she said, looking at him.
“No.”
“And he’s a damn good shot,” she added. “In case I forgot, my thanks for keeping those men from shooting one of my sons.”
He acknowledged her with a nod. He knew that she meant it, but it didn’t make him feel any better. They were two young guys just following orders, not knowing what Rowan Merrill had gotten them into. Even if they had succeeded in getting a few shots off at Joseph and his sons, they would have shrugged it off as little more than a bee stings. Really big bees.
But then the others would’ve died also, he assured himself. They’d end up like those bikers. Just gone.
Janie set a steaming mug of coffee before him. He thanked her and sipped it and sat there quietly. The old woman appeared to be preparing to make biscuits. She spread flower all over a big cutting board. The thought of warm biscuits made him realize his hunger. A few of those biscuits and some eggs would really hit the spot.
He looked to the slider. Outside it looked pitch black. First light would follow soon. He wondered about the eagles. They must see well in the dark. They must have very little to fear in the world.
When Joseph Snow descended the stairs, he motioned Lars to follow him into his study. He complied. Janie came along with them.
“This feels quite odd,” Joseph admitted from his office chair. “After so many years of trying to distance myself from the Merrill’s, to call one of them … cuts against the grain.”
“It’s your best option,” Janie said.
Lars nodded faintly.
Joseph powered Rowan Merrill’s phone. He checked the number, powered it down again, and called Raymond Merrill from his own phone.
***
They were parked on the side of I-95. Jason was trying to reassure Raymond Merrill when his phone alerted.
“I need time to think,” Merrill complained. Then he noted the strange number and looked at Jason, confused. “Who could this be?”
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