The Carbon Cross (The Carbon Series Book 2)

by Randy Dutton

  Her head turned to him. “Honey, it’s magical. Thank you for bringing me here.”

  He put the food on a dresser and knelt at her side. His arms wrapped around her. “You, here in the moonlight, are the most beautiful flower I’ve ever seen.”

  She giggled as he swept her up and carried her to bed.

  It wasn’t until two in the morning that they ate the sandwiches.

  Chapter 44

  August 29, 1100 hours

  Canadian Border

  Duke walked back to his van. The ex-spy slid his tall frame into the driver’s seat and placed his iPad onto the console.

  “Kyler, we’re on the right track!” He grinned at the Australian shepherd panting on the passenger seat.

  “They came through early yesterday evening.... Other than the names and vague SUV details, I can’t say the border guard was much more help than the kid.” His head cocked in thought. “He did mention the guy had a heavy beard. Smart move on the target’s part...helps mask facial recognition. The woman’s face was mostly shielded by a hat.”

  “But I think she overdid it.” He angled the iPad screen to his partner. “These are the surveillance camera images. Pretty worthless. Stringy black hair under the hat...too much makeup...yellow teeth...baggy turtleneck sweater. Tricks of the espionage trade. This woman’s hiding her real appearance...and”—he pointed to the bearded face—“his image didn’t come up with any hits either.”

  He started the engine and headed north out of the parking lot.

  “The woman’s careless, don’t cha think Kyler? I mean, seriously, Bob Kane and Holly Robinson?! If she had gotten an older guard, he might have known the names were fake.”

  Duke chuckled. “I have to admit, she’s pretty cheeky. Shows we’re tracking a woman with an adrenalin addiction and a sense of humor.”

  “Yip!” the dog replied as if on cue.

  “So where now?”

  Kyler put his paw on the dashboard.

  “Forward, huh? She’s not the type to live in a place as cold as Alberta gets. But we can’t rule it out yet. It was getting late for them, so we’ll check the hotels and better restaurants between here and Calgary, and then in the city. We’ll start with the top five- and four-stars and then to the threes. She wouldn’t go lower unless she knew she’s being tracked.”

  He logged on to Hotels.com to get the list. “This’ll take time. If we run dry in Calgary, we’ll head west to Banff.”

  The bounty hunter picked up his iPad and typed out a message. A few minutes later, Duke grumbled, “Well, buddy, now Harley knows we’re hot on the trail. And he’s shared our info with the Russians—”

  Kyler growled.

  “Guess he feels he owes them something. Still, half of the bounty means a sweet retirement.”

  The shepherd stretched his neck and let out a small howl.

  Duke popped open a beer and took a swig. “My thoughts exactly. God help her if the Russians find her first!”

  Chapter 45

  August 29, 1100 hours

  Chateau Lake Louise Hotel

  Banff National Park, AB

  They didn’t stir until midmorning. Sunlight topped the glaciered peaks and flooded into their room, waking Pete first. His hand stroked Anna’s wavy hair, moving strands in various patterns around her shoulder. When finally she stirred, he kissed her long neck. “Sweetheart, do you want breakfast or lunch?”

  “Coffee,” she groaned, then rolled over facing him and added more cheerfully, “And a cheeseburger.”

  Now much more awake, she added, “And we need to provision the SUV and cooler today.”

  “Well, then. Time’s a-wasting.” He kissed her and sprang out of bed while she lay there stretching. Glancing back as the sheet slid off her toned, svelte body, he warned, “Keep that up, and I’m coming back to bed.”

  “You do, and you’ll be alone. I’m taking a long shower while you order lunch.” With acrobatic skill, her legs swung in an arc and she landed upright. Her foot slid under the negligee lying on the floor and flung it onto the suitcase while her stride took her to the in-room coffee maker.

  Lunch arrived an hour later. It took no argument to extend their stay at the Chateau a third night.

  “I thought we’d drive up to a glacier this afternoon,” Pete announced while rubbing his freshly scrubbed beard. “Ever been on one?”

  She smirked both at his comment and his happiness to be rid of the fake hair product.

  His smile twisted. “Never mind, dumb question. You probably skied them in the Alps. Anyway, you’ll love the drive.”

  First they drove to the resort town of Banff. Per Anna’s insistence, Pete had parked in a remote alley. Onto the SUV they tossed a custom-fit cover she had dyed weeks earlier. Its top surface appeared sun-bleached and dusty, giving the illusion the vehicle underneath must be old and not moved in months.

  While buying fruit, cheeses, bread, and sandwich meat, they missed being spotted by two Ford Explorers and four walkers crisscrossing downtown Banff.

  The couple headed north along Icefields Parkway through a narrow valley deep between snowcapped mountain ridges. The farther north they drove, the more prevalent glaciers became, and the more frequently Anna insisted on stopping for photos and short hikes. After 160 klicks they came to the Athabasca Glacier, one of the six principal 'toes' of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park. Parking within a klick of the ice, they walked the remaining distance to this tourist spot, noting signs that marked the glacier’s retreat. Pete occasionally stooped down to inspect tiny grayish green moss fragments. He shook his head in agitation.

  “What’s wrong, Pete?”

  He held up his samples. “Fuzz. Windblown pieces are everywhere.”

  “I’m ignoring it,” she said flatly.

  “Sorry. I know how personal it is for you.”

  “Yeah, mankind’s attempts to control his environment by throwing in solutions before we understand the consequences...or care. Think I’ve heard that before.”

  He tossed the sample. “You think I’m preachy?”

  “Uh huh.”

  Ice cracked underneath their boots. The sound both intrigued and bemused them as they played on the surface amongst a hundred other tourists.

  After an hour they drove to the Icefield Interpretive Center on the other side of the highway. Signs demarcating the glacier’s extent over time continued past the building.

  “Wow, this really has retreated over the years, hasn’t it?” Anna observed.

  “Sure has. About two meters a year.”

  “Perhaps my global warming message had truth.” Her voice was taunting.

  “Yes...and no.” He pointed uphill of the building. “See those markers?”

  “Yes.”

  “They show where the glacier terminated 400 years ago. The markers closer to the ice show where it ended 300 years ago, when CO2 was 40 percent lower than today. The withdrawal has been going on long before we burned fossil fuels in quantity. Mankind can’t have been responsible then.”

  “Still, this makes a dramatic picture of a changing climate.”

  “True, but put it into a different perspective. This valley was so filled with ice 400 years ago there wouldn’t have been any roads. And these trees, flowers, and grass? Most wouldn’t be here. Neither would most animals. Nature doesn’t really like ice. Rather, life thrives in warm climates with lots of food.”

  “So do I...this pregnant lady is hungry.”

  Chapter 46

  August 29, 1700 hours

  Chateau Lake Louise Hotel

  Banff National Park, AB

  The waiter smiled at the smartly dressed couple as he deposited the appetizers. The Chateau’s main dining room clattered with the throng of tourists and the constant movement of food service.

  For their leisurely dinner, Anna had donned a feathered auburn wig with low bangs. Dangling pearl earrings and a single strand necklace accentuating her long neck. Dressed in formal attire, they sat in
high-back chairs at a table situated in front of a tall window overlooking the lake. Few places seemed more idyllic.

  “Think Swanson’s 50 million euros could buy this place?” he mused, admiring the wood trim and brass fixtures.

  “Nope. Not even 70 million.” She smiled mischievously.

  Pete brow furrowed.

  Her head dipped as she looked through long lashes. “I neglected to mention this before, but what I took doesn’t include what I saved over the years.” She finished off her appetizer.

  Pete’s eyes went wide. “Really?”

  “I socked away 20 million of my own....”

  “Your taxes showed...I mean...I thought your lifestyle—”

  “Helps that I cheated on taxes....” Her brow narrowed but her smile widened. “You thought I was a spendthrift?”

  “Well, yeah, kind of.”

  “Darling, you married a woman of means—”

  “And little regard for laws.” Pete grimaced.

  “Very true. I’m actually laissez faire.” She smirked. “But if Banff gets as frigid in the winter as Texas gets hot in the summer, this isn’t a place I’d want to live for eternity.”

  Her fork jabbed Pete’s appetizer. Reeling it in, she savored a combined piece of apple-poached beet, pinot noir-apricot jelly, port wine shallots, and glazed duck brioche.

  “So, just another great place to visit, huh?”

  She nodded, her smiling ruby red lips still rolling the flavors. “Yes, Darling. Didn’t you realize I’m a Goldilocks girl?”

  “Not too hot, not too cold?”

  “And not too wet, not too dry.”

  “Babe, you may be harder to please than I thought.”

  “Oh, I’ll adapt. That’s something I’m good at. I’m just accustomed to getting my way.” She snatched another bite off his plate.

  “Sure you won’t get bored with me?”

  One brow arched. “Hard to say, Pete.” Anna’s grin faded when she realized her flippant remark made him uncomfortable. She put down her fork and sandwiched his hand between both hers. “Honey, I’ve never been romantically involved with a guy this long. And with most...acquaintances, I had an agenda. This is new territory. But don’t worry. I like it so far, and having our baby is a good way to ensure I stick around.”

  “I hope the child’s not the only reason,” he said somberly.

  She leaned forward. “How about the fact that you’re the only man I’ve ever loved? You make me feel wanted despite my foibles. And how about that I respect you and I truly like you?”

  He nodded and his smile returned. “That sounds much better.”

  “Then let me add....you complete me.”

  “Anna, I’m sorry to put you on the defensive. I feel sometimes that life right now is too good and that the other shoe will drop.”

  She leaned forward, her eyes barely visible through the bangs, and whispered, “Are you a pessimist, Pete Heyward? A glass-half-empty kind of guy?” She smiled impishly. “You know, Darling, I’d swear you have abandonment issues. I never thought my 6’3” college football-star, a guy who earned the Silver Star for saving his platoon and a Purple Heart for losing much of his leg, would be insecure.”

  Anna withdrew her hands and quieted as the waiter came with Pete’s main course of poached salmon, and her lamb. Pete nodded and the waiter retired.

  “I feel I’m living in a whirlwind. Two months ago I was angry at a femme fatale for framing my dad for murder—”

  “I’ve always liked that characterization.” She smiled and took a bite of lamb and slowly chewed while he went on.

  “A month later, I’m madly in love. Another three weeks and we’re engaged and I learn you’re carrying my baby. Hours after our wedding you leave to burn your past—”

  “Admit it, you enjoyed being my accomplice.” Her nose wrinkled.

  Pete’s head bobbed ever so slightly. “True, and the last three weeks...I’ve been in heaven.”

  “Well it’s been ecstasy for me.” The corners of her mouth turned upward – she was enviously eyeing his salmon.

  “Want some?”

  “Yes.” Her glossy lips went into a pout and she shook her head. “But no. Eating salmon’s not advised for pregnant women. Trace mercury.... Just like my not having wine.” A dreamy smile arose. “But there’s always Theobroma cacao.”

  “Say what?” His brow furrowed.

  “Food of the gods.... I’ll compensate with chocolate. The menu mentioned ‘warm liquid-centered chocolate cake topped with spiced pineapple-raspberry puree’.”

  “Whatever your heart desires, my Dear.”

  Chapter 47

  August 30, 0800 hours

  Chateau Lake Louise

  In the hotel’s Poppy Brasserie breakfast was being served. Anna’s chin rested in her right hand as she wistfully gazed from their table through the expansive windows. The view showcased the jagged snowcapped peaks and glaciers sparkling in the first sun rays, while, in the valley, it was still relatively dark, with just a light fog rising from Lake Louise.

  Pete glanced from a tourist map to the outside view. “I thought we’d pull out the kayak and do a little water exploration along an alpine lake.”

  Dressed in a forest green cashmere cowl neck sweater and gray wool pants, she was content. She slowly turned her head and cradled it in both hands with her elbows on the table. The long, lightly-accented black wig draped over her shoulders. Her smile was blissful, her voice dreamy. “Sounds like fun. Where is it?”

  “About sixteen klicks.” He tucked the map into his pocket, then looked into her warm eyes visible through parts in her bangs.

  “I’ve never used one of these folding kayaks. Are they stable?”

  “Very, but don’t worry. The water’s calm and there’s very little wind. Bring your camera. When the sun hits it, the water is the same azure as the sky.” He brushed his right hand along her cheek. “It’ll accentuate your eyes.”

  She leaned her head against his hand, and kissed his palm. “I’m not sure I want to move from this spot,” she said lazily.

  “Oh, you’ll enjoy this.”

  They were the first tourists in an empty parking lot. Lining the shore were several colorful rental canoes.

  With an upturned face, Anna’s eyes widened in amazement. “It’s beautiful here! There are so many majestic mountain peaks surrounding the lake.” Whipping off her wig, she stashed it in her go-bag, then fluffed out her blond hair.

  Pete pulled out a $20 Canadian bill and held up its back for her inspection.

  She looked quizzically at the bill and then his smug expression. “I see a lake surrounded by multiple peaks.” Her eyes squinted then widened. “This is the scene on their currency?”

  “Yes. One of the most photographed spots in Canada...Moraine Lake. It’s called the Valley of the Ten Peaks.... Or, more colloquially”—he snapped the bill—“the Twenty Dollar View.”

  “How’d you know that?”

  His eyes twinkled. “While you were fixing your hair, I read the sign”—he nodded to the right—“over there.”

  By the water’s edge, Anna helped Pete stretch the canvas over the frame of their collapsible kayak. He put a waterproof mat on the floor along with two folded blankets. After donning a life jacket Anna stepped in.

  “Ready?”

  “You betcha.”

  With Anna in the bow, Pete shoved off. They leisurely paddled the kayak down the center of the two kilometer-long lake. The morning’s serenity was emphasized by their v-shaped wake – the sole disturbance to a mirrored surface lightly dusted with floating Fuzz particles. Arriving at the far end near a roaring glacial cascade, and seeing no canoes nearby, Pete tied the stern line to a partly submerged log. He removed his life jacket and laid a blanket on the mat he had placed along the kayak’s bottom.

  “Pete, what are you doing?” she asked suspiciously.

  He had an impish grin. “I thought we’d enjoy the waterbed for a while.” He patted the bl
anket. “Interested?”

  Her brow lifted. “So this is why you pulled me from a warm café.” She turned her head to take in the majesty of their surroundings. The lake was all theirs.

  With a chuckle she nodded. “Yeah, could be memorable.” Folding her lifejacket as a pillow, she joined him under the second blanket. “You are insatiable aren’t you?!”

  A moment passed and she added, “Hope you get you twenty’s worth.”

  “Hey, I didn’t mean—” he protested.

  “Oh hush!” She giggled.

  Chapter 48

  August 30, 1500 hours

  Chateau Lake Louise

  Arm-in-arm, the couple strode into the lobby. Mid-afternoon light streamed through high windows. Anna’s head was affectionately leaning against Pete’s shoulder. Under a ball cap bought in local gift shop, her blond hair was back into a ponytail.

  Just inside the entrance, she tensed and steered Pete to the side and around a corner.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Shhhhh!” Anna peered around the corner, while instinctively holding Pete in place.

  With her hand still gripping Pete’s jacket, she turned and whispered, “There’s a redhead at the registration desk...something about her.”

  “What about her?”

  “I can’t see enough of her face to be sure. Remember the photos of the Russians?”

  Despite Anna’s restraint, Pete moved to peer past the edge.

  “That’s her? The one with the short, rusty colored hair?”

  “Maybe.”

  “How about I pick up a newspaper at the desk and see if I can ID her.”

  “Too risky.” She lifted his hat, brushed Pete’s hair over his forehead, put the hat back on, and turned up his collar. “Take the video camera to a chair at far end of the lobby, then surreptitiously zoom in. Record anyone she talks to or who seems out of place. Look for the big Russian guy. If that’s her, he’s probably around, and likely with others. She mustn’t see us together.”