Chasing Victory (The Winters Sisters)

by Joanne Jaytanie

  “Something’s definitely different about her. It’s like she can hear the minutest sound, like my scenting ability. I was doing some recon when I was joined by Mr. Old Spice.”

  “His name is Jerry James and he works for Biotec, exactly like Jeffery did,” Wyatt said.

  “Really, so Biotec wants Victory.”

  “Looks like, but we aren’t one hundred percent sure yet.”

  “Jerry slithered away as soon as Victory turned her lights on. I think they have been ordered to keep tabs on her for the time being. Probably trying to figure out how much she knows, without alerting her to their presence. Let me know as soon as you find out any more information.”

  Tristan scouted the fairgrounds, keeping an eye out for Jerry and his crew. Two hours later all was still quiet, no sign of anyone in the area. Tristan walked back to his Porsche, started the engine and headed for his hotel. Experience told him that nothing more would be happening tonight. If Jerry meant Victory any harm he was given the perfect time to grab her; of course he would have had to deal with a very large Doberman.

  FIVE

  At the crack of dawn Victory was awakened by blow dryers and barking dogs, as people and dogs got ready for their second day of showing. She rolled over to reach for Dax and realized that he was already gone. She got out of bed, threw on an old pair of jeans and a sweater and headed out to the main salon of the motorhome.

  The aroma of coffee lead her to the half empty pot, a mug, a scone, and a note from her sister. “About time you got up sleepy head. Yes, Dax is with me, along with all the others. I left you Parker, who’s simply along for the ride. As soon as you have some breakfast, head out to ring number five, that’s where my setup will be. I think the dogs could all use adjustments before they show, Payton.”

  As she read the note, Parker got off the sofa and joined her for breakfast. He sat next to her pressing his head into her thigh in hopes for petting and scones. Victory could hear the pleading for both. “I know you want some. Lay down next to me while I have some breakfast, and if you are good, I will save you a bite or two.” Parker eased himself to the floor looking up at her with longing, dark eyes. “I think you will be my first patient of the day, Parker. You are very uncomfortable. Is that hip causing you problems again?” Parker wagged his stubby tail.

  Victory finished her breakfast, making sure she fulfilled her promise to Parker by sharing her scone. Then she set about realigning his hip bone. She ran her hands lightly down his black satin coat, starting at the top of his head and never taking her hands off until she reached the tip of his tail. Noticing a few warm spots, she adjusted his spine. “I think you have a few more trouble spots. Later this afternoon I will pull out my needles and do some acupuncture on you.” Parker answered by licking her face. She gave him one last pat, slipped on her sneakers and headed out the door.

  Entering the main building she was again amazed by the hum of activity. The building was more crowded today, with an influx of spectators added to the mix admiring the variety of breeds. Looking down Victory noticed that in her haste to leave the motorhome, she had forgotten to tie her sneakers. Without thinking she bent down to fix the problem and was instantly swallowed up by the crowd. She was knocked off balance and started to fall. She immediately felt two huge hands slip around the back of her ribcage and began pulling her up to her feet. Simultaneously a warm current swamped her body. “Thank you, I really should have moved out of the flow of traffic before attempting such a feat.”

  “No problem, glad I could help,” Tristan answered.

  By the time Victory recovered her balance and turned around to introduce herself, Tristan had melted back into the crowd. She was surprised that the man left. “Huh, guess he has someplace to be.” Looking into the flow of people she was sure that she caught sight of the same tall man with glossy jet black hair that she noticed the day before.

  Payton looked up at Victory without missing a beat of her dog grooming. She thought Victory looked a little less peaked, but she was distraught and her energy was still low. “I was wondering if you would do me a favor and go over each of the Dobermans before I take them into the ring. But only if you feel up to it,” she added.

  “No problem, I’d be happy to.” As she had done with Parker, she ran her hands slowly down each dog, making slight adjustments where it was needed. Only after she had finished the last dog did she turn to talk to Payton. “It could easily be my nerves, but I’m having the strangest feelings.”

  Payton stopped grooming and looked up to give Victory her full attention. “What do you mean strange, like funny strange or scary?”

  “I’m having the distinct feeling that someone is watching or maybe even talking about me. I can’t get a clear link. By the time I feel them, it’s almost like they know it and shut down.”

  “You mean like you sensed them,” Payton clarified.

  “Sort of, but it isn’t exactly the same.”

  Payton looked around them, taking mental notes of everyone she saw. “I know most of these people, have for a long time. Of course, I can’t account for all the spectators but I don’t see anyone that looks out of place.”

  “The feeling’s gone now. I did notice a man leaving the building yesterday when I first felt this way, but I only saw the back of his head. A few minutes ago I was tying my sneaker and almost fell. A man helped me up, and when he touched me I felt this electrical current run through me.”

  “What did he look like?”

  “That’s the tough part. He approached me from the back. I thanked him and he responded, but before I could turn around he disappeared in the crowd,” Victory said.

  “I think it’s time we leave. I should be done showing in the next thirty minutes.”

  “So where were you planning on going next?” Victory asked.

  “The next show isn’t for three days and the site is no more than a couple of hours away. I have reserved a spot in the Redwood National Park and thought I would camp for a couple of days,” Payton said.

  “That sounds great. Let’s stick to your plan and camp; it will be a great way to unwind.”

  Victory and Payton packed up their motorhome in record time. They pulled out of the fairgrounds, taking no notice of the small Winnebago View pulling out behind them.

  “I wouldn’t exactly call this stealth,” Jerry complained as he looked around the Winnebago. “What’s the top speed, fifty miles per hour?”

  “Oh stop your bitching Jerry, it’s great for sleeping.” Max yawned as he stretched out on the sofa.

  “Stealth is not what we’re after,” Dave replied from the driver’s seat. “Our intel says that the girls will be heading for another dog show, this is our best bet for staying close and blending in.”

  “How much longer do we need to tail them? When are we going to know our next move?” Jerry asked.

  “For now we keep doing what we’re doing. I will be talking with the boss tomorrow; we’ll get any updates then,” Dave said.

  “Great,” Jerry whined. “I love tailing a girl all day.”

  “What’s it matter to you?” Max chimed in, his eyes were closed and at first glance anyone would have thought he was sleeping. “We get paid either way.”

  “I know, I’m getting antsy, I’m ready for a little action. I feel like I’m following my grandmother.” He failed to mention the fact that he was almost seen by Victory the night before.

  “I’m sure we will have our fill of action soon enough,” Dave responded. “In the meantime why don’t you take Max’s advice and grab a nap, since you‘ll have night watch tonight.”

  “Again,” he moaned.

  “I swear to god, the boss must think you’re good at whatever it is you do, because I sure wouldn’t put up with all your bitching,” Max grumbled.

  Jerry glared at him through half closed lids, but thought it best not to respond. Instead he got up from the passenger seat and headed for the empty bed in the back.

  Three hours later they pulled in
to the Redwood National Park and followed the girls to the RV campgrounds.

  “Good decision on the Winnie, Dave. We would have a hell of a time blending in with a Lincoln, and I bet there isn’t a hotel within an hour of here,” Max smirked.

  “Thanks. I’ll go in and register.” Dave parked the Winnebago and headed for the office.

  Ten minutes later he was back in the motorhome. “Good thing the park ranger is chatty. He told me the girls are planning on being here for the next two days.”

  “Great, out in the woods again. Not a coffee shop in sight.” Jerry grumbled.

  “You’re lucky that I thought to stock food before we took off. We have plenty to last for a few days.” Dave glared at him.

  A few minutes later a sleek midnight blue Porsche 911 pulled up to the main office. This was the kind of job Tristan loved. He had packed his one man tent along with enough provisions for a week. His past experiences in the Service taught him how to be prepared and pack only the necessities. He was sure that he would be on the other end of the park along with the other campers away from the RV parking, but that was okay, he was looking forward to getting out and walking in the clean mountain air.

  Tristan set up his camp site and headed out to canvas the campgrounds. It was early evening and the sun was setting behind the evergreens, giving off a warm golden glow. He came up to the Prevost. As he approached the motorhome he noticed that the door was open and the Dobermans were given free rein to go in and out of the vehicle into an enclosure made of metal exercise pens that ran along the side and back of the vehicle. He saw two imposing Doberman males staring at him. They didn’t make a sound and didn’t break eye contact with Tristan as he continued past the motorhome.

  Catching the tip of a scent cone, a familiar odor filled his nostrils; Old Spice, and it was intermingled with something new, Polo. The two scents intertwined, but Tristan knew they belonged to two separate individuals. He had become well versed with Old Spice, that scent belonged to Jerry. The other, Polo, must be an associate of Jerry’s. Seems the girls did not arrive at the campgrounds alone. He followed the spoor down the road, the odor growing stronger with each step. Four sites away he spotted a small Winnebago. There was a man sleeping on a lounge chair beside it. Based on Wyatt’s description, Mr. Polo had to be Dave Anderson, probably the ring leader.

  Tristan ducked into the bushes, no time like the present to get a feel for the group. Quietly he moved in the shadow of the vegetation, not disturbing a single branch, and blending effortlessly with the foliage. He picked up the aura of two men inside the Winnebago. The familiar aroma of Jerry’s Old Spice confirmed Tristan’s suspicions that these were indeed the men tailing Victory. The third scent was new; it was an odor that tugged at him. It belonged to a strong, confident, dominant individual. After a few more minutes he retreated from the motorhome and retraced his path towards his tent.

  He stepped into his tent and grabbed his backpack off the sleeping bag. Digging through it he pulled out his phone, flipped it open and punched in the office number.

  “SOCOM, Noah here.”

  “Hey there Noah, nice to have you back.” Tristan replied.

  “Hey Tristan. I finished my assignment yesterday. Caught up on my sleep and thought you guys could use my help,” Noah replied.

  “Always welcome. So are you up-to-date on what’s happening?” Tristan asked.

  “Yes. The Captain briefed me first thing this morning,” Noah said.

  “It looks like there is a crew tracking Victory, a standard three man team. They have set up shop in a Winnebago a few spots down the way from the girls. Two of the men work for Biotec; my best guess is that they are all employed by the company. See if you can do some poking around and find out about our third guy, his name is Max. I want to get a heads up on any special traits. I have a feeling he might be ex-military,” Tristan said.

  “Will do.”

  “Great. I’m getting a feel for the place tonight. All’s quiet now, I think I will call it a day and hit the bunk early. I’m sure tomorrow will prove to be a long day,” Tristan said.

  “Roger, I’ll talk with you soon,” replied Noah.

  Early the following morning Tristan finished his breakfast and decided to check on the girls and their shadows. He strapped a hunting knife to his belt, put his hat and sunglasses on and picked up his walking stick. He headed out of his tent once again in the direction of Victory and Payton’s motorhome. Strolling slowly, he stopped every now and then to examine the foliage along the path. Inside the exercise pen, a large black male Doberman and smaller red female were stretched out on the ground, lying on their sides sunning themselves. Tristan slowly approached the area presenting a feeling of calm so as not to create a negative reaction by the two Dobermans, or startle Victory who was in the back storage locker digging through supplies.

  Victory sputtered to Dax who was standing next to her wagging his stub. “Your Aunt Payton sure knows how to pack a lot of supplies into this small storage Dax, but she forgets that they need to come out again.” She was half inside the storage area trying to pull a bicycle out. She grabbed hold of the bike and pulled at it with all her might. Instead of pulling the bike free, her hands slipped and she fell back out of the storage and slammed onto the ground.

  “Looks like you could use a hand,” Tristan smiled, trying to stifle his laugh.

  Victory snapped her head around towards the male voice. She found herself gazing up into magical violet eyes, smooth olive skin, a straight nose and high full cheek bones. All exquisitely framed by shiny black hair cut right above his collar, hair that was a little unruly with a natural wave. His body was broad and from what she could tell in excellent shape. He was tall, at least six foot four and astonishingly quiet on his feet. Since she didn’t hear his approach and her dogs had not alerted her. Standing up, she casually brushed the dirt from her jeans and hands.

  “Thanks, I guess I could use some help. My sister believes in cramming as much into a small space as absolutely possible,” Victory responded, a slight tinge of pink flushing her cheeks.

  Tristan extended his arm out over the exercise pens, showing no fear of the dogs. Victory reached out to take his hand. “Hi, I’m Tristan Farraday.”

  “Nice to meet you Tristan, I’m Victory Winters. Have we met before?” she asked, having the strangest feeling that she had met this man.

  “No, and I can honestly say that I would certainly remember meeting you.” Tristan smiled down at her.

  Dax poked at Tristan’s arm. Tristan reached down under his chin and scratched.

  “Dax likes you,” she said with surprise in her voice.

  “I have that effect on dogs. Guess it’s true that dogs can sense who likes them.” Tristan continued rubbing Dax.

  The two dogs that were lying in the sun both lifted their heads in unison and looked up at Tristan.

  “The big black guy sunning himself is Parker and the red girl is Kes.”

  “Wow, you have a lot of Dobermans.”

  “We have one more, Asia; she’s out taking a walk with my sister.”

  “Would you like me to get that bike out?” Tristan asked.

  “Yes, thanks. See where the clips hold the pens shut?” Victory said pointing up near the front of the Prevost. “Go ahead and come on in, the dogs won’t bother you.”

  Tristan walked down to where Victory told him to enter. As he opened the pens both Parker and Kes got up to greet him.

  “Parker, Kes, sit,” Victory commanded.

  “They don’t bother me, I love dogs.” Tristan walked to the back of the motorhome and looked into the storage, “Wow, looks like you packed for a month.”

  “Yeah, Payton likes to be prepared.”

  “Payton, oh your sister?” Tristan responded.

  A few minutes later Tristan had rearranged the storage and carefully slid the bike out.

  “Thank you so much,” Victory said. “That could have taken me hours, and I don’t even want to think how many ti
mes I would have ended up on the ground.” She looked up at Tristan grinning.

  “I wouldn’t want that. Glad to be of service.” He walked the bike up to the side of the motorhome.

  “I could use a cold drink. Would you like to join me, that is, if I’m not keeping you from anything?” Victory said.

  “Nothing that can’t wait, I would love a drink.”

  Victory disappeared into the motorhome and returned with two tall glasses of iced tea. She was surprised to see that Tristan managed to dig out two of the folding chairs and a small table while she was gone. He was relaxing in a chair with his feet stretched out in front of him. Parker lay at his feet while both Kes and Dax rested their heads in his lap, clearly enjoying their ear rubs. Victory reached out to the three Dobermans with her mind and found calm and contentment.

  “Boy, my guys like most people, but they don’t usually warm up to them this fast,” she said as she handed Tristan a glass.

  “What can I say? I guess I’m simply a likeable kind of guy as far as animals are concerned.” He sipped his tea then put the glass on the small table. “So, what brings you here, vacation?”

  “Sort of. My sister shows dogs, and I am helping her out on the circuit. We have a couple days break and thought this would be a nice place to unwind.” Victory picked up her drink and took another sip. “How about you?”

  “Working vacation. I’m studying the local foliage and it’s a great time for me to get my camping fix,” Tristan said.

  “Oh, you’re a botanist,” Victory said with excitement. This was someone she would enjoy talking to.

  “Yes, I am.” Tristan wasn’t lying; one of his five degrees was in botany and it served him effectively on many assignments when he needed plants for healing or poisons.

  “Botany is one of my favorite hobbies, I use it often,” Victory was as excited as a child at Christmas. “I would love to pick your brain while I’m here.” Victory smiled at Tristan.

  Wow, her smile is mesmerizing, Tristan thought. “Sounds like fun. I have no set schedule, so any time.” Having researched her background he knew this would be a great way to stay close to the girls.