by Mary Alford
“Ready?” he asked holding her gaze once more.
She quickly assured him with a nod. “Let’s get out of here,” he said and grabbed her backpack. She could feel Michael’s note from where it lay hidden inside her boot for safekeeping.
Outside the plane’s shelter, a biting cold wind ripped through her jacket instantly chilling her to the bone and she hugged the garment closer.
“Where is he?” she asked as she glanced around the remote areas. In the distance, she spotted a cluster of lights low to the ground.
“Are those the lights of Talkeetna?” she asked as Aaron followed her line of sight.
The terse shake of his head assured her that the coiled nerves in the pit of her stomach were justified.
“That’s not Talkeetna. Its twenty miles east of here. From the way the lights are moving I’d say those are snowmobiles.” She could see he was concerned and her uneasiness doubled. “We need to get out of the open. We’re out in the middle of nowhere with no means to escape should we be attacked.”
She understood. She felt exposed as well. “I don’t see Rick anywhere. Were we wrong to trust him?” she asked uneasily.
“I don’t know, but if he doesn’t get here soon, we could be in trouble,” Aaron said while keeping a close eye on the snowmobile lights.
“Hello there,” someone called out, startling them both and they turned. Aaron with his weapon ready to use.
“Whoa.” A man of medium build, dressed in a heavy parka stood next to the row of hangars. “I’m Rick Evans. You two the ones who phoned for help?”
The whiteout conditions had prevented them from seeing the man standing next to a Sno-Cat. The vehicle was truck-sized, had an enclosed cab, and was fully tracked and designed for moving on heavily snowed areas. In this part of the country, such a vehicle would be imperative for getting about in these conditions. “Yes, we are,” Aaron said and lowered his gun.
The man headed their way. When he was close, he stuck out his hand. “I’m Rick Evans. You must be Michael’s friend,” he said to Liz.
Exhaustion seeped through her limbs. It took her a second to realize Michael must have told this man about her.
She took his hand. “That’s right. Liz Ramirez.” She turned to Aaron. “This is Aaron Foster.”
“I hate to cut this short but we have a more immediate problem,” Aaron said after he’d shaken Rick’s hand. He pointed to the lights. “Any idea who your neighbors are?”
Rick whirled around. “No clue. There are no neighbors around here. My place is the only house this side of Talkeetna. Mostly the airstrip is used for people who come here to trap up in the high country.” He shook his head. “I know most of the owners of the hangars and as far as I know, none of them are in the area right now.”
Liz fought her gut instinct to ask more questions first. Michael might have trusted this man, but she didn’t. Unfortunately, there was no other choice. She and Aaron were freezing and at a disadvantage. They didn’t know the lay of the land.
Even after they were safely inside the cab of the Sno-Cat and leaving the airstrip, her uneasiness just wouldn’t go away.
“They’re probably trappers,” Rick assured her after correctly interpreting her concern. “They could be expecting a supply delivery today or waiting to be picked up. This airstrip is used as a drop off spot for the pilots who fly the trappers out around this time of year.”
On the surface, Rick’s explanation was plausible, but she could see Aaron didn’t buy it either. As much as she wanted to think those men being here was little more than a coincidence, with what had just happened back at Michael’s hunting cabin in Colorado, they couldn’t afford to be wrong about it. Because both of their lives now depended on it.
* * *
“My place is only another couple of miles. Unfortunately, we’ll be traveling over some really nasty country,” Rick said in way of an apology. “That’s the main reason why I brought the Sno-Cat. It takes the snowy terrain like it’s a walk in the park. Unlike a snowmobile.”
While the man seemed genuinely sincere, Aaron couldn’t let go of his misgivings. Why didn’t Rick seem more concerned about the approaching vehicles?
Aaron sat back in his seat and watched as the Cat ate up the territory in front of them. After managing to land the plane in some of the worst conditions he’d ever flown in, his nerves were still on edge.
“How did you and Michael meet?” Aaron asked because he wanted to make sure Rick’s story matched up with what Michael had said in his note.
Rick spared him a friendly glance. “We met a few years back when I flew him to Black Bear for the first time. It’s a four-hour flight there, so we got to know it each pretty well. How’s he doing, by the way?”
Aaron could almost feel Liz warning him not to say too much. Rick appeared not to know Michael was dead. Was it all an act?
“He’s okay.” He hated the necessity of the lie yet Rick didn’t seem to notice anything out of the ordinary. Had he really gotten that good at deceiving people? The thought didn’t sit well.
“Are you two here for the trapping or something else?” Rick kept his eyes on the path ahead. While the question appeared harmless enough, under the current conditions, Aaron found himself second-guessing everything.
“We were on our way to Black Bear when the storm hit. Michael told us about your operation so we decided to see if we could wait the storm out here. Sorry to have to drag you out in such weather, but we’re very grateful you were around. With the weather getting worse, we wouldn’t have made it much farther.”
Rick nodded without looking his way. “No problem. I’m just glad I hadn’t left already. I was getting ready to pack up and leave in a few days to go back home to Vancouver.”
“So you don’t live here full-time?” Aaron asked in surprise. He’d just assumed the man was full-time.
“Oh, no. I live in Vancouver with my wife and kids. I came here...to wait on a client who apparently isn’t coming.”
Was it just his imagination or did Rick hesitate ever so slightly. It was enough to raise the hackles on the back of his neck. “That’s too bad,” Aaron muttered in attempt to cover his unease.
“It happens.” Rick admitted with a lift of his shoulders. “In my line of work, you’re doing good if one out of every three or four calls ends up in actual work.”
Aaron glanced sideways at Liz. She looked beyond tired. Physically, she was running on empty, emotionally she had to be beyond drained. She needed rest.
“How’s the wrist?” he asked her quietly. He was worried about her with good reason. The bitter cold they were dealing with made everything more difficult.
“It’s okay,” she whispered in a thready voice. He could tell nothing was further from the truth. She was pale and drawn. As much as neither of them wanted to admit it, should those men come after them, she’d be at a disadvantage.
In spite of Rick’s explanation, something about those snowmobiles didn’t add up.
“So Rick, how’d they get the snowmobiles out here in the middle of nowhere?”
That Rick took his time answering did ease Aaron’s mind a little bit.
“They probably stored them in one of the hangars. I’m sure there are lots of people who come up here that I’ve never heard of before.”
Aaron kept quiet because what Rick said now seemed to contradict his earlier claims of knowing everyone.
“People fly in and out of the area without letting anyone know about it all the time. It’s not uncommon,” Rick added as he maneuvered the Cat through a particularly narrow stretch of deep snow where trees kept the area shaded. It seemed Rick had a plausible answer for everything.
The man cast Aaron a curious glance. “You mind telling me what this is all about, Aaron? Are you working for the CIA like Michael was?”
He glanced at Liz. She’d caught the slipup too. Was it just an accident that Rick had referred to Michael’s employer in past tense?
That Michael had divulged working for the CIA to this man meant he must have trusted him. The only question was why? Because he knew he’d have his back, or because Rick worked for Sam too?
“Michael told you he was CIA?” he answered Rick’s question with one of his own and Rick smiled.
“He did. As I said, it’s a long flight to Black Bear and usually when Michael came out, he spent the night here before we flew out early the following morning. At first, I thought he was some crackpot claiming to be something he wasn’t to impress people, but the more I got to know Michael, I realized he was the real deal. He never told me what he did for the CIA, only that he worked for them.”
Rick cleared the woods and the headlights of the Sno-Cat swept over a tiny cabin.
“This is it. It isn’t much, but it’s warm and dry, and I built it myself,” Rick said with obvious pride. “I used to help my old man build houses before I joined the Marines. This one was kind of my tribute to him.”
Rick hopped out and headed up the steps of the cabin while Aaron and Liz lagged behind.
“What do you make of him?” she whispered and he drew her close so that only she could hear his answer.
“Frankly, I don’t trust him. He’s a little too obliging for my taste and he has a plausible answer for everything. Come on, we’d better get inside before he gets suspicious,” he whispered against her hair then took her good hand and together they went inside.
A woodstove loaded with fuel burned aggressively in one corner of the living room, heating the entire cabin.
“Come inside. Make yourself at home. The kitchen’s small, but plenty of room for a couple of people. There’s a bedroom and bath down the hall.”
“Thanks for taking us in, Rick. We’re very grateful,” Aaron told him while Liz went over to the fire to warm herself. “Does your family get to come here with you very often?”
“Sometimes,” Rick told them. “Just not as often as they’d like. They love it here, but mostly this place is my office, so to speak.”
His answer didn’t really do much to shed any light on Rick’s life, Aaron thought.
“Well, you’ve been more than gracious and I don’t know how we can ever repay you.” Liz smiled gratefully and Rick beamed.
“No need for that. You’re very welcome. I’m happy to help and just glad I was here.”
Aaron surveyed the small cabin. There were very few personal items around the place, which backed up Rick’s story that it was mostly used for business. Still, if he spent much time here wouldn’t he want some reminders of the family he was separated from?
“As much as we’d like to hang out a while, as soon as the weather lifts we have to be on our way. We don’t have much time.”
Rick stared out the window at the semidarkness as the storm intensified. “It could be a few hours still. These types of fronts blow through here a lot. I’ve been listening to the weather report and this one’s got the makings of a bugger. Can I offer you two something to eat while you wait? I was about to make some breakfast for myself when you texted. You look like you could use something warm inside you.”
Aaron tried to remember the last time he’d eaten anything. Probably at lunchtime the day before. It felt like longer. He still couldn’t believe two people were dead and he and Liz were racing across the country as fugitives to try and clear her name on the promise of a man whose recent activity was shady at best.
“Actually, that sounds wonderful,” Liz said in appreciation.
They had a long way to go still and she was injured. She’d need to rebuild her strength.
“Well, okay, then. How does bacon and eggs sound?” Rick asked with a smile creasing his face.
“It sounds great, but let us help you out.” She headed for the kitchen when Rick all but shooed her out.
“No... I’ve got this,” he added quickly. “You guys look bushed. Take a load off for a while.”
Liz shook her head and went back to the living room and she and Aaron sat down together.
“Do you think he’s working for the people who killed Michael and Sam?” she whispered, while keeping her eyes on the storm raging just beyond the shelter of the cabin.
“I’m not sure. I can’t get a good read off him. He acts as if he doesn’t know about Michael’s death, but it could be just that. Until we’re sure, I don’t trust him.”
She nodded. “That’s my thought too. What about the men on the snowmobiles? It seems like an odd coincidence that they’d be out here at the same time as Rick and right as we arrived.”
“Yes, but still, I can’t believe they found out where we were going so quickly. On the other hand, they could have known about Alaska already. Michael might have told them, even.” She froze at the suggestion that they might be heading into a setup.
Liz shifted in her seat inches away. The sincerity in her eyes tore at his heart. It made him want to fight with everything he could muster to save her. Clear her name. And his very reaction scared him.
He hadn’t felt this way about a woman since Beth’s betrayal. Even today, it still had the power to turn his stomach. He’d gone against his better judgment in falling in love with a subordinate. He’d trusted Beth with everything and she’d ripped his heart to shreds, blaming him for her mistakes that had led to a failed extraction attempt and multiple lives lost.
“I’m so sorry about this, Aaron,” Liz murmured.
He slowly let the past go back where it belonged. “You’ve nothing to be sorry for,” he said fervently. “None of this is your fault.”
She slowly nodded. “Maybe, but I hate that I’ve dragged you into my troubles. I’ve put you and Jase at odds and... Aaron, you could lose your job over this...or worse.”
He captured her good hand in his. “We’ll get through this. Whatever this is about, we’ll figure it out together. You’re not alone anymore.”
Liz inched closer, her eyes dark with unspoken emotions that he’d give anything to explore. He leaned in just a smidgen, smoothing away the worry lines from around her eyes with his fingers. His gaze slipped over her pretty face. He hated that this was happening to her.
“Breakfast is ready,” Rick said without looking at them. Aaron got to his feet and held out his hand to her.
She stared up at him for the longest time before she took his hand and together they went to the dining room. “Something smells good,” Aaron said with a catch in his throat.
“It’s not much to brag on, but its protein and it’ll give you some energy. I have a feeling you two are going to need all the help you can get.” Rick motioned to a couple of chairs on the opposite side of the table. “Have a seat.”
Aaron pulled one of the chairs out for Liz and she smiled up at him. One of the things Aaron and Liz shared was their faith. Facing death and a whole lot of long nights, they’d had plenty of time to talk about what their lives had been like before the Scorpions. While he hadn’t been able to talk about Beth, it had been a surprise to learn that he’d once worked with her late husband. Eric was a good man. It was easy to see she’d loved him deeply. After more than five years, Liz still mourned his passing.
“Do you mind if I offer a prayer, Rick?” Aaron asked and the man shook his head without speaking.
Aaron bowed his head. “Father, we are so grateful for Your safe passage here and we ask Your blessing on the rest of the trip and we thank You for Rick’s assistance today. Amen.”
“Amen,” Liz murmured, but Rick didn’t look at them. Aaron sensed he’d been embarrassed at being included in the prayer.
“Eat it
while it’s hot,” Rick muttered and took a forkful of eggs.
Aaron dug into his food with enthusiasm. A simple spread of eggs and bacon tasted like a five-star meal in his book.
“I can’t remember when food has been this good before,” Aaron said with a thankful smile.
Liz laughed. “I know. I’ve had some wonderful meals all over the world, but this one right here tops the list. And this coffee is delicious.”
Aaron noticed something then that sent up all sorts of alarms. Rick kept glancing out the window. Was he simply checking the weather or expecting someone?
“Everything okay there, Rick?” he asked and the man’s attention jerked to him.
“What? Oh, sure, sure. I’m just worried about the storm. It...doesn’t appear to be easing any and I know you two are eager to be on your way.” Rick’s jaw clenched over the obvious lie.
Before Aaron could muster an answer, a noise outside dragged his attention from the conversation. Engines closing in. Aaron leaped to his feet and headed for the window while killing the lights. Liz and Rick followed on his heels.
It was still semidark out and easy to see the headlights of multiple vehicles heading their way.
“Are you expecting company?” Aaron asked and rounded on Rick warily. The man had definitely grown nervous and he couldn’t look Aaron in the eye.
Rick shook his head. “They’re not here for me. You two go in the back and I’ll see if I can get rid of them. If something goes south, I keep a snowmobile in a shed just over the next hilltop behind the house. If you can get to it, go back to the airstrip. My Challenger is in the hangar next to yours. It’s fueled and ready. It’s better equipped to handle a storm like this.”
Aaron hesitated. Something felt off. But the snowmobiles were almost right on top of them and they had no idea who those men were.
Rick waited by the door while Liz rushed to the table and took their plates to the kitchen and out of sight, then she and Aaron went to the bedroom and closed the door without turning on any lights.
Headlights flashed across the window near the bed and they both ducked. Outside Aaron heard men talking and he crept over to the window.