Into the Storm, page 31
Three other dead bodies were piled in the rear bedroom, all shot in the head. Jae identified them as the campers he’d encountered in Mora Campground and ejected from the park.
The hanged man had a nasty wound to the shoulder that matched what they’d expect from a shot with a nail. If DNA could be gleaned from the balaclava, they would check for a match, but until then, the wound served to identify him as the missing merc leader.
The three mercenaries in custody refused to make an identification one way or another, and all three men only identified their leader as Mikhail, no last name.
Given that there had been no sign of anyone in the forest and there was no proof any other mercenaries remained at large, the search of the Lake Olympus basin and beyond came to an end. The op was over. It was time for cleanup to begin.
Yesterday, inholding landowners had been permitted to reenter their cabins. Repairs on the lodge would begin next week.
With the success of the SEAL mission, Mikhail’s suicide, and the Russian oligarch’s assets being seized as he now topped the FBI Most Wanted list, the nightmare was over.
“I’d like to meet with your boss when I’m in Port Angeles,” he said. “To explain.”
“You don’t need to. I’ve talked to him. He doesn’t know the details, obviously, but with everything that happened, he’s ready to accept you had your reasons. He acknowledged that if I can forgive you, he certainly wouldn’t make waves or do anything to jeopardize your retirement.”
Xavier’s brain stopped working the moment she uttered the words “I can forgive you”.
“You…forgive me? But what I did was unforgivable.”
“Apparently not, because I do forgive you. I think I stopped hurting over it that night in the lodge, when you explained about the…thing.”
He smiled at her way of avoiding revealing Top Secret information on an unsecure cell phone. “Thank you. I—I’m speechless.” He picked up the ring box from his dresser top. Last week, his mother had shipped her mother’s rings to him. He was more eager than ever to fly north and see Audrey, but their planned two week vacation wasn’t nearly enough.
It was fast, but it was right. If Audrey wanted to wait until after the baby was born to get married, that was fine with him. He didn’t care when they actually did the deed so long as it was a settled matter that they planned to be together forever. In sickness and in health, until the end of their days.
“You don’t need to say anything. Just come back to me as soon as you can.”
“I will. I promise. Who’s staying with you tonight?” he asked.
“Undine. Jae’s working today. Honestly, it feels weird having babysitters now, but I’m not ready to be alone.”
“And I’m glad you don’t have to be. Just a few more days and I’ll be there. In the meantime, have fun with your pregnant girls’ time.”
She laughed. “We’re already sick of the subject. This much time together is too much of a good thing. We’re now binge-watching Leverage and planning our own con games.”
“Isn’t the point of the show to use cons to help the good guys?”
“Oh, naturally, we’ll use our cons for good.”
“Phew.”
“When you get home, will you be able to tell me what all this was really about?”
The fact that she was already referring to her house as his home was an unexpected pleasure that almost eclipsed the second part of her question. “What do you mean?”
“It’s pretty obvious that if you were able to run the op to rescue the chemist, then halting that mission wasn’t the motive. No way in hell would a team of SEALs HALO jump into a compromised op two weeks after…everything we went through.”
Audrey knew the limitations of what they could say on FaceTime. They were always careful in their conversations.
“I’ll check with the brass and make sure I have clear parameters on what I can tell you. I’ll push for full disclosure, but can’t make promises.”
“Fair enough.”
He loved that he could trust she wouldn’t push for more than he could tell. But then, she knew in his heart of hearts, he’d give her every ugly detail.
Someday, he’d have to share the full truth about what had happened in Belarus.
Maybe if Chris had been able to tell his wife everything, they’d still be together.
The next day, the final package arrived from REI. Audrey had all the major items—clothing and camping gear—that they’d taken from the Baldwin cabin. Right down to the sports bras and long underwear.
She’d already spoken to Danielle, who’d been far more concerned about being reported for running a vacation rental when the easement with the park didn’t allow for that than with Audrey taking items they’d needed to survive.
But given that she couldn’t even tell Danielle the full story of why it had been so important, after assuring her she didn’t give a damn about the vacation rental setup, she’d been determined to replace each item.
She had everything—right down to a brick of gourmet cheddar cheese. She would admit to being a bit surprised at the cost, but it did explain why the cheese had been so damn good. She’d ordered a brick for herself and figured she had a new obsession.
Along with returning Danielle’s things, now that the lodge area had been cleared, she could finish recording the damage to the archaeological site and document the damage to the historic structures. Lake Olympus Lodge had survived a battle, but not without injury.
In addition to ordering replacements for the Baldwins, Audrey had put together a new dig go bag, having lost hers somewhere between the helicopter, hospital, and base.
The one item she didn’t replace in her dig kit was condoms. One way or another, she wouldn’t need those in her dig kit in the future. Although the last box had served her well in the strangest way.
“You sure you want to deliver this stuff today?” Undine asked as she surveyed the pile of gear in Audrey’s living room.
“No time like the present. The locks haven’t been fixed yet at the Baldwin cabin, so I can slip them inside, no problem. And I might as well record the site damage while I’m there. It’ll nag at me while I’m on leave if I don’t.”
Undine sighed. “I hear that. Luke and I were on vacation in New Zealand, and I woke up in the middle of the night because of an unfinished project—and it wasn’t even my responsibility.”
She nodded. “Been there. I want every piece of this behind me, and since Xavier won’t be here for a few more days, I might as well get this done. Besides, it’ll be good for me to go back and face the place. Get it over with.”
“Will you be alone?”
She shook her head. “There’ll be others around at the lodge—contractors are putting together bids for repairs, and some of the inholding landowners are returning.”
“Will George be there?”
“Possibly. He was planning to move back to his cabin as soon as the all clear came.”
“I’m sure it won’t be the same for him with Jeb gone.”
“Yeah. I think he wants to get back in the woodshop. To create again. He told me after Jeb’s memorial that art was how he learned to cope with what he’d had to do in Vietnam.” Jeb’s coping mechanism had been more…defensive. “I can’t even imagine what he’s processing right now.”
Undine gave her a squeeze.
“I don’t grieve for a single mercenary who died during the op, but I feel for George and Xavier and everyone who played a part in the killing, even in self-defense. And it feels worse for George. Xavier—and Luke—they joined the SEALs intentionally. They fought to get on the teams and worked hard to stay there. They went on ops in which they knew they’d have to kill. George was nineteen when he was drafted into the army. He didn’t choose the job, it was forced on him. He then spent fifty years moving on and building a life that centered on a love of art and nature, and then all at once, his most sacred places—his forest and his workshop—were under attack, and he had to kill again to protect his world. I’m in awe of what he did for us. Thankful. I hope the shop helps him heal and doesn’t trigger remorse or pain.”
“I hope you see him there today.” Undine picked up a sleeping bag and backpack. “Let’s get these loaded in your SUV. Maybe you can get to the park in time for tea with George.”
Chapter Forty-Four
It was strange to be driving back to the park. It had only been three weeks, and she used to do this drive often, but now it felt unreal.
She had four new tires, a new side panel and gas tank, but otherwise, her SUV was the same.
She itched for the day when life would feel normal again.
She felt a fluttering in her belly, and not for the first time, she wondered if that was the baby wiggling inside her. At fifteen weeks, it was still too early to feel movement for a first child, but not completely impossible. The fetus was now the size of an apple, and she was definitely starting to show.
This was a good reminder that there would never be a return to normal for her. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.
She opened the gate. After a moment’s hesitation, she pulled out her phone and dialed Jae. When he didn’t answer, she left a message. “Hey. I just wanted to give you the heads-up that I’m heading to the lodge. First to drop off things in the Baldwin cabin, then I’m heading up to the site to record the damage. I guess I’m feeling superstitious because I had the urge to call you at the gate. I promise, I won’t do that every time moving forward…but maybe for the next little while.”
She set her phone back on the console and drove through the gate, then closed it behind her again.
She felt silly making the call, but also, it was like a phantom that would haunt her if she hadn’t. An OCD tick.
She needed a successful number of trips down Lake Olympus Road before it would feel normal to not check in at the gate.
Jae had been her fairy godfather before. Best to keep him in the loop.
It had been at least three days since the last rain, and the air was unseasonably warm, alleviating any black ice fears she might have.
But still, tension knotted her shoulders as she drove. It was impossible to escape thoughts of the last time she’d been on this road and what had awaited her at the end of the drive.
She needed to get over this fear. She loved this lodge and forest and refused to give it up. Besides, she had to work here.
She’d learned a few days ago that Jeb’s heir planned to sell his lakeside cabin, and George had asked her if she was interested in buying it. It was extremely rare for inholding parcels to come on the market, and when they did, the park tried to purchase them if possible. Jeb, however, had specifically stated in his will that the property was not to be sold to any government agency. Audrey had no idea if such a directive could be upheld, but there was no reason to believe his niece wouldn’t follow it.
A lakeside cabin on Lake Olympus would be out of her price range, but Xavier said he had savings and wanted to think about it. The idea of owning a cabin as old as the lodge had a certain appeal, but it still seemed wild to consider it.
At last, she reached the lakeside, and instead of turning right at the fork and going straight to the Baldwins’ cabin, she took a left and went all the way to the end of the road to take a look at Jeb’s property.
She got out of her vehicle and approached the cabin, noting again all the “NO TRESPASSING” signs and feeling like she was doing something wrong here, even though Jeb was gone and the niece who inherited knew people would be viewing the property.
She circled the cabin to the lakefront side and climbed up the porch steps to look out at the water.
It was sunny and chilly, with patches of blue sky amid white and gray clouds. The calm water offered a near-mirror reflection of green tree-covered hillside with blue sky and clouds. An upside-down vision of the world.
It was serene and achingly beautiful, and she knew exactly why Jeb had loved his small sanctuary on the water so much.
She pulled out her phone and snapped a photo of the water and hillside, then texted it to Xavier.
He responded almost immediately.
Xavier: Beautiful. Where are you?
Audrey: On Jeb’s porch.
Xavier: Wish I was there with you. You okay?
Audrey: I think so. It was weird driving here, but I felt like I needed to do it alone. I’m going to have to return to my job at some point.
Xavier: I get that. You returning the camping gear to the Baldwins?
Audrey: Yeah. Then I’m going to record the damage to the site. Get it over with so I can enjoy my leave when you get home.
Xavier: On that note… They released me early, and I’m on Highway 101 right now. I was heading to your place to surprise you. I’ll keep going. Meet me at the gate?
She felt a thrill at knowing he was back on the peninsula and was disappointed she wasn’t home to greet him properly. The last time he’d shown up at her door unannounced had been rather spectacular.
Audrey: The gate is closed but unlocked. There are contractors coming and going in the lodge.
Xavier: Great. Meet you at the site, then. Should be there in ninety minutes or so.
That would be fast, but Lake Olympus Road was free of ice, so not unreasonable.
Audrey: Don’t speed. And I really hope you aren’t texting and driving.
Xavier: Pulled over to look at the photo. Now using voice text. And I won’t speed…much.
She rolled her eyes.
Xavier: I promise I’ll be careful. How is Apple today?
Audrey: Snug as a bug. I’ll let you focus on the road. Can’t wait to see you.
Xavier: Soon. Love you.
Audrey: Love you.
She tucked her phone away and circled back to her SUV, a happy buzz filling her.
Ninety minutes. She was giddy with excitement.
And so very glad she’d come here today to document the damage to the site. The moment that was done, she wouldn’t think about her job again for two weeks.
She hadn’t worked the last three weeks, but it hadn’t been a vacation. She’d been recovering emotionally and providing long-distance support for Xavier. She’d been terrified of being alone at night knowing the unaccounted-for mercenary could find her name in the heavily redacted news accounts of what had happened in the lodge.
It had been a huge relief when Mikhail’s body had been found, but she still hadn’t been ready to be alone. Jae and Undine were the best friends in the world to agree to continue splitting babysitting duty until Xavier’s return.
They would appreciate her vacation with Xavier as much as she would, and by the time Xavier had to return to Coronado, she’d be ready to be alone again.
She drove to the Baldwin cabin and took her time placing each item where the original had been located. She’d had to guess on a few items and wondered if she’d forgotten anything, but the REI gift card should cover anything she’d missed.
She wrote a note to Danielle, again thanking her for her forced generosity, then added a note about wanting to book the rental for a few days if possible. If the rental request didn’t set Danielle’s fears to rest, nothing would.
From there, she drove north to the lodge, passing the main structure and continuing on the gravel track that ran behind the complex, finally parking not far from where this same vehicle had sat for several days during the siege.
The lights were on in George’s shop, and she popped in to say hello.
Stretched out between supports was a large log. It appeared George was embarking on making a new totem pole. He hadn’t made one of those in a long time, and she couldn’t wait to see what animals he would carve into the massive work of art.
He beamed at her as he took in her reaction to seeing the log being prepped for carving. “I’ve been saving this wood for a long time. Waiting for the right inspiration.”
“I can’t wait to see what you have planned.”
“It’s going to be my greatest work.” Then he winked at her. “Well, until the one I make after it.”
She laughed. “Of that there is no doubt.” She nodded toward the rear door of the shop. “I’m heading up to record the damage to the site. Xavier should be arriving in”—she glanced at her watch—“about forty minutes.” She’d spent more time at the Baldwins’ than she’d realized and was pleased he’d be here soon.
“Maybe I’ll take a break later and join you.”
She nodded. “I have a thermos of tea.”
“If I don’t make it up, stop by on your way back.”
“Will do.”
She set out, stopping at her SUV to grab her backpack, reminded of the argument she’d had with Xavier about stopping for it on that fateful afternoon.
She climbed the hillside slowly, as befitting a fifteen-week-pregnant woman who’d gotten very little exercise in the last three weeks.
Even still, she slipped in a few places, as the ground remained saturated and slick. Life in a temperate rainforest.
She reached the site and set to work. The walls had slumped under the pressure of the rain, and investigators had been all through here, doing their own damage to the open pit.
She pulled out her notebook and wrote a description of the disturbance. Thankfully, it was confined to a small area.
Notes complete, she walked transects across the entire site—forest and meadow—noting the condition of the ground everywhere and taking pictures with her phone.
Her back was to the forested portion of the site when she heard the crack of a stick, as if it had been stepped on. She paused, her heart surging. Xavier was here.
She turned, but no one was behind her.
She scanned the woods, but Xavier or George would call out to her, knowing how much it would freak her out to be sneaked up upon here of all places.
Her gaze dipped to her pack, on the ground in the forest near the pit.
Too far for her to reach quickly.
