Cloud Invasion: R-D 2 (R-D #2)(41)

"Colonel Hunter, do you need time away?" the President turned to me.

"I'd like a few days," I nodded. "I'll make sure all the records are stored safely after that, Madam President."

"Thank you."

Matt and I walked out behind the Joint Chiefs, none of whom said anything to either of us. I preferred it that way. I just hoped the President wouldn't hate me when I informed her that what we'd told her had been an elaborate lie.

*

Corinne

"I can stay a while-Colonel Hunter has approved leave for me after I officially close this facility," James informed me at breakfast two days after Auggie and Matt Michaels left. "I got the information on Mary's cruise ticket," he added.

"What did you find?" Rafe asked immediately.

"The ticket was bought the day before Cori saw her in Seattle, down by the wharf."

"So they did plan this." I didn't feel good about falling for their ruse. They'd left just enough unclouded information in Mary's mind to lure me in.

"When will all the remaining personnel be gone?" Rafe directed his question at James while gripping my fingers in his. Not your fault, he assured me. I wished I could believe that.

"Four days," James shrugged. "Colonel Hunter is sending them to Alaska to help Dr. Farrell when they leave here."

"Has Dr. Farrell contacted anyone?" I asked.

"Colonel Hunter gets regular e-mail updates. So far, no sightings of DB. It'll help when the personnel from here arrive to help. He only has two assistants right now."

"Sightings of Mary or Baikov?" Rafe asked.

"None to report."

"Do you suppose the enemy is breathing a sigh of relief before plotting his next move?" I asked Rafe.

"Possibly. They may be waiting to make sure we don't make further appearances."

"That's comforting."

"They may make a foray up the mountain, to check this facility after James locks it behind him," Rafe said.

"You know, maybe we should visit Dublin again."

"I suggest Alaska," James shrugged. "I've never been," he added. "We're supposed to fly into Anchorage to meet Dr. Farrell. Colonel Hunter said I could stay as long as I wanted before going back to D.C."

"Anchorage?" I chewed my lower lip and blinked at Rafe.

"I can keep you warm," he shrugged. "I've been. The city isn't large, but the wilderness outside it is beautiful."

"I see more sunlamps in my immediate future," I grumbled. "Who's going to tell the others?"

"Wait, I'm getting something," James tapped his tablet. He'd gotten a message from Opal.

Got this just now from Matt. Take a look and pass on to Corinne and Rafe, Opal had written.

Below, in a short, clipped message from Matt, were two photographs taken by locals near Juneau. Bigfoot walking his monkey, the caption read.

"Oh no," I sighed. Two of our escaped fifteen had been photographed.





Chapter 9

Corinne

"They're baiting us, to see whether we're still alive," Opal said. "Matt thinks the same thing."

"So we ignore this?" Nick sounded flabbergasted.

"For now. There's no indication that they're dangerous, and Bigfoot sightings are reported several times a year," Opal said. "If they ate somebody, then we could look into it. Carefully."

"At least they sent out those closely resembling something already here," Rafe observed. "If some of the others were photographed, we could have trouble."

"Do you think they still plan to discredit the President over the Program? She wasn't the one who started it."

"She's the one who allowed the sixteen to be kept alive," Rafe said. "There are still fifteen left."

"Who have to be killed or captured by normal means, or they'll suspect we're still in business," James said.

"I think Matt may have some friends who can help," Opal mused, staring at the images again.

"Fascinating idea," I said. Opal turned a bright smile in my direction.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Nick lifted an eyebrow at Opal.

"Maybe."

"I may have friends who might help, too."

"Shall we plot and plan?" Opal asked.

"Sure. I'll make calls if you will."

"What the hell are they talking about?" Maye asked as the two of them walked out of the room together.

"It's better if you don't know-at least for now," I said.

"I think we should find a place to stay in Alaska," Rafe said, attempting to divert Maye's attention. "We need something large enough, but hidden as well as we can manage."

"How about one of those fish camps?" I asked. "Some of those things are really nice and look more like fancy hunting lodges."

"Are you prepared for wilderness living?" Rafe asked.

"No. I'm just making suggestions."

"I'll contact Dr. Farrell. He may have ideas," James offered.

*

"Anchorage, since you can get us in and out if necessary," James informed me at dinner. "Colonel Hunter worries that Dr. Farrell may be watched, so we shouldn't be together. That means he won't be meeting us there-he'll stay where he is. Besides, we'll be close enough if Bigfoot shows up again and causes problems."