Cloud Invasion: R-D 2 (R-D #2)(56)

Tour buses passed now and then, while curious tourists peered out at the people and buildings of Vancouver. I knew many visitors took tours of the city before boarding a boat or leaving Vancouver. We watched as our clone waited at a bus stop and stepped onto a tour bus when it stopped at a designated spot to let tourists on and off.

We need to be on that bus, Ilya kissed my temple.

You got it, honey, I replied and transported us onto an empty seat at the back with nobody the wiser.

We were now tourists, just like all the others on the bus, who were using their cell phones or cameras to snap photographs as we went along. When we arrived at Stanley Park, which had nature trails and gardens, Baikov stepped off the bus.

Ilya and I left the same way we'd gotten on-I moved us.

Looking both ways as the bus engine rumbled into gear and pulled away, Baikov walked toward a trail leading into a rose garden nearby.

Ilya and I, still invisible to anyone around us, followed from a safe distance.

The roses were beautiful when we arrived, and their scent filled the air on a beautiful Vancouver day. Baikov, with little regard for his surroundings, walked up to Hal Prentice-the one posing as the former President of the United States.





Chapter 12

Corinne

Secret Service agents were posted discreetly throughout the rose garden while Hal had his conversation with a Baikov clone. Ilya and I watched and listened nearby; neither suspected how close we were-or were aware that we were there to begin with.

I was grateful.

"They are dead," Baikov's clone reported. "The ones in Colombia-also dead. Not the same ones of course-forensics bears this out."

"Then our few losses were worth it-to destroy the Program in the U.S.," Hal said.

"Our experiments were much more successful," Baikov agreed. "While there was moderate success with those created in the U.S., they were not equal to what we created."

"We've seen that evidence for ourselves," Hal agreed. "We remain committed to the plan, one-hundred percent."

"As do we."

"Do you have more information on the break-in?" Hal switched topics quickly, leaving me puzzled as to what the plan actually was.

"Nothing yet. We inventoried everything carefully-nothing was taken."

"Whoever it was likely didn't know what they'd found and left, looking for more lucrative contraband."

"We concur, and steps have been taken to protect the new facility. Everything was moved afterward, you understand."

"Of course. My condolences on the loss of your lover. She was instrumental in bringing the U.S. Program down, and we will honor her memory."

"I thank you. Perhaps you will see fit to provide a replacement?"

"We will consider it-if you remain faithful."

"You have my promise."

"Good. Return to Seattle tomorrow. Take the rest of the day for yourself," Hal instructed.

"Thank you."

Baikov turned to walk away while Hal went in the opposite direction. His agents gathered about him then, and herded him toward a waiting car.

What should we do? I asked Ilya.

You follow Prentice, he said quickly. I will track Baikov.

*

Notes-Colonel Hunter

Auggie, I'm following Hal Prentice, Corinne's voice settled into my head. Rafe is following another Baikov clone. They met in a park in Vancouver, had a few words and then went their separate ways.

Never in my life did I wish for Corinne's gift so badly.

She was tailing one enemy while Ilya tailed another.

I wanted to shout. Or swear. Probably both. I settled for swearing, which brought James at a run.

"They're in Vancouver," I said. "Corinne and Rafe had to split up to track two different people." I shook my head, as if that would effectively relieve my worry or solve the problem.

"Colonel Hunter, just relax. We have to wait this out," James advised.

"I know that, dammit. And I don't want to relax."

*

Corinne

Ilya, he's boarding a helicopter, I sent.

Corinne, do not follow that bastard-we can find him easily enough later. Do you hear me? Do not follow him!

Honey, calm down, I returned. He's on his way to Toronto-I saw that much.

Good. I am tracking this Baikov duplicate. Meet me at the coffee shop-I believe he is heading back that way.

Okay. I'll wait there for you.

He is boarding another bus-I will follow.

*

Forty minutes later, I watched as Baikov's clone walked past the coffee shop as if he had nothing to do with murder and mayhem. Not far behind Ilya strolled, feigning interest in his surroundings like any tourist. I could see past his disguise, since I'd created it. Anyone else saw a shorter, brown-haired man who wouldn't stand out in a crowd.

I only intend to see where he goes, Ilya answered my questioned as he passed the coffee shop without a second glance.

Let me know if you want me to come get you, I said.

I will.

Twenty minutes later, he did just that. We now had the address of a condo, where the Mary clone and the Baikov clone had likely spent their short time together, before she was ordered to commit suicide, taking four cruise ships filled with passengers with her.

I figured Auggie was having a panic attack by the time I got back to him with the address and the news that I hadn't followed Hal Prentice to Toronto.