Redemption (The Alliance Series Book 1) (8 page)

              I liked the bear; he was one of those people that always made you want to smile.

              Jovial and full of life, he was a bear of a man, literally.

              He was a werebear, no, not a werewolf, a werebear.

              Somewhere along the line, he was cursed with having the ability to turn into a half ton, 12ft. tall bear.

              He never has told me how he came to be afflicted with being a werebear. I never asked. Werebears or were creatures of any kind are usually conflicted. Having the curse of changing into a hunting machine usually changes a person. Somehow, during his long life, the bear has figured out a way to be content with his more animalistic nature.

              His name is Peotr Stragnoff. He is Russian, or he was Russian. He defected after the fall of the U.S.S.R., right before a former K.G.B. agent became president.

              I guess he could see the writing on the wall.

              He fell in love with blue jeans and cheeseburgers. I don’t blame him, cheeseburgers are awesome.

              I was assigned to assist in his defection from Russia to the U.S. He had a whole bunch of Russian bad guys on his trail when I met up with him.

              I guess they didn't like the idea of someone so high up in the government defecting to the evil Capitalists.

              Maybe they thought it said something about Communism. Personally, I think it said more about Russian food, but that’s me.

              I did, however, get the chance to see Peotr in action. I watched him change into a raging hulk of fur, claws and teeth to go rampaging off into a squad of Russian Spetsnaz. 

              The Russian version of a kill or capture team.

              One of the spetsnaz made the mistake of shooting a little girl who happened to get in the line of fire.

              They never stood a chance.

              Watching Peotr eviscerate the Russian soldiers as easy as tearing paper gave me a newfound level of respect for the big guy. In human form, Peotr is vulnerable. He is still tougher than any man I know, but he can be seriously hurt when he is not in bear form. All of that changes when he turns. When Peotr takes on his bear form, it imbues him with enormous strength and speed. It also grants him the abilities we all know about were animals. They are almost indestructible. There are some things that work well with certain species, like silver bullets for werewolves. That doesn't affect Peotr. His particular kryptonite is a secret. He guards it well. He has accepted his situation and loves his life. He does not want many people to know how to end that life.

              I can't say I blame him.

              Reaching the U.S., he was granted asylum in exchange for knowledge of Russian operations.

              It was a good fit for him.

              He built a cabin in the woods, tried to stay to himself. He used a dummy organization and figureheads to help set up a couple of the largest non-profit groups in the country. The two largest charities concentrated on championing environmental causes and helping children with special needs.

              I think he felt he needed to try to make up for a couple centuries of nastiness. You don’t get to be a top official in the Russian government by being a swell fellow.

              We drove for about four hours. It takes a while longer when driving up and down mountains with questionable roads.

              Nathan and I settled into an easy rhythm.

              I drove and he slept. It worked out well for us.

              He had already eaten the meager food we had brought with us. Two M.R.E.'s, five energy bars and three bottles of water. Nathan was great at saving me from imminent death but he was hell on a food budget.

              When I finally arrived at the cabin, I was starving. I stopped in front of the cabin’s gates.

              Did I mention his cabin was huge?

              I got out of the Humvee and stood in front of the gates just taking in the scenery, stretching and shaking off a little road weariness.

              The view was amazing. For starters, the wilderness was vast, there were huge pines everywhere, subalpine firs shared the forest with white firs and large aspens helped thicken the forest with deep green needles and thick bark.

              You could see where the sap was dripping from some of the trees. The smell of pinecones, wilderness and fresh air was amazing.

              There were various flying insects rushing among the flowering trees, scrambling to get the sustenance to ensure their survival throughout the harsh, deep winter. Inadvertently pollenating the flowers and trees, helping the forests continued expansion of the rough terrain.

              I could hear animals in the underbrush, mice scampering away from open areas, trying to keep out of the view of the big hawks circling lazily overhead.

              I looked up at the gate. It was wide enough to let three Humvees pass side by side.

              Made of wrought iron, it was black and had hand carved symbols engraved on the bars.

              I could recognize most of them, depictions of animals in many different scenarios.              

              One showed a mountain lion, as he was getting ready to pounce on an unsuspecting rabbit. Another showed a trout jumping from a river. Using its speed and strength to defy the currents pull and make its way upriver, intent on finding a good place to mate and die, after using up all its energy fighting other rivals, or laying eggs. The fish’s struggles ensured that they put in place the next year’s population of fish that will inevitably follow their parents upstream.

              There were other things too, runes I couldn’t make out and symbols. There were many that I could feel as having power. Someone with magical talent had created these.

              On either side of the gate stood massive stone pillars. They were about eight feet tall and had sides that were equal in width. Looking at the pillars it was easy to find the different types of stone naturally found in the Rockies in their makeup.

              Two towering bears stood on top of the pillars.

              The bears were sculpted from black marble. They stood on their hind legs. Arms raised and mouths stretched open, revealing nasty looking teeth and razor sharp claws.

              They appeared to be in a perpetual roar. Ready to attack or frighten off would be threats.

              I started to feel the energy from the runes, beginning as a gentle push away from the gates, slowly growing into a need, a desire to leave.

              The gates emitted a subtle and slow suggestion to get back in my vehicle and go on down a ways.

              I found myself turning back to the Humvee, pushed into thinking about what was down the road, away from the cabin, somewhere we could stay.

              Nathan got out of the Humvee and looked at me saying. "Is there a doorbell or something?"

              I shook my head and smiled. His voice helped break the spell and allowed me to refocus. Softly, I could feel the magic interwoven in the runes; once again, begin their small but insistent push to drive me away.

              "No, I don’t think that’s necessary, somehow I think he already knows were here." I answered.

              A few seconds later, there was a buzzing noise from the small control box on the side of the road. The gates opened up in the middle and began to swing inward towards the cabin. Immediately upon opening the spell vanished, the push to guide us away left. Leaving my head clear, allowing me to stop expending effort in fighting off the gates subtle defenses.

              Nathan and I got back in the Humvee and started up the drive.

              I could see the cabin at the top of the rise.

              Well, you could see the top part of it. Standing at the top of the roof a person could see all the way down to the gates.

              Technically speaking it was a cabin. It was made like a log cabin, with huge trees for walls and stairways. It had a grand main entrance, a massive window that showed off a chandelier made from about two hundred antler racks.

              There was a large square main building that was two stories tall. Two smaller wings extended from either side of the main structure.

              Everywhere you looked, you saw deep stained wood and intricate carvings of animals. Many of the largest pieces of wood had ingrained reliefs of different woodland animals.

              I let out a low whistle, admiring the place.

              We came to a stop in front of the main doors, which were also massive. The doors showed a large stag with a ten-point rack standing in silhouette, regal in his bearing as he looked out over a vast forested area far below him.

              One started to open and Peotr came out with a huge smile and his arms held wide in the universal sign for, you're gonna get a bear hug.

              He was an imposing figure. Coming in at just under three hundred pounds, no one could claim he missed many meals.

              He was not necessarily fat though. He had one of those frames that made you think of dense bones and strength. He reminded me of the way athletes moved, large but aware of their bulk. He would have made an excellent N.F.L. lineman.

              He had shaggy hair and a dark full beard that was in a need of a trim, with deep-set brown eyes and a generous mouth that always seemed ready for a smile, Peotr was the epitome of a mountain man.

              His movements and the way he held himself exuded power and speed. I would not want to get on his bad side.

              "John! How good to see you, and Nathan! What a wonderful surprise! Da! It is a great day! Come over here and give me a hug! I haven't seen you guys in what? Three years?" Peotr said with a strong Russian accent.

              "Last time I was here you were still finishing off the east wing." I tried to say while having my ribs crushed by one of Peotr's hugs.

              Nathan got the same treatment. We were both grinning like fools. It was good to see Peotr. He was a good man.

              Peotr, smiling from ear to ear, looked at us then at the Humvee, winked at me and bellowed, "What have you gotten yourself into now John?"

              "Oh you know Peotr; the women just won't leave me alone." I said turning my palms up in a defeated motion.

              Releasing a large belly laugh Peotr said. "Come, Come. I am sure Nathan is starving and knowing you John you could do with some food to, I was just getting ready to grill some burgers, come we will eat and talk."

              "I’d love to Peotr, but first I need a favor, can you hide this Humvee for me? There might be some people interested in its whereabouts." I said.

              Peotr looked at me sideways and smiled a conspiratorial smile. "Getting into trouble again are we John?" Peotr teased.

              I shrugged my shoulders admitting nothing.

              "Of course I will see to it, now come in and eat before I begin to think I am not being a good host." Peotr said.

              "Lead the way." Nathan said.

              I thought I heard his stomach growling.

              We entered the cabin and began walking through a massive foyer. A grand entrance with curving staircases on each side of the room that wound up to the second floor. We passed a fountain in the middle of the space of a wood sprite standing on tiptoe with one leg back and water streaming out of his puckered lips.

              We made our way towards another room that had lavish but comfortable furniture. Paintings hung on the walls, pictures of wildlife and beautiful vistas displayed in deep vibrant colors. The rugs were all lush. Walking on them gave you the impression that you were sinking with every step. On the outside wall was a sliding glass door that was open and led to an outdoor kitchen that would rival the dreams of Martha Stewart.

              The grill in the outdoor patio looked like it was big enough to feed an army.              

Peotr went outside, opened it up and began laying out big thick juicy burgers on it.

              The smell hit my nose and my mouth began watering, my stomach came in a close second as it started growling like crazy.

              Nathan had already begun eating some of the pickles and tomatoes that were cut up, along with other hamburger accessories. In a few minutes, we were all in grilled burger heaven. I ate two, Peotr ate three and was eyeing a fourth, Nathan had eaten three and was still going strong when Peotr pushed his plate away looked at me and said.

              "So what brings you to this neck of my woods?"

Chapter 8

I gathered my napkin from my lap bundled it into a ball and set in on the plate that was in front of me. I leaned back in my chair and said

              "Have you ever heard of something called Frankenstein?"

              "The Mary Shelley book, of course, who hasn't?" Peotr asked.

              "Not the book, I found some evidence of a joint operation called Frankenstein. From the video footage it seemed to be a top-secret venture involving the U.S. scientific research division and some other country from the eastern bloc."

              "My deciphering of accents is a little weak, but it could possibly have been from your former comrades." I said. "I really don’t have much to go on. I’ve got a patchy video showing some of the experiments. I know of some people that were involved that are now jumping ship and I know that it's bad business.”

              “There are a couple interested parties that are bound and determined to either take me out or take me in. I don’t have time to go through my usual channels and I’m not sure that if I did it wouldn't just lead them right to me." I said.

              "So, you want me to look into this for you, John?" Peotr asked with both wariness and concern on his features.

              "I figured someone like you might have the specific skill set to check it out in a quick and low key manner." I answered.

              "John, you know I love you like a brother. You helped me get to my new glorious home, taught me how to fly fish and helped me during a very precarious time in my life. Of course, I will do what I can to help you. You have to understand though, that it will still take some time, I may not get anything useful for you until tomorrow morning or afternoon at the latest.” Peotr said.

              "Thanks Pete, I really owe you one." I said.

              "You owe me nothing John, it's the least I can do, besides I haven’t gotten anything yet. Let us save the thanks and hugs until I can produce something. What is the old saying? Ah yes, let us not start dividing the pelt of the bear that is not yet killed." Peotr said.

              "Now, comrades, I hate to be a bad host, but if I’m going to get you anything useful I had better go and get started. You both know where the guest rooms are. Take your pick. If you need anything, just use the phone and dial one. Someone will answer and help you with whatever you need. If you will excuse me, I will see you both later." Peotr stood up bowed slightly at both Nathan and me rolling his hand in a slight motion.

              He left the room, leaving us alone. Nathan finished his food and leaned back putting both hands behind his head, looking very content.

              "Well, what now? It’s going to take a while for him to get anything.” Nathan asked.

              "We sit tight; maybe get some rest so we'll be ready for what's to come. I have a feeling things will get worse before they get better." I responded.

              "Don’t they always?" Nathan said, not expecting an answer.

              Nathan and I went to the west wing where we had stayed the last time we were here.

              The same log cabin theme was everywhere. I found my room and Nathan went into his across the hall.

              The room could have been a front-page picture on a magazine for log cabin resorts.

              The animal and nature them permeated everything from the moose antler wall sconces to the bear paw footed bed.

              I picked up the phone on the nightstand by the bed and dialed one. The phone on the other end didn't get past the first ring when a woman with a velvety smooth voice picked up and said in a British accent. "Yes, Mr. Adams how may we be of service?"

              "Good evening, miss?" I asked.

              "Jones, sir" She answered.

              "Miss Jones, my partner and I came in this evening in a Humvee, inside that vehicle was a bag, I was wondering if you could tell me where the truck was located so that I can get it?" I asked.

              "Not to worry sir, I’ll have your effects brought to you immediately; they should arrive in approx. six minutes. Is there anything else I can do for you?" She asked.

              "No, no that’s great. Thanks, I feel a little silly just calling you Miss Jones, can you tell me your first name?" I tried.

              "No, if that will be all?" She supplied without a hint of annoyance.

              "I don’t think so." I said dejectedly.

              "Very well sir, goodbye." I couldn’t see, but I had the distinct impression she hung up the phone in the most professional and efficient manner possible.

              Just as she said, in approximately six minutes there was a knock on my door. I went over and opened it up, finding no one outside. I looked down and saw our bag.

              I took it inside and did a quick inventory. Everything was still there. Except for the bandolier, I was wearing that.

              I always wear it except when I take showers or other intimate moments. I set about cleaning the weapons, checking for damage and making sure everything was functional.