Chapter 8 The Arrival I will make the lame a remnant, those driven away a strong nation…

Monday August 23, 4:42 a.m. MST

The convenience store was deserted, as far as they could tell. Daniel's nerves were on edge as he studied the clerk sitting behind the cash register. The teen looked to be about 16 and seemed to be reading something with complete absorption, as if oblivious to his surroundings. Ever since they'd crept up close enough to watch, he hadn't looked up once. Still, they remained hidden in the trees that lined the eastbound side of the road as they waited. On their way down the mountain he and Mara had discussed the plan, but once again he went over it in his mind. Desperate to attract as little attention as possible, he weighed their options. They were exhausted and needed supplies to go on, not to mention a chance and a place to rest. If they exposed themselves they risked everything—their identity and their freedom. He didn't want to jeopardize either by making even one mistake, however slight.

When her hand touched his shoulder he looked over at her, frustrated by the darkness that hid her face. But she nodded toward the store, hoisting her bag onto her shoulders.

"Nothing's changed in the last 20 minutes," she whispered. "Can we just get this over with?"

He glanced back, squinting against the bright fluorescent light streaming from the windows of the store, then up at the dark streetlights lining the road. The town must have decided to save energy by keeping them turned off, which would work to their advantage. Inside the store the wall clock hanging over the "restrooms" sign read 4:45. They had a little over an hour before dawn, when business could pick up considerably. Expelling a tense breath, he nodded and straightened.

"Remember the plan," he whispered, "and try to act as naturally as possible, ok?"

She smiled, hooking an arm through his. "Got it, Boss."

He grimaced at her calling him that but stepped toward the edge of the parking lot, freezing at a distant sound. Eyes on the direction from which it came, they stared at the blind curve off in the distance as something shifted gears. Another 18 wheeler, he judged, confirming his theory that this was a major route between the mountains. Hopefully it connected the town to the larger cities lying east. Taking a deep breath he started toward the store.

"Alright, we're going in," he murmured, feeling her hand tighten on his arm.

"But someone's coming," she hissed, lowering her head as they walked.

"Just trust me?" he urged, curling his arm around the back of her waist. As they drew nearer the volume of the rock music grew louder, making his head hurt even more.

When they entered the clerk looked up, flinching in surprise. Mara disengaged herself and headed toward the restrooms, lifting a hand in an unenthusiastic wave.

"Just need to use the bathroom," she announced, glancing at Daniel from beneath the hood of her sweatshirt. "See if they have any tampons, will ya honey?"

Daniel met the clerk's frown of disgust, shaking his head as she headed toward the ladies' room. When they heard the door lock he grimaced. "No way am I buying that for her," he snorted

The clerk grunted, returning his attention to his comic book. "Lucky for you there's a dispenser in there," he called out a Daniel headed toward the ATM.

"What a relief," he drawled, glancing up at the security camera. Thankfully it was cold outside, and keeping their hoods up didn't look so suspicious. Standing before the machine he touched the screen to activate it, praying the field account was still open.

The volume of music dropped with the ending of the song just as the truck roared by without stopping. With a sigh of relief he logged into the account and waited, tapping the sides of the machine with his fingertips. While the indicator line and "processing" sign appeared he glanced at the clerk to be sure he was still reading, then switched his attention to the restroom area.

As if on cue, the door opened and Mara shuffled out. She paused at the end of the counter to look over the flavors of gum displayed there. "Workin' the night shift, huh?" she asked the clerk, who flashed her an irritated smirk.

"Yeah looks that way," he stated cynically, eyeing her figure as she turned and moved into the aisle.

Daniel pursed his lips at the interaction, returning his attention to the screen as the menu opened. He chose the largest amount of cash available for withdrawal, marveling at how easy it was. The funds would cover them for a while, but he hit the balance request button to find out what would be left over.

Mara finally came to his side with a bored sigh. When she glanced at the screen where the balance was displayed her eyes widened at the amount but she leaned into his side as if unimpressed. He felt her fingers curl around the back of his waistband and raised his arm over her shoulders, bending to kiss her forehead.

"You didn't have to get me anything," she stated for the clerk's benefit, "they had some in the machine."

"Great," he said thickly, reaching for the stack of Euros that poked through the slot. Folding them in half, he pocketed them and waited for the transaction to finish.

When the welcome screen reappeared they turned and headed toward the coolers to pick out drinks, then grabbed some crackers. Approaching the counter, they placed their merchandise before the clerk and waited as he set aside his comic book to ring them up.

"Just passing through?" he asked as if to make conversation, running his eyes down Mara's diminutive figure.

"More or less," Daniel breathed, hiding his irritation at the look in the kid's eyes. He stuffed the change and receipt into his pocket and glanced outside. "Gettin' an early start."

"Cool," he sighed, eyeing Mara as they turned to leave. "Have a nice day."

Once they were outside she wound her arm through his again as they walked the length of the parking lot and stepped onto the road. It was deserted for now, and after they'd gone a few minutes beyond the store he shot out a frustrated sigh, glancing down at her. She met his gaze with a faint smile as they quickened their pace just to keep warm. Overhead pale light brightened the dark clouds, announcing the coming dawn.

"So you didn't have any trouble?" she asked quietly, sliding her arm behind his back as they walked.

"None whatsoever," he answered, a smile lifting the corner of his lips. "You were great, by the way," he added, putting his arm around her again. It felt good, though he knew it was something he shouldn't get used to.

"So were you," she breathed, laughing softly. "You should have seen the look on your face when I mentioned tampons…I have to admit I was really nervous, though."

"Yeah, me too," he sighed, "but once that truck passed by it didn't seem as risky."

She shook her head. "That kid was perfect, in his own world and totally disinterested."

"Ah not totally," he murmured, studying the dark houses in the distance.

"But he was," she insisted, "which is why I don't understand the way you glared at him."

"I didn't glare," he snorted in half-hearted denial, puling his arm back.

"Oh yes you did—but why? I thought we were supposed to act cool."

"I didn't like the way he was checking you out."

She turned to gape at him. "What? He was not!"

"Oh yes he was."

She choked back a laugh. "But he's just a kid—and why would that bother you if he was?"

"Oh he was, and the question is why didn't it bother you," he shot back.

She hugged herself against the cold. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He looked up at the bright stars, which were beginning to fade with the light. "Never mind."

"Well if he was there wasn't anything I could have done about it—wait, are you jealous?"

"Me—jealous?" he choked on a laugh. "And you didn't notice so no, it just made things more awkward."

He felt her eyes on him, but kept his gaze ahead, eager to get into town.

"You are jealous—admit it."

He glanced over at her deadpan expression. "Don't make this into an issue, ok?"

"Ok, Boss—whatever you say!" she said in an exasperated croak.

"Fine—and stop calling me boss."

"Of course, Sir—and good!"

They passed the first few houses along the street, keeping their voices low. After a few minutes of silence she hooked her arm through his again. "I'm sorry."

He glanced down at her, feeling his irritation flee. "Yeah, me too."

"So…we're rich?"

He pursed his lips. "Let's just say we're covered for now."

"Then what do we do first?"

They passed the town welcome sign and noted the founding year—1927. "Find somewhere we can get breakfast—a real breakfast."

"Amen to that, and thanks in advance for footing the bills, Professor."

He noted the tiny smile on her lips. "Don't mention it—and I'm not a professor."

"But you were."

"Not really," sighed, pointing toward distant lights. "Look, there's a diner that's open."

"Finally," she sighed, licking her lips. "Pancakes and eggs, here we come."

Mara glanced at his profile as he gestured for their check, his eyes hooded from exhaustion. A wave of longing swept over her, surprising her with its strength. Lowering her gaze, she wrapped her hands around the mug of hot chocolate she'd ordered and tried to analyze her ever-changing feelings for him. They were still cold and looked like two homeless people compared to the rest of the customers, despite having cleaned up in the pool only hours before. It seemed like days ago, not hours, and she decided that anything she was feeling right about now was due to her exhaustion, nothing more. Still, whenever he looked at her with any amount of seriousness she felt an urge to reach out, grab hold of him and never let go. It was a desperation born of what they'd been through together, combined with a generous dose of fear for the future.

"There you go," the waitress stated breathlessly as she laid the check on the table and breezed off. "Have a nice day!"

Daniel slid it toward him, bending slightly to one side to pull out a few bills from his pants pocket. She studied his face as his attention was diverted, wondering if his beard was as soft as it looked. It was not too thick, outlining his perfectly shaped mouth and drawing attention to his lips. He had high cheekbones, upon which rested his dark and surprisingly long lashes. Even his voice affected her, singing pleasantly along her nerves in a way that seemed to draw her in. Not to mention his eyes…

Suddenly he looked up, catching her in the act. His brows raised as his eyes blazed dark blue. He studied her for a moment, a look of concern in his expression. "You ok?" he asked quietly, leaning toward her.

She nodded, praying the blush she felt traveling up her neck might escape his notice. "Yeah, just tired…thanks—the food was great."

He frowned, lifting his cup. "Don't keep thanking me, ok?" he asked, eyes surveying their surroundings. "It's not necessary."

"Sorry," she breathed, glancing toward the counter where most of the truckers sat. Heads were turned toward them, and she realized that they were attracting attention. Suddenly eager to leave, she slid toward the edge of the booth and started to get up

He got up at her cue, placing a tip beneath the syrup container. She started toward the cashier while keeping her head down, sensing that Daniel was following her. The cashier rushed toward the register as she stepped aside. Daniel handed over the check and the bills, waiting until he was given the change.

"Everything alright?" the older woman asked in a business like tone.

"Yes, fine," he breathed, taking the change. "Thanks."

"You have a nice day," she ordered, quickly turning away to deal with the orders hitting the ledge separating the dining room from the kitchen.

On their way out he opened the door and stood aside, holding it open for her. Unaccustomed to such manners, she walked out and shoved her hands in the pockets of the sweatshirt. Glancing up at him she almost forgot not to thank him and smiled nervously. His manners were perfect, compared to other men she had dated.

As if this was a date…

They walked up the sunny tree-lined street, eyeing the surrounding storefronts and public buildings. The day had become warmer with a beautiful cloudless sky. Unlike the diner, the town seemed to be just waking up, ready to face a busy weekday.

"Well it's too early to check in anywhere," he stated in a frustrated tone, nodding toward the large hotel that stood off in the distance. "We'll have to hang around for a while."

"But I'm so tired," she sighed, glancing at the shops they were passing. "Where can we go?"

"We'll need clothes and some gear," he stated, glancing around. "Look for a department store or dry goods shop."

They strolled up the main street, feet aching from all the hiking they'd done. "How long do you think we should stay?" she asked him, linking her arm through his to help steady herself. She was feeling dizzy from tiredness.

"Hard to say," he breathed, slowing his pace. "We need to get a feel for what's been going on while we've been out of commission."

"It was too loud in the diner to hear the TV," she stated, pointing to a pharmacy across the street. "There—that looks open. Maybe we should get a newspaper."

"Good idea," he nodded, crossing with her to the other side. On their way they spotted a department store with a sign reading "We're Open At" and a clock pointing to 9 a.m. "We can head there after."

Once inside, they browsed the aisles and bought travel-sized toiletries, a map and a newspaper, then went outside to wait for the department store to open. Sitting on one of the benches lining the street, they read the paper and waited, feeling more tired by the moment.

Daniel pulled out the disposable phone he'd bought and started to open the package. "We need to call our families once we check in," he murmured. "They'll be more privacy at the hotel."

She stiffened, watching him turn on the flip phone. "Ah, that won't be necessary." When he looked up she stared into his tired gaze. "I don't have anyone to call except an old friend, and I'm not sure I can still trust her."

His gaze narrowed on her face. "No family?"

She shook her head. "They'll report me."

He lifted one brow but said nothing, waiting for her to elaborate. But she didn't.

"Well, I need to call my sister to make sure she's ok," he sighed, leaning back against the bench. "You sure there's no one else?"

"I'm sure—you have a sister?" she croaked, studying him from a different perspective. Now she was beginning to understand his manners.

His expression relaxed toward an amused smile. "You look surprised."

She shrugged. "I just didn't picture you with a sister."

He pocketed the phone and crossed his arms. "Well I have a dog too, and a nephew I've never met by the way."

She studied him a moment. "But—aren't you from Seattle?" she asked gently, hesitant to bring up the subject in light of having heard what had happened to the city.

"I was," he stated, glancing away. "I have a place about an hour from there in the mountains. Hopefully Amy and Samuel made it safely there, after I warned them."

"Warned them about what?"

He shifted, meeting her gaze. "The tsunami…I was up on Glacier Peak and saw the signs, so I called her and told her to meet me at my place. I just hope they found it without any trouble."

She nodded. "Then she should have been ok, if she left the city…"

He stared into her eyes, as if looking into her soul. "I hope so… what happened with your family?"

She glanced down at her hands. "It was just me and my mom—she never understood my beliefs. And of course there was Erik, but you already know about him."

"Sorry to hear that."

"But Arlene is my best friend," she told him, looking up into his pained expression. "At least she used to be."

He nodded soberly. "You could try small talk at first, just to find out what's happened back home."

"I suppose so," she sighed, gazing longingly toward the hotel. "I'll think about it."

Daniel eyed her considerably brighter expression as they finally left the store. She clutched all four shopping bags in both hands, refusing to let him carry them for her. He'd managed to fit a week's worth of new clothing into one bag, but then again she probably needed more than he did. He remembered shopping with his mother and sister, back in the old days, and the closets that overflowed with shoes, hats and clothes.

"What?" she demanded, eyes wide as she stared back. Her color was high, making her look considerably more attractive and vibrant. After days of looking exhausted, it was a refreshing change.

"Nothing," he breathed, crossing the street with her as the light changed.

"You think I bought too much, don't you?" she croaked, her voice taking on a tinge of guilt.

"No, not at all," he insisted. "I'm sure you found what you needed."

"Well I only spent half the money you gave me, since everything was on sale—"

"I'm not complaining," he insisted, lowering his voice as the doors of the hotel parted and they entered the expansive lobby. "I wanted you to use it all."

"Well it wasn't necessary, but thank you anyway," she said before realizing she'd thanked him. Again.

"Come on," he urged, heading toward the granite check-in desk. Overhead glass chandeliers shone in the morning light, reflecting off the highly polished countertop. The female desk clerk held up a finger, quickly finishing the call she had taken. Then she looked up with a professional smile.

"May I help you?" she said coolly, eyeing their disheveled appearance with a slightly disapproving look.

"We'd like a room with a view," he stated, resting his bag at his feet while she glanced disparagingly at Mara, then looked at her computer screen. "A suite, if possible."

"I don't think we have anything—wait a minute," she stated, glancing up with a half-guilty look. "We do have one on the first floor, a double, and also a king suite with a view on the top floor. Other than that…"

He looked at Mara, who shrugged tiredly as she tried not to look nervous.

"We'll take the view," he stated, pursing his lips. "How much a night?"

"100 Euros," she answered, glancing up at him. "Kings usually don't fill up that quickly, but it is the last one."

"That's fine," he stated, knowing they deserved something nice after all they'd been through. It sounded better than two beds on the bottom floor, although that would be more appropriate. And it would be more private.

By the time they were in the elevator heading up to the 10th floor he decided to break the uncomfortable silence between them. "Look I'll sleep on the sofa bed—you take the bed."

Her eyes widened a bit, then he thought he saw her blush. "You don't have to do that, Daniel."

"Why not?" he asked quietly, eyeing the lights of each floor as they ascended. "We don't have to make special accommodations in order to survive here."

"But the double beds would have been fine, and probably cheaper," she answered tiredly.

"Yeah well I wanted us to have something nicer," he told her. "Don't you trust me, after all we've been through?"

She held his gaze a moment, then breathed out a sigh as color crept up her cheeks. "It's me I don't trust..."

Speechless, he stared at her, trying to take in the magnitude of what she'd said, unless he misinterpreted it. "What do you mean?" he asked just above a whisper, feeling the car slowing to a stop.

She waved a hand as they stopped. "Never mind," she answered, stepping out as the doors parted.

He was left to follow her as she led the way down the hall. He studied her slumped shoulders and off-centered walk, wondering if it was just her exhaustion talking. They were completely drained, and at times such as this people often said what they didn't really mean. On the other hand, some people said exactly what they meant.

At their door she turned and waited while he slid the room key in. The latch clacked and he opened the door, holding it for her as she went in. Dropping her shopping bags onto the coffee table, she gazed around the finely decorated and comfortable looking room. He bolted the door and walked over to the windows to take in the view. Nearly the entire wall was windows, and outside he could see that they were surrounded by mountains and canyons. Off in the distance a river glinted in the light, winding through the landscape.

She came to his side, hugging herself as she drank in the view. "It's beautiful," she breathed, shaking her head. "Finally."

He nodded, feeling relieved yet also on edge. Under normal circumstances it was highly inappropriate for them to stay in the same room together, not to mention sleep in the same bed. But it was a king sized bed, and it looked more and more comfortable with every passing moment. His head ached and he needed a hot shower. Theirs were not normal circumstances at all, and he already felt like they belonged together. Then there was that comment she had made about not trusting herself. He'd decided not to press her for an explanation, but part of him wanted to demand what she really meant by that incredible statement.

Take it easy, slow down…

"You know, I really need a shower," she sighed, glancing over at him. "Mind if I go first?"

"'course not, be my guest," he said, his voice hoarse. He tried to read her expression but she turned to gather her things.

"Nice room, by the way, but I won't say thank you," she said in a formal tone, rummaging through her bags.

"I'm sorry," he said, shaking his head as he went toward her. "I shouldn't have said anything."

"No, it's fine," she sighed, searching through the pharmacy bag. "Where did that shampoo go?"

He pulled off his jacket with some effort, hanging it in the closet. Sitting stiffly on the couch, he leaned back to rest his aching head. Watching her dig through the smaller bags, he chuckled. "Now what are you looking for?"

She glanced up with a sheepish expression. "Unmentionables—not that it's any of your business."

"Really," he drawled, kicking off his boots. "Everything you do is my business, like it or not."

"Oh yeah?" she huffed, draping a few things over one arm. "We'll see about that."

He couldn't help laughing at her impish expression. "Well the same is true for you."

"I won't even touch that one," she sighed on her way into the bathroom. "I'll try not to take too long."

"Don't rush on my account," he yawned, shifting his head into the corner of the couch and opening the phone.

Amy looked up at Samuel from a daze, noting the joyful expression on his face. His cheeks were rosy, his eyes bright and clear as he held out her cell phone to her.

"Mommy wake up—Uncle Dan's on the phone!" he panted excitedly, climbing up onto the bed with an eager expression as she stared at it. "He told me how happy he is we made it out of the flood and that we're living here!"

"What?" she shot up, grasping the phone to her ear. "Daniel? Is that really you?" she cried, gazing into Samuel's huge eyes. "Are you ok? We've been so worried! You sound exhausted—where are you?"

Listening intently, she wondered why his voice sounded low and guarded, as if he were still in trouble. But what he was saying thrilled her even though tears filled her eyes. "Really? I can't believe I'm finally hearing your voice after so long, it's like a dream!"

Hugging Samuel with one arm, she listened to her brother's summary of what had happened to him and that she still needed to keep the call a secret. "Alright but what about your friends here? And why won't you tell me where you are?"

Samuel shot off the bed, waving toward the back room as he disappeared around the corner. "Yes, we've been managing fine with the help of your neighbors, who are awesome by the way."

She heard Duke's bark and the door banging shut behind Samuel, then both rounded the corner. Duke barked excitedly just as Daniel said something she couldn't hear.

"Duke, quiet boy—your master is on the phone!" she laughed. "Yes—Duke's here and we're taking good care of him…well the first night we stayed here I heard him scratching on the pet flap. When I let him in he ran to his food bowl. He was starving and all muddy and slept all the next day, but he's fine. He and Samuel are best friends by now…Daniel, the sheriff knows who kidnapped you—he's got an all points bulletin out on two of them. He was able to trace their tracks and prints to the van registration…no, nothing yet. What did they do to you?"

"Uncle Dan was thrown in jail but he busted out!" Samuel whispered to Duke, petting his side. "He's on the run so we have to keep this a secret."

"Alright, I understand…yes, I can look for that…Grandpa? I don't know, but I suppose I can try to find out…under the floor in the greenhouse? Ok I'll check…yes I'll be sure no one knows, but the sheriff really should know how to get in touch with you…ok I'll tell him it'll be through me…yes I'm keeping my phone…we didn't have any plans, not for a while yet. If it's ok with you we want to stay here…alright. Ok I'll let you go but promise me you'll call again and let us know if you're ok? Ok…I love you too…I will. Take care, big brother."

She cut off the call, deleted the number as he'd asked and eyed Samuel as she wiped her eyes. He'd be calling again from a different number, if possible. With a sigh she edged off the bed, stood and put her hands to her lower back.

"You feeling better, Mama?" Samuel checked, looking up at her with a smile.

"Yes honey, I am…you know I have to lie down when I get my period."

He waved a dismissive hand. "That's girl stuff, huh Duke? It was good to finally meet Uncle Dan, even if it was only his voice."

She laughed, ruffling his hair. "He was very happy to speak with you, sweetie."

"He was? Really?"

"Of course he was, now come help me dig up something he told me to get for him.

"What?"

"Oh it's a special treasure box, apparently," she stated, leading the way to the storeroom. "Something about your Grandpa Cahn and your Uncle Dan having a secret I didn't even know about."

"Treasure box? Secret pact?" Samuel gaped in excitement, blinking as she switched on the fluorescent lights. "Oh boy, I can hardly wait!"

4:48 p.m. PST Cascades Volcanic Observatory, Quadrant 12

Mark Gordon stared at the transaction log, his heart pounding with excitement. Blindly picking up the receiver, he punched in the speed dial number and waited. As the call went through to voice mail, he made the decision and cut and pasted the details into a new document, which he sent to his phone labeled "miscellaneous." Then he deleted the transaction from the main logs and shredded the remains. While the encryption shield hovered over the log he made sure it saved, at which point he breathed a sigh of relief. Glancing around the empty room, he cleared his throat as the message beep sounded.

"Hey Gerry, this is Mark," he sighed, absently studying the screens above. "Look I need to run something by you, but not at work. Meet me at The Mug and Knife later tonight—I know you're usually there so I'll see you when I see you. Thanks."

Cutting off the call, he checked the time and started to gather his things. His shift was ending so he picked up his keys, glanced at the history line and promptly deleted everything he'd done in the last 10 minutes. Then he signed out and headed for the door just as his phone rang.

"Yeah? Oh Gerry—good," he stated, shoving the door open as he headed for his car. A fresh breeze slapped him in the face as he hurried to his car and climbed in. "Look it's about our missing professor," he said quietly, starting the engine. "He's somehow managed to make a withdrawal…yeah, from the field account so you owe me on that bet…of course not! In our book he's a hero, not that the government will do anything about it…anyway we need to decide where to hide the account. The University's henchmen are going through all the assets to pay the damages but they're not gonna get the field accounts…it's up to us to see that we absorb them before they steal everything from under us…no, they've just started flagging the accounts but haven't gotten to this one or the other two, so we're safe…yeah, his funding was shared with ours so we need to protect our own assets or it's no more field work. Maybe someday we'll get in touch with him, but with that reward on his head I doubt he'll surface at all…ok, we'll talk more when I see you…right-o. Bye for now."