"Still crazy," Turrin said, chuckling. "Hal is out beating some stars off of a couple of red faced generals, but I guess things are pretty well intact. For the moment. By the way—he, uh, killed that regional alert on that Bolan guy. Seems that someone saw the guy down in Mexico or somewhere exotic like that. How, uh, how's the military picture in Colorado this morning?"
"Bright and clear," Bolan said. "I've just been hanging around, looking for a cornpone colonel, but I guess the guy is no diehard. He very gracefully withdrew."
"He'll be bouncing back again someday," Turrin said.
"I'm sure he will. We'll have to watch for that, won't we."
The little guy chuckled. "With bated breath. I, uh, I get a note of disappointment from Manhattan but no death wishes. I guess that marriage is still healthy enough. So watch yourself. They'll be trying again."
Bolan said, "Yeah, I'll be watching the movements. You too, Sticker. Keep the nose twitching."
"Oh, sure. Lot of good it did this time."
"It saved a president."
"The hell it did! We all know what saved the president today, Striker—and so does he."
"Hell of a note," Bolaln said sourly. "You should have seen the guy, out there trying to look natural and happy in a wedge of bodyguards. There should be a better way."
"You think of it, he'll buy it," Turrin said. "After today, the congress may insist on portable bunkers for the guy."
"Speaking of buying," Bolan said.
"Yeah?"
"There's a nice lady up here who lost her all in the cause of the night. Tell Hal. The U.S. Government owes the lady a ski resort—and not a second class one, either. I expect to see Snow Trails Lodge rising again, and every bit as good as anything in Vail or Aspen."
"Okay. I'll put in your order. Anything else?" "Peace," Bolan said.
"Oh yeah, sure."
Bolan chuckled and hung up. He returned to the warwagon and headed her north.
Snow Trails lay north.
Also a nice lady and a gutsy kid who maybe wouldn't mind a third hand around for a few days. There was some rebuilding to be done, some trails to ski, and perhaps even a dream or two to be rebuilt.
Peace, yeah—maybe. For a few days.
Then back to the kill zones … wherever they may be found.
Executioner 025 - Colorado Kill-Zone Page 14
