The Alex Cave Series. Books 1, 2, & 3.: Box set

by James M. Corkill

  “Just agree to do it. Getting there as soon as possible is a relative term.”

  Mike nodded. “Canadian Coast Guard, this is Mystic. I understand, and we’ll be there as soon as we can. Mystic out.”

  “Mystic, you should be aware of a massive storm moving south. Suggest you hurry and take shelter here.”

  “Thank you, Coast Guard. Will do. Mystic out.” He reached up and inserted the microphone in the clip. “I hope your friend, Donner, sent jets to pick up our passengers.”

  “I’m sure he did. We should be approaching the island any time now. Are the turbines still disconnected from the computer?”

  Mike nodded. “Yes, and we’ll keep them that way. We will only lose communications.”

  “Who’s your best pilot?”

  “Dieter, but he’s drunk in his cabin. Joshua can handle it.”

  “If we can manage to get close, I’ll take Okana in the motorboat so we can see what’s going on inside the crater.”

  “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. When we were there earlier, the whirlwind was coming from inside the crater.”

  “I’ll have to chance it. We need to see what we’re up against to know what to do.”

  Mike pointed through the front window. “There it is. The whirlwind looks the same as last time. That’s a good sign.”

  “All right. Take over and I’ll send Joshua up.”

  Alex went down to the lounge, sat at the table next to Okana, and looked across at Joshua. “We’re getting close, Josh. Okana and I will take the motorboat over, and we need you to take over control of the ship. Stay a safe distance from shore unless we run into problems.”

  Okana took another bit of food. “I’m ready. This is great, Josh.”

  Alex frowned at Okana. “I’m sorry to tell you this, but you’re a wanted man, Mister F period Okana. You are wanted for murder on the high seas, according to the Canadian Coast Guard.”

  Okana stopped chewing and stared at him. “You’re kidding, right?”

  Alex shook his head. “We are supposed to turn you over in Vancouver.”

  “You wouldn’t.”

  Alex shrugged. “I’m a law-abiding citizen. As soon as we reach Vancouver, I have to escort you off the ship into the hands of the law.” He winked at the rest of the crew.

  Okana grinned and continued eating. “You’re a funny man, Alex.”

  Alex became serious. “I’m sure people in Prince Rupert will remember the Mystic. After you left the tavern, Blacktooth was speaking with the captain of a merchant ship named Condor. He’s the one who told the coast guard about the murder of Blacktooth and his men.”

  “I’ll stay on the ship. Let’s worry about that later. Right now, we have to get on that island.”

  As they felt the ship lose momentum, Okana scrapped the last bits of food from his plate into his mouth and stood. “I’ll do my dishes later.”

  Rita reached across the table and grabbed his hand. “I’ll take care of it. I have a soft spot for wanted men. Just be careful.”

  Everyone stood, walked out of the lounge, and up to the bridge, and then crowded along the short walls inside.

  Mike stepped aside so Joshua could take over. “The only wind is from the north, and that whirlwind is only affecting the inside of the crater. The water level has dropped dramatically because of the all the water being trapped in the ice, so make sure we don’t bottom out. They said on the news that the water level around the world is dropping because so much water is locked in the ice and rising out of the Arctic Ocean.”

  “Okay. I’ve got her now, Mike.” Joshua looked over at Alex. “How do you want to do this?”

  “Use the thrusters to bring the stern fairly close to the beach. Once we’re in the water, move a safe distance from shore. The safety of the Mystic comes first.” Alex looked at Okana and Mike. “Ready?”

  Okana turned and walked outside and Mike and Alex followed him down to the stern. Alex and Okana climbed up onto the motorboat and took the canvas down to eliminate drag. After a few moments to fill the gas tank, they were ready.

  Mike retrieved the control pad from its storage locker, brought the motorboat out of the brackets, and lowered it over the stern. Alex and Okana climbed in to undo the straps.

  Mike looked down into the boat. “Be careful. I want my motorboat back,” he said with a grin.

  Okana moved to the steering wheel to start the engine, as Alex shoved the motorboat away from the stern. “See you in a few minutes, Mike.”

  Joshua surprised them by bringing the Mystic across the wind, with her bow twenty-feet from the shore, making it an easy short ride to the beach. With the water level so low, the front edge of the beach was now a solid rock wall two-feet above the lower water line. The top edge tapered up across the beach and stopped below the V in the crater.

  Alex climbed onto the bow and waited as Okana bumped the motorboat against the rock, then he leapt onto the shore. He quickly climbed the steps to the V and peeked over the edge.

  The device was nearly black, with a small tornado still spinning off the tip, but they were in luck. The tornado did not expand into a whirlwind until thirty-feet above the ground in the crater. A small amount of wind was sucked into the crater above his head, but other than the rusted ship to deal with, they should be able to work on the spaceship without any problems.

  Alex walked back down the steps and waved Okana over to pick him up. He grabbed the front of the boat and leapt onto the bow, and Okana reversed from the shoreline as he climbed inside. “We are lucky, my friend. Now all we have to do is keep you from getting arrested in Prince Rupert. Let’s go back. I need a shower before we pick up David and the Doc.”

  Joshua and Bett stared through the side window of the bridge, watching the motorboat back away from the beach. Joshua brought the Mystic around, bow into the wind. When the motorboat was safely stored, he engaged the jet pumps. Once the Mystic was far enough away from the island for the electronics to work, he entered a course for Prince Rupert.

  * * *

  Chapter 43

  MOUNT BAKER RANGER STATION:

  Three hours later, Jamie drove into the parking lot at the station and parked next to Larry’s SUV. He had called off the search for the night and had to order her to return to the station or she would have searched all night.

  She climbed out of the Hummer and walked inside. “We still have two hours of daylight left. Why are we stopping?”

  Larry looked at Frank. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  He waited until Frank had left, then leaned back against the counter and looked at Jamie. “It’s been a long day. The one thing I’ve learned since I’ve been in the park service is that tired minds make mistakes. Wesley knows this mountain better than anyone does. If he’s still alive, I’m sure he’s found shelter for the night.”

  “I know, but he’s injured, remember?”

  Larry knew she was frustrated and worried, but also knew they were doing the right thing calling off the search. “Why don’t you stay at his place tonight? There’s a chance he might try to make it home.”

  Jamie’s shoulders sagged. “I suppose you’re right.”

  “I’ll see you back here in the morning, okay?”

  She gave Larry a nod and left the building.

  She looked over at her black Mustang in the parking lot, but climbed back into the hummer. As she drove out of the park, she realized she did not even know where Wesley lived, only that it was north of the park entrance. She stopped at the store to get directions from Carrie Sorenson.

  Upon entering the meadow in the last of the remaining daylight, Jamie’s senses were assaulted by the sheer beauty of the lake and surrounding evergreen canopy reflected in the deep blue of the water. She followed the edge of the water and parked next to Wesley’s cabin. As she shut off the engine and climbed out of the vehicle, a gaggle of geese began honking. What a lovely place to live, she thought.

  She unlocked the door to the cabin and walked ar
ound the inside, she noticed the pictures on the fireplace mantel and went over for a closer look. She smiled when she saw the picture of a beardless Wesley and the pretty woman in his arms. She was right. He was a very good-looking man without the beard and scraggly hair. She wondered if he was divorced or widowed.

  She continued through the cabin and found his bedroom, then sat on the edge of the bed. Tears began to blur her vision, and she laid her head on his pillow and cried.

  * * *

  Chapter 44

  11:00 PM. PRINCE RUPERT:

  The light from tall lamp posts pierced the fog and illuminated the frost covered wooden fuel pier. A long flatbed truck backed up close to Mystic’s stern, within reach of the hoist, which Okana extended over the top of the truck bed. The driver attached the straps to a twenty-foot by ten-foot wooden platform, and Okana swung the load from the truck around to the stern, and set it on the deck. He locked the platform tight against the deck with pressure from the end of the hoist. Alex’s project was ready.

  He stared back along the pier until the truck vanished into the fog, wondering how long it would be before Alex and Mike would return and they could leave. Being a wanted man was stressful. Once Alex and Mike had left the ship, the rest of the group had gone below to get some sleep, leaving Okana alone with his thoughts in the cool night air.

  He set the control pad into the storage locker and grabbed the steel door, then froze. Footsteps slowly approached across the deck from behind. He slowly closed the door and tightened the latches, then placed his hand on the pistol tucked into his belt. The footsteps stopped and the air was still. He could hear someone breathing behind him. He lightly tapped his fingers against the butt of the pistol and waited for the person to make a move. The far off ringing of a bell was muffled by the thick fog and a dog barked somewhere on shore. He spun around and pulled the pistol, aiming it directly at Dieter’s head. “Going somewhere?”

  Dieter set his suitcases on the deck. “I was asked to leave the ship once we reach port.”

  Okana slipped the pistol back into his belt. “Don’t you mean ordered?”

  “Whatever you wish, Okana. I just want to get off.”

  “Not until Alex and Mike return. Just a precaution.”

  “You are a suspicious man. Mike could easily have me arrested, so why would I aggravate the situation? I only want to leave.” Dieter could see red and blue flashing lights approaching through the fog. “Maybe he is going to have me arrested after all.”

  Okana spun around. “It’s not you they’re after.” He turned back to Dieter. “Some of your friends filed a murder charge against me.”

  Dieter shook his head. “The turn of a page, Okana.”

  Okana crossed his arms and stared at him. “You owe me, Dieter.”

  Dieter turned serious. “You are right. Blacktooth would have used me for bait. Find someplace to hide and I will cover for you.” Okana didn’t move. “Go, before it is too late, Okana!” He waited while Okana sprinted across the deck.

  The door in the side of the ship was open, and a short blue fiberglass gangway reached across to the pier. Dieter went over and concealed his suitcases behind the wall, then went across, to the pier. A moment later, a Prince Rupert Police car emerged from the fog and stopped alongside the Mystic. Dieter watched two officers climb out, inserting their black clubs into their utility belts, and walk over in front of him.

  “Is this your ship, Sir?”

  “I am the Captain. What can I do for you?”

  “I’m here to take custody of one of your crew. A Mister Okana.”

  “He left the ship hours ago.”

  “When will he return?”

  “I had to fire him for insubordination. He will not be returning.” He waited while the officers talked to each other. “You are welcome to come aboard and see for yourself.” He stepped back and held his breath while one officer stared at him for a long moment.

  “Did he mention where he was going?”

  “No. Back to the States, I would imagine.” They conferred with each other and he overheard them mention the border.

  The officer nodded his head. “Thanks for your help, Captain.”

  Dieter waited until the patrol car disappeared into the fog, and then walked across the gangway and into the ship. He looked into the lounge, and then looked down the stairs. There was no one around, so he quietly went to the stern and grabbed his suitcases.

  “Hey, Dieter.”

  The suitcases slipped from his hands, and he spun around. “Damn it, Okana!” He paused to catch his breath. “Where were you?”

  “In the sub.”

  Dieter regained his composure. “Very funny. Can I leave now?”

  Okana slowly nodded. “Try to stay out of trouble.”

  Dieter picked up his suitcases and walked off the ship.

  *

  PRINCE RUPERT AIRPORT:

  The VIP reception area, attached to the back of a private aircraft hangar, came with a self- serve bar. Seated comfortably at a pair of bar stools, Alex and Mike watched updated news bulletins about the extreme weather conditions while waiting for Henry and David to arrive. A satellite image of the expanding ice on one side of the planet was on the television screen behind a news commentator.

  “Our specialists say this could cause an imbalance to the planet, and it could begin to wobble. Blizzard conditions in the northern regions are delaying the planting of crops, and if conditions do not change soon, it could cause a famine later this year with the potential to kill millions. News reporters around the world are calling it the Snowball Earth Effect and predict the planet will eventually be covered with ice if the freezing continues.”

  The sound of jet engines made them turn from the television to look through the window and into the hanger. The white gulfstream jet rolled noisily across the grey concrete floor, to a stop thirty-feet from the glass before the whine of the engines dropped down to silence. When the side door opened, Henry came down the steps with David right behind. The co-pilot followed them down, pointing toward the VIP room.

  Alex stood and moved to the door. While he held it open, he was greeted with smiles from his friends as they came into the lounge. “Thanks for coming on such short notice.”

  David could not stop smiling. “Are you kidding? I would have been greatly disappointed if you hadn’t invited me, Alex.”

  Henry grabbed Alex’s hand. “I just hope we can complete our mission before it is too late.”

  David wrapped his arm over Henry’s shoulders. “Our mission, Doc? You sound like a spy. We’re here to save the planet.” He noticed the rips and stains on Alex’s white coat. “What happened to you? It looks like you wrestled with a wild animal.”

  “I was attacked by blackberry vines.”

  Mike walked over and held out his hand. “I’m Mike Tanner. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll take you to the Mystic.”

  Henry smiled and vigorously shook Mike’s hand. “Your ship, the Discovery, is a marvel of engineering. I truly enjoyed myself.”

  Mike felt a sense of pride and smiled. “I think you’ll enjoy the Mystic too, Doctor Heinz.”

  Alex noticed a small flat cart emerging from under the plane with a two-foot-square by one-foot-high wooden crate and two small suitcases sitting on top as the co-pilot pushed the cart to the outside door. “What’s in the box, Doc?”

  “Something marvelous, Alex, but you will have to wait until I can open it on the island.”

  “Okay, then. Let’s get to the island.”

  Mike led them outside to the rented SUV, and helped load the luggage, noticing the slight strain on Alex’s face as he picked up the crate.

  Alex set the crate in the back and looked at Henry. “You sure you can’t tell me what’s in there?”

  “I remembered it is your birthday in three days, Alex. I want it to be a surprise gift.”

  Alex shook his head. “With everything that’s going on, you remember my birthday? You’re something else, Doc. Get i
n, so we can get started.”

  *

  MYSTIC:

  Bett, Rita, and Okana had cleaned out the cabins for their new guests and dumped the contents into the dumpster on the pier. Joshua was still asleep after staying on the bridge until they had tied to the pier, and Lisa had stayed in her cabin since they left the island. Mike called to explain they were on their way, so the group migrated to the bridge, keeping vigil out the windows, watching for headlights in the fog.

  Okana explained what happened with Dieter and looked at Rita. “You looked like a seasoned combat veteran in the lounge today.”

  A smirk formed on her lips. “I did a short stint in the military.”

  Okana stared at her for a moment, his curiosity now peaked. “Come on, we know Bett was a helicopter pilot. What did you do?”

  “I could ask you the same thing. You can handle yourself.”

  “No problem. I was a Navy Seal. Your turn.”

  Lisa came up the stairs onto the bridge, and yawned. “I thought you and Alex were spies.”

  “That’s right. It was part of our job.”

  “Do you know when they’ll be back?”

  “They’re on the way, Lisa.” Okana told her. “How are you holding up?”

  “Much better.”

  “Mike wanted me to ask you something when you woke up. He wondered if you wanted to go home. We all understand what you went through and we wouldn’t blame you for leaving.”

  Lisa felt a little bewildered about the choice and stared out the window. It would be nice to hold her mom, she thought. It always helped. Alex didn’t seem to take her advances seriously anyway.

  She turned back to the group. “I need to see my mom, I guess. I’ll ask Mike about transportation when he gets back. I’d better get packed.” She went down the stairs.

  Bett opened a fresh piece of gum and traded it for the old one. “Poor thing. Scientists aren’t supposed to experience those kinds of horrible things.” She suddenly stood. “Here they come.” She walked to the outside door and down to the deck, with Rita right behind.