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

by James M. Corkill

  When Robert didn’t reply, Boris held a note out to him. “Tell him to call me at this number. I will give him four hours to call me, or I’ll kill the girl to prove I’m serious.”

  “Four hours? That might be hard to do. I don’t know where he is.”

  “I’ve just received a call from one of my men. Your son should be arriving in Seattle soon.”

  Robert glared at Boris as he took the note. “Nice scar. Did my boy give that to you?” When he saw the anger in Boris’s eyes, he grinned. Robert turned his head when Boris slapped him, but was still grinning when he turned back to face him.

  Boris reached into his pocket and pulled out a pistol, aiming it at Robert. “I doubt seeing the remains of your grandchildren will be so humorous. He has four hours.”

  Boris slid the pistol into his pocket, climbed into the car, and then drove away from the ranch.

  Robert ran back into the house to get his wallet and keys, and then ran across to the garage to get his pickup.

  *

  When Jessica Parker stopped him in the hallway, Derek Cave leaned back against the lockers. “Why won’t you leave me alone, Jessica?”

  Jessica lightly shook her hair and smiled. “You just seem so lonely all the time.”

  Derek knew it was time to tell her how he felt, and leaned away from the lockers. “Don’t you get it? You and I are related.”

  Jessica’s smile slipped away. “What do you mean?”

  “My grandmother was your aunt. That makes us cousins. We can’t have that kind of relationship.” He turned and stomped down the hallway.

  When he reached the doors, Derek slammed his palms against the handle, throwing the door open and stomping across the grass. He liked her too, but she had to stop chasing him. It just isn’t right.

  *

  Sasha rolled the window down a little and peered through the gap. “I see a boy coming this way. We will see if he goes to the motorcycle.”

  When Sasha recognized his face from the picture, she rolled up the window. “It is him! Get in back!”

  *

  Derek had just reached his motorcycle when he heard Jessica call his name. When she stopped running, he turned to look at her, crossing his arms. “What do you want from me?”

  “Well, I was thinking you still need a friend.” She watched the corners of Derek’s mouth curl up.

  Derek uncrossed his arms. “Want to go for a ride on my motorcycle?”

  Jessica smiled. “I was hoping you’d ask me. Sure.” A dark blue van suddenly stopped behind Derek.

  When Derek saw the curious look in Jessica’s eyes, he turned around to see why. The side door suddenly opened and a tough looking man waved a gun at him. He felt Jessica’s arm wrap around his, as the side window went down and another gun was aimed in his direction by a dark-haired woman.

  “Get in the van, Derek!” Sasha hollered.

  Derek slid his arm out from Jessica’s and took a step toward the van.”

  Jessica grabbed his arm, pulling him back as she glared at the woman. “My uncle’s the sheriff, so leave him alone!”

  Derek spun around to Jessica. “What are you doing? Run, damnit!”

  Mikhail leapt out of the van and pointed the gun at Derek’s face. “Both of you get in!”

  Sasha waited until the kids climbed in and the door was closed, and then stepped on the accelerator, racing out of the parking lot.

  After fastening zip-ties around their feet, Mikhail instructed them to scoot back against the side of the van and did the same to their hands. When he climbed into the passenger seat, Sasha slugged him in the arm.

  “Did you hear what she said? She’s not his sister. The police will be looking for her.”

  “What would you have me do, shoot her in the parking lot? It was taking too long. Take her into the woods and I will shoot her.”

  “Now the police will be involve so we can’t wait around to get his sister, you moron. Boris is going to kill you.”

  Jessica leaned against Derek’s shoulder. “Don’t let them kill me.”

  Derek recognized the Russian accent and thought about his uncle. Robert insisted the Russians had killed his parents because of something Alex had done, but it was never proven. Perhaps he was right. He looked at Jessica. “It’s my fault you’re involved in this, and I’m sorry.”

  “That sounded like Russian. How could you be involved?”

  “It’s not me. It’s my uncle Alex. They’re after me because of something he did. That’s why my parents were murdered.”

  Jessica noticed Derek wiggling his hands together. “What are you doing?”

  “I want to move the long piece of this strap around to my palm.”

  “Why? You won’t be able to break it.”

  “Not now, okay?”

  Jessica leaned back against the van as tears began to blur her vision.

  *

  When Robert drove into the grade school parking lot, he saw Kristy’s yellow backpack on the ground. He slammed the gears into park and leapt out of the truck, desperately searching the school grounds for his little sweetheart.

  “Grandpa?”

  Robert spun around, his heart nearly bursting when Kristy walked up to him. He knelt down and wrapped her in his arms. “Oh thank God you’re safe.”

  “What’s going on, grandpa?”

  Robert let go and looked into her eyes. “Have you seen Derek recently?”

  “No, but he’s probably hiding from Jessica Parker.”

  Robert grabbed her backpack and stood. “Get in the truck, sweetie. We’re going to the high school.”

  When they arrived at the school parking lot, Derek’s motorcycle was still there.

  Kristy pointed across the parking lot. “That’s Jessica’s mustang over there. Maybe they’re still inside.”

  “Stay close to me and we’ll look around.”

  Robert opened his door and Kristy climbed out after him. When they entered the hallway, it was deserted so they looked into every room. They discovered three students lounging in a reading room, who stopped talking when Robert walked in.

  “I’m looking for my grandson, Derek. Have any of you seen him?”

  “I saw him, Mister Cave.” A girl answered. “He and Jessica Parker were headed to the parking lot.”

  “Have you seen Jessica since then?” The kids looked at each other, shaking their heads. “Thanks.”

  As they walked out of the room, Kristy grabbed Robert’s hand. “Is Derek in trouble, grandpa?”

  “I’m afraid so. I’d better go find Arnie.”

  * * *

  Chapter 30

  ANACORTES MARINA:

  When his small plane touched down at the Anacortes municipal airport, Alex’s rental car was waiting. He drove down to the marina and recognized the Mystic anchored in a large open area of water, about sixty yards offshore. When he parked, Okana was waiting outside the marina office and walked over to greet him.

  Okana gave Alex a hug and a puzzled expression. “Mind telling me what’s going on?”

  Mike Tanner was waiting inside the marina office. When he saw Okana hug a tall man with black hair, he walked outside and extended his hand. “I’m Mike Tanner. Nice to meet you, Alex. Would you mind telling me why I had to stop my tests?”

  “Is the rest of the crew still onboard?”

  Mike shook his head. “No, I asked Bett to take Lisa shopping. I was worried that if there was trouble she might get hurt.”

  Alex felt a small sense of relief. “Good idea. Let’s go out to the Mystic and I’ll tell you what’s going on.”

  The trio headed for the end of the dock and climbed into the motorboat, and Okana drove them out to the Mystic. Alex tied the bow rope to a cleat and climbed out onto the stern deck. When he looked up at the bridge, he saw Dieter standing at the rear railing, watching. He turned back to Mike and Okana. “Why don’t you and Okana join me in your private quarters?”

  Okana and Mike exchanged puzzled stares, and Okana shru
gged. “I didn’t tell him, Mike.”

  Alex knew what they were about to ask and held up his hand. “I’ll tell you once we have some privacy.”

  Mike indicated the door into the ship. “This way.”

  Alex froze in mid stride when Rita walked out on deck. Even though everything had changed, he couldn’t forget about what happened in the other time lines, and it took every ounce of his self-restraint not to knock her on her butt.

  Rita was ready to smile for the handsome stranger, but the second she was close enough to look into his eyes, a chill ran down her spine. She quickly turned away and walked up the stairs to the bridge.

  Okana had seen that look in Alex’s eyes before. Right before he killed the person he was looking at. “Alex?”

  Alex realized he was still staring after Rita and turned toward the door. “After you, Mike.”

  Once seated in Mike’s office, Alex tried to think of a way to explain what needed to be done without telling them why. He found it far more difficult than he had thought it would be. “I’ve recently discovered some information about two experimental devices lost at sea a very long time ago.” He looked at Mike. “This is classified information, so I can’t go into any details about the experiment. I would like your help, Mike. You have the equipment necessary to retrieve the devices, and since you don’t have any political ties, you’re the only person I can trust to handle this operation discreetly.”

  Mike leaned back in his chair. “How do you know so much about me, Alex? I know we’ve never met.”

  “The Director of National Security is a personal friend. Will you help me?”

  “I like a good adventure. I’m in.”

  Alex reached out across the desk to shake his hand. “Thanks Mike.”

  “So how do we get started?”

  “First we need to get rid of Dieter and his men. Bartram is wanted for several murders in the Netherlands, and Dieter gave the orders. Harrison is just a hired hand, but he’s trouble waiting to happen.”

  “What should I tell them?”

  “I’m taking them back to shore when I leave, whether they want to or not. I have warrants for Dieter and Bartram, and I’ll give Harrison a subtle hint he should leave with us.”

  Okana grinned. “I’ve seen your way of being subtle, Alex. You’re almost as bad as me.”

  Alex grinned, and then became serious. “You should get rid of Rita, too, Mike.”

  “That’s most of my crew, Alex. Why Rita?”

  “Have you ever heard of the DAR Corporation?”

  Mike leaned back and crossed his arms. “They’re a bunch of cutthroat bastards making millions from other people’s suffering.”

  “Rita’s a spy for Steve Preston, the owner. Whatever you discover, she’ll steal the plans for Preston. She has to go.”

  “All right.”

  Alex looked at Okana. “When was the last time your father had a physical?”

  Okana’s eyebrow went up. “I have no idea, why?”

  “Call him right now and have him get a checkup at a hospital. Better yet. Call your mom and tell her to take him. Judith will make sure he goes in right away.”

  Okana was stunned for a moment. “This is getting a little spooky, Alex. How do you know my mother? How do you know my dad needs to go to a hospital?”

  Oh, crap! Alex had already decided to change history by saving Okana’s father, despite Paladin’s warning, but he hadn’t thought about how to get it done without arousing suspicion. He felt a little like a cornered rat. “I can’t tell you. I’m sorry, but you’ll just have to believe me and make the call.”

  Okana stood and looked at his cellphone, but did not have any reception. He left the room so he could use the sat phone on the bridge. Once he stepped out, Alex explained where the first device is located and how to solve the problem of getting through the methane. “Use the methane as an excuse to be in the area with Discovery.”

  *

  When Okana stepped into the bridge, Dieter and Rita where talking but abruptly stopped. He could see the suspicion in their eyes as he grabbed the sat phone and walked outside.

  Rita stared out the window at Okana. So far, her plan to seduce him was working, and now was her opportunity to use his attraction to get information about the stranger.

  When Okana walked back inside, he noticed Rita’s seductive pose and knew what she was trying to do. After learning her true intentions from Alex, he realized he was being played and did not like it.

  Rita ran her hand through her hair and smiled. “What’s going on, Okana?”

  “Just visiting with an old friend.”

  Dieter wondered the same thing. “What’s his profession?”

  “Why?”

  Rita was glad Dieter was asking the questions. If Okana had any suspicions, they would be directed at Dieter, not her.

  Dieter crossed his arms. “He has a certain look. Is he ex-military?”

  Okana grinned. “He’s just a geology professor. Nothing for you to worry about.”

  “What’s his name?”

  Okana was not about to give them any information. “Why are you so curious? Do you have something to hide?”

  When neither answered he knew what Alex had told him was true. When he started to put the phone back in its storage bracket, he noticed both of them staring at it as if waiting to use it. He watched their reactions as he stopped and kept it in his hand. The instant look of panic in their eyes told him what he needed to know. He kept the phone and went back down the stairs, headed for Mike’s office.

  Rita didn’t know Dieter well enough to trust him. She knew something was going on and decided to cover her own butt and let Dieter fend for himself. She used Okana’s leaving as an opportunity to leave the bridge.

  Dieter knew this friend of Okana’s was more than just a teacher. He knew a professional killer when he saw one. He left the bridge to find Bartram and Harrison. Until he knew more about what was going on, he was going to be ready for any new development.

  *

  When Okana walked into Mike’s office, Alex noticed the concern in his eyes. “Is everything all right?”

  Okana told Alex and Mike what happened on the bridge, and then held up the phone. “I decided to keep this for a while.”

  When he saw the phone, Alex leaned back in his chair and released a slow breath. He had forgotten about it. It was the crux of all the problems in the other time lines. “Dieter and his men have weapons, so we need to be careful when I arrest him and Bartram.”

  Mike slid open his top desk drawer. “I have a .45 caliber revolver.”

  “And I have my .9 millimeter.” Okana added.

  Alex shook his head. “I’d prefer not to get into a gunfight. We’ll try and keep them separated.”

  The sat phone rang and Okana answered. He listened for a moment, and then held it out to Alex. “He says he’s your father. He sounds upset.”

  Alex snatched the phone from Okana. “I’m here, dad. What’s wrong?”

  “Damn you Alex! This is your fault, just like getting your brother killed!”

  “Just calm down and tell me what happened.”

  “They took Derek and the Parker girl, Alex. They were going to take Kristy, too, but I got to her first.”

  “Who took them?”

  “A Russian named Boris Kinski. He said he’s is going to kill them unless you take their place. What did you do, Alex?”

  Alex leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes for a moment as he realized his past had caught up with him. Even in this time line. “Where are you?”

  “Kristy and I are at Arnie’s office.”

  “Good. How am I supposed to make contact with them?”

  “They gave me a phone number for you to call.” Robert told him the number. “He said you have four hours to call or they’ll kill one of the kids to show they’re serious. That was two hours ago. I didn’t know how to reach you. You have to take their place Alex. You have to save them.”

 
“I will, so just try to calm down.”

  “Who are these people, Alex? What have you done?”

  “It’s a long story, dad. Just stay where you are and I’ll take care of it, all right?”

  “You’d better. It’s your fault your brother was murdered. So help me God, Alex, if any harm comes to my grandson, you’ll regret it! Is that clear?”

  Alex knew it was useless to try to explain what happened in Europe, so he didn’t try. “I’ll get them back. I promise.” He heard the phone being slammed down by his father and turned off the sat phone.

  Okana hadn’t seen Alex so upset since he lost Sevi. “What happened?”

  “Boris Kinski has kidnapped my nephew.”

  Okana slumped down in his chair. “I wondered if your past would come back to haunt you, Alex. Killing the members of the Russian Mafia was bad enough, but you should not have killed Boris’s brother. You know how the Russians are when it comes to revenge.”

  Alex suddenly thought about Dieter’s connection to Blacktooth in the other timeline. They would have been working together long before the incident on the island. He looked at Mike. “Would you mind asking Dieter to join us? I have a few questions for him.”

  Mike frowned. “I thought you said he was a murderer.”

  “He is. He’s also a thief, but he has connections with the Russian Mafia and right now I need his help.”

  Mike grabbed the phone for the ship’s intercom system. “John, please join me in my office.”

  Dieter was on the stern talking to Harrison when he heard the request from Mike. “Get Bartram and wait for me here. The only way off this ship is in the motorboat, so if it looks like I’m in trouble come to my rescue. Kill Okana and his friend if you have too. Is that clear?”

  Harrison was beginning to regret getting involved with Dieter. He was hired to help steal the Mystic, not kill anyone. If Dieter was in trouble, he did not want any part of it. If it comes down to a gunfight, Dieter was on his own. “Sure.”

  Dieter noticed the hesitation in Harrison’s eyes. He could only hope that when the time came he would do as ordered. He turned and went into the ship.

  Okana stared at Mike as he opened a desk drawer and gave him his revolver. He stood and tucked it into his pants at the small of his back and remained standing when Dieter walked into the office.