Spy High

by Diane Henders

  If I was a real agent I’d have a plan already, along with contingency plans depending on what I discovered. Meanwhile, I’d better make sure Orion didn’t have any reason to suspect me…

  “Hey, Storm.”

  I managed not to jump when Orion spoke behind me. Damn, I wished he’d stop doing that.

  I managed a smile. “Hi, Orion.”

  He fell into step beside me, studying my face with a worried frown. “I’m really sorry about what I said this morning. I didn’t mean to be insulting.”

  “It’s okay.” I summoned a grin and bumped my shoulder against his. “You know what they say; the truth hurts.” He smiled, shaking his head as if to protest, but before he could speak I added, “And anyway, I’m sorry I was so grumpy. I was still half-asleep. I feel a lot better now. I enjoyed this Calling.”

  His smile quirked into mischief. “I heard you enjoying the Calling in the main building. It sounded like you were sawing logs.”

  “Yeah, oops.” I gave him a rueful smile. “I hope the Earth Spirit will forgive me.”

  “The Earth Spirit is benevolent. I’m sure you’re forgiven.”

  We walked on for a while. When he spoke again there was a tiny undertone in his voice that made my paranoia spring to attention. “Maybe you didn’t sleep well last night because you were hearing things outside your tent. I woke up thinking I’d heard something prowling outside. Maybe the cougar paid us a visit.”

  I managed a sickly smile. “Maybe. That’s kind of scary, to think it would come right up to our tents.”

  “Yes.” His brow furrowed in concern. Or something that looked like concern. “I know you like roaming around in the woods, but maybe you should stay closer to the encampment for a while.”

  “Mm,” I said, stalling. Inspiration struck. “I’m not too worried about it,” I added. “I was talking to Moonbeam yesterday and she said I’m under the Earth Spirit’s protection as long as I wear the bracelet. She said none of the Earth Spirit’s creatures would harm her, so I’m probably okay. I’ll just be extra-cautious.”

  Orion’s furrowed forehead puckered into an outright frown. “I thought you didn’t believe in the Earth Spirit.”

  I gave him my blandest expression. “I had a talk with Moonbeam yesterday and I feel badly about not keeping an open mind. I’m trying really hard to be more accepting and get to know the Earth Spirit the way she wants me to.”

  It was his turn to murmur ‘Mm’, and I got the distinct impression he wasn’t pleased. As if realizing he’d given away his lack of enthusiasm, he turned a megawatt smile on me and squeezed my hand. “That’s great, Storm, I’m really glad you’re trying. You won’t regret it. Finding the Earth Spirit was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

  I smiled back and seized the opportunity. “You said you’d found out about the Earth Spirit online. Where did you find the information? I’d like to read up on it a bit.”

  “Oh, uh…” He hesitated for only a moment. “I can’t remember now, and I left all my technology behind when I came here so I can’t even look up my browser history. You could try searching ‘Earth Spirit commune BC’ and see what you get.” His smile brightened even more. “Or I could share what I know…” He trailed off, his gaze flickering down to his toes as though remembering our aborted make-out session. “Uh, or I know Moonbeam and Karma would love to talk to you about it…”

  “Thanks,” I said. “Maybe I’ll do that.” The wheels turned inside my brain for a moment, and I added, “Actually, that’s a great idea. I could spend more time with them and really get to see how the Earth Spirit works in their lives.”

  Not to mention it’d give me an excuse to stay close to them.

  “Uh, yeah… Great idea.” Orion’s smile was distinctly anemic. “Well, uh… I guess I’ll see you later.”

  “Yep, see you.” I gave him a megawatt smile of my own.

  He turned off on the next trail, and I strode toward the main building with a spring in my step. So far, so good.

  Munching my granola and yogurt a while later, I eyed the other occupants of the kitchen and wondered if Moonbeam and Karma had eaten already. I had been hoping they’d come to the kitchen after the Calling the way they’d done the previous morning.

  The temptation to peek at my little tracking unit was strong, but I didn’t dare. As soon as I finished breakfast I’d find out whether my nocturnal skulking had paid dividends. And if not, I’d have to try to retrieve the tracer…

  My heart leaped as Moonbeam and Karma strolled into the kitchen, affectionately entwined as usual. For a moment I wondered if they’d been ‘celebrating’ the Callings the way Orion had attempted to celebrate with me yesterday. That would be a good joke if their whole reason for conjuring the Earth Spirit was to get laid in privacy while the rest of the commune devoutly meditated.

  As if sensing my cynical thoughts, Moonbeam turned her otherworldly blue gaze toward me. Flushing, I imagined a steel door rolling down between us and gave her a smile I hoped was innocent.

  She smiled back, and the two of them collected their breakfast before making their way over to my table.

  “Good morning,” Karma greeted me in his rich bass. “Lovely day, isn’t it?”

  “Beautiful,” I agreed. “Have you been out enjoying it?”

  “Just for a short while,” Moonbeam said. “After we finished the Earth Spirit’s rituals.”

  “What exactly do you do when there’s a Calling?” I inquired with my best show of interest. “I’ve been thinking about our conversation yesterday and I’d like to try to understand the Earth Spirit the way you do.”

  Not to mention I’d really like to know where they went during a Calling, just in case…

  “Oh, Storm Cloud Dancer, that’s wonderful!” Moonbeam leaned down to hug me. “I’m so glad you’ve decided to open your heart to the Earth Spirit.”

  “Why don’t you join me?” I gestured to the empty chairs across from me. “We can talk about it while you eat breakfast.”

  “Thank you, dear, that would be lovely,” Moonbeam replied, and they both seated themselves and dug into their own granola.

  “Actually,” Karma mumbled around a mouthful before swallowing and continuing with more clarity, “There’s something we wanted to discuss with you anyway.”

  “Oh, not at mealtime, Karma Wolf Song,” Moonbeam objected. “It’s bad for the digestion.”

  I gulped my last mouthful along with a lump of trepidation. “It’s okay, I’m finished. What did you want to talk to me about?”

  “Well…” Karma shot a look at Moonbeam’s perturbed expression before continuing, “There was a bit of a problem at the garage yesterday.”

  “Oh.” I donned my best ‘really, that’s too bad, but nothing to do with me’ expression.

  “Yes, one of the renters…” Karma hesitated with another glance at Moonbeam. “The one you call Ratboy… apparently attempted to install spark plugs in the truck, damaging it in the process.”

  “Oh.” Guilt flooded me as Moonbeam’s Gaze of Truth locked with mine. “Um, I’m sorry, I think that was partly my fault,” I mumbled.

  “Ratboy indicated it was entirely your fault,” Karma said. “Which I find difficult to believe since you were nowhere in the vicinity.”

  “That little…” I stifled my urge to enumerate Ratboy’s many undesirable qualities and took the high road. “It wasn’t entirely my fault, but I’m partly responsible. I told him to make sure he didn’t mix up the wires, but I should have explained it more thoroughly.” The guilt rose again. “Was there much damage?”

  “Skidmark says he’ll have to pull out the engine and overhaul it.”

  “Oh, shit. I’m really sorry.” I clutched a couple of handfuls of hair in chagrin. “I’ll pay for the damage and help him fix it. It’s hard work to pull those big V8s and he’ll probably need a hand.”

  “Payment won’t be necessary, dear.” Moonbeam patted my hand. “Our young friend should have asked for assista
nce, or at least clarification. But I do believe Skidmark would appreciate your help.”

  “I’ll go and talk to him right away.” I hesitated, my remorse tempered by my sudden recognition of an opportunity to discuss Skidmark’s sabotage from an oblique angle.

  “Do you think he’ll actually let me help?” I asked. “I got the feeling… um…” It didn’t take much acting ability to look uncomfortable. “Um, I think Skidmark is a little…” I trailed off.

  “What, dear?” Moonbeam’s wise eyes looked through me. “Please tell us what’s bothering you.”

  “Do you think Skidmark might be a little…” I stopped, then started again. “Have you noticed any changes in his behaviour lately?”

  “No, dear, why?”

  “Well, he just seems to arbitrarily, um… do stuff to the vehicles…” At their puzzled expressions, I blew out a breath. “I think he’s intentionally sabotaging them. Or else he’s getting a little… forgetful. Or something.”

  “Oh…” Moonbeam and Karma exchanged a glance before Moonbeam leaned toward me, lowering her voice. “Please don’t mention it, dear. He’s done that ever since he came here as a very young man right after fighting in the Vietnam War. He gets extremely anxious if he’s not in control of all the traffic in and out of the commune, so we simply pretend we don’t notice that the vehicles never run unless he’s just ‘fixed’ them.”

  “Oh.” I sank back in my chair, my heart clutching. “Oh, shit. Poor Skidmark. I must have really upset him yesterday. I’m sorry. I won’t fix anything again without asking him first. And I won’t bring it up.”

  “That’s very kind of you, dear.” Moonbeam gave me her luminous smile. “Now…” She swallowed the last of her breakfast and rose. “You were asking about the Earth Spirit, and I know just the person to instruct you. Aurora Peace Rain!” She beckoned across the kitchen and Aurora hurried over. “Storm Cloud Dancer would like to learn more about the Earth Spirit.” Moonbeam gave us both a smile. “Do enjoy your time together.”

  With that she and Karma withdrew, leaving me at the mercy of Aurora and her voice.

  Chapter 17

  Aurora was really a lovely girl, I told myself resolutely. All breathless sincerity, long silky hair, and fresh glowing skin.

  And a voice like a fucking jackhammer.

  I resisted the urge to flinch and cover my suffering ears as her exposition on the Earth Spirit reached a jubilant crescendo.

  “And you know what the best part is, Storm? The best part is that the Earth Spirit is always here, and everywhere around us! As long as we’re here on the commune, we’re always protected by the Earth Spirit! Isn’t that just the best thing ever?”

  “Um, yeah…”

  “And it’s real protection, too, not just some abstract idea!” She leaned forward earnestly and I couldn’t help scooting my chair backward. She raised her voice to compensate. “This is a true story! It happened just a couple of years ago. A little boy wandered off into the woods and his parents didn’t realize he was gone until much later. It was windy and raining and he was only four years old, so he could have easily died of exposure. And guess what?” She gazed at me, her eyes alight.

  “What?” My voice cracked with what I hoped she’d interpret as excitement.

  “Moonbeam and Karma called to the Earth Spirit, and the Earth Spirit told them exactly where to start looking. The little boy had fallen into a hole under a log in the middle of the forest and we never would have found him otherwise, but we formed a search line where the Earth Spirit said and we found him fifteen minutes later!” Aurora’s voice rose again in impassioned fervor.

  My chair was wedged against the wall. Nowhere to go. “Wow,” I croaked.

  “And I know it might seem like some weird religion, but it’s not a religion at all! The Earth Spirit isn’t a god to be worshipped. You can follow any religion you want and still have the love and protection of the Earth Spirit. All you have to do is open your heart and you can feel it and practically see it all around you!” Aurora flung out her arms, her pretty features alight with rapture, her voice flaying my eardrums. “Can’t you feel it, Storm?”

  “Uh…”

  She opened her mouth for a fresh assault and I flung up a hand in self-defence. “Wow, Aurora, thanks,” I babbled. “That was really, um… inspiring. But you know what? I think I really need to go and commune quietly with the Earth Spirit by myself now.”

  “Oh, that’s a great idea, Storm! The Earth Spirit is always honoured by your silence and attention!”

  I rose and sidled away. “Yeah, I love silence. Really love it. So, um, see you.”

  I didn’t quite turn tail and run, but it would have been dangerous to step in front of me. Ears ringing, I scurried outside and made a beeline for my tent.

  Falling onto my cot, I clasped my aching head and closed my eyes, soaking up the soft woodland sounds. After several minutes of grateful immobility, I sat up at last.

  God, what a nerve-shattering experience. Utterly pointless, too. Not only did I get separated from Moonbeam and Karma, but they also managed to avoid my question about their roles in the Calling ritual.

  I blew out a breath of irritation and pulled out my tracking device. When I powered it on, my shoulders sagged with relief at the sight of the red dot and GPS coordinate display. The relative location indicated that Orion was northeast of me by about a quarter mile, so that would place him in the vicinity of the garage.

  Hmm.

  Now would be a perfect time to search his tent.

  My pulse accelerated at the thought. Theoretically I’d be perfectly safe. I knew where Orion was, and ours were the only two tents along the path so nobody else was likely to come along and catch me.

  But if Orion somehow found out I’d been snooping, he might get a little more assertive with those hand restraints…

  Before I could conjure up any more frightening scenarios, I sucked in a breath, stuck the tracker in my pocket, and strode out of my tent.

  Look decisive. Look like you have every right to be there. Do not look furtive.

  Despite my mental admonitions I couldn’t help peering guiltily around to check for witnesses before I ducked into Orion’s tent.

  I halted just inside, my heart hammering as though I’d run a mile. Everything was still as tidy as my camera had shown it the previous night, and I slipped out of my boots and placed them where Orion’s had been to keep from tracking telltale dirt across his floor.

  Padding around in my sock feet with the tracker clutched in my hand, I began a systematic search.

  It didn’t take long. Orion had about as many clothes as I did. A few neatly-folded T-shirts, a couple of pairs of jeans, some wool socks, and boxer briefs in various colours were tucked into the same wood-crate shelving as mine. A couple of jackets had nothing in their pockets but gloves. I found no hand restraints. No phone or laptop or electronic equipment whatsoever. A duffel bag under his cot held towels. A sparse selection of toiletries and a washcloth completed my discoveries. Five minutes later I was back in my own tent, gulping air and shaking like a leaf.

  My very first clandestine search ever. Now I was a real spy.

  I snorted. I’d found nothing incriminating or even interesting. There had been practically no risk, and I was on the verge of a heart attack anyway. Jane Bond would have laughed in my face.

  Well, to hell with Jane Bond. For the past year I’d been backed into a corner again and again and forced to react. This time I’d taken the initiative. That was something to be proud of.

  After some more bracing self-talk and a few deep calming breaths, I focused on my next objective: Skidmark’s bench.

  Guilt twisted my guts. Skidmark. Survivor of a war nobody wanted to acknowledge, fighting the demons of post-traumatic stress long before there was any help or even understanding available. And I had shattered his carefully-constructed safety zone.

  And one of the commune’s vehicles was wrecked because of my shitty attitude, too. I felt lik
e the lowest form of scum.

  Hauling myself to my feet, I scooped up the binoculars and bird book. I’d visit Skidmark first, apologize, and see when he wanted to tackle the truck overhaul. After that I could carry on with my plans for the day.

  My feet dragged while I climbed the hill to the garage. I wouldn’t blame Skidmark if he was furious with me. He’d tried to protect his peace of mind by locking the garage and I’d broken in like a lousy criminal, shouted abuse at him, and stolen his car. The previous day’s triumph tasted of bitter shame now.

  When I rounded the corner into the clearing, my heart sank even farther at the sight of Ratboy’s glowering face. Before I had trudged halfway across the gravel he was in full cry. “I need that truck, damn you to a thousand hells! This is all your fault! Filthy stupid whore! You will fix the truck immediately…”

  I tuned out his insults and headed for the garage. Skidmark was nowhere to be seen so I shouted his name, then turned to find myself unpleasantly face-to-face with Ratboy.

  My disregard obviously hadn’t improved his humour. His face was contorted with fury as he bellowed invective at me from close range.

  “Fuck off, you little prick!” I snapped, and detoured around him.

  I didn’t quite make it.

  He spat in my face.

  The wet shock shattered the fragile barrier between reason and rage. My body coiled and released with mindless efficiency and the crack of my palm against his cheek sounded like a rifle shot. His head snapped sideways and he reeled back a step. Then his face darkened and his hands clenched into fists.

  “Hey, Storm! Where are you?” Orion poked his head around the corner of the garage. “Oh, there you are.”

  Ratboy froze in mid-step toward me. He thrust his face close to mine and snarled, “You will pay!” Then he turned and stalked away, jostling Orion as he pushed past.

  “What’s going on here?” Orion demanded.

  I shrugged, trying to hide how much I was trembling. “Ratboy had a bit of a tantrum over the truck.” I scrubbed my sleeve across my cheek, barely suppressing my gag reflex at the slimy wetness.