Chasing Victory (The Winters Sisters) (5 page)

“The next show isn’t for three days and the site is no more than a couple of hours away. I have reserved a spot in the Redwood National Park and thought I would camp for a couple of days,” Payton said.

“That sounds great. Let’s stick to your plan and camp; it will be a great way to unwind.”

Victory and Payton packed up their motorhome in record time. They pulled out of the fairgrounds, taking no notice of the small Winnebago View pulling out behind them.

“I wouldn’t exactly call this stealth,” Jerry complained as he looked around the Winnebago. “What’s the top speed, fifty miles per hour?”

“Oh stop your bitching Jerry, it’s great for sleeping.” Max yawned as he stretched out on the sofa.

“Stealth is not what we’re after,” Dave replied from the driver’s seat. “Our intel says that the girls will be heading for another dog show, this is our best bet for staying close and blending in.”

“How much longer do we need to tail them? When are we going to know our next move?” Jerry asked.

“For now we keep doing what we’re doing. I will be talking with the boss tomorrow; we’ll get any updates then,” Dave said.

“Great,” Jerry whined. “I love tailing a girl all day.”

“What’s it matter to you?” Max chimed in, his eyes were closed and at first glance anyone would have thought he was sleeping. “We get paid either way.”

“I know, I’m getting antsy, I’m ready for a little action. I feel like I’m following my grandmother.” He failed to mention the fact that he was almost seen by Victory the night before.

“I’m sure we will have our fill of action soon enough,” Dave responded. “In the meantime why don’t you take Max’s advice and grab a nap, since you‘ll have night watch tonight.”

“Again,” he moaned.

“I swear to god, the boss must think you’re good at whatever it is you do, because I sure wouldn’t put up with all your bitching,” Max grumbled.

Jerry glared at him through half closed lids, but thought it best not to respond. Instead he got up from the passenger seat and headed for the empty bed in the back.

Three hours later they pulled into the Redwood National Park and followed the girls to the RV campgrounds.

“Good decision on the Winnie, Dave. We would have a hell of a time blending in with a Lincoln, and I bet there isn’t a hotel within an hour of here,” Max smirked.

“Thanks. I’ll go in and register.” Dave parked the Winnebago and headed for the office.

Ten minutes later he was back in the motorhome. “Good thing the park ranger is chatty. He told me the girls are planning on being here for the next two days.”

“Great, out in the woods again. Not a coffee shop in sight.” Jerry grumbled.

“You’re lucky that I thought to stock food before we took off. We have plenty to last for a few days.” Dave glared at him.

A few minutes later a sleek midnight blue Porsche 911 pulled up to the main office. This was the kind of job Tristan loved. He had packed his one man tent along with enough provisions for a week. His past experiences in the Service taught him how to be prepared and pack only the necessities. He was sure that he would be on the other end of the park along with the other campers away from the RV parking, but that was okay, he was looking forward to getting out and walking in the clean mountain air.

Tristan set up his camp site and headed out to canvas the campgrounds. It was early evening and the sun was setting behind the evergreens, giving off a warm golden glow. He came up to the Prevost. As he approached the motorhome he noticed that the door was open and the Dobermans were given free rein to go in and out of the vehicle into an enclosure made of metal exercise pens that ran along the side and back of the vehicle. He saw two imposing Doberman males staring at him. They didn’t make a sound and didn’t break eye contact with Tristan as he continued past the motorhome.

Catching the tip of a scent cone, a familiar odor filled his nostrils; Old Spice, and it was intermingled with something new, Polo. The two scents intertwined, but Tristan knew they belonged to two separate individuals. He had become well versed with Old Spice, that scent belonged to Jerry. The other, Polo, must be an associate of Jerry’s. Seems the girls did not arrive at the campgrounds alone. He followed the spoor down the road, the odor growing stronger with each step. Four sites away he spotted a small Winnebago. There was a man sleeping on a lounge chair beside it. Based on Wyatt’s description, Mr. Polo had to be Dave Anderson, probably the ring leader.

Tristan ducked into the bushes, no time like the present to get a feel for the group. Quietly he moved in the shadow of the vegetation, not disturbing a single branch, and blending effortlessly with the foliage. He picked up the aura of two men inside the Winnebago. The familiar aroma of Jerry’s Old Spice confirmed Tristan’s suspicions that these were indeed the men tailing Victory. The third scent was new; it was an odor that tugged at him. It belonged to a strong, confident, dominant individual. After a few more minutes he retreated from the motorhome and retraced his path towards his tent.

He stepped into his tent and grabbed his backpack off the sleeping bag. Digging through it he pulled out his phone, flipped it open and punched in the office number.

“SOCOM, Noah here.”

“Hey there Noah, nice to have you back.” Tristan replied.

“Hey Tristan. I finished my assignment yesterday. Caught up on my sleep and thought you guys could use my help,” Noah replied.

“Always welcome. So are you up-to-date on what’s happening?” Tristan asked.

“Yes. The Captain briefed me first thing this morning,” Noah said.

“It looks like there is a crew tracking Victory, a standard three man team. They have set up shop in a Winnebago a few spots down the way from the girls. Two of the men work for Biotec; my best guess is that they are all employed by the company. See if you can do some poking around and find out about our third guy, his name is Max. I want to get a heads up on any special traits. I have a feeling he might be ex-military,” Tristan said.

“Will do.”

“Great. I’m getting a feel for the place tonight. All’s quiet now, I think I will call it a day and hit the bunk early. I’m sure tomorrow will prove to be a long day,” Tristan said.

“Roger, I’ll talk with you soon,” replied Noah.

Early the following morning Tristan finished his breakfast and decided to check on the girls and their shadows. He strapped a hunting knife to his belt, put his hat and sunglasses on and picked up his walking stick. He headed out of his tent once again in the direction of Victory and Payton’s motorhome. Strolling slowly, he stopped every now and then to examine the foliage along the path. Inside the exercise pen, a large black male Doberman and smaller red female were stretched out on the ground, lying on their sides sunning themselves. Tristan slowly approached the area presenting a feeling of calm so as not to create a negative reaction by the two Dobermans, or startle Victory who was in the back storage locker digging through supplies.

Victory sputtered to Dax who was standing next to her wagging his stub. “Your Aunt Payton sure knows how to pack a lot of supplies into this small storage Dax, but she forgets that they need to come out again.” She was half inside the storage area trying to pull a bicycle out. She grabbed hold of the bike and pulled at it with all her might. Instead of pulling the bike free, her hands slipped and she fell back out of the storage and slammed onto the ground.

“Looks like you could use a hand,” Tristan smiled, trying to stifle his laugh.

Victory snapped her head around towards the male voice. She found herself gazing up into magical violet eyes, smooth olive skin, a straight nose and high full cheek bones. All exquisitely framed by shiny black hair cut right above his collar, hair that was a little unruly with a natural wave. His body was broad and from what she could tell in excellent shape. He was tall, at least six foot four and astonishingly quiet on his feet. Since she didn’t hear his approach and her dogs had not alerted her. Standing up, she casually brushed the dirt from her jeans and hands.

“Thanks, I guess I could use some help. My sister believes in cramming as much into a small space as absolutely possible,” Victory responded, a slight tinge of pink flushing her cheeks.

Tristan extended his arm out over the exercise pens, showing no fear of the dogs. Victory reached out to take his hand. “Hi, I’m Tristan Farraday.”

“Nice to meet you Tristan, I’m Victory Winters. Have we met before?” she asked, having the strangest feeling that she had met this man.

“No, and I can honestly say that I would certainly remember meeting you.” Tristan smiled down at her.

Dax poked at Tristan’s arm. Tristan reached down under his chin and scratched.

“Dax likes you,” she said with surprise in her voice.

“I have that effect on dogs. Guess it’s true that dogs can sense who likes them.” Tristan continued rubbing Dax.

The two dogs that were lying in the sun both lifted their heads in unison and looked up at Tristan.

“The big black guy sunning himself is Parker and the red girl is Kes.”

“Wow, you have a lot of Dobermans.”

“We have one more, Asia; she’s out taking a walk with my sister.”

“Would you like me to get that bike out?” Tristan asked.

“Yes, thanks. See where the clips hold the pens shut?” Victory said pointing up near the front of the Prevost. “Go ahead and come on in, the dogs won’t bother you.”

Tristan walked down to where Victory told him to enter. As he opened the pens both Parker and Kes got up to greet him.

“Parker, Kes, sit,” Victory commanded.

“They don’t bother me, I love dogs.” Tristan walked to the back of the motorhome and looked into the storage, “Wow, looks like you packed for a month.”

“Yeah, Payton likes to be prepared.”

“Payton, oh your sister?” Tristan responded.

A few minutes later Tristan had rearranged the storage and carefully slid the bike out.

“Thank you so much,” Victory said. “That could have taken me hours, and I don’t even want to think how many times I would have ended up on the ground.” She looked up at Tristan grinning.

“I wouldn’t want that. Glad to be of service.” He walked the bike up to the side of the motorhome.

“I could use a cold drink. Would you like to join me, that is, if I’m not keeping you from anything?” Victory said.

“Nothing that can’t wait, I would love a drink.”

Victory disappeared into the motorhome and returned with two tall glasses of iced tea. She was surprised to see that Tristan managed to dig out two of the folding chairs and a small table while she was gone. He was relaxing in a chair with his feet stretched out in front of him. Parker lay at his feet while both Kes and Dax rested their heads in his lap, clearly enjoying their ear rubs. Victory reached out to the three Dobermans with her mind and found calm and contentment.

“Boy, my guys like most people, but they don’t usually warm up to them this fast,” she said as she handed Tristan a glass.

“What can I say? I guess I’m simply a likeable kind of guy as far as animals are concerned.” He sipped his tea then put the glass on the small table. “So, what brings you here, vacation?”

“Sort of. My sister shows dogs, and I am helping her out on the circuit. We have a couple days break and thought this would be a nice place to unwind.” Victory picked up her drink and took another sip. “How about you?”

“Working vacation. I’m studying the local foliage and it’s a great time for me to get my camping fix,” Tristan said.

“Oh, you’re a botanist,” Victory said with excitement. This was someone she would enjoy talking to.

“Yes, I am.” Tristan wasn’t lying; one of his five degrees was in botany and it served him effectively on many assignments when he needed plants for healing or poisons.

“Botany is one of my favorite hobbies, I use it often,” Victory was as excited as a child at Christmas. “I would love to pick your brain while I’m here.” Victory smiled at Tristan.

Wow, her smile is mesmerizing, Tristan thought. “Sounds like fun. I have no set schedule, so any time.” Having researched her background he knew this would be a great way to stay close to the girls.

Tristan and Victory chattered for hours about the local foliage and Tristan’s research. Victory invited him to stay for dinner, as a thank you for helping her. Suddenly all three Dobermans alerted, posed like sentinels, not moving a muscle. In unison three stubby tails started wagging feverishly and they began whining. Payton appeared, beside her a small black Doberman bitch carrying a red Kong in her mouth. Tristan’s attention was drawn to the sight of the three guardians.

“Boy, I guess nothing gets by them,” he commented.

Victory’s gaze followed Tristan’s. “Not a thing. That’s the bonus with having Dobermans, forever on guard.”

Payton approached the Prevost. “I was only gone for part of the day and you found a new friend,” she remarked with a dazzling smile on her face. Tristan could easily see the resemblance between the sisters, even with Payton’s deep auburn hair and hazel eyes, the two girls were no doubt related.

“Hey sis, have a nice walk? This is Tristan. He was nice enough to use himself as a human can opener to pry out my bike and chairs from the back storage. I swear to God, I don’t know how you possibly pack so much stuff into such a small space.” Victory shook her head at her sister.

“Believe me, it’s an art.” Payton opened the exercise pen and let the little black Doberman enter first. The other three all ran up to her and gave her the smell test to find out where she had been. Asia ignored them and walked up to Tristan. Both Payton and Victory looked dumbfounded at one another. “It seems you have a way with our dogs. Asia is usually very standoffish with strangers, mainly because she is still young and unsure,” Payton said.

“Nice to meet you, Asia,” Tristan reached down to scratch under her chin.

“It seems dogs really like Tristan,” Victory remarked as she stared surprisingly at Asia.