Dreams to Die For (40 page)

“Mike 1. Mike 1. Are you receiving me? Over.”

A brief silence, then Mike 1 answered, “Loud and clear. All quiet at the dam. I'll be there in a few minutes.”

Another silence.

“Ok Mike 1. Thanks. Out.” The officer pressed a switch on his radio and placed it back into its pouch before resuming his patrol walking slowly towards the jetty.

Fadyar was elated, this was more than she dared hope for. She had only gone onto the shore just in case she might find something that might be useful and had now learned that there were two guards who almost certainly from their accent were British special protection officers, one in the grounds and one at the dam. She surmised, almost accurately but not exactly so, that two or three British police would alternate shifts and patrols to ensure twenty-four hour coverage of the house itself. This would necessitate at least one of the guards resting up in one of the chalets, so her team would face opposition from a probable total of five security personnel including the Americans. She fancied those odds, though she would have staked slightly less had she known that there were actually four British Police not three, the patrol at the dam being handed over. Whatever, she would have surprise on her side and her team were all trained to work together, unlike the British and Americans.

Just as she thought of leaving a woman's voice called out.

“Would you like a cup of something? We're having one. The sun's still warm so we can sit over by the jetty.”

“My mate's coming over. That will be great. Two teas, both with milk and sugar. Thanks.”

Fadyar remained until she heard the soft rattle of crockery being carried on a tray signifying that the promised tea was being brought over to the heavy teak table near the jetty. Fadyar moved herself slowly around the tree and saw that two women were walking across the lawn. She instantly recognised the tall, model figure of Assiter's wife but Fadyar strained to get a better view of the other woman. The voice had seemed a little familiar but the woman had not spoken much and Fadyar had managed only a brief sighting of her face through the trees despite moving her position. Once the police had joined the two women, Fadyar sidled her way back through the forest to the shore. Assiter's boat was far in the distance and it was easy for Khan to pick her up unnoticed. As soon as she was in the boat she asked him about the communication testing.

“It went fantastically well, Fadyar. Sharid even climbed half way up the mountain opposite and there was no problem at all. We should be able to talk to each other most of the time, there's a good signal along the entire road.”

Dean and Gordon had spent a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing day fishing the loch. They had caught only three fish between them, but were not disappointed. For a start, they had profited from the private wager made with their protectors of five pounds per fish caught and landed, and they greatly enjoyed taunting the CIA men that had it not been for the other boat fishing close to the shore – which was a known ‘hot' spot – they might have relieved them of an even larger sum. More importantly, the day had allowed Assiter and Truscott to discuss a host of topics, some seriously political, others merely flippant, but some very personal. It became clear early on in the day that Assiter greatly yearned to enjoy a more routine domestic life and that many years of dedication in Washington, plus the social engagements and functions he and Paulette had to attend as a necessary part of the job, had left him feeling weary and tired.

“You know, Gordon, I wish I could have more days like this one. Free of work, feeling the fresh air on my cheeks and just the exhilaration of being in the wild, open spaces.”

“Then do it Dean. You've served your country so well for many years; you deserve some time of your own with Paulette.”

“She thinks like you, Gordon. Paulette wants me to give up and retire and is always suggesting places to move to, like San Diego or even Aspen. Perhaps I will because I have never seen her as happy as the last two days here at Mealag. She seems to worry about me in Washington and, of course, I never get to see her enough. Also, Washington is one of those places where you are forever meeting people, but make few friends. Paulette misses not having a close friend. You must have noticed how Cindy and Paulette have found an immediate rapport and already are not just friends, but confidants and soul mates?

“I have” said Gordon, “and I'm particularly pleased for Cindy. It hasn't been easy for her in many ways. The split with her husband caused some of her friends to shun her a bit, or at least she felt that they did even if they were actually only allowing her some space. She has really enjoyed the fact that you both have accepted her so readily.”

“You two seem to be getting along just real fine,” remarked Assiter. He paused. “Very fine indeed, I should say.”

The comment was not lost on Gordon who turned to Assiter and said, “Dean. Please not a word, not even to Paulette, but I am going to propose to Cindy at the end of the month with a view to a Christmas wedding.”

“My, my! Good for you. You both, I mean. Oh, shucks, I don't know what I'm saying ‘cept congratulations buddy boy. Paulette and I wouldn't miss that for the world. We'll be over, or go wherever. That is, if we're invited”.

For once Assiter's normally calm and reserved manner had deserted him, and he slapped Truscott hard on the back before pouring them both a stiff measure of the malt from his hip flask.

“Here's to you both, Gordon. I know you will both be so happy. I'd call it a perfect match. It's clear just how much Cindy loves you. In fact, Paulette says Cindy talks in such glowing terms about you that she is wondering if she hasn't married the wrong man!”

As Gordon and Assiter were confiding in each other, Paulette and Cindy were enjoying the luxury of the heated indoor pool, also talking of their respective partners. Paulette had answered Cindy's oblique question regarding the age difference that existed between Assiter and his young wife by saying that she had never known such a kind and thoughtful man. Certainly there were times when Assiter was tired, but that was more because of the long hours and stress of his job than any physical weakness. Paulette asked Cindy about her marriage to Alan and wondered why they broke up.

“I really don't know, but I blame myself not Alan. There was no one else in either of our lives at the time when I simply found life was not fulfilling any more. I needed a change of direction, something different but I didn't know what. Then there was the bomb on the underground. I met Gordon and I was deeply attracted. I think it was as simple as that, but I feel guilty as it hurt Alan at the time.”

“Do you think you will marry Gordon?” Paulette asked.

“He has to ask first!” Cindy laughed. “Then I will think about it for… I don't know how long, but probably will keep him guessing for at least a minute before I say yes.”

The two laughed and chatted a little while longer before Cindy suggested that as it was still warm outside, they should make the most of the remainder of the afternoon and have a drink down by the jetty.

“I'll ask the policemen if they want something too,” said Cindy.

* * *

It was early afternoon and Donaldson was driving along the Arkaig road, looking for any telltale vehicle tracks that might indicate access to Mealag Lodge. A forestry track appeared on his right and he turned into it. He did not think he could take his car over the bumpy and rough ground, so parked it just out sight of the road and started to walk. After about a mile, realising the track had started to go away from Mealag and towards Loch Lochy, he retraced his steps back to the car. Making sure he was not observed, he drove slowly along the road until he saw another track. He was certain that this was the other way into Mealag he had been searching for, simply by the number of tyre marks and deep ruts which, hardened by the recent dry weather, had been sculpted into the ground by numerous 4x4 vehicles and other heavier, mechanised machinery. Once again, he found a convenient place to park his car and set off to find Mealag Lodge. Donaldson was fit, always had been, and the walk of several miles was no effort and he was not even out of breath when he sighted the steel fence and large gate. Donaldson worked his way forward slowly using the trees as cover. He noticed a guard nearby was carrying a semi-automatic weapon, but this only instilled in the mercenary a greater curiosity. What was going on here that merited armed police to guard all the entrances? Had Crossland lost his bottle and warned them of his plot to have his ex-wife killed? The thought seemed ludicrous and Donaldson quickly dismissed it, but it was certainly a fact that something strange was going on in the house only a few metres from him, and he was now desperately keen to find out what it was. He also needed confirmation that Cindy was here. Donaldson waited. The police radio bleeped and a few moments later the guard turned and walked towards the lodge, permitting Donaldson to break cover. He carefully moved right up to the gate, where he had a clear view of the guard walking briskly over the large area of lawn that sloped away toward Loch Quoich before disappearing into the distance.

Donaldson wasted no time. This was his opportunity to quickly skirt around the sides of the fence and view what he could of the buildings and the lodge itself. Crouching low, he crept back into the trees but stayed close to the fence which had been erected within the forest, about thirty metres behind the nearest buildings. He passed by the rear of the MacLean's bungalow and peered through the large, open squares created by the interlocking wires of the mesh. The woodland continued into the distance and it was difficult for him to get a clear view of anything except the lodge itself. He made a few mental notes of salient details that might come in useful before continuing to work his way along the perimeter. Once he was past the rear of Mealag, the trees suddenly thinned and a large, modern, single storey building adjoined to the Lodge came into view. Two small stainless-steel chimneys protruded from the roof of the brick extension which Donaldson immediately recognised were designed to carry away steam and air, not smoke. He estimated the building to be at least fifty feet long and forty feet wide. Clever design and siting had allowed it to have been built into the forest such that it was totally concealed from anyone approaching the front entrance to the main house. Jutting deep into the forest to the rear of Mealag had necessitated the boundary fence being only a matter of few feet away from the building, and Donaldson had to withdraw slightly and shelter behind a large tree trunk in order to be certain of remaining hidden. The swimming pool had several floor to ceiling large glass sliding panel windows, with blinds at either side that been left open. There was no reason to close them. The windows faced the tall trees of the forest which itself obscured any dazzling rays of the sun. The pool was not overlooked, its occupants never expecting anyone to make their way surreptitiously through the forest – but even if some lost ramblers did come innocently by, the thick wire fence would stop them from straying into the grounds.

Donaldson wasn't a lost hiker and neither were his intentions harmless. The lights were on in the pool area and he could just make out the two silhouetted figures of Cindy and Paulette, at the far end of the pool, sitting talking to each other. He stared, transfixed. Cindy was wearing a scarlet red bikini and Paulette, a pale lemon coloured all-in-one swimsuit.

After a few minutes the two women stood up and ambled along the side of the pool directly opposite Donaldson. His lecherous eyes followed them, his head gradually turning from right to left much as it would had he been watching a slow motion tennis match, his excitement and anticipation growing as he visualised himself waiting for them in the changing area. He remained at the fence, thinking and trying to work out who Cindy's friend might be. She was clearly an attractive woman, perhaps a famous film star, which might explain the police crawling everywhere. He continued his idle speculation whilst he waited, hoping that Cindy might return to the pool, but it was cut short a few minutes later when the pool lights were switched off.

With no reason to linger he very slowly edged his way back, listening and looking. Donaldson had long passed the visible protection offered by the swimming pool and was once more crawling through the forest several feet behind the fence when he heard faint female voices some distance from the house. He neared the wire. There was some activity at the jetty, but he couldn't quite make out what was going on. He saw two men together with Cindy and another woman – her pool companion – seated at the table near the loch. He studied Cindy Crossland for several moments. She was dressed in faded blue denim jeans and wore a cream-coloured lightweight jacket. The clothes were hardly flattering but to Donaldson Cindy looked as ravishing as ever, his thoughts still very much on what he had just seen in the pool. The woman beside her was also very good-looking too, and he thought that with a little luck and opportunism on his part he might be able to include her in his plans.

The other aspects of interest at the water's edge were the two officers. Both carried a sub-machine gun hung from a shoulder strap and he assumed that the same would be true of the one at the dam gate. The fact that armed security was present at Mealag would have deterred most men, but not Donaldson. He had faced worse odds and succeeded. Only wimps overestimated the opposition's strength and under played the value of surprise – he, like the four terrorists who unknown to him were also nearby, did neither. He pondered over whether the guards were really firearms trained police or specialised protection officers. Neither made much sense to him. Why would armed police be present to guard Truscott? Or for that matter the woman at the pool? Yet he knew of no private security organisation that would openly flout the ban on them using automatic weapons, so the police had to be genuine. Then there was the DO NOT CROSS tape at the gate. That was clearly visible and would be seen by passing police vehicles, so if that was fake it would surely have been removed. Satisfied the men must be part of a police protection squad Donaldson realised that they added a huge level of risk to what he wanted to do, but he loved a challenge. This assignment was beginning to get his adrenalin running fast and high, just as it used to do in Iraq and Africa. He had missed that excitement. The sweet smell of danger and the euphoria of overcoming the odds exhilarated him and he was glad to have the chance to experience it all once more, but he would first need to modify his plans a little. He rapidly completed his survey of Mealag, worked his way back through the forest and drove to Fort William. Two hours later, he had signed a rental agreement for three days hire of a four wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle and, at a specialised outdoor adventure shop, purchased some more appropriately coloured camouflage clothing as he had felt a little too conspicuous at times dressed in simple dark clothes and jeans. The multi green, black and dark browns of his new jacket and trousers would blend better with the shrubbery and forest that surrounded Mealag.