Page 38 of Zero Visibility

The door opened and Isaac and Everett came inside loaded with bags. Ben helped them carry the food into the kitchen.

“We can take whatever food we don’t use and store it outside. Same as having a fridge.” Isaac winked at his wife.

The team’s physician, Doctor Oviok, spotted Cole’s waning condition and went over. “Let me have a look.”

The former director of the CIA would have argued, but the doctor stopped him. “You almost died, Cole. Let me make sure the trip didn’t open up your stitches.”

“There’s a fairly large storage building outside,” Isaac told them. “I keep a couple of snowmobiles, and a side-by-side in there along with my hunting equipment and snowshoes. There’s a woodstove as well. It might make a good place to set up all that computer equipment you’ve got stacked in the back of the Suburban.”

James’s face lit up. “We can make that work. I’ll carry the equipment to the shed. I’ll get the woodstove going and get started setting things up.”

Ben knelt in front of his commander. “Stay and let Doctor Oviok take a look at you. I’ll go with Isaac and bring up the rest of our people.”

Cole leaned back against the headrest and nodded.

Ben rose and faced Isaac. “Ready to go back down the mountain?” He wasn’t close to being prepared for another trip through the rugged terrain.

“Let’s go. We’ll need both vehicles to get everyone onboard along with the equipment still remaining on the plane.”

“I’ll follow you down,” Ben said. “The trip up was harrowing enough for me to realize I don’t think I can find the way down by myself.”

Isaac chuckled. “It can take some getting used to, but once you’ve done it a few times, it’s like breathing.”

Ben followed Isaac outside. “How long have you been coming up here?” he asked.

“More than twenty years.” Isaac glanced his way briefly. “Used to bring my boy up here before he passed.”

Ben remembered hunting with his dad growing up. “I’m sorry. That must have been hard.”

“It was,” Isaac said with a nod. “Jamie was the light of Doris’s and my world. After he passed, I didn’t come back up here for a long while. Then Cole visited us, and we ended up hunting together.”

“How long have you known Cole?” Ben asked as he stood beside the Jeep.

“All his life. His grandparents were good friends of ours. We spent lots of time together. Our family became theirs.” Isaac smiled over at him. “Same with his. Cole’s a good man. The minute I heard the news about him being involved in some plot against our country, I knew our world was in trouble. Because I know Cole and he wouldn’t do anything they accused him of.”

Ben agreed. None of them were guilty of the charges being brought against them, but would they survive long enough to prove their innocence?

???

She’d fallen asleep with the warmth of the fire melting away the chill that had become part of her. The softness of the sofa invited her to rest. Amidst the activity taking place all around, Jen closed her eyes and let the darkness envelop her.

Something moved nearby. Her eyes flew open and she sat up quickly. With eyes wide, she glanced around.

“Hey, it’s okay, it’s just me.” She jerked toward the sound of Ben’s voice. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

He was seated next to her.

Jen waited for her pulse to slow to respond. “No, it’s okay. I guess I was just tired.” She glanced around at the activity of the place. “How long have you been back?”

“Not long.” He kissed her temple. “Isaac and I just returned with the rest of the team. James and his people are busy setting up in the shed. Think I’ll go check on them.”

Jen held his hand when he would have risen. “Let me come with you. I could use the exercise. I’ll go slowly,” she added when he started to protest.

“Okay, but it’s cold out. Bundle up.” He held out her coat, and she slipped her arms into it.

Stepping outside, she laced her fingers with his. This was the first time they’d been alone since he found her again.

“How are you feeling?” He slowed his steps to match hers.

---