Mountains of Dawn

Kevin's two-story cottage, set back against the trees, blended in as if it had grown there. It was made entirely of black cherry logs with a second floor balcony nestling all around it. It appeared to be empty, no sign of Kevin and Tanya, although Kevin's Porsche, a remake of the famous 911 model, was parked in front of the entrance. The main door was locked.

Paul walked around the cottage, looking for an entry. A maple and a spruce competed for the total occupancy of the southern wall. Stepping from branch to branch as if he climbed a stairway, he reached the balcony. He opened a window and entered, quickly memorizing the setting as he wandered from room to room. When he was finished, he quietly slipped from the balcony onto the branches and climbed down the trees. Clearly, the place hadn't been looked after for quite some time, Paul concluded. He strolled down the hill. At the second turn down the gravel road, he met Kevin and Tanya returning home.

"It's Paul," Tanya said cheerfully. "Hi, Paul! How did you find us?"

"The same way a killer would find you," Paul replied. "Hello, Kevin." Paul shook hands with both Kevin and Tanya, then turned to Tanya. "I'm here on a mission. Mr. Clark would like you to come back. He strongly recommends that you be under professional surveillance."

"Why?" Tanya asked. "It's been quiet for the past three weeks, very peaceful. No problems."

"True. But we believe you're still in danger. That's why I'm here." Paul's expression was serious, almost somber.

Slowly, they walked back to the cottage, Tanya and Kevin holding hands.

"Why don't we talk about it over supper?" Kevin asked amiably. "I plan to barbecue a few sausages and have supper on the back porch. It's going to be a nice evening, probably one of the last. Summer will soon be over."

Paul hardly repressed a sigh. "Fine," he replied. "But I'd like to be on the road before dark."

Tanya served a green salad, fresh bread, and the smoked sausages on the picnic table. They sat and began to eat, chatting about the nothings of life while they enjoyed their meal.

Kevin pushed his empty paper plate away and turned to Paul. "So, you plan on taking Tanya away from me again," he said with a deep sigh. "Maybe you should give us some good reasons. I just got her back." He reached for Tanya, slid his arm around her shoulders, and hugged her.