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    The Carla Conspiracy
    The Carla Conspiracy
    The Carla Conspiracy
    Ebook440 pages5 hours

    The Carla Conspiracy

    By Derek Hart

    ()

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    About this ebook

    The author’s love of New Mexico, combined with his passion for writing and teaching, all came together to form the basic plot for this book. Best-selling author Garrett Brody looked forward to beginning his visiting lecturer of creative writing at the University of New Mexico’s English Department. However, while Garrett is out hiking one afternoon, he comes across a dying man who utters, “Carla is the key.” So begins a mystery that Brody refuses to let go of, even when his own dark past catches up to him. Filled with his trademark style of adventure
    and romance, Derek Hart once again unleashes a story bursting with action and romance.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherDerek Hart
    Release dateJul 14, 2018
    ISBN9780463344118
    The Carla Conspiracy
    Author

    Derek Hart

    Derek Hart is the prolific author of 28 action and adventure novels, known for their historical accuracy, while still maintaining a high level of entertainment. Romance is also a vital part of Derek Hart's trademark style and his novels generally appeal to men and women alike. Mr. Hart authored Secret of the Dragon's Eye, his first novel aimed at all age groups, which met with instant success and outstanding reviews. The author has since followed with Secret of the Dragon's Breath, Secret of the Dragon's Claw, Secret of the Dragon's Scales and Secret of the Dragon's Teeth. The final volume of the 6-episode series, Secret of the Dragon's Wings, will be available in November of 2018. He has since started a new series, post-apocalyptic in nature, with Minerva's Shield and Nike's Chariot. The third installment, Apollo's Plague came out in November 2017. Abandoned was published in March 2018 and Game Over premiered in June 2018. List of published books: Secret of the Dragon’s Eye Secret of the Dragon’s Breath Secret of the Dragon’s Claw Secret of the Dragon’s Scales Secret of the Dragon’s Teeth Secret of the Dragon’s Wings Claws of the Raven Danger Cruise Favor for FDR Crooked Cross Factor Tracks of the Predator For Love or Honor Bound Tales of the Yellow Silk Element of Surprise Seas Aflame Ice Flotilla High Altitude Low Opening Tangles of Truth Shadows in Replay Flag of Her Choosing Tidal Trap Dangerous (Poetry) Executive Firepower The CARLA Conspiracy The Wreckchasers Minerva's Shield Nike's Chariot Apollo's Plague Abandoned Game Over Mercury's Wings Before the Dead Walked Books coming soon: The Samuel Clemens Affair Pearl and Topaz By the Moon Darkly Broadmoor Manor Neptune's Trident Operation Sovereign Primary Weapon Saturn's Fire Tails of Thaddeus Enchanted Mesa Eagle Blue Last Guidon Excess Baggage Container Carta Codex Shipwreckers Romeo Tango The 5x5 Gang Desert Salvage

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      Book preview

      The Carla Conspiracy - Derek Hart

      The CARLA Conspiracy

      A Novel by

      Derek Hart

      All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2012 Derek Hart

      No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher.

      This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, places, organizations, and dialogue in this novel either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy.

      Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      Published by Derek Hart at Smashwords

      This book is available in print at most online retailers.

      Cover designed by David M. Burke

      Table of Contents

      Dedication

      Foreword

      Preface

      Acknowledgments

      Introduction

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 3

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 5

      Chapter 6

      Chapter 7

      Chapter 8

      Chapter 9

      Chapter 10

      Chapter 11

      Chapter 12

      Chapter 13

      Chapter 14

      Chapter 15

      Chapter 16

      Chapter 17

      Chapter 18

      Chapter 19

      Chapter 20

      Chapter 21

      Chapter 22

      Chapter 23

      Chapter 24

      Epilogue

      Contact the Author

      Notes

      Dedication

      Dedicated to Alice Simon who, throughout the years, has proven to be not only a great friend, but also a confidant and ally. The author readily acknowledges her contribution to his writing success and words can never repay her generosity.

      Foreword

      Conspiracy:

      An agreement to perform together an illegal, wrongful, or subversive act.

      A group of conspirators.

      Law: An agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime or accomplish a legal purpose through illegal action.

      A joining or acting together, as if by sinister design: a conspiracy of wind and tide that devastated coastal areas.

      What’s in a Name?

      The name Carla is Teutonic in origin, commonly found in Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, English, and German cultures, meaning strong woman. Derived from the German Karla - meaning free woman, but its common use was first documented starting in the 8th century in the Latinized form Carola, in memory of the venerable Carola Gerhardinger of Regensburg.

      In numerology, the numbers 911, the internationally recognized call sign for requesting emergency assistance, signifies Carla. For students of the relationships between certain numbers and letters, this would indicate that anyone named Carla would be of tremendous value during times of trouble.

      The common attributes associated with the name Carla are:

      -Meaning-

      Strong woman.

      -Motivation-

      Desire to succeed.

      -Character-

      Confident with what she does.

      -Feelings-

      Passionate.

      -Intelligence-

      Possesses an inquiring mind.

      -Spiritual-

      Happy with personal beliefs.

      -Nature-

      Fun loving.

      -Inherent-

      A love of freedom.

      Preface

      Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico now occupies 600 acres along old Route 66 in the heart of Albuquerque, a city of half a million people. From the magnificent mesas to the west, past the banks of the historic Rio Grande, to the Sandia Mountains to the east, Albuquerque is a blend of culture and cuisine, styles and stories, people, pursuits and panoramas.

      The University of New Mexico offers a unique campus environment with a Pueblo Revival architectural theme that echoes the buildings of the nearby Pueblo Indian villages. The nationally recognized Campus Arboretum offers an outstanding botanical experience in the midst of one of New Mexico’s great public open spaces.

      The university represents a wide cross-section of cultures and backgrounds. Over 24,700 students attend the main campus and another 7,100 attend branch campuses and education centers. The average student at the university is 27 years old.

      The University of New Mexico boasts outstanding faculty members, including a Nobel Laureate, a MacArthur Fellow and several members of the national academies. Faculty members published in various professional journals including Scientific American, New England Journal of Medicine and Nature. University professors were quoted in Newsweek, Seattle Times, Business Week, US News and World Report, and the New Yorker, among others. UNM professors shared their expertise on CNN, Today Show, Good Morning America, Nova and other news shows.

      The university employs 19,443 people statewide, including employees of the university hospital. Alumni numbers more than 110,000 worldwide, while nearly half remain in the state.

      UNM’s main and branch campuses offer 88 certificates, 97 associate degrees, 145 bachelor’s degrees, 83 master’s degrees, 42 doctorate degrees, three professional degrees, 11 post-master’s certificates and eight education specialists. Several UNM programs consistently rank among the best nationwide. U.S. News & World Report listed three programs in the UNM School of Medicine that ranked in the top ten. For eight consecutive years, the school’s rural medicine program held the number two spot in the nation. UNM’s primary-care curriculum ranked fourth, UNM’s family medicine program ranked in fifth place. The law school was recognized among the most racially diverse student bodies and the school remains in the top 100 law schools in the nation. UNM’s School of Engineering was among the top 50 engineering schools in the country. In addition, UNM’s anthropology, biology, flamenco dance and Latin American and Western history programs have respected national reputations.

      Annual giving to the university exceeds $40 million. Total budget revenue for UNM was $1,267,900,000. UNM research injects millions of dollars into New Mexico’s economy, augments teaching by giving students valuable hands-on training in state-of-the-art laboratories, and funds new advancements in healthcare. The Health Sciences Center is the state’s largest integrated health care treatment, research and education organization. Among the university’s outstanding research units are the High Performance Computing Center, Cancer Center, New Mexico Engineering Research Institute, Center for High Technology Materials, Design Planning Assistance Center, Environmental Law and Policy, and the Center for Non-Invasive Diagnosis.

      The university has branch campuses in Gallup, Los Alamos, Taos and Valencia County. In addition, UNM offers graduate and upper division programs in Los Alamos and Santa Fe and throughout the state. UNM’s libraries, museums, galleries and Center for the Arts are a rich cultural resource for the state. UNM’s Tamarind Institute is one of the premier printmaking workshops in the world. UNM is home to the Lobos and is part of the Mountain West conference. Lobo athletics draw fans from all over and the university arena or The Pit was ranked 13th by Sports Illustrated as one of the top 20 sports venues of the century.

      If you have never been to New Mexico, then you are truly missing a wonderful adventure. Inside her borders are ancient cultures, unique cuisine, varied wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. There are mountains, lakes, deserts, and vast forests, combined with people who are vibrant, fascinating and as diverse as their history.

      New Mexico is indeed the Land of Enchantment.

      Acknowledgements

      A sincere and profound thank you goes to Dixie Leigh Lohmar, who provided firsthand information on the life of a female professional wrestler. Dixie is not exactly what you might expect from such an occupation. She is entirely entertaining and captivating, incredibly feminine and beautiful, smart as a whip, and possesses an awesome outlook on life. Not only that, but Dixie was one of the rare women wrestlers who grappled with men and looked amazing doing so! This book could not have been written without her attention to detail and willingness to openly share her unique life experiences. Taking into consideration the inherent risks involved, the author would like to give her a great big hug.

      A warm salute goes to the faculty, students, and alumni of the University of New Mexico. While the author toured the campus and talked to various students, he was immediately struck by the tremendous positive influence the university has on Albuquerque, the state of New Mexico, and anyone who has attended classes there. Derek Hart would especially like to thank the Department of English Language and Literature, as well as Chairman Dr. Scott Sanders, for assistance with his research.

      To Billy Martin, a 73-year-old Navajo from Crownpoint, New Mexico, who willingly provided the author with all the information he could use regarding the Navajo Nation, which extends into the states of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, covering over 27,000 square miles of unparalleled beauty. The Navajo Reservation is home to more than a dozen national monuments, tribal parks and historical sites, and is peppered with twelve lakes and ponds. Tenacious, adaptable, enduring, and spiritual are the words that characterize the largest and most influential Indian tribe in North America. The arid-looking surface of Navajo land belies what lies underneath, a world of hidden treasures, with deposits of oil, gas, coal and uranium waiting to be tapped. Minerals excavated not only benefit the Navajo Nation, but also provide various forms of energy to millions of people throughout the United States. However, drilling and mining for these deposits of natural resources are creating untold damage to the environment, the Navajo social structure, and their longstanding cultural integrity. The author hopes Native Americans will learn from the white man’s mistakes, by protecting their heritage and the land.

      Cover art by David M. Burke

      Introduction

      Best-Selling Author to Guest Lecture on Creative Writing

      This spring, best-selling author Garrett Brody will be a visiting lecturer of creative writing for the University of New Mexico’s English Department. Brody’s twelve historical adventure novels all appeared on the New York Times best-seller list and four books were made into hit movies. Garrett does not bask in success, however, as he continues to write books as fast as his publisher is willing to print them.

      Part of the reason Brody is coming to Albuquerque is to finish his latest novel. He weaves into his fiction the events of his life, with stories of struggle, courage and survival, as well as extensive local research.

      I’ve always been interested in writing counter-narratives to officially accepted history, said the novelist. Well researched historical fiction should give a different perspective on the stuff they teach in grade school. Just because the dialogue is fictionalized, doesn’t mean the reader can’t gain valuable insights into the invisible, silent, and absent voices from the vibrant past.

      History is still vital, he says. Our nation and the world around us are a direct result of the people who came before us. The past shapes our present and our future.

      Brody’s lifetime interest in teaching caused him to accept the invitation for a visiting lecturer position and the fact he has always loved New Mexico.

      Presently home is suburban San Antonio, Texas, but Brody plans to permanently move to Albuquerque as soon as possible. With his cat, General Sherman, Brody has taken up residence in a condominium near the university.

      Garrett does admit he still needs time alone to write. I wish I could get up in the morning and write for several hours in the comfort of my own place, but I just can’t. So I rented private office space and go in as if it was a regular nine-to-five job. There I can really concentrate on my writing.

      Teaching other writers is also something he looks forward to. I love seeing the light bulb go on for students as much as I like writing. Brody relishes helping students bring their stories of imagination and history to life.

      Brody was especially drawn to UNM students and found them refreshingly influenced by New Mexico’s strong history and the university’s renowned English department. I hope I can contribute to their serious pursuit of writing.

      Brody was born in Wilmette, Illinois and grew up in the Chicago metro area, but developed a love for history from his parents. Every summer on the family vacation, Garrett and his sister Marie were passengers on journeys back in time. My father and mother actually ruined my chances of being a model student, Brody says jokingly. They showed me where the actual events took place and I naturally wanted to learn more. When I was in high school history class and the teacher oversimplified everything, I just had to open my big mouth and point out certain shortcomings. Eventually I learned to keep my trap shut and took up writing instead.

      Dr. Cynthia Wolf’s Robe Mendez, who directs UNM’s creative writing program, said Brody’s interest in general history and specifically the Southwest makes him a very good fit for our department and the university. His research methods and, of course, his success with writing, have a lot to offer us.

      New Mexico has a rich heritage, Brody explains. I have many more books in my soul yet to write and this land and these people make the creative juices flow. As long as the university finds value in my lectures, then I shall remain. I’m afraid they’re stuck with me. New Mexico is indeed the land of enchantment and I can’t think of a better place to spend the rest of my life.

      Prologue

      The Hands of Death

      After a few hours of idly walking around several Albuquerque attractions, Garrett Brody, along with fellow University of New Mexico English professors Todd Everett and Alice Coleman, decided to go backpacking over the weekend. Since Bandelier National Monument was located such a short distance away, they agreed to make the park their final destination. While most of the driving was on winding scenic mountain roads, Bandelier still only took about 90 minutes to reach.

      The primary attraction at Bandelier was the cliff dwelling ruins where pueblo ancestors lived for nearly 500 years. The trio initially strolled along the popular 1.4-mile introduction trail to stretch their legs after the drive. They really enjoyed climbing up the short ladders to the cliff dwellings and poking their heads into the small holes leading to where the Indians lived from the 11th to 16th century.

      Eventually feeling more adventurous, they followed the trail as it extended another half mile to the Indian ceremonial cave. They climbed straight up the cliff via a series of steep ladders, 140 vertical feet. The view from the large, half-domed cave was spectacular and looked out over the gorge and a bubbling creek. A kiva was inside. Here special religious ceremonies still took place.

      After climbing up to the cave, Brody received permission to scale down a steep ladder through a hole in the floor into the kiva, where he tried to imagine being a member of the pueblo during a simpler time of human existence. Afterwards they pitched their tents in the park campground, barbequing steaks in an approved, fire-control grill.

      The next morning, Brody, along with his two University of New Mexico academic friends, began their serious hiking to Painted Cave, then along the Frijoles Rim Trail, and finally past the Yapashi Ruins. Considered strenuous, the forty-mile round-trip journey would traverse mesas, explore sheer-walled canyons, search the large unexcavated pueblo called Yapashi, and negotiate the steep descent from the San Miguel Mountains into Capulin Canyon, where fantastic prehistoric and historic pictographs decorated the walls of a large alcove.

      A popular misconception of New Mexico was that it consists of nothing but desert. While it was true that a portion of desert extended up from Mexico into southern New Mexico, the state’s scenery was beautiful and diverse. The Rocky Mountains thrust into the north-central portion from Colorado, reaching an altitude of just over 13,000 feet near Taos. The vast Colorado Plateau, a region of high tablelands serrated by canyons cut deeply through red sandstone and shale, covers the northwest section of the state.

      Although not truly a desert, the Southwest was quite arid and New Mexico received less than 20 inches of precipitation a year, so most crops required supplementary irrigation. However, northern New Mexico enjoyed a temperate mountain climate with four distinct seasons, and was relatively green and well watered. Even though April was almost over, springtime often came late to the Rockies. It was windy and wet snowstorms occurred even in late May. March ended with warm, dry conditions followed by a two-month rainy season. Even on many summer days, rain would pour down by early afternoon, accompanied by lightning and, sometimes, hail. Then the skies would clear and the evenings would invariably be delightful and cool, filled with magnificent twinkling stars.

      Bandelier National Monument contained 23,267 acres of designated wilderness, with more than seventy miles of backcountry trails. The terrain was challenging and the scenery spectacular. Elevations ranged from 5,000 to 10,000 feet, while lush, narrow canyons alternated with sweeping mesa-top vistas.

      After a half-hour drive down bumpy forest service roads, fog and light drizzle greeted the trio at the end of St. Peter’s Dome Road. In the distance was Boundary Peak, which marked the west border of Bandelier National Monument. They unpacked their gear and headed off into the wilderness.

      The fog and rain dried up quickly, and they discovered an amazing view of the canyons below. The first part of the hike took them down from 8000 feet to 6100 feet and into Capulin Canyon. Part way down, the trees disappeared, replaced by scrub-brush.

      They took a long break at Painted Cave and ate lunch. Alice and Todd sat for a long time in complete silence, contemplating the hundreds of petroglyphs.

      Some of the drawings are Anasazi, who inhabited the area around AD 1300. Others were much more recent including a Star of David, a church with steeple, and a lizard poking his head above a mountain range about to devour the church. There were also many abstract symbols, blown-paint hand reliefs, deer, birds and other strange animals.

      After Painted Cave, they hiked down to a bluff overlooking the Rio Grande, near the southern boundary of Bandelier. This was where they agreed to pitch tents and make a campsite looking northeast.

      Alice and Todd negotiated their way down the bluff to check out the river. Their plan was to get drinking water out of the river, with suitable treatment, of course. However, the water was very muddy and smelled horrible, so they passed on that idea.

      The backpackers had carried everything they would need, with four days’ worth of food. This also included tents, sleeping bags, clothing, and water, the most precious commodity of all. Each hiker carried six quarts at any given time. None of the backcountry camps was staffed, but most had a water source, although hikers had to purify it with an Iodine solution. The elevation started out over 8000 feet above sea level and went up from there. The three of them had to get used to the thinner air, which they slowly adjusted to over the several days hiking. It did not help that they were carrying backpacks weighing close to 58 pounds each. However, the beautiful surroundings were well worth the physical exertion.

      The area abounded with Mule Deer, Jack Rabbits and lots of unusual vegetation, like huge Douglas firs, Aspen trees, and blooming cactus. One of the hassles of backpacking in the area was the need to follow strict bear safety procedures. There were plenty of brown bears and a few mountain lions in the area, but no grizzlies. The hikers had to put up all of their odor-producing items, such as food, cameras and film, toothpaste, and garbage into bear bags which were hoisted up onto a cable each night. They were also advised not to wear any underarm deodorant. This led to a lot of body odor after a few days with no shower. Placed strategically at points in or near camps, the outhouses were simply boxes with seats mounted on top, out in the open. The nicest facilities were enclosed and affectionately known as red roof inns, for their brightly painted crimson tops.

      The first night the trio had a beautiful clear sky. The moon was so bright that the hikers cast crisp shadows. They stayed up very late and watched shooting stars, while sprawled around a small campfire. Garrett Brody remained awake long after the others had drifted off to sleep, as he often suffered from rest-robbing nightmares. An incident from his recent past regularly haunted him. He hadn’t brought his laptop computer, of course, so his typical nocturnal writing habits were interrupted. Instead, he just stared up at the heavens and pondered all sorts of grand and sometime ridiculous thoughts.

      The next morning, Brody hiked down the bluff to the river to try his hand at getting water. The level had dropped during the night, so it was even less appetizing than the previous evening. The water he found looked and smelled like an emulsion of mud and rotting flesh.

      Do we really have to drink this? Alice asked, curling her nose from the smell.

      Even after treatment, it was still undrinkable. Their nearest fresh-water supply was seven miles and several canyons away.

      They packed up their gear and started the hike. Reaching the mesa overlooking Alamo Canyon, everyone realized how thirsty they were. Somehow, they also kept losing the trail. It seemed like countless miles, in the scorching midday heat, but the hikers finally reached the Yapashi Pueblo Ruins. Ancient people lived here in the 13th century, but now there were just fallen walls and pottery shards.

      After resting in the shade for a while, Brody spurred his companions to continue. They then reached Stone Lions Shrine. In the center of a circle of rocks were two lions carved from stone. They were quite weathered, but the rough outline of the big cats was still discernable.

      After another thirty minutes of hiking, the ranger’s station finally came into sight and everyone sighed with relief.

      Salvation!

      A hand-pump delivered clear, fresh water. Waiting the ten minutes for the water treatment to work was very difficult for such thirsty people. Then a park ranger showed up and tried to make passing conversation, but even Brody was too grumpy and tired to be very friendly.

      After drinking a couple of quarts of water apiece, they sat at one of the picnic tables and made a leisurely lunch.

      Next trip, let’s pick a trail which starts uphill and ends downhill, Alice announced emphatically.

      Both Garrett and Todd laughed aloud.

      Next time, let’s take more canteens, Todd suggested instead.

      Once they felt refreshed and properly hydrated, the hikers set out again, hoping to return to the parking lot before dusk. The trail was mostly downhill from that spot, which pleased Alice immensely. Garrett took up the lead position and set an aggressive pace. However, with such captivating scenery and abundant wildlife nearby, they just naturally slowed down to take it all in.

      Suddenly, Brody came to an abrupt halt.

      He held up his hand to stop the others.

      What’s wrong? Todd asked.

      I don’t know, Garret replied. There’s something lying in the middle of the trail and it looks like an injured animal. I’m going closer to investigate.

      Be careful, Garrett, Alice warned. It might attack you.

      Brody waved her off. Believe me, I will be. You two stay there and if I start running for my life, don’t hang around to watch.

      Todd laughed nervously. Don’t worry, we won’t.

      Garrett approached slowly, trying not to make any sudden movements or noise. Alice was mesmerized by Brody’s approach as he slinked forward as if he was a predator on the hunt. She had ever seen anyone behave in such a manner.

      As Garret got closer, however, his curiosity turned to horror.

      It wasn’t an animal at all.

      It was a human being.

      Oh, my god, Brody said.

      The dead person was completely naked, lying face down, with four bullet holes punched into his upper torso. None of the shots had been fatal on their own, but the victim probably had bled to death.

      What is it, Garrett? Alice called out.

      It’s a dead man, Brody replied.

      Alice almost got sick to her stomach and as Todd put his arms around her, he called back, Are you sure?

      Yes, I’m quite sure, Garrett replied. Just stay where you are.

      The wounds in the man’s back were dark with time. He had been shot at close range, from what Brody was able to deduce. Very slowly, Brody turned the body over.

      Ignoring the warning to remain where they were, Alice and Todd came closer, until they could clearly see the body. The victim was middle-aged, perhaps in his early 50’s and wore glasses regularly, based on the indentations on the bridge of his nose. He was thin, but had been in good shape for his age. The bullets had passed…

      The man’s eyes suddenly popped open, badly startling Brody, who jumped back.

      Alice screamed and fainted, as Todd fell over backwards to catch her.

      The poor soul’s features became even paler, if that was possible, his eyes glazing over as the man’s lips moved in contorted spasms. Then, with great difficulty, he tried to speak.

      Brody knelt down beside him and took the poor man’s hand. Take it easy. Try not to strain yourself. We’ll get some help.

      The man slowly shook his head, forming his lips again.

      Garrett leaned down until his ear was right by the man’s mouth.

      Carla is the key, he croaked.

      Then his eyes became sightless and the last remaining air expelled from his lungs.

      Now he truly was dead.

      Todd revived Alice, who sat in the dust and cried. Shock etched their young faces.

      Is he…? Alice asked, her voice quivering with sorrow.

      Yes, now he’s really dead, Garrett said, coming over to comfort her. He made a head nod towards Todd, signaling the young man should keep close to Alice.

      What did he say to you, Garrett? Alice asked, before Todd could do anything.

      Brody was deeply troubled by the entire incident. He replied, Carla is the key.

      What the hell is that supposed to mean? Todd demanded.

      I don’t know, Todd, Brody said, trying to control the frustration he felt. Perhaps someone named Carla was his murderer.

      He was murdered! Alice exclaimed. How do you know that?

      Because he was shot four times, Garrett replied.

      The woman desperately began looking around in every direction. We could be next.

      Alice screamed again and hysterically began sobbing. Brody came over and shook her like a rag doll.

      That silenced her for a moment, enough for Garrett to say, Now get a hold of yourself, Alice. There’s no one out here, but us.

      Another flood of tears erupted, as she buried her face against Todd’s chest.

      Brody stood up and looked all around, getting his bearings and noting landmarks. Todd, do you have your cell phone with you?

      Yes, but I’m not sure you’ll get service up here, Todd replied.

      We’ll soon find out, Brody said, as he held out his hand and wiggled his fingers.

      Keeping Alice close to him, Todd managed to retrieve his cell phone and handed it over to Garrett.

      Brody dialed 911.

      The line rang and someone answered.

      Is this an emergency? the voice inquired.

      Yes, Brody replied. I’d like to report a murder.

      After he finished giving all the details to the operator, Garrett returned the cell phone to Todd. Then he knelt across from Alice, who had calmed down considerably.

      I’m sorry I treated you so roughly, Alice, Brody apologized.

      She shook her head. It isn’t necessary to apologize, Garrett. I was getting irrational. I’ve just never seen anything like this before.

      Me neither, Todd said. How can you stay so emotionally detached, Garrett?

      Brody shrugged. It’ll catch up to me later, I assure you. One of us has to keep a straight head.

      Garrett stood up again and pulled the groundsheet from his backpack, which he used to cover the body. It was unnerving how the waterproof canvas was the perfect size to form a body bag, something he was quite familiar.

      It was almost two hours later when several forest rangers arrived at the scene on horseback. They conducted a preliminary interview of the three hikers, before radioing into their base. Less than twenty minutes after that, a helicopter circled the area, eventually landing in a clearing about 100 yards away.

      The body and the surrounding area were photographed before men carefully slipped the deceased into a body bag. They carried it back to the chopper and slid it inside. As the bright-orange Air Rescue Huey lifted off, several more helicopters landed, this time blue police model Kiowas. Uniformed officers and plain-clothes detectives climbed out and headed for the scene. Law enforcement evidence technicians again photographed the site, while others searched the area for miles in every direction. Garrett, Alice and Todd were questioned again, their identification checked, and the information gathered was crosschecked to see if the stories collaborated with each other. When all of this was completed, they were released.

      Would you like a lift back to the Ranger station? one helicopter pilot offered.

      Before Garrett could decline, the other two answered, Sure.

      However, Brody shook his head. No, thank you, he shouted to make himself heard over the rotor noise. I’ll walk back. He faced Todd and Alice. You two go ahead. I’ll meet you back at the parking lot.

      They hesitated, looking extremely uncomfortable with the entire situation.

      Garrett pushed them in the direction of the helicopters. Go. I’ll be just fine. I need to walk this off, that’s all. You can buy me a cold beer when we stop in Santa Fe for gas.

      Are you sure you’re okay? Todd asked.

      Garrett just nodded and slung his backpack on, waving as the pair made their way to one of the waiting helicopters. When they were safely belted inside, it lifted off and flew away.

      "Hey,

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