Crossing Savage by Dave Edlund

uncovered his true identity, even if their investigation had not been sabotaged. Grigory mused at how little money it took to bribe public servants.
    â€œI will contact the brothers and instruct them to plan the operation to coincide with the expedition.” The voice on the cell phone was silent.
    Grigory smiled slightly, even though he knew it was lost to the man on the phone. “You know how dangerous these geological surveys can be, especially when poorly trained students and professors are using seismic explosive charges. It is not uncommon for terrible accidents to happen.
    â€œMake sure the necessary resources are put into play. I want this done; the American government is getting too close.”
    â€œSir, there is also the colleague in Japan, a mathematics professor. He is scheduled to participate in the field expedition along with four students.”
    â€œAs I understand their roles, the mathematician plays a minor part. Nevertheless, he too must be eliminated—all of them. Make the arrangements. I do not want any loose ends. This thread of research must be terminated.”
    Grigory ended the connection, not waiting for a reply.

Chapter 4
    September 13
    Bend, Oregon
    Jim was up and enjoying a cup of coffee in the kitchen when Peter walked in. “Sleep well? What time did you get up? I didn’t hear you.”
    â€œI’m an early riser—been up since 0500. Already read your newspaper and have been enjoying your coffee.”
    Peter laughed. “Let me get some breakfast cooking—you hungry?”
    â€œAlways.”
    Peter fried a pound of bacon, scrambled six eggs with cheese and toasted four English muffins. They sat in the dining room and enjoyed the meal without talking much. Finally, looking out the picture windows toward the Three Sisters, Jim spoke, “It sure is beautiful here. I don’t imagine you would ever get tired of that view.”
    â€œNope, I don’t. You can be up in those mountains within an hour. It’s truly beautiful country. I go up there on the eastern slopes of those mountains and just walk for hours, enjoying nature at its finest. Plenty of lakes, and the fishing is not half bad—lots of trout.”
    â€œThat sounds nice,” Jim answered. But Peter sensed that it was a programmed reply and Jim’s mind was preoccupied with other concerns.
    They finished eating and Jim helped clear the dishes from the table, loading them into the dishwasher while Peter wiped down the counters.
    â€œThanks for the tour of your shop yesterday. Your work is fascinating.”
    Peter nodded. “I enjoy it. As I mentioned, the mark-nine is our first product. We’re working on some other concepts, including a more advanced belt-fed version. We’re also developing a special type of ammunition that comprises a cluster of steel darts. When the round is fired, the darts spread somewhat, like shot from a shotgun.
    â€œOh, by the way, my contract officer at DARPA speaks very highly of you.”
    Jim tilted his head, acknowledging Peter’s unexpected comment.
    Peter smiled inwardly. “I emailed him last night at his Pentagon office. I knew he would get the message this morning, and he got back to me right away. He doesn’t know you personally, of course, but says you have a very high security clearance.”
    â€œYou didn’t waste any time,” commented Jim.
    â€œJust wanted to be sure I was cleared to talk to you about our work at EJ Enterprises.” Peter glanced at his watch. “We should be going.”
    They grabbed their jackets and Jim said, “I can drive if you want to be navigator. I’ve got a government car.”
    â€œThanks, but I just bought a Hummer H3T truck. I haven’t had a chance yet to take it on a road trip.”
    â€œCool, never ridden in a Hummer before.”
    â€œWell, you can tell me how it stacks up against the military HUMVEE. I’m sure you’ve ridden in