CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

With a tracker placed on Roper's vehicle, home base was tracking his movements around the mountain. He appeared to be making stops in a number of small towns, including a stop in the middle of the forest.

Hiro and Tanner manipulated the drones, passing over the location several times but seeing nothing except trees.

"It's too dark right now," said Hiro. "We can try again at dawn, but I do think there's something down there. It could be the new manufacturing site."

"Maybe," said Tanner. "They haven't found anything on their searches. Maybe this is where they are. But their dude, Roper, sure isn't in any hurry to stop and rest for the night."

"He's got a booming business. Why would he?" frowned Hiro. "Just when we think we're making a huge dent in these assholes, another one pops up. It's annoying as fuck."

"I couldn't agree more, but we are making a difference, Hiro. You know that," said Tanner.

"I know. But we read about these assholes killing kids, adults, every single day. They don't give a shit that it's someone's family. They're just interested in selling their shit and making money for themselves."

"Commerce, brother. The wrong kind, but it's commerce, nevertheless. It's getting late, and the team is headed back to their inn. Let's go to bed. We'll be back at this in the morning." They closed out all their programs and walked toward the front of the offices, then heard soft laughter and a ‘goodbye.' Victoria stepped out of the comms room.

"Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't know you guys were still here," she smiled.

"We're headed to bed, and so should you," grinned Tanner.

"I know. I'm going now. That was Hayes. The guys were right. He was in training for the last two weeks, and they weren't allowed to use any electronics, phone calls, nothing. He's doing okay, and we're still okay." She had a huge smile on her face, and the two men nodded at her.

"He'd be a fool to let you go, Victoria. You two have been through a lot in your young lives. You just have to be able to trust Hayes and let him follow this dream of his. He's trying to build a future for the both of you."

"I know," she nodded as they stepped outside. The wind whipped at them from the north, and the three of them pulled their collars up on their jackets. "I've never had a boyfriend before, so this is new for me. And for him, I think. I just let my imagination get the best of me, that's all."

"Everyone does it now and then," they said, walking her to her cottage. "Get a good night's rest, and we'll be back at it again in the morning."

"Yes, sirs." The two men just chuckled, not able to break her of the habit of calling them ‘sir.' "Oh. Something that could be helpful for all of you. Lance Stone is set to premiere his movie about corrupt coal mining next Friday. He's doing a whole red-carpet event and everything. He's doing it at the New River Gorge Bridge. Some big spectacular thing with a temporary screen on the bridge and everything."

"That's very helpful, Victoria. Thank you." She turned and smiled at the men as her father opened the door. She kissed his cheek and then turned, waving at Tanner and Hiro.

"Goodnight, Tanner. Goodnight, Hiro."

"Night, kid," smiled Hiro.

"Thanks for walking her back," said Mo. "I know it's safe here, and no one could get to her, but she's still my daughter."

"You're a great father, Mo. She loves you and Ophelia."

"We love her. Strange as it is, adopting her so late in her life, we can't imagine not having her here. Everything good in West Virginia?"

"So far. We'll be back at it tomorrow. Goodnight."

They opened the door to the inn and immediately smelled the food. Walking into the dining room, the table was set, and there was a note that said the food was being kept warm in the ovens. Before they could head to the kitchen, Iris appeared.

"I heard you boys come in. Let me get everything," she said.

"Let us help," said Gator.

"Son, I'm the owner of this place. I can handle a few pots of food. Take a seat. Did you boys find anything?" she called from the other room.

"Not really," they said, trying to remain vague.

"Well, the news said a young man was found dead in his apartment yesterday morning. Originally, the coroner thought it was malnutrition due to him being out of work. Turns out, he was working a full-time job and died from an overdose of some new diet drug. He was just twenty-seven years old. Had his whole life ahead of him to worry about how much he weighed," she said, setting the last of the food on the table.

"It smells wonderful," said Dan.

"Stroganoff, roast beef, roasted potatoes, cheesy broccoli and cauliflower, homemade rolls, and I made you two kinds of pie, blackberry and rhubarb."

"Oh, man, I just might have to marry you, Iris," said Garr. She chuckled, shaking her head.

"You're a handsome devil, but you wouldn't be able to handle me. My Charlie, Charlie Sr., he had a hard time wrangling me in."

"How long were you married?" asked Leif.

"Forty-seven years. Oh, how I loved that man. We met in grade school. He passed me a note and asked if I liked him, check ‘yes' or ‘no.' I checked no."

"What!?" exclaimed Rett.

"Oh, don't worry. I knew even back then you never say yes right away. He sent another note the following day, and I said yes. We dated all through middle school, went to homecoming together in high school, went to prom together, and graduated together. He took some courses at the community college and got a two-year degree in accounting. Enough to not have to work in the mines."

The men all watched her as she told her story. They thankfully ate the delicious meal before them, listening intently.

"When the boys were killed, he couldn't stand it. He felt like he should have tried harder to get them to go to college or just get out of here. Have you ever watched someone just sort of wither away before your eyes? You know they're in there, but it's like they can't actually come out and speak with you. They're locked up."

"Yes, ma'am," said Sor. "I've known a few people like that."

"It's awful. The day he died, I thought he was getting better. He talked all day long about our life together and how much he loved me, appreciated me. Before we went to sleep, he kissed me and said, ‘Iris Morgan, you're the best thing that ever happened in my life.' Morgan was my maiden name," she grinned.

"How'd he die?" asked Rett.

"He just fell asleep and didn't wake up," said Iris. "In an odd way, I was grateful he didn't suffer. I think that's what we all hope for."

"Yes, ma'am," said Tailor. "I believe that's exactly what we want. It's what I want with my wife."

Iris smiled at him, nodding.

"Is she a good woman?" she asked with a grin.

"She puts up with me, so, yes. I'd say she's one of the best. We've been married a long time now. Got a son and grandson. She's a nurse at a local medical center."

"Oh, a fine woman then," said Iris. "We need nurses and teachers. What about the rest of you?"

"Garr and Sor are the only two not married," said Alistair. "I hope to be soon when all this is over and done with."

"I love that. There's nothing better than a good marriage. One where you respect one another, share your dreams, your hopes, your fears. It's all that matters in the end, boys."

"Why are you still alone, Iris?" asked Dan. "You're a fine woman. Wasn't there ever anyone else for you?"

"Well, now, I guess I just never thought about it much. When you think about it, married forty-seven years, but we were together fifteen years before that. That's sixty-two years with one person. You don't just find another love like that," she said, rising with a groan. "You boys finish up, and this time, I mean it. Leave the dishes. I'll get them in the morning."

"Yes, ma'am," came the chorus. She started to head up the stairs, then turned to look at them.

"Boys? If God chooses to take me in my sleep, there's no one left to bury me or care what happens to this place. My will is upstairs in my jewelry box. The inn will go to the school district for a classroom annex. Everything else can be sold and given to charity. Will you make sure that happens for me?"

"You can count on us, Iris," said Alistair. "But you're not going anywhere any time soon. I have a feeling you'll be around a while." She laughed, shaking her head.

"God, I hope not."