Page 48 of Grizzly Sleuth
“That the doctor isn’t planning to fly the bears back. During lunch, Olga got word that a military truck arrived carrying two cages sturdy enough to transport bears.”
“Not sure how that’s helpful. It’s not as if we can follow it,” Svetlana stated.
A confused Yuri blurted out, “Why not? We have a car.”
“Because that truck won’t be going anywhere unless they’ve captured a bear,” she pointed out.
“Oh.” Yuri’s expression fell. “I didn’t think of that.”
“At least we’ve learned there is a road there,” Idris interjected. “If they can drive to the lab, then so can we.”
“But again, they won’t be driving without a bear, and before either of you morons open your mouth, no, you are not using yourselves as bait.”
Yuri and Idris exchanged a glance. They’d see about that.
“Did you bring me anything to eat?” Svetlana asked. “I am starved.”
Yuri’s mouth rounded. “I forgot.”
“Of course you did. And here I was being a good girl, staying inside.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll go get you something right now.”
“Actually, man, I’ll go,” Idris offered. “I could use some fresh air and a stretch to my legs.” When Yuri hesitated, he added, “It’ll be fine. It’s dark outside, and I was just gonna hit that automated restaurant kiosk next door.”
“Want me to come with you?” Svetlana offered.
“Nah. Stay here with Yuri. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Idris dressed in his fur coat and hat before ducking out, shoulders hunched, head tucked. He met no one on the stairs and walked over to the automated restaurant, but inside, two people were using the kiosks. He waited until they’d left with their order before entering and placing his. Since it would take a few minutes, he leaned against a wall and stared out the window.
Was still staring as several dark-colored cars went streaking past, but his heart didn’t stop until he saw the khaki-green military truck.
Chapter Fourteen
Yuri exitedthe bathroom wearing a towel around his hips. “Where’d your big man disappear to?”
“Left to get us food.”
“Good. I’m famished, and I’ll need energy for tonight.”
“Excuse me?” Svetlana crossed her arms and glared at her brother. “I thought you weren’t supposed to be seeing Olga anymore.”
“We didn’t get as much time to talk as hoped.”
“You were gone more than three hours.”
A devilish grin teased her brother’s lips. “As I said, we didn’t talk much.”
“Ugh.” Svetlana grimaced and rolled her eyes. “You do realize this isn’t a game. If she finds out you’re the third person?—”
“They have no clue, and this is too good an opportunity to waste.”
“Did it ever occur to you that maybe another agent will find it odd you’re spending so much time with her? What if they decide to check you out?”
“Check out what? Dimitri Sokolov doesn’t exist.”
“You used our uncle’s name?” She couldn’t help but squeak.
