Dark Hand from Russia

Copyright © 2012 by Dragan Vujic

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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

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ISBN: 978-1-4697-8600-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4697-8599-8 (e)

Printed in the United States of America

iUniverse rev. date: 02/20/2012

Contents

Chapter One

Lucan Archer

Chapter Two

Igor Oblomov

Chapter Three

Morning Mist

Chapter Four

Slices of Life

Chapter Five

Recollection

Chapter Six

Complications

Chapter Seven

No Time To Mourn

Chapter Eight

Funeral

Chapter Nine

Commencement

Chapter Ten

Confusion

Chapter Eleven

Strategy

Chapter Twelve

Onslaught

Chapter Thirteen

Kill Shot

Chapter Fourteen

A New Beginning

Dedicated to my lifelong friends,

Denny and Liz Dietrich.

Chapter One

Lucan Archer

A small airplane glided across a sparsely clouded sky. The bright sun was approaching its apex – signaling the debut of noon. Aaron Archer piloted the craft effortlessly towards his destination. He had practically grown up in an airport and had learned the fine art of flying at a very early age. His Maui Jim sunglasses blocked out the blinding light of the sun and enabled him to see clearly. This blue head gear muffled the sound of the engine and the cable plugged into the dash allowed him to communicate with his passenger. The cargo was very precious. His fiancée, Kim Lee, sat beside him. She was also wearing sunglasses and the appropriate head gear.

Aaron was of Irish decent. His flaming red hair and ice blue eyes attested to that fact. He inherited his hair colour from his mother and he had his father’s bright eyes. Aaron stood about six feet tall and weighed approximately one hundred and seventy pounds – mostly muscle. He worked out on a regular basis and was in excellent physical shape. On the other hand, Kim was of Korean descent with her short black hair and sparkling brown eyes. She appeared to be slight in comparison to her future husband, weighing a mere hundred pounds and barely reaching the five foot mark in height.

They had met at university over two years ago. Aaron was currently enrolled in his third year of law. Kim was in her fourth year of the honours program in mathematics. This was the Canadian Thanksgiving day weekend which typically fell on the second Monday of October. They had decided to visit Aaron’s father who lived in the remote north of Ontario. Kim’s father had passed away several years ago. Her mother owned and operated a relatively small convenience store on a busy corner in Toronto. Aaron’s mother owned and operated a small private airport with a fleet of six planes. Today, Aaron was flying one of those planes. Revenue came from renting pleasure crafts, giving flying lessons and teaching flight school. On weekends, Aaron often helped out around the premises and gave flying lessons. However, this weekend had been declared an official holiday. The airport was closed for three days.

So, tell me about your dad., requested Kim.

Oh, that’s a long story., responded Aaron, wondering where to start.

Well, we have lots of time. In fact, we have a lifetime., chuckled Kim, poking Aaron in the arm.

Yeah, we do. I was just thinking what to say. I guess what stands out the most in my mind is that dad taught mom how to fly and she taught him how to shoot. From what I hear, he is still a terrible shot. But, don’t tell him that. He did show some improvement over time., smiled Aaron.

Then, how come she runs the airport and he lives up north? Isn’t that a little strange?, inquired Kim.

"Patience, my dear. I’ll get to that part. My grandfather was a pilot in the Second World War. After the war, he returned to Canada and opened a flight school. Initially, he bought two planes. Later, the business went well and he expanded to eight planes. That was the start of Archer Airlines. My dad grew up around planes and took over the business when his father died. On the other hand, my mother grew up in army barracks due to the fact that her dad was in the American military service. She was the general’s daughter and thus enjoyed a lot of the associated privileges. From an early age, she took an interest in shooting a variety of firearms. Since the ammunition was free, mom had an opportunity to develop her talents. Even today, she is a crack shot with a pistol. My mom just seems to have a natural talent when it comes to shooting firearms. Unfortunately, she could not pass this gift onto dad. My dad’s strengths were in flying and fixing planes. And, he was really good at what he did. Anyway. That is their background. They lived in different worlds and in different countries.

But, they met in Ireland at an Irish festival. Both of them were of Irish decent and had relatives that still live in Ireland. I’ve been over a few times and have met most of my relatives there, but not all of them. Ireland is a beautiful country and the people are really friendly. We’ll go there some time. According to mom, she fell in love with dad from the first time that she saw him and she has loved him ever since. The feeling was obviously mutual because by the time the week ended and on their third date, dad proposed to her. She accepted without hesitation.

However, there was the problem of distance. Dad lived in Canada and mom lived in the United States. Virginia. Her dad was stationed near Norfolk. Over a thousand miles separated them. Since dad was a pilot, he would fly down on the weekends and visit her. Well, that lasted for about a month. Then, they got married in the States, spent their honeymoon in Williamsburg, Virginia and then mom came back to Canada with dad. They both worked for my grandfather and dad taught mom how to fly. Five years later, granddad passed away and they took over the business.", paused Aaron for a moment to review his bearings.

And then you came along., interjected Kim.

Well, not quite. I had an older brother – Adam. He was the first born. I was born three years later. Adam died about five years ago. Actually, he was murdered and his killer was never found. At first, everyone, especially the police, thought that his girlfriend had killed him because she disappeared on the same night. But, we knew that that could not possibly be. Adam and Teedra loved each other passionately. They were inseparable. A week later, the police found Teedra’s body. She had been repeatedly raped and beaten. A bullet ended her life. Her murder also remains unsolved. Dad…, Aaron stopped again to wipe the tears from his eyes.

That is so sad. I am so sorry to hear that. We don’t have to talk about that right now., responded Kim, affectionately putting her arm around Aaron and giving him a light hug.

Okay. I’ll tell you the rest later. Look. We are almost there. Look to the far end of the lake., said Aaron, recomposing himself.

He dipped the nose of the plane and commenced a gradual descent. This maneuver exposed Kim to a clearer visual of the landscape below. The view was absolutely breathtaking. Autumn was always a picturesque time of year. All of the leaves on the deciduous trees were in their various shades of red, orange, yellow and brown. Only the scattered conifers remained loyal to their true colour. All of this encircled a relatively large oval shaped lake with several coves and two major rivers. From above, the water appeared to be a grayish blue. Kim noticed the vague outlines of a house and a double dock at the far end of the lake. Everything looked like miniatures from this vantage point.

However, everything grew larger as the plane drew closer. Kim could make out the outlines of the cabin that stood on a somewhat higher elevation. Smoke seemed to be rising from the chimney located in the far side of the dwelling. There were two separate docks with a significant gap between them. A plane was anchored on the far side of the dock on the left and boat was tied up on the other side of the same dock. The dock on the right did not appear to have anything on its sides. A man stood on the end looking at the approaching aircraft. It was Lucan Archer – Aaron’s father.

Twin pontoons cut the smooth surface of the water and created two separate wakes as the plane touched down and preceded towards the vacant dock. The landing was exceptionally smooth. Aaron seemed to have a natural feel for flying, landing and taking off. Although the pilot had reduced the speed upon his descent, he would still have to cover a considerable distance before the plane came to a complete halt. Therefore, Aaron had landed on the far end of the lake and steered the craft towards his father’s dock.

I hope your dad likes me., commented Kim.

I’m sure he will. But that is irrelevant. We are planning to share a life together. What anyone else thinks is totally irrelevant. I am not bringing you here for dad’s approval. I just wanted you to meet your future father-in-law. Besides, mom liked you when she first met you. Anyway, you can choose your friends, but you just can’t choose your relatives. No exchanges, no refunds., responded Aaron, attempting to add a little humour in the end.

I know. I just get nervous meeting new people – especially important ones., answered Kim, trying to force a smile.

Relax. Just be yourself. You are not here to please anyone., commented Aaron, steering closer to the dock which was a mere hundred yards away.

And, remember that I love you., added Aaron, cutting the engine and navigating closer to the dock.

I love you too., said Kim and became very relaxed.

Lucan Archer grabbed the front end of one of the pontoons and manipulated the plane into a designated spot. Thereat, he tied a rope from the dock ring to a ring on the pontoon. He was a tall, muscular man in his early fifties. His thick, curly shoulder-length hair showed signs of advanced years as white and gray streaks ran through the predominant black mass. The beard suffered a similar fate. Although the hair was combed straight back, the curls gave it a fluffy appearance. Standing six feet, two inches and weighing close to two hundred pounds, Lucan experienced no difficulty in maneuvering the light craft into the exact spot that he wanted. Then, he tied down the back end. The plane was secure. Bright blue eyes, accented by a tanned face, looked up at Aaron. Lucan had not seen his son in excess of four years.

Aaron opened the pilot’s door and deplaned onto the wooden dock. Lucan stood up to face his son who appeared to have grown since their last meeting. Aaron smiled and stepped towards his father. The two men shook hands and then embraced one another. The love between a father and his son was still very much alive. Aaron was approximately two inches shorter than his dad. His clean shaven, short hair and light complexion contrasted his father’s grizzly demeanor. Lucan was the first to speak.

Nice to see you again, Aaron. It’s been a while. You’ve grown and filled out since the last time that I saw you., commented Lucan.

Nice to see you too, dad. You look well. The beard and long hair suit you. It’s been over four years. I have someone very special for you to meet., responded Aaron, turning to face the open door on the plane.

Kim was just starting to emerge, managing to cross over the joystick into the driver’s seat. Aaron helped her down onto the dock. She seemed so tiny compared to the two large men. Smiling, Kim stood close to Aaron, nervously waiting to be introduced.

Dad. I’d like you to meet Kim, my fiancée. Kim, this is my father, Lucan Archer., stated Aaron, introducing two people.

Congratulations! I am pleased to make your acquaintance., said Lucan, stepping forward and giving Kim a warm hug.

All uneasiness melted away and Kim felt very comfortable in the presence of Aaron’s father. There was a mutual feeling of belonging. She saw immediately where Aaron had received his compassion, kindness, consideration and unconditional acceptance. Kim was extremely happy to have been welcomed into this family. Previously, she had met Aaron’s mother, Mary Archer, and had experienced the same sincere warmth. Everything seemed perfect. However, she could not figure out why Mary and Lucan were not together. They seemed to be so right for each other. She assumed that Aaron would tell her later for the reason that his parents separated. It must have been of catastrophic portions in order to drive asunder these two vibrant personalities that seemed so much alike in so many ways.

Well, come on up to the cabin. I caught some pickerel this morning. We’ll have them for lunch. Kim. I hope you like pickerel. If not, I’m sure that we can find something else., offered Lucan, showing the way to his cabin on a higher elevation from the dock.

The structure appeared to be a crude rectangular shape that had been built into the side of the rising rock face. Stilts supported the front end and a large picture window took up most of the front wall. There was a wooden veranda that wrapped around the front and right side of the domicile. A short flight of stairs led to the main entrance on the right side of the cottage. Smoke was rolling out of a stone chimney at the far end of the dwelling.

Oh, I love fish – all fish., responded Kim, smiling at her host.

That’s great. Then, you will love pickerel. I think that it is the best tasting fish. However, some people prefer trout. Unfortunately, there are no trout in this lake., chuckled Lucan, winking at Aaron.

Yeah, don’t listen to my dad. He is pulling your leg. Trout is definitely the best eating fish. But, I must admit, pickerel runs a tight second., laughed Aaron, motioning for Kim to take the lead on the way to the cabin.

Just head for the one and only door on my humble abode., instructed Lucan, indicating for his son to follow his future wife.

Okay., responded Kim, nodding her head and walking down the dock.

To say the least, the interior of the cabin was very simplistic. In fact, with the exception of a partition wall with a door on the far right hand side of the building, it consisted of one large room. One could say that it redefined the term ‘open concept’. There was a washroom complete with sink, toilet and shower behind the separating wall. The woodstove was centrally located and offset to the rear as one entered the cottage. A wooden table with six chairs stood in front of the large bay window that overlooked the lake. A kitchen counter with a double sink and overhanging cupboards was located on the entrance side of the building. Directly across, on the opposite wall, was a refrigerator and an electric four range stove complete with oven. There was only one single bed in the premises and it was on the other side of the woodstove near the washroom. There was no telephone, no radio and no television. Lucan led a very basic lifestyle. Once inside everyone went towards the kitchen table. The solitary couch that sat near the door against the entrance wall was overlooked.

Seven deer head were sporadically dispersed on the interior walls of the building. The one closest to the door had the largest rack. In fact, it was an exceptionally large whitetail. The buck seemed to dwarf all others in the room. This was the first thing that caught Kim’s attention. Since Aaron was not a hunter, she had never seen any wildlife preserved by a taxidermist. She was in awe of the mounted deer heads as she stood near one of the chairs. Kim was still looking around the room, wondering if she had missed anything.

Sit down. Enjoy the view. I’ll get dinner started. You must be starved., instructed and assumed Lucan, walking towards the refrigerator.

Oh, the view is breathtaking., commented Kim, sitting down in one of the six chairs surrounding the pinewood table.

It certainly is., agreed Aaron, sitting down beside her.

Yeah, I like it., commented Lucan, retrieving six fillets from the refrigerator.

The deer heads are beautiful. Did you shoot all of those deer?, stated and queried Kim.

Yes, I did. I like to bow hunt. It’s my passion., responded Lucan, smiling and rolling the fillets in a batter.

Yeah. Dad is quite famous. He has been written up in several hunting magazines and he still holds the Ontario record for the largest buck., added Aaron.

Well, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I’m famous. But, I do hold the provincial record for the largest buck. He is the one that you see near the door. The buck net scored two hundred and twenty six and seven eighths. He missed the beating the Canadian record by a mere two and five eighths inches., informed Lucan, still working the fish in the batter.

Wow! That’s impressive. Did you shoot all the deer around here – like near your cabin?, asked Kim, perusing the deer heads.

No. There are too many timber wolves in the immediate vicinity. But, there are not too many black bears around. I think that it’s too far south for them. But, don’t be surprised to see the odd black bear. I hunt whitetails across the lake – up in the hills. But, enough about me. What about you guys? Aaron, what have you been up to?, answered and queried Lucan, preparing to relocate the fish.

Well, I’m in my third year of law school at Osgoode Hall., replied Aaron, admiring the scenery outside the window.

Congratulations. That’s great. I hear that law is a tough field to get into., stated Lucan, placing two fillets in each of the three greased frying pans on the stove.

Yeah. There’s only a ten percent acceptance rate. Then, there is an annual attrition rate of about fifteen percent. But, I’m doing okay. Two more semesters to go and I’m done. Then, I have to article for a year. It’s a sort of apprenticeship period where I work for a law firm. Then, I write bar admission examines for six months and then I’m a certified lawyer., answered Aaron, looking in the direction of his father who was busy preparing a meal.

That is absolutely terrific. So, law is your chosen career path. That’s just great. And, Kim, what are you up to?, queried Lucan, throwing a bowl full of diced potatoes into the fourth frying pan.

Oh, about five feet., chuckled Kim.

Everyone laughed at her response. Aaron was surprised that she felt comfortable enough to make a joke in the presence of his father. But, that was one of the many things that he loved about her – her sense of humour. She had a knack for saying the funniest things at the most unexpected times. Lucan was happy to hear such an absurd answer.

Seriously. I’m in my fourth year of mathematics. After I graduate, I hope to do the two year Masters program. Your son is in love with an older woman. I’m two years his senior., continued Kim.

Hey, age has nothing to do with love. So, now the big question. When are you two planning to tie the knot?, inquired Lucan, stirring the potatoes around in the sizzling grease.

If all goes according to plan, we hope to get married next summer after we both graduate. I’ll let you know as the time draws closer. You are invited. I hope you can make it., said Aaron, looking directly at his father.

Oh, I’ll be there. Count on it. I wouldn’t miss it for the world., stated Lucan returning his son’s gaze.

Lucan turned on the three burners that housed the fillets and peppered the fish lightly. The potatoes were almost done. Aaron noticed that there were four place settings. He found this odd since there were only three of them. Lucan scraped the potatoes back into a large bowl and placed them in the center of the table. He flipped the pickerel fillets once and was waiting to relocate them on a large plate. A loud bang resounded on the closed cabin door.

Kim. Can you get that? I think we have an uninvited guest., requested Lucan, placing the six fillets on a plate and turning off all the burners on the stove.

Sure., said Kim, getting up from her chair and walking towards the door.

Lucan placed the fried fish on the table and looked up at Kim. A smirk crept across his face. Aaron noticed the grimace and knew that a harmless prank was about to be played. Lucan would never intentionally place anyone in jeopardy. But, he did have a warped sense of humour. Some say it was the Irish in him. Kim placed her tiny hand on the door handle, turned the knob and opened the door inwards.

Aiiieee!, she screamed and ran back inside towards Aaron.

A huge mass of black fur covered the entrance. Aaron jumped to his feet and looked in her direction. Kim ran into his arms, shaking like a dry leaf in a high wind. A large black bear stood on his hind feet in the doorway, wondering what all the commotion was about. Dropping on all fours, the beast entered the domicile like it was his own. The bear appeared to be in familiar surroundings. Not knowing what was happening, both Kim and Aaron stood looking at the black animal. Aaron maneuvered Kim in behind him and looked at his father. Lucan maintained a relaxed air as if this was a common everyday occurrence.

Oh, that’s just Bruno. He comes over for a free meal once in a while. Come here, Bruno. Come over and meet my family., chuckled Lucan, motioning for the bear to come closer.

The black bear, weighing over five hundred pounds, waddled over to Lucan, who stroked the top of the beast’s head. Obviously, the creature did not pose a threat to anyone. It was just hungry and had obviously smelled the fish. Aaron and Kim started to relax. There was no danger here.

Would you like to pet him?, asked Lucan with a grin on his face.

Okay., replied Aaron, stepping forward.

The friendly bear came towards him and bowed his head. Aaron, treating the bear like a big dog, scratched him behind the ears. This seemed to have a soothing effect on the beast. A tiny hand snuck out from behind Aaron and touched the black fur on the bear’s head. Kim was surprised at herself. But, curiousity had gotten the best of her. She came out from behind Aaron and boldly came up to the four legged creature. Aaron and Kim both stroked the thick fur on the bear’s back. They had never been this close to a wild animal. The bear seemed to have had enough of all this affection. It turned and returned to Lucan.

Okay, Bruno. I’ll get your dinner. But, you will have to eat it outside. You just make too big a mess when you eat in here., stated Lucan, rising from his chair.

He walked over to the refrigerator, opened the door and retrieved a small white pail filled with fish guts. The bear