Arctic Recoil: A Constable Maratse Stand Alone novella by Christoffer Petersen

Author:Christoffer Petersen [Petersen, Christoffer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aarluuk Press for Arctic Noir, Action Thrillers and Greenland Crime
Published: 2021-11-01T16:00:00+00:00

Part 10

The coast guard officer on duty in the brig sounded the alarm precisely seven minutes and forty-two seconds after he was mysteriously ordered to leave his post. Angelica ‘Angel’ Hawke, the Logan’s short, square-faced captain called Walcott into her office two minutes later, demanding a situation report and an explanation if he had one regarding the mixed messages that pulled her officer away from his station and allowed one of his agents to spring Kamiila Sorsuttartoq from the brig.

“Because I’m all ears,” she said, reminding Walcott that, “This kind of shit doesn’t happen on my boat. But since you’ve been onboard, the mission has been one catastrophic event after the other.”

Walcott understood that the loss of three aircrew and a Jayhawk helicopter weighed heavily on the captain’s mind and carried even more weight when she was dragged through a review board – ongoing – to assess her suitability for the continued mission in Greenland. He was sympathetic, but also conscious that he needed to play things as straight as he could, albeit without all the details.

He also needed a ride to Nuuk, having just learned Gage Farran had landed in Greenland’s capital together with a very interesting guest.

“Your prisoner has just escaped, and you’re leaving?”

“Yes,” Walcott said, after requesting transfer to the mainland on the Jayhawk.

“And who deals with this mess while you’re gone?”

“That would be Brent.”

“He’s in charge?”

“Until I return,” Walcott said. “Yes.”

The captain leaned against her desk, then gestured at the meagre decorations the captain’s quarters afforded. The grey walls did little to lighten her mood, but the winter light streaming in through the window cast a glow about her, and she turned her face into the sun.

“You know, I volunteered for this mission because I love the Arctic. It’s so pure.”

“Yes,” Walcott said, as he discreetly checked his watch.

“But since day one of the transition, I feel as though everything is tainted.” Hawke turned to look at Walcott. “The snow isn’t as white. I see diesel fumes in patches on the surface. There’s more grit than before, and I feel…” She took a breath, then sighed. “I feel as though you and your IGA are responsible. You’ve spoiled the Arctic for me, for my crew, and, most likely, for the people of Greenland.”

“That’s harsh,” Walcott said, curious that the captain spoke so frankly.

“You think so?” Hawke shrugged, and said, “This is the last straw. The crash was one thing – tragic – but to lose a prisoner, on my watch.” She shook her head. “I’m toast. I’ll lose my command over this, for sure.” She dismissed Walcott with a nod at the door. “The chopper’s yours, just as soon as it gets back from the mainland.” She sighed, adding, “It’ll be too late to search for the Greenlander, anyway. Now,” she said, fixing Walcott with a hard stare. “With respect, get off my fucking boat.”

Brent was waiting right outside the door, his face twisted into a grimace somewhere between pain and ugly. Walcott held up his hand, cutting the team leader off before he could begin.

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