Northern Lights: A Due South Novel

Chapter 12: The Fox and the Dragon

The Canadian consulate in Chicago was still in the same pre-war, two-story stone building it had occupied since 1997. Leafless shrubs and dead grass still covered its skyscraper-shaded garden in the second week of March.

Elizabeth arrived ten minutes early for her first shift, despite her challenges navigating the grid with a map and compass. The City of Chicago rudely printed their maps without topographic lines, but she supposed, upon reflection, that might be because the city didn't have any topography.

Deputy Liaison Officer Kim Campbell summoned Elizabeth the moment she shed her hat and coat. Staff Sergeant Campbell was in her late 20s, with sleek ash blonde hair twisted into a tight bun. Her navy blue wool pantsuit, with its broad shoulder pads, nipped waist, and wide-legged trousers, made her seem larger than her five foot three, one hundred and fifteen pound self. A long gold chain dangled over her ivory cashmere turtleneck.

When the receptionist introduced Elizabeth, Campbell pursed her lips and stared for so long that Elizabeth wondered if she had a stain on her collar. Elizabeth thrust her shoulders back and stood at attention while the deputy circled Elizabeth. Even in three-inch heels, Campbell only reached Elizabeth's nose.

The deputy's office was a soft cream with dark wood panelling. Only a laptop, a monitor, and a strangled-looking plant graced the desk. Behind the deputy's chair hung an Emily Carr print of a blurred, fantastical forest scene, with tree branches and leaves rendered as wavy, dark green brush strokes. On the floor below the painting, and out of a shorter person's sight, lay a fluffy Pomeranian on a dark green and brown dog bed. Next to the Pomeranian were two dark green dog bowls bearing the name "Tinkerbell" in a creamy print.

After Campbell's gaze drifted down to Elizabeth's feet and back up to the shoulders of her brown uniform, she sighed. "I didn't know they still made that one."

"They don't, sir." Elizabeth said. "I found mine at an estate sale in Prince Rupert. It's the best thing for Yukon winters, if you can't get sealskin."

Staff Sergeant Campbell looked as though she was watching a dog talk. Her lower lip pulled her mouth into the shape of the letter "D", while her eyes narrowed to slits, forming deep creases on her forehead.

"Couldn't you wear the blue?"

"I would, sir, but I'm afraid it's in a box somewhere between here and Whitehorse."

The Pomeranian peered around the desk at Elizabeth, but did not approach.

Campbell waved her hands in annoyance. "Do you have anything else?"

"Only the red."

"Fine." Campbell returned to her chair with an awkward gait that suggested she was herding the Pomeranian back to the dog bed. "I suppose this is what I get for hiring a field officer out of Dawson City. Do you even know what we do here, Constable?"

"Oh, yes, sir. As Deputy Liaison Officer, you work closely with the local police and the various arms of the American criminal justice system and the intelligence community on matters of mutual interest."

"That's...correct."

A warm feeling of triumph filled Elizabeth, though she suspected it would quickly fade. "My father held your position from 1994 to 1999. He gave me detailed instructions about how to adapt to the big city."

"Any good tips?"

Elizabeth reached into her pocket, unfolded Fraser's letter, and defaulted to the first rule. She enunciated it as though she were reading it at a spelling bee. "Armani is a brand of clothing."

"God help me," Campbell said. "Well, I didn't hire you for your street smarts."

"If I may ask, then, why did you hire me, sir?"