The Aztec Spear (in plain text)

Posted by Tessa from 138.87.163.9 on July 27, 1999 at 06:35:35:

In Reply to: Thanks for this Micah! Could somebody post "the Aztec Spear?" for the sake of the "Tessa" novel. nm posted by the Fiddler on July 26, 1999 at 21:41:57:

I had a student email this to me from my office computer so here goes:

Indiana Jones and the Aztec Spear

June 1971
Chapter 1
It was a beautiful, sunny day in New York. A group of thirty men and women were going up to receive their diplomas and shaking a manís hand. At the end, the man smiled, and said,
ìI would like to present the class valediction, Miss Lauren Marie Jones.î
ìAlright, Laurie,î shouted a blonde man in the crowd. An elderly gentleman wearing a fedora put a hand on the manís shoulders and said,
ìPipe down, Eric.î
The man grinned back as he said, ìCome on, Dad. You have to proud of her,î as he looked at the man next to him, ìRight, Mike?î
Mike pushed his wire-rimmed glasses back, smiled, and said, ìRight, Eric.î
The gentleman, Indiana Jones, smiled at his sons. They had just finished their second year at Princeton, Eric in pre-med and Michael in music history. And now, his youngest, was graduating from high school. He was proud of her, as Lauren gave her speech,
ìWe have had challenges in our four years. Many of them hard, many of them easy,î as Lauren looked at her father and smiled, ìBut the one I went through a year and a half ago was tough for me.î
The crowd laughed as Indy thought back to Crete, where Lauren and Indy finally talked things through. We were barely on speaking terms two years ago, Indy realized, since Kateís death.
Lauren finished her speech and said, ìLadies and gentlemen, We are the class of 1971. Hereís to our new adventures!î as she threw her cap in the air.
Her classmates threw their caps in the air and let out cheers of joy. Lauren looked at her father and brothers and walked towards them. Indy grabbed her as soon as she was in his reach, ìMy girl,î hugging her, ìYou did it.î
ìYeah, Laurie,î Eric grinned, ìWhat did you do? Cheat?î
Lauren glared at Eric and said, ìI worked very hard, Eric.î
Mike laughed and said, ìDonít let him bug you, sis,î as he bent down to Laurenís ear and whispered, ìHe cheated off me for our history final.î
ìI heard that, ì Eric said.
Indy looked at his children fondly and said, ìIf only your mother was hereÖî
Lauren put a hand on Indyís shoulder and said, ìSheís here, Dad. In spirit.î

Chapter 2
Indy smiled and said, ìI have a surprise for you three.î
ìWhatís the surprise, Dad?î Eric quipped.
Indy handed Lauren an envelope and said, ìThe guest of honor should do it.î
Lauren opened the envelope and pulled out tickets. She read them and said, ìMexico?î
ìI thought weíd go on vacation. The four of us.î
ìAll right,î Eric said, ìa chance with the Mexican senoritas.î
Mike laughed at him and said, ìMy brother, the casanova.î
ìSomeone has to be one, Mike,î as he looked at his brother, ìSince youíve become the scholarly type?î pointing at his glasses.
ìJust because I have glasses and you donít, donít mean anything.î
ìWould you two stop it?î Indy said, ìI thought weíd go to Mexico City and have some fun. For three fun filled weeks in the sun.î
ìYou mean it, Dad?î Lauren asked.
ìSure do,î as he nudged his daughter, ìWe can go see the Aztec ruins.î
ìGreat!î she said excitedly. Ever since their adventure in Crete, Lauren had developed a taste of archeology and adventure. She wanted every part of archeology, which is why she was enrolled at Barnett in the fall, to study it.
ìBut first,î Indy said, ìLetís celebrate. Dinner at Mama Luigiís.î
ìAlright!î Eric said, ìWho ever gets to the car, drives!î
All three children ran towards the car as Indy chuckled a bit at the sight. As he walked towards the car, a man was watching from the distance, a cigar in his mouth and said,
ìIíll be waiting for you in Mexico, Doctor Jones.î

Chapter 3
"Buinvenidos a Estados Unidos Mexicanos" a voice interrupted her dreams. Startled Lauren looked up into the friendly stewards' smiling face and managed a light laugh.
"What?" she asked, totally puzzled. She ran a hand through her longish mane and suppressed a yawn. She'd slept through most of the flight to Mexico, since the night before they took off, she'd been busy packing and repacking her rucksack, totally panicky of what to bring along. Eric had stood mockingly by her bedroom door and rolled his eyes, as she for the fifth time unpacked her glittery cocktail dress and stuffed it in again (in case an occasion would come up). Women! he's scoffed and left before the left pair of her espadrilles could hit him. She'd been up most of the night and had just been too excited to sleep.
The mestizo flight attendant returned her grin and repeated in his slightly accented English: "Welcome to Mexico."
"Oh! Gracias!" she replied remembering a bit from her Spanish class.
"Hey sleepyhead!" Eric shouted from behind her seat and tugged playfully at her hair. "You missed the great view! Mexico looks great even from the air!"
"Come on kids," Indy urged as he stood up from his seat and started pulling out their bags from the overhead compartment, "Let's get out of this plane." Donning his fedora he pushed their way to the exits.
Overly warm air greeted them as they stepped off from their carrier. Shielding her eyes from the scorching rays of the sun, Lauren could make out high, rugged mountains in the distance. Ring of Fire, she whispered.
"Yes, Pico de Orizaba, the highest point in Mexico..." Indy obviously had heard her and followed her gaze to the mountains. "It's also the highest summit in North America."
"Are we gonna go there too, Henry?"
"Don't call-" he sighed and stopped. "Perhaps, but I thought you all would be more interested in the Aztec ruins."
"But Dad," Mike, who hadn't said much during the whole way to Mexico, said," The Aztec Ruins are in New Mexico!
The friendly mestizo flight steward, who'd woken up Lauren, had heard their conversation and came up to them. He was nodding.
"The Aztec Ruins are in Northwest New Mexico in Aztec----------ì

Chapter 4
ìCivilization,î the steward said, ìbut there are many things here. Tenochilitan is northwest of the city and the Xochlcalco ruins in the Southwest.î
ìNeat,î Lauren said, as the steward said, ìIíd be happy to show you around, senorita,î smiling at her.
Indy grabbed her hand and said, ìThanks, but no thanks,î as he dragged her out of the airport terminal with Eric and Michael following.
ìDad!î as she finally let go of his hand, ìIím not little girl. Iím eighteen.î
ìCould have fooled me,î Eric quipped, ìbut then with those curves,î looking at Lauren closely.
Lauren glared at her brother and then noticed a man with a cigar in his mouth. Heís been following us, she realized, But why? Indy called out to Lauren,
ìCome on, Lauren. Letís go to the hotel.î
Lauren nodded, took one glance at the man and joined her father and brothers

The man saw them leaving and started to follow them when he saw the steward who was talking to Lauren. The man looked up and asked, ìSenorÖî
ìWhat did you talk about with the young American woman?î
ìWhich one? There are many senoritas.î
ìThe one with the brown hair.î
The steward frowned as the man showed him a wad full of Mexican currency. The steward nodded and said, ìThat senorita!î, smiling, ìShe wanted to see the Aztec ruins. The culture of Mexico.î
The man smiled and thought Sheíll get her chance if her father cooperates as he walked away.

Lauren was unpacking her bag in her room. She pulled out a halter-top with shorts as her father peered in the doorway of the room adjoint to hers and said, ìReady for dinner?î
ìGive me a few minutes,î as she faced him wearing a black bra and underwear. Indy smiled and said, ìPlanning on wearing clothes?î
ìNah, I thought Iíd go just like this,î she said jokingly.
Indy laughed as she put on her shorts and top. He handed her a small box and said, ìHere.î
ìWhat is it?î
ìJust open it,î as Lauren sat on the bed.
Lauren opened the box and saw a small locket. She pulled it out, opened the latch, and gasped. Inside was picture of her mother on one side and her father on the other. Lauren looked up at Indy and said, ìDadÖî
Indy smiled and said, ìIt was your motherís. Read the back of it.î
Lauren turned it around and read, ìLove Always, K.T. & H.J. 1922.î
ìI gave it to your mother in college. Our first Valentineís Day if I remember right.î
ìItís beautiful,î as she handed it to him, ìHelp me put it on?î as she brushed away her hair to one side.
Indy obliged and put on the necklace. Lauren stared at it as Indy said; ìIíll go check on your brothers. Meet us downstairs.î
Lauren nodded as Indy left. She looked at the locket, smiled, and thought Iíll always have a piece of Mom, as she looked in the mirror and gasped. She saw a young Mexican with a knife coming towards her.
Lauren sighed a bit as the man grabbed her from behind and muttered to himself, ìThis was too easy.î
Lauren smiled to herself, grabbed the manís arm from her right and threw him across the room. He landed on his feet and started towards her again. She grabbed the manís arm and threw him against the wall near the window. Before he had a chance to recover, Lauren kicked him out the window into the marketplace below. She shook her head and thought, What the hell was that about?, as her father and brothers came charging into her room.

Chapter 5
Indy ran to the window, then ran back to Lauren. ìAre you alright?î he demanded.
ìYes, Iím fine,î she said.
ìWhat the hell happened in here?î Eric yelled.
Lauren looked at her father and then at her two brothers.
ìI was putting on the locket that Dad gave me,î she said as she touched the necklace, ìand in the mirror I saw a man coming up behind me with a knife.î She then went on and explained the rest of the incident.
"Why would anyone want to kill Lauren?î Michael asked.
ìI donít know,î Indy said.
ìThere are a lot of reasons,î Lauren looked up from the locket, ìWhen we were at the airport, I noticed a strange man following us. He didnít seem right.î
Indy started into his room. ìI donít know what these people want,î he said as he came back into the room. ìBut until we find out, weíre going to be a little more cautious.î
He handed Lauren his satchel. ìYou take that, sweetheart.î
Eric and Michael gasped in disbelief as Lauren took Indyís Webley out of the satchel and loaded it up.
ìDad, are you sure about that?î Eric asked as he eyed the gun nervously.
ìYou donít think I should trust her?î Indy said.
ìWell, I mean, sheís only 18.î
Indy looked at Lauren and smiled. ìAnd sheís been through stuff that would make you two,î he said as he pointed at Eric and Michael, ìknock your socks off.î Lauren looked up at Indy and smiled.
The man with the cigar looked through his binoculars one more time, and saw the Joneses leaving the hotel. ìI should have known,î he said as he walked down the stairs. ìWhen you want something done right, do it yourself.î
And with that he started his car and drove after them.

Chapter 6
The Joneses had dinner at a restaurant downstairs. Lauren couldnít concentrate on her dinner as Indy said,
ìArenít you hungry?î
ìNo,î as she looked around, her hand on the satchel that held Indyís Webley. Eric looked at her and said, ìCome on, Laurie, they wouldnít go after you in a public place.î
ìAnd how would you know?î Indy asked.
ìIíve seen it in the movies,î Eric said as he leaned in his seat.
If you only knew, Indy thought. He had dealings with the Nazis, both public and private places, and other enemies. Lauren looked at her father, a grim expression in her eyes. Indy had told Lauren of his adventures after seeing the artifacts heíd acquired for the museum. He reached out for her hand, patted it and said,
ìWeíll be fine.î
ìI hope so,î as Indy rose from his seat and said, ìI think we should all turn in if weíre going to see Tenochilitan in the morning.î
ìBut DadÖîEric groaned, ìItís only nine oíclock.î
ìI think,î Mike said smiling, ìEric wants a piece of the nightlife.î
ìYou bet I do!î he pounded on the table.
Indy smiled at his twin sons, amazed at how different they were in every way, even in looks while Michael wore glasses and had his hair cut short and Eric had his hair to his shoulders, which was now tied in a ponytail. Eric looked at his father and said, ìCímon, Dad. Weíll even take care of her and you can go on to bed,î pointing at Lauren.
Lauren crossed her arms, then her face changed a bit, and said, ìCan we, Dad?î
Uh, oh, Indy thought, Sheís up to something. He smiled and said, ìSure. But be careful.î
As Eric and Michael walked away from the table, Indy grabbed her arm and said, ìDonít do anything foolish.î
Lauren laughed and said, ìWho me? Nah,î as she walked off with her brothers.

The man with the cigar noticed Indy going back into the hotel and his children going in the other direction. A smile came to the manís lips. He had a plan to carry out.

Chapter 7
Lauren and her brothers walked down the busy Mexican Street. Vendors were on either side selling their wares, but the trio didn't even stop to look. There would be time for that later. Tonight, they were looking for fun.
They had almost made it to the cantinas when Lauren did a doubletake. She walked to a cart and picked up the object that had caught her attention; a long leather whip.
"Oh, great," Eric said," Our sister, Zorro."
Lauren ignored her brother. "How much," she asked.
The vendor told her the amount, and Lauren thought for a moment.
The boys were looking across the square at something that had caught their eyes.
"I don't have that much on me," she said. She turned to get a loan from her brothers, and saw them on the other side of the square talking to a couple senoritas.
"I'll have to come back," she said.
A man with a cigar walked from between two vending carts, holding a flower.
"Hello, my beautiful senorita. Would you care to buy a flower? Only two pesos."
"No, thank you," came Lauren's reply.
She turned to walk away.
From the end of the man's cigar, a dart erupted, sticking itself in the back of her neck. Lauren slumped into the man's arms, and he dragged her between the to carts.
Eric and Michael looked over at that moment to the spot where Lauren had been standing and found her missing. They ran to the cart. Eric said "Laurie?" as Michael grabbed the front of the vendor's shirt.
"Where's my sister?" Michael said, just inches from the seller's face.
The vendor threw up his hands. "I do not know," he said. "A man took her away."
"What do we do?" Eric asked Michael.
"Well," he said. "First, we cancel our dates."

"How could you be so irresponsible?" Indy asked of his sons. "Did I ask you to find the Holy Grail? To search for Atlantis? No! I only asked that you look after your sister."
They both had been sitting, but now they stood.
"Where do you think you're going?" Indy asked.
"To look for Laurie," came the reply.
"Wait," Indy said, slipping on his beat-up leather jacket. "I'm going with you."
Suddenly, a rock smashed through the hotel window. Footsteps could be heard on the balcony.
"Got him!" Michael said as both young men sprinted out the door.
Indy picked up the rock and removed the paper tied around it.
"We have your daughter. If you want to see her alive, please come to Placido de Cortez at midnight."
Indy crumpled the note in his hand as the twins came back in the room.
"I don't know who that was," Eric said, breathing heavily," but he runs like a rabbit."
"What now, Dad?' Eric asked.
Indy gave Eric the note. "Midnight, we go to the Place of Cortez."

Chapter 8
Lauren woke up on a dirt-covered floor, and looked around. It was a tiny place with a small window with bars and a door. She ran to the door and tried to open it. She cursed at herself when she found it locked. She was examining the window when the door behind her opened. She turned around and recognized the man from the marketplace.
ìAh, senorita Jones, welcome to Placido de Cortez,î with the cigar dangling from his mouth.
ìWhat the hell do you want?î she glared at him.
ìYou shall see when your father comes here.î
ìWhat does my father has to do with this?î
ìPatience,î as he blew smoke in the air.
Lauren grabbed the man by his collar and slammed him against the wall. She ran towards the door when a monster of a man blocked her way. Lauren lunged towards him, fists raised. He grabbed her hands and threw her to the ground as the man with the cigar said,
ìIím impressed, senorita, to see a girl with your strength and agility.î
ìIím not an ordinary girl, senor.î
The man turned to the door and said, ìSoon you shall see what we want with you and your father,î as locked the door.
Lauren shook her head in disbelief and thought What have we gotten ourselves into this time?

Indy, Eric and Michael arrived at the Placido de Cortez by horseback. They got off their horses as Indy checked his watch and said,
ìWell, itsí midnight. Whereís Lauren?î
ìHey, Dad,î Eric said, ìI recognize this place. Where have I seen it before?î
A voice came from behind and said, ìIn your history books, this is the place where Montezuma met his fate with Cortez.î
The men turned around and saw the man with the cigar. The man held out a hand to Indy and said,
ìAh, Dr. Jones. I have heard many great things about you.î
ìWho are you?î
ìJuan Castaneda, a great admirer of your work.î
ìWhereís my daughter?î
Juan clapped his hands and two guards brought out Lauren, who was pushed into Indyís arms. He smiled and said,
ìShe is safe. Only a few bruises from a scuffle from a guard.î
ìWhy did you take her in the first place?î
Juan blew smoke in the air, smiled, and said,
ìI need your expertise, Dr. Jones. Your daughterís as well.î
ìIíve retired. And sheís not an archeologist.î
ìEven so,î as he put out the cigar, ìI have heard about you and your daughterís expedition in Crete a couple of years back,î as he threw a newspaper at him, ìas well as this.î
Indy picked up the paper and read, ìCollege Scholarship given to Local Girl.î
ìIt discusses your daughterís paper on Aztec history and archeological findings in the area.î
ìI donít understand what this has to do withÖî Indy began
ìI need you to find an artifact for me. You and your daughter,î smiling at Lauren.
ìWhat if we refuse?î
Juan motioned the guards over to him and said, ìOr weíll kill you. Starting with your sons, then your daughter and you.î

Chapter 9
ìHeís bluffing,î Lauren said defiantly.
Juan chuckled menacingly and pointed the gun at her, ìOh, no, senorita, I am very serious.î
He fired the gun and the bullet went sailing between Lauren and Eric. Eric jumped and Lauren said, ìWhat exactly do you want?î
Juan pointed to the Popocatepetl in the distance and said, ìTo go there.î
ìTo a volcano?î Indy questioning, ìWhy?î
ìIt is said to believe the spear which Popocatepetl used in battle is buried between Popocatepetl and Iztaccihulatl. The spear is known to be powerful in battles and blessed by the gods.î
ìWhy do you want it?î Lauren asked.
ìThat is not for you to know, senorita,î Juan said as he walked off, ìI get you two weeks to find it then weíll start killing you one by one.î

As Juan left, Eric and Michael stared at the man and Eric said, ìIs he for real?î
ìYeah,î Mike said, ìwho would want to kill tourists?î
ìI donít think we have any choice,î Indy said.
ìYou bet we do,î as Eric walked to his horse and said, ìIím bound for the first place out of Mexico City.î
ìThatís the first place theyíd guard,î Lauren said and looked at Indy, ìDad?î
Pulling her by the arm towards his horse, Indy said, ìFirst back to the hotel to read up more on thisÖî
ìAnd then what?î Lauren asked.
ìWeíll come to that bridge when we come to it,î Indy said as they left the temple.

Chapter 10
Lauren was looking through the books in the library of Mexico City, remembering some of her Spanish. She rubbed her eyes and yawned as Michael came in and asked,
ìFind anything?î
ìNo,î as she slammed the book shut, ìThis is ridiculous. Iíve read and written about Aztec civilization, but I never heard of that particular spear.î
He held out a hand and said, ìCome on, youíve been here since early this morning.î
ìI canít. I have to find it.î
ìMaybe Dad had better luck,î looking at his sister, ìCome on, you need a break.î
ìMaybe for a little while,î agreeing as she left the library with Michael. They walked passed the vendors when Lauren caught her eye on the whip. Michael watched her and asked,
ìYou really want it, Laurie?î
Lauren smiled as Michael walked over to the vendor and bought her the whip. He handed it to her and said, ìJust donít tell Eric I bought it for you.î
Lauren hugged her brother and said, ìThanks,î as they headed back to the hotel.

ìSenorita y Senor Jones,î the desk clerk said, waving a piece of paper, ìA message.î
Michael took the note, slipped the man some pesos, and read it. He smiled and said,
ìDad and Eric are in the restaurant. They have some news.î
Lauren nodded as they went into the restaurant. Lauren saw her father and brother and a man, whoís back was faced to them. The man turned around, saw Lauren and smiled. Lauren gasped and realized who it was.
It was Anthony Brody, Marcusís nephew, and second year archeology student at Barnett and Laurenís boyfriend.

Chapter 11
Lauren stood on the balcony overlooking the street outside their hotel room. With her eyes narrowed, she watched as a beetle walked along the balcony's railing. She inhaled deeply and focused all her attention on the crawling insect.
With a fluid motion, Lauren let go with the whip and snapped the bug to bits.
"Great!" Anthony said as he walked out onto the balcony. "If this archaeology thing doesn't work out, you can always become and exterminator."
"Very funny," Lauren said.
Anthony put his arms around her and they kissed.
Anthony looked around. "Hmm, I don't see your dad anywhere," he said as he kissed her neck.
"That's just it," she said. "You wouldn't until it's too late."
Anthony heard a door open. "Point well taken," he said. He walked into the living area. "We were just talking," he said as he was hit from behind. He fell in a heap on the floor.
"Anthony," Lauren said. She ran into the room, and saw a man from the corner of her eye.
Lauren ducked as a hand holding a pistol butt first swung over her head.
The whip unfurled wrapping around a gun arm and sending the pistol sailing through the air and through the glass top of a coffee table. She pulled the whip to release it, but the action only pulled the gunman into her, both of them flipping over the back of the couch.
The guy wrapped his fingers around Lauren's throat. Her fingers clawed for something, anything that would be of help. Her hand found a beaten brass vase. She swung it with all her might, hitting the guy in the temple.
She was on her feet and running as the gut rolled off of her, holding his bloody head.
A bullet whizzed past her as she turned and saw that the guy was standing had retrieved his gun.
She ran the only place she could which was the balcony. She stopped at the railing and looked down.
"Not that way," she said to herself, seeing a good thirty-foot drop.
She turned around and found herself face to face with the gunman.
He was on her in an instant and pushed her back against the railing.
"What the Hell do you want?" Lauren asked into the guy's face.
"You are searching for the spear of Popocatepetl."
"How do you know that," she said, as she felt the railing loosening under their combined weight.
"My employer has become aware that you are in the services of Juan Castaneda."
The balcony railing creaked a little more.
"He's not exactly our best friend," she said. "We have an arrangement."
"You should choose your "arrangements" more carefully."
One side of the balcony broke loose. The guy grabbed onto Lauren for support. She turned away, and the guyís hand grabbed the locket, breaking the chain.
Lauren watched it slide from her neck and into the street below.
"Now, that pisses me off!" Lauren said, as she maneuvered her legs in front of the hit man. With a quick movement, Lauren flipped the guy over the balcony, following the locket to the street below.
"Adios, Stupido!" she said.

Chapter 12
Lauren ran back into the room towards Anthony. She shook him a bit and kept repeating, "Anthony, wake up."
Indy came into the room and said, "I thought I heard --", and saw Anthony on the floor, waking up slowly, and saw the marks on Lauren's neck, "What happened?"
"It seems we have someone else after the spear," she said as Anthony sat up and rubbed his head.
"Who?"
"Some bloke came in here, hit me in the head, and by the looks of it, tried to hurt Lauren", Anthony said.
Eric came into the room with Michael in tow. Eric opened Lauren's hand, dropped the locket in, and said,
"Next time you don't want jewelry, Laurie, don't throw it out the window."
Lauren put the locket in her pocket and Michael asked, "What happened in here?"
Indy waved it off and said, "Never mind that. What did you two find out about the spear?"
"It has some sort of magical value," Michael said, "sacred to mainly lovers torn apart by war."
"I remember," Anthony said, "reading about how Popocatepetl used that spear to protect the girl he loved. It's said that his spirit haunts the mountain."
"But two people after the same thing?" Lauren asked, "That's ridiculous."
Indy patted her shoulder and said, "We'll get to the bottom of this, Lauren."
I hope so, she thought as they made plans for the next day to travel to Popocatepetl.
"I don't know if we should be doing this," Lauren said as Anthony escorted her to a restaurant he found in the marketplace.
"Relax," he smiled at her, "We'll be fine."
"Are you sure you're alright?" looking at him, "You took a nasty hit."
Anthony chuckled a bit, "A bump on the head won't bother me in having a good time with you."
She smiled at him as he ordered their dinners, remembering when she first met him. She was visiting her father last year when she accidentally ran into Anthony coming out of Indy's office. He was a native Londoner, studying in the States for a degree in Archeology. Her father told her that he looked like a younger version of Marcus with his brown hair and blue eyes. For the first time, she believed she was actually falling in love with a guy. And wouldn't you know, Dad knew his uncle and liked Anthony as well, she thought as Anthony looked at her and said,
"What's on your mind?"
"Nothing," snapping back to the present, "Just thinking."
He touched her hand, smiled, and said, "Might I ask what?"
Lauren was ready to reply when a woman came up to them and asked,
"Are you senorita Jones?"
"Yes," frowning a bit, "I am."
The woman showed her a gun from her handbag and said, "I must speak with you, senorita. Right now."

Chapter 13
"It's beautiful." Lauren shouted over the roar of the helicopter, a Sikorsky S-67, as the volcano came into full focus. There were only three people allowed on board. The first batch had consisted of her two brothers and the pilot, who'd brought them to the base of Popocatepl and had come back for Lauren and her father, after a couple of hours to bring them back to the same location.
Indy who was seated before her pointed to the center of the volcano crater of the steep-sided volcanic cone. "Look!"
A huge white cloud was clearly visible emerging out from its huge opening. The size of the volcano was tremendous. The height of Popocatepetl was said to be 5,465 Meters and it was still active. Very active.
Today was Monday, four days since the event at Placido de Cortez. After talking to the woman in the restaurant on Friday night, they had traveled the next morning to Santiago Xalitzintla, which was located about 13 km NE of the summit and sat along the road over the pass between Popocatepetl and the adjacent stratovolcano to the Iztaccihulatl. From there they'd spend hours finding a certain Mr. Petr Zaoral, who would fly them to the volcano... or at least as close as possible. Finding Mr. Zaoral was on thing, and convincing him to fly them was another.
Lauren, looking at the stout, yet regal-looking, 40-ish man hadn't thought at first that he would go into their bargain. The next day Sunday he'd called them at the hostel where they had sought shelter, and on the phone he had said in his grumpy laconic way of speaking that he agreed. Now as they were flying over the great expanse of the Mexican country, she had yet to marvel at how well the man maneuvered the helicopter.
"Hen- I mean Dad! If the volcano is still active--"
Zaoral who hadn't chosen to remain silent for most of the time since they'd started, interrupted her. "The latest significant activity took place from 1920-22," he stopped as if he was in pain... then in a most eerie calm voice he added, "You folks should stay away from that place. It will do you no good."
Indy and Lauren exchanged curious glances. What had he meant by that?
They reached the little pueblo at the base of the stratovolcanoe and landed on the grassy patch of land, located just by the forest, which partly blocked their view of the volcano.
Eric and Mike were already waiting for them, as well as Anthony, who had arrived the day before. Waving wildly they kept their distance till the Sikorsky (The first Black Hawk, as Zaoral called his model) could land. Then they helped Lauren and Indy descend from the copter.
Indy, who wondered why Petr hadn't got off, lingered by the man. "Don't you want to rest for a while and drink something with us in the pueblo?" he asked.
A hurt expression crossed the pilot's face and Indy could register a flicker of unfathomable fear and pain in his eyes. Why?
Petr shook his head. "Sorry, but I-I've got work to do back home. I-I'll pick up in 5 days then?" The man seemed genuinely scared. Was it of the place or of what the place had done to him?
Indy nodded and understood. There were places which he's swore never to place foot on again...
He held on to his fedora, as The First Black Hawk swung into the heavens again. He watched its figure disappear into the distance before he calmly walked over to his children and Anthony who were waiting for him at the end of the field.

Chapter 14
The inhabitants of the pueblo were mostly natives. They seemed rather exited at the thought of having foreign visitors to their place. Masamumateo, the chief chaplain came over to greet them. He was a dark, fat man with an overly friendly smiling face; a face you wouldn't trust your dog to...
"Welcome! Welcome!" he breathed heavily, with hands outstretched trying to keep a sense of balance over his "rounded" body.
Since it was still too early to start out into their expedition and since they were in much need of information, the five-some decided to linger for some hours at the little village. The latter a curiously constructed compilation of bamboo and clay huts, which seemed rather newly, constructed.
Masamumateo led them over to the largest of one of these clay huts and bade them to enter. The interior was lavishly decorated with various assemblies of wooden carvings, ivory etchings & beaded & spun handworks. The furniture was sparse though, and only a woolen carpet and some low stools graced the floor.
An elderly woman, whose age would be impossible to guess, was seated at the base of what seemed to appear as a throne (a elaborately carved chair made out of a single tree trunk.)
"My mother, the wise and beautiful: Almatheanna!!!" the village chief introduced them.
Indy shot Eric a reprimanding look as he nearly burst out laughing at the second description of Mamumateo's mother. Yet even he himself had a hard time controlling his emotions. Smiling his famous lop-sided smile, Indiana bowed and gave his kids and Anthony a hint that they should do the same. No need to get unfriendly with the locals... who knows them might actually be of help in the future. Besides, he thought with no malicious thought in mind, it didn't hurt to be a little courteous at times.
The old woman, whose face displayed an array of interesting wrinkles, looked up and stared silently into their eyes. She whispered something inaudible. Masamumateo, who had stood nearest to her and who had heard her speak in her native tongue, translated:
"She said that she is very pleased to see you. She's been expecting you ...since a long time."

Chapter 15
Astonished the four Joneses and Anthony looked at each other. "Since a long time?" Lauren repeated. "But--"
Masamumateo raised a silencing hand and looked at Indy instead. "Please tell your daughter that she should refrain from speaking in such tones to the elders. For a girl especially it is improper to address someone without having been addressed first!"
"Hey! But I was only--"
"Lauren." Indy took her to the side. "It won't do us any good to argue with the natives here. They might actually help us out in our quest. Please, dear, I know you got that feisty streak from your mother (and I loved her for it), but not now."
For a moment a fire shone in her eyes and Indy was afraid she'd throw a scene, then she smiled half-heartedly and raised her shoulders in defeat. "Okay, whatever you say Henry."
Masamumateo and Almatheanna had watched them in silence. The woman then beckoned Lauren over. Hesitantly Lauren walked over to her and fell slowly on her knees before her.
Almatheanna took Lauren's hands in hers and stared deeply into her eyes. Lauren, a bit frightened didn't budge till the woman smiled and said something in her native tongue. Questioningly she looked up at the chief.
A grandiose smile appeared on his face-- it literally seemed to beam. He too fell down on his knees and grasped her shoulder. "She said that you are going to find the spear and save our people!"

Chapter 16
Lauren sat in disbelief outside of the huts the villagers gave them to stay in. Me? Why me?, she wondered as her father came from behind, putting a hand of her shoulder, and said,
ìAre you all right?î
ìIím fine,î looking at the sky.
Indy smiled, sat down next to her, ands said, ìThis reminds me of India.î
ìIndia?î Lauren frowned a bit, ìWhere you and mom got married?î
He nodded his head and said, ìBut it was much earlier. About fifteen years before I married your mother, I came upon a village dealing with Sankara stones and Kali.î
ìSankara? The stones you talked about when I was little?î Laurenís eyes jumped.
He nodded and said, ìThey used one of the stones to protect the village. When the stone was taken, an evil as they called it came upon the village.î
ìAnd you had to reclaim the stone and almost die for it,î Lauren said.
ìThatís about right,î smiling at her, ìand now itís your turn.î
ìBut why me? Dad, I donít understand.î
Indy smiled weakly and said, ìWhen your mother and I were in India, we had a fortuneteller tells us our future. He told us that one child we have that causes us grief will carry on my adventures.î
Lauren gave a lop-sided smile and said, ìI did cause trouble for you and Mom. You especially after she died.î
ìAnd somehow your mother knew it wouldnít be either Eric or Michael. Womanís intuition, she said,î smiling at her.
Lauren pulled the locket from her pocket, opened it, and said, ìI miss her, Dad.î
Indy held her tight, tears coming out of his eyes, and said, ìSo do I.î

ìWhat are you doing up?î a voice said coming from behind.
Lauren turned around and saw Anthony, with a concern look in his eyes. She smiled a bit and said, ìI couldnít sleep.î
ìNeither could I,î sitting down next to her and held her close. He skimmed her hair with his hand and said, ìSomething troubling you?î
Lauren shook her head and said, ìIím just thinking.î
ìAbout what?î
ìEverything,î grinning at him as he leaned over and gave her a kiss, ìYou know. I never understood why youíve stayed with me for this past year.î
ìItís because I love you, Lauren,î smiling at her, ìDonít you love me?î
ìI do,î looking at him as he fumbled in his pockets for something. He withdrew a small box and said,
ìI wanted to give you this,î handing her the box.
Lauren paled and said, ìAnthony, itsí not what I think it is, is it?î
Anthony opened the box and inside was a beautiful ring with two stones ñ a purple one and a dark yellow one ñ glowing at them. Lauren looked at them as Anthony said, ìIím not ready to get married yet, Lauren. But I wanted to give you this on graduation but it wasnít ready yet.î
ìThe stones?î
ìRepresents our birthdays,î he replied as he slipped it on her finger, ìI just want to show you how much I love you, Lauren Jones.î
ìAnthonyÖIÖî as he kissed her on the forehead and said, ìI think we should get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow.î
As Anthony walked back to the hut he shared with her brothers, Lauren stared at his retreating figure and then at the ring in disbelief.

Chapter 17
The Joneses, Anthony, and their guide were climbing up one side of the volcano. Lauren wiped her brow from the hot sun and looked up at her father and called out,
"How much farther?"
Indy looked down at his daughter and said, "Not too much, Lauren."
"I guess we're lucky you took us to Grand Canyon almost every summer," she muttered to herself.
"What was that, Laurie?" said Anthony from behind.
"Nothing," as she tried for a better hold on the volcano.
"We will stop," the guide said, "at this clearing to rest."
Thank God, Lauren thought as they climbed a few feet more. She looked up and saw her father and the guide near the clearing, with her brothers behind them and Anthony and Lauren bringing up the rear.
They had started very early in the morning to climb the volcano. Lauren, from her lack of sleep, was already growing tired. She almost lost her footing twice. If this is the life of an archeologist, I better get more sleep, she realized as her father and the guide reached the clearing. She reached out for a rock as Eric called out,
"How are you two doing down there?"
"We're fine," Anthony called back and looked back at Lauren.
Lauren looked back, wiped the sweat from her brow. She grabbed another rock and tried to pull herself up went the rock gave way. She lost her footing, and fell towards the ground below. Anthony looked back, saw her, and held on the rope supporting them and said, "Lauren," in a panicked voice.
Indy looked down and saw his daughter suspended in mid air. He started to head down there when Anthony called out, "The rope's not holding, Dr. Jones. I need something to grab her."
Indy's face turned white as he thought furiously what to do.

CHAPTER 18

In horror Lauren watched the kermantle rope turn thinner and thinner. Her breath was coming out in short gasps and she took enormous effort in staying calm. Calm? Dangling there in mid air suspended hundreds of feet over the rocky terrain, her disposition was anything but calm! Her terrified gaze went up to Anthony and her family, who were too far away from her to reach her in time. It was just a matter of minutes now till the climbing rope would break entirely and her body would fall down into the fathomless crevice below. Oh God...no!
Then she remembered that she still had one frail chance!
Gulping she freed her right hand of the rope she was grasping, so that she was only hanging on with the left one. Then quickly before she could loose hold,(her hands were trembling frightfully) she uncoiled the whip that her brother had bought her last week at the market (bless him), and lashed its tip to the boulder ahead.
It missed its target by inches.
Dammit! Why did nothing work the first time?! By now her left knuckles were already white from the stress of clutching on to dear life. She nearly dropped the whip.
"You can do it Lauren!" Anthony's voice echoed in her ears as she tried for her second time.
This time the tip of her whip landed right where it should be: right in the middle of the crack in the rock. She tugged briefly to test if it could support her weight and then,... it seemed like one of those impossible slow-motion gags in those risky adventure movies you see on television, Lauren swung herself unto the top of the protruding rock formation and grabbed hold of the nearest nick in the wall to steady herself and grasp for support.
Her heart was racing like mad and she just stood there, catching her breath. She didn't even hear the joyous shouts and clapping 10 meters above her.
In awe Anthony had watched his girlfriend lash that whip and swing herself from one place to another. Was this the very same college girl who got the top grades in class and appeared to be the very goody-toe-shoe he'd expected her to be? The girl who never would go to any of those nightly schools social events due to fear of missing class the next day? Slowly he started to see her in a new light... and he wasn't so sure whether he did NOT like what he saw. He smiled silently to himself but stopped when he saw her slumped figure leaning against the rock below them. Was she alright? Had she hurt herself?
"Lauren! Don't worry I'm coming!" he shouted and quickly lowered himself to her level.
Lauren slowly looked up as he approached and smiled. "I'm okay, Tony," she carefully extended an arm to reach for the spare emergency rope which he was holding to her, "I think I just did my first Indiana Jones whip stunt !"

Chapter 19
Lauren wandered back to the campsite after picking her way in the cave. She sat down near the tent, grabbed a canteen of water, and drank some of it as Indy came out of his tent. He smiled at his daughter and thought She's got more guts than I realized. He walked over to her and asked,
"Tired?"
Lauren looked up, smiled, and nodded. Indy put an arm around his daughter's shoulders and said,
"That was impressive earlier."
"I learned from the best," grinning.
Indy laughed at her and said, "Anthony's worried about you."
"I know," she softly as Indy noticed the ring on her hand and asked, "New jewelry?"
"Anthony gave it to me, Dad," looking at him.
"He asked you to marry him?"
Lauren shook her head and said, "It's a token of how he feels for me."
Indy nodded and asked, "Do you feel the same way?"
"I don't know," she said softly. She got up and stood at the edge of the cave, looking down below. Indy came from behind, a hand rested on her shoulder, and said,
"It will come to you in time."
"But how did you know?"
"I just knew," as his smiled faded and asked, "Lauren, is this what you really want?"
"Archeology is in my blood. I love it so far. It gives me a chance to explore the world beneath us."
"What if you had to choose?"
She grinned sheepishly and said, "I don't know."
He pat her shoulder, pulled something out of his pocket, handed it to her, and said,
"Here."
Lauren took it and saw it was a book. She ran a hand over it, looked at Indy and asked, "What is it?"
"Open it."
Lauren opened the book in the middle, quickly scanned the pages, and said, "Mom's diary?"
Indy nodded and said, "It helped me get through the days after she died. Maybe it will help you."
"But Dad--" she started to say but her father stopped her and said, "She would have wanted you to have it."
"Hey," said Eric from his tent, "Some of us are trying to get some sleep."
Lauren smiled a bit as Indy looked at her and said, "We better get some sleep ourselves," as he kissed her on her forehead, "Night."
"Night, Dad," as she watched her father go into his tent.
Lauren looked at the book, and then walked into her tent. She pulled out a lantern and her reading glasses, and started to read her mother's diary.

Chapter 20
Petr Zaoral sat on the front porch of his cottage, nursing his beer.
The midnight sky was overcast, not a star was shining through the
thick mass of clouds and a chilling breeze was blowing and howling
around his hovel and his surrounding. The palm trees before his
house were swaying violently as if predicting the menacing things that were to happen...

"Foreigners!" he scoffed. "Their damn curiosity is gonna kill them someday."

He grimaced, remembering the last time he'd ever been to that
damned volcano. It'd been almost 20 years. In fact the day after
tomorrow would be their...anniversary. He and his wife, Melanie
had married on that day and decided to spend their honeymoon at
a unique and memorable place... Popocatepl. Oh and their anniversary
sure had proven to be very memorable. They had barely
made it to the top when only one of them had made it home alive.
Damn why had they had to visit the volcano now of all times!
He slammed down his empty bottle and walked back into his house.
They had to see for themselves how they got out of this mess

-----

Many miles away, Lauren was cross-legged in her tent. The flickering
light of her oil lamp swayed above her and send shadows of the swirling
insects on the tent walls and ground. Lauren adjusted the lamp
so a brighter insensity and pulled out the tiny package her father
had given her awhile ago. Her Mom's diary...
The diary was an old hand-bound little book; on its cover was an
engraved symbol of an eagle holding a sword and a branch...

Lauren stared at it mesmerized. Then slowly, carefully she opened
it. The paper had yellowed over the years but the ink and material
was still in good condition, so that it was still very much readable.
"Katherine's Memoirs".
In her neat handwriting, her mother had written her initials, on
the first page next to it a heart and H.J.Jr.
Lauren had to smile. How overly romantic her mother had been.
She leafed through the pages. Dates...unforgettable events...unforgettable
people...unfamiliar people...places...India...England... memories flooded back...
9th of December
It is still dark outside. The sun hasn't come up yet. Indy and
the kids are still asleep and I won't wake them unnecessarily.
This is a time of day that I can have all to myself. In the twilight I sit motionless on the porch and watch for the sun to go up. It never fails to amaze me to watch this miracle of nature when the sky turns from a dull yet mysterious black, into slow shades of
yellow, orange and fiery red... when the sky explodes into a golden myriad of rays.
Another day has broken.
I am glad to be alive.

Startled, Lauren looks up from the reading. Had she heard something
outside? She put down the diary and pushed back the opening of
the tent. It was totally dark outside. She was sure she had heard something...
Shaking her head in consternation she got back in. Strange Perhaps she was just tired.
-----
Outside in the bushes a pair of eyes was watching her visible shadow
through the thin cloth of the tent. Soon... soon.

Chapter 21
May 28, 1923
I had to send away the one I loved. I didn't want to do it. But what kind of life would it be to get married because of a child? I had to do it, even though my heart is breaking. I love Indy so much, but to get married because of a child is wrong. It would ruin his dreams.
Someday I'll tell him about the baby but right now, it will be our little secret.
Lauren looked up from the book. A baby? What happened to it? she wondered as she skipped ahead to another section.
September 9, 1949
I saw him again, after many years apart. He's still as handsome as ever. And at all of the places, Marcus' memorial service. It was strange seeing him again.
We talked about what had happened, but I didn't mention the baby. How could I tell him that I was pregnant and lost the baby after three months? He would never forgive me. Perhaps in time, I will tell him the truth.
Lauren closed the book, took off her glasses and realized, Poor Mom . She shook the feelings from her head and drifted off to sleep.
They all woke up early in the morning, scaling the walls for the artifact. Lauren looked around and noticed a mark in the wall she didn't notice before. She raised the pick at it and made a larger hole. It became bigger and bigger as Lauren stared in disbelief at the object inside it.

Chapter 22
Lauren dropped the pick and started digging with her hands. The others watched her as Indy asked,
ìWhat is it, Laurie?î
ìI found something,î as she brushed some dirt off her hands. She pulled out her flashlight, pointed at the hole and said, ìDad, come here.î
Indy rushed out and saw where Laurenís flashlight was pointed. He took the smaller pick and picked around it as Anthony asked, ìWhat is it, Dr. Jones?î
ìIn a minute,î as he picked around the object. Finally he pulled out an object from the hole. He brushed off the dirt and said, ìItís the spear.î
Her eyes widened a bit and then looked around. Frowning a bit, Lauren said, ìThereís someone else here.î
ìDonít be silly, Lauren,î Eric said, ìWho could be here?î
ìHey,î Michael called, ìI found something else over here.î
Petr, at that moment, had a sneaking suspicion. He looked up at the mountain and said, ìThe volcano. Itís going to explode!î
He grabbed his hat and went into his helicopter. He started it up in a hurry and said, ìI pray Iíll get to them in time!î
The Joneses and Anthony were looking at a gold mark Michael uncovered. Indy brushed the dirt off, read the inscription, and said, ìThis is the exact spot Cortez stood centuries ago.î
ìReally?î Lauren asked, as she bent over for a closer look.
Then the ground shook fiercely. They all looked at each other and said at the same time,
ìThe volcanoís going to erupt.î
Indy said to them calmly, ìBack to camp, and grab anything necessary.î
ìWhat are we going to do, Dad?î Eric asked.
Indy grimaced and then turned to Lauren, ìDo you still have that raft in your pack?î
Lauren looked astonished and said, ìI never unpacked it, Dad.î
Indy smiled to himself and said, ìI have a plan. Listen to me closely.î

Chapter 23
Indy took the raft from Lauren and yelled, ìOk, hold on tight to each other.î
ìDad,î Eric said, ìThis isnít the time to go rafting.î
Indy ignored him and handed him the pack. He pulled the rope and said to his children and Anthony, ìJump.î
ìDr. Jones, are you out of your mind?î Anthony asked.
ìJust go!î as he pushed Michael along with his brother and sister and Anthony. Lauren yelled back, ìDad, get on.î
ìNever mind me.î
Lauren broke free of the hold as the three men jumped off the cliff. Indy looked at her and said, ìAre you crazy? Youíll get killed.î
ìIím not going without you,î she yelled back.
Indyís ears perked up and said, ìIs that aÖ?î as he looked up and saw Petrís helicopter. Petr waved at them and said, ìDr. Jones, get on quickly.î
Indy and Lauren got on the helicopter as the volcano exploded, raging lava flowing. Lauren yelled at Petr, ìMy brothers and Anthony are down there.î
ìWe will get there, ì Petr said as he looked at Indy, ìThere is a ladder in the back of you, drop it out of the plane.î
Indy did as he was told and Petr lowered the plane to the ground towards Eric, Michael, and Anthony. Lauren yelled back, ìGet on the ladder.î
The boys got on the ladder just as the helicopter rose up and the lava hit the ground. Petr flew away from the volcano as Lauren asked, ìWait a minute. Dad, did we...?î
Indy pulled the spear out of his jacket, smiled, and said, ìWe sure did. Now, back to the village.î

The Joneses and Anthony returned to the village by nightfall. Lauren went up to Masamumateo and Almatheanna and presented them the spear. Almatheanna smiled at her, touched Laurenís head and said a few words in her native tongue. Lauren looked at the chief, who explained,
ìShe knew you would bring it back.î
Lauren smiled as Eric asked, ìWhat about Juan? He wanted the spear.î
Indy laid a hand on Laurenís shoulder, smiled, and said, ìIíve thought of a way to give him the spear,î as he gathered the four of them in a circle and explained to them quietly. Anthony looked at Indy and asked,
ìWill it work, Dr. Jones?î
ìWeíll know tomorrow evening,î he replied as the chief arranged travel for them back to the city.

Chapter 24
Indiana Jones walked into the restaurant below the hotel with his sons on either side of him, wearing tuxedos. They sat at the table they had reserved for them and waited. Eric leaned over to his father and asked, ìDad, what if he doesnít show?î
ìHe will, all vile people do,î as he felt the spear in his pocket.
Indy looked around and saw Juan and two of his henchmen walked into the restaurant. Indy looked over to the waiter at a nearby table and nodded. The waiter smiled and walked behind the stage area as Juan approached,
ìAh, Dr. Jones. You arrived from your journey,î as he sat down and motioned for his men to do the same.
Indy nodded as a woman in a sequined dress came up on stage and started to sing in Spanish. She looked at Indy, winked a bit and started swaying with the music.
ìWhere is your daughter?î
ìSheís is up in our room, resting. It was too much strain for her.î
ìI see,î as he lit the cigar, ìWhere is the spear?î
ìHe has it,î Eric said, ìBut first a drink,î as he gestured to the waiter and said, ìSies tequilas, senor.î
The waiter nodded as he hurried with a tray of six glasses and a bottle of tequila. The waiter poured into the glasses as the woman from stage came closer to the table after singing a bit and letting the musicians play, dancing with patrons as she past by. Juan looked at the Joneses and said,
ìLet me see the spear.î
ìBut first a toast,î Michael said, ìTo your health, senor,î raising his glass.
They drank the tequila as Juan said, ìNow let me see the spear.î
Indy took a wrapped cloth out of his pocket and put it in front of the table. Juan motioned to the man on his right and said, ìYou listen well, Dr. Jones.î
Juan took the spear from his henchman as the woman tapped his shoulder and asked,
ìTe gusta bailar, senor?
ìNo, gracias,î as he looked at the spear closely.
The woman lifted her dress and pulled out a gun. She put it behind Juanís back, and said, ìBut I insist, senor.î

Chapter 25
The woman looked at the men at either side of Juan and said,
"Try anything and my consorts will shoot you instantly," as she motioned to the waiters behind her.
"Por favor, senorita," Juan said, "Sit down. I'm sure Dr. Jones and his sons will allow it."
The woman walked slowly to the chair provided. She turned around, faced Juan, and said,
"We meet again, Senor."
Juan smiled at the woman and said, "Senorita Jones, you've surprised me once again. I thought..."
"You thought I was one of those good girls who wears dresses and cares about makeup," as she leaned over and took the cigar in Juan's pocket. She lit the cigar with match provided and blew smoke in the air.
"And you don't know what you're doing with that heavy piece of metal," indicting the gun.
Lauren laughed a bit and said, "I guarantee you, Senor. I learned how to shoot a gun when I was sixteen. My father can attest to that."
"Get to the point," Juan said.
"Since you asked so nicely," as she flicked an ash on the floor, "I want to know why do you want the spear."
Juan smiled and said, "It is no concern of yours."
Lauren laughed a bit, then pointed the gun at him, and said, "If you value your life, you will tell, Senor Castenda. And I'm not bluffing."

Chapter 26
Juan Castenda met her steady gaze with his. He had to admire the fiery spark in them. She was growing to be a very beautiful woman someday. To bad... too bad she would have to die soon.
Senorita Jones had other things on her mind as she watched Juan blow rings of smoke above their heads. He seemed so relaxed...
"Very well, Jones, "he said. "Your curiosity will kill you someday, but I have no other choice." He motioned to the window. "Would senorita perhaps mind following me?"
His eyes didn't give anything away.
"What are you up to, Castenda?" She briefly looked over to her father. He nodded reassuringly. Without leaving Juan out of her side she followed him to the window.
"You see that hostel across this place?" he pointed.
"Yeah. What about it?"
"If in 15 minutes, I am not there, your charming boyfriend will have his head blown-off."
Disbelievingly she stared at him. "T-that is not true!! You're bluffing!"
"That my dear," he sighed and walked back to the table to pick-up the spear and slipped it inside his jacket," we will see." he turned to walk to the door, but Mike stopped him. Juan glared at him and brushed away his hand. "TskÖ. dear lad!"
"Where do you think you are going with that?" Mike growled.
"Excuse me, but," Juan looked at his pocketwatch," I have an appointment. If you please?"
"Lauren! He's bluffing!"
Lauren was fighting back tears of fury. She gulped and motioned Mike to step away. "I don't think so Mike..."
Just then the loud roar of a helicopter could be heard. Outside people were stepping back from the center of the square. The air vehicle was about to land right in front of the Mexican Restaurant. Indy could make Petr visible up in front. Petr was with Juan?
Mike grabbed Juan by the shoulders, "You sonofabitch! You set us up! Give me the spear!"
"Mike no! Let him go..." her voice was sounded drained because she had just seen Anthony, hands bound, come out of the house from across the street... with one of Juan's men behind him, holding a gun against his head.
"But Lauren... we can't just let him get away!!!"
Juan who had enough of this spectacle freed himself of Mike's grasp and hurried out of the restaurant. "Adios!" Quickly he climbed inside; the man who had been holding Mike captive followed him.
Then the Joneses watched with heavy heart as the helicopter took off.
Indy stepped behind his sons and daughter and put his hands on their shoulders comfortingly. "Don't know worry; I know where he's heading to."

Chapter 27
While Anthony was recuperating, the Joneses headed out to the desert on horseback towards the Placido de Cortez. Eric looked around and said,
"Ok, what's the plan?"
Indy looked at his children and said, "You and Michael will go to the back of the temple with these," as he pointed to the pack which contained their guns.
"What about me, Henry?" Lauren asked.
Indy frowned a bit at the name and said, "You're coming with me to ambush them. You still have your gun?"
"Loaded and ready," as she looked ahead, and pointed, "That's it."
Indy nodded as he rode up along side Lauren and said, "Don't do anything foolish."
"Me?" grinning a bit, "Not a chance."
Juan and Petr were in the temple's altar and placed the spear on the table. Juan motioned to the Aztec priest next to him and said, "Now, we must get ready for the ceremony."
"Are you sure its' real?" Petr asked.
"It's the same one I have read about, Petr," patting his back, "No need to worry."
"What about the Joneses?"
"If I know them, they will try to get the spear back. And since we need a human sacrifice, it will be to our advantage."
Juan chuckled menacingly as the priest said, "It is time. Do you have the sacrifice?"
Juan's ears rose as he heard the sound of horses and said, "it just arrived."

Chapter 28
The Joneses got off their horses, guns in hand as they walked towards the temple. Indy motioned to Eric and Michael and said,
"Go to the back. Lauren and I'll will cover the front."
"Right," as they headed to the back entrance.
"And Lauren..." as Indy looked back and didn't see her. He looked up and saw her next to the entrance, gun raised in the air, and said, "Lauren, what do you think you're doing?"
"It's war, Henry," as she went into the temple. Indy shook his head and thought Damn girl. She's going to get herself into trouble. Then he smiled and realized She's just like me. as he followed her inside.
Lauren knelt by the doorway inside the temple as Indy fell in step of her. She listened and said, "They're in the next room."
"Ok, Lauren..." as he thought of what to do when Lauren got up and followed the wall until she reached a doorway. She beckoned to him and she went in, gun in front of her, and said, "Okay, senor. Give me the spear."
Juan was laughing when Indy came up from behind Lauren. Juan looked at her and said,
"I admire your spunk, Senorita Jones. Too bad you won't use it for long."
"I plan on being here for a long time," as she grinned menacingly.
Then Petr and one of Juan's henchmen came from behind them, guns in their backs and said,
"Drop your guns. Or be dead."
Lauren and Indy looked ahead and saw Juan's other henchmen bringing in Eric and Michael. Lauren groaned as Indy said, "Drop the gun, Lauren."
Juan looked at Lauren, "Listen to the old man, sweetheart."
"Don't call me sweetheart!" as she aimed the gun at him and Petr stuck her from behind with the butt of the gun. She collapsed to the floor as Juan laughed and said,
"Take them to the back. We shall prepare them for the sacrifice."

Her head was throbbing and it hurt like hell too. The last time she had felt this terrible had been after Senior Prom, when she'd had a scotch too many. Christ! Someone get me an aspirin! Groaning she tried touching her head, but her hands were bound. Her eyes flew open and slowly she took in her surroundings.
It was dim in the cave. The constant sound of dripping water resonated through the rocky walls. A torch was flickering near a low-point in the ceiling, while mystic light shone from two brass bowls on either side of her. She was bound upright unto a sort of cross, and as she looked down, she noticed that someone had garbed her in a white muslin dress... which reminded her of her grandmother's nightgown. "What the--"
She wasn't alone in the cave. Two hooded figures were squatting nearby in the shadows, holding long spears.
The spear! Where was it? With Juan of course... what was his plan? Why was she here tied to this thing?! Where was her family? Dead? Something inside her told her that they weren't. And Anthony...
A silent tear slid down her cheek. This was definitely not time to get sentimental. But she just couldn't help herself. They had had so many plans... they were going to visit Egypt, the Stonehenge... and so many other places! Whatever Juan was planning, it wasn't good.
She closed her eyes and tried concentrating as hard as possible on a way out of here. There had to be a way!
-----

Chapter 29
"How much longer?" Juan was anxiously walking around in circles in the other cave. Some priests were standing around. In a far corner, Indy and his sons, as well as Tony were lying, bound together by a rope. They stared at Juan and his men in silence, listening with contempt to their evil plan of using the spear to raise some old superstitious powers.
"He's crazy." Mike whispered. "Does he really think that he will accomplish raising some old god from the dead with that piece of metal?"
"Shh, Mike." his twin said calmly. Being the more subdued and responsible of the twins, he'd kept his calm. "He might be crazy but he has our sister. If we make one false move, she'll be a goner before we know it. Dad, don't you have any plan?!"
Indy blinked conspiratorially at his sons and motioned at his right boot. "Under the heel...there's a hidden compartment with a blade inside. One of you has to take it out."
Just then Juan strolled over to them, holding his cigar and grinning maliciously at them. "Well well well Mr. Jones, seems you got yourself in quite a predicament here. In a few hours when the sunsets, you and your family will be witness to a rare spectacle...and you will have the fortune of participating in it!"
"What have you done to Lauren?" Anthony hissed and kicked with his boot in Juan's direction missing him by an inch and bringing up only dust. "You even touch her and I'll kill you!"
Juan scoffed and rolled his eyes, "My my, how touching. Your little girlfriend will be the center of attraction in a few hours. I thought she might actually enjoy the limelight. She IS such a lovely girl; takes after her mother I presume, eh Mr. Jones?"
Indy's eyes went into slits; he very well remembered how Juan had harassed Kate years ago and how he had almost gotten away with it. The guy was a pig. If he ever got out of this alive, he swore to himself he was going to kill the son of a bitch himself!
-----------

Chapter 30
ìLeave my sister alone!î Eric yelled as he struggled with his bonds.
ìBut Mr. Jones,î looking at Eric, ìYour sister is going to play a part in our ritual, just like I hoped your mother would years ago.î
Good Eric, keep him busy, as Indy nudged Michael to get the knife from his boot.
ìWhat does my mother have to do with this?î
ìIt happened aboutÖohÖtwenty-one years ago, if Iím not mistaken. Right, Dr. Jones?î
Indy looked up at Juan just as Michael got the blade from his fatherís boot. Michael started to cut his fatherís bonds when Juan probed him and said, ìYou havenít told your children about it? Then I shall tell it.î
----------
Just as Juan was telling his story, Lauren was struggled with her bonds. The guards were laughing at her futile attempts and talking among themselves in Spanish. She then moved her feet and realized, They didnít tie me tight enough. Lauren wiggled her feet and her bonds slid to the floor, unnoticeable in the dim cave. She called out to her captors, ìSenor, por favorÖî
One of them came up to her, looked at her, grinned at her, and started muttering in Spanish. Lauren smiled and said, ìAh, stupido senor,î as she kicked him hard in the chest.
The spear went flying in the air as Lauren caught it with her feet. She used the spear with her feet and struck the oncoming man in the chest, killing him. The other hooded figure came forward as Lauren broke the bonds from her hands and fell to the ground. She punched the man in the face and gave him a swift kick in the face as he fell to the ground unconscious. She acted quickly and stripped the guards. Then she took off the white dress, and put on the clothes the men were wearing. She took the spear from one of them and headed out to find her family.

Chapter 31
Juan looked from one son to the other and said, "You know you look like your mother. The blonde hair and blue eyes. The typical American beauty."
"We've heard that," Eric said.
Almost got it, Indy thought as he struggled to cut his bonds. Juan looked at Eric and said,
"She was very beautiful. I followed her life story since I found out she was an heiress. I knew everything -- her musical career, her education, her ties throughout the world -- about her. I wanted her as my own."
Juan looked at Indy, frowned a bit, and said, "Until I heard about her engagement to you from the papers. I was jealous of what this beautiful creature saw in you."
----
Lauren walked down the corridor, the hood covering her face and the robe her body. She went into a room and saw all of her family's possessions as well as her own. She walked to the pile and pulled out her bag. She opened it, and took out a semi-automatic pistol. She loaded it up, grabbed the whip from the pile, and searched about the pile. She found her clothes, put it on underneath the robe, and stood up when she heard something.
Lauren went to the door, looked out, and saw no one. She attached the whip to her belt, the gun in her pocket, and walked down the corridor towards Juan's voice.

Chapter 32
ìWait a minute,î Eric said, ìWhat does Mom have to do with the sacrifice?î
ìCare to explain, Dr. Jones?î Juan asked as Indy shook his head and Juan continued, ìI didnít want her to marry him. I wanted her to marry me.î
ìShe didnít know you existed, senor,î Michael said.
Juan looked at him, grinned, and said, ìShe did know. I approached her when she was about 40 to invest in her company. After her first fiancÈ got killed, I tried to win her affection. She refused to give me a chance, saying she didnít want to mix business with pleasure. Then I heard about you, Dr. JonesÖî
Juan looked in the doorway and saw a hooded figure, holding a spear. He yelled, ìStupido, why arenít you watching the girl?î
The figure looked at him hard, and started to turn around as Juan spoke back to his captives, ìNow where was IÖî
ìYou were about to release your prisoners, senor,î the hooded figure said.
Juan turned to the voice, looked hard, and said, ìI am in charge.î
ìNo,î as the person removed the hood, ìI am.î
They all looked in disbelief as they saw Lauren, as she took off the hood and robe. She pointed a gun at him as Juan asked,
ìThatís impossible. How did you...?î
ìEscape? It was pretty easy. Lucky for me, I pretended to be a boy and joined the boy scouts when I was little,î as she steadied the gun.
Juan grinned, then walked over to her, and said, ìIíve never seen the likes of you in a long time.î
ìThanks,î she quipped, ìNow let them go.î
ìIf I refuse?î
Lauren took the spear from her pocket and said, ìOr Iíll destroy this.î
ìYou wouldnít do that,î Juan grinning as he heard someone coming down the hall.
ìTry me,î as a pair of hands grabbed her from behind.
Lauren tried to flip the guy over but his strength was too much for her. The man grabbed the spear as Juan said, ìPretty little senorita. Youíre mine now. Just like your mother should have been.î
Juan grabbed her by her hair and kissed her roughly on the mouth. Lauren bit the manís lip as Juan yelled a bit and smacked her across the face. Blood oozed from her mouth as Juan said,
ìYouíre not so tough after all,î as he took the spear and aimed for her heart.

Chapter 33
Lauren closed her eyes waiting for the pain of the sharp point of the spear to pierce her heart.
The feeling never came!
She opened her eyes to see her father rolling on the floor with Juan, exchanging punches.
Lauren went limp in the henchman's arms, giving her enough slack to wiggle herself free. She escaped the goon's clutching arms as she vaulted out of reach. The big guy came after her, snaring one of her ankles in his massive hand. The giant hoisted Lauren up until she was hanging upside down from his bulging arm. The girl stretched until a fist-sized rock was in her hand. With her last bit of energy, she lunged the rock into her captor's groin. The big guy's eyes bulged as he dropped Lauren in a heap.
Lauren ran to her brother's and Anthony and tried to untie the ropes.
"Juan must've been a Boy Scout," Lauren said. "If only we had something to cut the rope with."
The spear whizzed by Lauren, sticking in the wall between her and Eric.
Lauren grinned, "Service with a smile."

Indy and Juan had fought until both had ended up outside. They were getting nearer and nearer a deadly cliff.
Indy winced under another punch to his kidney. He flopped over on his side as Juan pounced on top of him. Indy could feel his breath slipping away as Juan tightened his grip around Indy's throat. Indy suddenly felt a weighty object strike his gut. He looked down and saw that the spearhead had fallen from Juan's pocket and was lying on Indy's stomach.
It was Juan's turn to flop over as Indy gave him a solid right to the temple.
Indy staggered to his feet, holding the Aztec spear in his hand. Juan saw it and ran at Indy, who held the spearhead like a knife.
The tip sank deep into Juan's shoulder. The Mexican recoiled as he held his bloodied arm.
"You want this?" Indy asked, holding up the spearhead for inspection. "Go get it!"
Indy threw the spearhead over the edge of the cliff.
"Noooooo!" Juan screamed as he followed the flying piece of metal. His hand captured it just as he realized that he had run out of terra firma.
He screamed all the way down!

Indy swaggered back to the doorway just as his children and Anthony were coming out.
"Where's Juan?" Lauren asked, her gun drawn.
"He's dead," Indy said, matter-of-factly.
Lauren thought for a moment, then said, finally, "What do you suppose he wanted with me?"
"Beats me," Indy said.
"He told me," Anthony began," that he needed to sacrifice a virgin, because only the blood of a virgin would make the spear powerful. He could have only meant you."
"Uh, Tony," Lauren said, "we really need to talk."
Anthony started to speak when Indy said, "Well, what now?"
"What do you mean?" Michael asked.
"We've still got a day left in Mexico," Indy said. "What shall we do?"
"You know, Dad," Eric said, "the longer I'm in Mexico, the more I miss home."
Indy and company collected their belongings and headed back to Mexico City. With any luck, they could be on their way home by dark.

Epilogue
Two weeks later, Lauren came home from spending time with friends. The maid comes in, sees her, and said, "Miss Jones, your father wants to see you."
"Where is he?"
"In the study."
"Thanks," as she headed towards the door. She knocked lightly, opened it, and called, "Dad?"
Her father was watching a familiar film when he turned around. He turned it off, smiled, and said, "Come on in."
"You didn't have to turn that off," as she sat down in one of the comfortable chairs.
"I know," as he opened the closet door and shuffled inside it, "Tony called while you were gone."
"He's probably trying to change my mind again."
Indy looked at his daughter fondly and said, "Any regrets breaking up with him?"
"No," as she noticed her father holding a box, "What is that?"
"Open it," as he handed it to her.
Lauren opened the box, and nestled in tissue paper was a similar hat her father wore, only in black. She looked up at her father and asked,
"Why?"
"People need to know you're a Jones," grinning at her.
Lauren got up, hugged her father, and said, "Thank you."
"Anytime, sweetheart. Anytime."

If anyone wants a fresh copy, let me know at terriezs@hotmail.com
Tessa

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