rfp20to22
rfp20to22.docx
The golden king’s ray pierced the horizon, banning all darkness and all who
dwelled spiritually. The spirits were the first to dissipate in the glorious sunlight. The
small nocturnal rodents and insects followed. However, there were some who did not fear
the sunlight, but enjoyed it dearly. The crew members were the main ones because it was
the only thing to help them break their sleep.
Another happy candidate was Edward Pullin. It wasn’t because he experienced
the stress and turmoil of his suspect’s crew, but he seemed actually anxious to be on his
way to South America. He had never been outside the country, and to be going on an
unauthorized bounty hunt awed him. Edward Pullins gave praise to Nick’s valiant stand
in rejecting his request to guide him. He had no clue as to why Nick was so reluctant to
return. Edward had no real interest on why, so he boarded the prepared flight with no
hesitation. Although rejection still entangled his emotions, he was surly glad he was on
his way. Thoughts of heroic proportions coupled with courage and bravery slithered
through all of his veins. Just like running water, but in his case, the movement of
emotionally contaminated blood from the heart to the thinking muscle, supplied his
thoughts with the fuel he needed to capture Richard.
Edward was also a little uneasy. He wasn’t sure why he was so excited. A tingling
feeling ran through his spine and caused him concern, because it was the same way he
felt this morning when he abruptly awoke. He considered it with humor because he never
really remembered his dreams, but this one was vaguely with him still. Simple flashes
and glimpses were all he had at his disposal. He tried to block them out by gazing out of
the window and putting much emphasis on small items getting smaller. He didn’t
remember fully, but enough to experience the chills throughout his nervous system. It
also seemed to be associated with his desire to get to the town of Macapa. The town was
mysterious to him because he knew nothing of it, but this town he’d never heard of
before had all the importance in the world. His eagerness to reach his prize, Richard’s
capture, boiled within him. He understood the what and who he was after, but he failed to
comprehend the why. Nevertheless, there was a deep passion now for Richard’s capture,
no matter the cost. That very determination could be the reason for Edward’s success or
failure. This mental frenzy made time seem to go fast because the next thing he knew it
was about thirty minutes before arriving in Macapa. These last thirty would take a toll
because his mental stability began to falter. He thought about those dreams, in flashes and
pulses, causing him to nod his head against the window. It appeared migraines took over
but he was actually thinking about Gunther. What would he say if he knew where he was
headed? All these emotions fueled his desire, and before long he would see what he was
up against.
Kyser Finley was almost the first to be roused by the piercing sun, but in this case,
the severe humidity that followed a night full of rain was king of a day that was destined
to be scorching. The only relief anyone had was from the thick umbrella the jungle
formed with its trees and vines. It wasn’t hard for Kyser to be one of the first to awake —
his severe itch made sure of that. However, the intense dreams that the pouring rain
seemed to cause were the only reason his irritation didn’t keep him from sleeping. One of
the few signs of daybreak was the sun clearing the pour of hydrogen double teaming
oxygen. The sun could only be seen partially in patches of the jungle, and this was at high
noon. The sun was not the only thing to rise, for the heat did the same.
“Ahhg,” screamed Adam. He continued in a painful way. Pam seemed to be only
one to hear him, or at least the first to show a little concern. Kyser actually was the first,
but he ignored the man’s screaming for a moment.
Then he did peek inside Adam’s tent. “Oh my, are you alright Adam? You look
like shit.” Adam didn’t respond in a communicable way, but by undecipherable moans
and groans. “Hold on man, I’ll go get Pam.”
Kyser released his hands from the crease of the tent bearing a look of disgust.
“Oh, oh, oh,” Adam tossed and turned and never did get any sleep. The sickness had
taken over and was the main reason he now spoke in groans.
“Pam!” Kyser yelled. “Pam, could you please see about Adam? He looks like… I
don’t know, I guess shit.”
Pam replied softly, “You don’t look well yourself. Look at this,” she said as she
grabbed his arm and exhibited some severe bruises. They were extremely red and
appeared to want to blister. “Look at these bruises. How did this happen?”
Kyser snatched his hand away and replied in a defensive way, “I don’t know.
Maybe its poison ivy.”
Pam looked at him with ridicule and advised, “Oh no, I don’t think this is poison
ivy. I really don’t know what it is.”
“Well, that’s because you’re not a doctor. You’re an FBI agent.”
“You know… it really doesn’t take a doctor to know this isn’t poison ivy. It
appears to be something more severe.” Pam pulled his arms closer and noticed multiple
abrasions. “Come here, Ky!” She lifted his shirt to examine his body and noticed severe
scratch wounds he had applied to himself throughout the course of the night. “Oh dear,
Pam cried with dire empathy.
“I’m fine!” Kyser exclaimed forcefully. “While we’re sitting here lollygagging
about a few scratches and bruises, Adam seems to be about to burn up.”
“What? Did you take his temperature?”
“Do you see a fucking thermometer or do I look like a medic to you. I figured…
well because he’s sweating real bad, and he looks like he really wants to die. So can you
help him? Shit, you’re the woman, and you’re more fit for that nursery type stuff.”
Pam looked at Kyser in despair, gathered her med kit and rushed over to help poor
Adam. Kyser followed her briefly, but quickly veered to gather the others. He slipped his
hands through the crack of Roy’s tent and exclaimed, “Hey Roy, get up!”
“I’m already up! I couldn’t help but be up because of your loud mouth. Are you
still itching? I noticed that last night. Did something bite you?”
“You sound like Pam.”
“Oh yeah, well then maybe she was right.”
“About what? That I need to be treated? Well, I know that, but I see no one here is
a doctor, are they!”
“That’s funny you would mention that. I had a funny dream last night. I couldn’t
awake from it. It seemed some doctor was trying to kill a man. The man…I think was
trying to get here. Yeah, here right where we are. Hmm…I think he was trying to tell us
something.”
Kyser chuckled. “What was he trying to tell us? Was he trying to warn us that
someone was trying to kill us too? Ha! If there is any vision to your dream then it still
wouldn’t’ come true, because we will be long gone. We are getting the heck out of here.
Adam looks like he might be the next one to die, and because we partially witnessed this
tragedy it’s only our duty to get the body home. Besides, now the one we need to do the
survey is dead, who’s going to do the job? No reason for us to be here.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right, and I don’t believe your friend is telling us all there is
to know.”
“Oh dear, look at you! You need to be in a hospital somewhere,” said Pam.
“Come here!” She went to take Adam in her arms to comfort him, but at the same time
fondled through her med kit. These actions made one wonder why she was not a nurse.
“I’m cold Pam,” uttered Adam in a soft and squeaky voice seemingly on a verge
of collapse. Sweat poured down his face.
“Listen Adam! You have to tell me what you may have come into contact with.”
Adam rolled over in Pam’s arms, staring in her eyes with a look of defeat.
“I..I..I’m not sure.”
“Did something bite you? Maybe it was poisonous. Did you touch some kind of
plant? I need to know because Kyser seems to have been affected too, but you guys seem
to be affected differently.” Pam tried hard to get information out of Adam. The first
gesture Adam released was a horrendous sneeze that resulted in a swift head maneuver by
Pam to deter her face from being the bull’s eye. It also manifested sarcastic remarks from
her crew members.
“ I hope that isn’t contagious, Kyser said. Pam looked in despair but didn’t let that
stop her from administering warmth and comfort for Adam.
“You take good care of him!” declared Wesley.
“Poor Adam. We need to get him home.”
“I think you’re right, Roy!”
“So, what is the plan?” Wesley demanded an answer. He had just recently joined
the crew and felt behind on the agenda.
“I think we need to inform Richard of our departure — no need for us here. We
also need a little medical attention.” Kyser stared at Pam specifically and continued, “I
think we are all men, and a little flu and itching won’t hurt. We’ll be home by tomorrow.”
The three FBI agents left for Richard’s tent. They all rushed to his tent like it was
a stake out, and they were US Marshal’s on a bounty hunt. “Hey! Rich! Rich!” Mr.
Finley chanted sharply.
Something enormous had gotten into Richard because he was just waking out of a
nightmare. He greeted the men before they could even reach his tent bearing the look and
actions of a telepathy informed individual. “Yes, gentlemen?”
“Rich! We need to talk.” Kyser spoke softly and firmly in due respect for his
friend. He wanted to make one thing clear. “We’re packing it up.”
“What! What do you mean?”
“I mean exactly what I said…”
“Yeah! I think he understands perfectly.”
“Wesley…I’ll handle this! You know Richard, you act surprised.”
“It’s just that I know this situation is tough, but I haven’t gotten much done.”
“Much done? What the fuck? Is this guy crazy?” said Wesley.
Kyser calmed Wesley down by placing his hands upon him to restrain him.
Richard stood tall, not scared a bit. His project was of utmost importance, so he continued
his rebuttal.
“Look, I don’t need much longer, perhaps one more day. This night wasn’t so
bad.”
“I think you need to speak for yourself. I had a terrible nightmare last night and
wouldn’t care to be here another night.” Roy had finally gotten a word in on the
discussion. He was good spirited because he felt he was heard.
“I think the decision is unanimous — we’re getting out of here,” said Wesley.
Kyser had eye contact with Richard, but slowly drifted his eyes away. “Hey, tell
Pam to come here,” Kyser commanded and someone did just that.
Klinton Westfield had no problem sleeping late, but today couldn’t match his
record. I guess the night sleep wasn’t pleasant, and the commotion outside worked his
eardrum. He climbed out of tent with anger on his face, “Shit!” It wasn’t the ideal place
to wake up to. The muggy air disgusted him. The slick surface caused by the rain made
walking a slippery ordeal. The heat and humidity seemed to be direct forces acting upon
his grief. He trotted on to get his friends, the ones he could relate to Andrew and Susie.
Trying so hard to walk through the muddy terrain, Klinton looked even more disgruntled
when he noticed their tent were empty. He then disregarded the problems the mud caused
and rushed to the others. Klinton swept his way through Briscoe’s tent, observing him
lying there motionless. However, after looking for a moment, Briscoe raised his head just
to look at Klinton for a moment. He then collapsed backwards onto his sleeping mat.
Klinton made sure Jerry was awake, which wasn’t easy, but no one had seen Andrew.
“No one has seen Andrew and Susie!”
“Who!?”
“The pilots, you idiot. They’re no where to be found.” Just about everyone heard
and gathered around Klinton.
“You mean no one has seen them?”
“Hey, hey, calm down. They were probably up early to check on the helicopters,
but how about you and Pam go and check on the helicopters, anyway. You probably will
find them on the way there.”
Richard was not fond of Kyser’s last comments and advised, “Look, you insist on
leaving, but I had no idea these people would end up dying. Obviously what happened
were just accidents, and that’s no reason to stop working. I mean work continues just like
life. I think we need to ship on the bodies off so they can get a proper burial and then
simply finish our jobs.”
“Wait a minute, what about your friend Brutus? He just perished recently, and
how is still a mystery. I think we are dealing with morals issue here. I mean, at what point
are we disrespecting the dead?”
“Well, there will be no burial for the Kemp’s because I’m going to find them!”
Klinton said and ran off.
“Wait a minute! We are a team. Don’t go running off and getting lost.”
“Well, I don’t see us going far without the pilots.” That tuned the got the crew’s
attention.
“OK , first why don’t you and Pam go and check the helicopters while we search
around here.”
“Wait a minute! I don’t work for you or any one of you.”
“Well, what’s your name again?” said Wesley sarcastically. He then pointed at the
lifeless Brutus while vocally expressing himself. “You see, there’s your boss. It seems
he’s not going to do you much good.”
There was no time for bickering, so Kyser interrupted. “Look! Gentlemen. We all
need team work, and if you want to get out of here ASAP, then I suggest we work
together. We also need to be wary of those traps that got Brutus in this predicament.”
“You think one of the pilots is caught in one of those terrible traps?” uttered Pam.
Klinton showed her support. “Yeah, I think I need to find my friends.”
“If we don’t see about the helicopter, we’re going no where any way, so that is the
priority.”
Richard obviously did not like what he was hearing, and it wasn’t long before he
felt it unbearable to go unheard any longer. “Everyone, we seemed to get over our panic.
You act as if something is out to get us. I mean, these were freak accidents. We all know
things like this don’t happen often, so it is highly unlikely that anything like this will
happen to those of us who remain. What about the brave citizens who decide they will do
what ever it takes to feed their families…”
“Shit, feed my family. What the fuck this guy’s talking about?”
“The point I’m trying to make is that many people lost their lives working in coal
mines or on huge dams so our country could have sufficient energy, or what about the
miners who mine your precious rocks and metals so that you can persuade lust to be the
commander of your sins. We are those brave citizens. We have a job to do, and you are
on my payroll — a contract has been signed.”
Kyser cut his eyes at Richard. “Wait a minute, Richard. What about Brutus? He’s
dead. I…I I thought my friend had more compassion than that.”
Richard looked at himself and visibly straightened himself up. “You’re right!
Look, I have access to a funeral home on the third island to the east. Jerry and Briscoe
can escort the bodies, for an extra incentive of course. That way Brutus’ body will be
preserved until we finish.”
“Richard, but wasn’t he the engineer, and the only one qualified for the job.”
“Yes, but Klinton Westfield is an officer of his company, and I’m sure he can
finish the remaining tasks. It’s just a simple report to my investors that this is an ideal
spot for my project. Brutus spoke highly of Klinton.”
Klinton was baffled. “He did!?”
“Yes Klinton, he advised me that you were the head honcho, next to him. Also,
that his teachings were soaking in and you were now equivalent to a Masters in civil
engineering. Your scholastics don’t mean a thing since the report will be filed under the
company’s name.”
Klinton could not conceal a grin. “Well, I guess you’re right. I am skilled at what
I do, but never will I work for your sleaze bucket type.”
Kyser broke the spell with soft words. “Pam! You and Klinton, see about those
helicopters. I’m pretty sure your friends just went to check on our ride home.”
“Ahhg… Ahhg,” echoed from the only unchecked tent. The crew approached the
cries with caution and a bit of worry. Julian Akbar emerged from his tent only to face
incomprehensible stares and glares. “What! What are you looking at? I had a nightmare
and couldn’t seem to awaken from it.”
“Well, everyone has had a shaky night, but it will be the last one.”
“Oh really. I thought we were here another day or so.”
“There’s been a change of plans.”
The professor wondered what the problem was. “Where’s Richard!” He was truly
ignorant at the moment. “Can some one catch me up to speed.”
“Well we sent Pam and Klinton to meet the Kemps.”
“Meet the Kemps? Where?”
“I think they may have gone to check on the helicopters.”
“You think?”
“Well, we actually don’t know where they are at the moment, but we’re guessing
where else they could be. It’s obvious they got up slightly earlier and did what any good
pilot would do.”
“And what’s that Kyser?”
“Take care of their pride.”
“Pride, Kyser?”
“You know Kyser speaks sometimes in backward hieroglyphs.”
“Yes, pride in the vessel in which they pilot.”
CHAPTER 21
The heat of the day rose significantly along with bird songs and animal language.
The humidity played the major role because the other heat source was mostly blocked by
the massive trees that lay along the path Pam and Klinton took. The trees towered
massively above their heads and gave true meaning to the concept of a jungle. Pam and
Klinton traveled this path briskly, and lucky for them there was daylight. The two hadn’t
said much for the first twenty or so meters, but Klinton followed behind with a keen eye.
He wondered why she was so interested in the different plant life.
“So, Agent Slaughter…”
“Oh, call me Pam. I think that at a time like this, Pam is more suitable.”
“Well Pam, what brings you into crime fighting.”
“I guess God’s grace.”
“Well, where did you get your degree? Don’t you have to have a degree to be an
FBI agent?”
“I was military.”
“You didn’t go to college?” said Klinton, surprised. “I could have. I even turned
down several scholarships that were offered to me, but…”
“But what!? I wish I had that chance to go to college. What, were you smart or
something?”
“Of course, but that’s not why they offered me scholarships. I was a sports
person.”
“What in Heaven’s name makes you want to fight for Uncle Sam.”
“Well, I always dreamed of being in the army. You might laugh, but I think that,
because I played sports at such an early age, and I remember that commercial, ‘Be all you
can be, in the army.’” Pam had sung it just as she remembered it. “I think my competitive
nature in sports was sometimes fueled by that theme song. It really affected my desires in
dreaming to be a high ranking official with the armed forces. High ranking women is
what they lacked, if anything was inadequate about our military.”
“Well! That just goes back to the question I asked you before. How did you
become an FBI agent?”
“Oh, well I found out the armed forces had me living a dream.”
“What, you didn’t move up at all?”
“Sure, I moved up. But most promotions were simple pay increases and had no
true value. It led me to believe a woman would only be considered for advancement to
just so high a rank and then be stuck. Of course they give you the impression you have a
chance, but you really don’t. I just basically gained as high a rank as I could get, or really
as far as my patience would allow. I don’t know, I guess I decided to apply and here I
am.”
“Oh, here you are! Ha! This is your idea of a job?”
“Hold up just one minute. It appears to me that your job has you right here with
me.” Pam was surprisingly feisty in her comments and gestures, seemingly quite the
contrary of one of Pam’s compassion.
Klinton picked up on her novel actions. “My, you sure are…”
“That’s enough about me — what about you? And why are you here?” Pam’s tone
varied from this innocuous question. She tried to walk fast through the path, but her
interest in various plants hindered rapid passage. Pam suddenly stopped to bend over with
the sexiest of appeal. Klinton watched the splendor as she examined a piece of plant life.
“This, my dear, isn’t a time for picking roses. In case you’re not informed, I want
to go home. I can show plenty of places back home where you can go gardening.”
“Will you be quiet? I’m trying to see something.”
“Do you mind me asking what?”
“The guys back there are sick, and I’m wondering if they might have come in
contact with something unpleasant.”
Klinton leaned his body for a closer look and advised, “Yeah, I think that would
account for unpleasant. Look! It has those prickly things all along its stem. They look like
little green needles waiting to rupture one’s flesh.”
“I’m not sure if Adam or Kyser has come in contact with this. I don’t even know
if this plant would cause those symptoms.”
“I suppose you don’t care to test it.” Pam looked at Klinton ridiculously. “Here,
give me that.” She pointed at what Klinton was holding in his hand.
“What are you going to do? Take a sample, or something. You better be careful
with that.” He reluctantly handed over the requested item. She proceeded to take the
plant, trying her hardest not to get pricked. “Hey! Be careful, what the hell you gonna do
make a vaccination or something… Doc!” Pam looked at him and thought, how and the
hell am I gonna do that?
She responded, “No, I’m not a doctor, and I doubt if any doctor could synthesize
a vaccine from a plant on the spot. We barely have adequate equipment to take
temperatures or make bandages.” The plant was secured and they continued on their
journey. As usual Pam darted out in front, fearless of the daytime forest setting. Klinton
had no objections to this. He enjoyed the view better trailing Agent Slaughter, and what a
beautiful view she gave.
“Pam,” said Klinton with ulterior motives.”
“You’re a sexy woman.”
Pam stopped in her tracks and exclaimed, “What!?”
“Oh, oh, I’m just kidding. I didn’t mean to say you were sexy. I mean, I mean, I,
you’re a sexy women, I just didn’t mean to tell you that… at this moment.” Klinton
stopped and looked at Pam. He pondered if revising those comments was even necessary.
It didn’t matter much, because Pam looked at him briefly and carried on. “Wait a minute
Pam, slow down,” he said, sprinting to catch up as his eagerness grew for his next line of
questioning. “Are you married, Pam?”
“Oh now you’re hitting on me.”
“No! No, that’s not true. I’m not hitting on you or anyone else. I don’t even carry
myself in that manner, just small talk. You must want someone to hit on you.”
“No!” A grin descended upon Klinton’s face as the two developed meaningful
small talk. Klinton was still astonished by Pam’s figure ad purposely allowed her to walk
faster. “You sure aren’t having a problem with this mud,” Klinton cried as frustration
built because the mud attacking of his shoes.
“I was just bred to endure severe conditions, also not to whine about
uncomfortable situations.” Pam spoke with confidence while not breaking stride.
“Oh I guess that’s a part of the job.”
“Exactly!”
“Oh, so when that snake jumped out at you, you endured then too didn’t ya?”
Klinton laughed, but no response came from Pam. The approaching of the path’s end was
eminent and the sight of the helicopters would soon be obtained. The sight of those
blades poured relief into the hearts of Pam and Klinton. As they got closer, Klinton
couldn’t help but exclaim, “I don’t think I see anyone. If the Kemps aren’t here, then
where are they? How are we going to get home?”
Pam had a keen eye, and as usual was slightly ahead. “Yeah, something’s not
right, Klinton.”
“What do you mean?” Pam reflected silence again as she approached their ride
home. “Damn!” “What! What,” Klinton balked excitedly.
“Look at that. The helicopters are nearly engulfed in water.” The relief now
dissipated, leaving them exasperated with fear. The water was just about to the entrance
of the doors. “The helicopter must have landed on a soft spot and caused some sinking,
because it’s under mud a bit. I hope this won’t hinder take off. Mr. Klinton, do you know
anything about helicopters? It is a shame because I could have registered for pilot classes
through the FBI but was fearful of flying. Anyhow, I wonder why they would have
landed here.”
“Hey, don’t question my friends. They’re good pilots, and who would have
known it would rain so hard last night? I see rainforest is a fitting name.”
“I’m not attacking your friends. We need to find them. But let me check
something.” Pam examined closely, wondering how right she might be. Swishing and
swooshing was the result of them finally getting their hands on the helicopters. Pam
dipped her hand underneath the water while leaning the other hand against the helicopter.
“What are you doing?” Pam said nothing immediately, but merely looked
exasperated by the feelings of thick gooey mud that buried the helicopters’ landing sleds.
“Are you trying to lift the helicopter? Ok, miss Hercules!”
“Shut up and just give me a hand.”
Klinton did so, but hesitated from the unsettled feeling of liquid dirt. There was
no budging these big air vehicles, and now worry and frustration entered their facial
expressions. After giving it one final jolt, Klinton declared, “I don’t think were going to
budge it.”
“Let’s check the other one.” Pam rushed over several meters to the left to
administer the same efforts, but to no avail. She found it was even deeper. “Come on let’s
tell the others.”
“Tell the others what! That we aren’t going home?”
“No Klinton! Aren’t your friends missing?”
“Yeah!” “I think they will be the ones to fly us away from here, so we need to tell
the others that they weren’t here, and unless we find them, we’re stuck.”
“Oh no, I’m not stuck. There’s a science boat off shore. I’ll make Jerry’s ass
navigate me the fuck out of here.”
“Oh that’s right, a group of you did come by boat. You see we have a way home,
after all.” They darted down the same path, omitting flower picking this time. This time
they were pretty much even because Klinton cared not to indulge himself in the view
from behind the agent anymore. There were other things on their minds.
“You must have been close to those pilots.”
Klinton looked at Pam while keeping his same pace. “Well, we did work together,
so we kind of got to know each other. You know I used to think Andrew became friends
with me for some ulterior motive.”
“Oh, what motive was that?”
“I can’t be sure, but we didn’t have many words for each other before… and I
think his wife came on to me, at the time they weren’t yet married, but I had no interest in
her. I think Andrew thought otherwise.”
“Well, how did you become friends?”
“That’s funny, because Susie invited me to a function she and her husband were
to attend, and I got the feeling he wasn’t too fond of the idea. I think she had him
whipped a little. She kind of told him what to do non-verbally, if you get my drift.”
Klinton had Pam’s full attention, but questions loomed and caused a curious
reply. “Well, you still haven’t told me how you became friends. I get the drift, but… So I
guess she encouraged this friendship.”
“Exactly!”
“Did she ever come on to you? You know, like you came on to me earlier.”
“No, and I didn’t try you!” “Hmm I’m surprised she didn’t.”
“No, you got it all wrong. She wasn’t thinking like that, besides they were
engaged.”
“You’re not that gullible.”
“What! I am not gullible. You know, I have never had any one tell me that?”
“I hope you know, Mr. Westfield, that there’s a difference between being gullible
and being stingy. Or being firm, or just plain out mean, and you’ve become apparent to
me.”
“Hold up now, this is a prejudgment. That’s why I don’t have a woman now.”
“Yeah, I think you’re right,” she replied comically and with a sarcastic
expression.
“You know what? You’re something else.”
“You’re something else too. At least I know why I don’t have a partner, but why
don’t you?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“I think you’re scared. Yeah, I see that little brave heart over there does weep for
fear at times. Just like everybody else.”
“Hmm, thank God it doesn’t matter what you think.”
“It matters what everyone thinks, because God speaks through the people, so you
should listen to everyone, rich or poor. Something you may not be able to grasp yet in
your development.”
“Well congratulations, you’re finally making sense, but the majority of the time
you have a hard time obtaining clarity.”
“Clarity? What the hell is this: Speaking 101? Damn! Mini-athlete, miniHercules, and now you’re a speech expert. I guess we can call you a Renaissance
woman”
“You’re not funny at all.”
“Oh, I’m not trying to be. It’s just that we have here is the American dream,
who’s terrified of snakes. If we ever get out of this shambles, you’re sure to make the
headlines: ‘Renaissance FBI agent overcomes her phobia of snakes to escape the trenches
of the wild jungle.’”
“Ha! Chuckle. Chuckle,” softly spilled from Pam’s lips. “You are a fool.”
“No baby, I think you’re mistaken. I haven’t been fooled. I know what’s going on.
Yeah, I know exactly what’s going on.”
“Oh, what’s going on then?” Pam replied with a smile.
“I’m feeling you. That’s what’s going on. You’re a beautiful, intelligent, and
durable woman. If I did have a woman, it wouldn’t be a problem choosing you.”
“Hmm, I told you. You’re coming on to me.”
“No, no. I just speak the truth. If that’s coming on to you, then by golly I’m
guilty.”
Pam was just a little flattered, but the moment was halted because camp was just
ahead, “Kyser, Kyser,” yelled Pam as sight of the rest of the crew became possible.
They heard her cries and responded instantly. “Pam! What is going on?”
“The helicopters seem useless and the Kemp’s are no where to be found”
“What do you mean useless?”
“They must have landed on some soft spot because last night’s rain caused them
to sink under mud and water.”
“What! Wait a minute. The helicopters are drowned in water.”
“No. Not completely. The inside isn’t flooded, but the landing sleds are deep
under water and mud. Like a car stuck in mud, but this seems to be worse. We weren’t
sure if the helicopters could still take off.”
“Where are the pilots?” exclaimed Kyser.
“I don’t know. They were no where around.”
“Well, who’s going to take us home,” cried Klinton.
Silence loomed until Kyser broke that. “Briscoe, aren’t you a pilot?”
He hesitated to respond, but then said, “Yes!”
“Well speak up! Can those helicopters take off?”
“That depends. I would have to see.”
“Let’s go!”
Klinton replied, “What about Andrew and Susie — they must be found. Don’t
forget about my boss, who your letting decay here. What happened to everyone’s morals?
I know I want to get home more than anyone out here, but damn!”
Pam was the first to stop and listen to Klinton’s worries, and the crew followed
shortly after. “Klinton’s right. We need to find them,” said Pam.
“May I suggest that there’s a helicopter on the first island. I can pick it up if Jerry
boats me,” Briscoe uttered.
“OK , fine, then. We’ll stick to Rich’s plan initially. Take the body to the spot
Rich mentioned and you can pick the chopper up. Richard, are they on the same island?”
There was no response, but it didn’t stop Kyser’s questioning. “How long will this take,
Jerry?!”
“I’m not sure. How far away is the place from here?”
“If we take that big boat, it may take six or seven hours. So that’s not including
the time we will need to go ashore.”
“You mean it could be over half the day before you all return, twelve fucking
hours before we can even begin to get happy about leaving? It could be dark by then.
What time does the sun set around here anyway?”
“Calm down Klinton. That gives us ample time to search for your friends. In case
we have no luck in finding your friends, I want to still test those choppers. So Briscoe,
you and Jerry get back here ASAP. Maybe we can pry them loose with help from the
other helicopter”
“Maybe?”
“Yeah, well maybe we need to form teams! Jerry and Briscoe, obviously you to
are together. Pam, you stay with Adam, and Richard you with me. Roy and Wesley you
guys stay together. While Kyser pointed the teams to their responsible areas to search, the
professor wondered why he was not included.
“Hey what about me. You forgot about me. Don’t you people know genius when
you see it?”
“OK, I’m sorry! Stick around and help Pam.” Julian had a look like he was
depressed that he was unappreciated on his face. He felt as if they were disregarding his
use to the team. With his head down, he headed off to aid Pam’s efforts. Jerry and
Briscoe prepared the last motorboat and dumped the dead body aboard.
A huge thump sounded from the tossing of Brutus, and Jerry said, “This is creepy
man. I never seen a dead body, and I already have seen two today. It’s creepy, isn’t it? I
mean, my boss right here dead, whoa! I didn’t like it when he used to command me
around and work me to death. Ha! I guess I get the last laugh.” Briscoe had no words and
really felt exhausted because Jerry began running his mouth profusely. “Fitting, such a
fate for a hardworking man like the old Brut.” Briscoe said nothing during Jerry’s pauses
for air, and the sound of the motor gave rhythm to his ears . It was his only escape from
the verbal pyrotechnics Jerry put on. “You know what, he even tried to scam us on our
pay. Oh, he didn’t tell us how much your boss was paying on this trip. And all I’ve been
through. This fucking heat, I know I’m used to the heat, but goddamn, unknown things
biting you. At least where I’m from we knew what it was that bit ya. I’ll bet you can’t tell
me what that is biting you now.”
Briscoe looked down and slapped his hand against the creature, and Jerry clutched
the corpse of his previous boss in a serious grip declaring, “Whoa, what if I happened to
drop you in the drink? I wouldn’t say the gators would mind. One tried to eat me because
of this misfortunate trip you volunteered us for.”
Briscoe said, “Oh, you almost got eaten by a crocodile. Hah, that’s funny.”
Briscoe surely was amused, chuckling so hard he almost mis-steered the boat. A swerve
in the commanding Amazon caused both to grip the boat. Jerry dropped the dead one to
make sure he didn’t have a second round with those reptiles.
“Hey man, watch it. I’ve already been swimming for the day.”
“You idiot, the day just started.”
“I mean yesterday — you know what I mean. Shit. Ever since I came to this
jungle my sense of time has been screwed up.” The boat was under good control now and
they were on their way down the river. It was fairly peaceful along the way. The sun was
piercing and more so because they weren’t protected by the massive canopy of tress that
lie on both sides of the river. Jerry watched the bow of the boat slice through the river
causing a ripple of waves. “I’ve never seen fish like this, their swimming so
harmoniously.”
Briscoe took a look and replied, “Those are piranhas, and they aren’t as forgiving
as a crocodile.”
“I’ll bet. I ought of feed them a Brutus meal.” Briscoe shook his head and
continued to steer the small motorboat. “Hey, Jerry! It’s time for you to get ready to take
over.”
Jerry stood up and gazed at the science vessel ahead. “It sure is a lovely boat. I
wouldn’t mind having it.”
“Well pretend it’s yours and maybe you will get us where we need to be safely.”
“Oh, you don’t question my abilities, do you? You know I’ve been raised around
boats since I was yea big. You know when I was eight, me and my dad went on a fishing
trip far out on the lake, and he got too damn drunk. The motherfucker passed out, and oh
yeah, he’s a motherfucker or else I wouldn’t be here. I had to get us home. I was scared
as shit, especially when I tried to wake his drunk ass. I really didn’t know which way to
go, or even how to turn the boat. I mean I watched my dad, but he hadn’t got around to
teaching me yet. I figured if I could turn the boat around and keep it straight, we could
run into shore at some point. Luckily, we ended up right back where we started, but that
trip made him teach me right away. I thank Jesus for that. He really cared for me then,
but since I’ve become a man he hasn’t shined down on me much.”
Jerry needed a breath giving time for Briscoe to respond unenthusiastically.
“Touching story! I hope that you are finished because it’s time to board your boat and get
it moving.”
“Sure, I’m ready. Let’s getting it together.” The two had a task ahead of them that
would prove to be their fate, and the cessation of their sentient being.
Chapter 22
The scroungy old man lay tucked beneath his chair asleep and unaware of what
was about to happen. The sound of a large engine came roaring from the sky, and by the
vibrations he knew the plane was descending. The ruckus Detective Edward Pullins’
flight caused aroused the old man from his nap. It startled him because he knew of no
scheduled flights, but he also knew lately things around here had been strange. He
jumped up to get a good look at what was going on. He looked long and hard at the
landing and who might be exiting like a private eye who was hungry to solve another
case. Fear and curiosity fought for domination, and the two did not compliment one
another. He glanced at Edward Pullins as he descended the stairs.
Edward immediately placed his shades upon his face because he wasn’t
accustomed to this kind of heat. That variation between the air conditioned plane and this
heat put a mild damper on his eagerness to catch up with Richard. He was here now, so
there was no turning back. The first thing to catch the detective’s eyes was the tower that
stood above the area. It stood out because there were no trees to protect you from the
sun’s immediate attack. That fact increased Edward’s eagerness to get to the tower.
The old man noticed that the man’s build appeared familiar, but the shades made
his identity unclear, but he knew the mystery would soon be solved because the detective
was soon making his way up the stairs. The old man could hear his steps and braced for
his entrance. The louder his sound grew from climbing the stair casing the more the
anticipation grew for the both of them. The old man was curious as to who was
approaching, and Edward just wanted some answers. Detective Pullins flung the entrance
open. He had also gripped his pistol for reassurance.
The old man cried out, “No, no, don’t shoot.”
Edward replaced his firearm only after realizing it wasn’t needed. “Hey, come
here!” commanded Edward. The old man stood there, fear and anxiety now leaving him
speechless. “What’s the matter? You don’t speak English? You spoke it fine when I was
pointing this at ya. Do I have to point it again to get a response out of you?” The petrified
look remained on the old man’s face. Edward made his way to invade the tower keeper’s
space. He then grabbed him with force, “Look!” Edward reached for his back pocket and
pulled out various photographs. “Have you seen these people?” Edward quickly flipped
through pictures of Richard, Joe, and Nick’s friends. The old man still was not as
responsive as he would like, and couldn’t say that he’s seen any of them. “Wait a minute
now!” Edward declared. He knew something didn’t add up. Edward began to increase the
force behind the jerking of the old man. “Who do you work for? I was told this facility
was run by this man,” he said, pointing aggressively at Richard’s picture. “You’re telling
me you don’t know this gentleman. I see I may have to...”
“Oh OK, he looks familiar, but I work for a Captain Briscoe. I think I may have
seen him with the captain. I know nothing else.”
“You’re sure you don’t know any of these men, that you haven’t seen any of them
around here?” Edward made sure he got a good glimpse of the photos.
“No, I don’t know any of them.”
“I think you’re not telling me everything you need to tell me. I don’t know if
you’re taking up for someone or if you’re just not recalling.” Edward gripped the poor
old man with one hand with extremely great force. He used the other hand to point his toy
at his jaw. “Now, I know there’s something you may have forgotten to tell me. Haven’t
you?” By this time, sweat poured from the old man’s head, causing him to shiver a bit in
fright. Edward shoved the photos in his face. “Look! I know you had to see one of these
guys.
“No, no! I don’t know these people!”
“I know there’s been something strange going on. You must have noticed
something — you’re the tower man. You get to see everything that comes here. I know
you know?”
“Well, I did notice one time Richard and some man got a helicopter, but Richard
returned alone. He seemed to be worried or something.”
“Well, where did they go?”
“I don’t know? All I do is watch. I never know anything.”
Edward released the old man and tucked his pistol away. He looked out the tower
window, gazing at the glare. He noticed the thick trees that lay far in the distance. That
very view was a foreshadowing of what was to come, but Edward was unaware. Fittingly
so, he rushed off to descend the stair casing to find out how to cure his desire.
Just before he exited, the old man decided to spill a little more information. “I
suggest that, if you wanna find who you’re looking for, stand over there by those
helicopter landing pads. They’ll probably make a stop today. You can get a ride then, but
just wait patiently.”
Edward took heed and proceeded to exit the tower. Taking on the brutal sun was
Edward’s first challenge, but being patient would prove to be the unapparent one. He
stood in the baking sun and wondering how he would get to where he needed to be. There
weren’t many trees in his area, and so he suffered. He gazed at the trees in the distance,
wishing he was under one, but the closest was across the river. He had no idea where he
needed to go, so he sat on the edge of the river and waited patiently.
Meanwhile, there were shouts for the Kemps in all different directions. The only
one who seemed to be quiet was Richard. He didn’t give much effort in finding the
missing pilots. Maybe the fact that he was a pilot himself had something to do with his
calm demeanor. In fact, Richard was pondering what had become of his simple plan.
Rage built up in him because the inevitable feeling of failure consumed him. He looked
as if he could snap. The calls for the Kemps made it worse, as to him it seemed like
harassing echoes. Flashes of previous dreams now started to correlate with the jungle
sounds he was hearing.
Deeper in the forest, Wesley was saying, “You know what, Roy? I don’t think
we’re going to find these guys. I think Kyser should have opted for the helicopters.”
“Wes, you know Kyser knows what he is doing.”
“I believe in Kyser, but two have already turned up dead. His own friend misled
him, and us, so if you ask me Kyser looks sick and maybe it’s affecting his judgment.”
“No, Wesley, there’s nothing wrong with Kyser. If you were missing we would
come looking for you. Or would you like us to just abandon you? Maybe I’ll keep that in
mind the next time you’re in need.”
“Oh, save that crap,” exclaimed Wesley.
“Hey, don’t forget we are supposed to be scanning for traps. You saw how that
guy died. We wouldn’t want that to be our end,” declared Roy.
“Well help me look and you won’t have that problem.” They continued on,
unimpeded by the inhabitants of the jungle.
At the camp, Richard snapped out of his mood when Kyser reacted in a distressed
fashion. “Are you alright Kyser?” exclaimed Richard.
Kyser darted towards Pam and her nursing efforts. “Pam,” he called out pitifully.
He appeared to be in a bit of pain from the serious scratching he had administered all
over his body. The itching from his arms had now spread all over. He moaned, “Pam,
Pam.” He looked inside only to notice Adam was alone. Kyser decided to search through
Pam’s med-kit. He wanted to find something, anything that would soothe his itching. His
hands caused chaos as he rumbled through the accessories, and he noticed some type of
ointment that could be used for minor itch relief. However, what he was experiencing
wasn’t minor at all — in fact it was quite severe. Parts of his skin began to tear because
he had scratched so much. There were huge pink sores bulging out all over the infected
areas of his body. Some of the soars had exploded because he scratched them so. He
placed the ointment all over his body. Adam looked at Kyser briefly because it took some
effort for him. He however felt a bit more comfort because someone else suffered.
Adam even spoke to Kyser frailly, “Oh, what’s wrong Kyser?”
Kyser responded slowly while rapidly scratching in various places. “I don’t
know. Something must have infected me? This damn heat and sweat, and all this fucking
greenery, oh it’s driving me insane.” He continued to scratch all over. “Oh, please stop. It
itches, damn shit, it itches.” Kyser had scratched his arms, and then his neck, and all over
his stomach. He tried hard to satisfy his back needs, but couldn’t produce comfortable
results. “Adam where’s Pam? I thought I told her to look after you. Pam! Pam,” Kyser
continued his rampage for Pam and showed no sign of letting up.
Fortunately for Kyser, Pam and Klinton had just returned from search efforts of
their own. “Oh dear, what wrong?” cried Pam. Klinton immediately darted after Pam in
her pursuit to respond to the calling of her name. Pam entered the tent and noticed
Kyser’s despondency. “Let me see that,” she said. However, Kyser’s itch warranted a
hesitation. Pam grabbed his hand with a more forceful command. “Let me see that. I told
you, you should have let me see this before.” She examined those pink soars and cried,
“oh my!”
“Pam, it itches. Please help me. what could it be? This ointment isn’t working one
bit.” Kyser scratched, but Pam tried to prevent him.
“Let me see it. I can’t if you keep your hands in the way.”
“I can’t help it.”
Pam extracted a sharp object connected to her key chain and began to jig at one
of those pink soars. “Oow! Shit, now watch that.”
“I’m sorry,” softly replied Pam, looking up at Kyser with empathy.
“Oh my, cried Pam as she squeezed and poked at one of Kyser unfamiliar
wounds. More screams poured from Kyser’s mouth. Adam looked over and realized
someone might be in as much pain as he. “Stay still, it looks like, oh my goodness…”
Pam stuck her sharp object in the opening wound and pried a huge maggot from inside.
“Oh god, what is that?” Mr. Westfield cried out loud.
The professor stood quietly for some time, but he was amazed at what was taking
place. He shouted, “Looks like you may have been bitten by the infamous South
American fly — they lay their eggs in human skin.”
“Oh that’s gross. It looks like lots of eggs have been laid.”
“I need to extract the little things out of each and every soar you have.”
Adam had noticed much attention had gone towards Kyser. He cried out, “Ohh,
ohh!” It seemed as if severe pain had crept inside of Adam.
Pam said calmly, “Please Klinton, go find the others. The professor and I have our
hands full. Klinton marched off to find Wesley and Roy.
“Kyser, Kyser! I think something else may have infected you, because I don’t
think this itching, or at least of this magnitude, is even associated with the fly bites. We
need to get the both of you to a hospital is the bottom line. I hope that guy hurries back
with that helicopter.” The FBI team really needed their leader, but he had succumbed to
unconsciousness. Roy Beaver’s would be next in command, but Wesley often persuaded
him somehow or another. Nevertheless, Pam tucked both of the sick men away as
comfortably as possible while pondering what would be done next. “Damn professor,
what exactly is your use. Don’t you know some type of plant or something we can extract
the juices from to get my men better.”
“Oh yeah, right. I just study ancient cultures and indigenous tribes.”
“I don’t see how that’s relevant. I should say. That Richard fellow should have
brought a medic. No disrespect to you and what you do.”
“I didn’t ask to come here. Richard thought that there might be tribal members
living around here.”
“Oh yeah, well I haven’t seen any tribes around here, or any cabals, or Indians for
that matter.”
“Well, what do you say caused the mysterious deaths?”
“Hmm! I knew that Richard fuck was holding back something, but how would he
figure tribes were around here?”
Pam got up ad stormed outside the tent to deliver a few words to Richard. In the
distance he was already engaged in conversation with Klinton Westfield. “So what do
you say?” asked Richard.
Klinton shrugged his shoulders and responded, “You can keep your money and
shove it up your ass.” Klinton had no interest in sharing his skills he had learned from the
late Brutus. “You’re a sleaze bucket. I don’t deal with them. I wouldn’t be here if it
weren’t for my job.”
Richard looked puzzled and responded, “What are you talking about? Every one
is angry at Richard.”
Pam arrived and put in her two cents worth. “You know exactly what! Mr.
Professor! What exactly did you need him for? We’re not FBI agents for nothing.
Something’s going on and you better confess before conspiracy charges are introduced.”
“Excuse me lady, calm down! I’ve done my research. In fact, actually the
professor and I had a conversation over the phone about this. It was only after I and my
beautiful daughter were watching some movie and in the end there were these tribal
people. They were in South America, so it kind of freaked me out, you know. That’s
really why I called all of you, but I didn’t want to sound crazy. Like that was in the
movies, so I didn’t think to mention it. We still haven’t seen any tribals, and I believe
these incidents could be some freak accidents that... I’m sorry. I should have had us more
prepared.”
“But Richard, I did say that there was a huge possibility that there could be tribes
here.”
“Yeah, so why didn’t you tell us this. Then maybe your friend over there wouldn’t
be dead. Now it’s making sense. He probably got caught in one of those ancient traps.
We need to tell the others of this classified information Richard kept from us. Hey!
Klinton, I thought I told you to find the others.”
“Hold up, lady. You’re not my boss. I don’t think I have a badge, and I’m
definitely not being detained. Am I?”
“Just go. I thought you said you want to go home. Well, you’re not acting like it.”
“First of all, this idiot here was trying to bribe me again, but it was futile. The
only thing it did was get me ordered around by a demanding female.”
“Oh! That female… It’s a female with authority problem,” she said as she looked
at Richard as if she wanted to detain him.
“Oh excuse me. Let me go and find these people before me and you end up…” He
didn’t finish his comments only to point at Pam, and then he turned to run off into the
woods. Klinton now wondered even more why his friends hadn’t turned up. A question
about tribes being involved loomed and it prepped his eagerness to inform the others. The
sounds of beautiful birds, monkeys swinging from tress, and even roars from wild beasts
gave him more adrenaline. However, he made a point to stay focused because you can
easily get lost in this jungle. That was exactly what was going through his mind. He
remembered the path Kyser assigned to them, so that was the one he traveled. His
acceleration unknowingly placed him deep within the forest, but Roy and Wesley were
just ahead.
“You hear that,” cried Roy.
Wesley began to hone his ears a bit. “I think I hear somebody running, sounds
like their approaching us.”
“Hey gentlemen, it’s me. You haven’t found my friends?” Klinton was slightly
outraged. “Where could they be? You know that Richard guy contends that tribes might
be involved.”
“What?” Roy and Wesley seemed to speak at the same time. They were both
appalled.
“Yes. He said something about tribes being territorial and that’s why he brought
the professor.”
“For what?” exclaimed Wesley.
“To communicate with them. He studies that ancient culture stuff.”
“Oh boy, this is unbelievable. So that fuck was holding back information. We
could have been killed.” All three men now stood in the middle of some part of the
jungle, tempers ventilated at Richard and his monstrosities.
“We still haven’t found my friends, but you know what, I’ll find them.” Klinton
pulled out a piece he had concealed and assured it was ready for firing. “I’ll show those
tribes. Where in the hell are they holding my friends? I’m going to find them.”
“Wait a minute,” cried Wesley. “I hope that thing is registered. A concealed
weapon is a serious offense.”
“Well, would you like me to register it up your ass.” Klinton pointed the gun at
Wesley causing complete submission. He then ran off into the woods.
Roy declared, “We need to get him before he does something stupid.”
Wesley’s response was not favorable. “No, let him run off and be a hero. He
might end up dead.”
Klinton’s eagerness caused him to be careless as he ran through the forest. The
heat along with his anxiety got the better of him. He now resembled Milo in his problem
with crossing the stream. All of a sudden a loud gun sounded and the first thing to be
startled were those birds. The monkeys and wild beasts followed. The second in line was
Roy and Wesley, as they lifted their heads and ran swiftly in that direction. The third was
a buck-naked woman that ran at a distance but right before Klinton’s eyes. He got a good
glimpse as he lay on the ground from his sudden stumble. Klinton got up quickly and
perused the woman. Wesley and Roy were just in time because they noticed Klinton
disappearing into a patch of woods. The pursuit was on, and you could hear Klinton yell
out, “Hey lady, come here. Have you seen my friends?” He gained on her. His pistol,
however, was left behind where he fell and the gun discharged. That meant hand contact
was a must because obviously the woman wasn’t about to stop voluntarily. “Hey lady,
come on, I need to talk to you.” Klinton yapped on as he gained on her.
Roy and Wesley were also gaining on him. Roy asked Wesley as they ran, “What
got him revved up?” Then for a minute there was nothing but huffing and puffing and
feet shuffling through the litter on the forest floor.
Then Wesley responded briefly, “It appears he is chasing something. What could
it be?”
Roy began to lag behind a bit, but only because he failed to share Wesley’s
feelings. A sudden desire for heroism never was a part of Roy’s repertoire. Nevertheless,
he continued his pursuit.
Mr. Westfield reached out his right hand and grabbed the buck-naked woman’s
shoulder, causing disruption in both of their travels. It instantly caused the women to spin
clockwise and fall to the left directly on her back. Klinton stumbled as well, but he used
his left hand to prevent him from falling hard. The woman let out unidentifiable verbiage.
She was helplessly crawling backwards, because Klinton had regained himself and
immediately stood over her. “Have you seen my friends? Hey! Comprende! Have you
seen them?” Klinton’s frustration grew quickly and he aggressively pulled out a picture
of the two pilots. It was the one Susie gave to him of their honeymoon. However, the
mystery woman appeared terrified of the picture. The peoples of the rainforest weren’t
too inclined to have their pictures taken. She cried and pleaded in some unfamiliar
language. “Hey!” Klinton grabbed the woman with both hands by her upper arms. He
began lifting her and softly shook her.
A loud shout came from the path they had trotted just moments ago. “Klinton!
What’s going on? What are you doing?” Klinton’s face didn’t change much, but he did
look over to see his counterparts approach. “What are you doing to that poor woman?”
said Roy.
“Poor woman! Wait a minute! These people are responsible for… Look, she may
know where my friends are. Our way home?”
“You’re right. If we take her back to camp as to use to barter with, then we may
be able to get the pilots back,” declared Wesley.
Roy wasn’t pleased. “I can’t believe you guys. We can’t hold this woman hostage.
Wesley! We have taken an oath to uphold the law, not break it.”
“You’re right, Roy. I would never let my country down, but this isn’t our country.
She’s definitely not an American citizen. Frankly, that oath doesn’t apply. Besides she’s a
potential suspect in the disappearance of our way home.”
“Well Wesley, we aren’t really supposed to be here. You ever heard of being out
of jurisdiction. I think that applies.” Roy wasn’t convinced they were doing the right
thing. He wished someone would convince him because he felt uneasy.
Klinton said softly, “You’re right. We are not supposed to be here, but we are. I
want to go home, and I’m sure you do too. Look, all we want is to get the professor and
see if we can talk to her. That is why he’s here, isn’t it? Remember Richard’s little secret
— well now it seems to be correct. There is at least one tribe somewhere around here.”
The gentlemen began to listen to Klinton because he started to make sense. “Hey man, I
never been the one to rough up a woman, but if you figure tribes are living out here, and
he wants to build something… You get where I am going with this? Obviously, there’s
conflict. The fact that he is keeping this a secret doesn’t fit, and something in the milk
ain’t clean.”
They were all convinced now that they were doing the right thing, but all the adverse
affects were not yet apparent. Nevertheless, Klinton’s speech calmed Roy and added fuel
to Wesley’s fire. They secured the woman and made way for camp.