by Tom Hunter
He turned to Mochni. “I know you were trying to help us. But, we didn’t understand the –“ Thomas searched for a word Mochni might understand. He held up a finger, “Ah, we didn’t understand the importance of the drum. I mean, we did as an artifact. But, not how much more important it is to keep it a secret from the world. And why,” he tried to explain.
“Ab-bee in trouble,” Mochni said, his full eyebrows coming together as one. He squinted at Thomas, “Help Ab-bee.”
“Yes, Mochni,” confirmed Thomas. “We need to help Abby. But, someone took the drum away,” he tried to explain.
“We take drum away. Give. Get Ab-bee,” Mochni said with a nod.
“Mochni, we don’t have the drum anymore. Someone stole it,” tried Thomas again.
Mochni shook his head, his look worried. He just kept repeating, “Help Ab-bee. Get drum.” The surfacers talked like his father. But, too fast. It was hard to understand them. And when they all talked together, it only got worse. He’d suggested Abby for being so kind to him when they captured him. Now, as he looked at their faces, something was very wrong. And Abby was in the middle of it. And it was his fault.
Mochni bent his big frame forward, lowered his head, and pulled his shoulders in. He took in a deep breath, and then exhaled. Then, remembering something he’d seen Robbie do, he slid down slightly in his chair, and sighed.
Thomas shrugged. He couldn’t make the boy understand that they didn’t have the drum anymore, and that someone dangerous had stolen it.
“He understands enough, Thom,” Robbie said, as he watched Mochni slide dejectedly in his chair. “But, I think more to the point, and the question on everyone’s mind…“Robbie paused, his voice trailing off as he looked around at the others. “I think the question on everyone’s mind,” he repeated, “is how do we fix this?” he asked.
“Believe me, I’ve been wracking my brain, and I’ve considered a number of options,” Thomas Knight began. “But, out of them all, I think the best one goes like this. First, we need to pull the police in. We can offer to help them search Noah’s camp. Even if the drum is all he wanted, it will still take him some time to pick up stakes,” he explained.
“Now listen, don’t get me wrong. Noah won’t stick around, so we’ll have to move fast. We’ll pull the Rangers in as well. Though, that idea comes with a caveat. We’ve already been compromised more than once. And Noah does seem to have spies everywhere.” He shot a glance at Matthews, who winced at the implication. “In other words, we don’t know who we can trust. Rangers, police, or any other outsiders should be treated with…caution.
“But, we do have something that may be able to help,” he offered. Then, with a nod, “Alexia, do you want to explain it to them?”
“Sure, Thomas. So, while we were down below, I finished work on a drone. I’m pretty sure it passed over Noah’s camp, though all its data seems to have been erased,” she explained. “However, I can adjust it to search specifically for prints in the desert sands or some sign of where our intrepid Miss Welker might be.”
“How?” asked Dr. Cunningham, curious.
“It’s simple really,” she explained. Before she could launch into her full explanation, Dr. Cunningham piped up, “In English, please.”
Everyone laughed, and Pediah breathed a sigh of relief.
“Of course,” she confirmed, smiling first at Dr. Cunningham, then a knowing nod at Thomas. “I can adjust the camera for faster and more useful updates. By doing this, I can upload its data, er information, to a handheld computer. Additionally its night vision lenses and sensors can be set to help us tell the difference between human and animal tracks. It also adjusts for sweeping sand and dust, which in the desert is of paramount importance. Otherwise, the wind could easily cover not only her footprints, but obscure Miss Welker as well, or any place she might be hiding.” Alexia paused and thought for a moment. Then, turning back toward Thomas, she posited, “You know, it might be better if I had access to machine vision software to pick up footprints.”
“Don’t look at me!” Thomas exclaimed. “He’s the one with the money for our toys,” he said pointing to Dr. Cunningham.
“Well, don’t look at me!” exclaimed Dr. Cunningham. “I didn’t let the damn thing get away,” he said, looking pointedly at Matthews.
“Whatever!” interrupted Robbie. He knew they were either trying to get a rise out of Matthews or a laugh out of everyone else. But, neither he nor Abby had time for their shenanigans. Good lord, did I just say “shenanigans” to myself? Thanks, Annie. Abby. And at his wife and mother-in-law, he risked a small smile. He’d lost one already. He would not lose the other.
“Listen. Police? Rangers? Drones? That’s all well and good,” said Robbie, softly. “But, what about Abby?” he asked. “She’s still underground, and by your own admission, Thomas, with potentially hostile Woidnuk.” He turned to Mochni. “No offense.”
Mochni shook his head. He seemed to understand what Robbie was trying to say. Thomas took note of this at the exchange.
“I have an idea,” offered Pediah.
“Shoot,” Thomas encouraged.
Pediah looked at Mochni. “Maybe we should take him home,” he began. “If we return Mochni safely, maybe we can talk to Lt. Whipkey. Explain what happened. Maybe they can help?”
Thomas, who’d long before stood up from behind his desk, and had been standing in front of it, leaned back.
Hell, that’s the best idea, yet, he thought. “That just might be the best course of action at this point,” Thomas agreed. “Pediah, why don’t you take Robbie with you?”
“What? No, I want to catch the thief!” exclaimed Robbie.
“Which is it Robbie? Catching the thief means leaving Abby behind,” explained Thomas. “The choice is yours, but, I thought…“ He held his hands palms up in supplication, his brows lifted slightly in wonder.
With an audible sigh, Robbie leaned back in his chair. “Yeah, you’re right. But, it is your fault she’s down there, you ass. And no, I don’t want to leave her rescue to someone else,” he admitted. “No offense, Pediah.”
“None taken, Robbie. I completely understand.”
“Yeah, I know,” Thomas said. “And I am truly sorry. But, Abby was right. There was no one else. Not really,” he finished, as he looked down at his desk and offered a silent I’m sorry to Abby. He hoped she knew he’d agreed on good faith and in earnest. This should have taken five minutes. But, he should have known things would go wrong as soon as he’d run into Noah again after so many years.
Next, he turned his attention toward Alexia. “So, how long before you can set up the surveillance tracker equipment?”
Alexia wrinkled her nose, and with the twist of her mouth, said, “Oh, best guess is I’d need an hour. Tops.”
Thomas nodded, then clapped his hands once, “Okay kids, let’s get crackin’!” he exclaimed. “Time is of the essence,” he reminded everyone.
Alexia was first out the door to gather her gear.
Robbie and Pediah left next, their heads bowed as they conversed quietly.
Pediah had beckoned Mochni to follow them, and he didn’t hesitate to do so. Finally, as Thomas Knight moved to sit back down behind his desk and gather his thoughts, Dr. Cunningham and Stephen Matthews approached.
“Could we speak with you in private, Thom?” Dr. Cunningham asked.
Thomas looked around. “Well, it looks like everyone has left. Do you need some place more private?” There were, or had been, spies in the camp after all. He leveled his gaze at Matthews.
Four
“Go on, Matthews,” whispered Dr. Cunningham as he nudged Matthews forward.
With proverbial hat in hand, Matthews took the few final steps toward Thomas Knight. His feet felt like lead, and the knot in his stomach had grown into a ball of fire. “Thomas, I am so sorry.” His eyes were downcast and his knees were shaking. “I feel… terrible about letting things get so out of…out of hand.” He looked at Thomas with sincer
e remorse.
Thomas said nothing. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to rip the man apart. It was because he wanted to do just that. He knew if he moved or spoke, it would be the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back. But, as the leader of this archeological dig, he had to remain calm. Stoic, in the face of adversity. No matter how that adversity came.
Thomas Knight glanced at Dr. Cunningham, who nodded slightly in a gesture of pride that Thomas was holding it together.
Matthews took a deep breath, and went on, “I was…charmed by the woman.” He shrugged, then backpedaling, he added, “In the first few seconds, I thought I smelled something fishy, but I wanted to believe…” Thomas Knight couldn’t listen to another word, and cut him short.
“Stop. Just stop. I appreciate you’re sorry. I do,” Thomas remarked. “But, let me see if I can put the… ramifications… in plain speak for you,” he began. “Your actions caused the following: a priceless artifact has gone missing, camp equipment has been damaged and stolen, everyone is on edge, and to come full circle,” Thomas paused. He could hardly put into words what Matthews’ actions had caused. Then, taking a deep breath, Thomas explained, “By not being on your guard and allowing said priceless artifact to be put at risk, you’ve also put Abigail Hogan’s life in jeopardy.” Thomas paused only briefly, before he asked, “Do you understand?”
The man nodded slowly. He knew what was next.
“Look, I know you couldn’t possibly have foreseen all this. But, as the foreman, it is your responsibility to see that everyone and everything in this camp stays safe,” Thomas explained. “Do you think you did that?” he asked as he drove his point home.
Matthews shook his head.
Thomas looked toward Dr. Cunningham who nodded in unspoken agreement. His hands were clasped behind his back like a captain overseeing his sergeant.
“Stephen Matthews, while I commend you for your assistance during the search for Team 3, and until now, subsequent duties as foreman, I cannot look past this total dereliction of duty,” Thomas intoned. “I am sorry, but by letting your emotions…or rather your…body make your decisions for you, I must conclude you are no longer fit for duty in this camp.” Thomas Knight paused as he let the final nail drop.
“Stephen B. Matthews, effective immediately, I am relieving you of your duties in this camp.”
Matthews looked to Dr. Cunningham who said simply, “I must agree with Thom’s decision, Stephen. This is his dig and he calls the shots.”
Matthews nodded understanding, unable to speak.
“Thomas, I have a confession,” admitted Dr. Cunningham. “Not realizing at first who she was, I took Mr. Matthews at his word,” he took a deep breath, and finished, “I may have been the culprit in revealing the drum’s location,” he confessed. “My apologies.”
If he’d been looking away, Dr. Cunningham would have missed the flash of anger in Thomas Knight’s eyes. The man wanted to say something and was doing a fine job of restraining himself. Dr. Cunningham was thankful for that, but he knew words might fly later.
With a final glance at Dr. Cunningham, Thomas turned his gaze toward Matthews. “Pay day is tomorrow, and you may stay until then. I’ll give you your last payment, but then I want you gone. There’s a chopper leaving mid-afternoon tomorrow. Be on it. Meanwhile, I’ll find someone who can take over.”
“Thomas, sir,” began Matthews. “I am truly sorry. And believe you me, it will never happen again,” he professed. “But, I must ask you to reconsider. I have a wife. Children….” He paused. Thomas held up a hand to stop his pleading, but Matthews pressed on, “Seriously, though. Have I not otherwise always come through? Been there when you needed assistance?” he asked, breathless.
“Listen, I appreciate – “Thomas paused, searching for the right word. “I understand your plight, I really do. And yes, you have been of great assistance. But,” Thomas paused, and with a dramatic exhale of breath he added, “This particular situation has ramifications you couldn’t possibly have known about or foreseen. However, it was your duty, your responsibility to maintain the assumption that something might happen. Could happen. And, well, did happen.”
Thomas glanced sideways at Dr. Cunningham, “This I say to both of you with heartfelt sincerity. Your… malfeasance... and disregard for caution in this situation has put Abby Hogan in danger, and quite possibly everyone in this camp. Matthews, you will pay recompense by leaving quietly.”
Stephen B. Matthews took off his red Oakland As baseball cap and folded it in half. His eyes downcast, his shoulders hunched, he nodded. He shook out the baseball cap, and put it back on, fitting it firmly. Next, he drew himself up and thrust his shoulders back. Raising his gaze to meet Thomas Knight’s he said, “I understand. I’ll be in my tent tonight and will be out of your hair by mid-afternoon.”
As he finished speaking, he turned on his heel, strode to the tent opening, and pulled back the flap. He stopped as if to turn and add something but thought better of it. Instead, he nodded, and took his leave.
Dr. Cunningham took a few steps toward the exit and peered out. When he confirmed Matthews was out of ear shot, he asked Thomas, “So…why just the dismissal?”
Thomas shrugged. “He did something stupid, but it wasn’t illegal. As you heard me explain, he couldn’t possibly have known the consequences of his actions.” Thomas sighed, adding, “Besides, we’ve all been – I’ve been – fooled by Noah and his people at one time or another…”
“Okay, so then, why did you dismiss him?” repeated Dr. Cunningham.
“Because while I sympathize with the man, I had to set an example,” he explained. “We can’t afford to have anything like this happen again. I swear if I didn’t know better, I’d say this dig was cursed!” Thomas confessed, uncharacteristically pounding his desk with a fist.
“Whoa!” Dr. Cunningham took a step back.
“Sorry,” said Thomas with shrug. “I needed an outlet, and my desk was the only thing in the way,” he explained.
“I understand. And I respect your decision. Abby…and Al always said what a great leader you were,” Dr. Cunningham confided.
Thomas smiled, “Thanks. I needed to hear that.” After a breath, he added, “I still think about Al, you know. What would he do in this situation?” Thomas confessed. Dr. Cunningham nodded. Alfred Hogan, Abby’s departed husband, had been like a second father to Thomas Knight. The man had taught him about archeology, integrity, and life.
“You know, Thomas,” began Dr. Cunningham, “It’s been a while since I was in the field, but if you’re looking for an interim supervisor, er foreman…” his voice trailed off, as Thomas glanced sharply at him.
Thomas smirked. “A while?” he asked. “Okay, in the field is one thing. But, have you ever run a dig site before?”
“It’s been about a decade or more, but yes, I have. Who do you think taught Al and Abby Hogan?” he asked, his smile broadening at Thomas Knight’s surprise. “What? Did you think they were born knowing what to do?”
Both men laughed, breaking the tension which still hung in the air.
“Besides, though it’s been… a while… I’m sure I can pick the latest nuances in a day or so. It shouldn’t be a problem,” Dr. Cunningham explained.
So, he thinks it’s that easy still, does he? Thomas thought, a bemused stare holding Dr. Cunningham’s gaze.
Finally, uncomfortable, Dr. Cunningham chuckled. “Okay. Okay.” He held up a hand to stop. “A decade is quite a while. But I can fake it, can’t I? What’s that phrase? “’Fake it, till you make it?’”
“Hmmm,” was Thomas’ only reply.
“Well, can’t I?” encouraged Dr. Cunningham.
Putting his finger to his lips, in a habit he now realized he picked up from Alexia, Thomas considered Dr. Cunningham’s suggestion. “Or, let my team do what they do best. Let them handle themselves, and just report if anything weird happens.”
Not realizing he’d been holding his breath, Dr. Cunningham let out
a long sigh which ended in low whistle. Thomas shook his head, still not used to the weird whistling thing Dr. Cunningham did when he was nervous.
Dr. Cunningham nodded. “Fair enough.”
“Welcome aboard!” Thomas replied. He pointed to his desk. “I’ll leave you to it, then. And if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got an ancient drum to retrieve.”
Five
Mochni, Pediah, and Robbie pushed their way through the small crowd that had gathered to the hastily erected corral. It seemed more for the camp folks’ peace of mind than the safety of the Kisgar, Robbie thought idly as they approached.
Pediah, used to being around horses, felt the nervous energy of the animals. They seemed to know something was wrong. He winced at a flash and the loud click of a camera. He heard a guard, shout, “Don’t take photos! We don’t know if these things snap, bite, or what. You wanna be lizard food?” From the corner of his eye, Pediah noticed several volunteers and students surreptitiously return their phones and cameras to their packs. Though he knew from experience, as soon as the guards back was turned, they’d push the envelope, and be taking photos again. He shook his head. It wasn’t good for the animals.
Large heads reared back, and claws scraped at the air. It was too much for the Kisgar, and Mochni raced forward to try to soothe them. Robbie and Pediah hung back. Their presence wouldn’t help Mochni with the Kisgar just now.
Pediah watched the large man-child work for a few minutes, before nudging Robbie. “So, how are you doing?”
“In a word, I’m frustrated,” admitted Robbie. “I wish I could be in two places at once. On the one hand, I want a catch a thief, and on the other, I want to save Abby.”
“You know, it’s a weird Catch-22. If we can catch the thief, and get back the drum, then saving Abby is a no brainer. But, noooo… Mr. Big Man on campus had to get all fancy and break up the party. I could just spit nails!” he exploded, causing Mochni and the Kisgar he was soothing to jump.