The Treasures of Death Valley

by Tom Hunter

  In wide-eyed innocence, Alexia asked tapped a finger against her lips, and asked “Is that so? Hmmm…” a slow smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

  Thomas’s smile widened, and he fished his beard comb from his shirt pocket. He wagged the comb at her in a tsk, tsk, shook his head, and began to brush his beard. “Like I said before, to have an unkempt beard while sitting with a lady – why it would be uncivilized. In all seriousness, we’re all waiting on tenterhooks because things just got too dangerous. There’s creatures we don’t know or understand from an ancient time. There’s creatures we do understand – Noah Ashbridge – who’s one upped us with an armed brigade. And that’s just the beginning,” Thomas explained, trying to be as succinct as possible.

  “I know all that, Thomas. I was there. For all of it. I guess I’m just wondering – what’s next?”

  “Next is, security detail assigned to all teams, and once they arrive, it’s back to work.”

  “Good. I don’t know what to do with myself when I’m not working,” Alexia repeated. “That’s when I get bored, and come to bug my boss asking stupid questions like how’d you get started in this business anyway?”

  “Too many movies?” joked Thomas. Alexia raised her eyebrows, and Thomas held up his hands, “Okay, okay. I’ll be serious. I wanted to be a historian or cultural anthropologist. Honestly, I could never decide where my true heart lay, so I combined my loves. Then, one summer my history professor, who was an archeologist, had an opening at one of his dig sites.” Thomas smiled. “You’ve met his wife, Abby. That’s where I met her, and Al, and Annie, sweet Annie.” A cloud darkened his features. “In a couple of years, I was leading my own teams. My first year on my own, that’s when I met Noah. I thought he was like me: a lover of history. I was wrong.

  “Anyway, enough about me. What made you decide to be an engineer for an archeologist instead of a shop? I imagine the AC situation is much better indoors.”

  Alexia shook her head. “We’re getting off topic. We were talking about you and this dig site. You don’t want to hear my stuff. It’s not nearly as impressive.”

  “Fair is fair. I told you my history, so you tell me yours. Besides, unless you can top your protégé stealing artifacts from under your nose and selling them on the black market, leaving your head on the chopping block of the museum you’d promised the items to, then I’ve got you beat.”

  “You’re right. I can’t top that. I don’t think anyone can. But, it wasn’t your fault,” said Alexia.

  “I know. Abby tells me the same thing,” Thomas laughed a shallow laugh. “But, you were saying?”

  “My family never had much money but what they did have, they shared. My mom was – is – a nurse. My dad did repair work. If the thing had parts or a motor, he was like a doctor, but for objects instead of people. Aunts and cousins were maids, housekeepers, teachers, and so on. Uncles were janitors, field workers, or firemen.

  “Anyway, it turned out I had a knack for fixing things, like my pop. I got lucky, and landed a scholarship to the University of Boston, and attended for one year. Unfortunately the scholarship was only good for my freshman year. Don’t misunderstand. My grades were up to the task, but the University of Boston is a good school and they know and price it as such. I couldn’t afford another year, so I took this job to make enough money to finish school.” Alexia slumped back in her chair. “And that’s my story, warts and all,” she finished.

  “So, what do you want to major in? I know it’s a trite question, but it serves a purpose,” Thomas explained.

  “It’s okay. I’ve never minded the question. At first, I thought about telecommunications, but lately, after spending time with Abby, Pediah, you, and just being part of this crew, I’ve been more curious about joining the archeology department.”

  “Somehow, I thought you’d say that,” Thomas grinned. “When the time comes, I’ll write a letter myself to see if I can’t help you out,” he explained.

  “Thank you, I would appreciate that. I know I didn’t ask for your proffered favor, but may I ask a favor now?”

  “Of course!” Thomas exclaimed.

  Alexia smiled, and pointed to his coffee cup, “I can’t believe I’m going to ask this considering the heat, but would you mind pouring me a cup of coffee?”

  “Mon Dieu! I’m a terrible host.” In one motion, a new cup appeared in front of Alexia. Alexia picked up the cup, raised it cup in thanks, and took a sip. “Thank you.” Thomas smiled, both content to sit in silence for a moment in each other’s company.

  Thirty-Eight

  Noah’s temporary camp setup nearby was a beehive of activity, as rumors flew about what they’d do now their cover had been blown. It was only a matter of time before the rangers – bribed or not – raided his camp. Noah paced, his mind racing to answer the questions no one dared ask him.

  Noah Ashbridge’s white shirt glued itself to him like wet toilet paper. His pale face was an unnatural red from the brutal desert sun. Noah missed the comfort of his air-conditioned RV.

  New developments had come at him with a swiftness that had made his head spin, but he’d pull it together and no one would be the wiser.

  In one hand, he held the stone tablet that Ramon had extracted, and in the other a notebook. Noah had had some luck with the translations, particularly the Spanish, and more of the Shoshone than he’d anticipated. But, it was the third language which had him flummoxed.

  Ramon and Miss Welker watched as Noah held up first the stone tablet, then the notebook, and shook his head.

  “Okay,” began Miss Welker quietly, whispering to Ramon, “You saw that thing. What it did to David and his colleague. Got any ideas about what to do next?”

  “I say we get what we came for,” suggested Ramon.

  “Meaning?” Miss Welker raised an eyebrow.

  “Meaning, launch a raid, snatch and grab what we can, and get out.”

  “But did you see that thing down there and what it can do?” She gestured toward the cave. “Let someone else become its food. I propose we cut our losses and leave. There’ll be other treasures to be found.”

  “No.” Ramon and Miss Welker turned toward Noah’s voice.

  Then Miss Welker, more softly, “What do you mean, no?”

  “No, we are not leaving.” Noah shook his head more vehemently. “I owe it to my ancestors, to Grandfather. I owe it to them to enhance the family wealth further.”

  “Do you think that’s wise?” Miss Welker asked.

  Noah ignored the question, and turned pointedly to Ramon. “Miss Welker wants to run away, you want to run forward. You idiot, did you really think we could wipe out an entire dig site without also blowing up our own operation? I will not watch all this money and work go up in flames.” Noah laughed a thin laugh and explained haltingly, “I propose we go back into the caverns. Quietly. Loot whatever we can. Bones can be just as valuable as gold, you know. That’s something to remember.” Noah held up his index finger. “Then, and only then, will we leave.”

  Miss Welker arched her eyebrows and snickered, “So, the plan as originally conceived?”

  “Yes, Miss Snarks-a-lot,” Ramon said under his breath.

  “Except this time, I’ll be on hand,” Noah explained. He looked up at them both, his gaze level and dark, “to make sure you don’t screw it up.”

  “Listen, Noah. You do not understand what is down there. The thing Ramon shot. It took an entire clip for the thing to go down, and even that was delayed. That was ONE creature.” She held up a single finger for emphasis. “In other words, there could be hundreds. Going back there could be suicide.”

  “I agree with Miss Welker.” All eyes turned to Ramon. “Before I killed the creature in the room where I found the tablet, I heard what it did to David and that other guy. Idiot just couldn’t run fast enough. He was out of shape. I don’t think it’s a good idea to go in blind. We need to know how many there are. Once we know even that, we might have a chance of getting back out aliv
e.”

  “That’s all well and good, and I appreciate the lesson in military strategy,” began Noah sarcastically. “But just remember, I’m the one with the money, keeping this operation afloat. ‘And with great wealth, comes great responsibility.’” He knew he was misquoting, but it suited his purposes. “In other words, my money, my rules. If we go back and find something valuable, the right price and the right buyer could spell riches for all of us. Why do you think diamonds are so valuable?”

  Ramon shrugged and shook his head, and Miss Welker stayed silent.

  “Think about it,” Noah explained. “It’s a clear, white stone, a gem that begins life as a piece of coal…” his voice trailed off, as something remembered from his childhood clicked. “Huh. I finally understand grandfather’s adage, ‘the sweetness is in the struggle.’ Okay, we’ve lost some men along the way, but imagine finding rare jewels or artifacts never before seen by modern man. Imagine what these creatures may be capable of creating: we’ve already seen signs of it in the tablet. Their language itself carved into the tablet, with two known languages, is a start to valuable sources buried deep in the earth.”

  Noah was on a roll. “Ramon, you’ve already found something immensely valuable. The Rosetta Stone-like item that fits together with the tablet. Between the stone and the tablet, we may be able to read the markings on the wall. This tablet may lead us straight to the source. Just imagine what other riches might be ripe for the picking.”

  Noah’s eyes danced, and he smiled, “Go get suited up you two. I’ll do the same. Ah, my first expeditionary trip beyond the mines, and deeper into the caves.”

  Thirty-Nine

  Thomas Knight was relieved to see the hum of activity at his campsite, as the newly hired rangers patrolled the area. Park rangers and police had teamed up to begin their investigations into the deaths of the Team 3 members. From time to time, they would even bring in someone from the comms tent. It helped them establish a timeline. The police had cordoned off a section of the site, complete with a few tents, as their forward command post.

  The tensions of the last few days had dissolved back into the work of the excavation. Even the survey and excavation teams were comfortable breaching the caverns again, with armed escorts and new information about potential humanoid life below Death Valley. They were now tasked with retracing their steps to see if there was anything they might have missed previously. Thomas, Alexia, Pediah were eager to get back to exploring.

  The three of them moved slowly down a recently discovered tunnel, to determine its viability for excavation. Their flashlight beams crossed and uncrossed to get a better look at the area. They noticed darker shadows than other places on the wall, and a pile of rubble that Thomas assumed was once a wall. Stepping closer, Thomas wondered whether the splotches on the wall were dried blood.

  Pediah interrupted his thoughts. “What do you suppose caused the collapse, Thom?”

  “Mmmm… I think it may have something to do with the explosion the foreman heard, a week or so ago. Other than that, I can’t imagine anything destroying a wall so thoroughly.”

  “That’s another thing. Why was there an explosion? We didn’t do it. Do you suppose it was Noah and his crew?”

  “Possibly,” answered Thomas. He shrugged.

  “Or…it could have been caused by one of those creatures we saw,” suggested Alexia. “They seem to like bursting through walls.”

  Thomas and Pediah stopped and looked at each other, then at Alexia, who had surprised herself with the thought. Then, in unspoken agreement, they peered as far into the tunnel as their beams would reach, searching for signs of an animal’s presence. A sudden fear gripped them, as Alexia spoke again, her tremulous voice barely a whisper, “Maybe this wasn’t the best idea guys.”

  Thomas and Pediah nodded in agreement. “I think you’re right,” began Thomas. “Let’s write this passage off for now and head ba… Take cover!” The stone just above his head erupted, as the crack of a gunshot echoed from the walls.

  Forty

  No one had to be told twice. All dived behind stalactites for cover.

  “I think we’ve found Noah’s people!” quipped Pediah.

  “Ya think?” Thomas asked facetiously.

  “We’ll provide covering fire. You get back up the tunnel,” commanded Nick, the head of their small protection force. His voice was calm and unwavering, as though this were just another day at the office.

  He and his men knelt and fired a small volley into the darkness, as Thomas, Pediah and Alexia slipped behind them, and back the way they had come.

  Forty-One

  It had been a while since Noah was below ground, and he felt as if the walls were closing in on him. Something about this dig illuminated a nervous energy, like he was pushing against a wall, trying to break it but failing. The crisscross of the tunnels didn’t help, and added to his strange sense of vertigo, so far below the earth. It all looked the same. Noah felt lost, a feeling he wasn’t used to and didn’t like.

  He and his crew had stumbled upon Thomas and his team. His gunfire had been an ill advised knee jerk reaction to their presence.

  Ramon nodded at his men to fire on the small band of explorers, and was surprised to hear Miss Welker’s sharp intake of breath, at their display of bravado.

  “What the hell do you two think you’re doing?” Miss Welker demanded to know.

  “Ah, I see you don’t remember our friend, Thomas Knight,” clarified Noah. “You met him about a month ago. Miss Welker and I put down one of his team, the young kid. Couldn’t have been more than twenty-two or so. Anyway, the point is, that was Thomas Knight and if he knows we’re here, it won’t take him long to figure out what we’re after, and so we have two choices,” explained Noah. “Either, we kill him and his two sidekicks, or they tell the rangers how to find us. Which would you rather it be?”

  Miss Welker drew her pistol and mumbled, “I do so loathe the lack of subtlety of men. There are other ways to remove obstacles like Thomas Knight. But, since you’ve started this, let’s finish it.” She raised her gun and fired at Thomas and his team, barely concealed behind ancient stalactites. As Miss Welker, Ramon, and his men fired, Noah backed away a few steps and reached into his pack.

  As the pings of ricochets sounded, more bullets whistled by their heads, smashing holes in the walls around them and creating stone shrapnel the size of a wallet. “Shit! They’ve got backup,” Ramon said. “And those are some big caliber weapons. Retreat!”

  Noah stepped forward, shook his head, and smiled, handing Ramon the dynamite he’d pulled from his pack. Ramon frowned for a second and looked at Noah quizzically. He ordered his men to clear out. As his men moved away from the tunnel, Ramon lit the fuse, he stretched his arm back for maximum power, and threw the dynamite down the tunnel with all his might.

  Forty-Two

  “Clear out!” Thomas heard Ramon call to his men, during a few seconds’ break from the cacophony of gunfire.

  Thomas Knight’s mind raced, wondering what other weapons Noah and his crew had besides guns. Could they best their security detail?

  “Alexia. Pediah. Move faster! Did you hear Ramon?” Then, his questions were answered as he heard the sizzle of a wick. Within seconds, the earth shook with a deafening blast.

  The pressure wave hit them in less than a second, as the tunnel focused its energy. Shock waves rippled the earth below Thomas’ feet, pushing him forward with such force his head bounced once on unforgiving stone floor. Thomas’ world went black.

  Forty-Three

  Abby Hogan flipped through Thomas’ notes as she sat in the coolness of her tent, her box of books on the floor where Thomas had left them. The man had written a lot, she thought, as she read once more. Not only about the finds of artifacts, but the findings he’d discerned from each item.

  She laid the notes in her lap to rest her eyes and rubbed her forehead slowly. “God, what I wouldn’t give for a stiff drink. Too bad I’m not at home,” she explained
to her tent. Then she smiled. “Oh yes, I almost forgot.”

  Abby picked up the papers and shuffled them tighter, then one hand holding the papers, she leaned down and reached into her box of books. From the midst of her small library, her hands found the cold, hard rounded edges of a square-ish whiskey bottle. Though flask size, she preferred a bit of couth to her vice. She set the bottle on her desk, twisted the cap off, and poured herself a drink.

  The strong, heady scent of the amber liquid began to fill her nostrils, when she heard Robbie call her name.

  “Hey, Abby!” He raised the flap of her tent. “You doin’ okay? Haven’t seen you for…” Robbie stopped himself mid-sentence, as his nose caught the scent.

  Abby had screwed the lid back on, and was in the midst of returning it to its hiding place when Robbie had peered in. Her hand was still in her book box, the shoulder of the bottle still visible.

  “Abigail,” Robbie said slowly, with a smile. “It doesn’t make you a terrible mother and it doesn’t bother me one bit.”

  She pulled the bottle back from its hiding place, set it back on her desk, and smiled sheepishly, “Thank you, Robert. I appreciate that. I think you should know, that, I never drink to the point of it becoming a problem. But, not all my family was able to do the same. Do you understand?” Abby asked with a sigh.

  Robbie nodded.

  “Wealth doesn’t actually solve all your problems. In fact, it can create a bunch of new ones. I won’t do the same things they did.”

  In two strides he was beside her, and took her hands in his, “Abby, it’s okay. You are okay. You have something I suspect your family didn’t.”