by Jamie DeBree
She faked a big yawn, and then laughed, allowing him to pull her forward. "Now that you mention it, I could use a nap..."
Five minutes later, Ian motioned for her to stay back while he carefully opened another wooden door just a crack. It seemed like forever that he just stood there, quiet. Finally he opened the door wide and played the flashlight beam around the cavern, the light bouncing off shiny objects and gauzy fabric as it moved. When he finally turned on the light switch, Betsy went to his side.
"This is the first underground guest room," she said, moving farther into the space as he pulled the door shut behind him and pushed a wooden crate in front of it. "It's almost finished, and I suspect there will be quite a lot of demand for something so...private." Smiling, she climbed up on the large round bed that dominated the sunken center of the room and patted the space next to her. "Care to join me?"
Ian frowned, looking past her. "What do those gold coins look like?"
She turned, surveying the back wall, draped with silks. "They're just average coins, like you'd get from a bank or at a coin shop. Sort of a dull yellow-gold color. What do you see?" She slid off the other side of the bed, walking closer to examine the low table and chairs a couple steps up.
"There," Ian said, waiting until she turned to point at one of the scarves hanging lower on the wall. The fringe was covered in gold coins, but as Betsy leaned closer, there was one that didn't quite match the others in tone.
She reached out to touch it, bumping the faux coins with her hand. The mismatched coin fell and she snatched it up, turning it over in her hand before grinning at Ian.
"This is it. We found the first one!" She jumped up and down, throwing her arms around Ian's neck and dragging his head down for a kiss. He grinned, but the expression was short lived as the box in front of the door rattled. Betsy looked toward the door, aware that Ian was doing the same thing and they watched as the door pushed against the crate, groaning under the stress.
"I know you're in there." Derek's muffled voice came through the door before he strained against it again. "I knew you'd find the first coin. And now you're trapped." He laughed, the sound sending chills up Betsy's spine.
Betsy pointed toward the narrow spiral staircase in the corner. Ian nodded, grabbing her hand and pulling her forward. When they reached the metal stairs, she hurried up as fast and quietly as she could, not that Derek could hear. He was still pounding on the door and yelling, every thud moving the heavy crate just a little farther into the room.
When she reached the top, Betsy pushed open the trap door beneath the Sultan's Castle and pulled herself up, then waited for Ian to crawl out beside her. They lowered the door and looked around, Ian pointing to a large dresser across the room.
"That should slow him up for awhile," he said as they pushed it on top of the cavern entrance.
Betsy nodded as the floor beneath her began to vibrate with a dull thudding sound. "Just in time," she said, trying to catch her breath. she ran out of the small side room and into the large guest chamber where the mostly male guests in long togas reclined on creamy chaise lounges while staff dressed in authentic harem costumes served and doted on them. Staying to the side where hopefully no one would see them, she moved quickly along the wall until she found the office door and ducked inside, Ian close behind.
Collapsing on a distressed leather couch, Betsy pulled the map page out of her bra and unfolded it, scanning the clues as Ian sat down beside her.
"It says we need to go ten steps south, and then look behind the fabric wall." She frowned. "Which way is south? I'm horrible with compass directions. We should find a GPS."
Ian chuckled, taking the map from her. "You don't recognize the layout of the ranch?" He pointed to one of the crudely drawn squares. "This is where we are, I think. Ten steps south would be the salon, don't you think? Taking into consideration where the other buildings are located, anyway." He passed the paper back to Betsy and she peered closely at it.
"I guess," she said, folding it back up with a sigh. "Could it really be that easy?"
"She's your friend," Ian said, pushing to his feet and holding a hand out to help her up. "You said she was just hiding it for fun, right? So why would she make it hard?"
Betsy shrugged, following him to the door. "I just assumed it would be, I guess." She watched Ian open the door a crack, looking one way, then the other before motioning for her to follow. "Do you think he's strong enough to move the dresser?" she whispered, hugging the edges of the room again until they reached the main doors. She followed Ian into the hall and around the corner, nearly having to jog to keep up with his easy stride.
He shook his head as he led her down a short flight of stairs. "I doubt it, but he had a pretty big head start. I think the larger question is, why didn't he find the coin before us? And it seems awfully convenient that he showed up just when we found it, don't you think?"
"You think Derek followed us." Betsy stepped out of the building, blinking her eyes at the bright light. It felt good to be outside again, free from the stifling confines of the tunnels. The feeling was short-lived though as they counted out ten steps to the building next door and went inside.
"Yes," Ian said, almost whispering as he stopped in the narrow staff hallway. "But I doubt he got out of the harem fast enough to follow us over here, so we may have just bought some time." Somewhere down the hall a blower turned on, and the chemical stench of hair and nail products made Betsy wrinkle her nose.
"I have no idea why looking good has to smell so bad," she commented, falling into step with Ian as they went down the hall.
Ian shrugged, looking into various rooms as they passed. "I don't know, and I don't want to know. But we do need to find a wall of fabric. Any idea where that might be?"
Betsy motioned for him to follow her to the right through double doors near the end of the hall. "This is the only thing I can think of," she said, pointing to a wall where several rows of clothing hung floor to ceiling and side to side. "Alex is pretty proud of this - he bought an automated wardrobe system and turned it into this monstrosity."
"Wow," Ian said, his eyes wide. "I didn't know he was into that sort of thing. You wouldn't think a guy who does hair and makeup would be good with engines."
"It's all art," a deep voice said from behind them. Betsy jumped at the sound, her fear quickly turning to glee as she turned to see the subject of their conversation standing there with a smirk on his face. Running over to give him a hug, she smiled when he finally released her.
"Alex! I'm so glad you're here. Now that you are, maybe you can help--"
Ian cleared his throat, cutting her off. She looked over her shoulder to see him shaking his head. "I don't think that's a good idea, Bets."
She stepped back as Alex's hands fell away, and placed her own on her hips. "Why not? He takes care of these clothes, and he knows what's where. Maybe--"
"No." Ian stepped forward. "Sorry Alex, but involving you in this could be very dangerous in a very short time. It would be better if you didn't know anything. No offense."
Betsy glanced back at Alex, who shrugged. "Something tells me that your presence here is a bad sign anyway, considering Harley told us you two were gone for awhile. So you might as well let me do what I can. There seems to be a lot of odd things going on around here the past few days."
"We're looking for a coin," Betsy said, not looking at Ian. "One a friend of mine told me to look for at the wall of fabric here. It was awhile ago, so I realize it might not still be here, but if you've seen anything like that..."
"A gold coin?"
Betsy nodded.
Alex grinned. "I found one awhile back, in the pocket of a pirate costume. I put it in my office safe when no one claimed it. I'll get it for you."
Betsy winked at Ian as they followed him, but he didn't smile. When they got to Alex's office, Ian made sure the door was locked behind them. Alex moved a file cabinet to the side, then bent down to work the dial on his safe.
"Do you remember if there was anything with the coin?" Ian asked as he watched the safe door swing out.
Alex took a small envelope out of the safe and locked it back up before he handed Betsy the package. "There's a note with it, I think. It was kind of cryptic, like a scavenger hunt clue."
Betsy ripped open the envelope and handed the coin to Ian. She unfolded the small piece of paper and read the clue aloud.
"Go north and west one hundred steps, then find the king. He sees what you seek."
* * *
Ian turned the coin over, examining it as Betsy read the next clue. It was exactly the same as the first, with a few nicks in the edge of the soft metal. He pocketed it as Betsy handed over the clue, and read it for himself. Handing it back to her, he looked at Alex.
"Do you have somewhere you can go? Somewhere to lay low for awhile? There's a guy coming after us, and I doubt he'll be as nice."
Alex shrugged. "I guess, but what about the others here? I can't just leave the staff & clients. Are you sure he's headed this way?"
Betsy shook her head. "We can't be sure of anything except he was in the Sultan's Palace last. But he'll probably check the buildings on both sides."
"If I lock up early, it will look suspicious." Alex thought for a minute, then smiled. "I have an idea though. There's a similar coin in our costume props, made to look and feel like the real thing. I'll hold him off as long as I can, then hand that over at the last minute. It will buy you some time, at least."
Ian nodded slowly. "That's dangerous, but it could work. Can you put a note with it, with the opposite directions we have on it?"
Alex was already bent over his desk, scribbling on a piece of paper. "Done," he said, holding it up for them to see. "I'll call Harley too. If he could bring some muscle, maybe we can stop this guy."
"No!" Betsy held a hand up in the air, a panicked look on her face. "You can't call Harley until after Derek's been here. He can't know I'm still on the ranch.
"Some jerk is trying to catch you and you won't let me call Harley? Come on, Betsy," Alex pleaded. "I can't let someone like that just come in here without doing anything. He could hurt someone. You really want to just let that happen?"
"I--well--" Betsy stuttered, and Ian slid a hand lightly around her waist, gratified when she relaxed the tiniest bit against him.
"Call him," Ian said, pulling Betsy toward the door. "Whatever you have to do to catch this guy. We'll deal with the fallout later." Unlocking the door, he shook his head at Betsy when she looked up at him to argue. "Don't," he said, guiding her into the hall. "Let's go - we need to keep moving. He's still out there."
For a minute he thought he might have to toss her over his shoulder, but finally she moved past him, dropping her gaze. She didn't speak until they reached the front door and peered out the window.
"Which way is north west?"
He stepped up close behind her, feeling the heat radiating off her body as he pointed over her shoulder. "That way," he said, reading the signs on the facades across the street. "Looks like we're headed into the jungle, eh?"
Betsy wrinkled her nose, and he fought the urge to bend down and kiss it. "That could be awkward. Jane hates me. I sort of inadvertently slept with her boyfriend a few years ago."
Chapter 7
"I'm not sure I want to hear that story," Ian said as they began walking toward Jungle Jane's. "I'm not sure I want to meet her boyfriend either."
Betsy glanced warily toward the Sultan's Palace, tugging on Ian's sleeve. "Should we just walk down the street? What if Derek got out? He might see us." She looked around, not really sure what she was looking for, but barely suppressing the urge to run between the two closest buildings.
"I thought we should count our steps to make sure," Ian said, looking at the palace as well. "But you're right. The clue is pretty straightforward, I think. Let's go over there," he pointed across the dirt road, "and use the ally entrance to the Jungle."
Betsy didn't need any further urging. She jogged between the Saloon and the biker bar, not stopping until she reached the narrow gravel strip in back. Ian was right beside her, and they walked quickly toward Jane's.
"So do I need to worry about you and Jane going at it with claws bared when we get inside?" Ian teased. Betsy shook her head, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips.
"I doubt that," she said, trying not to smirk. "But considering I owe her, don't be surprised if she..."
"If I what?" Jane said, materializing from the space between her building and the next as Betsy and Ian passed the corner. Betsy gasped, grabbing Ian's arm and he stepped in front of her, feet apart in a protective stance. Jane laughed, the sound too loud for Betsy's comfort.
"Damn it, Jane - what are you doing out here? And keep it quiet, will you?"
Jane looked Ian up and down, her eyes lingering here and there like she was admiring a piece of art. "I came out for a quick break," she said, clearly distracted by the man in front of her. Betsy couldn't really fault her for that. "And I'll keep quiet if you introduce me to this stunning creature. I don't believe we've had the pleasure..."
Ian pulled Betsy out from behind him and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close to his side. "We have met, actually," he said, sounding a little perturbed to Betsy. "I'm the minister at the chapel. We've said hello at least a dozen times in passing, Jane."
The woman frowned, tossing her long blond hair behind her shoulder. She had to be freezing, Betsy thought, considering the thin animal-print sheath she wore that stopped at mid-thigh and tied over one shoulder.
"You're the preacher?" She looked up at Ian, staring hard at his face. "You normally wear a collar then, right?"
He nodded. Betsy wondered if he was regretting taking it off now, as Jane licked her lips.
"Obviously I should pay more attention," Jane said, running a finger down Ian's chest then licking the tip. "If you ever want to try a real woman on, give me a call, preacher-man. I'll take very good care of you."
Ian shifted nervously, and Betsy decided enough was enough. "Knock it off, Jane. We need to go inside for a minute. There's something we need to find." She moved to open the door, but Jane stepped in front, blocking her path.
"What are you looking for? And what are you willing to give me to get it?"
Betsy raised her eyebrows at Jane. "Seriously? You really want to go there with me? Let's remember who owns half of this ranch - and how many women want to take your place as..." she made air quotes with her fingers, "Queen of the Jungle." She put her hands on her hips and took a step forward, crowding into Jane's space, though the other woman didn't seem to mind. Her lips curved up in a patronizing smile, and Betsy half expected the cat to reach out and pat her on the head.
"You're only half-owner, dear. And let's not forget that Harley still doesn't know about your...seduction of my former fiance." Her eyes opened wide in mock surprise and she covered her mouth with one hand. "Oh dear. I suppose your minister didn't know either. Dreadfully sorry to have let the cat out of the bag. So to speak." She glanced past Betsy, and then frowned. "Where did he go, anyway?"
Betsy turned, wondering how she'd missed Ian leaving. "I don't know. He's probably inside, where we should be. I don't have time for this."
"You still owe me," Jane called as Betsy pushed past her and went through the door.
"Whatever," Betsy yelled back. She moved slowly in the dimly lit club, the quiet outside replaced by a cacophony of bird song, rushing water and the occasional wild animal call. Tribal drums beat out a primal melody in the background, and the air was cool and moist. As her eyes adjusted, Betsy scanned the perimeter of the main rooms, looking for a gold-colored statue of a king she remembered being near the waterfall the last time she'd come here. Of course she'd avoided the place since her falling out with Jane, so it had been a long time.
The king was gone, but she did spot Ian with one foot propped up on a large cement boulder a few feet away.
"Find anything?" she asked, leani
ng in to see what he was bent over.
He nodded, his fingers prodding at something in a large, realistic-looking lion's face. "I think so. Just one second..." Tugging hard, he stumbled back, just barely catching himself before he fell. He held out his left hand, and she smiled at the gold coin laying there.
"You found it!" Suppressing the urge to pick it up, Betsy turned back to the lion, sticking her finger into the now-empty eye socket. A folded piece of paper was jammed into the space and she carefully manipulated it enough to pull it free. "And this must be the clue. I wonder where we're going next?"
Ian stood beside the front window, looking out into the street. "You better find out fast," he said, striding quickly back across the room. "Looks like Derek found a way around the dresser. I just saw him poke his head out from between the Sultan's Palace and the Salon."
Betsy unfolded the note and read quickly, "Keep moseyin' for about one-thousand yards in the same direction. Look for Dusty. He's sporting a little bling these days."
Ian grabbed Betsy's hand and pulled her toward the back door. "There's only one thing that far away that makes sense," he said, checking out the alley before he tugged her out behind him. Jane didn't seem to be around, and he was glad - the last thing they needed was another confrontation right out in the open.
"The barn," Betsy said, pulling her fingers free. She tucked the note in her pocket. "Dusty's one of the horses, so we need to visit his stall next, right?"
Ian nodded, holding a finger to his lips as she caught up. "Not too loud. We don't know who he'll talk to next." He led her between the buildings behind Jane's, stopping at the corner to check the road before they darted across to the side of the mansion. Staying low, they ran thorough the trees to the narrow path that connected the dude ranch with the rest of the estate.