Disclaimer: I don't own National Treasure but Jess is my own idea

A/N: So they are on their way to Iceland, but what will await for them there?

Chapter 08

Ben sat down, waiting for their luggage to come around on the conveyor belt. It had been a long journey, and jet lag was starting to take its toll on some of the team- well, just Jess. She now lay on the chair to his right, sleeping peacefully.

"Come on Ben, it's time to go now. Wake her up and we can go." Joshua glared at Ben as if it was down to him, no exception.

Ben nodded grudgingly before nudging his daughter awake. "Jess, Jess?" He squeezed her shoulder, hoping it would work a little quicker. He resulted in doing something he would do years ago, when she refused to wake up. Ben pinched her nose, and waited until she squirmed and rolled off the seats.

"I'm awake, I'm awake. Geez, Dad. I thought you promised you wouldn't do that again!" Jess exclaimed, jumping to her feet. She followed them wearily through the airport, only to fall asleep in the car that was waiting for them.

When she woke up, they were still travelling across the Icelandic countryside. With one eye open, she saw Riley jotting something down on an old notebook. Jess couldn't help but let out a giggle.

"You're still hung up on that, aren't you? Come on, it's the easiest code in the world, you're going to kick yourself if I tell you."

"Well, I can work it out."

"Beneath every new garden are terrible events supposedly. New line. Find only near hedges adored by college supporters crazily, choose reasonably along opposites. New line. Jessica." Jess smiled, feeling a connection.

"Well I know the code to the last line…"

"What- Jessica? Sorry Riley, there's no code to it."

Catching the sound of the two beside them, Abbie leant across Jess and took the notebook from Riley. "Pen?" she asked, holding out her hand. "Repeat the phrases again?"

Jess said the text that she had sent to her dad when she was in the middle of a problematic situation, which Abbie scribbled down word by word, leaving a line whenever Jess asked for it.

"Got it." Abbie tossed the notebook back to Riley.

"What? No!" Riley exclaimed, tearing through the notebook, as if Abbie had left the details of how she figured it out. "How?"

"No Abbie, do not tell him." Jess frowned at Abbie, knowing that it would only annoy Riley. "Let me have some fun."

Once they got to their hotel, Jess forgot about the code and turned her attention towards the gold band on her wrist. She so desperately wanted for it to come off.

Sat in the bathroom, Jess was stuck attempting a plethora of ways to remove the gold band that was fixed to her wrist. She had tried soap and a number of different lotions and gels – hoping that it would simply slip off, but it didn't even budge. It was now that she hated the fact she had thin wrists.

"Oh man…" she mumbled, drying off her arm and pulling a jumper back on to conceal the band.

With a last check in the mirror, Jess went into the hotel suite's main living area. Joshua and Ben were pondering over a map of Iceland with a compass and series of open books. Riley was lying on the sofa with his nose in a book about Iceland and the Shepherd's journey. Dora was busy throwing darts at a board that was hanging on the back of the door at the opposite side of the suite. Abbie and Damian were exchanging pleasant stories with steaming mugs in their hands.

"What's the plan?" Jess asked, strolling into the centre of the room.

"Well, this book talks about the keeper of the journal, the last known one is of Ignatius Donnelly. So maybe he's got it under his pillow…" Riley was clearly making a jibe at Jess' joke that the other half of the stone was underneath the President's pillow.

"But he might have an undiscovered compartment where he hid the book – research Ignatius Donnelly, Riley." Ben glanced up and looked at his daughter, urging her to pick up a book and get stuck in. "Go on."

Jess grudgingly prised a book from the pile and slumped down on the floor beside the sofa.

One by one, the others disappeared into their bedrooms, giving up on their search for the night. Even Riley was beginning to get bored of the book about the Shepherd's journal because, what he really wanted, was to read the journal itself, in person.

He looked down and saw a sleeping Jess – she looked so peaceful. Reaching behind him, Riley pulled the blanket draped off the arm of the sofa, about to cover Jess for warmth. But then he saw something he never expected to see.

There was a thick gold bracelet that spanned nearly half of her lower arm peeping out of her jumper. When he looked closer, he saw the symbol that had been referred to as the Shepherd's symbol.

Leaning forwards, he saw that it had no movement about it whatsoever. It was locked onto her arm. Climbing off the sofa, he picked up another book and ploughed through the pages. He found a little passage on a bracelet that was important, but the details were hazy on the point or origins of it.

"Well that was a useless lead," Riley moaned, tossing the book onto the coffee table, making it clatter into a fruit bowl.

Alert, Jess' eyes opened. "Useless what-what?" she asked, groggily sitting up and stretching out. "What are you still doing up?"

"I was just checking out one last lead before I went to bed."

There was a simple yet dull knock at the hotel door, the pair's heads turned towards the door. Riley stood up and was about to walk towards it, when Jess' hand shot out and grabbed his arm.

"Don't," she whispered.

"Why not?"

"I've got a weird feeling."

Riley waved Jess' worry away and went over to answer the door. His eyes grew wide, and he tried to shut the door, but it swung open. Riley fell to the floor as Ian, Ella and two bulky looking men stormed into the room.

"No!" Jess yelled, scrambling backwards, making books tumble all over the place. "Dad!" she called out. Jess started to panic as she saw the men advancing on her.

Without even thinking, Jess ran towards the balcony doors of the hotel. As she tried to rattle the door handle, she realised that it was locked. Fumbling with the key, the young adult managed to let the balcony door swing open.

She began to scream and lash out as the two men grabbed her, lifting her off the floor.

The bedroom doors opened and the expedition team were about to step out.

"No, no, no. One more step and your expedition will be for nothing," Ian smirked at Ben and Joshua.

"Don't worry, Dad. I'll be fine. I got away once before, and I'll won't stop fighting," Jess said, reassuring her father, writhing about with frustration. "You have to find the journal first, Ian!"

"Oh, the journal? That wouldn't happen to be the Shepherd's Journal now, would it?" Ian couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "Well, it seems I have something you want for once. Who is one step ahead now?" When no one answered, Ian decided to carry on. "I'll make you a deal, how about I take the girl, her father and the techie- and Miss Chase too, then we will go hunt for Atlantis. How about that?"

"No, never in a million years would I let you take over this expedition, we've come this far, I'm not about to let it go to pieces over nothing," Joshua was sure to assert his protest.

"It's a shame that I'm going to have to resort to threats. To be honest, I wasn't really asking- I was telling." Ian pulled out a small gun from a concealed holster. "Come on Ben. This way now." Keeping the gun aimed at Joshua, Ian glared at Jess' father until he moved.

"You're not going to get very far with my help," Ben growled as he made his way slowly towards Ian.

Ian grabbed Jess' arm and pulled her closer, watching Ben flinch. "See? It seems I will be getting some kind of cooperation from you after all. Abbie, Riley. You now know how this is going to work. Over you come."

When Riley and Abbie had moved across the room, Ella and Ian took their new expedition team out of the room, leaving the two bulky men to watch Joshua and his now deteriorating team.

Jess had no idea what Ian was capable, all she knew was that when his heart was set on something – he pursued it. The grip on her wrist told her that much.

"Where are we going?" Jess growled, trying to pull her wrist from Ian's hand.

"Somewhere your father will lead us once he has a little night time reading of the Shepherd's journal."

"You found it- where?" Jess asked, eager to know how Ian had found something that her and her father couldn't.

"It seems that it was handed down through generations to my companion here – it's just a shame that Riley didn't know that quick enough. However, there's just a matter of the journal's true location. The Federal Reserve Bank."

Jess knew a lot about that place from an architectural walk around New York as a school trip. It was one of the most heavily guarded places that contained a ridiculous amount of the world's gold.

"I'd like to see you try that one, Ian," Abbie said calmly. "The perimeter is constantly patrolled by multiple officers that are armed and trained. That's suicide to go in there."

"Did I say that I was going there?" Ian smirked at the two girls. "Mr Poole is going to get himself and Miss Gates into the building – do I make myself clear on that account?"

Abbie knew that this was exactly what was going to happen.

Jess moved closer to her. "It'll be okay- we've stormed Area fifty one so we can do… we can do exactly the same to…" She could barely finish her sentence and swallowed hard. "The Federal Reserve Bank."

Ben squeezed Abbie's hand and tried to reassure her that it would be okay. Somewhere deep down, Ben knew that this could go perfectly well- or everything bad that could possibly happen, would happen.

Ian had already arranged a flight back to New York for Riley, Jess and Ella, but he had kept Ben and Abbie back in Iceland for some additional research. As soon as Ella left to go to the toilet, Jess unhatched her own game plan.

"There's something you don't know…" She pulled up the sleeve of her jumper, revealing the solid gold brace that had latched onto her wrist to Riley. "This is what General Smith gave to me – I know it's not his name, but that's what he told me. Yeah, he's nice… Sorry, that's not the point. It won't come off, but I'm sure that can help us get into the bank…" Jess looked back and forth between Abbie and Riley. "Right- please tell me I'm right?"

"Oh you are right, Jess." Ella startled Jess as she took her seat beside Riley, facing the two girls. "What plan you were trying to hatch without me?" Her hand ruffled Riley thatch of hair, clearly trying to anger Jess. "Oh Riley, what do you see in her?" she asked, turning to face him. "She may have a pretty face, but she's not your type – not your type at all."

Jess felt a lump forming in her throat. "You're saying that I'm not you, but if you think I'm not as good as you, why did you let him go?"

"So that he would keep holding on… And it has worked a treat."

When the plane touched down in JFK airport, Jess stayed close to Riley's side as they followed Ella through the airport. There was a car waiting got them- ready to take them to the Federal Reserve Bank. Jess couldn't remember the reason as to why the Shepherd's journal was in the bank where gold was kept.

"Riley- you and Jess go into the bank. I'll be sorting the computers. Let's make this happen," Ella pushed Jess out the door. She was about to shut the car door when Jess grabbed it.

"I think I'm going to need some cash for some new clothes," Jess said, but carried on before Ella could protest. "Riley too." The look from Ella forced Jess to explain herself. "If I'm meant to be in possession of great fortune, then me and my- me and Riley would have to dress the part, won't we?"

"Urgh- fine." Ella handed a roll of twenty dollar bills to Jess. "I'll be tracking and keeping surveillance on you- so no funny business."

"You got it – don't worry Ella. I've got a contact – it's under control." Jess slammed the door shut and speedily walked away with Riley following closely behind her.

"Who are you going to call?" Riley asked, quickening his pace to keep up with her.

"Someone who owes me a favour in the fashion industry." Jess tried to smile cheerfully. The truth was that everything Ella had said to her was getting to her. "She'll be able to sort us out, ready to storm the Federal Reserve Bank."

"Oh, right…" Riley seemed uncertain as she led him a few avenues over and up a couple of streets towards a door which was sandwiched between two shops.

She rang the bell and took a step back, bumping into Riley. "Sorry, sorry," Jess said, taking her hand awkwardly away from his shoulder.

"It's fine," he replied slowly, looking at her for a long time – a smile creeping across his face.

"Are you coming in, Jessica?" a young and retro looking girl asked, standing in the doorway. "Or are you just going to stand outside with your boyfriend?" She wore brightly coloured leggings, teamed with a bold and vibrant tunic style dress. What caught Riley's attention more, was the huge, backcombed bird's nest with flowers pinned into place that was her hair.

"Yeah, of course I am – it's so good to see you, Whitney-Lou! He's not my boyfriend at the moment though." Jess tried to smile at Whitney-Lou as she turned to go up the stairs. "I need a favour."

"How did I not see that coming?" Whitney-Lou sighed dramatically. "So what will it be? Money? A cab? A place to stay or hide?" Whitney-Lou inspected Riley closer. "You sure there's nothing going on here?"

"No-" Jess glanced at Riley. "No, there's nothing going on… But my favour- it's a little more suited to you." Jess tossed her the money Ella had given her to Whitney-Lou. "This should be enough for one suit and one dress – fit for someone who is in possession of a multiple karat gold band that belongs in the Federal Reserve Bank – no questions asked."

"But-"

"No questions asked…" Jess interrupted sternly, hoping Whitney-Lou would still agree to help her.

"I might have just the thing for you and your boyfriend."

"Whitney! He's not my boyfriend!"

"Fifty bucks something will happen by the end of the year."

"You're on." Jess shook the outstretched hand.

Whitney-Lou started to square up Jess and Riley, running inch tapes along the back of his shoulders and around her waist. "They'll fit quite nicely. Maybe a little short in length, but I might have two different ones. Blue or red?"

"Blue," Riley said quickly. "Hey, it's a nice colour. I think Jess looks nice in it too."

"Blue it is then…" Whitney-Lou gave Jess a look that said 'come on girl, look at him' before disappearing back into the back room of the studio apartment where two long rails of clothing bags hung. She rifled through the selection and pulled out two from either rails. "There you go – one for Jess. And one for your- mystery man."

"Thanks," Jess murmured.

At the end of their little fitting session, Jess and Riley were ready to go to the Federal Reserve Bank, and Riley loved his navy blue suit with a waistcoat and pocket watch.

"Don't get too used to it, Riley. There is still a lot to do," Jess said as they approached the Federal Reserve Bank after a long cab ride. "So- what happens now?"

"Now, we go in. Seeing as we are here…" Riley indicated the building that stood in front of. "Come on, we'll be fine." He went up the first few steps.

"Wait!" Jess reached out for his hand but just missed it. "If something doesn't go to plan, you have to get out first. I know that all the leverage we have is this band, but we can't lose it- not that it's coming off anytime soon. Riley… This has got to go smoothly – so much is resting on this. I don't want anything to go wrong."

"If anyone is being left behind, it should be me. You need to go and find your mum. I should be the one to take the fall."

"Riley, no, I can't let you-"

"But yes." Riley took a deep breath. "Just let me do that, okay?"

Jess frowned and folded her arms. "I suppose…" Looking at him and the puppy dog expression on his face, she couldn't help but end up smiling.

"Here goes," Riley mumbled, turning back towards the entrance.

The pair felt slightly intimidated when they found themselves standing before two security guards who gave them a hard stare and continually glanced at the identification that Ella had given them. Neither Jess or Riley had had the chance to look at it either.

"Pass on through Mr and Mrs Ellery." The way the security guard said 'Ellery' sounded more like 'Ella, Riley' to Jess, but she just told herself she was imagining it.

As the pair walked along the first floor, Jess couldn't help but go slowly in order to take in the stone walls that made the building look as though it had been completely reserved the old building.

"May their courage inspire us when we feel fear. May their selflessness remind us that, despite out differences. We are united and strong. May we always remember as we recover and rebuild," Jess mumbled, stopping to look at the commemorative plaque. "I remember that day – Mum had picked me up early from school and we were going back home, into Manhattan over the Brooklyn bridge. We hadn't been living in New York long, but I remember that day vividly. That day, we counted each and every lock that was on the Brooklyn bridge. It wasn't long before we moved over to London after that day."

"Okay- we are against the clock – why don't we keep moving…" Riley gently took Jess' hand and squeezed it. "She'll be okay, Jess."

Seeing that she was upset, Riley took control and found a supervisor to take them to the correct vault.

"This is the vault where the exceptions are held. Seeing as your belonging is, different to what we usually work with." The supervisor indicated the vault as she spoke. "If you'd like to hand over the artefact, we would be more than happy to put it in the vault for you."

"I'd like to see exactly where it's being deposited – just to see where I'm leaving it. Please?" Jess asked politely. "I'd be ever so grateful, and my father – the Senator of Wyoming – he would be eternally grateful if you would leave me to lock the band away."

"Hmm… I will wait out here. There's no way out of the vault, and there will be a search on your way out of the building- just so that you are aware of that." The supervisor seemed unsure, but they seemed to know exactly what they were talking about.

When everything went silent outside the vaults, Jess investigated the other vaults.

"The journal is somewhere in here, Riley. This is amazing – I can't even begin to believe it!" Jess could barely contain her excitement as she opened one of the vaults – the one that Ella had told her about.

The book was inside and it was amazing. Jess couldn't believe her eyes. "There's no way to get this out of the building, Riley. No way."

"That's where I come in handy," Riley said, pulling out some black rimmed glasses and put them on. "You have your way with technology – and I have mine."

Within minutes, Riley had flicked through the whole journal. Pocketing the glasses, he was ready to go.

"Give me your jacket…" Jess demanded.

Riley frowned considerably. "Why?"

"Because this band is important and I need to keep it. Plus, I can't take it off. Additionally, I said I'd leave it in a vault, and I can't walk away still wearing it. That's a little suspicious."

"Alright, alright, have it your way then." Riley shrugged off his jacket and placed it over Jess' shoulders. "There." He smoothed the edges over Jess' shoulders and he squeezed her arm gently. "Jess…"

"Come on – let's get out of here," Jess said, looking away shyly. She took the lead and gave her thanks to the supervisor before making a hasty exit. Her heart started to race when she walked through the security.

As Jess and Riley left the Federal Reserve Bank, there was a larger black van waiting outside. The side door opened and Ella beckoned Riley, and Jess, inside.

"Let's see the journal then." Ella insisted, holding out her hand for the Journal.

Riley took out his glasses and what looked like out of nowhere, he unclipped a USB stick and plugged it into the tablet tucked away in Jess' rucksack sitting in the foot well of the car.

"There you go." He handed it over to Ella who investigated the pages.

"It's just as I thought…" she murmured.

"What is?" Riley asked.

"We need to investigate a little Bermuda triangle. The answer to Atlantis lies there." Ella grinned in a menacing way. "The triangle of mystery."

Thoughts from AspiringWriterGirl = So they're off to the Bermuda Triangle, but what challenge might await for them there? And how and why is Ella so confident?