Chapter 10
Indy gradually woke up. His eyes blinked open a few times.
He was disorientated and was unsure where he was. He then heard movement and a bedside lamp was turned on.
He blinked.
"Marion?"
"Jones. You're awake."
"Hi Marion", he said groggily.
"Indy", she smiled. "How are you feeling?"
"Better thanks", he told her.
Marion told him about the events of the past couple of days.
"Indy, Sallah has found a possible location for the Ark and has gone out after it. He thought you might get a bit upset that he went without you. He knows you want to be the one to get it, but, well…"
Indy rubbed his eyes groggily.
"Uh, why didn't you wake me?" he asked.
"Because Jones, we felt that you were in no way well enough to go after it."
"That's fair enough. Its okay, I understand. So where is Sallah now?"
Marion told him.
Indy pushed the covers away and slowly stood up.
"Indy, take it easy", she said, and then when he ignored her: "Hey, where're you goin'?"
"I'm going after him" said Indy. "He might need some help."
Marion grabbed Indy's clothes and put these on the bed.
"Thanks. Give me a minute to get ready will you."
Marion went to leave the room to give Indy some privacy. "Shame", she quipped. "Cos you look real cute in that dress, Jones!"
Indy rolled his eyes. "For cryin' out loud, it's a nightshirt, woman!" he said incredulously
Marion shrugged."Ah nightshirt, dress, whatever. With those legs, I'm not surprised that the nurse at the hospital flirted with you as she did!"
"Marion!"
Ten minutes later, Indy was dressed in his usual attire of pants, khaki shirt, leather jacket and fedora. His Webley and bullwhip were, of course, also present. Marion was sat in the lounge and when Indy walked in she had to admit that he looked every inch the heroic archaeologist that she had come to know and admire.
She stood up.
"You look better. Are you sure you're up to this Jones?"
"What's the matter, Marion? Don't you trust me?"
"Of course I do Jones. It's just, well, do you want me to come with you?" she asked.
"No. I'll be okay", he told her. "But thanks anyway."
Fayah came into the room.
"Indy. How are you feeling?"
"Better thanks Fayah."
Marion handed Indy the directions.
"Please take Epona", said Fayah. "My son will show you where she is."
"Thanks Fayah. I appreciate it."
"No. Please. You do not need to thank me. You are going after my Sallah. For that I thank you."
Indy was shown the stables and where Epona was kept and rode her to the entrance of the house where Marion was stood waiting.
"I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Indy, just be careful."
"Marion, just trust me. I'm always careful."
He smiled and kicked the horse with his heels. Indy rode off into the distance and Marion smiled. He looked just like a mythical hero straight out of a western. Ah, if only Selene could see him now, she thought.
"Selene. You don't know how lucky you are, girl!" she muttered to herself.
Fifteen minutes later, Indy reached Zamalek. It was late and the place seemed to be deserted.
Indy suddenly thought about Selene. Even though he did not say anything to the others, he was really missing her and he really didn't want the relationship to end. Indy pushed these thoughts from his mind pulled on Epona's reins and the animal came to a stop and he dismounted the horse and tied her reins to a post.
He unholstered the Webley and noticed several tents scattered about and he began to walk further on and came across what appeared to be a trap door. He could hear voices, which appeared to be coming from under the door. He crouched down and looked through a small hole, peering down into a room. There, tied to a chair was Sallah and someone was yelling at him.
It was Rodriguez.
The Mexican hit Sallah across the face and the Egyptian glared at him.
"Where is it? Where is the Ark? I know you're working for him!" he yelled in anger.
"What are you talking about?"
"Heinrich. Now tell me!" he screamed.
Sallah looked at him.
"I am telling you, am not working for that, that…"
"Don't lie to me!" bellowed Rodriguez, hitting him again.
Rodriguez went out of the room and then two men entered and stood by the doorway.
Indy stood up, rubbed a hand over his stubbled jaw and thought. He had to find a way down there and fast. No sooner had he thought about it, he heard a creaking sound and the floor gave way. Indy fell with a thud into the room below, landing hard on the ground. The two men stared at Indy, startled.
Indy's Webley had fallen out of his hand and he it had landed out of sight. As Indy's eyes darted about, looking for it, one of the men flew at Indy with a knife and the archaeologist kicked it out of his hand and the man looked at him, startled. The other man aimed a gun at Indy. With lighting speed, Indy reached for his whip and cracked it at the man. It flew through the air and the tip of the whip caught the gun and as it did the gun went off, narrowly missing Indy. Sallah gasped and smiled when he saw that Indy had not been hit by the bullet. The impact from the whip had broken the man's wrist and he cried out in pain and clutched at his hand. Two more men came into the room, and one flew at Indy but he was ready. Indy hit the man across the face and the other man tackled Indy, wrestling him to the ground. They fought and the other man grabbed him.
"Indy, look out!" yelled Sallah.
Indy punched the man in the face, driving him back through the door. The other man looked up at Indy with terror in his eyes. Indy spotted the Webley and picked it up and the man, thinking that Indy was about to shoot him, fainted.
"Indy", said Sallah.
Indy did his best to keep a straight face.
"Indy. Thank you for coming after me", he gasped.
Indy shrugged.
"Is the Ark here?" he asked.
"No, apparently not. It was a trap to lure us here as Rodriguez thinks that I may be working for…"
"The Nazis, I know. It's bad enough just thinking about it."
"Indy, my friend. Please forgive me. I needed to…"
"We'd better get the hell out of here."
They found an unguarded entrance and snuck out. There they found some stairs, which led to the roof and climbed these. As they reached Epona, Sallah looked at Indy.
"Indy, I understand if we are no longer friends, but…"
Indy turned to Sallah.
"Sallah. We've been friends for, how long now, fifteen, twenty years. But did you wait for me? No, you just went on without me."
Sallah's face fell.
"You know damn well how much I went through the last time trying to get the Ark", growled Indy.
Indy decided that he couldn't keep up the pretence any longer and he turned to Sallah and laughed. Sallah couldn't believe it as he genuinely thought that Indy was angry with him.
"Indy, I don't understand. I thought you were angry. I thought…"
Indy put a hand on Sallah's shoulder.
"Sallah, I'm not mad, I'm pleased really. It's just a shame that it was a ruse."
"Indy, you had me fooled there for a moment."
Indy grinned.
"Ah, I just couldn't resist."
Sallah arrived at his house and Marion was waiting outside and Sallah smiled as he pulled the jeep up next to her.
"Where is Indy?" she asked.
Just then, a figure emerged on a horse. Indy rode up and dismounted just as Fayah came out of the house.
Fayah walked over to Sallah and as she did Marion walked over to Indy. Fayah grimaced and ran a hand over her husband's face.
"Sallah, what have they done to you?" she asked sympathetically.
Marion threw her arms around Indy.
"You okay?"
He drew back and smiled.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Afraid it was a trap though", he sighed.
She looked at him.
"Never mind, Jones. You'll find it."
Indy smiled.
"I'm glad you think so."
Sallah and Fayah had gone to bed leaving Indy and Marion sitting on the veranda, talking.
Indy sighed and rubbed a hand over his face.
"You'll get the Ark, Jones."
"Ah, I hope you're right."
She glanced at him.
"Hey, are you okay. You seem real quiet tonight."
Indy went to say something but instead he paused and sighed.
"Hey, I'm real sorry. I didn't mean to…"
"I can't stop thinking about her. It's over Marion."
"You don't know that. Perhaps she's changed her mind."
"You reckon?"
"Yeah."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, I do. Besides", she smiled. "What women could resist your charms, Jones?"
The next day, Sallah had a phone call from Kafusa who told him there was a possibility that the Ark was in a small temple in Zamalek. Indy and Sallah rode two horses to Zamalek, and found the temple, but did not find anything and so they conceded that it was just another ruse.
They were about to leave, when they heard some shouts in German and saw three Nazi's riding towards them. Sallah and Indy got on their horses and began to ride, spurring their horses on faster and faster. One of the Nazi's caught up with them and the man tried to jump onto the back of Sallah's horse. Sallah grabbed him and pushed him to the ground as the other Nazi's caught up with them. One of the men tried to grab Indy but missed and Indy spurred his horse on faster and Sallah followed him.
"I think that we have lost them", yelled Sallah.
"Yeah, I think so, I…"
Just then, Indy was thrown from his horse and yelled as he hit the ground. Sallah stared, stopped his horse and dismounted running over to Indy.
"Indy. Are you okay?" he asked, gasping for breath.
Indy gasped and nodded, the wind knocked out of him. "Yeah. I think so."
He got up, touched his side and winced. He then ambled over to his horse.
"She's thrown a shoe."
Sallah grabbed the reins from both of the horses and began to walk.
"Come my friend, we will find a shoesmith."
Indy nodded.
"Are you sure that you are all right?" asked Sallah.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just didn't expect to be thrown of like that."
Some time later, they found a shoesmith, and as they waited they sat down and began to talk.
"I am sorry about the Ark", said Sallah.
"That's okay."
"Are you…?"
"Sallah, don't worry. I'll be fine."
"Indy, I sense that there is something troubling you."
Indy sighed.
"I am sorry, I did not mean…"
"Sallah, it's okay. It's just…"
"Yes?"
"Well, I'm missing Selene. I can't wait to find the Ark and get it home but on the other hand, what if it's really over? And the other thing is I can't understand what I did wrong. I thought she was happy."
"Indy, I do not think that it is you, my friend. Selene just needs some time to work things out."
Indy sighed.
"I just don't want it to be over because…"
"Yes?"
Indy stood up.
"Because I'm falling in love with her."
Sallah smiled and also stood up.
I do not believe it. Selene said those very words about him! he thought
After Indy's horse had been re-shoed, they returned to Sallah' house and that afternoon Indy and Marion were wandering around the marketplace while Sallah went to visit Kafusa. They had been out for a couple of hours when Indy saw a familiar person driving a jeep.
It was Sallah.
"My friends get in. I have some news."
Indy and Marion got into the jeep and Sallah drove them back to his house.
"C'mon", began Marion. "Don't keep us in suspense!"
Sallah grinned.
"The Ark is now in Aswan. I spoke to Afusek and he knows someone who has seen it. Indy, the Nazi's have it. We are going to meet Afusek's friend and he will help us find its location."
"Sallah, that's great", said Marion.
Indy couldn't speak for a moment. All of the old feelings of excitement about the Ark jolted in his stomach.
The jeep stopped and Indy got out of the jeep.
"We've gotta leave right now", he said to the others and all the while trying not to sound too excited.
An hour later, they boarded a ship for Aswan and that evening after dinner, Indy, Marion and Sallah were sat down outside talking.
"Sallah, you're quiet", said Marion. "Ah, I get it. I bet you're missing Fayah", she grinned.
He nodded. "Yes, I am already missing her and my friends, I also was just thinking about the first time we went after the Ark, and as I remember it was not exactly easy."
"Tell me about it", said Indy.
"Yeah", said Marion, glancing at Indy. "As I recall, you nearly got yourself killed, Jones."
Indy glanced up at the stars and he wondered what Selene was doing now.
Marion said something but Indy hadn't heard her.
"Hey, Jones!"
Indy snapped out of his reverie.
"Uh, what did you say?" he muttered.
"I was just asking if anything was wrong."
"No it's, I'm uh, fine. I'll think I'll hit the hay."
Indy left them and headed towards his room.
"He is missing Selene", said Sallah.
"Of course he is. You can see it cos it's written all over his face."
Indy opened his cabin door, stepped inside and closed it. He switched on the nearby lamp, got undressed and climbed into bed. Indy closed his eyes and tried to sleep but all he could see in his mind was the image of Selene. He studied her beautiful features, her blue eyes and long red hair, while also trying to push the image of her out of his mind but he found this very difficult. While Indy wrestled with this in his mind he realized that he was, in fact, feeling very sleepy. Indy made himself comfortable and allowed himself to drift off into a deep, restful sleep
"Jones."
Indy could hear his name being called and someone was shaking him awake.
"Jones", the voice called again.
Indy opened his eyes.
It was Marion who was dressed and ready to go.
"Hey, wake up Indy!" she cajoled him.
"Uh. Oh, hi Marion."
"Good morning sleepyhead. Are you okay? You slept through breakfast."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. I figured you might be hungry, so I brought you some."
"Thanks."
Marion left the room and as Indy ate he couldn't help but think about Selene.
He thought back to the time that she said she wanted a break and felt suddenly sad. He told himself to push any thoughts about her aside and then he finished breakfast. After he had finished eating, he got up, got washed and dressed and went to find Sallah and Marion, who were now sat outside.
"Indy. Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah, fine Sallah. And yourself."
"Yes. Very well. Indy, we will soon be in Aswan. There we will need to find a place called Sharia al-Souk and meet up with a friend of mine called Mazar."
At the same time Sallah had made this comment, halfway across the world in New York, it was evening and Selene was at a dinner party. She glanced out of the window, up at the stars and wondered what Indy was doing at the same moment.
Some time later Marion, Indy and Sallah arrived in Aswan. They left the ship and made their way through the busy streets of Aswan and then took a taxi to the outskirts of Sharia al-Souk and stopped by a row of houses. They got out and paid the driver and Sallah walked up to the steps leading to one of the houses and knocked on the door, with Indy and Marion following. A man came to the door and greeted the visitors. He was about Sallah's height and build and a few years older than him.
"Please come in", he smiled.
They were led into a big lounge, which looked out onto a large garden and a beautiful view of the city.
"Please sit down", he told them.
"My friends, this is Mazar."
"I am very pleased to meet you", he said, nodding and smiling at his visitors.
A young boy came in and placed drinks onto the table in the centre of the room. Mazar thanked him and passed drinks to his guests, who gratefully accepted.
"I must tell you about the Ark", began Mazar.
The three looked at him with great interest.
"It is in a place not far from here. From what I understand, this Rodriguez has now got it and has taken it to Sharia Abbas Farid. I have also heard that he may be shipping it off to Mexico tonight, so it would be best for you to take a train to Sharia Abbas Farid and get there before he does. He has some kind of hidden place a base, if you will and I have may have a friend who has directions to this very place".
"Thank you", said Sallah. "You have been a great help to us. Is there any way that I can…?"
Mazar held up a hand.
"Do not worry Sallah. It is fine."
"Thank you, my friend. Your help is very much appreciated."
Indy and Marion thanked Mazar and left his house, headed toward the nearest train station and boarded a train for Sharia Abbas Farid.
Once they were settled into a compartment, Indy covered his eyes with his fedora and tried to get some sleep.
Marion glanced over at Indy and smiled.
"Marion, how are you?" asked Sallah.
"Fine Sallah. Indy seems a bit happier now. For a while he had me worried."
"As was I."
"I just want to know how he does it."
"How do you mean, Marion?"
"Well, he's got this level of energy and he never seems to quit. And that's the other thing. Just where does he get the stamina from?" she wondered.
"Marion, Indy has always been like that. Once he has his mind set on something, he follows it through to the end."
"Yeah, I know."
She looked at the Egyptian.
"I sure hope we find the Ark, Sallah. And when we do, I'll bet Indy can't wait to ship it back to the States."
"And I am thinking that the Ark is not the only reason why he wishes to return to the States."
Marion grinned.
"Are you talkin' about a certain red-haired nurse?"
Sallah smiled.
"Yes, of course. He is missing her, but he will not admit it."
"C'mon guys", said Indy beneath the fedora. "If you're gonna talk about me, you can at least wait until I've gone out of the room."
Indy removed the fedora from his face and smiled.
"Indy, we were just…" began Sallah.
"Yeah, I know what you were doin'!"
"You wanna talk about it?" asked Marion.
"Marion, there's nothing to talk about", he said, standing up and opening the door.
"But Indy…" began Sallah, as Indy smiled and closed the compartment door behind him.
Indy began to walk down the aisle and as he almost reached the end of the train, he then heard something which sounded unmistakably like gunfire. Indy began to run toward the source of the noise and stopped at a compartment and could hear voices. He swung open the door and a man was stood with his back to Indy, pointing a gun at some passengers.
Indy grabbed him by the collar and pulled him away. The man went to hit Indy but the archaeologist was ready for him and hit him in the face. The man stumbled, falling back through an open window as the passengers stared at Indy in a mixture of anxiety and admiration.
"Don't think he'll be bothering you again", he told them.
Then, Indy heard another gunshot and raced towards the noise. He heard a scream.
Marion.
He ran to the carriage and the door was open. There, stood a man pointing a gun at Sallah and Marion.
"Where is Dr. Jones?" he asked in an English accented voice.
Indy unholstered his Webley.
"You lookin' for me?"
The man turned around, startled.
Indy grabbed the man by the collar and the man punched Indy in the face, driving him back into the room and the archaeologist crashed to the floor.
The man hit Sallah across the face and which stunned the Egyptian. He then grabbed Marion and she yelled in surprise as the man dragged her down the corridor. Indy got to his feet and ran after them and Marion tried to pull away from the man, but he was too strong for her.
They had reached the end of the train and the man threw open the exit door and pulled out a knife from his inside jacket pocket. Indy unhitched his whip and the end cracked through the air the knife flying from the man's grasp. The man stared at Indy, scared and amazed. He pushed Marion aside and climbed onto the room of the train. Indy dashed after him.
"Jones be careful!" shouted Marion, over the noise of the train.
Indy fastened the whip to his belt.
"Trust me. And Marion", he said taking off his fedora and placing it on her head. "Look after this for me!"
Indy climbed up the side of the train and as the man dashed across the roof, Indy ran after him diving for the man's ankles and knocking him to the ground. They rolled across the top of the carriage and Indy nearly fell off the train but stopped himself just in time. He grabbed the side of the train and as the man took out his gun and flew at Indy, the archaeologist punched him in the face and the man head-butted him. For a second he was momentarily stunned. Indy saw a tunnel approaching and the man pushed him to the ground. Indy looked up and waited for a moment. The man turned round to see what Indy was looking at.
Too late.
Indy closed his eyes for a moment. He gasped and climbed down from the roof and returned to the carriage.
It was empty.
He went to the edge of the train. Marion and Sallah were waiting there for him and their eyes lit up when they saw him and Marion, who was still wearing his hat, threw her arms around him.
"Jones! You're okay!"
"Marion. Of course I am."
"You didn't come back. I was beginning to get worried."
Indy pulled away and Sallah put a hand on Indy's shoulder.
"Indy, are you hurt?" asked his friend, concerned.
"Sallah, I'm fine", Indy told him.
Marion looked upset.
"You okay Marion?"
"I'm okay. One of these days, Jones…" she said as they began to walk back to their carriage.
"Marion. You worry too much."
Sallah laughed heartily.
Some hours later Indy, Marion and Sallah arrived in Sharia Abbas Farid. The three of them had found a hotel on the outskirts of town and had checked in. The hotel seemed like an ideal location as from the information that they had been given by Mazar, as in theory Rodriguez's hideout was supposed to be located nearby. That evening, Indy and Sallah, who were dressed in Arab robes, together with Marion, left the hotel and she drove them to the next village. From the information that they had been given, this was the very same place where Rodriguez was hiding. Marion parked the jeep in a quiet back street and Indy and Sallah got out.
"You sure you don't want me to join you?" asked Marion.
Indy smiled.
"I'd rather you stayed here if it's all the same to you."
She nodded.
"Besides, we might need to make a fast exit…"
"That sounds about right, Jones", she said.
Indy and Sallah left Marion and slowly approached the village. Mazar had been told that Rodriguez's base was similar to that of a warehouse type building.
Moments later, they came to a darkly painted garage type warehouse. Slowly Indy opened the door and Sallah followed.
The room was quite dark and they began to slowly wandered around the room, trying to find a clue, something, anything, until… the door slammed shut and both men wheeled around. Rodriguez was stood there with a gun in his hand, pointing it straight at them.
"What the hell is this?" he yelled, his strong Mexican accent echoing around the room. "I was wondering when you would return, Jones. Ah, don't tell me you're still looking for the Ark?! Well, you are too late my friend. I have it, and…"
"Shut the hell up, Rodriguez", barked Indy.
Sallah cursed the Mexican in Arabic.
Rodriguez threw an insult at Indy and the archaeologist saw red and flew at him. Indy hit him across the face but unfortunately Rodriguez was ready for him and backhanded Indy across the face. Indiana Jones stumbled backwards and Rodriguez fired his gun at him, the bullet striking the archaeologist in the stomach. Sallah yelled as Indy fell to the ground with a hard thud. Sallah strode over to the Rodriguez and wrestled with him and the Mexican pulled the trigger.
The gun clicked.
Empty.
Rodriguez yelled in anger and frustration and hit Sallah across the head with the butt of the gun and the Egyptian stumbled to the floor.
Moments later, Rodriguez had finished tying the Egyptian to the chair and left Indy lying on the floor. Rodriguez poured some liquid onto the ground and lit a match.
Almost at once, a fire began and began to start spreading through the room.
Rodriguez turned around and glanced at the two men. Sallah was half awake but Indy was semi-conscious and was grimacing in pain. Blood had begun to seep through Indy's shirt and robes he was now having some trouble breathing.
"Adios", said Rodriguez.
Indy glared at him and yelled something in insulting in Spanish and Rodriguez simply looked at him and closed the door behind him. Sallah began to cough violently and Indy tried to think of something, but couldn't seem to. He was in agony and began to cough up blood. He tried desperately to block out the pain. Sallah coughed again and it was hard for him to breath, due to the thick smoke circulating around in the room.
Marion was having enough trouble of her own. She had been sitting in the jeep and had seen Rodriguez leave the building. She was just about to find Indy and Sallah when someone had put a hand over her mouth and dragged her out of the vehicle. They had grabbed her and thrown her over their shoulder and at first, Marion had kicked and fought for the man to put her down and he had taken her to a deserted building. She waited until they had reached the building and then, when the man wasn't looking, she had drawn her knee up, kneeing him in the groin. He had doubled up in pain and she had run off. Now Marion was frantically trying to find Rodriguez's base. Then she came across a building and could smell burning. Marion Ravenwood threw open the doors and coughed, covering her face.
Indy blinked.
"Marion", he muttered.
Marion ran into the building and gasped when she saw Indy who was bleeding somewhat badly.
"Jones!" she yelled.
"Check on Sallah", yelled Indy, through the noise of the flames. He gasped and winced in pain.
Marion quickly untied Sallah's bounds and then two men, complete strangers who looked as if they might be villagers, ran into the building and helped Sallah out of the chair as Marion ran over to Indy. Both of the men helped Sallah to get up and carried him out of the building. They came back into the room ran over to Indy and picked him up. Marion coughed loudly and followed..
The men set Indy on the ground next to Sallah and Indy collapsed onto his back, coughing and gasping from the pain of the gunshot wound.
As Marion thanked the two men, she knew that she had to think fast. They didn't have time to find a hospital and so she asked the men if they could help her take her friends back to the hotel so she could at least try to find a doctor.
The men helped Indy and Sallah into the jeep and Marion drove back to the hotel.
When they arrived, the men helped Indy and Sallah to Marion's room, placing Indy on one of the beds and Sallah on the other. Marion gratefully thanked the men and they left her.
The hotel had called a local doctor and he rushed over to the hotel as fast as he could. The doctor's name was Dr. Mohammed Khakihdi was somewhat surprise at Indy's injuries and spoke to Marion and she told him that Indy had been shot and that he and Sallah were both suffering with smoke inhalation. The doctor unpacked his things and looked at Indy and Sallah who both looked in a bad condition.
"Treat Sallah first", muttered Indy.
"No", began Sallah. "Treat my friend first. He has been shot."
Dr. Khakihdi went over to Indy and asked Marion to call his assistant. As she went to do that, the doctor cut into Indy's robes and discarded them. As Marion returned she went over to help the doctor and removed Indy's whip and gun holster belt and put these aside.
"It is a pretty bad injury and it looks like he has lost some blood", the doctor told Marion.
Indy had nearly fallen into unconsciousness and his eyelids momentarily fluttered open as the doctor tried to sit Indy up and Marion helped the doctor to remove his shirt.
A lady appeared in the doorway aged about twenty-five, and pretty with blonde hair. She smiled as she walked over to the doctor.
"Julia. Would you take over here?" asked Dr. Khakihdi. "He has been shot. I need to check on the other man."
Julia glanced at the man led on the bed. His chest was covered with blood and her eyes drifted to his face, and then to his hazel eyes and she had to stop herself from staring. He had to be the most handsome man that she had ever laid eyes on.
For God sake, Julia. Focus! she thought.
Indy closed his eyes as Julia sat down on the bed and Marion passed her some water and towels. Julia opened the medical kit and took out a large pair of tweezers just as Indy opened his eyes. He stared at the tweezers as she stared into his eyes. She felt instantly attracted to him and she smiled and he smiled back slightly.
"Okay", she said in an American accent. "Let's get this bullet out of you. Say, what's you're name, handsome?"
"Jones", croaked Indy.
She examined the wound and had found the bullet and she carefully used the tweezers to pick up the bullet.
"A-ha. Gotcha."
She whistled as she dropped the bullet into a small metal dish.
Indy grimaced and gasped.
"Thanks."
"So, how'd you wind up gettin' shot?" she asked.
"He's an archaeologist", said Marion, as if that explained everything.
"I see."
She bathed the wound in salt water and Indy flinched occasionally.
"I've heard of another archaeologist called Jones. He's very well known in Egypt. I don't think he'd be crazy enough to get himself shot in the stomach, though."
"Uh, you may want to rethink that", said Marion.
She gently put a hand on Indy's shoulder.
"This is Indiana Jones. He's the guy you're thinkin' of."
Marion smiled but Julia looked embarrassed.
"Oh God. Look, I'm really sorry. I..."
"Don't worry about it", whispered Indy, trying to keep his eyes open.
"How's Sallah?" he asked groggily.
"Indy. I am fine", replied the Egyptian. "How are you, my friend?"
Indy smiled at Julia.
"Oh, I'm fine", he said as she bathed the wound. "Ow! Well, kinda."
"I'm sorry", said Julia.
Julia looked at Marion.
"Can you help me to sit him up?" she asked.
"Sure."
Marion sat on the edge of the bed and gently helped Indy to sit up. Julia rummaged around in the kit and brought out some bandages. She began to wrap these around Indy's chest and as she did she couldn't help but glance up into his eyes. She had been wondering what his eyes looked like up close and now she could see that they consisted of several colours, green and brown with flecks of copper. She suddenly lost her train of thought.
"Hey", said Indy. "I think you'd better stop there."
Julia glanced down and giggled. Indy was beginning to look like a mummy.
"I'm sorry, Dr. Jones. I, ahem, got carried away."
"You sure did", said Marion, smiling as Julia unwrapped some of the bandage, cut it and tied it into a neat knot.
"There you go. All done."
"Thanks", said Indy as Marion propped up some pillows and helped him to sit back against them.
"Oh, you're very welcome", smiled Julia.
"How long have you been a nurse?" asked Indy.
Marion sat down and rolled her eyes.
"For a few years. And you?"
"I've never been a nurse."
Julia sighed.
"Honestly doc, you know what I mean!"
"I know. For about fifteen or so years now."
"I've heard a lot about you. It is true you speak about nine languages?"
"It's about fourteen", said Marion.
"Really? That's great. You've got one hell of a reputation around these parts, professor and not just with the ladies, either", she teased.
Sallah laughed.
"Indy, are you enjoying yourself?" he asked.
"Of course", croaked Indy. "She's not only a great nurse, she's pretty as well."
"Dr. Jones", blushed Julia. "You're such a flirt."
"Nobody's perfect", he smiled.
Sallah and Marion thanked Dr. Khakihdi and Julia. Indy was sleeping and Sallah was half asleep, and still led on the bed. As Julia was leaving, she turned to Marion.
"I gotta tell you, you're really lucky. He's very handsome."
"Oh, he's not my boyfriend."
"Excuse me for asking, but is he…?"
"Dating anyone?" guessed Marion. "He was, but the relationship is on hold at the moment."
"I see. Well, I've got to go. If there's anything I can do..."
Marion smiled. "I'll let you know."
Julia said goodbye and left. Moments later, Sallah woke up and Marion helped him to his room.
"Marion, Thank you for coming to get us", he said.
"Ah, it was nothing", she smiled. "Get some rest Sallah and I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night Marion", he smiled tiredly.
Marion returned to her room where Indy was still led on the bed. He then opened his eyes and tried to sit up.
"Marion."
"Hey, Indy. Take it easy."
"Thanks for gettin' us outta there. I really appreciate…"
A spasm of pain went through him and he slumped down on the bed.
Marion went over to him and caressed his forehead.
"Hey Jones, relax. It's okay. I know you appreciate it."
Marion propped up the pillows to make Indy more comfortable and covered him with the blanket. Then she sat down on a chair and glanced over at Indy.
"They just don't stop do they, Jones?"
"Who?" he asked groggily.
"Women of course." She thought a moment. "Hey Indy. It's gonna get to the stage where you'll..."
She began to laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"Ah, I just had an image in my head of you running down the street, with a load of women chasing after you."
"Marion! I think you give me too much credit. I..."
He yelled in pain.
"Right Indy. I'm callin' the doctor."
"No, I'm fine", he winced.
"Or, I could always get Julia to come back..."
Indy smiled slightly.
"Okay, on second thoughts…"