Chapter 35: The Last Huzzah
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A purple clad figure steps from the brush. "I believe this is yours?"
He is holding the Tongue of the Jaguar.
There is a weakness in open faced costumes like his. His doesn't cover his smirk. One of the virtues of the cowl. Not that I would ever be so unprofessional.
I take it.
Dick would say thank you. I'm not Dick. I manage a nod. "Still here?"
He gives me the crossed-arm *look*. Not bad. Not me, but ... not bad. "Still pirates."
Nice save. As if a sudden interest in Gomez was his only reason for staying with the case. I know his type. There was no way Walker was going to go off and leave these people to Gomez and his murderous goons.
I look down at Gomez. He's breathing. Faintly. Judging from the skull-shaped purple bruise now adoring his cheek, I'm not surprised. Or perhaps I am surprised - that he still has his jaw. Apparently unbroken. Other then that? I suppress a smile. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?"
Walker blinks. "Uh? Well, I do. The skulls tell me."
"Bruce? Ready go go?"
Dick comes jogging up, along with a new man I haven't met yet. Older Caucasian male in good health. Make that acceptable health. The rangy thinness doesn't mislead me - there are solid muscles over those not-quite- visable bones - but his complexion? I've seen rosier corpses. This man serious needs either a beach vacation or some time with a tanning bed. From the jacket and ear set, the pilot of the helicopter. From attitude and location?
"Thomas J. Roberts, I assume?"
"Mr. Wayne." He holds out his hand. East coast politise all around - even standing in this temple to doom. "Your man..." He starts again, with a pause that almost passes for a coma. "Mr. Grayson tells me that..."
I hold up the knife.
"Is that...?" Roberts shivers.
I appreciate the sentiment. The Jaguar's Tongue is a nasty looking thing - even without the memory of death and destruction that now surrounds it.
I hand it over. Gladly. "See it doesn't get... lost... again?"
He swallows. Hard. " If you can wait? I'll get it to Hunahpu at once."
"Theo?" Dick translates the name. I think he may have spoken with Savages son one of those times I was delayed dealing with Savage.
And Savage doesn't strike me as the power sharing type. Even with his own blood kin. My memories of the kid are more vague. Certainly nothing indicated that he was a major player. Still, if Savage's son was a negative, Dick would have warned me.
"I thought it was his father that was king?" Dick again, asking the questions I cant. At least maybe shouldn't.
"Yes." Thomas's tone goes a bit pedantic. The elder restating something that should be known. "But it is Hunahpu's duty to sacrifice the Jaguar if he is ever to rule the city of Gold."
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I would have offered Walker a ride back to Santa Amoza, but when I look back he has vanished again. Not even a whinnie or a howl to mark his passage.
His business is done. At least to my mind. What he will make of his prophesy of skulls?
Nothing to my mind. The time of sacrifice has come - and thankfully gone. No one was born. Certainly not a God. Although I suppose that is more or less what Amhacutec considered would happen. With himself as deity of choice. Thankfully no one is dead. Muwan's cover fire didn't hit anyone, and even the soldier back at Pau'ah's vantage point survived the experience. As for the last? If any of Amhacutec's court *has* a heart they are keeping it well hidden. Unless the love of personal power counts. In that case I guess the Prince is heartbroken indeed.
Pardon me if I don't sympathize.
I suppose Walker will find some way to reconcile his beliefs with reality. Most people do. Generally it's reality that yield on the details.
Personally, I couldn't care.
I have exactly three days before Dick and I have to be back at Santa Amoza International. If a pop back to Savage's city today, and then catch a morning chopper out, Dick and I can be back at the Castillo de Perlas by Thursday noon. Back at the hotel by Thursday night. Which leaves us two days - and three nights - to actually *enjoy* our vacation. Together.
"Wayne?" Mayfair asks as I stroll back to the central plaza. "Will you need him?" He points to the Queseda fellow - the one who ended up in the cage with Dick and Indy. The naturally tan man is looking almost a pale as Roberts. Apparently whatever drug they gave him doesn't go very well on an empty stomach. Or perhaps its' the raw blood that got him. Either way, I am looking at one miserable Aztec.
I consider the point. Queseda is a victim here. Effectively an innocent - even if he did try to rabbit with the blade. That was just... an impulse. Spur of the moment, and destined for failure from step one. His bruises are punishment enough.
"Not really," I decide.
Dick's case is just as strong without him, and I can see Gomez subpoenaing him for the defense." Still - all things are.. neater .. without loose ends. "Do you think Teplitzin would keep an eye on him? Just for a week or two?"
That should be long enough. I doubt Gomez bothered to get a name, and that time should allow Queseda's face to vanish in the way of all irrelevant memories.
Mayfair's baboon grin is answer enough. He gets the idea - and loves it. A way to get one up on an old foe - and to make the man thank you for it besides.
As for Teplitzin? Well, Queseda *is* an Aztec. Being host to one of his own people for a bit is hardly much of a burden on the royal housekeeping. The prince should be delighted to get back on Savages good side so cheaply. Especially since some of Amhacutec turf will undoubtedly be up for grabs.
And for Queseda? He'll be staying in the palace. Hell, It's an honor.
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The city is quiet. Not too quiet. not the death-still that comes when everything is hiding. Just the pleasant quiet of efficient calm. One chopper has just vanished over the horizon -long wall of green, and the other wont be here for fifteen minutes. I take the chance to rest, and event to enjoy the scenery. it is a rather interesting ruin. Artistically carved - if you ignore the subject matter. And the recent restaging thereof. Which I decide to do.
The Amhacutec's forces are broken. Muwan is moving his men up from the cliffs, and since they can come in by air it should take less then an hour.
Prince Amhacutec has already been lifted back to the 'other' City of Gold. First flight out. Not a prisoner. Not officially. He is, after all, a reining monarch. There are the courtesies to be considered. Not to mention the anger to the power structure if he was to be removed entirely. He will be a guest of the Savage family until after the festivities, After that? Back to Apuamarca, with a new and presumedly more cowed set of 'advisors'.
Jaguar-priest - or Virachnu, as I learn his name is - will be going directly back to Apuamarca. do not pass go. Do not collect divine inspiration. They'll keep him indoors and under guard until after everything has shaken out - just in case - but eventually he will be back on the job. Savage's decision. It's bad form to off the local padres - especially when you're running a theocracy.
About what I expected. The accent may have changed, but politics is a familiar game to both my personas.
As for Gomez? As soon as the big chopper gets here, he's going back to Santa Amoza with Dinah. And J'onn. Eventually. Her JSA standing will assure that he lands in jail and *stays* in jail while Cachiru and Fire and whoever else gets called in help the local Guardia put all the puzzle pieces together.
It will also make her the obvious chief witness in his trial - if and when. Good. Dick will also have to fly back No problem. It's will get him out of Bludhaven. If he *must* play cop, a courtroom is one of the safer venues. A few weeks in Santa Amoza for the trial will get him comfortably out of the pit that is the BHPD.
And the trial will take place in Santa Amoza.
Hap'osil is closer, but I doubt the government of Hidalgo will press for jurisdiction. Not with Savage pulling the strings. And he is. Savage has his own reasons for keeping things low key - and the Gomez trial will be dramatic enough as it is. Not as spectacular as it could be. After a quick consult we decided to leave out the bit about reconquering Tawantinsuya. There are still sporadic guerrilla activities in the hills, and no one needs to turn this into a political debate. Even if Gomez would make an unlikely Marxist martyr. So.. theft of a national treasure, assault on a peace officer, and - Muwan got lucky searching some luggage - possession of cocaine with intent to resell. The last is frankly bull, and will likely be thrown put for lack of probably cause. Not to mention the absence of a search warrant. We are hardly going to argue that the local 'resident' of the property gave permission.
I hate to pass on the deaths of the villagers but... unproveable. At least to a Terran court. And political crimes - no matter how vicious - do not fall under the aegis of the JLA.
I suppose Gomez *could* bring up Amhacutec, but why? Inca is not a recognized state in a Santa Amoza courtroom. Even if it was, the change of venue certainly wouldn't improve his legal situation. Quite the opposite. Amhacutec is probably a lot harsher then the Santa Amoza judiciary. And it's not like any of the Inca will be availably to testify in his defense. I assume Gomez will concentrate on buying a deal. Drugs are nothing, and the assault on Dick is... disputable. No broken bones, after all. That leaves grand theft. Find a jury that doesn't give a shit about national pride, and argue like Mrs. Savage that the knife is only worth a few thousand? That's what his lawyer will try.
Might work - if Gomez hadn't murdered Simon Templar. Report on the body just came in via Oracle. That ties him all too directly to the national humiliation, and while I suspect that Xander Dax may have been Templer's original employer it's Gomez's loyal manager Martin Juarez who left his DNA all over the hotel room. Sloppy fools. But then - I remember Gomez saying that you just count get decent servants these days.
Cachiru is slightly less tolerant of homicide then I am. Which is saying something. And that feathered mystery man is very highly regarded as a 'super-hero'. Worldwide, actually, but in South America especially. He will make a most impressive witness for the prosecution.
As for myself? Wayne will inevitably be deposed, but with a little work? One more idiot Yankee 'rico' who bought himself a bit more adventure then he could handle. I'll moan a bit at the club, and any reports of my own actions will be dismissed with as sour grapes or as flattery.
*whapwhapwhap* *whapwhapwhap*
Which reminds me.
*whapwhapwhap* *whapwhapwhap*
The helicopter. I stroll back to the landing area. No time like the present to get matters started.
Gomez snarls at me as three of Muwan's men load him into the back of the larger of the helicopters. "Wayne. I never..."
"Senior Gomez." I give him by best 'Brucie' look. The one Dick always says is 'too gay' - even for a guy he's sleeping with. "And here I was so disappointed that you weren't in when I came to call."
"Wayne, you...."
"Please. Language!" I hold up one hand - fingers daintily curled. "What *would* they say at the Founders Club? I really think I must recommend that your membership be revoked." That bit of inanity knocks him off guard, i go in for the kill. "I mean - piracy, genocide, intemperate language. Hardly the mark of a gentleman. You my be certain the Board of Governors will hear from me."
I make a show of brushing my lapel, and leave him speechless.
I make sure Gomez is stashed well out of sight before I let Dick come chuckling into my arms. "Quite the threat, 'Brucie'."
"Whatever it takes, chum. I am the grand master of intimidation."
Which is true. just usually not in quite this way. I give Dick a half-smile. "The worst part is? I think that's the most effective threat he's heard all day."
Dick hugs me. Humor and comfort and understanding.. and love.
Together, we head back to where Dinah is running down a quick flight check on the helicopter.
I had expected Jones to fly out with Dinah, but apparently the lust from knowledge can... supersede... other pleasure. At least for a while. Jones is going to take advantage of Littlejohn's most probably transient gratitude to pick through the elder archaeologists brain - and sites.
I calculate the detente will last for a week - at most. Jones must share that opinion, because he's already made plans to meet up with Dinah - in two.
Captain Muwan is going with flying out with Dinah - primarily to shift off flying duties. It's a long trip back, and there isn't exactly a Hilton along the way. Muwan has a perfectly valid 'Spanish' ID - the result of his Harvard years - and plenty of cover paper showing him as an Junior Vice-President of the Hidalgo Trading Company, in charge of inland development. Given Dinah's looks, no one will question a good looking young man's eagerness to 'loan' her a company helicopter.
"You sure you guys don't want to come back with us?" Dinah asks, handling the clip board up to Muwan.
"Thanks, Dinah." I answer. A large part of me *does* want to get on that chopper and leave this place and it's memories far behind. But the more responsible part knows what I should do. And responsibility always wins. "I think I should say goodbye to our host. Besides, I want to see that Captain Allnut and his wife make it back to Porto Chakpac without any further trouble. And that the boat is acceptable."
Fox - capable as always - *has* managed to purchase another paddlewheeler. Apparently there is a company in St. Louis that still makes the boats - for the tourist trade. There's a substantial waiting list, but Fox managed to convince a dinner cruise company in Portland that their passengers would be just as impressed with a more modern sailing yacht. Given that the later was free? The floating restaurant gladly gave us their reservation.
Dinah hugs Dick. "Then I'll see you in Gotham." She reaches over and gives me a light squeeze as well. "you take it easy, OK? I'm trusting Dick to watch your body."
Dick grins. "My favorite job, Lady Bird."
She snorts. "Just don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Dick laughs. Loud and happy. "I hope I'll soon be doing *several* things you wouldn't do."
Dinah *almost* blushes. Not quite, but she looks as if she might like to... just for show. "You know what I mean, cop-boy."
Turning from us, she steps over to Jones. "Bye, Indy." She pulls him into a knee-cracking embrace.
He returns the kiss - with interest. So it's a bit of a wait before he asks, "Will I see you in Gotham too?"
"If you're there."
Indy pulls on his hat, then rubs his knuckles softly under her chin. "I wouldn't miss it for all the gold in... you know."
*whaaaaaaapppwhaaaaaaapppwhaaaaaaap* *whaapwhaapwhaap*
The rotors start. Muwan's hint that he's waiting. And that they have a long trip still ahead.
Dinah springs for the chopper door,and with a last wave she is gone.
It is finished.
*END CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE*
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A purple clad figure steps from the brush. "I believe this is yours?"
He is holding the Tongue of the Jaguar.
There is a weakness in open faced costumes like his. His doesn't cover his smirk. One of the virtues of the cowl. Not that I would ever be so unprofessional.
I take it.
Dick would say thank you. I'm not Dick. I manage a nod. "Still here?"
He gives me the crossed-arm *look*. Not bad. Not me, but ... not bad. "Still pirates."
Nice save. As if a sudden interest in Gomez was his only reason for staying with the case. I know his type. There was no way Walker was going to go off and leave these people to Gomez and his murderous goons.
I look down at Gomez. He's breathing. Faintly. Judging from the skull-shaped purple bruise now adoring his cheek, I'm not surprised. Or perhaps I am surprised - that he still has his jaw. Apparently unbroken. Other then that? I suppress a smile. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?"
Walker blinks. "Uh? Well, I do. The skulls tell me."
"Bruce? Ready go go?"
Dick comes jogging up, along with a new man I haven't met yet. Older Caucasian male in good health. Make that acceptable health. The rangy thinness doesn't mislead me - there are solid muscles over those not-quite- visable bones - but his complexion? I've seen rosier corpses. This man serious needs either a beach vacation or some time with a tanning bed. From the jacket and ear set, the pilot of the helicopter. From attitude and location?
"Thomas J. Roberts, I assume?"
"Mr. Wayne." He holds out his hand. East coast politise all around - even standing in this temple to doom. "Your man..." He starts again, with a pause that almost passes for a coma. "Mr. Grayson tells me that..."
I hold up the knife.
"Is that...?" Roberts shivers.
I appreciate the sentiment. The Jaguar's Tongue is a nasty looking thing - even without the memory of death and destruction that now surrounds it.
I hand it over. Gladly. "See it doesn't get... lost... again?"
He swallows. Hard. " If you can wait? I'll get it to Hunahpu at once."
"Theo?" Dick translates the name. I think he may have spoken with Savages son one of those times I was delayed dealing with Savage.
And Savage doesn't strike me as the power sharing type. Even with his own blood kin. My memories of the kid are more vague. Certainly nothing indicated that he was a major player. Still, if Savage's son was a negative, Dick would have warned me.
"I thought it was his father that was king?" Dick again, asking the questions I cant. At least maybe shouldn't.
"Yes." Thomas's tone goes a bit pedantic. The elder restating something that should be known. "But it is Hunahpu's duty to sacrifice the Jaguar if he is ever to rule the city of Gold."
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I would have offered Walker a ride back to Santa Amoza, but when I look back he has vanished again. Not even a whinnie or a howl to mark his passage.
His business is done. At least to my mind. What he will make of his prophesy of skulls?
Nothing to my mind. The time of sacrifice has come - and thankfully gone. No one was born. Certainly not a God. Although I suppose that is more or less what Amhacutec considered would happen. With himself as deity of choice. Thankfully no one is dead. Muwan's cover fire didn't hit anyone, and even the soldier back at Pau'ah's vantage point survived the experience. As for the last? If any of Amhacutec's court *has* a heart they are keeping it well hidden. Unless the love of personal power counts. In that case I guess the Prince is heartbroken indeed.
Pardon me if I don't sympathize.
I suppose Walker will find some way to reconcile his beliefs with reality. Most people do. Generally it's reality that yield on the details.
Personally, I couldn't care.
I have exactly three days before Dick and I have to be back at Santa Amoza International. If a pop back to Savage's city today, and then catch a morning chopper out, Dick and I can be back at the Castillo de Perlas by Thursday noon. Back at the hotel by Thursday night. Which leaves us two days - and three nights - to actually *enjoy* our vacation. Together.
"Wayne?" Mayfair asks as I stroll back to the central plaza. "Will you need him?" He points to the Queseda fellow - the one who ended up in the cage with Dick and Indy. The naturally tan man is looking almost a pale as Roberts. Apparently whatever drug they gave him doesn't go very well on an empty stomach. Or perhaps its' the raw blood that got him. Either way, I am looking at one miserable Aztec.
I consider the point. Queseda is a victim here. Effectively an innocent - even if he did try to rabbit with the blade. That was just... an impulse. Spur of the moment, and destined for failure from step one. His bruises are punishment enough.
"Not really," I decide.
Dick's case is just as strong without him, and I can see Gomez subpoenaing him for the defense." Still - all things are.. neater .. without loose ends. "Do you think Teplitzin would keep an eye on him? Just for a week or two?"
That should be long enough. I doubt Gomez bothered to get a name, and that time should allow Queseda's face to vanish in the way of all irrelevant memories.
Mayfair's baboon grin is answer enough. He gets the idea - and loves it. A way to get one up on an old foe - and to make the man thank you for it besides.
As for Teplitzin? Well, Queseda *is* an Aztec. Being host to one of his own people for a bit is hardly much of a burden on the royal housekeeping. The prince should be delighted to get back on Savages good side so cheaply. Especially since some of Amhacutec turf will undoubtedly be up for grabs.
And for Queseda? He'll be staying in the palace. Hell, It's an honor.
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The city is quiet. Not too quiet. not the death-still that comes when everything is hiding. Just the pleasant quiet of efficient calm. One chopper has just vanished over the horizon -long wall of green, and the other wont be here for fifteen minutes. I take the chance to rest, and event to enjoy the scenery. it is a rather interesting ruin. Artistically carved - if you ignore the subject matter. And the recent restaging thereof. Which I decide to do.
The Amhacutec's forces are broken. Muwan is moving his men up from the cliffs, and since they can come in by air it should take less then an hour.
Prince Amhacutec has already been lifted back to the 'other' City of Gold. First flight out. Not a prisoner. Not officially. He is, after all, a reining monarch. There are the courtesies to be considered. Not to mention the anger to the power structure if he was to be removed entirely. He will be a guest of the Savage family until after the festivities, After that? Back to Apuamarca, with a new and presumedly more cowed set of 'advisors'.
Jaguar-priest - or Virachnu, as I learn his name is - will be going directly back to Apuamarca. do not pass go. Do not collect divine inspiration. They'll keep him indoors and under guard until after everything has shaken out - just in case - but eventually he will be back on the job. Savage's decision. It's bad form to off the local padres - especially when you're running a theocracy.
About what I expected. The accent may have changed, but politics is a familiar game to both my personas.
As for Gomez? As soon as the big chopper gets here, he's going back to Santa Amoza with Dinah. And J'onn. Eventually. Her JSA standing will assure that he lands in jail and *stays* in jail while Cachiru and Fire and whoever else gets called in help the local Guardia put all the puzzle pieces together.
It will also make her the obvious chief witness in his trial - if and when. Good. Dick will also have to fly back No problem. It's will get him out of Bludhaven. If he *must* play cop, a courtroom is one of the safer venues. A few weeks in Santa Amoza for the trial will get him comfortably out of the pit that is the BHPD.
And the trial will take place in Santa Amoza.
Hap'osil is closer, but I doubt the government of Hidalgo will press for jurisdiction. Not with Savage pulling the strings. And he is. Savage has his own reasons for keeping things low key - and the Gomez trial will be dramatic enough as it is. Not as spectacular as it could be. After a quick consult we decided to leave out the bit about reconquering Tawantinsuya. There are still sporadic guerrilla activities in the hills, and no one needs to turn this into a political debate. Even if Gomez would make an unlikely Marxist martyr. So.. theft of a national treasure, assault on a peace officer, and - Muwan got lucky searching some luggage - possession of cocaine with intent to resell. The last is frankly bull, and will likely be thrown put for lack of probably cause. Not to mention the absence of a search warrant. We are hardly going to argue that the local 'resident' of the property gave permission.
I hate to pass on the deaths of the villagers but... unproveable. At least to a Terran court. And political crimes - no matter how vicious - do not fall under the aegis of the JLA.
I suppose Gomez *could* bring up Amhacutec, but why? Inca is not a recognized state in a Santa Amoza courtroom. Even if it was, the change of venue certainly wouldn't improve his legal situation. Quite the opposite. Amhacutec is probably a lot harsher then the Santa Amoza judiciary. And it's not like any of the Inca will be availably to testify in his defense. I assume Gomez will concentrate on buying a deal. Drugs are nothing, and the assault on Dick is... disputable. No broken bones, after all. That leaves grand theft. Find a jury that doesn't give a shit about national pride, and argue like Mrs. Savage that the knife is only worth a few thousand? That's what his lawyer will try.
Might work - if Gomez hadn't murdered Simon Templar. Report on the body just came in via Oracle. That ties him all too directly to the national humiliation, and while I suspect that Xander Dax may have been Templer's original employer it's Gomez's loyal manager Martin Juarez who left his DNA all over the hotel room. Sloppy fools. But then - I remember Gomez saying that you just count get decent servants these days.
Cachiru is slightly less tolerant of homicide then I am. Which is saying something. And that feathered mystery man is very highly regarded as a 'super-hero'. Worldwide, actually, but in South America especially. He will make a most impressive witness for the prosecution.
As for myself? Wayne will inevitably be deposed, but with a little work? One more idiot Yankee 'rico' who bought himself a bit more adventure then he could handle. I'll moan a bit at the club, and any reports of my own actions will be dismissed with as sour grapes or as flattery.
*whapwhapwhap* *whapwhapwhap*
Which reminds me.
*whapwhapwhap* *whapwhapwhap*
The helicopter. I stroll back to the landing area. No time like the present to get matters started.
Gomez snarls at me as three of Muwan's men load him into the back of the larger of the helicopters. "Wayne. I never..."
"Senior Gomez." I give him by best 'Brucie' look. The one Dick always says is 'too gay' - even for a guy he's sleeping with. "And here I was so disappointed that you weren't in when I came to call."
"Wayne, you...."
"Please. Language!" I hold up one hand - fingers daintily curled. "What *would* they say at the Founders Club? I really think I must recommend that your membership be revoked." That bit of inanity knocks him off guard, i go in for the kill. "I mean - piracy, genocide, intemperate language. Hardly the mark of a gentleman. You my be certain the Board of Governors will hear from me."
I make a show of brushing my lapel, and leave him speechless.
I make sure Gomez is stashed well out of sight before I let Dick come chuckling into my arms. "Quite the threat, 'Brucie'."
"Whatever it takes, chum. I am the grand master of intimidation."
Which is true. just usually not in quite this way. I give Dick a half-smile. "The worst part is? I think that's the most effective threat he's heard all day."
Dick hugs me. Humor and comfort and understanding.. and love.
Together, we head back to where Dinah is running down a quick flight check on the helicopter.
I had expected Jones to fly out with Dinah, but apparently the lust from knowledge can... supersede... other pleasure. At least for a while. Jones is going to take advantage of Littlejohn's most probably transient gratitude to pick through the elder archaeologists brain - and sites.
I calculate the detente will last for a week - at most. Jones must share that opinion, because he's already made plans to meet up with Dinah - in two.
Captain Muwan is going with flying out with Dinah - primarily to shift off flying duties. It's a long trip back, and there isn't exactly a Hilton along the way. Muwan has a perfectly valid 'Spanish' ID - the result of his Harvard years - and plenty of cover paper showing him as an Junior Vice-President of the Hidalgo Trading Company, in charge of inland development. Given Dinah's looks, no one will question a good looking young man's eagerness to 'loan' her a company helicopter.
"You sure you guys don't want to come back with us?" Dinah asks, handling the clip board up to Muwan.
"Thanks, Dinah." I answer. A large part of me *does* want to get on that chopper and leave this place and it's memories far behind. But the more responsible part knows what I should do. And responsibility always wins. "I think I should say goodbye to our host. Besides, I want to see that Captain Allnut and his wife make it back to Porto Chakpac without any further trouble. And that the boat is acceptable."
Fox - capable as always - *has* managed to purchase another paddlewheeler. Apparently there is a company in St. Louis that still makes the boats - for the tourist trade. There's a substantial waiting list, but Fox managed to convince a dinner cruise company in Portland that their passengers would be just as impressed with a more modern sailing yacht. Given that the later was free? The floating restaurant gladly gave us their reservation.
Dinah hugs Dick. "Then I'll see you in Gotham." She reaches over and gives me a light squeeze as well. "you take it easy, OK? I'm trusting Dick to watch your body."
Dick grins. "My favorite job, Lady Bird."
She snorts. "Just don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Dick laughs. Loud and happy. "I hope I'll soon be doing *several* things you wouldn't do."
Dinah *almost* blushes. Not quite, but she looks as if she might like to... just for show. "You know what I mean, cop-boy."
Turning from us, she steps over to Jones. "Bye, Indy." She pulls him into a knee-cracking embrace.
He returns the kiss - with interest. So it's a bit of a wait before he asks, "Will I see you in Gotham too?"
"If you're there."
Indy pulls on his hat, then rubs his knuckles softly under her chin. "I wouldn't miss it for all the gold in... you know."
*whaaaaaaapppwhaaaaaaapppwhaaaaaaap* *whaapwhaapwhaap*
The rotors start. Muwan's hint that he's waiting. And that they have a long trip still ahead.
Dinah springs for the chopper door,and with a last wave she is gone.
It is finished.
*END CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE*