Chapter 8
Marguerite's Travels
Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me.
Marguerite runs into a mysterious stranger, Challenger, Roxton and Veronica continue to search for her, Finn confides in Malone about her world.
Marguerite exhaled, took off her pack and hat, then sat down under a tree to rest. She then stood up again to take off her jacket, before sitting down again.
The jacket was becoming snug. It was just another painful reminder of the stupid mess she'd gotten herself in to. She had faced many dangers on this plateau. Getting pregnant by a married man was the last danger she would've ever foreseen.
Marguerite reached inside her pack and pulled out one of the raptor sandwich's she had made for herself. She stared at it, then decided against it. But, just as she was about to put it back inside her pack, she thought of the baby. She was eating for two. She bit off a piece and began to chew slowly, looking around her.
It had been relatively easy to sneak out of the treehouse undisturbed. She had been lying awake, when she heard Roxton's familiar footsteps. She felt him standing in her doorway and had pretended to be asleep. She hadn't been ready to deal with him then.
It was at that point, that Marguerite realized that when morning came, she wouldn't be ready to deal with Roxton then either. Her instincts had always told her that they had no business being together, on the plateau or off. But what really killed her were the unknowns. If they had been rescued, when did Roxton plan to tell her that he already had a wife? And did he let the Countess get away just so his dirty little secret could be kept?
When Marguerite heard Roxton's light snoring from his room, it was at that point that Marguerite got her things together, scribbled out a small note, then snuck downstairs to prepare food for her trip.
She remembered being somewhat surprised to hear Finn and Challenger in his lab. It had been extra tricky making sandwiches without them hearing. After she was done, Marguerite eased by the lab and noted that they had both fallen asleep. That was when she got on to the elevator and left.
Marguerite lost her appetite, and threw the rest of the sandwich back inside her pack. For all she really knew, Roxton had planned to make her his mistress. And what choice would she have really had when they returned to London?
But now that she knew where she came from, she did have a choice. If only she could get off of this damned plateau, she would go home and claim her birthright. Marguerite reached inside the pack again and pulled out the document that the Countess had wanted her to sign. She stared at the piece of paper with scorn. Marguerite Krux sign away a fortune? Never in this lifetime! It was this fortune that would give her and her baby, some protection.
Marguerite put the document back inside the pack. Protection against what? Marguerite tried to shut out the other part of her brain that emitted images of the loving, strong man that was John Roxton. The love that had shone in his eyes when he looked at her had seemed so real.
Marguerite angrily swiped away a tear. Her rest break was over. She had to keep moving. Roxton and the others were sure to disregard her note and come after her anyway. She didn't want to see anybody, just yet. She stood up with her pack, put on her hat and felt for her gun. She then began walking.
****
Malone paced in the treehouse. Finn was slicing carrots. She eyed him.
'Calm down. They'll find her.'
Malone and Finn had been coming back with their garden pickings, when they ran into Challenger, Roxton and Veronica. Veronica quickly told them of Marguerite's exodus from treehouse, asked them to stay there in case Marguerite did come back, then hurried off to catch up with Challenger and Roxton.
'Someone should've heard her trying to leave and stopped her.' Malone grumbled.
Finn continued to slice. 'Hey, Marguerite might come back here. If she does, then we'll be waiting for her. Otherwise Roxton, Vee and Challenger will find her.'
Finn stopped what she was doing, then stood up and began walking towards Challenger's lab.
'Where are you going?' he asked.
'Now is the time to get that diary away from Challenger.'
Malone looked unsure. 'Finn, maybe it's better that he knows everything.'
'I think there's been enough pain around here, no thanks to that scumbag Countess and her lawyer. What Challenger doesn't know won't hurt him.'
'Actually, now that we're alone, I was hoping maybe you would tell me something about where you're from.'
Finn was thrown by the sudden change of subject. Yes, they were indeed alone. But, that part of her life was not something she liked to talk about, or dwell on. And she couldn't understand why anyone would want to hear about it.
'Why?' she asked, looking him up and down.
Malone moved closer to her. 'You said something the other day, when we were out looking for Royce. You kind of hinted that you wouldn't mind if we were never rescued. I don't understand. Why would you want to stay here?'
Finn shuffled her feet. 'Look, you wouldn't understand.'
'Try me.'
Finn blew out a breath. 'Okay. This thing we have here, with all of us living in this treehouse, is the closest I've known to a family in a long, long time. The dinosaurs don't bother me, hell, nothing bothers me about this place. If we go back to regular civilization, I won't have what I have now. I won't belong anywhere.'
Malone said nothing. If they did ever get off the plateau, chances were they would all go their separate ways. Veronica and him, Roxton and Marguerite, and Challenger would be reunited with his wife. Finn probably would be alone.
Finn spoke again. 'You should talk to Challenger about the future. It's not a nice place. Believe me, there's nothing to know, and nothing I'd want to go back to.'
Finn then turned and headed for the lab. Malone called out to her
'Finn, I still think you're making a mistake about the diary.'
Finn turned back to him. 'Fine. I'll compromise. You come with me and skim the thing. If there is anything in there that sounds bad, then I'll rip the pages out.'
Malone thought about it. He guessed that wasn't so bad. Challenger would think Royce did it, for whatever reason. He nodded.
'Okay. But let's hurry up.'
Finn smiled. They both walked into Challenger's lab.
****
Challenger had been hard pressed to convince Roxton to take a break, but he finally agreed. While Challenger checked his weapons, Veronica sat by Roxton, who looked to be deep in thought under a tree.
'How are you holding up?' she asked him.
Roxton's eyes met hers. 'I have yet to hear your opinion on my deception.'
Veronica looked down, feeling vastly uncomfortable. But then her eyes met his again.
'If the marriage, and the woman never meant anything to you in the first place, then I can see why you never mentioned it. You never expected to be here this long. I also know you never meant to hurt Marguerite. But Roxton, Marguerite has had a hard time of it recently. She was so unsure of this pregnancy, considering our surroundings. Then that God awful woman showed up with her lawyer and finally gave her the answers she was looking for, but at a price. Then your news...she's had a lot to deal with. When we find her, I wouldn't be too hard on her.'
Roxton was quiet, taking in what she had just said. He eyed Challenger, who was now looking around the jungle.
'I understand all of that, Veronica. Believe me I do. But now is not the time to fall apart. There is another life at stake and she's just recovering from a setback that sent us to the Zangas for help. What happens if something else unexpected concerning the baby, happens while she's out there? That and...I need to tell her what I found out about Emma. Finding out that I'm not married anymore could make all the difference. Hopefully, maybe we'll be able to put this awful thing behind us.'
Veronica smiled at him. 'You will. Let's get going. I think Challenger has been keeping his distance so we could talk.'
Roxton nodded, and they both stood up. They soon took up the search for Marguerite again.
****
Marguerite felt as if she hadn't gotten very far before she needed another break. She hated to admit it, but maybe this whole little adventure had not been a good idea. She just didn't feel very on top of her game.
She sat down on a boulder this time and tiredly took off her pack. She still hadn't found a place to camp for the night.
It was as Marguerite was thinking along those lines, that she heard a twig snap behind her. She whipped around and saw a sharp toothed raptor, no more than a few feet away from her!
Marguerite slowly slid off of the rock, wondering how she had been so careless as to not have sensed that the creature was nearby. She slid a hand down towards her gun belt and tried to pull it out quickly. But it got stuck.
Panicked, Marguerite began fumbling with it. The raptor began running towards her, closing the space between them. She just pulled the gun out, when a shot rang out, killing the raptor. Seeing that it was going to fall forward and on to her, Marguerite ran backwards quickly, only to trip over something and fall. She hit her head on a rock and fell unconscious.
****
Roxton, Veronica and Challenger ran towards the sound of the shot. Roxton's heart was beating so hard he thought it would leap out of his chest! Please don't let it be Marguerite that was shot! Those were the words that kept racing through his head as they neared the spot that the shot had come from.
When they reached the area, they found a dead raptor and Marguerite's hat and gun. Veronica ran over to a rock and found her pack and bedding. She turned worried eyes on to Challenger, who returned her look, before inspecting the raptor.
'His wound is from the back. He was shot from behind.' he noted.
'What the hell does that matter, George?! Where is Marguerite?!' Roxton yelled. He then stopped short and squatted down to the ground. There were drag marks that went on for a few feet, then stopped.
'Look at this!' he called to the others. Challenger and Veronica joined him.
'Look a these marks. Marguerite, for whatever reason, was dragged away, then whoever decided to pick her up.' Roxton noted, suddenly somber.
'Marguerite was not the shooter of this beast. I looked at her gun. Not a shot has been fired. Besides, from positions of where Marguerite probably was, the raptor and the shooter, the shooter was behind the raptor.'
'But why would Marguerite have been dragged off?' Veronica asked.
Roxton looked around, then felt his throat close up. He slowly walked over to a red stained rock laying on the ground near the drag marks. Marguerite was hurt.
Veronica and Challenger joined him by the evidence. Challenger spoke.
'Marguerite's rescuer probably took her some place to help her. Let's follow the trail. They can't be that much farther ahead.'
Roxton nodded. Challenger laid a hand on his shoulder.
'We should be lucky that there was someone out here to help her when this happened. We will find her. Let's move.'
Roxton nodded wordlessly and followed after George. He was clutching Marguerite's hat. Veronica grabbed up Marguerite's pack and bedding, and hurried after them.
****
Marguerite began to swim back to consciousness. She heard voices. One saying something about how they didn't need this kind of trouble. The other, authoritative, saying to go and get some water.
She opened her eyes, then closed them. She then opened them again and tried to sit up. She immediately felt dizzy. A hand pushed her back on to the pillow.
'Easy now. It will be alright.'
Marguerite focused on the person who had said those words. It was a man, a somewhat attractive one. He was maybe 5 years older than Roxton, if she had to guess.
She tried to sit up again. His hand pushed her gently back on to the pillows.
'Does your husband always let his pregnant wife go wandering around in the jungle?'
Marguerite stared up at him, then stared around the room, frowning. The windows were actually made of glass! She sat up again and knocked his hand away. How is it that everyone knew she was pregnant, yet she was barely showing?
'Where am I? And who are you?'
The man sat down on the edge of the bed and smiled at her, in a rather arrogant manner.
'You are in my home. And my name is Nigel Summerlee.'
****
Roxton was ahead on the trail, feeling that Marguerite was close by with each step that he took. Veronica was directly behind him, with Challenger bringing up the end. Roxton suddenly stopped, when he reached what appeared to a clearing....that was not so clear.
'What the....'
Veronica gasped. Challenger stopped as well, his eyes taking in the site. A very rustic looking compound sat several hundred feet ahead. Another building or something was being built, by groups of men and members of the Zanga tribe. Veronica looked at Roxton and Challenger.
'I see some of the tribe members. Let me find out what's going on.'
Roxton grabbed her arm. 'We're both going with you. Marguerite is in there, I can feel it.'
Veronica nodded and he released her arm. Roxton looked at Challenger, who was staring, entranced at the compound.
'Someone has brought all the modern day nuances to the plateau.' he murmured. Roxton said nothing and began following behind Veronica. Challenger hurried along as well, eager to speak to whomever the owner of this magnificent property was.
Marguerite's Travels
Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me.
Marguerite runs into a mysterious stranger, Challenger, Roxton and Veronica continue to search for her, Finn confides in Malone about her world.
Marguerite exhaled, took off her pack and hat, then sat down under a tree to rest. She then stood up again to take off her jacket, before sitting down again.
The jacket was becoming snug. It was just another painful reminder of the stupid mess she'd gotten herself in to. She had faced many dangers on this plateau. Getting pregnant by a married man was the last danger she would've ever foreseen.
Marguerite reached inside her pack and pulled out one of the raptor sandwich's she had made for herself. She stared at it, then decided against it. But, just as she was about to put it back inside her pack, she thought of the baby. She was eating for two. She bit off a piece and began to chew slowly, looking around her.
It had been relatively easy to sneak out of the treehouse undisturbed. She had been lying awake, when she heard Roxton's familiar footsteps. She felt him standing in her doorway and had pretended to be asleep. She hadn't been ready to deal with him then.
It was at that point, that Marguerite realized that when morning came, she wouldn't be ready to deal with Roxton then either. Her instincts had always told her that they had no business being together, on the plateau or off. But what really killed her were the unknowns. If they had been rescued, when did Roxton plan to tell her that he already had a wife? And did he let the Countess get away just so his dirty little secret could be kept?
When Marguerite heard Roxton's light snoring from his room, it was at that point that Marguerite got her things together, scribbled out a small note, then snuck downstairs to prepare food for her trip.
She remembered being somewhat surprised to hear Finn and Challenger in his lab. It had been extra tricky making sandwiches without them hearing. After she was done, Marguerite eased by the lab and noted that they had both fallen asleep. That was when she got on to the elevator and left.
Marguerite lost her appetite, and threw the rest of the sandwich back inside her pack. For all she really knew, Roxton had planned to make her his mistress. And what choice would she have really had when they returned to London?
But now that she knew where she came from, she did have a choice. If only she could get off of this damned plateau, she would go home and claim her birthright. Marguerite reached inside the pack again and pulled out the document that the Countess had wanted her to sign. She stared at the piece of paper with scorn. Marguerite Krux sign away a fortune? Never in this lifetime! It was this fortune that would give her and her baby, some protection.
Marguerite put the document back inside the pack. Protection against what? Marguerite tried to shut out the other part of her brain that emitted images of the loving, strong man that was John Roxton. The love that had shone in his eyes when he looked at her had seemed so real.
Marguerite angrily swiped away a tear. Her rest break was over. She had to keep moving. Roxton and the others were sure to disregard her note and come after her anyway. She didn't want to see anybody, just yet. She stood up with her pack, put on her hat and felt for her gun. She then began walking.
****
Malone paced in the treehouse. Finn was slicing carrots. She eyed him.
'Calm down. They'll find her.'
Malone and Finn had been coming back with their garden pickings, when they ran into Challenger, Roxton and Veronica. Veronica quickly told them of Marguerite's exodus from treehouse, asked them to stay there in case Marguerite did come back, then hurried off to catch up with Challenger and Roxton.
'Someone should've heard her trying to leave and stopped her.' Malone grumbled.
Finn continued to slice. 'Hey, Marguerite might come back here. If she does, then we'll be waiting for her. Otherwise Roxton, Vee and Challenger will find her.'
Finn stopped what she was doing, then stood up and began walking towards Challenger's lab.
'Where are you going?' he asked.
'Now is the time to get that diary away from Challenger.'
Malone looked unsure. 'Finn, maybe it's better that he knows everything.'
'I think there's been enough pain around here, no thanks to that scumbag Countess and her lawyer. What Challenger doesn't know won't hurt him.'
'Actually, now that we're alone, I was hoping maybe you would tell me something about where you're from.'
Finn was thrown by the sudden change of subject. Yes, they were indeed alone. But, that part of her life was not something she liked to talk about, or dwell on. And she couldn't understand why anyone would want to hear about it.
'Why?' she asked, looking him up and down.
Malone moved closer to her. 'You said something the other day, when we were out looking for Royce. You kind of hinted that you wouldn't mind if we were never rescued. I don't understand. Why would you want to stay here?'
Finn shuffled her feet. 'Look, you wouldn't understand.'
'Try me.'
Finn blew out a breath. 'Okay. This thing we have here, with all of us living in this treehouse, is the closest I've known to a family in a long, long time. The dinosaurs don't bother me, hell, nothing bothers me about this place. If we go back to regular civilization, I won't have what I have now. I won't belong anywhere.'
Malone said nothing. If they did ever get off the plateau, chances were they would all go their separate ways. Veronica and him, Roxton and Marguerite, and Challenger would be reunited with his wife. Finn probably would be alone.
Finn spoke again. 'You should talk to Challenger about the future. It's not a nice place. Believe me, there's nothing to know, and nothing I'd want to go back to.'
Finn then turned and headed for the lab. Malone called out to her
'Finn, I still think you're making a mistake about the diary.'
Finn turned back to him. 'Fine. I'll compromise. You come with me and skim the thing. If there is anything in there that sounds bad, then I'll rip the pages out.'
Malone thought about it. He guessed that wasn't so bad. Challenger would think Royce did it, for whatever reason. He nodded.
'Okay. But let's hurry up.'
Finn smiled. They both walked into Challenger's lab.
****
Challenger had been hard pressed to convince Roxton to take a break, but he finally agreed. While Challenger checked his weapons, Veronica sat by Roxton, who looked to be deep in thought under a tree.
'How are you holding up?' she asked him.
Roxton's eyes met hers. 'I have yet to hear your opinion on my deception.'
Veronica looked down, feeling vastly uncomfortable. But then her eyes met his again.
'If the marriage, and the woman never meant anything to you in the first place, then I can see why you never mentioned it. You never expected to be here this long. I also know you never meant to hurt Marguerite. But Roxton, Marguerite has had a hard time of it recently. She was so unsure of this pregnancy, considering our surroundings. Then that God awful woman showed up with her lawyer and finally gave her the answers she was looking for, but at a price. Then your news...she's had a lot to deal with. When we find her, I wouldn't be too hard on her.'
Roxton was quiet, taking in what she had just said. He eyed Challenger, who was now looking around the jungle.
'I understand all of that, Veronica. Believe me I do. But now is not the time to fall apart. There is another life at stake and she's just recovering from a setback that sent us to the Zangas for help. What happens if something else unexpected concerning the baby, happens while she's out there? That and...I need to tell her what I found out about Emma. Finding out that I'm not married anymore could make all the difference. Hopefully, maybe we'll be able to put this awful thing behind us.'
Veronica smiled at him. 'You will. Let's get going. I think Challenger has been keeping his distance so we could talk.'
Roxton nodded, and they both stood up. They soon took up the search for Marguerite again.
****
Marguerite felt as if she hadn't gotten very far before she needed another break. She hated to admit it, but maybe this whole little adventure had not been a good idea. She just didn't feel very on top of her game.
She sat down on a boulder this time and tiredly took off her pack. She still hadn't found a place to camp for the night.
It was as Marguerite was thinking along those lines, that she heard a twig snap behind her. She whipped around and saw a sharp toothed raptor, no more than a few feet away from her!
Marguerite slowly slid off of the rock, wondering how she had been so careless as to not have sensed that the creature was nearby. She slid a hand down towards her gun belt and tried to pull it out quickly. But it got stuck.
Panicked, Marguerite began fumbling with it. The raptor began running towards her, closing the space between them. She just pulled the gun out, when a shot rang out, killing the raptor. Seeing that it was going to fall forward and on to her, Marguerite ran backwards quickly, only to trip over something and fall. She hit her head on a rock and fell unconscious.
****
Roxton, Veronica and Challenger ran towards the sound of the shot. Roxton's heart was beating so hard he thought it would leap out of his chest! Please don't let it be Marguerite that was shot! Those were the words that kept racing through his head as they neared the spot that the shot had come from.
When they reached the area, they found a dead raptor and Marguerite's hat and gun. Veronica ran over to a rock and found her pack and bedding. She turned worried eyes on to Challenger, who returned her look, before inspecting the raptor.
'His wound is from the back. He was shot from behind.' he noted.
'What the hell does that matter, George?! Where is Marguerite?!' Roxton yelled. He then stopped short and squatted down to the ground. There were drag marks that went on for a few feet, then stopped.
'Look at this!' he called to the others. Challenger and Veronica joined him.
'Look a these marks. Marguerite, for whatever reason, was dragged away, then whoever decided to pick her up.' Roxton noted, suddenly somber.
'Marguerite was not the shooter of this beast. I looked at her gun. Not a shot has been fired. Besides, from positions of where Marguerite probably was, the raptor and the shooter, the shooter was behind the raptor.'
'But why would Marguerite have been dragged off?' Veronica asked.
Roxton looked around, then felt his throat close up. He slowly walked over to a red stained rock laying on the ground near the drag marks. Marguerite was hurt.
Veronica and Challenger joined him by the evidence. Challenger spoke.
'Marguerite's rescuer probably took her some place to help her. Let's follow the trail. They can't be that much farther ahead.'
Roxton nodded. Challenger laid a hand on his shoulder.
'We should be lucky that there was someone out here to help her when this happened. We will find her. Let's move.'
Roxton nodded wordlessly and followed after George. He was clutching Marguerite's hat. Veronica grabbed up Marguerite's pack and bedding, and hurried after them.
****
Marguerite began to swim back to consciousness. She heard voices. One saying something about how they didn't need this kind of trouble. The other, authoritative, saying to go and get some water.
She opened her eyes, then closed them. She then opened them again and tried to sit up. She immediately felt dizzy. A hand pushed her back on to the pillow.
'Easy now. It will be alright.'
Marguerite focused on the person who had said those words. It was a man, a somewhat attractive one. He was maybe 5 years older than Roxton, if she had to guess.
She tried to sit up again. His hand pushed her gently back on to the pillows.
'Does your husband always let his pregnant wife go wandering around in the jungle?'
Marguerite stared up at him, then stared around the room, frowning. The windows were actually made of glass! She sat up again and knocked his hand away. How is it that everyone knew she was pregnant, yet she was barely showing?
'Where am I? And who are you?'
The man sat down on the edge of the bed and smiled at her, in a rather arrogant manner.
'You are in my home. And my name is Nigel Summerlee.'
****
Roxton was ahead on the trail, feeling that Marguerite was close by with each step that he took. Veronica was directly behind him, with Challenger bringing up the end. Roxton suddenly stopped, when he reached what appeared to a clearing....that was not so clear.
'What the....'
Veronica gasped. Challenger stopped as well, his eyes taking in the site. A very rustic looking compound sat several hundred feet ahead. Another building or something was being built, by groups of men and members of the Zanga tribe. Veronica looked at Roxton and Challenger.
'I see some of the tribe members. Let me find out what's going on.'
Roxton grabbed her arm. 'We're both going with you. Marguerite is in there, I can feel it.'
Veronica nodded and he released her arm. Roxton looked at Challenger, who was staring, entranced at the compound.
'Someone has brought all the modern day nuances to the plateau.' he murmured. Roxton said nothing and began following behind Veronica. Challenger hurried along as well, eager to speak to whomever the owner of this magnificent property was.