Chapter 9
The Summerlee Compound
Challenger and Roxton are suspicious of Nigel. Marguerite and Roxton talk things out. Finn becomes ill.
A tribal member ran over to greet Veronica, Roxton and Challenger, as they drew near the compound. Veronica hugged the Zanga.
'What's going on? What are you doing here?'
The Zanga looked at the three of them. 'Man helped cure illness in our tribe. We help him with his home.'
Veronica looked puzzled. 'I didn't know anyone was ill? When was this? We just saw Phoix...'
She stopped and looked behind the Zanga. She then looked at Roxton and Challenger. They looked at one another as well.
A woman, looking to be in her late forties, came out of the main house and walked over to them. Challenger couldn't help but be stunned by her beauty. She smiled tentatively at them.
'Hello. My name is Caroline Hyland. You must be looking for your friend? A pregnant woman?'
Roxton came forward. 'Yes, Marguerite. She's here?'
Caroline looked directly at him. 'Yes. Nigel, my friend, found her out in the jungle. Apparently she was about to be a feast for some predatory beast.'
Roxton moved closer to her. 'Is she alright? We found blood.'
Caroline gave him a sympathetic look. 'She hit her head trying to escape, but I patched her up. She'll be fine.'
Challenger stepped forward. 'You patched her up?'
'Yes, I was a nurse during the war. Please, come in. I'm sure your friend will be most happy to be reunited with you.'
Caroline nodded to the Zanga, who embraced Veronica once more, before heading back to the worksite. Roxton looked around.
'What is this place?' he asked tersely, not liking the vibe he was getting.
Challenger spoke for him. 'What my friend means, is that we've been here for three years now and have never crossed paths with you or this Nigel. That and from the structure of your compound....'
Challenger stopped because the look that just came across Caroline's face was one of pure shock. Veronica picked up on it as well.
'Is there something wrong?' Veronica asked.
Caroline began rubbing her hands nervously.
'Yes, I'm afraid there is. You wouldn't happen to be George Challenger, of the lost expedition?'
Challenger tipped his hat. 'One in the same.'
Caroline looked at Roxton. 'That means your Lord John Roxton. And that woman in there is probably Marguerite Krux, correct?'
Roxton was becoming impatient. 'I'm sorry Miss, but we are eager to see Ms. Krux so if you don't mind...'
Caroline put both hands up, as if to halt them.
'I'm sorry for not making myself clear! My friend will be thrilled to see you. Tell me, is Professor Summerlee with you?'
Veronica moved away, nodding at Roxton to follow, while Challenger explained Summerlee's assumed fate.
'What do you think?' Veronica asked, whispering.
'I don't know. I mean this house looks like something you could find on a country estate in London. Someone has went through a lot of expense here.'
'What about this woman here?'
Roxton shrugged. 'I can see that Challenger is sweet on her.'
Veronica rolled her eyes. 'Yes, that's all well and good, but why is she asking so many questions? And what does she know about Summerlee?'
'Well, let's get back over there and find out.' Roxton suggested. They walked back over to join them. Just then, Caroline turned and hurried back inside the compound. Veronica noted that Challenger looked stunned.
'What is it?' she asked.
'Yes, George, who are these people?'
Challenger shook his head quickly. 'Her friend Nigel, is Nigel Summerlee.'
'Any relation to our Summerlee?' Roxton asked.
Challenger looked at him. 'His son.'
Veronica's face fell. 'He came here to find him! Oh God! What did you tell Caroline?'
'I told her about the circumstances surrounding Summerlee's disappearance.'
'But? There's something else, isn't there?' Veronica prompted.
Challenger took a deep breath. 'None of you knew that Summerlee had a son, did you?'
Roxton and Veronica looked at one another, then back at Challenger. They both shook their heads.
'There's good reason for that. Arthur and Nigel were not close. Arthur was disappointed in the way Nigel chose to conduct his life.'
Roxton raised a brow. 'In what way?'
'Well, specifically, Nigel has or had, a bad habit of living off of older, wealthy women.'
Veronica nodded. 'Like this Caroline.'
Challenger nodded slowly. 'Probably. That is a shame.'
Roxton looked around. 'How long has this 'Nigel' been here on the plateau? I mean, look at the craftsmanship of that compound. This took quite a while to be built. Maybe he's not looking for his father after all. I mean, anyone in his shoes would start looking first before building, wouldn't you say?'
Veronica bit her lip. 'Let's just go get Marguerite. We can't help Summerlee's son anyway, so this visit will be short.'
'Veronica,' Challenger reminded her, 'Nigel and Caroline may know how to get off of this plateau. We need to find out how they got here, and if they know how to leave.'
Neither Roxton or Veronica answered him. Challenger began walking towards the house. Roxton followed behind him quickly. Veronica glanced back in the direction they came from, before running to catch up.
****
'You're related to Arthur Summerlee?' Marguerite asked, disbelieving.
Nigel stood up. He almost looked as if he were smirking.
'Yes, though to hear him tell it, he had no children at all.'
Marguerite gingerly stood up.
'Don't say that. I'm sure he thought or thinks of you quite often. I'm Marguerite Krux. I know your father from...
Nigel's jaw dropped. 'Marguerite Krux! My God! I'm embarrassed I didn't recognize you! Do you realize I used to watch you from afar at all of the society balls. I always wondered how a man like Harry Krux got so lucky.'
Marguerite smiled. 'His fortune didn't hurt.'
Nigel threw back his head and laughed. Marguerite giggled as well.
'Did my father ever mention me?'
Marguerite stopped laughing and shook her head, feeling badly for this man that she had just met.
'But you have to understand, Nigel, survival each day here is a real chore. None of us have had the time to go into our personal lives that much.'
Her thoughts briefly flicked over to Roxton when she said this. She pushed him from her mind, for now.
Nigel just nodded. He put his hands in his pockets.
'I'll have someone bring in water for a bath. Then, after you are rested enough, I want you to give me instructions as to how to get to where you all are living. I'm sure this primitive life has been hard on my father.'
Marguerite stared at him. Did he just say bath? In an actual tub? She then remembered his last words. Now was the time to come clean with him about Summerlee's fate.
It was then that there was a knock on the door. An older, attractive woman walked in. She gave Marguerite a hesitant smile.
'I see you're looking much better.'
Marguerite smiled back. 'I'm feeling much better. Thank you both for your kindness.'
'Well, your friends out there looked relieved to hear that you are alright.'
Marguerite's eyes flew to Nigel's. He picked up on something. Nigel looked at Caroline.
'Friends?' he asked sharply.
Caroline walked further into the room.
'Yes. George Challenger, Lord John Roxton and a jungle girl that I was not properly introduced to, are waiting downstairs. They seem really worried.'
Marguerite looked away from Nigel, then spoke.
'I'm sure they are. I'll be right down.'
Caroline nodded, then started to walk out. When she saw that Nigel was not leaving, she furrowed her brow.
'Nigel?'
Nigel looked away from Marguerite. 'Take all the time you need up here. We'll entertain your friends.'
Marguerite nodded gratefully. Nigel closed the door behind him. She sat down on the bed and stared into space, lost in her thoughts. She then leaned backwards onto a pillow. Soon, the softness of the bed lulled Marguerite to sleep.
****
Roxton paced the front room. Challenger inspected a seemingly rare artifact, while Veronica took everything in. It made her wonder for a brief moment if Ned and her would live like this, if or when they ever returned to civilization.
She walked over at Challenger, who was still looking at the antiquities.
'Look at this piece. Look at the carvings.'
Veronica gently picked it up.
'Careful my dear.'
Veronica's eyes widened.
'Challenger, this piece came from the Warao tribe.'
Veronica then set the piece down and peered at another artifact. She shook her head looking at Challenger. Roxton walked over to them.
'What?' he asked.
'I recognized another piece from the Piaroa tribe. These tribes don't just give away their precious treasures.'
'You are indeed right!'
Challenger, Roxton and Veronica turned around. Nigel and Caroline walked into the room. Nigel approached them and picked up one of the artifacts.
'These items were payment. Payment for helping curb illnesses among these tribes.'
Veronica folded her arms, regarding him with suspicion.
'I've lived here a pretty long time. This is the third tribal illness that I've heard about today. I think I would've known.'
'Yes,' Roxton added, 'and if I'm not mistaken, those tribal villages are a good week's way away.'
Nigel ignored Veronica and gave Roxton a blithe smile. He then looked at Challenger, offering his hand.
'Professor Challenger. How good it is to see you.'
Challenger reluctantly returned the handshake. 'Hello Nigel. It has been a long time.'
'Yes, due to a needless estrangement I had with my father. Caroline just told me what you told her about his disappearance. Do you think it is possible he is still alive?'
'Anything is possible, Nigel. I am sorry though. I know you probably came here hoping to find him alive.'
Nigel just nodded. Challenger cleared his throat.
'Actually, being a man of science myself, I would be very interested in learning about these tribal illness's, and how you managed to cure them? I didn't know you had become a man of medicine?'
Nigel put a hand on his shoulder. 'Of course. In due time. I know that you all are anxious to see your friend. She's resting upstairs as we speak. Until then, we can discuss your adventures. I'm sure London is ready for the return of Professor George Challenger.'
Challenger smiled unwittingly. Veronica gave Nigel a fake smile. She didn't buy this man's story. She also found it hard to believe that this man could be any relation to the good man that was, Summerlee.
Caroline eyed the group. The jungle girl and Challenger were speaking to Nigel. His back was to her. Lord John Roxton was eyeing the room. She suspected that he was the most anxious to see Marguerite Krux. She walked over to him.
'I don't think it would hurt if you went on up. She's in the third room on the left from the stairs.'
Roxton nodded. 'Thank you.'
Nigel looked over at Caroline, who gave him a pointed look. Veronica and Challenger watched as Roxton left the room.
****
Roxton eased the door open and saw Marguerite asleep on a bed. He walked in and gently closed the door behind him. He then walked over to the bed and eased himself down on to it. He reached over and began stroking Marguerite's hair. Roxton then felt behind her head for any bumps or bruises. Strangely, there were none. He wondered if that had been the raptor's blood that had splattered on to that rock?
Oddly, Roxton's next thought was how glad he was that she had a soft bed to rest on. Their bed's at the tree house were nice enough, but he wanted her to be as comfortable as possible during this time. And from the way she was dozing, Roxton could tell that she found the bed quite satisfactory.
He stood back up. He would wait until she awoke to try and talk some sense in to her. He turned and began walking towards the door, when he heard her voice.
'John?'
Marguerite sat up. She didn't know what had awakened her, but she awoke to find John leaving the room.
Roxton turned back around, then eased over to her bed. He sat down on the corner of it.
'Hello. How are you feeling?' he asked, suddenly feeling shy.
Marguerite nodded. 'I'm better. Look, I'm sorry for scaring you like that. I just needed to be alone.'
'We could've went somewhere together to talk, Marguerite.'
Marguerite laid back down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling.
'Alone, alone, John. Meaning by myself. And we can't go anywhere these days without apemen or raptors showing up.'
'We're alone now, Marguerite. No raptors or apemen. No one else to listen in.'
Marguerite sat back up and looked at him.
'What do you want from me? What do you want me to say? That I accept the fact that you're married? I do. Because I have no choice but to accept it. I don't have to like it, though.'
Roxton reached out and touched her hand.
'It seems our Mr. Royce left behind a few diaries. In one of them, he speaks of my wife Emma. Apparently, she perished in a fire nine months ago.'
Marguerite's mouth dropped open briefly, before she closed it quickly.
'Oh.' was all she could think to say. She watched him as he let go of her hand and stood in the middle of the room, looking at her.
'That's all you have to say?' he asked.
Marguerite forced herself to stand up. 'Yes...and I'm sorry. I know how this must hurt you.'
Roxton walked over to her, closing the space between them. He gently touched her shoulders.
'No, I did not love her. I told you, Marguerite, it was an arranged marriage. She was in love with someone else.'
Roxton suddenly let go of her and turned away. Marguerite walked around so that she was facing him again.
'But? There is something wrong, isn't there?'
Roxton shook his head. 'I feel so guilty. Emma as much as told me that she loved this other man. She cried all of the time, that's how much she wanted to be with him. But, he was a pauper. Her father would not allow it. In Royce's diaries, he says that the gossip around London is that she may have been murdered...by the pauper.'
Marguerite tilted her head. 'So if she told you who he was, then you know who killed her?'
Roxton shook his head. His eyes were full of regret.
'Marguerite, I didn't have the patience to listen to all of her blubbering. I know she told me his name, but I just can't remember it. It's killing me.'
Marguerite put her arms around him. Roxton rested his face in her hair. It felt good to hold her again. Marguerite then broke off the embrace.
'There's no need to beat yourself up about this. I'm sure the name will come to you. And when we return to London, you can help put Emma's killer behind bars.'
Roxton stared at her, a sinking feeling in his stomach. She was pushing him away, he could feel it. He gave her a quick smile.
'You're so sure that we'll be getting off this plateau?'
'Of course! I'm sure Nigel knows the way out of here. I just feel so badly for him. I think he regrets the fact that Summerlee and him weren't on better terms.'
Roxton picked up both of her hands and squeezed them.
'You haven't told me whether my new marital status changes things?'
Marguerite tried to disengage her hands from his. But Roxton held on tight.
'Look, all I can think about is getting off this plateau...and the baby.'
'So, you're planning on running away from me again, like you've always done before?'
Marguerite looked into his eyes.
'What I'm saying, John, is that all I can think about right now is getting off the plateau, the baby, and claiming my birthright.'
Roxton released her hands.
'We're not leaving here anytime soon, Marguerite. Challenger told me enough about Nigel Summerlee for me to even entertain the notion of his rescuing us. He didn't come here to find his father.'
Marguerite felt herself becoming angry.
'Don't be ridiculous! Why would he have come to this god forsaken jungle if not to find his father?'
'I don't know and we're not sticking around to find out! We'll stay the night, but in the morning, we're ALL going back to the treehouse.'
Marguerite turned away from him. Roxton began walking towards the door. His hand was on the knob when he stopped. He looked back at Marguerite.
'I'm sorry that I've hurt you. But if I had told you right away, you would've never given me a chance. And If I had told you last year, then we would've never known how glorious our love could be.'
Marguerite sniffed, her back was to him. She quickly swiped away a tear. She said nothing.
'We will get back to where we were before. If time is what you need, then it's what you'll get.'
Marguerite sniffed again. She did not look at him when she spoke.
'What if it never happens?'
Roxton smiled at her back.
'It will happen. I waited almost three years to hear you say you love me. What's a little thing like forever?'
Tears streamed openly down her face as she heard the door open, then close. It was then that she turned around to stare at the door. She then wiped her face quickly again.
Of course she couldn't live her life without Roxton! She didn't want to. Marguerite closed her eyes again, her mind jumping to what Roxton had said about Nigel. Now that part was nonsense! Of course Nigel would rescue them! Why wouldn't he?
****
Finn practically scarfed down her breakfast in a little over five minutes. Malone smiled faintly at her. He hadn't touched his food. Finn noted this.
'What's the matter?'
Malone shrugged. 'I'm just kind of surprised we didn't find anything in that diary.'
Finn wiped her mouth with a napkin.
'Let's just be glad. Now we don't have to lie about a bunch of ripped pages.' She wiped her forehead. Malone did not notice. Finn peered at him.
'What?' she asked.
'When we were skimming through the diary, Royce said something about 'a back-up plan' of the Countess's. He was scornful, as if he didn't think it would work.'
Finn wiped her forehead again. This time Malone noticed.
'Are you alright? You seem kind of flushed.'
Finn shook her head quickly. 'I'm fine. I guess it's hotter this morning than usual. Go on. Tell me about the diary.'
Malone stood up. 'I just can't help but think that Royce meant that if the Countess couldn't get Marguerite to sign that piece of paper, she had something else up her sleeve.'
'Yeah, to leave her here and say she never found her or anyone else!'
Malone turned and headed for Challenger's study. He picked up the diary and began flipping through the pages. He then stopped at a passage.
June 10
When I saw him, I could not believe it. Though the Countess would not say anything, I couldn't help but wonder how this rogue fit into her plans. It will also be interesting to find out how the Countess plans to convince the members of the expedition, that we have 'just' arrived when we really have...
Malone was jolted by a loud thud. He dropped the book and ran back into the kitchen. Finn was lying on the floor. Malone ran to her, kneeling down. He lightly slapped her cheeks.
'Finn? Finn?'
Her eyes fluttered. Her skin was clammy.
'It hurts!' she began whimpering.
'Where? Tell me where it hurts?'
'It's like razor blades! Please make it stop!'
Her voice had almost turned into a scream on that last sentence. Malone picked her up and carried her to her room, feeling increasingly panicked. They were all alone. He knew nothing of medicine or even what was wrong with her. When he laid her down on the bed, he saw she was unconscious.
'Oh my God!' Malone uttered. He looked around. He would have no choice but to go to the Zanga village for help. He did not know where Challenger and the others had gone to look for Marguerite.
He hated to leave Finn. But as her breathing began to come out in shallow breaths, Malone realized he would have no choice.
Malone ran downstairs and grabbed his pack and gun. It was as he was attaching his gun to his belt, that he looked on to the kitchen table.
He had not eaten one bite of his breakfast. Finn had eaten every scrap of hers. Before she had eaten, she was fine. Now she looked as if she was at death's door.
Malone backed away, still staring at the table. He then rushed forward and picked up the plate. He took off his pack and threw the whole meal inside. He needed to show the medicine healers at the village what had made Finn sick. He also didn't want any of the others to come home and eat off of this plate.
Malone then ran over to the elevator and stepped on. Someone had tried to poison them. If he had not been so concerned with that damned diary, he would be where Finn is as well. He lowered the elevator.
The Summerlee Compound
Challenger and Roxton are suspicious of Nigel. Marguerite and Roxton talk things out. Finn becomes ill.
A tribal member ran over to greet Veronica, Roxton and Challenger, as they drew near the compound. Veronica hugged the Zanga.
'What's going on? What are you doing here?'
The Zanga looked at the three of them. 'Man helped cure illness in our tribe. We help him with his home.'
Veronica looked puzzled. 'I didn't know anyone was ill? When was this? We just saw Phoix...'
She stopped and looked behind the Zanga. She then looked at Roxton and Challenger. They looked at one another as well.
A woman, looking to be in her late forties, came out of the main house and walked over to them. Challenger couldn't help but be stunned by her beauty. She smiled tentatively at them.
'Hello. My name is Caroline Hyland. You must be looking for your friend? A pregnant woman?'
Roxton came forward. 'Yes, Marguerite. She's here?'
Caroline looked directly at him. 'Yes. Nigel, my friend, found her out in the jungle. Apparently she was about to be a feast for some predatory beast.'
Roxton moved closer to her. 'Is she alright? We found blood.'
Caroline gave him a sympathetic look. 'She hit her head trying to escape, but I patched her up. She'll be fine.'
Challenger stepped forward. 'You patched her up?'
'Yes, I was a nurse during the war. Please, come in. I'm sure your friend will be most happy to be reunited with you.'
Caroline nodded to the Zanga, who embraced Veronica once more, before heading back to the worksite. Roxton looked around.
'What is this place?' he asked tersely, not liking the vibe he was getting.
Challenger spoke for him. 'What my friend means, is that we've been here for three years now and have never crossed paths with you or this Nigel. That and from the structure of your compound....'
Challenger stopped because the look that just came across Caroline's face was one of pure shock. Veronica picked up on it as well.
'Is there something wrong?' Veronica asked.
Caroline began rubbing her hands nervously.
'Yes, I'm afraid there is. You wouldn't happen to be George Challenger, of the lost expedition?'
Challenger tipped his hat. 'One in the same.'
Caroline looked at Roxton. 'That means your Lord John Roxton. And that woman in there is probably Marguerite Krux, correct?'
Roxton was becoming impatient. 'I'm sorry Miss, but we are eager to see Ms. Krux so if you don't mind...'
Caroline put both hands up, as if to halt them.
'I'm sorry for not making myself clear! My friend will be thrilled to see you. Tell me, is Professor Summerlee with you?'
Veronica moved away, nodding at Roxton to follow, while Challenger explained Summerlee's assumed fate.
'What do you think?' Veronica asked, whispering.
'I don't know. I mean this house looks like something you could find on a country estate in London. Someone has went through a lot of expense here.'
'What about this woman here?'
Roxton shrugged. 'I can see that Challenger is sweet on her.'
Veronica rolled her eyes. 'Yes, that's all well and good, but why is she asking so many questions? And what does she know about Summerlee?'
'Well, let's get back over there and find out.' Roxton suggested. They walked back over to join them. Just then, Caroline turned and hurried back inside the compound. Veronica noted that Challenger looked stunned.
'What is it?' she asked.
'Yes, George, who are these people?'
Challenger shook his head quickly. 'Her friend Nigel, is Nigel Summerlee.'
'Any relation to our Summerlee?' Roxton asked.
Challenger looked at him. 'His son.'
Veronica's face fell. 'He came here to find him! Oh God! What did you tell Caroline?'
'I told her about the circumstances surrounding Summerlee's disappearance.'
'But? There's something else, isn't there?' Veronica prompted.
Challenger took a deep breath. 'None of you knew that Summerlee had a son, did you?'
Roxton and Veronica looked at one another, then back at Challenger. They both shook their heads.
'There's good reason for that. Arthur and Nigel were not close. Arthur was disappointed in the way Nigel chose to conduct his life.'
Roxton raised a brow. 'In what way?'
'Well, specifically, Nigel has or had, a bad habit of living off of older, wealthy women.'
Veronica nodded. 'Like this Caroline.'
Challenger nodded slowly. 'Probably. That is a shame.'
Roxton looked around. 'How long has this 'Nigel' been here on the plateau? I mean, look at the craftsmanship of that compound. This took quite a while to be built. Maybe he's not looking for his father after all. I mean, anyone in his shoes would start looking first before building, wouldn't you say?'
Veronica bit her lip. 'Let's just go get Marguerite. We can't help Summerlee's son anyway, so this visit will be short.'
'Veronica,' Challenger reminded her, 'Nigel and Caroline may know how to get off of this plateau. We need to find out how they got here, and if they know how to leave.'
Neither Roxton or Veronica answered him. Challenger began walking towards the house. Roxton followed behind him quickly. Veronica glanced back in the direction they came from, before running to catch up.
****
'You're related to Arthur Summerlee?' Marguerite asked, disbelieving.
Nigel stood up. He almost looked as if he were smirking.
'Yes, though to hear him tell it, he had no children at all.'
Marguerite gingerly stood up.
'Don't say that. I'm sure he thought or thinks of you quite often. I'm Marguerite Krux. I know your father from...
Nigel's jaw dropped. 'Marguerite Krux! My God! I'm embarrassed I didn't recognize you! Do you realize I used to watch you from afar at all of the society balls. I always wondered how a man like Harry Krux got so lucky.'
Marguerite smiled. 'His fortune didn't hurt.'
Nigel threw back his head and laughed. Marguerite giggled as well.
'Did my father ever mention me?'
Marguerite stopped laughing and shook her head, feeling badly for this man that she had just met.
'But you have to understand, Nigel, survival each day here is a real chore. None of us have had the time to go into our personal lives that much.'
Her thoughts briefly flicked over to Roxton when she said this. She pushed him from her mind, for now.
Nigel just nodded. He put his hands in his pockets.
'I'll have someone bring in water for a bath. Then, after you are rested enough, I want you to give me instructions as to how to get to where you all are living. I'm sure this primitive life has been hard on my father.'
Marguerite stared at him. Did he just say bath? In an actual tub? She then remembered his last words. Now was the time to come clean with him about Summerlee's fate.
It was then that there was a knock on the door. An older, attractive woman walked in. She gave Marguerite a hesitant smile.
'I see you're looking much better.'
Marguerite smiled back. 'I'm feeling much better. Thank you both for your kindness.'
'Well, your friends out there looked relieved to hear that you are alright.'
Marguerite's eyes flew to Nigel's. He picked up on something. Nigel looked at Caroline.
'Friends?' he asked sharply.
Caroline walked further into the room.
'Yes. George Challenger, Lord John Roxton and a jungle girl that I was not properly introduced to, are waiting downstairs. They seem really worried.'
Marguerite looked away from Nigel, then spoke.
'I'm sure they are. I'll be right down.'
Caroline nodded, then started to walk out. When she saw that Nigel was not leaving, she furrowed her brow.
'Nigel?'
Nigel looked away from Marguerite. 'Take all the time you need up here. We'll entertain your friends.'
Marguerite nodded gratefully. Nigel closed the door behind him. She sat down on the bed and stared into space, lost in her thoughts. She then leaned backwards onto a pillow. Soon, the softness of the bed lulled Marguerite to sleep.
****
Roxton paced the front room. Challenger inspected a seemingly rare artifact, while Veronica took everything in. It made her wonder for a brief moment if Ned and her would live like this, if or when they ever returned to civilization.
She walked over at Challenger, who was still looking at the antiquities.
'Look at this piece. Look at the carvings.'
Veronica gently picked it up.
'Careful my dear.'
Veronica's eyes widened.
'Challenger, this piece came from the Warao tribe.'
Veronica then set the piece down and peered at another artifact. She shook her head looking at Challenger. Roxton walked over to them.
'What?' he asked.
'I recognized another piece from the Piaroa tribe. These tribes don't just give away their precious treasures.'
'You are indeed right!'
Challenger, Roxton and Veronica turned around. Nigel and Caroline walked into the room. Nigel approached them and picked up one of the artifacts.
'These items were payment. Payment for helping curb illnesses among these tribes.'
Veronica folded her arms, regarding him with suspicion.
'I've lived here a pretty long time. This is the third tribal illness that I've heard about today. I think I would've known.'
'Yes,' Roxton added, 'and if I'm not mistaken, those tribal villages are a good week's way away.'
Nigel ignored Veronica and gave Roxton a blithe smile. He then looked at Challenger, offering his hand.
'Professor Challenger. How good it is to see you.'
Challenger reluctantly returned the handshake. 'Hello Nigel. It has been a long time.'
'Yes, due to a needless estrangement I had with my father. Caroline just told me what you told her about his disappearance. Do you think it is possible he is still alive?'
'Anything is possible, Nigel. I am sorry though. I know you probably came here hoping to find him alive.'
Nigel just nodded. Challenger cleared his throat.
'Actually, being a man of science myself, I would be very interested in learning about these tribal illness's, and how you managed to cure them? I didn't know you had become a man of medicine?'
Nigel put a hand on his shoulder. 'Of course. In due time. I know that you all are anxious to see your friend. She's resting upstairs as we speak. Until then, we can discuss your adventures. I'm sure London is ready for the return of Professor George Challenger.'
Challenger smiled unwittingly. Veronica gave Nigel a fake smile. She didn't buy this man's story. She also found it hard to believe that this man could be any relation to the good man that was, Summerlee.
Caroline eyed the group. The jungle girl and Challenger were speaking to Nigel. His back was to her. Lord John Roxton was eyeing the room. She suspected that he was the most anxious to see Marguerite Krux. She walked over to him.
'I don't think it would hurt if you went on up. She's in the third room on the left from the stairs.'
Roxton nodded. 'Thank you.'
Nigel looked over at Caroline, who gave him a pointed look. Veronica and Challenger watched as Roxton left the room.
****
Roxton eased the door open and saw Marguerite asleep on a bed. He walked in and gently closed the door behind him. He then walked over to the bed and eased himself down on to it. He reached over and began stroking Marguerite's hair. Roxton then felt behind her head for any bumps or bruises. Strangely, there were none. He wondered if that had been the raptor's blood that had splattered on to that rock?
Oddly, Roxton's next thought was how glad he was that she had a soft bed to rest on. Their bed's at the tree house were nice enough, but he wanted her to be as comfortable as possible during this time. And from the way she was dozing, Roxton could tell that she found the bed quite satisfactory.
He stood back up. He would wait until she awoke to try and talk some sense in to her. He turned and began walking towards the door, when he heard her voice.
'John?'
Marguerite sat up. She didn't know what had awakened her, but she awoke to find John leaving the room.
Roxton turned back around, then eased over to her bed. He sat down on the corner of it.
'Hello. How are you feeling?' he asked, suddenly feeling shy.
Marguerite nodded. 'I'm better. Look, I'm sorry for scaring you like that. I just needed to be alone.'
'We could've went somewhere together to talk, Marguerite.'
Marguerite laid back down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling.
'Alone, alone, John. Meaning by myself. And we can't go anywhere these days without apemen or raptors showing up.'
'We're alone now, Marguerite. No raptors or apemen. No one else to listen in.'
Marguerite sat back up and looked at him.
'What do you want from me? What do you want me to say? That I accept the fact that you're married? I do. Because I have no choice but to accept it. I don't have to like it, though.'
Roxton reached out and touched her hand.
'It seems our Mr. Royce left behind a few diaries. In one of them, he speaks of my wife Emma. Apparently, she perished in a fire nine months ago.'
Marguerite's mouth dropped open briefly, before she closed it quickly.
'Oh.' was all she could think to say. She watched him as he let go of her hand and stood in the middle of the room, looking at her.
'That's all you have to say?' he asked.
Marguerite forced herself to stand up. 'Yes...and I'm sorry. I know how this must hurt you.'
Roxton walked over to her, closing the space between them. He gently touched her shoulders.
'No, I did not love her. I told you, Marguerite, it was an arranged marriage. She was in love with someone else.'
Roxton suddenly let go of her and turned away. Marguerite walked around so that she was facing him again.
'But? There is something wrong, isn't there?'
Roxton shook his head. 'I feel so guilty. Emma as much as told me that she loved this other man. She cried all of the time, that's how much she wanted to be with him. But, he was a pauper. Her father would not allow it. In Royce's diaries, he says that the gossip around London is that she may have been murdered...by the pauper.'
Marguerite tilted her head. 'So if she told you who he was, then you know who killed her?'
Roxton shook his head. His eyes were full of regret.
'Marguerite, I didn't have the patience to listen to all of her blubbering. I know she told me his name, but I just can't remember it. It's killing me.'
Marguerite put her arms around him. Roxton rested his face in her hair. It felt good to hold her again. Marguerite then broke off the embrace.
'There's no need to beat yourself up about this. I'm sure the name will come to you. And when we return to London, you can help put Emma's killer behind bars.'
Roxton stared at her, a sinking feeling in his stomach. She was pushing him away, he could feel it. He gave her a quick smile.
'You're so sure that we'll be getting off this plateau?'
'Of course! I'm sure Nigel knows the way out of here. I just feel so badly for him. I think he regrets the fact that Summerlee and him weren't on better terms.'
Roxton picked up both of her hands and squeezed them.
'You haven't told me whether my new marital status changes things?'
Marguerite tried to disengage her hands from his. But Roxton held on tight.
'Look, all I can think about is getting off this plateau...and the baby.'
'So, you're planning on running away from me again, like you've always done before?'
Marguerite looked into his eyes.
'What I'm saying, John, is that all I can think about right now is getting off the plateau, the baby, and claiming my birthright.'
Roxton released her hands.
'We're not leaving here anytime soon, Marguerite. Challenger told me enough about Nigel Summerlee for me to even entertain the notion of his rescuing us. He didn't come here to find his father.'
Marguerite felt herself becoming angry.
'Don't be ridiculous! Why would he have come to this god forsaken jungle if not to find his father?'
'I don't know and we're not sticking around to find out! We'll stay the night, but in the morning, we're ALL going back to the treehouse.'
Marguerite turned away from him. Roxton began walking towards the door. His hand was on the knob when he stopped. He looked back at Marguerite.
'I'm sorry that I've hurt you. But if I had told you right away, you would've never given me a chance. And If I had told you last year, then we would've never known how glorious our love could be.'
Marguerite sniffed, her back was to him. She quickly swiped away a tear. She said nothing.
'We will get back to where we were before. If time is what you need, then it's what you'll get.'
Marguerite sniffed again. She did not look at him when she spoke.
'What if it never happens?'
Roxton smiled at her back.
'It will happen. I waited almost three years to hear you say you love me. What's a little thing like forever?'
Tears streamed openly down her face as she heard the door open, then close. It was then that she turned around to stare at the door. She then wiped her face quickly again.
Of course she couldn't live her life without Roxton! She didn't want to. Marguerite closed her eyes again, her mind jumping to what Roxton had said about Nigel. Now that part was nonsense! Of course Nigel would rescue them! Why wouldn't he?
****
Finn practically scarfed down her breakfast in a little over five minutes. Malone smiled faintly at her. He hadn't touched his food. Finn noted this.
'What's the matter?'
Malone shrugged. 'I'm just kind of surprised we didn't find anything in that diary.'
Finn wiped her mouth with a napkin.
'Let's just be glad. Now we don't have to lie about a bunch of ripped pages.' She wiped her forehead. Malone did not notice. Finn peered at him.
'What?' she asked.
'When we were skimming through the diary, Royce said something about 'a back-up plan' of the Countess's. He was scornful, as if he didn't think it would work.'
Finn wiped her forehead again. This time Malone noticed.
'Are you alright? You seem kind of flushed.'
Finn shook her head quickly. 'I'm fine. I guess it's hotter this morning than usual. Go on. Tell me about the diary.'
Malone stood up. 'I just can't help but think that Royce meant that if the Countess couldn't get Marguerite to sign that piece of paper, she had something else up her sleeve.'
'Yeah, to leave her here and say she never found her or anyone else!'
Malone turned and headed for Challenger's study. He picked up the diary and began flipping through the pages. He then stopped at a passage.
June 10
When I saw him, I could not believe it. Though the Countess would not say anything, I couldn't help but wonder how this rogue fit into her plans. It will also be interesting to find out how the Countess plans to convince the members of the expedition, that we have 'just' arrived when we really have...
Malone was jolted by a loud thud. He dropped the book and ran back into the kitchen. Finn was lying on the floor. Malone ran to her, kneeling down. He lightly slapped her cheeks.
'Finn? Finn?'
Her eyes fluttered. Her skin was clammy.
'It hurts!' she began whimpering.
'Where? Tell me where it hurts?'
'It's like razor blades! Please make it stop!'
Her voice had almost turned into a scream on that last sentence. Malone picked her up and carried her to her room, feeling increasingly panicked. They were all alone. He knew nothing of medicine or even what was wrong with her. When he laid her down on the bed, he saw she was unconscious.
'Oh my God!' Malone uttered. He looked around. He would have no choice but to go to the Zanga village for help. He did not know where Challenger and the others had gone to look for Marguerite.
He hated to leave Finn. But as her breathing began to come out in shallow breaths, Malone realized he would have no choice.
Malone ran downstairs and grabbed his pack and gun. It was as he was attaching his gun to his belt, that he looked on to the kitchen table.
He had not eaten one bite of his breakfast. Finn had eaten every scrap of hers. Before she had eaten, she was fine. Now she looked as if she was at death's door.
Malone backed away, still staring at the table. He then rushed forward and picked up the plate. He took off his pack and threw the whole meal inside. He needed to show the medicine healers at the village what had made Finn sick. He also didn't want any of the others to come home and eat off of this plate.
Malone then ran over to the elevator and stepped on. Someone had tried to poison them. If he had not been so concerned with that damned diary, he would be where Finn is as well. He lowered the elevator.