Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me
Chapter 13
The Challenger Expedition Returns Home PT 1
Challenger watched Veronica out of the corner of his eye. He had just turned down the road that lead to the Massachusetts State Hospital. The poor girl, he thought. Challenger knew that she was wondering what she was going to tell Malone about his mother.
And it wasn't like Vivian Malone was dead or anything. Challenger had managed to revive the woman. She awoke, but stared blankly at him and Veronica. Challenger suspected she had suffered from some sort of heart attack or small stroke, for she was unable to speak, when Veronica and himself tried to ask her how she was feeling. They very swiftly got the woman out of the office, and to the the nearest hospital.
A few reporters stared at them curiously, as they helped her out of the building. Veronica smiled at them nervously, and told them that Mrs. Malone was feeling under the weather, and that they were taking her to Boston Memorial. She then asked one of them to see if they could find Malone anywhere, and let him know where they all were.
Once they got Vivian to the hospital, the doctors confirmed what Challenger had suspected:Vivian had had some sort of stroke. The result was that she was unable to speak. Challenger wondered if the woman had suffered some sort of memory loss as well, as she didn't seem to hate Veronica, or at least, that's not the impression Challenger got when Vivian looked at her daughter-in-law to be.
As they awaited Malone's arrival, Challenger softly asked Veronica what she was going to tell Ned about how this whole thing occurred. She had shrugged, saying that she was just going to tell the truth: that Vivian Malone and her were arguing, when the older woman suddenly had a stroke.
Challenger hadn't had much time to comment on Veronica's answer, when a nurse came to them, telling them there was a call from Ned Malone. Veronica and Challenger followed the nurse to the phone. Just as Veronica was about to speak, she stopped, listening intently. Her face then looked very grave. She answered yes, then handed the phone to Challenger. It was then, that Malone told him the news: that the same woman that had murdered his Jessi, had poisoned Marguerite and Roxton's child!
He had scarcely heard the rest of what Malone was telling him, his rage at this psychotic woman, growing by the second. He almost didn't hear that Elizabeth Thomas hinted strongly that she had given Greta something William Hargrove had invented. He almost didn't hear that that Thomas woman claimed that they would have to return to the plateau to find a cure.
Challenger told Malone they would get the answers Roxton and Marguerite needed to save their daughter, then hung up. Veronica gave him an apprehensive look, as if unsure that he was up to the task. Challenger matched her look with one of hard determination. Elizabeth Thomas may have gotten away with killing his wife, but he'd be damned if he'd allow her to get away with taking another.
****
Finn handed Malone a cup of coffee, as he sat in the drawing room, staring into the fireplace. Roxton, Marguerite and the doctor that had been called, were all upstairs with Greta. Finn sat down beside him.
'How are you holding up?' she asked him.
He thanked her for the coffee, taking two sips. before setting the cup aside.
'About as well as can be expected. Greta could be dying and my mother had apparently been feeling so under the weather, that Challenger and Veronica had to take her to a hospital. I'm having a wonderful day.'
Finn looked into the fire as well.
'I'm sorry, Ned. I don't know your mother real well, but I'm sure she will be fine...in fact, why don't you just go to her now? I'm here for Roxton and Marguerite.'
Ned shook his head.
'I need to know that that doctor up there can cure Greta. I need to know that Elizabeth Thomas was lying.'
Finn frowned.
'If what Elizabeth Thomas said is true, then we're all going to have to go back.'
Malone looked up and over at her.
'No. Challenger, Roxton and I will go. Marguerite will want to stay here with Greta. She'll need Veronica and you here with her, for support.'
Finn looked away from him, then stood up. Malone looked over towards the stairs, before standing up as well.
'Finn, what's going on?'
Finn turned back around.
'What do you mean?'
'I mean, with all that's happened around here, it has not escaped my notice that there is tension between Veronica and yourself. Why? I mean, if you two can't pull it together for Marguerite and Greta...'
'I love you.'
Malone stared at her. He hadn't heard her correctly.
'Excuse me?'
Finn walked up to him.
'I love you. That's what the problem is, Ned. I love you and Veronica knows...or correctly guessed it.'
Malone didn't say anything. Finn didn't get the impression that he was disgusted or anything. She forged on, taking advantage of his stunned silence.
'I was never involved with Jack Farrell. But, he was out to get you.'
Malone cleared his throat.
'What do you mean?'
Finn took a deep breath.
'He sensed how I felt about you and approached me with a deal.'
Malone crossed his arms.
'What kind of deal, Finn?'
Finn could hear the beginnings of anger in his voice. But she had come this far and there was no turning back.
'Jack was interested in Veronica. We were working together to break the two of you up.'
Malone didn't say anything. Finn looked down at the ground.
'How could you? Veronica and I knew that you would be alone once we returned to civilization. She asked you to be in her wedding....I don't understand...'
Finn squinted at him.
'What do you mean, 'you don't understand'? I love you, Ned! My motivation for conspiring with Jack was because I thought we might have a chance! I didn't do it to hurt Veronica...I guess...in my mind, she would've learned to love Jack. And you remember how arrogant he was! He was never put off by the fact that she didn't like him. He thought he might be able to make her love him as well.'
Malone felt tired again. He didn't need to hear this. And poor Veronica. How long had she known about Finn's deceit?
Finn began to speak again, when Malone held up a hand in a halting motion.
'I don't want to hear anymore. Not now. My main concern is Greta and Challenger. He's the one that we're counting on, to get that Thomas woman to tell us how to help Greta.'
'I know that, Ned.'
'Good.'
There was a terribly awkward silence, before Finn spoke again.
'You know you're wrong, though.'
Malone sighed and began rubbing his eyes.
'What am I wrong about?' he asked.
'We are all going to have to go back to that plateau, if Mrs. Thomas is telling the truth. You saw how Greta looked. She doesn't have months to wait for you all to return with a cure.'
Malone didn't answer, since he was still not 100% convinced that there was a cure at all. The sound of footsteps approaching, made him more alert. He looked over at Finn, who gave him a fearful glance.
Roxton and the doctor walked into the drawing room. Roxton wore an expression of visible relief. Malone and Finn glanced at one another again.
'Well? How is Greta?' Malone asked.
Dr. Elliott Townsend, glanced at Roxton, before speaking.
'The fever appears to have broken.' he answered.
Finn looked at Roxton.
'Greta is back to her normal complexion? I mean, she looked like she was burning away in front of my very eyes....'
Finn choked back tears. Ned, despite learning of her betrayal, felt drawn to her. He put an arm around her. She just nodded her head. Roxton walked over to her as well. Whatever he thought of Finn these days, he didn't doubt her devotion to his child.
'Dr. Townsend doesn't know if Greta is completely out of the woods yet, do you doctor?' Roxton asked, looking back towards him.
The doctor nodded. 'The fever breaking is a good step in the right direction. But I'm still uneasy about Greta's condition.'
Roxton walked back towards him.
'Well, what more could happen to her? Whatever that woman gave to her has worked it's way out of her system, hasn't it?'
Roxton didn't wait for the doctor's answer, and turned quickly back to Malone and Finn. He looked so hopeful...so determined to find some positive meaning in the doctor's words, it broke Finn's heart.
Malone looked at Dr. Townsend.
'Was this just some fever, or was Greta poisoned?'
Dr. Townsend nodded.
'She's been given some sort of toxin, something that mimics all of the symptoms of a rare form of scarlet fever. But in most cases, the victim dies, or at the very least, is left with some sort of impediment.'
Malone didn't respond. He removed his arm from around Finn. Malone understood the doctor to mean, that just because the obvious symptoms had disappeared, didn't mean that Greta was out of danger yet. Some new, deadly effect could yet surface.
But Roxton's brow furrowed in anger!
'She's fine now! That Thomas woman may have given Greta something, but my daughter has beaten the poison!'
Roxton walked swiftly over to the doctor, pulling on his arm and showing him out. He slammed the door after him. Finn and Malone gave one another looks, before approaching Roxton.
'What the hell did you do that for? We may need him again!' Finn yelled.
'We need positive thinking around here, Finn! That's why I put him out of here! Greta is obviously well and he's going around here talking as if she could die any minute!'
'Alright, Roxton,' Malone began, trying to calm him down, 'I understand your feelings, but you have to wonder how that Thomas woman knew Greta was sick? I didn't even know for sure until I got here!'
Roxton pointed a finger at him!
'I don't know why that woman does or doesn't know or do anything! But I'll tell you what we're going to do: we're going to call that funny farm and tell Challenger and Veronica not to bother with that woman! Challenger doesn't need the aggravation of looking at the person that killed his wife!'
It was then, that Marguerite's loud, piercing scream could be heard. Roxton, Malone and Finn, in that order, hurried up the stairs. When they arrived at Greta's room, Marguerite was standing several feet away from the crib, her hands over her mouth. She was shaking her head wildly. Finn went to her, while Roxton rushed over to the crib. Malone looked from Marguerite to Roxton.
'What is it?' Finn asked. She then began shaking Marguerite when she would not answer.
'Stop it, Finn!' Malone hissed and began walking towards her to break them up.
But Finn turned and glared at Malone.
'That doctor was right, Ned, and we don't have the time for hysterics!'
Finn then turned back to Marguerite.
'What is it? Is she red again?'
Malone then turned from Finn and Marguerite, to Roxton, who was eerily quiet. Malone walked over to him and looked down in the crib.
Greta Roxton appeared to be sleeping peacefully. But, on her little feet, were heavy bushes of hair. Roxton was gaping down into the crib. Malone backed away, then looked at Finn, who gave him a questioning look.
'That Thomas woman wasn't lying.' Malone said in a dull, hollow voice.
****
Veronica paced the room that she and Challenger were supposed to meet Elizabeth in. An attendant had left them to go get her.
Ned had not asked about his mother, when he had called the hospital looking for them. Then again, when Challenger and her left with Vivian, no one at the paper had reason to believe that her condition was as serious as it turned out to be. Veronica still wondered how she was going to tell Ned the truth.
She looked at Challenger, who was calmly sitting in a chair. Veronica pulled up a chair and moved it next to him.
'How are you holding up?' she asked.
Challenger didn't answer. Veronica took a deep breath.
'If you want, I'll get the information out of her. You don't have to do this.'
Challenger looked at her.
'Yes, I do. For Greta...and Jessi. My wife gave her life to save that little girl. Allowing this Thomas woman to get away with poisoning Greta, would be like killing Jessi all over again. My wife will not have died in vain.'
Veronica gave him a shaky smile, then picked up his hand and squeezed it, just as Elizabeth Thomas was being led in. Challenger and Veronica stood up, hands still linked. Elizabeth smiled at both of them, as if she hadn't ruined anyone's life at all. The attendant looked at Challenger and Veronica.
'I'll be right outside this door.' he said.'
Challenger nodded, and the attendant left the room, closing the door behind him. Elizabeth sat down, but Veronica began talking.
'Don't bother sitting down. Just tell us how to cure Greta, and we'll do whatever you want.'
Elizabeth gave her a mocking look. She then sat anyway and turned her gaze on Challenger.
'I want you to help me get out of here.' she said, giving him a pointed look.
Challenger finally spoke.
'You mean you want us to help you escape? Is that it?'
Elizabeth smiled.
'Call it whatever you like. Get me out of here, and I will tell you where on the plateau, William kept the formula that will cure Greta.'
Veronica got up and walked over to the window. There were bars over it. She peeked out of the window and saw too many guards and other people to count. Granted, back on the plateau, they had been in tough spots before, and always managed to get out of them. But this was different. Veronica didn't want to help Jessi's killer escape her punishment.
Then again, they could always help her escape and kill her later, to avenge Jessi. Veronica closed her eyes. Was Vivian Malone right about her? Would she always be nothing but a jungle savage? Why had her first thought been to kill Elizabeth? Because they feared her? No, to avenge Jessi's death. And the strange part of it was, Veronica was sure that Jessi would not approve if she, or any of the others, killed her murderer.
Veronica turned back to Challenger and Elizabeth. It was very quiet.
'Tick, tock, Professor Challenger! Time is running out for that sweet baby your wife wouldn't let me keep!'
Veronica eyed Challenger. He was still calm. Elizabeth yawned quickly, then looked around Challenger at Veronica.
'Dear, would you tell your friend that the longer he stalls, the more that sweet baby is going to suffer.'
Veronica looked at Challenger.
'Challenger?' she asked.
Challenger gave Elizabeth a small smile. Veronica almost sucked in a breath. For the Professor always looked like that when he thought he had one upped somebody. She found herself relaxing.
Challenger stood up.
'This 'meeting' is over. What a complete waste of my time.'
Elizabeth jumped up! Veronica was on her guard. But Challenger stood stock still.
'Greta will die without my help! You aren't really going to turn me down and allow her to die, are you?! You wouldn't! You couldn't!'
Challenger was still calm.
'Greta is not going to die, is she? You've just given her the formula that your husband used on Renata, haven't you?'
Veronica was confused. She touched Challenger's arm.
'What? What are you talking about?' she asked.
Challenger's eyes were still locked with Elizabeth's when he answered. It was almost as if some unseen force had whispered what he needed to know into his ear. Jessi.
'Elizabeth gave Greta the formula that turned Renata into an ape.' he said calmly.
Veronica's mouth dropped open, and she lunged for Elizabeth! Challenger held her back.
'Let me go, Challenger! I will beat the living and dead hell out of you, if you don't tell us how to cure Greta!' she hissed.
Challenger turned Veronica towards him.
'The cure is back on the plateau. We have to go back there.'
'But you don't know where to go!' Elizabeth almost cried desperately. 'And if I don't tell you where, and you don't get it in to her before a certain time, Greta will stay an ape creature for the rest of her life!'
Veronica stopped struggling, still trying to process the horror of it all. She looked from Elizabeth to Challenger. How could he be so calm?!
Challenger then answered Veronica's question, only he was staring at Elizabeth.
'One of the many things I will regret in my life, is that I didn't do much to help Renata. But, by the time we discovered she was the sought after creature, I didn't have the luxury of heading back to the plateau to help cure the poor girl. I had to make sure my wife and friends were safe.'
Challenger turned away from Elizabeth and looked at Veronica.
'Do you remember how after Hargrove was killed, Renata decided she needed to be independent...on her own?'
Veronica just nodded.
'She was kind enough to give me some of her father's journals. If nothing else, Hargrove and I were men of science, and Renata knew that his notes would interest me. In them, are the formulas for his ape experiments that he performed on the plateau. I just never thought he'd use his own child as a guinea pig.'
Elizabeth began to back away.
'Then if you have William's journals...then...'
Veronica lurched away from Challenger and walked up to her, sticking a finger in her face!
'That's right! We don't need you!'
Veronica then turned from Challenger.
'How much time do we have before nothing can be done for Greta?' she asked.
Challenger's eyes returned to Elizabeth's.
'The toxin is slow moving. Permanent results take about three months to achieve. Poor Renata probably never knew what hit her...or how to cure herself. I just have one question for you: how in the hell did you get ahold of that poison?!'
Challenger had been speaking to Elizabeth. She sighed deeply.
'We were married. William had been working on that ape experiment thing before he was forced to flee London. He left a lot of vials lying around...'
Veronica looked at Challenger.
'If this stuff has been just lying around, maybe it will lose it's effect?' she asked hopefully.
Challenger rubbed his hands together.
'We won't know until we see Greta. But I think we should prepare ourselves for the worst.'
'And?' Veronica asked.
'And Roxton and Marguerite should get Greta ready to visit the place where she was conceived. The cure is in a rare plant. We will need to take her there.'
Veronica glared at Elizabeth, before banging on the door and yelling that they were finished. The attendant quickly opened the door. He walked over to Elizabeth, then began to push her from the room. She stopped suddenly and looked back at both of them.
'If your wife had just given me the baby...'
Challenger glared at her. 'You poisoned Greta before my wife left your house, didn't you?'
Elizabeth didn't answer.
'Even if Jessi had turned Greta over to you, you would've still ended up with either a sick baby or an ape child. You wouldn't have had the means to cure her...God help you!'
Elizabeth said nothing as she was lead away. Her plans for freedom were now permanently foiled.
****
When Challenger and Veronica arrived at Marguerite's home, Challenger headed up to the nursery. He found Marguerite in Roxton's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. He was rocking her back and forth. Challenger thought he'd never seen a man look so frightened.
Challenger looked down in the crib and saw a smiley baby with hairy feet. He turned away and looked at Greta's parents.
'We have to leave...first thing in the morning.'
Marguerite stopped crying and pulled away from Roxton. Roxton let go of her and stood up.
'That woman did do something, didn't she?' he asked, his voice hoarse.
'She admitted as much. But there is a cure...back on the plateau.'
Roxton glanced back at Marguerite, before walking towards Challenger.
'You told me you couldn't help Renata. How are you going to cure my little girl?'
'There was no time to help Renata, Roxton. We've got time for Greta, if we leave right away. I've already told Malone to book us passage on The Cornerstone. We'll leave first thing in the morning.'
Roxton was about to say something, when Marguerite stood up and wiped her nose.
'Whatever we have to do, we'll do it. Just keep my little girl from turning in to an animal....'
Marguerite began to cry again. Challenger walked over to her and embraced her.
Chapter 13
The Challenger Expedition Returns Home PT 1
Challenger watched Veronica out of the corner of his eye. He had just turned down the road that lead to the Massachusetts State Hospital. The poor girl, he thought. Challenger knew that she was wondering what she was going to tell Malone about his mother.
And it wasn't like Vivian Malone was dead or anything. Challenger had managed to revive the woman. She awoke, but stared blankly at him and Veronica. Challenger suspected she had suffered from some sort of heart attack or small stroke, for she was unable to speak, when Veronica and himself tried to ask her how she was feeling. They very swiftly got the woman out of the office, and to the the nearest hospital.
A few reporters stared at them curiously, as they helped her out of the building. Veronica smiled at them nervously, and told them that Mrs. Malone was feeling under the weather, and that they were taking her to Boston Memorial. She then asked one of them to see if they could find Malone anywhere, and let him know where they all were.
Once they got Vivian to the hospital, the doctors confirmed what Challenger had suspected:Vivian had had some sort of stroke. The result was that she was unable to speak. Challenger wondered if the woman had suffered some sort of memory loss as well, as she didn't seem to hate Veronica, or at least, that's not the impression Challenger got when Vivian looked at her daughter-in-law to be.
As they awaited Malone's arrival, Challenger softly asked Veronica what she was going to tell Ned about how this whole thing occurred. She had shrugged, saying that she was just going to tell the truth: that Vivian Malone and her were arguing, when the older woman suddenly had a stroke.
Challenger hadn't had much time to comment on Veronica's answer, when a nurse came to them, telling them there was a call from Ned Malone. Veronica and Challenger followed the nurse to the phone. Just as Veronica was about to speak, she stopped, listening intently. Her face then looked very grave. She answered yes, then handed the phone to Challenger. It was then, that Malone told him the news: that the same woman that had murdered his Jessi, had poisoned Marguerite and Roxton's child!
He had scarcely heard the rest of what Malone was telling him, his rage at this psychotic woman, growing by the second. He almost didn't hear that Elizabeth Thomas hinted strongly that she had given Greta something William Hargrove had invented. He almost didn't hear that that Thomas woman claimed that they would have to return to the plateau to find a cure.
Challenger told Malone they would get the answers Roxton and Marguerite needed to save their daughter, then hung up. Veronica gave him an apprehensive look, as if unsure that he was up to the task. Challenger matched her look with one of hard determination. Elizabeth Thomas may have gotten away with killing his wife, but he'd be damned if he'd allow her to get away with taking another.
****
Finn handed Malone a cup of coffee, as he sat in the drawing room, staring into the fireplace. Roxton, Marguerite and the doctor that had been called, were all upstairs with Greta. Finn sat down beside him.
'How are you holding up?' she asked him.
He thanked her for the coffee, taking two sips. before setting the cup aside.
'About as well as can be expected. Greta could be dying and my mother had apparently been feeling so under the weather, that Challenger and Veronica had to take her to a hospital. I'm having a wonderful day.'
Finn looked into the fire as well.
'I'm sorry, Ned. I don't know your mother real well, but I'm sure she will be fine...in fact, why don't you just go to her now? I'm here for Roxton and Marguerite.'
Ned shook his head.
'I need to know that that doctor up there can cure Greta. I need to know that Elizabeth Thomas was lying.'
Finn frowned.
'If what Elizabeth Thomas said is true, then we're all going to have to go back.'
Malone looked up and over at her.
'No. Challenger, Roxton and I will go. Marguerite will want to stay here with Greta. She'll need Veronica and you here with her, for support.'
Finn looked away from him, then stood up. Malone looked over towards the stairs, before standing up as well.
'Finn, what's going on?'
Finn turned back around.
'What do you mean?'
'I mean, with all that's happened around here, it has not escaped my notice that there is tension between Veronica and yourself. Why? I mean, if you two can't pull it together for Marguerite and Greta...'
'I love you.'
Malone stared at her. He hadn't heard her correctly.
'Excuse me?'
Finn walked up to him.
'I love you. That's what the problem is, Ned. I love you and Veronica knows...or correctly guessed it.'
Malone didn't say anything. Finn didn't get the impression that he was disgusted or anything. She forged on, taking advantage of his stunned silence.
'I was never involved with Jack Farrell. But, he was out to get you.'
Malone cleared his throat.
'What do you mean?'
Finn took a deep breath.
'He sensed how I felt about you and approached me with a deal.'
Malone crossed his arms.
'What kind of deal, Finn?'
Finn could hear the beginnings of anger in his voice. But she had come this far and there was no turning back.
'Jack was interested in Veronica. We were working together to break the two of you up.'
Malone didn't say anything. Finn looked down at the ground.
'How could you? Veronica and I knew that you would be alone once we returned to civilization. She asked you to be in her wedding....I don't understand...'
Finn squinted at him.
'What do you mean, 'you don't understand'? I love you, Ned! My motivation for conspiring with Jack was because I thought we might have a chance! I didn't do it to hurt Veronica...I guess...in my mind, she would've learned to love Jack. And you remember how arrogant he was! He was never put off by the fact that she didn't like him. He thought he might be able to make her love him as well.'
Malone felt tired again. He didn't need to hear this. And poor Veronica. How long had she known about Finn's deceit?
Finn began to speak again, when Malone held up a hand in a halting motion.
'I don't want to hear anymore. Not now. My main concern is Greta and Challenger. He's the one that we're counting on, to get that Thomas woman to tell us how to help Greta.'
'I know that, Ned.'
'Good.'
There was a terribly awkward silence, before Finn spoke again.
'You know you're wrong, though.'
Malone sighed and began rubbing his eyes.
'What am I wrong about?' he asked.
'We are all going to have to go back to that plateau, if Mrs. Thomas is telling the truth. You saw how Greta looked. She doesn't have months to wait for you all to return with a cure.'
Malone didn't answer, since he was still not 100% convinced that there was a cure at all. The sound of footsteps approaching, made him more alert. He looked over at Finn, who gave him a fearful glance.
Roxton and the doctor walked into the drawing room. Roxton wore an expression of visible relief. Malone and Finn glanced at one another again.
'Well? How is Greta?' Malone asked.
Dr. Elliott Townsend, glanced at Roxton, before speaking.
'The fever appears to have broken.' he answered.
Finn looked at Roxton.
'Greta is back to her normal complexion? I mean, she looked like she was burning away in front of my very eyes....'
Finn choked back tears. Ned, despite learning of her betrayal, felt drawn to her. He put an arm around her. She just nodded her head. Roxton walked over to her as well. Whatever he thought of Finn these days, he didn't doubt her devotion to his child.
'Dr. Townsend doesn't know if Greta is completely out of the woods yet, do you doctor?' Roxton asked, looking back towards him.
The doctor nodded. 'The fever breaking is a good step in the right direction. But I'm still uneasy about Greta's condition.'
Roxton walked back towards him.
'Well, what more could happen to her? Whatever that woman gave to her has worked it's way out of her system, hasn't it?'
Roxton didn't wait for the doctor's answer, and turned quickly back to Malone and Finn. He looked so hopeful...so determined to find some positive meaning in the doctor's words, it broke Finn's heart.
Malone looked at Dr. Townsend.
'Was this just some fever, or was Greta poisoned?'
Dr. Townsend nodded.
'She's been given some sort of toxin, something that mimics all of the symptoms of a rare form of scarlet fever. But in most cases, the victim dies, or at the very least, is left with some sort of impediment.'
Malone didn't respond. He removed his arm from around Finn. Malone understood the doctor to mean, that just because the obvious symptoms had disappeared, didn't mean that Greta was out of danger yet. Some new, deadly effect could yet surface.
But Roxton's brow furrowed in anger!
'She's fine now! That Thomas woman may have given Greta something, but my daughter has beaten the poison!'
Roxton walked swiftly over to the doctor, pulling on his arm and showing him out. He slammed the door after him. Finn and Malone gave one another looks, before approaching Roxton.
'What the hell did you do that for? We may need him again!' Finn yelled.
'We need positive thinking around here, Finn! That's why I put him out of here! Greta is obviously well and he's going around here talking as if she could die any minute!'
'Alright, Roxton,' Malone began, trying to calm him down, 'I understand your feelings, but you have to wonder how that Thomas woman knew Greta was sick? I didn't even know for sure until I got here!'
Roxton pointed a finger at him!
'I don't know why that woman does or doesn't know or do anything! But I'll tell you what we're going to do: we're going to call that funny farm and tell Challenger and Veronica not to bother with that woman! Challenger doesn't need the aggravation of looking at the person that killed his wife!'
It was then, that Marguerite's loud, piercing scream could be heard. Roxton, Malone and Finn, in that order, hurried up the stairs. When they arrived at Greta's room, Marguerite was standing several feet away from the crib, her hands over her mouth. She was shaking her head wildly. Finn went to her, while Roxton rushed over to the crib. Malone looked from Marguerite to Roxton.
'What is it?' Finn asked. She then began shaking Marguerite when she would not answer.
'Stop it, Finn!' Malone hissed and began walking towards her to break them up.
But Finn turned and glared at Malone.
'That doctor was right, Ned, and we don't have the time for hysterics!'
Finn then turned back to Marguerite.
'What is it? Is she red again?'
Malone then turned from Finn and Marguerite, to Roxton, who was eerily quiet. Malone walked over to him and looked down in the crib.
Greta Roxton appeared to be sleeping peacefully. But, on her little feet, were heavy bushes of hair. Roxton was gaping down into the crib. Malone backed away, then looked at Finn, who gave him a questioning look.
'That Thomas woman wasn't lying.' Malone said in a dull, hollow voice.
****
Veronica paced the room that she and Challenger were supposed to meet Elizabeth in. An attendant had left them to go get her.
Ned had not asked about his mother, when he had called the hospital looking for them. Then again, when Challenger and her left with Vivian, no one at the paper had reason to believe that her condition was as serious as it turned out to be. Veronica still wondered how she was going to tell Ned the truth.
She looked at Challenger, who was calmly sitting in a chair. Veronica pulled up a chair and moved it next to him.
'How are you holding up?' she asked.
Challenger didn't answer. Veronica took a deep breath.
'If you want, I'll get the information out of her. You don't have to do this.'
Challenger looked at her.
'Yes, I do. For Greta...and Jessi. My wife gave her life to save that little girl. Allowing this Thomas woman to get away with poisoning Greta, would be like killing Jessi all over again. My wife will not have died in vain.'
Veronica gave him a shaky smile, then picked up his hand and squeezed it, just as Elizabeth Thomas was being led in. Challenger and Veronica stood up, hands still linked. Elizabeth smiled at both of them, as if she hadn't ruined anyone's life at all. The attendant looked at Challenger and Veronica.
'I'll be right outside this door.' he said.'
Challenger nodded, and the attendant left the room, closing the door behind him. Elizabeth sat down, but Veronica began talking.
'Don't bother sitting down. Just tell us how to cure Greta, and we'll do whatever you want.'
Elizabeth gave her a mocking look. She then sat anyway and turned her gaze on Challenger.
'I want you to help me get out of here.' she said, giving him a pointed look.
Challenger finally spoke.
'You mean you want us to help you escape? Is that it?'
Elizabeth smiled.
'Call it whatever you like. Get me out of here, and I will tell you where on the plateau, William kept the formula that will cure Greta.'
Veronica got up and walked over to the window. There were bars over it. She peeked out of the window and saw too many guards and other people to count. Granted, back on the plateau, they had been in tough spots before, and always managed to get out of them. But this was different. Veronica didn't want to help Jessi's killer escape her punishment.
Then again, they could always help her escape and kill her later, to avenge Jessi. Veronica closed her eyes. Was Vivian Malone right about her? Would she always be nothing but a jungle savage? Why had her first thought been to kill Elizabeth? Because they feared her? No, to avenge Jessi's death. And the strange part of it was, Veronica was sure that Jessi would not approve if she, or any of the others, killed her murderer.
Veronica turned back to Challenger and Elizabeth. It was very quiet.
'Tick, tock, Professor Challenger! Time is running out for that sweet baby your wife wouldn't let me keep!'
Veronica eyed Challenger. He was still calm. Elizabeth yawned quickly, then looked around Challenger at Veronica.
'Dear, would you tell your friend that the longer he stalls, the more that sweet baby is going to suffer.'
Veronica looked at Challenger.
'Challenger?' she asked.
Challenger gave Elizabeth a small smile. Veronica almost sucked in a breath. For the Professor always looked like that when he thought he had one upped somebody. She found herself relaxing.
Challenger stood up.
'This 'meeting' is over. What a complete waste of my time.'
Elizabeth jumped up! Veronica was on her guard. But Challenger stood stock still.
'Greta will die without my help! You aren't really going to turn me down and allow her to die, are you?! You wouldn't! You couldn't!'
Challenger was still calm.
'Greta is not going to die, is she? You've just given her the formula that your husband used on Renata, haven't you?'
Veronica was confused. She touched Challenger's arm.
'What? What are you talking about?' she asked.
Challenger's eyes were still locked with Elizabeth's when he answered. It was almost as if some unseen force had whispered what he needed to know into his ear. Jessi.
'Elizabeth gave Greta the formula that turned Renata into an ape.' he said calmly.
Veronica's mouth dropped open, and she lunged for Elizabeth! Challenger held her back.
'Let me go, Challenger! I will beat the living and dead hell out of you, if you don't tell us how to cure Greta!' she hissed.
Challenger turned Veronica towards him.
'The cure is back on the plateau. We have to go back there.'
'But you don't know where to go!' Elizabeth almost cried desperately. 'And if I don't tell you where, and you don't get it in to her before a certain time, Greta will stay an ape creature for the rest of her life!'
Veronica stopped struggling, still trying to process the horror of it all. She looked from Elizabeth to Challenger. How could he be so calm?!
Challenger then answered Veronica's question, only he was staring at Elizabeth.
'One of the many things I will regret in my life, is that I didn't do much to help Renata. But, by the time we discovered she was the sought after creature, I didn't have the luxury of heading back to the plateau to help cure the poor girl. I had to make sure my wife and friends were safe.'
Challenger turned away from Elizabeth and looked at Veronica.
'Do you remember how after Hargrove was killed, Renata decided she needed to be independent...on her own?'
Veronica just nodded.
'She was kind enough to give me some of her father's journals. If nothing else, Hargrove and I were men of science, and Renata knew that his notes would interest me. In them, are the formulas for his ape experiments that he performed on the plateau. I just never thought he'd use his own child as a guinea pig.'
Elizabeth began to back away.
'Then if you have William's journals...then...'
Veronica lurched away from Challenger and walked up to her, sticking a finger in her face!
'That's right! We don't need you!'
Veronica then turned from Challenger.
'How much time do we have before nothing can be done for Greta?' she asked.
Challenger's eyes returned to Elizabeth's.
'The toxin is slow moving. Permanent results take about three months to achieve. Poor Renata probably never knew what hit her...or how to cure herself. I just have one question for you: how in the hell did you get ahold of that poison?!'
Challenger had been speaking to Elizabeth. She sighed deeply.
'We were married. William had been working on that ape experiment thing before he was forced to flee London. He left a lot of vials lying around...'
Veronica looked at Challenger.
'If this stuff has been just lying around, maybe it will lose it's effect?' she asked hopefully.
Challenger rubbed his hands together.
'We won't know until we see Greta. But I think we should prepare ourselves for the worst.'
'And?' Veronica asked.
'And Roxton and Marguerite should get Greta ready to visit the place where she was conceived. The cure is in a rare plant. We will need to take her there.'
Veronica glared at Elizabeth, before banging on the door and yelling that they were finished. The attendant quickly opened the door. He walked over to Elizabeth, then began to push her from the room. She stopped suddenly and looked back at both of them.
'If your wife had just given me the baby...'
Challenger glared at her. 'You poisoned Greta before my wife left your house, didn't you?'
Elizabeth didn't answer.
'Even if Jessi had turned Greta over to you, you would've still ended up with either a sick baby or an ape child. You wouldn't have had the means to cure her...God help you!'
Elizabeth said nothing as she was lead away. Her plans for freedom were now permanently foiled.
****
When Challenger and Veronica arrived at Marguerite's home, Challenger headed up to the nursery. He found Marguerite in Roxton's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. He was rocking her back and forth. Challenger thought he'd never seen a man look so frightened.
Challenger looked down in the crib and saw a smiley baby with hairy feet. He turned away and looked at Greta's parents.
'We have to leave...first thing in the morning.'
Marguerite stopped crying and pulled away from Roxton. Roxton let go of her and stood up.
'That woman did do something, didn't she?' he asked, his voice hoarse.
'She admitted as much. But there is a cure...back on the plateau.'
Roxton glanced back at Marguerite, before walking towards Challenger.
'You told me you couldn't help Renata. How are you going to cure my little girl?'
'There was no time to help Renata, Roxton. We've got time for Greta, if we leave right away. I've already told Malone to book us passage on The Cornerstone. We'll leave first thing in the morning.'
Roxton was about to say something, when Marguerite stood up and wiped her nose.
'Whatever we have to do, we'll do it. Just keep my little girl from turning in to an animal....'
Marguerite began to cry again. Challenger walked over to her and embraced her.
