Chapter 15
Summerlee tells the true tale of his disappearance. Tensions build at camp.
Finn watched as Challenger and Summerlee examined Greta by a lantern. This Summerlee's, re-appearance, had really seemed to brighten everyone's mood considerably, including Roxton and Marguerite's.
Roxton had his trademark hat on again, and was whirling Marguerite around off of the ground. She was even laughing. Finn sensed that now that this man, who had seemingly been lost from the expedition, had returned, the combination of his knowledge and Challenger's, gave Roxton and Marguerite more hope than ever that Greta would be alright.
Finn tried not to look over under the tree a few feet away from her. Malone and Veronica were necking in the darkness.
Caroline Hyland approached her, tentatively. Finn noticed her.
'That was an amazing story Summerlee told.' Finn commented.
Caroline nodded. 'He's an amazing man...to have survived this long.'
Finn nodded. An hour ago, around a fire, Arthur Summerlee had revealed that not only was his son Nigel, a murderer and a liar, but that his son had kept him prisoner all of this time! What Nigel did not know was, that Caroline Hyland, had been working for the British government to help bring him down.
Apparently, Caroline's late husband, had done some work for Queen and country as well. When he died, Caroline, and his superiors, were sure it was at the hands of Nigel Summerlee. Caroline, devastated, offered to take over where her husband had left off. Of course, the government was reluctant, considering her high position in society, and her sex.
But they relented once Nigel began his botched cancer experiments. Then, when Nigel left Lady Emma Roxton to die in that cabin, Caroline knew that she would have to step up her pursuit of him. She was aware that she could very well end up like Emma Roxton. Caroline was not proud of some of the things that she had had to do to gain Nigel's trust. But, when those occasions did arise, all she thought about was her late beloved husband, and told herself that she was doing what she was doing for him.
The part about Summerlee going over the falls and finding the way off of the plateau, was true. But the elderly professor's jaunt in the water, had caused him to come down with a nasty case of pneumonia. Nigel, Caroline and the others in his expedition, found him, barely alive.
Caroline helped nurse Summerlee back to health, while Nigel managed to wean bits of information about the Challenger expedition, Summerlee's journals, and most everything else he wanted to know, while his delirious father fought for his life. Nigel ordered Caroline to keep his father alive, otherwise, she would join him when he did die.
Summerlee, during moments of lucidity, begged his son to find out what had happened to the rest of the expedition on that bridge. Nigel just always patted his hand and nodded. Summerlee would then drift off into unconsciousness.
Summerlee took a long time to recover. But, he was alert enough to realize that his son had no intention of helping the rest of his expedition, at least, not yet. Summerlee had watched helplessly, to weak to move, as Nigel and the others, transported him and everyone else back onto the plateau through that waterfall. That trip set Summerlee back health wise. He then became a prisoner and a helpless bystander, as that wretched compound was built. Once it was, Summerlee's new home became a dungeon in the cellar.
Nigel was always promising to let him go, and to help the Challenger expedition, if his father would just give him this bit of information, or explain something in one of his journals. It didn't take long for Summerlee to realize that he was staring evil right in the eyes. And those eyes were so like his own.
Finally, Summerlee stopped talking to him at all. From then on, Nigel began threatening him, telling him that he had found the Challenger Expedition, and that all he had to do was release some bacterial concoction of his on their crops, or something much worse, and that that would be the end of his friends....that is, if Summerlee told him some other secret.
Through all of this, Caroline was like his rock. She told him what she was really doing there. Summerlee had no doubt, that she was the very reason he was alive today. Nigel would've killed him long ago, this his father was sure of.
Caroline visited him in the dungeon everyday and most times, brought his food and water. Then, came the day when Caroline told him that Nigel had Marguerite Krux in the house. Summerlee was delighted to hear that one of his friends was still alive. He begged Caroline to make sure that Nigel did nothing to harm the young woman. Caroline replied that she would do her damnedest. She then remarked that they would both find out how vicious Nigel really was, if he'd stoop so low as to harm a pregnant woman.
When Summerlee had related those words, Marguerite and Roxton had clasped hands, then looked down at Greta, who was now staring at Summerlee.
'Yes,' Caroline continued. 'I feared a draft or something would take him from me down in the dungeon. It wasn't until the villagers discovered Nigel's treachery, and began burning down everything, that I knew I had to find a way to get Arthur out of that dungeon.'
Finn nodded. 'Yeah, you said something about shooting the lock?'
Caroline nodded. 'Nigel kept all of the guns locked up in a glass case. I ran back inside and just smashed the case with my fist. Look, I still have the scar.'
Finn glanced at Caroline's hand. She nodded then lapsed into silence. Caroline looked around at everyone else, before focusing in on her again.
'I see nothing changed on your front.' she commented.
Finn looked her up and down.
'Excuse me?'
Caroline smiled softly.
'It was obvious those months that we were waiting around to be rescued, that you had eyes for Ned Malone. I thought you would've acted on them by now?'
Finn looked away from her briefly, before responding to her question with a question.
'Everyone is so excited to see Summerlee, that they've forgotten to ask a couple of important questions. Like, if you freed him from the dungeon before the fire could reach him, why didn't we see him the night we found the plane? And why didn't we know he was alive those months that we waited for Challenger and Roxton to come back with help?'
'I'm sure those questions haven't escaped your friends minds. Arthur will talk about it when he's good and ready.'
Finn gave her a blithe smile.
'No offense, but I barely know that guy. And I'm not waiting for some official explanation from him. So, why don't you tell me? And while you're at it, why don't you tell me how long it took for you to come on the rescue plane with us, the double back to Summerlee?'
Caroline looked slightly peeved.
'What is it you're accusing us of Finn?'
Finn took a deep breath.
'I'm not accusing you of anything...yet. It's just that I'm not in awe of Arthur Summerlee, no disrespect intended. I have more questions that I would like answered now. But, since everyone is having a reunion here, I'll let them rest, for now.'
Caroline gave her a sly smile.
'Is this really all about Arthur's and my presence here, or are you feeling left out?'
'Excuse me?'
Finn had raised her voice a bit when she said that. Marguerite and Roxton looked over at them. Caroline caught Marguerite's eye, before returning her attention to Finn.
'Roxton and Marguerite are happier than I've ever seen them. Veronica holds the place in Ned's heart that you would like. Arthur and I are very happy. Maybe you should...'
'Arthur and you?' Finn asked, her mouth dropping open.
Now Caroline looked defensive.
'That's right, Finn. Arthur and I are in love.'
Finn looked her up and down again.
'Oh. I see.'
Caroline folded her arms.
'What? Go ahead and say it. He's too old for me.'
Finn shrugged. 'Maybe by 25 or 30 years. But I guess you have to find love wherever you can get it.'
'Yes. And you also can't steal it from someone else.' Caroline said cryptically, before walking away. Finn rolled her eyes and looked away.
****
'Did you see that over there?' Marguerite asked Roxton, who was watching Challenger and Summerlee examine Greta.
'Did you say something?' Roxton asked, looking back at her.
Marguerite looked from Finn and Caroline, back to Challenger, Summerlee and Greta. She grabbed both of his hands.
'Everything is going to be fine now. Greta is in capable hands.'
Roxton looked from the scientists to the woman he loved. He smiled down at her.
'Now you're the one comforting me?'
Marguerite nodded and began swinging his hands.
'That's right. Don't you see? Summerlee's being here...it's like some sign. A sign that Greta is going to be cured. I haven't felt this positive since Jessi's death.'
Marguerite then grew quiet, but still held Roxton's hands. He squeezed hers.
'I know there's a part of you that still blames yourself for Jessi's death...'
Marguerite looked away from him over to Challenger and Summerlee.
'I'm just surprised that Challenger doesn't hate me.'
Roxton's eyes widened, and he let go of one of her hands, bringing his own hand up to turn her face back towards him.
'Don't ever think that. George doesn't hate you or blame you for any of this. And if anything, his determination to help our daughter comes from a sense of responsibility to his wife. She died trying to protect Greta. He is going to do everything in his power to make sure that Jessi didn't die in vain.'
'Meaning saving Greta.' Marguerite murmured.
Roxton nodded, then kissed her gently. The kiss then began to turn into something a bit more passionate, when a cough interrupted them. It was Challenger and Summerlee. Summerlee was holding Greta. Her hair feet glistened in the growing darkness.
Both Roxton and Marguerite were a bit embarrassed and looked it, as they stood before the two men, and their child, as if they were guilty teenagers.
'George, Arthur, what have you found out?' Roxton asked. Marguerite linked her arm with Roxton's. She looked over at Summerlee and Greta.
'Tell me you know how to cure her.' she said.
Summerlee handed Greta over to Marguerite.
'I agree with George's solution. The two poisons combined should work as a cure.'
That was all he said. Marguerite eyed Roxton, who glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. He then looked at Challenger.
'Is there something more?' he asked, not liking the silence. Finn had moved in towards them as well. Ned and Veronica had disappeared, and were not under the tree anymore.
George looked over at Summerlee, who nodded. George then spoke.
'Summerlee says that a hurricane did indeed hit the plateau, only a few short days ago. The damage it did to the plant life has been tremendous.'
'So, you're saying that we might not find these poisonous plants, right?' Finn asked. Roxton glared at her.
'No, Finn, no one is saying that! Where would you get an idea like that from?'
His voice was not so much angry sounding, as it was panicky Marguerite didn't look at her, but just rubbed Greta's feet. Finn understood where Roxton was coming from, but there were things she wanted to know. Like, who was in charge of turning the plateau into a tourist trap? It almost had to have been Summerlee and Caroline. That was the reason he never showed himself, even when they were waiting to be rescued by the return expedition team. And it had to be the reason Caroline high-tailed it back here so shortly after being rescued. It hadn't sounded like a bad idea, to let people see what life here was like. But, Renata Hargrove, whatever her problems., had sounded believable when she said that the tourists were killing off the wildlife. If Summerlee was a scientist, how could he allow that t happen?
Then again, Finn didn't know that Summerlee or Caroline were responsible for any of this. But it still creeped her out that they hadn't had to fight off a dinosaur or cannibal yet. And where were these tourists? Did they die during the hurricane? And if so, why were only Summerlee and Caroline alive?
'Finn?'
Finn focused back on the present. Marguerite was looking at her with some concern. Roxton raised a brow.
'Look, all I want to know is, has this hurricane caused a problem with finding the plants, that's all. I don't want to be a Negative Nancy.'
''A Negative Nancy'? Challenger asked. 'Somehow, I don't think that's the right phrase.'
'Whatever! Well? Professor Summerlee?' Finn asked him.
Summerlee did not like this uncouth young lady! Where the hell did Challenger find her again?
But he kept a straight face and answered her in a cool tone.
'Caroline and I have not had time to do an extensive search of this plateau for damage. I'm sure what you're looking for is here. But, I never ran across any plants like the ones we need in my immediate vicinity. I would have to say that they're probably wherever Hargrove's labs were.'
Challenger nodded. 'Yes, I always suspected that the solution would be in that area as well. First thing in the morning, we'll head out.'
Summerlee nodded in agreement. Marguerite handed Greta over to Roxton, then walked up to Summerlee and hugged him. He smiled, as his arms clasped around her.
'Now, now dear. What is all of this about?'
Marguerite pulled away. She then touched his cheek.
'First of all, I am very, very, very happy to see you alive and looking so well. And secondly, thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you're doing for Greta. Both of you.'
Marguerite looked at Challenger as well. Roxton walked up to him, holding Greta in one arm. He extended his other hand out to Challenger and shook his friend's hand.
'You didn't have to come. We had to push Jessi's funeral aside...'
'We're doing this for Jessi as much as anyone.' Challenger replied, his eyes turning misty.
Summerlee arched a brow.
'Jessi? What about her? Did I hear you say....'
Marguerite squeezed Summerlee's hand.
'It's a long story, but yes, Jessi passed on.'
'Good God, Challenger! I had no idea! When did this happen?'
Challenger walked away from Roxton and put a hand on Summerlee's shoulder.
'Later my friend. Let's see about dinner first.'
Summerlee nodded slowly. Challenger looked back at Roxton.
'I'll look in the plane and see what provisions we have. After they're gone, I'll hunt for something. It will be like old times.' Roxton said.
Finn noticed Summerlee frown. She knew why. If the wildlife was being killed off, there probably wouldn't be much to hunt.
Marguerite glanced at Finn again, who still looked uncertain. Roxton walked with Greta towards the plane. Marguerite moved closer to Finn.
'I know you're going through a hard time, Finn.'
Finn looked at her.
'What do you mean?'
Marguerite gave her a 'you're kidding look'.
'It wasn't lost on any of us that Malone and Veronica's disappearance isn't exactly inconspicuous.'
Finn blew out a breath.
'Marguerite, I want and need for everyone to understand that I love Greta...'
'No one is accusing you of not loving her.'
'Well then give me some credit then! First Caroline, then you, accuse me of projecting my unhappiness about Ned and Vee on this whole situation. So, let me be clear: I don't believe for a minute that we won't find this cure. By sundown tomorrow, Greta will be rid of that nasty ape hair on her feet.'
'But?' Marguerite asked.
'But the reality is we still don't know what the hell is going on here! And that would be fine, if the plane hadn't crashed. We may end up here again for some time. If there's no wildlife to shoot, I think we should know that. I also would like to know why Summerlee didn't show himself all of those months we were waiting for Challenger and Roxton to return. Why did Caroline come back here? Her mission for the government was over. Nigel was dead.'
Marguerite stared at the girl. None of those questions had ever crossed her mind. But, she thought she could answer at least one of them.
'I doubt the answers to any of those questions are very sinister. But, you have made a couple of points. Let's just wait until Greta is cured to get the answers, okay?'
Finn nodded, relieved to find someone who could see her point of view with an open mind.
'But I will tell you this,' Marguerite continued. 'I think one of the reasons our dear Professor has been hiding out, is because he's in love.'
Finn gave her a blank stare, then nodded.
'Yeah, Caroline told me they were in love.'
Finn smiled at first, then began to titter.
'What is so funny?'
'Oh come on, Marguerite! I mean, granted, Caroline is middle-aged, but Summerlee has got to be around...'
'And that means he should just forget about love because he's too old?'
'No! I guess I'm saying that I think it's....it's....gross.'
Marguerite smiled at her.
'Why don't we go see if we can help with dinner?'
Finn nodded, running Marguerite's suggestion through her mind. While it explained some things, that explanation didn't cover the other discrepancies that she had noticed on the plateau. But for now, she would let it go.
****
Roxton put a hand over Greta's eyes, as they re-entered the plane. He didn't want his daughter seeing anything indecent, in case Malone and Veronica were in here. He needn't have bothered. They were there, but Malone looked peeved. It didn't take a genius to see why.
Veronica was dressed exactly like she used to be when they all lived there. Which meant she covered the bare essentials. Roxton looked at Malone.
'Sorry...I didn't mean to interrupt...I just thought I'd look through some of our provisions for dinner.'
There was a long awkward silence. Veronica ran her fingers through her hair.
'Great having Summerlee back, hey?' Roxton asked, to try and break the ice. Greta looked up at him.
'I think I'll see what Challenger is up to.' Veronica muttered, moving past Roxton and Greta, then leaving the plane. Roxton looked after her, then turned to stare at Malone.
'What the hell is going on here?' he asked.
Malone nodded angrily.
'Did you see that? Did you see what she had on?'
Roxton took a deep breath.
'She does look like she's here to stay.'
'Oh, that she is! She just told me she isn't coming back to Boston with us...me.'
Roxton's mouth dropped open. Greta stared at Malone.
'Veronica's just...just overwhelmed at being on the plateau again. Once it hits her that she'll be leaving you...'
Malone folded his arms.
'That's just it though. She wants me to stay here too.'
Roxton began to shake his head.
'Are you kidding me? She knows you have responsibilities to your paper...your family. Good God, what about your mother?'
Malone turned away and spoke.
'We discussed that. She said she's sorry but she'll never get along with my mother. I mean, I really doubt that. My mother can be hard, but once she got used to Veronica, she would've come around.'
'Malone, listen to yourself? You're speaking in the past tense already!'
Malone looked back at Roxton and Greta, who's attention was now focused around the airplane.
'Veronica wants to spend her life here. She doesn't want to live in London, Boston, or any other civilized society. She also wants to find her mother.'
Roxton's eyes widened.
'I thought she'd given all of that up?' he asked.
Malone shook his head.
'I had no idea she was that unhappy. My God, Roxton, what would've happened if that ape creature hadn't interrupted our lives? When would Veronica have told me that she hated our life? After we were married?'
'She doesn't hate your life necessarily....'
'Yes she does. And you know what? I wasn't exactly prepared for my life after this place either. I didn't know my father died, so next thing I know, I'm running a newspaper instead of working out in the field like I want to.'
'Then let someone else take over the daily duties of the paper! Do what you want to do.' Roxton suggested.
Malone shook his head quickly.
'I can't live without her. But I won't live here again. Not ever.'
Roxton said nothing. He held Greta tightly. It seemed that Malone and Veronica were at an impasse. He just hoped Finn didn't add to this seemingly impossible quandary.
****
Later on that evening, Veronica stayed up with Summerlee around the fire and talked with him. Caroline was off sleeping in what was left of the compound. Everyone else was in the plane.
'So, someone is living in my treehouse?' she asked.
'Well not just anyone, my dear, a husband and wife that claim to have some relation to the royal family.'
Veronica shrugged.
'That means nothing to me. I want them gone.'
Summerlee's eyes widened, and he stole a quick glance towards the plane.
'Well, what does it matter? You will be returning with Malone, hey? Challenger told me the two of you were engaged.'
Veronica didn't answer right away. She had seen the surprise in Roxton's, then everyone else's eyes, when she donned her old outfit she used to wear on this plateau.
'Veronica?'
'I don't want to go back to Boston with Ned. Everything is different there. I don't see him as much and I'm always under pressure to 'fulfill social obligations'. God! It it hadn't been for Marguerite, I wouldn't even know half of what I'm supposed to. And then there's the 'Finn problem'.
'Hmmm, yes. Where did she come from?'
'I've heard the story a million times and I still can't tell it straight. From the future. I wasn't around when she first appeared. At first, we were like sisters. Marguerite was helping us both integrate into society. Then I found out she had been plotting against me to steal Ned. I know he has no feelings for her, yet, I know that she would be willing to do whatever she needed to do, to show that she could be a proper society wife to Ned. She's willing to do the things that I'm not.'
'She's said that?' Summerlee asked.
'No. But it's just something I sense.'
There was nothing else said for the longest moment. The Summerlee cleared his throat.
'Veronica?'
'Yes?'
'I'm in love with Caroline. We're in love with each other. I have no intention of leaving here.'
Veronica's eyes widened. She then smiled, touching his arm.
'That's wonderful. I don't think you should go back. This place is magic for people in love. It's the outside world that ruins everything.'
Summerlee smiled sadly at her. He had the distinct impression that Ned Malone probably did not share her feelings about this place. He hoped the young man would stay here with Veronica. He also hoped that wretched girl, Finn, left when this whole thing was over.
****
The next morning, there were two surprises, neither of them good. Challenger, Roxton Malone and Summerlee were already up. Caroline had been nice enough to fix them a breakfast. She helped Summerlee adjust his pack, then kissed him. Challenger did a double take. Good Lord! What the hell was going on between them, he wondered.
It was as Challenger met Roxton's eyes on the matter, that he then looked past Roxton and towards the plane. Finn was up. Finn was also dressed in an outfit that was very similar to Veronica's! Malone's eyes grew wide.
'Finn?'
She smiled at him.
'Yeah, Vee always looked so comfy in hers. I actually made it before we left. What do you think?'
'I think Veronica and you could be sisters.' Caroline commented innocently. All four men looked at her. Caroline shrugged.
Malone didn't know what to make of Finn's appearance. It disturbed him, but he could not think of why. It was as he was puzzling over this, that a scream could be heard from the plane. Everyone went running inside.
Finn was back inside first. Veronica was just adjusting her pack and looked at her, her mouth dropping open. But she had no time to comment. She turned back to Marguerite and rested a hand on her shoulder.
The ape hair had now covered both of Greta's legs and stopped at the knee. Marguerite just stared down at her baby in shock. Roxton pushed past Challenger and Malone, then hurried over to them. Marguerite clasped his hand, then looked from Greta to him.
'Go, John! Go now and hurry!'
Roxton nodded, his eyes full of worry. He touched Greta's little hand. She cooed.
Summerlee tells the true tale of his disappearance. Tensions build at camp.
Finn watched as Challenger and Summerlee examined Greta by a lantern. This Summerlee's, re-appearance, had really seemed to brighten everyone's mood considerably, including Roxton and Marguerite's.
Roxton had his trademark hat on again, and was whirling Marguerite around off of the ground. She was even laughing. Finn sensed that now that this man, who had seemingly been lost from the expedition, had returned, the combination of his knowledge and Challenger's, gave Roxton and Marguerite more hope than ever that Greta would be alright.
Finn tried not to look over under the tree a few feet away from her. Malone and Veronica were necking in the darkness.
Caroline Hyland approached her, tentatively. Finn noticed her.
'That was an amazing story Summerlee told.' Finn commented.
Caroline nodded. 'He's an amazing man...to have survived this long.'
Finn nodded. An hour ago, around a fire, Arthur Summerlee had revealed that not only was his son Nigel, a murderer and a liar, but that his son had kept him prisoner all of this time! What Nigel did not know was, that Caroline Hyland, had been working for the British government to help bring him down.
Apparently, Caroline's late husband, had done some work for Queen and country as well. When he died, Caroline, and his superiors, were sure it was at the hands of Nigel Summerlee. Caroline, devastated, offered to take over where her husband had left off. Of course, the government was reluctant, considering her high position in society, and her sex.
But they relented once Nigel began his botched cancer experiments. Then, when Nigel left Lady Emma Roxton to die in that cabin, Caroline knew that she would have to step up her pursuit of him. She was aware that she could very well end up like Emma Roxton. Caroline was not proud of some of the things that she had had to do to gain Nigel's trust. But, when those occasions did arise, all she thought about was her late beloved husband, and told herself that she was doing what she was doing for him.
The part about Summerlee going over the falls and finding the way off of the plateau, was true. But the elderly professor's jaunt in the water, had caused him to come down with a nasty case of pneumonia. Nigel, Caroline and the others in his expedition, found him, barely alive.
Caroline helped nurse Summerlee back to health, while Nigel managed to wean bits of information about the Challenger expedition, Summerlee's journals, and most everything else he wanted to know, while his delirious father fought for his life. Nigel ordered Caroline to keep his father alive, otherwise, she would join him when he did die.
Summerlee, during moments of lucidity, begged his son to find out what had happened to the rest of the expedition on that bridge. Nigel just always patted his hand and nodded. Summerlee would then drift off into unconsciousness.
Summerlee took a long time to recover. But, he was alert enough to realize that his son had no intention of helping the rest of his expedition, at least, not yet. Summerlee had watched helplessly, to weak to move, as Nigel and the others, transported him and everyone else back onto the plateau through that waterfall. That trip set Summerlee back health wise. He then became a prisoner and a helpless bystander, as that wretched compound was built. Once it was, Summerlee's new home became a dungeon in the cellar.
Nigel was always promising to let him go, and to help the Challenger expedition, if his father would just give him this bit of information, or explain something in one of his journals. It didn't take long for Summerlee to realize that he was staring evil right in the eyes. And those eyes were so like his own.
Finally, Summerlee stopped talking to him at all. From then on, Nigel began threatening him, telling him that he had found the Challenger Expedition, and that all he had to do was release some bacterial concoction of his on their crops, or something much worse, and that that would be the end of his friends....that is, if Summerlee told him some other secret.
Through all of this, Caroline was like his rock. She told him what she was really doing there. Summerlee had no doubt, that she was the very reason he was alive today. Nigel would've killed him long ago, this his father was sure of.
Caroline visited him in the dungeon everyday and most times, brought his food and water. Then, came the day when Caroline told him that Nigel had Marguerite Krux in the house. Summerlee was delighted to hear that one of his friends was still alive. He begged Caroline to make sure that Nigel did nothing to harm the young woman. Caroline replied that she would do her damnedest. She then remarked that they would both find out how vicious Nigel really was, if he'd stoop so low as to harm a pregnant woman.
When Summerlee had related those words, Marguerite and Roxton had clasped hands, then looked down at Greta, who was now staring at Summerlee.
'Yes,' Caroline continued. 'I feared a draft or something would take him from me down in the dungeon. It wasn't until the villagers discovered Nigel's treachery, and began burning down everything, that I knew I had to find a way to get Arthur out of that dungeon.'
Finn nodded. 'Yeah, you said something about shooting the lock?'
Caroline nodded. 'Nigel kept all of the guns locked up in a glass case. I ran back inside and just smashed the case with my fist. Look, I still have the scar.'
Finn glanced at Caroline's hand. She nodded then lapsed into silence. Caroline looked around at everyone else, before focusing in on her again.
'I see nothing changed on your front.' she commented.
Finn looked her up and down.
'Excuse me?'
Caroline smiled softly.
'It was obvious those months that we were waiting around to be rescued, that you had eyes for Ned Malone. I thought you would've acted on them by now?'
Finn looked away from her briefly, before responding to her question with a question.
'Everyone is so excited to see Summerlee, that they've forgotten to ask a couple of important questions. Like, if you freed him from the dungeon before the fire could reach him, why didn't we see him the night we found the plane? And why didn't we know he was alive those months that we waited for Challenger and Roxton to come back with help?'
'I'm sure those questions haven't escaped your friends minds. Arthur will talk about it when he's good and ready.'
Finn gave her a blithe smile.
'No offense, but I barely know that guy. And I'm not waiting for some official explanation from him. So, why don't you tell me? And while you're at it, why don't you tell me how long it took for you to come on the rescue plane with us, the double back to Summerlee?'
Caroline looked slightly peeved.
'What is it you're accusing us of Finn?'
Finn took a deep breath.
'I'm not accusing you of anything...yet. It's just that I'm not in awe of Arthur Summerlee, no disrespect intended. I have more questions that I would like answered now. But, since everyone is having a reunion here, I'll let them rest, for now.'
Caroline gave her a sly smile.
'Is this really all about Arthur's and my presence here, or are you feeling left out?'
'Excuse me?'
Finn had raised her voice a bit when she said that. Marguerite and Roxton looked over at them. Caroline caught Marguerite's eye, before returning her attention to Finn.
'Roxton and Marguerite are happier than I've ever seen them. Veronica holds the place in Ned's heart that you would like. Arthur and I are very happy. Maybe you should...'
'Arthur and you?' Finn asked, her mouth dropping open.
Now Caroline looked defensive.
'That's right, Finn. Arthur and I are in love.'
Finn looked her up and down again.
'Oh. I see.'
Caroline folded her arms.
'What? Go ahead and say it. He's too old for me.'
Finn shrugged. 'Maybe by 25 or 30 years. But I guess you have to find love wherever you can get it.'
'Yes. And you also can't steal it from someone else.' Caroline said cryptically, before walking away. Finn rolled her eyes and looked away.
****
'Did you see that over there?' Marguerite asked Roxton, who was watching Challenger and Summerlee examine Greta.
'Did you say something?' Roxton asked, looking back at her.
Marguerite looked from Finn and Caroline, back to Challenger, Summerlee and Greta. She grabbed both of his hands.
'Everything is going to be fine now. Greta is in capable hands.'
Roxton looked from the scientists to the woman he loved. He smiled down at her.
'Now you're the one comforting me?'
Marguerite nodded and began swinging his hands.
'That's right. Don't you see? Summerlee's being here...it's like some sign. A sign that Greta is going to be cured. I haven't felt this positive since Jessi's death.'
Marguerite then grew quiet, but still held Roxton's hands. He squeezed hers.
'I know there's a part of you that still blames yourself for Jessi's death...'
Marguerite looked away from him over to Challenger and Summerlee.
'I'm just surprised that Challenger doesn't hate me.'
Roxton's eyes widened, and he let go of one of her hands, bringing his own hand up to turn her face back towards him.
'Don't ever think that. George doesn't hate you or blame you for any of this. And if anything, his determination to help our daughter comes from a sense of responsibility to his wife. She died trying to protect Greta. He is going to do everything in his power to make sure that Jessi didn't die in vain.'
'Meaning saving Greta.' Marguerite murmured.
Roxton nodded, then kissed her gently. The kiss then began to turn into something a bit more passionate, when a cough interrupted them. It was Challenger and Summerlee. Summerlee was holding Greta. Her hair feet glistened in the growing darkness.
Both Roxton and Marguerite were a bit embarrassed and looked it, as they stood before the two men, and their child, as if they were guilty teenagers.
'George, Arthur, what have you found out?' Roxton asked. Marguerite linked her arm with Roxton's. She looked over at Summerlee and Greta.
'Tell me you know how to cure her.' she said.
Summerlee handed Greta over to Marguerite.
'I agree with George's solution. The two poisons combined should work as a cure.'
That was all he said. Marguerite eyed Roxton, who glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. He then looked at Challenger.
'Is there something more?' he asked, not liking the silence. Finn had moved in towards them as well. Ned and Veronica had disappeared, and were not under the tree anymore.
George looked over at Summerlee, who nodded. George then spoke.
'Summerlee says that a hurricane did indeed hit the plateau, only a few short days ago. The damage it did to the plant life has been tremendous.'
'So, you're saying that we might not find these poisonous plants, right?' Finn asked. Roxton glared at her.
'No, Finn, no one is saying that! Where would you get an idea like that from?'
His voice was not so much angry sounding, as it was panicky Marguerite didn't look at her, but just rubbed Greta's feet. Finn understood where Roxton was coming from, but there were things she wanted to know. Like, who was in charge of turning the plateau into a tourist trap? It almost had to have been Summerlee and Caroline. That was the reason he never showed himself, even when they were waiting to be rescued by the return expedition team. And it had to be the reason Caroline high-tailed it back here so shortly after being rescued. It hadn't sounded like a bad idea, to let people see what life here was like. But, Renata Hargrove, whatever her problems., had sounded believable when she said that the tourists were killing off the wildlife. If Summerlee was a scientist, how could he allow that t happen?
Then again, Finn didn't know that Summerlee or Caroline were responsible for any of this. But it still creeped her out that they hadn't had to fight off a dinosaur or cannibal yet. And where were these tourists? Did they die during the hurricane? And if so, why were only Summerlee and Caroline alive?
'Finn?'
Finn focused back on the present. Marguerite was looking at her with some concern. Roxton raised a brow.
'Look, all I want to know is, has this hurricane caused a problem with finding the plants, that's all. I don't want to be a Negative Nancy.'
''A Negative Nancy'? Challenger asked. 'Somehow, I don't think that's the right phrase.'
'Whatever! Well? Professor Summerlee?' Finn asked him.
Summerlee did not like this uncouth young lady! Where the hell did Challenger find her again?
But he kept a straight face and answered her in a cool tone.
'Caroline and I have not had time to do an extensive search of this plateau for damage. I'm sure what you're looking for is here. But, I never ran across any plants like the ones we need in my immediate vicinity. I would have to say that they're probably wherever Hargrove's labs were.'
Challenger nodded. 'Yes, I always suspected that the solution would be in that area as well. First thing in the morning, we'll head out.'
Summerlee nodded in agreement. Marguerite handed Greta over to Roxton, then walked up to Summerlee and hugged him. He smiled, as his arms clasped around her.
'Now, now dear. What is all of this about?'
Marguerite pulled away. She then touched his cheek.
'First of all, I am very, very, very happy to see you alive and looking so well. And secondly, thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you're doing for Greta. Both of you.'
Marguerite looked at Challenger as well. Roxton walked up to him, holding Greta in one arm. He extended his other hand out to Challenger and shook his friend's hand.
'You didn't have to come. We had to push Jessi's funeral aside...'
'We're doing this for Jessi as much as anyone.' Challenger replied, his eyes turning misty.
Summerlee arched a brow.
'Jessi? What about her? Did I hear you say....'
Marguerite squeezed Summerlee's hand.
'It's a long story, but yes, Jessi passed on.'
'Good God, Challenger! I had no idea! When did this happen?'
Challenger walked away from Roxton and put a hand on Summerlee's shoulder.
'Later my friend. Let's see about dinner first.'
Summerlee nodded slowly. Challenger looked back at Roxton.
'I'll look in the plane and see what provisions we have. After they're gone, I'll hunt for something. It will be like old times.' Roxton said.
Finn noticed Summerlee frown. She knew why. If the wildlife was being killed off, there probably wouldn't be much to hunt.
Marguerite glanced at Finn again, who still looked uncertain. Roxton walked with Greta towards the plane. Marguerite moved closer to Finn.
'I know you're going through a hard time, Finn.'
Finn looked at her.
'What do you mean?'
Marguerite gave her a 'you're kidding look'.
'It wasn't lost on any of us that Malone and Veronica's disappearance isn't exactly inconspicuous.'
Finn blew out a breath.
'Marguerite, I want and need for everyone to understand that I love Greta...'
'No one is accusing you of not loving her.'
'Well then give me some credit then! First Caroline, then you, accuse me of projecting my unhappiness about Ned and Vee on this whole situation. So, let me be clear: I don't believe for a minute that we won't find this cure. By sundown tomorrow, Greta will be rid of that nasty ape hair on her feet.'
'But?' Marguerite asked.
'But the reality is we still don't know what the hell is going on here! And that would be fine, if the plane hadn't crashed. We may end up here again for some time. If there's no wildlife to shoot, I think we should know that. I also would like to know why Summerlee didn't show himself all of those months we were waiting for Challenger and Roxton to return. Why did Caroline come back here? Her mission for the government was over. Nigel was dead.'
Marguerite stared at the girl. None of those questions had ever crossed her mind. But, she thought she could answer at least one of them.
'I doubt the answers to any of those questions are very sinister. But, you have made a couple of points. Let's just wait until Greta is cured to get the answers, okay?'
Finn nodded, relieved to find someone who could see her point of view with an open mind.
'But I will tell you this,' Marguerite continued. 'I think one of the reasons our dear Professor has been hiding out, is because he's in love.'
Finn gave her a blank stare, then nodded.
'Yeah, Caroline told me they were in love.'
Finn smiled at first, then began to titter.
'What is so funny?'
'Oh come on, Marguerite! I mean, granted, Caroline is middle-aged, but Summerlee has got to be around...'
'And that means he should just forget about love because he's too old?'
'No! I guess I'm saying that I think it's....it's....gross.'
Marguerite smiled at her.
'Why don't we go see if we can help with dinner?'
Finn nodded, running Marguerite's suggestion through her mind. While it explained some things, that explanation didn't cover the other discrepancies that she had noticed on the plateau. But for now, she would let it go.
****
Roxton put a hand over Greta's eyes, as they re-entered the plane. He didn't want his daughter seeing anything indecent, in case Malone and Veronica were in here. He needn't have bothered. They were there, but Malone looked peeved. It didn't take a genius to see why.
Veronica was dressed exactly like she used to be when they all lived there. Which meant she covered the bare essentials. Roxton looked at Malone.
'Sorry...I didn't mean to interrupt...I just thought I'd look through some of our provisions for dinner.'
There was a long awkward silence. Veronica ran her fingers through her hair.
'Great having Summerlee back, hey?' Roxton asked, to try and break the ice. Greta looked up at him.
'I think I'll see what Challenger is up to.' Veronica muttered, moving past Roxton and Greta, then leaving the plane. Roxton looked after her, then turned to stare at Malone.
'What the hell is going on here?' he asked.
Malone nodded angrily.
'Did you see that? Did you see what she had on?'
Roxton took a deep breath.
'She does look like she's here to stay.'
'Oh, that she is! She just told me she isn't coming back to Boston with us...me.'
Roxton's mouth dropped open. Greta stared at Malone.
'Veronica's just...just overwhelmed at being on the plateau again. Once it hits her that she'll be leaving you...'
Malone folded his arms.
'That's just it though. She wants me to stay here too.'
Roxton began to shake his head.
'Are you kidding me? She knows you have responsibilities to your paper...your family. Good God, what about your mother?'
Malone turned away and spoke.
'We discussed that. She said she's sorry but she'll never get along with my mother. I mean, I really doubt that. My mother can be hard, but once she got used to Veronica, she would've come around.'
'Malone, listen to yourself? You're speaking in the past tense already!'
Malone looked back at Roxton and Greta, who's attention was now focused around the airplane.
'Veronica wants to spend her life here. She doesn't want to live in London, Boston, or any other civilized society. She also wants to find her mother.'
Roxton's eyes widened.
'I thought she'd given all of that up?' he asked.
Malone shook his head.
'I had no idea she was that unhappy. My God, Roxton, what would've happened if that ape creature hadn't interrupted our lives? When would Veronica have told me that she hated our life? After we were married?'
'She doesn't hate your life necessarily....'
'Yes she does. And you know what? I wasn't exactly prepared for my life after this place either. I didn't know my father died, so next thing I know, I'm running a newspaper instead of working out in the field like I want to.'
'Then let someone else take over the daily duties of the paper! Do what you want to do.' Roxton suggested.
Malone shook his head quickly.
'I can't live without her. But I won't live here again. Not ever.'
Roxton said nothing. He held Greta tightly. It seemed that Malone and Veronica were at an impasse. He just hoped Finn didn't add to this seemingly impossible quandary.
****
Later on that evening, Veronica stayed up with Summerlee around the fire and talked with him. Caroline was off sleeping in what was left of the compound. Everyone else was in the plane.
'So, someone is living in my treehouse?' she asked.
'Well not just anyone, my dear, a husband and wife that claim to have some relation to the royal family.'
Veronica shrugged.
'That means nothing to me. I want them gone.'
Summerlee's eyes widened, and he stole a quick glance towards the plane.
'Well, what does it matter? You will be returning with Malone, hey? Challenger told me the two of you were engaged.'
Veronica didn't answer right away. She had seen the surprise in Roxton's, then everyone else's eyes, when she donned her old outfit she used to wear on this plateau.
'Veronica?'
'I don't want to go back to Boston with Ned. Everything is different there. I don't see him as much and I'm always under pressure to 'fulfill social obligations'. God! It it hadn't been for Marguerite, I wouldn't even know half of what I'm supposed to. And then there's the 'Finn problem'.
'Hmmm, yes. Where did she come from?'
'I've heard the story a million times and I still can't tell it straight. From the future. I wasn't around when she first appeared. At first, we were like sisters. Marguerite was helping us both integrate into society. Then I found out she had been plotting against me to steal Ned. I know he has no feelings for her, yet, I know that she would be willing to do whatever she needed to do, to show that she could be a proper society wife to Ned. She's willing to do the things that I'm not.'
'She's said that?' Summerlee asked.
'No. But it's just something I sense.'
There was nothing else said for the longest moment. The Summerlee cleared his throat.
'Veronica?'
'Yes?'
'I'm in love with Caroline. We're in love with each other. I have no intention of leaving here.'
Veronica's eyes widened. She then smiled, touching his arm.
'That's wonderful. I don't think you should go back. This place is magic for people in love. It's the outside world that ruins everything.'
Summerlee smiled sadly at her. He had the distinct impression that Ned Malone probably did not share her feelings about this place. He hoped the young man would stay here with Veronica. He also hoped that wretched girl, Finn, left when this whole thing was over.
****
The next morning, there were two surprises, neither of them good. Challenger, Roxton Malone and Summerlee were already up. Caroline had been nice enough to fix them a breakfast. She helped Summerlee adjust his pack, then kissed him. Challenger did a double take. Good Lord! What the hell was going on between them, he wondered.
It was as Challenger met Roxton's eyes on the matter, that he then looked past Roxton and towards the plane. Finn was up. Finn was also dressed in an outfit that was very similar to Veronica's! Malone's eyes grew wide.
'Finn?'
She smiled at him.
'Yeah, Vee always looked so comfy in hers. I actually made it before we left. What do you think?'
'I think Veronica and you could be sisters.' Caroline commented innocently. All four men looked at her. Caroline shrugged.
Malone didn't know what to make of Finn's appearance. It disturbed him, but he could not think of why. It was as he was puzzling over this, that a scream could be heard from the plane. Everyone went running inside.
Finn was back inside first. Veronica was just adjusting her pack and looked at her, her mouth dropping open. But she had no time to comment. She turned back to Marguerite and rested a hand on her shoulder.
The ape hair had now covered both of Greta's legs and stopped at the knee. Marguerite just stared down at her baby in shock. Roxton pushed past Challenger and Malone, then hurried over to them. Marguerite clasped his hand, then looked from Greta to him.
'Go, John! Go now and hurry!'
Roxton nodded, his eyes full of worry. He touched Greta's little hand. She cooed.
