As the day wore on and grew hotter, they threaded their way higher into the
Superstitions.
Now that he was aware of the map, Zach plotted a new course. The map was similar to many he had seen before. Normally he would have dismissed it without a second thought, but there was just something about it he couldn't put his finger on. Zach knew that the overpowering desire for wealth could cause even an honest person to change for the worst, and it was that thought that kept him on his toes. What bothered him the most was that he was having trouble reading the other members of his party, those other than Sydney and Nigel. Maybe it was just anger over what had happened to his friend Joe that was clouding his instincts.
Sydney rode up along side Zach. She sensed his concern. No words were needed to express what Zach had been thinking. It was written in his eyes. Like her, he was trying to get a read on Amy, Andy, and Lee - and was having just as little luck as she was.
Always on the alert, Sydney and Zach kept an eye on the terrain and on the others, while still enjoying each other's company. They talked about their chosen careers and their adventures. Sydney had to admit, he was good company, and very nice on the eyes. Since they were out of ear shot of the other members of the group, Sydney was not surprised when Zach leaned closer, commenting on the fact that she and Nigel seemed to be more than just friends. Sydney quietly acknowledged him with a slight nod of her head. Hearing Amy's laughter behind her, Sydney looked around to see what was up.
Nigel and Amy were involved in a very animated discussion about weddings when Andy rode up to them. Sydney saw Andy motion them closer for a picture, to which both happily obliged.
"I want a copy of that when we get back." Amy blushed when Nigel looked at her. "And copies of pictures of the rest of group, too. You should get one of Sydney and Zach. They make such a handsome couple. Don't you think so, Nigel? I mean, take a look at them. You can almost see the sparks flying!"
Nigel put on his best smile as he looked over at Sydney. She waved at him before returning her attentions back to Zach.
"Nigel, what do you think? Do they have a future together?" Amy prodded.
"What? Oh. I give it a week. Sydney's never been into the long term relationship thing." Nigel suddenly realized how close to home that hit. He had known Sydney for years, and had never seen her have a relationship that lasted longer than a month, until they had gotten together. He knew she loved him, but sometimes his own insecurities reared their ugly heads. He could not picture his life without Sydney, but there were times when he was not sure if she saw him as a long-term commitment.
Amy noticed the strange look on his face. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I was just hoping that someday Sydney will be as lucky as I am, and find someone to settle down with."
"Well, maybe Zach will be that man."
"Maybe." Nigel replied wistfully, as he silently hoped he would be that man.
When they stopped for lunch, Nigel told Amy that he needed to discuss some things with Sydney. He noticed that Amy had joined Lee and Andy and all three seemed to be having a great time. He observed as Andy showed Amy how to use his camera, and she was now taking pictures of them, completely ignoring Andy's instructions.
For three people who said they didn't know each other before this journey, you would never know it by looking at them. Nigel had to remind himself that one, two, or all three could be responsible for the attack on Professor Anderson and the theft of the original map.
Sydney and Nigel sat close to the others, so as not to make themselves look too conspicuous.
Sydney found it hard not to stare at Nigel. He had taken his shirt off and just had on a white tee-shirt that molded to his slim frame. His arms and face showed the beginnings of a tan, which only increased his appeal to her.
Sydney pulled out a small notebook and started jotting down notes. They were supposed to be here for research, after all. Sydney had spotted some of the map markers during their ride and was writing down her observations. When she handed the notes to Nigel, he played along as if conferring with her observations. He'd spotted the same things. According to the map, and their rate of travel, they should approach the mine by following afternoon.
Nigel's apprehension grew at that thought. If something was going to happen, it would be soon. He still had the feeling they were being shadowed, and Sydney's notes confirmed the same. He looked at her, unable to hide his concern from her trained eye. She just smiled and told him to keep reading.
As he read on, he saw Sydney's private little note to him. Nigel felt the color start to rise in his cheeks. The insecurity that had reared up in him as he watched Sydney and Zach's closeness earlier melted away in an instant, thanks to just a few simple sentences. He wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and show her just how much her words meant to him. Putting on his best poker face, he jotted down his response and was thrilled to see her reaction. No one else would know the emotion that had passed through her eyes, but he did.
Andy looked at Amy, thinking I have created a monster. She had taken pictures of everyone in their little group, insisting that everyone would want copies. Well, at least she'd stopped complaining about being out in the wilderness with no creature comforts. That in itself was a small miracle, and if it just cost him a couple of rolls of film, it was price he was willing to pay.
Amy glanced over at Sydney and Nigel, and realized that since this trip had begun this was the first time she had seen them alone together. Nigel had told her they were doing research on the area. Now both seemed to be engrossed in their research notes. Undaunted, she made her way over to them.
"I don't mean to interrupt, but Andy and I are taking pictures of the trip and everyone. I realized there were no pictures of the two of you together. When the trip is over if you want he'll make a set for you. I know I want one. "
Sydney and Nigel both looked at each other as Sydney discreetly closed the notebook.
"Sure." Sydney replied as she scooted closer to Nigel.
After taking the shots, she confidently told them all that these would be the best pictures they had ever seen. Before giving Andy back his camera, she gave him a not-so-gentle smack on the head when he made a rude wisecrack in reply.
At the resumption of their journey, Nigel felt relief. Amy's attentions now appeared to be focused on Andy and Lee. He thought Claudia was bad when it came to talking your ear off. She didn't even come close to Amy. Nigel would never admit it, but he missed Claudia terribly. He was happy that she had got her dream job in New York. Claudia called every once in a while, just to check up on his and Syd's "adventures", as she put referred to their romance, but it was just not the same as her being there. He looked over at Sydney and smiled. It was nice to have her riding next to him for a change. As she glanced back at him, he could see she took equal comfort from his closeness.
As the previous day, this one also ended without incident. That evening, they were all treated to a spectacular sunset. Amy drove Andy nuts with her instructions on how to photograph the natural wonder, much to the amusement of everyone else.
After turning in for the night, Sydney found sleep elusive. Glancing over at Nigel, she could see he was in a deep sleep. Sydney looked up at the stars, they were so clear here away from the city lights. Finally sleep overtook her, but it was not a peaceful sleep.
Sydney awoke, but instead of being in the Arizona wilderness she found herself in a church. Getting up, she surveyed her surroundings and was suddenly drawn to the open casket at the end of the aisle. Almost against her will, she found herself drawn toward it. An unaccustomed fear filled her. She didn't want to see who lay in its interior, but she was unable to stop her forward momentum. When she reached the coffin she froze, unable to accept what her eyes told her.
Lying on the bed of satin was Nigel.
Sydney opened her eyes and realized she was sitting up. She fought to get her breathing under control. She remembered screaming in her dream, but the remaining details eluded her. She surveyed the camp, relieved to see no signs that she'd woken anyone else. As she glanced at her slumbering assistant, the last image of the dream rose to consciousness, becoming crystal clear. She had seen Nigel dead.
Sydney reached out to Nigel, but before following through, she saw something out of the corner of her eye, a flicker of motion to her left.
Andy walked back into camp and immediately waved to Sydney as he headed her way
Sydney fingered the haft of her knife with one hand as she glanced at her watch. It was only 2:00 a.m.
"I'm sorry if I woke you. I just couldn't sleep and I thought I'd try to catch the moonfire on film," Andy whispered as he neared Sydney.
"Moonfire?" Sydney noticed his camera hanging around his neck and the camera bag slung on a strap over his shoulder.
"Yeah, I've only seen it a couple of times. When the moon is full like it is tonight, sometimes it appears as if the cacti are glowing." His voice was filled with awe. "It's a beautiful sight. I've always wanted to capture it on film and I hoped I would be able to tonight, but I guess conditions weren't right. Well, I don't know about you, but I'm bushed. Good night."
"Night," Sydney whispered back.
She lay back down, but didn't loosen her grip on the knife until she saw Andy crawl into his sleeping bag. Andy was an avid photographer, but Sydney still had doubts about his story. This was dangerous country during the day. A solo trip at night, ostensibly to take pictures of a full moon phenomena, was just plain stupid. From previous observations, she knew that Andy was anything but stupid. She made a mental note to tell Nigel what she'd seen, first thing in the morning.
At that brief thought of Nigel, her mind snapped back to what originally woke er. She looked over at Nigel again and saw him stir in his sleep. He rolled over on to his side, but didn't wake. She told herself it was just a dream, nothing to worry about. It was natural to worry about someone you loved, specially under these circumstances. As Sydney drifted off into a restless sleep, she decided she would stick to him like glue until this search was over. Nothing was ever going to happen to him. Not if she had anything to say about it.
Now that he was aware of the map, Zach plotted a new course. The map was similar to many he had seen before. Normally he would have dismissed it without a second thought, but there was just something about it he couldn't put his finger on. Zach knew that the overpowering desire for wealth could cause even an honest person to change for the worst, and it was that thought that kept him on his toes. What bothered him the most was that he was having trouble reading the other members of his party, those other than Sydney and Nigel. Maybe it was just anger over what had happened to his friend Joe that was clouding his instincts.
Sydney rode up along side Zach. She sensed his concern. No words were needed to express what Zach had been thinking. It was written in his eyes. Like her, he was trying to get a read on Amy, Andy, and Lee - and was having just as little luck as she was.
Always on the alert, Sydney and Zach kept an eye on the terrain and on the others, while still enjoying each other's company. They talked about their chosen careers and their adventures. Sydney had to admit, he was good company, and very nice on the eyes. Since they were out of ear shot of the other members of the group, Sydney was not surprised when Zach leaned closer, commenting on the fact that she and Nigel seemed to be more than just friends. Sydney quietly acknowledged him with a slight nod of her head. Hearing Amy's laughter behind her, Sydney looked around to see what was up.
Nigel and Amy were involved in a very animated discussion about weddings when Andy rode up to them. Sydney saw Andy motion them closer for a picture, to which both happily obliged.
"I want a copy of that when we get back." Amy blushed when Nigel looked at her. "And copies of pictures of the rest of group, too. You should get one of Sydney and Zach. They make such a handsome couple. Don't you think so, Nigel? I mean, take a look at them. You can almost see the sparks flying!"
Nigel put on his best smile as he looked over at Sydney. She waved at him before returning her attentions back to Zach.
"Nigel, what do you think? Do they have a future together?" Amy prodded.
"What? Oh. I give it a week. Sydney's never been into the long term relationship thing." Nigel suddenly realized how close to home that hit. He had known Sydney for years, and had never seen her have a relationship that lasted longer than a month, until they had gotten together. He knew she loved him, but sometimes his own insecurities reared their ugly heads. He could not picture his life without Sydney, but there were times when he was not sure if she saw him as a long-term commitment.
Amy noticed the strange look on his face. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I was just hoping that someday Sydney will be as lucky as I am, and find someone to settle down with."
"Well, maybe Zach will be that man."
"Maybe." Nigel replied wistfully, as he silently hoped he would be that man.
When they stopped for lunch, Nigel told Amy that he needed to discuss some things with Sydney. He noticed that Amy had joined Lee and Andy and all three seemed to be having a great time. He observed as Andy showed Amy how to use his camera, and she was now taking pictures of them, completely ignoring Andy's instructions.
For three people who said they didn't know each other before this journey, you would never know it by looking at them. Nigel had to remind himself that one, two, or all three could be responsible for the attack on Professor Anderson and the theft of the original map.
Sydney and Nigel sat close to the others, so as not to make themselves look too conspicuous.
Sydney found it hard not to stare at Nigel. He had taken his shirt off and just had on a white tee-shirt that molded to his slim frame. His arms and face showed the beginnings of a tan, which only increased his appeal to her.
Sydney pulled out a small notebook and started jotting down notes. They were supposed to be here for research, after all. Sydney had spotted some of the map markers during their ride and was writing down her observations. When she handed the notes to Nigel, he played along as if conferring with her observations. He'd spotted the same things. According to the map, and their rate of travel, they should approach the mine by following afternoon.
Nigel's apprehension grew at that thought. If something was going to happen, it would be soon. He still had the feeling they were being shadowed, and Sydney's notes confirmed the same. He looked at her, unable to hide his concern from her trained eye. She just smiled and told him to keep reading.
As he read on, he saw Sydney's private little note to him. Nigel felt the color start to rise in his cheeks. The insecurity that had reared up in him as he watched Sydney and Zach's closeness earlier melted away in an instant, thanks to just a few simple sentences. He wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and show her just how much her words meant to him. Putting on his best poker face, he jotted down his response and was thrilled to see her reaction. No one else would know the emotion that had passed through her eyes, but he did.
Andy looked at Amy, thinking I have created a monster. She had taken pictures of everyone in their little group, insisting that everyone would want copies. Well, at least she'd stopped complaining about being out in the wilderness with no creature comforts. That in itself was a small miracle, and if it just cost him a couple of rolls of film, it was price he was willing to pay.
Amy glanced over at Sydney and Nigel, and realized that since this trip had begun this was the first time she had seen them alone together. Nigel had told her they were doing research on the area. Now both seemed to be engrossed in their research notes. Undaunted, she made her way over to them.
"I don't mean to interrupt, but Andy and I are taking pictures of the trip and everyone. I realized there were no pictures of the two of you together. When the trip is over if you want he'll make a set for you. I know I want one. "
Sydney and Nigel both looked at each other as Sydney discreetly closed the notebook.
"Sure." Sydney replied as she scooted closer to Nigel.
After taking the shots, she confidently told them all that these would be the best pictures they had ever seen. Before giving Andy back his camera, she gave him a not-so-gentle smack on the head when he made a rude wisecrack in reply.
At the resumption of their journey, Nigel felt relief. Amy's attentions now appeared to be focused on Andy and Lee. He thought Claudia was bad when it came to talking your ear off. She didn't even come close to Amy. Nigel would never admit it, but he missed Claudia terribly. He was happy that she had got her dream job in New York. Claudia called every once in a while, just to check up on his and Syd's "adventures", as she put referred to their romance, but it was just not the same as her being there. He looked over at Sydney and smiled. It was nice to have her riding next to him for a change. As she glanced back at him, he could see she took equal comfort from his closeness.
As the previous day, this one also ended without incident. That evening, they were all treated to a spectacular sunset. Amy drove Andy nuts with her instructions on how to photograph the natural wonder, much to the amusement of everyone else.
After turning in for the night, Sydney found sleep elusive. Glancing over at Nigel, she could see he was in a deep sleep. Sydney looked up at the stars, they were so clear here away from the city lights. Finally sleep overtook her, but it was not a peaceful sleep.
Sydney awoke, but instead of being in the Arizona wilderness she found herself in a church. Getting up, she surveyed her surroundings and was suddenly drawn to the open casket at the end of the aisle. Almost against her will, she found herself drawn toward it. An unaccustomed fear filled her. She didn't want to see who lay in its interior, but she was unable to stop her forward momentum. When she reached the coffin she froze, unable to accept what her eyes told her.
Lying on the bed of satin was Nigel.
Sydney opened her eyes and realized she was sitting up. She fought to get her breathing under control. She remembered screaming in her dream, but the remaining details eluded her. She surveyed the camp, relieved to see no signs that she'd woken anyone else. As she glanced at her slumbering assistant, the last image of the dream rose to consciousness, becoming crystal clear. She had seen Nigel dead.
Sydney reached out to Nigel, but before following through, she saw something out of the corner of her eye, a flicker of motion to her left.
Andy walked back into camp and immediately waved to Sydney as he headed her way
Sydney fingered the haft of her knife with one hand as she glanced at her watch. It was only 2:00 a.m.
"I'm sorry if I woke you. I just couldn't sleep and I thought I'd try to catch the moonfire on film," Andy whispered as he neared Sydney.
"Moonfire?" Sydney noticed his camera hanging around his neck and the camera bag slung on a strap over his shoulder.
"Yeah, I've only seen it a couple of times. When the moon is full like it is tonight, sometimes it appears as if the cacti are glowing." His voice was filled with awe. "It's a beautiful sight. I've always wanted to capture it on film and I hoped I would be able to tonight, but I guess conditions weren't right. Well, I don't know about you, but I'm bushed. Good night."
"Night," Sydney whispered back.
She lay back down, but didn't loosen her grip on the knife until she saw Andy crawl into his sleeping bag. Andy was an avid photographer, but Sydney still had doubts about his story. This was dangerous country during the day. A solo trip at night, ostensibly to take pictures of a full moon phenomena, was just plain stupid. From previous observations, she knew that Andy was anything but stupid. She made a mental note to tell Nigel what she'd seen, first thing in the morning.
At that brief thought of Nigel, her mind snapped back to what originally woke er. She looked over at Nigel again and saw him stir in his sleep. He rolled over on to his side, but didn't wake. She told herself it was just a dream, nothing to worry about. It was natural to worry about someone you loved, specially under these circumstances. As Sydney drifted off into a restless sleep, she decided she would stick to him like glue until this search was over. Nothing was ever going to happen to him. Not if she had anything to say about it.