APN: July 30, 2002: Okay everyone, I had to update this because something
strange happened to the format of my story . . . for some reason, it was
all clumped together with no indentations. I don't know why that happened,
but hopefully, this should fix it! If it doesn't, well . . . it's not my
fault. I'm sorry you had to read it like that, but . . . I have no clue
how to fix it-even if it can be fixed.
Thanks for your patience . . . and please don't forget to write me a nice, long review!
As written on July 25, 2002: Well HELLO, everyone! Wow, I can't believe it . . . I'm FINALLY back! I wish I could tell you all how busy I've been, with exams (okay, okay, that was more than a month ago, I know!), vacations, friends and family and so much more, but . . . I would be writing here forever. But just know that I'm back, and I'm back for good! LOL, I don't know how many of you will like that, but . . . I'm sure you can deal with me, right? Hehehe.
About the reviews I received last chapter . . . OH MY GOSH! You guys, I can't tell you how pleased I was at the large number I received! Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who took the time to review . . . thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!! I love you all! Let me just take some more time here to thank each and everyone of you who reviewed:
Jessie-- hey there! Thank you so much for your friendly review! I'm glad you like the story so far-and I'm glad you like the part when Marguerite tells everyone she's pregnant. I actually got that idea from Xena: Warrior Princess, which is one of my favourite shows! So, here's the next chapter for ya. Hope you like it as much as you liked the others! :-)
Jaclyn-MY GIRL JACLYN! Hey, whazzup?! OHM, when I read your review I was about to cry with joy . . . someone actually likes my story! LOL! Thank you SO, SO, SO, SO much for your detailed review! I LOVED IT! Just as much as I loved your story, "Severed". And just as much as I loved "Melancholy"! Wow, you are SUCH a good writer! I'm in awe! LOL. I hope to see another great review from you after you read this! I hope you like it! Talk you ya later!
I-LOVE-ROXTON-Well, thank you for your review! It was both short and sweet! Here is chapter 14 for ya, and I hope you enjoy it! :-)
Stacy-hey! I'm glad you like the idea of me picking on Roxton's past instead of poor Margy's, LOL. Thanks so much for your review; I appreciated it a lot! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Gabbo-Hey there, what's going on? About your questions-all I can say is that they will be answered all in due time! But I agree with your point . . . why can't these LW people just stay dead? LOL. Enjoy chapter 14!
Wdge-glad to see that you're still interested! Thanks for the review. Yep, Jenkins is still alive! His next step is not only Marguerite, but . . . well, you'll see! I have quite the plot going on now, and I hope you'll enjoy it!
A. Windsor-LOL, glad you liked Marguerite's crazy appetite! I figured I needed some humour to throw in with the dark stuff. Thanks for the review! And keep up the good work with your story, I love it so far!
Lady Primrose Roxton-wow, thank you for being the seventh person to actually start reviewing! LOL. No seriously-I appreciated it so much! Thank you! I hope you like the next chapter, and I hope to see another review from you again!
Pam-hey Pam, what's going on? Glad you liked the last chapter. Here's the next one for you; I hope you enjoy this one as much as the last one. Thanks for the review!
Ryalin-Hey there! Thank you so much for reviewing! I'm glad that you enjoyed Marguerite's wacky food cravings. A little humour in a dark story is nice sometimes, eh? (Yes I am Canadian, if that's what you are now wondering-LOL). Hope to see another review from ya!
LadyKate-I'm glad that you managed to read my story before going to bed, LOL! Thank you for checking one last time! And you think my story is the best so far? *wipes a tear* I'm honoured! Thank you soooo much! Hope to hear from you after this chapter-sorry I've been gone so long! LOL. Bye now!
Brandy Leigh-hey there! LOL, don't worry about not reviewing the other chapters before. Better late than never, I always say! Let's just hope that you keep reviewing, right? LOL. And hey, where's Mayhem Mountain? Haven't seen it for a while-hope to see and read it soon!
CrimsonCat-Hehehe, I'm glad that you like my sound effects! "Haughn"-LOL! My friend made that one up actually, and I just borrowed it from her. LOL. About your questions of R/M's baby-all will be answered in due time! I'll tell you this much, though-I've got my idea written down about what I'll make the baby, and it'll be quite a surprise! I say this because no one has ever put it in their ff before (at least I haven't read one yet). That'll probably give it away! If you figure out what I'm talking about . . . ssssshhh! Don't let the answer out, okay? LOL. Hope to hear from you again!
Steph-hey there! Glad you like chapter 13 with Marguerite's zany food cravings! About your questions . . . yes, Roxton will recover for the time being! I have quite a few things in store for him, but . . . LOL, I'll keep him nice and clean, don't worry! LOL! Hope you enjoy chapter 14!
Evil Irish Eyes-gasps! No, no, no! Eileen, don't jump! PLEASE! I've got my story right here for ya! Just like I promised! Here you go! LOL. I'm honoured that you think my name is so pretty-I could definitely say the same for yours! :-) And please, please, please don't be jealous of me! Don't let that green- eyed monster get to you! Seriously, there's nothing I have that you don't! You have so much more, and I am so much in awe of you, Miss Eileen! And Shrek . . . LOL. You are 110% prettier than him! Well, I've never seen you before, but I still know! LOL. Hehe, we did post our story around the same time! You know what they say- great minds think alike! Hehe. Well, I'd best be running. I hope you like this chapter . . . and I hope you post the next chapter of your story very soon as well! Until then!
Okay everyone . . . here's CHAPTER 14!!!!
Chapter Fourteen-The Attack
Days slowly and painfully turned into weeks, from the time when the encounter with Jenkins had occurred. No one had seen or heard him since. The security and caution of the treehouse had since boosted tremendously; no one went outside unless it was completely necessary-and no one dared to leave the treehouse alone. The explorers went out in pairs, and were armed as best as they could. However, Marguerite got the worst of it; everyone agreed that besides Roxton, she was the biggest target of them all, especially because of the fact that she was carrying Roxton's child. Marguerite was extremely flustered and put up quite a fight, but no one would hear her. She was not allowed to go outside at all. She was also not to go near the windows of the treehouse, in fear that Jenkins could be hidden in the thick brush of the jungle and would make an attempt to snipe her out. So she spent most of the time in her room, sitting on her bed in boredom and anger. "I'm like a prisoner in my own house!" she grumpily exclaimed. "Marguerite," Roxton said sternly, "my love, this is only for your own good." The heiress threw her hands up in the air. "I know, Roxton!" she cried. "I know! It's just that I can't stand the fact that some psycho is out there watching us, and waiting for an opportunity to strike!" she sighed. "And what's pathetic about the whole thing is that he's only one man! How can one man be such a threat to the five of us?" "This is no ordinary man, Marguerite," replied Roxton, "remember . . . he's supposed to be dead! He was shot! I remember it like it was yesterday!" Marguerite raised her eyebrows. "John . . . you were in the alleyway. It was pitch black. You had your back turned, and you were walking away. You didn't actually see him get shot, did you?" Roxton sighed, as his gaze dropped down to the floor. "No," he said quietly. Marguerite nodded. "Then how can you be so sure that he really died that night?" Roxton's silence remained as he frowned deeply, and sat on the corner of the bed he shared with Marguerite. "Oh, John," sighed Marguerite, sitting beside her hunter. She touched his hand and rested her head on his shoulder. "We'll get him, John. We will . . . I promise." She smiled encouragingly. "Pregnant or not . . . I'll make sure that sick bastard doesn't harm a hair on any of us." Roxton turned his head and smiled, as he lovingly gazed at Marguerite. He stroked her soft face, and planted his lips on hers. "I love you, Marguerite," he whispered. His hand made its way down her body, and rested on her large abdomen. "My God!" he suddenly exclaimed, as he felt the baby inside of her kick. "I think this little guy wants to come out," he said, and grinned as he looked up at Marguerite. Marguerite chuckled. "Soon, my love. But what if our 'little guy' is actually a little girl?" she asked, resting her hand on top of Roxton's.
"Well then," Roxton began, as he toyed with the strap on Marguerite's nightgown and moved in to kiss her neck, "we'll have a beautiful daughter- who'll have dark hair and dazzling grey eyes, just like her mother. And I'll love her just as much." Marguerite giggled in delight. "Roxton, your stubble!" she cried in pleasure. "You're tickling me!" She placed her hands on the laughing Roxton and touched his forehead with hers. "Come now, I'm feeling a little tired." She moved off the bed to pull off the covers and crawled back in. She looked up at Roxton and smiled. "Shall you join me?" she asked, gesturing to the spot beside her. "I shall," replied Roxton, smiling back, and snuggled under the covers beside his love. He paused to blow out the small candle on the night table beside their bed, and sighed as he lay on his back. "Goodnight, my love," he whispered to Marguerite, who was falling on the brink of sleep. "Goodnight, my love," Marguerite returned. She shut her eyes, and fell fast asleep. Roxton sighed once again, as he lay silent on his back. He stared up at the ceiling, watching the shadows of night creeping towards him. Sleep, once again, would not come to him that night.
Roxton and Marguerite had been the last of the treehouse's residence to curl up in bed. The treehouse was now completely dark, and comfortably quiet. The only sounds to be heard were the sounds of the nocturnal creatures that roamed the jungle late at night. It was calm. It was peaceful . . . and it was the perfect time to strike an attack. Jenkins chuckled silently as he took a puff from his cigar. He was safely hidden in behind a group of tall bushes-for now. He crouched to the ground and slowly parted the foliage in front of him to gaze ahead at the treehouse. The light from Roxton and Marguerite's room had just flickered off. This meant that the couple had just gone to bed. This also meant that everyone else had gone to bed as well, except for Veronica, for it was her turn to take the night watch. Jenkins had been watching the treehouse and its inhabitants for more than a month and a half now (since their last encounter) and he knew the daily routines and schedules of each person. He knew what time they got up; what day of the week a certain pair of explorers would go to the Zanga Village to purchase and trade goods; what time they would eat their meals; what time they went to bed; he knew it all. But most of all, he knew that now was the time to strike his long- planned attack. He had been waiting for this night for a long time now . . . this was his Night of Deliverance. Tonight was the night that he would achieve his long-awaited revenge . . . and tonight was the night when Lord John Richard Roxton would die.
Back at the treehouse, Veronica paced around in the kitchen nervously; her intuition was telling her that something was going to happen tonight-something bad. She didn't know what it was, or when it would happen . . . but she knew she was right. Over the years she had spent in the jungle alone, she had learned to trust her instincts. And her instincts told her to be very cautious tonight . . . for someone was watching and waiting. "Brett Jenkins," she whispered to herself, "it's him. I can almost smell him." Brett Jenkins-how very much she despised that name! She barely knew him, but she didn't have to at all to know that he was nothing but a manipulating conspirer. 'Poor John,' she thought silently as she sighed and leaned tiredly against the table, 'I can't imagine what he's going through right now; a dangerous lunatic is out there is hunting him, trying to kill him for something that happened years ago . . . something that wasn't even John's fault at all.' Veronica closed her eyes. 'Don't worry, John. I won't let him harm you or Marguerite-none of us will." She couldn't imagine what they would do without John Roxton. He . . . he was part of their family . . . her family. The family that she never had. Veronica clenched her teeth as she grabbed her dagger out of her boot and clutched it hard. Her fist shook angrily. "And I'll be damned before I let anyone-ANYONE-break my family again," she vowed, "and that, Brett Jenkins, is a promise." Suddenly, as if in reply, a bloodcurdling cry echoed throughout the air, and a large patch of jungle foliage burst into flame! Veronica gasped as she watched the orangey-red flames devour the nearby plant life. Her eyes went wide. "CHALLENGER!" she frantically screamed. "NED! COME QUICK!" Almost immediately, Challenger and Malone burst into the kitchen, revolvers in hand. Roxton and Marguerite joined them, also brandishing more weapons. Roxton, fearing some sudden attack, pulled Marguerite to the floor. "Marguerite, keep down!" he cried, and sat her into a crouching position. Marguerite, knowing she could do nothing to sway Roxton, grumbled and sat on the floor behind the table. "Would someone at least tell me what the hell is going on?!" she demanded. The explorers turned to Veronica. "What happened?" questioned Challenger, as he turned towards her. "How did this all come about?" Veronica shrugged anxiously. "I don't know!" she cried. "Someone screamed, and that patch of foliage out there erupted into flame out of the blue! That's all I saw and heard!" "I heard the scream loud and clear," Malone stated, "do you . . . do you think someone's hurt?" "Possibly," replied Challenger, "but who? And what in God's name were they doing out here so close to the treehouse in the middle of the night?" Roxton grimly strode forward. That scream had haunted his dreams for the past couple of months, ever since. . . . "Brett Jenkins," he answered despondently, "it was his. I could never forget that scream . . . ever." At hearing this, Veronica stood up. "I knew it!" she exclaimed, "I knew he would try something tonight, I just knew it!" "But Veronica," voiced Marguerite from the floor, "it's obvious that Brett is hurt-maybe even killed! Our only problem now is to stop that damned fire from spreading towards us!" "Perhaps Marguerite is right," entered Challenger, "and suppose that Brett has been killed. But what if he hasn't, and what if this is all a ruse? What if this is all a game to lure us out there?" "Either way . . . Marguerite is also right about the fire coming towards us!" cried Malone. "We can't stay in here while that fire is spreading so rapidly! We have to try to put it out!" Challenger stepped out onto the balcony to gaze at the small spot of the enflamed foliage. "The fire isn't very big, but it is spreading. We had better put it out before it does come any closer!" "What? All of us?" asked Veronica. "But Challenger, what if Jenkins really is out there, playing some sort of game! We could be walking straight into a trap!" "Good point, Veronica. Then only three of us will go-you, Malone, and-" "Me," interrupted Roxton from behind Challenger. All turned around to stare at him. "I will go with Veronica and Malone. And please don't try to argue with me." Marguerite ignored Roxton's words. "No, John!" she cried. "Absolutely not! You can't go out there! If Jenkins really is out there. . . ." "Marguerite." Roxton crouched down with his beloved pregnant heiress and began stroking her face. "If Brett really is out there-dead or alive-I must go and find out." "But what if that's what he wants?" wailed Marguerite. "What if Veronica's right and he is setting up a trap?" "Marguerite has a point, John," chimed in Veronica, "after all, Jenkins could be doing this because he wants you dead. And if it's true, and you go running out there. . . ." "I'll be prepared," intervened Roxton, cocking his rifle. He faced Marguerite once again. "Marguerite . . . I can't give you an exact reason- but I must do this. I promise you-I swear to you that I'll be careful." "Oh John. . . ." Marguerite buried her head in Roxton's shoulder. "Why? Why must you do this?" "I'm doing this for you, Marguerite. For our child. For all of us."
Marguerite squeezed Roxton's hand. "Please don't," she begged once more, "John, please don't do this!" "I must. I'll be back, Marguerite. I promise." He kissed her tenderly and shortly on her lips, and rose up. "Challenger, you can stay with Marguerite and watch over her. Please." Challenger sighed and nodded. "All right, John. I will." Roxton strode towards the elevator with Veronica and Malone, blankets to snuff out the fire and his rifle in hand. "I love you, Marguerite," he called. Marguerite stood up from the floor and gazed towards the beloved. She put her hand on her swollen abdomen. "You're as stubborn as a bull, John," she said sadly, but smiled warmly, "but I love you all the same. Be careful, John! Be careful all of you!" Roxton smiled back at Marguerite, and even blew her a kiss as the elevator descended towards the jungle floor.
Thanks for your patience . . . and please don't forget to write me a nice, long review!
As written on July 25, 2002: Well HELLO, everyone! Wow, I can't believe it . . . I'm FINALLY back! I wish I could tell you all how busy I've been, with exams (okay, okay, that was more than a month ago, I know!), vacations, friends and family and so much more, but . . . I would be writing here forever. But just know that I'm back, and I'm back for good! LOL, I don't know how many of you will like that, but . . . I'm sure you can deal with me, right? Hehehe.
About the reviews I received last chapter . . . OH MY GOSH! You guys, I can't tell you how pleased I was at the large number I received! Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who took the time to review . . . thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!! I love you all! Let me just take some more time here to thank each and everyone of you who reviewed:
Jessie-- hey there! Thank you so much for your friendly review! I'm glad you like the story so far-and I'm glad you like the part when Marguerite tells everyone she's pregnant. I actually got that idea from Xena: Warrior Princess, which is one of my favourite shows! So, here's the next chapter for ya. Hope you like it as much as you liked the others! :-)
Jaclyn-MY GIRL JACLYN! Hey, whazzup?! OHM, when I read your review I was about to cry with joy . . . someone actually likes my story! LOL! Thank you SO, SO, SO, SO much for your detailed review! I LOVED IT! Just as much as I loved your story, "Severed". And just as much as I loved "Melancholy"! Wow, you are SUCH a good writer! I'm in awe! LOL. I hope to see another great review from you after you read this! I hope you like it! Talk you ya later!
I-LOVE-ROXTON-Well, thank you for your review! It was both short and sweet! Here is chapter 14 for ya, and I hope you enjoy it! :-)
Stacy-hey! I'm glad you like the idea of me picking on Roxton's past instead of poor Margy's, LOL. Thanks so much for your review; I appreciated it a lot! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Gabbo-Hey there, what's going on? About your questions-all I can say is that they will be answered all in due time! But I agree with your point . . . why can't these LW people just stay dead? LOL. Enjoy chapter 14!
Wdge-glad to see that you're still interested! Thanks for the review. Yep, Jenkins is still alive! His next step is not only Marguerite, but . . . well, you'll see! I have quite the plot going on now, and I hope you'll enjoy it!
A. Windsor-LOL, glad you liked Marguerite's crazy appetite! I figured I needed some humour to throw in with the dark stuff. Thanks for the review! And keep up the good work with your story, I love it so far!
Lady Primrose Roxton-wow, thank you for being the seventh person to actually start reviewing! LOL. No seriously-I appreciated it so much! Thank you! I hope you like the next chapter, and I hope to see another review from you again!
Pam-hey Pam, what's going on? Glad you liked the last chapter. Here's the next one for you; I hope you enjoy this one as much as the last one. Thanks for the review!
Ryalin-Hey there! Thank you so much for reviewing! I'm glad that you enjoyed Marguerite's wacky food cravings. A little humour in a dark story is nice sometimes, eh? (Yes I am Canadian, if that's what you are now wondering-LOL). Hope to see another review from ya!
LadyKate-I'm glad that you managed to read my story before going to bed, LOL! Thank you for checking one last time! And you think my story is the best so far? *wipes a tear* I'm honoured! Thank you soooo much! Hope to hear from you after this chapter-sorry I've been gone so long! LOL. Bye now!
Brandy Leigh-hey there! LOL, don't worry about not reviewing the other chapters before. Better late than never, I always say! Let's just hope that you keep reviewing, right? LOL. And hey, where's Mayhem Mountain? Haven't seen it for a while-hope to see and read it soon!
CrimsonCat-Hehehe, I'm glad that you like my sound effects! "Haughn"-LOL! My friend made that one up actually, and I just borrowed it from her. LOL. About your questions of R/M's baby-all will be answered in due time! I'll tell you this much, though-I've got my idea written down about what I'll make the baby, and it'll be quite a surprise! I say this because no one has ever put it in their ff before (at least I haven't read one yet). That'll probably give it away! If you figure out what I'm talking about . . . ssssshhh! Don't let the answer out, okay? LOL. Hope to hear from you again!
Steph-hey there! Glad you like chapter 13 with Marguerite's zany food cravings! About your questions . . . yes, Roxton will recover for the time being! I have quite a few things in store for him, but . . . LOL, I'll keep him nice and clean, don't worry! LOL! Hope you enjoy chapter 14!
Evil Irish Eyes-gasps! No, no, no! Eileen, don't jump! PLEASE! I've got my story right here for ya! Just like I promised! Here you go! LOL. I'm honoured that you think my name is so pretty-I could definitely say the same for yours! :-) And please, please, please don't be jealous of me! Don't let that green- eyed monster get to you! Seriously, there's nothing I have that you don't! You have so much more, and I am so much in awe of you, Miss Eileen! And Shrek . . . LOL. You are 110% prettier than him! Well, I've never seen you before, but I still know! LOL. Hehe, we did post our story around the same time! You know what they say- great minds think alike! Hehe. Well, I'd best be running. I hope you like this chapter . . . and I hope you post the next chapter of your story very soon as well! Until then!
Okay everyone . . . here's CHAPTER 14!!!!
Chapter Fourteen-The Attack
Days slowly and painfully turned into weeks, from the time when the encounter with Jenkins had occurred. No one had seen or heard him since. The security and caution of the treehouse had since boosted tremendously; no one went outside unless it was completely necessary-and no one dared to leave the treehouse alone. The explorers went out in pairs, and were armed as best as they could. However, Marguerite got the worst of it; everyone agreed that besides Roxton, she was the biggest target of them all, especially because of the fact that she was carrying Roxton's child. Marguerite was extremely flustered and put up quite a fight, but no one would hear her. She was not allowed to go outside at all. She was also not to go near the windows of the treehouse, in fear that Jenkins could be hidden in the thick brush of the jungle and would make an attempt to snipe her out. So she spent most of the time in her room, sitting on her bed in boredom and anger. "I'm like a prisoner in my own house!" she grumpily exclaimed. "Marguerite," Roxton said sternly, "my love, this is only for your own good." The heiress threw her hands up in the air. "I know, Roxton!" she cried. "I know! It's just that I can't stand the fact that some psycho is out there watching us, and waiting for an opportunity to strike!" she sighed. "And what's pathetic about the whole thing is that he's only one man! How can one man be such a threat to the five of us?" "This is no ordinary man, Marguerite," replied Roxton, "remember . . . he's supposed to be dead! He was shot! I remember it like it was yesterday!" Marguerite raised her eyebrows. "John . . . you were in the alleyway. It was pitch black. You had your back turned, and you were walking away. You didn't actually see him get shot, did you?" Roxton sighed, as his gaze dropped down to the floor. "No," he said quietly. Marguerite nodded. "Then how can you be so sure that he really died that night?" Roxton's silence remained as he frowned deeply, and sat on the corner of the bed he shared with Marguerite. "Oh, John," sighed Marguerite, sitting beside her hunter. She touched his hand and rested her head on his shoulder. "We'll get him, John. We will . . . I promise." She smiled encouragingly. "Pregnant or not . . . I'll make sure that sick bastard doesn't harm a hair on any of us." Roxton turned his head and smiled, as he lovingly gazed at Marguerite. He stroked her soft face, and planted his lips on hers. "I love you, Marguerite," he whispered. His hand made its way down her body, and rested on her large abdomen. "My God!" he suddenly exclaimed, as he felt the baby inside of her kick. "I think this little guy wants to come out," he said, and grinned as he looked up at Marguerite. Marguerite chuckled. "Soon, my love. But what if our 'little guy' is actually a little girl?" she asked, resting her hand on top of Roxton's.
"Well then," Roxton began, as he toyed with the strap on Marguerite's nightgown and moved in to kiss her neck, "we'll have a beautiful daughter- who'll have dark hair and dazzling grey eyes, just like her mother. And I'll love her just as much." Marguerite giggled in delight. "Roxton, your stubble!" she cried in pleasure. "You're tickling me!" She placed her hands on the laughing Roxton and touched his forehead with hers. "Come now, I'm feeling a little tired." She moved off the bed to pull off the covers and crawled back in. She looked up at Roxton and smiled. "Shall you join me?" she asked, gesturing to the spot beside her. "I shall," replied Roxton, smiling back, and snuggled under the covers beside his love. He paused to blow out the small candle on the night table beside their bed, and sighed as he lay on his back. "Goodnight, my love," he whispered to Marguerite, who was falling on the brink of sleep. "Goodnight, my love," Marguerite returned. She shut her eyes, and fell fast asleep. Roxton sighed once again, as he lay silent on his back. He stared up at the ceiling, watching the shadows of night creeping towards him. Sleep, once again, would not come to him that night.
Roxton and Marguerite had been the last of the treehouse's residence to curl up in bed. The treehouse was now completely dark, and comfortably quiet. The only sounds to be heard were the sounds of the nocturnal creatures that roamed the jungle late at night. It was calm. It was peaceful . . . and it was the perfect time to strike an attack. Jenkins chuckled silently as he took a puff from his cigar. He was safely hidden in behind a group of tall bushes-for now. He crouched to the ground and slowly parted the foliage in front of him to gaze ahead at the treehouse. The light from Roxton and Marguerite's room had just flickered off. This meant that the couple had just gone to bed. This also meant that everyone else had gone to bed as well, except for Veronica, for it was her turn to take the night watch. Jenkins had been watching the treehouse and its inhabitants for more than a month and a half now (since their last encounter) and he knew the daily routines and schedules of each person. He knew what time they got up; what day of the week a certain pair of explorers would go to the Zanga Village to purchase and trade goods; what time they would eat their meals; what time they went to bed; he knew it all. But most of all, he knew that now was the time to strike his long- planned attack. He had been waiting for this night for a long time now . . . this was his Night of Deliverance. Tonight was the night that he would achieve his long-awaited revenge . . . and tonight was the night when Lord John Richard Roxton would die.
Back at the treehouse, Veronica paced around in the kitchen nervously; her intuition was telling her that something was going to happen tonight-something bad. She didn't know what it was, or when it would happen . . . but she knew she was right. Over the years she had spent in the jungle alone, she had learned to trust her instincts. And her instincts told her to be very cautious tonight . . . for someone was watching and waiting. "Brett Jenkins," she whispered to herself, "it's him. I can almost smell him." Brett Jenkins-how very much she despised that name! She barely knew him, but she didn't have to at all to know that he was nothing but a manipulating conspirer. 'Poor John,' she thought silently as she sighed and leaned tiredly against the table, 'I can't imagine what he's going through right now; a dangerous lunatic is out there is hunting him, trying to kill him for something that happened years ago . . . something that wasn't even John's fault at all.' Veronica closed her eyes. 'Don't worry, John. I won't let him harm you or Marguerite-none of us will." She couldn't imagine what they would do without John Roxton. He . . . he was part of their family . . . her family. The family that she never had. Veronica clenched her teeth as she grabbed her dagger out of her boot and clutched it hard. Her fist shook angrily. "And I'll be damned before I let anyone-ANYONE-break my family again," she vowed, "and that, Brett Jenkins, is a promise." Suddenly, as if in reply, a bloodcurdling cry echoed throughout the air, and a large patch of jungle foliage burst into flame! Veronica gasped as she watched the orangey-red flames devour the nearby plant life. Her eyes went wide. "CHALLENGER!" she frantically screamed. "NED! COME QUICK!" Almost immediately, Challenger and Malone burst into the kitchen, revolvers in hand. Roxton and Marguerite joined them, also brandishing more weapons. Roxton, fearing some sudden attack, pulled Marguerite to the floor. "Marguerite, keep down!" he cried, and sat her into a crouching position. Marguerite, knowing she could do nothing to sway Roxton, grumbled and sat on the floor behind the table. "Would someone at least tell me what the hell is going on?!" she demanded. The explorers turned to Veronica. "What happened?" questioned Challenger, as he turned towards her. "How did this all come about?" Veronica shrugged anxiously. "I don't know!" she cried. "Someone screamed, and that patch of foliage out there erupted into flame out of the blue! That's all I saw and heard!" "I heard the scream loud and clear," Malone stated, "do you . . . do you think someone's hurt?" "Possibly," replied Challenger, "but who? And what in God's name were they doing out here so close to the treehouse in the middle of the night?" Roxton grimly strode forward. That scream had haunted his dreams for the past couple of months, ever since. . . . "Brett Jenkins," he answered despondently, "it was his. I could never forget that scream . . . ever." At hearing this, Veronica stood up. "I knew it!" she exclaimed, "I knew he would try something tonight, I just knew it!" "But Veronica," voiced Marguerite from the floor, "it's obvious that Brett is hurt-maybe even killed! Our only problem now is to stop that damned fire from spreading towards us!" "Perhaps Marguerite is right," entered Challenger, "and suppose that Brett has been killed. But what if he hasn't, and what if this is all a ruse? What if this is all a game to lure us out there?" "Either way . . . Marguerite is also right about the fire coming towards us!" cried Malone. "We can't stay in here while that fire is spreading so rapidly! We have to try to put it out!" Challenger stepped out onto the balcony to gaze at the small spot of the enflamed foliage. "The fire isn't very big, but it is spreading. We had better put it out before it does come any closer!" "What? All of us?" asked Veronica. "But Challenger, what if Jenkins really is out there, playing some sort of game! We could be walking straight into a trap!" "Good point, Veronica. Then only three of us will go-you, Malone, and-" "Me," interrupted Roxton from behind Challenger. All turned around to stare at him. "I will go with Veronica and Malone. And please don't try to argue with me." Marguerite ignored Roxton's words. "No, John!" she cried. "Absolutely not! You can't go out there! If Jenkins really is out there. . . ." "Marguerite." Roxton crouched down with his beloved pregnant heiress and began stroking her face. "If Brett really is out there-dead or alive-I must go and find out." "But what if that's what he wants?" wailed Marguerite. "What if Veronica's right and he is setting up a trap?" "Marguerite has a point, John," chimed in Veronica, "after all, Jenkins could be doing this because he wants you dead. And if it's true, and you go running out there. . . ." "I'll be prepared," intervened Roxton, cocking his rifle. He faced Marguerite once again. "Marguerite . . . I can't give you an exact reason- but I must do this. I promise you-I swear to you that I'll be careful." "Oh John. . . ." Marguerite buried her head in Roxton's shoulder. "Why? Why must you do this?" "I'm doing this for you, Marguerite. For our child. For all of us."
Marguerite squeezed Roxton's hand. "Please don't," she begged once more, "John, please don't do this!" "I must. I'll be back, Marguerite. I promise." He kissed her tenderly and shortly on her lips, and rose up. "Challenger, you can stay with Marguerite and watch over her. Please." Challenger sighed and nodded. "All right, John. I will." Roxton strode towards the elevator with Veronica and Malone, blankets to snuff out the fire and his rifle in hand. "I love you, Marguerite," he called. Marguerite stood up from the floor and gazed towards the beloved. She put her hand on her swollen abdomen. "You're as stubborn as a bull, John," she said sadly, but smiled warmly, "but I love you all the same. Be careful, John! Be careful all of you!" Roxton smiled back at Marguerite, and even blew her a kiss as the elevator descended towards the jungle floor.