The Elusive Treasure
Chapter Sixteen
Meeting the Treasure Hunter
"Don't tell me...that was who...I think...it was..." Sam breathed.
Lou shrugged. "It was."
"Aw man! We were so close!" Otto groaned.
"Would you guys mind telling me why you're in those? It's a little early for Halloween, don't you think?"
"Well..." Scott started, rubbing the back of his head. "We were planning on taking Iggy somewhere and having a little chat with him."
"Oh don't worry. I already talked to him." Lou reassured.
"YOU DID!" The three "nurses" exclaimed. Lou nodded. "What'd you find out?"
"Sorry, I'm sworn to secrecy." The brunet replied, making a zipping motion across his lips.
The trio in green gaped at him for a few seconds, and then at each other, before falling over.
Lou looked around himself. "Guys?" he called out, no longer seeing them gathered round his bed. He heard a low moaning from the floor.
He was about to reach under his pillow for the nurse button, which doubled as a remote control for the television set that hung from the ceiling. Otto helped Sam up, and the two brought Scotty to his feet.
"Well, it's good that you gave some thought to 'rescuing' Iggy, but I'm sure that's not the only item of interest that you guys have on the agenda," Lou said.
"Actually," Otto replied, "we have some new evidence to consider."
"Specifically, some notes, a cave map that matches the more recent echographic studies, and a big brass key to a hidden chamber in the Hole, somewhere on the other side of the Glowing Pool,"- continued Scott, as Lou carefully weighed the gravity of his friend's new information.
"Haaanh," exclaimed Lou quietly. "This tale is becoming more and more interesting."
"Lou, did Oliver and the Lopezes say they were going anywhere in particular?" asked Sam.
"Nope," replied Lou. "Iggy did ask, but his brother replied in his ever-so-charming way that he'd 'find out when they got there," replied Lou in a voice very like Izzy's.
"Figures," observed Sam.
Lou carefully weighed the evidence that Scott had brought before him, and all of it seemed to support the conclusion that something of interest, if not the "big lebowski" itself, was at that location. "All right," Lou advised, "I think this could be 'the real thing'. You guys need to get down to that cave. I know about the Glowing Spring in the Hole, but there's just a chance that the 'rest of the way in' just might be a bit wetter in some places. That means guide lines, helmet lighting for everybody, and..." (he scratched his chin) "...as far as dive gear, the shoulder-carry units would be best. They're small, but you're not gonna be dealing with any big submerged distances or depths, just 'very large puddles with low overhead'. Plus, they have nice big waterproof pouches for maps, food, water, and whatever gizmos Dullard thinks you should have." Scott nodded, being familiar with what Lou was describing. "From what I can see, I think you should be at the site within 45 minutes of emerging from the spring. But dress to get dirty. Otto, your sister wears BDU's. Any chance of finding some more?" Lou asked.
"Uh, maybe another pair or two," Otto replied.
"You guys should take up paintball. I got a bunch more, enough for all of us," Scott supplied with a big grin.
"On the odd chance the... opposition shows up--" Sam mentioned.
"Take whatever precautions you deem appropriate," Lou deadpanned. "I want you guys to be safe. Sticks, sprays, whatever you feel comfortable with." Scott nodded. "I think they're gonna start serving breakfast, so if I were you I'd get out of here before somebody issues tasks or something." The four boys woogied, and Otto, Sammy, and Scott left.
"Hey...Tell me...where we're...going already..." Iggy panted. He was riding on his bike alongside Izzy and Oliver, who were also on their own bikes.
It was clear that he wasn't fully up to speed as the trio travelled along.
"I guess since we're away from the hospital and anyone that can hear us, I can tell ya." Izzy said, glancing back at his brother. He stared ahead again. "Oliver's taking us to see this girl that can get us to the treasure faster."
"A girl?" The younger brother raised an eyebrow. "How is some girl gonna get us to the treasure?"
"She's not just any girl." Oliver started. "She's a treasure hunter. She can take through the quickest route to the treasure."
"'Treasure hunter?'" Iggy's eyes brightened. "Oh you mean like that echidna that that Otto person looks like?" He asked excitedly.
Izzy sweatdropped and sighed. "You know, it would've made a lot more sense if ya said 'Rouge the Bat' instead since she's a girl, but you're right for once."
"Yay!" The brunet in the green helmet cheered. The two older boys rolled their eyes.
"In any case, how much further do we have to go, Van Rossom? I'm getting tired over here!"
"It should be another half a mile, Lopez!" The redhead shot back. The brunet in the violet helmet gave an indignant grunt in response.
The trio was silent as they continued the rest of their journey. They biked through the town until the reached the marina. When they reached the residential area of the harbor, they skidded to a stop. Afterwards, they walked their bikes until the reached the last house on the street. It was a simple one family home. It was painted blue and had a red roof. It had two floors plus, supposedly, an attic. It was surrounded by a white picket fence.
Different types of equipment were strewn all over the yard. It seemed that all the gear was for diving, extraction, digging, and other actions. The trio blinked at the set up.
"Man, talk about messy, huh?" Iggy commented.
"No kidding." Izzy agreed, crossing his arms. He turned to Oliver. "If this treasure hunter is so great, why does she just leave her stuff lying around?"
Oliver shrugged. "I'll admit, she's a tad...untidy about her work, but she's the best option we got."
"Hmph! Fine. So where can we find her?"
Izzy's question was answered by a loud splash. Looking at each other questioningly, the group made their way through the yard and around the house. When they reached the backyard, they found that it wasn't much of a backyard at all.
There was just a small amount of land that ended with a dock. And even then, more equipment littered the land. Treading cautiously, the Lopez Brothers and Oliver crossed the lawn and walked along the tiny pier.
When they reached the end, they discovered a ladder leading into the water, which was rippling. Air bubbles were floating up to the surface. Nearby, there were several air canisters, a box that held several pieces of barnicle-encrusted trinklets, and among all things, a picnic basket.
"A picnic basket?" Izzy asked strangely. "Unless you're going fishing, who packs a picnic basket when they're not even ten feet from their home?"
Oliver and Iggy shrugged.
Izzy slapped his forehead. "Never mind."
Just then, a figure emerged from the water. The trio turned towards the end of the dock, only to discover a diver in a blue scuba suit. The person was wearing a yellow diving mask, so their identity was hidden from view. An air tank was strapped to their back. Water dripped from the suit as the diver stepped onto the dock with blue flippers to match the suit.
He or she noticed the boys and pulled up her mask revealing the face of a girl.
She had a heart-shaped face. Her nose was also upturned a bit. She had a slight tan that was a little lighter than Reggie's. Her cat-shaped eyes were fixed in a glower that was curious but at the same time, cautious.
"What do you want? I already bought cookies this year."
Iggy chuckled at that one, but Izzy wasn't amused in the least bit.
"Very funny." He said before relaxing his features. "I heard from a very reliable source--" He jerked his head in Oliver's direction. "--That you're a treasure hunter."
"Well, you heard right." said the diver, offering her right hand. "Name's Riley."
"Izzy's the name." The brunet replied taking her hand and shaking it. He then gestured towards the youngest member of the trio. "That's Iggy, my--" He grimaced slightly. "--brother."
"Hi!" The boy in question shouted, waving at her.
"And that's Oliver. I'm sure ya heard of him." He pointed at the redhead.
"Pleased to finally meet you." The one in the glasses said, reaching out his hand.
"Yes. Well, what's the nature of your expedition?" asked Riley.
"Wow, quick to business, huh? I like that." Izzy said with an impressed nod.
"Well, we're currently on a treasure hunt and..."
"You're in need of some professional guidance?" she guessed.
"Erm... Yeah. You see..." He then proceeded to explain the whole situation to Riley. When he finished, she looked highly interested.
"You've certainly come to the right person for this one," she said. "I'm actually a direct descendant of one of the pirates involved in the original burial of the treasure."
Izzy raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Really now?"
"Yes," she said, gracing them with a smile that was friendly, yet professional.
The brunet nodded in response. "Seems like you'll be more useful to us than I thought." He looked up at her. "Now then, as for your payment..."
"At least twenty percent of whatever you find, you buy the lunch."
The boy sweatdropped and cleared his throat. "Ahem. Ok. That sounds fair. Twenty percent doesn't sound too bad..." He held his chin as the thought of how he was going to split the treasure evenly popped up. He shook his head and decided to worry about it later. "Anyway, how can you figure out the fastest route for us?"
"I still have at least one of my great-great-great grandfather's maps." said Riley. "Besides, I know this harbor well."
"Excellent." Oliver spoke up. "With your expertise, we should be able to reach the treasure with no problem."
The trio turned as they heard a high-pitched meow nearby.
"Huh?"
Riley clicked her tongue a few times and a fuzzy black kitten appeared. It wore a pink rhinestone collar. "Meet my assistant, Tesoro," said Riley.
"Eeeeee!" Iggy screamed excitedly. "Kitty! Can I pet it!"
"Uh, sure," she said, suppressing a chuckle at the kid's behavior.
"Yay!" He cheered as he grabbed the kitten and stroked it lovingly.
Izzy sweatdropped and clenched a fist. "I swear, you're not my brother sometimes..." He muttered.
Oliver meanwhile, raised an eyebrow at Riley. "How is this kitten your assitant?"
"She's very curious and has a nose for finding just the right stuff," she replied.
"Half the stuff in that box is what Tess led me to."
"Like a bloodhound?"
"More or less."
"No way!" Izzy gasped, looking at the box. "SHE lead you to all this!"
Riley simply nodded.
"Amazing. Simply amazing..." He said, wiping the drool from his lips. "You're perfect for the job! You're hired!"
"Can you come with us to the docks right now?" Oliver asked.
"Not a problem." said Riley. "Just give me a minute or two to change."
"Very well. We'll meet ya at Pier Thirteen. That's where our sub is docked." Izzy said, walking away. "Let's go, Iggy!"
"Awwww..." Iggy moaned, putting down Tesoro who walked over to Riley. "Bye, Kitty..." He put on a dejected look as he followed his brother and Oliver out of the yard.
And with that, Izzy's group gained a new member.
The area modern Ocean Shores calls Explorers Park had a checkered past, of which this much was known to the general public: early in the 1900s, it had belonged to an obscure evangelical faction which had used it as a venue for various rituals. The cult died out some decades later, due to a scandal here and a taxation issue there, until eventually the parcel was seized by the county.
It was acquired at auction by a man who raised cattle, and thought that the presence of a sheltered, constantly refreshed spring there to water his livestock was rather nifty. After the beef and dairy industries became more centralized, the area passed to a descendant of the man who had other business interests. He fenced off the land, and largely left it alone to overgrow with weeds and trees.
At one time much more recently, there was a great deal of crime and upheaval, yes, eventually touching even Ocean Shores, and it was eventually discovered that a band of baddies lived in the cave, manufacturing drugs. The authorities once more seized the property, rousting the criminals and carefully cleaning out the cave. The lead officer on that investigation was a young policewoman named Shirley June. It remained closed for a number of years afterwards, until the park was dedicated only very recently.
And so it happened early one beautiful summer morning that a pickup truck pulled up and parked in a lot by the entrance of the cave, in a nicely appointed hill-side suburban park with a small playground, a restroom, and a few picnic tables. Five boys and a girl got out wearing sneakers and old combat clothes; from the bed of the truck they put on helmets with attached lights, and walked away carrying small shoulder-carried mini dive packs. By all appearances they were just a bunch of young adventurers eager to check out this new, recently opened attraction. The kids walked into the cave, a couple of them carrying a thin, long black bag between them.
The main cavern had some stalagmites and stalactites, as well as a small gallery of photos mounted on suspended partitions. But the object of their interest was the pool. But there was a warning sign by the pool:
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK
Do not swim past the yellow Caution signs unless you have a waterproof flashlight AND goggles or a mask. Use of the buddy system is encouraged.
COS Ord 05-31.3
"Well, I'd say we're just a little better equipped than what the law requires," Roderick announced.
"Yeah! Hang onto yer britches, bruddah; we're goin' in!" Otto replied, as the two of them turned their lights on, donned their masks, and entered the water. They extracted the mouthpieces and started breathing from the dive packs, then descended beneath the surface.
Swimming while fully clothed was... interesting, the gang noted. They made their way through the tunnel and crossed beyond the Caution signs. Otto counted four lights following behind himself and Roderick. Good. In the shadows they could see little flecks of eerie green light.
The sixsome emerged from the water at the other side. "GAH! GIANT HANDS!" gasped Twister as he spat out his mouthpiece, pointing directly up. Scott followed Twister's head lamp beam to find, sure enough, the fingers and palms of two enormous outstretched stone hands.
"No doubt built by that sect," Sam noted.
Scott spoke. "Okay. I had us bring this bag in here because the Lasers, or whatever entity might be in operation of them, might attempt to access this cave system. My bag here contains a number of weapons I was able to locate on short notice. I didn't want to exactly show them off in public in the lot. They may alo be useful in clearing ...inorganic obstructions as well. I have already earlier selected a weapon and am carrying it right now."
The others turned their attention to the black nylon case. Reggie saw a canister of pepper spray, which she strapped to her thigh at hand level. Twister eyed a side-handled truncheon and stuck it in his belt, Otto and Sam each picked up a set of rice flailers, and Roderick picked a small katana. "Everybody okay with what we've got?" asked Scott. "It's all I was able to find."
The others looked at each other and nodded. "I hope we don't need to use...What are you carrying, Scott?" asked Reggie, curious but concerned.
"You really want to know?" replied Scott, unbuttoning a side pocket on his trousers. He extracted a plastic bag containing a small gunlike device, shining his light on it. then put it back. "An electric shock pistol. Picked it up in Tijuana. I'd hate the thought of one of those Laser dorks hurting one of you. But desperate circumstances require decisive preparation. Can we have a sound check on our helmet radios, please?" he asked, changing the subject.
All the units clicked "OK."
"Alright," Otto spoke up. "Let me turn this lantern on, so we can conserve our helmet lights. Sam, you got that metal detector?"
"Sure thing, Ottoman," replied Sam.
"You might want to set it for brass or bronze. That's what the key is made of," noted Scott.
The electric lantern gave off an eerie bluewhite glow and the others shut off their helmet lights. Otto passed glow-stick lanyards to the others, which gave a kind of raveish mood to the tasks at hand.
Sam started walking carefully around the room, the sensor held at arms length. Twister did likewise with his camera, searching for a difference in the background infrared emissions. Twister saw something in his viewfinder that made him stop dead in his tracks. The image was large, solid, and rectangular. "Over here, guys!" Twist urged. Sam's metal detector went monkeypoo on approaching whatever it was.
"If we see that--but it sees this," Otto reckoned..
"...It means that's gotta be fake," - Twister surmised. Handing the camera off to Reggie, he extracted the truncheon from his belt and prepared to tap the wall with it. But he stepped aside and tripped, hitting the wall headfirst. "Whoa! OOOOWWW!" - cried Twister, sitting on the ground, grabbing his head with both hands. Under normal circumstances, all the gang would have run to check on him; but right now they were looking in awe at something unbelievable.
"That's..." - said Rod.
"Holy..." - added Otto.
"Unbelievable!" - Sam provided.
Twister, in spite of the pain he was in, opened his eyes and looked up curiously. To his surprise, a large hole had been made on the wall, right on the spot he had hit it with his head! "OW... Hey, what happened?" - asked Twister, stopping rubbing his head.
"Talk about a hard head!" - answered Reggie - "You discovered the entrance, Twist!"
"I did?" - asked Twister, scratching his head in disbelief.
"Yeah, you did, buddy! Apparently you hit the keystone, and it caused this fake section of the wall to collapse! Now we only need to open that door. It was easier than I thought!" - said Scott, helping Twister get on his feet.
Scotty and Sam approached to the door. It was an old, rusted metallic door like the ones you might expect to see in a ship's hold. Save for some reinforcing rivets, the only feature of that door was a large keyhole at the right. Scott and Sam looked at each other for a moment. Sam nodded, and Scott pulled the old key from one of his pockets. He inserted the key on the keyhole, and to his surprise it fitted perfectly. He had some trouble making the key turn - the door had been closed for over 300 years, after all. But, after struggling with the key for some moments, he finally succeded in making it turn. The kids could hear the rusty lock as its old mechanism moved.
"I think we made it, buddies!" - said Scott, pushing on the door. But, to his surprise, the door wouldn't open.
"What the...?"
Scott pushed and pulled with all his strength, but it was useless. The door seemed to be welded to the frame. Sam, always the analytical kid, observed that the hinges seemed to have stuck with rust. He remembered one particular can of spray he had packed in the bag, and reached for it. "Here, Scott. Maybe we could use this thing" - said Sam, holding a can of spray oil in his hand.
"Good idea, Sammy!"
Sam pointed the can to the hinges and put a generous layer of oil on them. According to the instructions on the label, that should help loosen the hinges. After that, Sam and Scott began pushing the door again (it had not a handle, so it had to open to the inside)
It semed the oil had failed. The rest of the kids were looking, and thought they might need to help their buddies.
But suddenly...
A creaking noise could be heard. Otto, Twister, Reggie and Rod turned and saw in horror how the door opened, revealing a black hole behind it. The door opened so suddenly that Scott and Sam lost their balance and fell inside the cave! The kids saw in horror how the door closed back again, moved by a hidden spring of sorts, trapping their friends inside the dark cave!