Chapter 2
Indy had been in his office most of the day. He was now the Dean of Archaeology, so he only taught the one class these days. Still he was an extremely busy man. He was responsible for every aspect of his department. He also had five professors under him. All of them younger and experienced in the field. Indiana had not been a "field" man for a little over fifteen years now. Sometimes he missed the excitement of the fortune and glory treasure hunting. But that life had cost him too much and he was content to be in a classroom.
He also knew that both of his children were passionate about Archaeology. His daughter had turned 19 that summer and was adamant about changing her major to that very subject. But Indiana thought it was best to bribe her. The 1957 Corvette seemed to do the trick and she kept her major a very safe Art History when she started her second year at Vassar, no one ever got killed studying paintings from the past.
Both his children were smart and would go far in their endeavors. But they would live a normal life. Not the existence he lived through the 1920's and 30's. But that way of life came to a screeching halt in 1942. It still pained him to think about it. So the next fifteen years were dedicated to his family. Or what was left of it. Every dance recital, every football game, award ceremonies, and graduations. Indiana Jones was always there. They wanted for nothing, except a mother.
A knock at the door broke him out of his recollections. His secretary, Veronica, stood at the doorway.
"Dr. Jones," Veronica began, "There is someone here to see you, he says he's an acquaintance of Mr. Brody's"
Indiana was mystified, he did not have any appointments scheduled for that afternoon. It was Friday and he wanted to get home early so he could talk to his son. Or attempt to. The pair had not spoken much over the past two days. Zack completely ignored his father, but Indy knew that he had a long conversation with his sister on the issue. He expected to catch hell from her as well.
"Who is it?"
"He says his name in Mr. Williamson." His secretary replied, "He claims to know Mr. Brody."
Before Indy could respond a man his age or a little younger came up behind Veronica, "Dr. Jones, I hope you don't mind the intrusion. I was hoping for a few minutes of your time." The man had a British accent.
Indiana stood up and held out his hand, "Of course. Please have a seat."
Indiana took his seat again and folded his hands. He glanced up at the clock. 4:45. He really wanted to get home. He looked at his visitor expectantly, wishing he would hurry up and state his business.
His guest, sensing the doctor's impatience, started to speak, "I've been told that you are the best in the subject of archaeology. That there is no one in this country better, maybe even the world."
Indy took off his glasses and pulled out a handkerchief to clean them, "I suppose that would depend largely on whom you are speaking to, Mr. Williamson.
The other man laughed, "Come now Dr. Jones, please give yourself you due." He reached into his briefcase and pulled out a small book. "I'm sure you recognize this Doctor."
Indy felt his heartbeat speed up. Of course he recognized it. It was his. Indiana picked up the small book and stared at it in disbelief. It was a diary, not to unlike his father's grail diary. But these pages held Indy's research. He had not seen it since 1942. He blocked practically all aspects of that year out of his mind. Not only had he not seen his book since 1942, he did not want to see it. His obsession had a price. That price would haunt him until he died.
"Where did you get this?" He finally managed to ask.
"At an estate auction in Germany," Mr. Williamson replied. "The family had lost much during the War. They did not support The Fuehrer or Nazism. The last surviving member passed away last year."
Indy's heart was pounding so hard now, he was sure the other man heard it, "Well not all Germans were bad." He was flipping through the pages, noticing pages missing.
With a shrug, Williamson said, "I'm rather surprised to hear you say that, Dr. Jones, considering your history with the Nazis."
Snapping the book shut Indy shortly said, "Like I told you, not all Germans were bad. Okay, so you found my book that has been MIA for fifteen years, found me, and now I sense you want something."
"You don't miss a thing, do you Doctor?" Was the retort, "and yes. I do want something. This Talisman holds great power. Hitler knew it. That is why he wanted it. England knew it, that is why we stopped him from getting it."
"We?" Indiana queried.
"Formally Major Williamson, for Her Majesty's Royal Air Force. I was part of a special task force that helped foil Hitler from ever getting his hands on this powerful artifact. It took me fifteen years to hunt down this book, now I am asking you for your help in finding The Lost Continent you were so sure that existed and to find the Talisman."
Indiana thought for a moment. Prior to 1942 he would have jumped at the offer. But this book, his research had innocent blood on it. "You found me too late, Mr. Williamson. I have no interest in globe trotting and treasure hunting any more. Besides, it is best if the Talisman is not found. And the Lost Continent, if it does exist it should be left in peace." Knowing his book was worthless without the missing pages, he handed it back to the other man. "Good luck in your pursuit."
The other man's face looked sour as he stood up. He was half way to the door when he turned around and said, 'I have a counter offer, Dr. Jones." He pulled a set of keys out of his pocket and held them up. "I'm sure you recognize these?"
Indy jumped from his chair and made long strides towards Williamson, of course he recognized them. They were his son's car keys, "You Bastard! If you hurt him…"
The ex-major laughed and held up his hand, "Spare the threats, my good doctor. Of course we will not hurt him…yet. We did not just plan this yesterday. We know how to coerce people into doing what we want. If we harm your son, you won't help us. Go home now, you will be called tomorrow with further instructions."