Disclaimer: see chapter 1
"So, why exactly do I have to hold them off?" Anna queried from her perch.
"Because I said so, that's why." Indy stated.
"I'm too old for that." Anna countered.
"Well, I am your father, so you still have to listen to me."
"Not to rain on your little parade, but, you weren't there for my life."
Indy thought about this a moment. "I'm your biological dad. It counts." Anna opened her mouth to defend, but Indy cut her off firmly, "IT COUNTS. Now shut up, I think I hear someone."
Inside the temple Picarde and his men had just appeared from within the bowels of the inner sanctuary. They hadn't heard so much as a single breath from the direction of where they left the broken professor and his blasted child, which meant that he was now home free to sell his little friend Illapa.
"You'll fetch a pretty penny, my dear storm god," Picarde said, patting his bag. He pushed his way to the front of his posse, and strode in the direction of the main entrance.
The leather boots were unmistakable. Picarde was coming. The rest of his party would soon follow. Indy waited, poised and ready to leap at the slightest movement from the corridor. Finally, the moment came. Indy sprang from the side and latched onto the tall man; whipping him around and contorting him into a compromising position facing the others. Indy finally held the upper hand, and he liked it.
"What are you waiting for? Get him!" Picarde shouted at his men.
Before the others had a chance to react, Anna was in front of them, cracking the bullwhip above her head, keeping them well away from their boss. "Don't even think about it."
"How the devil did you escape?" the man snarled.
"I'm like a bad penny, I always turn up." Indy grinned. "Now, call off your friends and we'll decide what to do with you."
It was Picarde's turn to smile. "You seem to forget that I have this!" He jerked one of his hands free and reached into his satchel. "A little hurricane sounds nice right about now!" He pulled out the bundled statue that would make him a millionaire. Now was the time he would win. He would be the one who could say the he destroyed the one and only Indiana Jones single-handed. He could say that he was great and powerful, and that he prevailed. He would rule, one way or another. He would rule the world with the power of this idol, or rule with the money he will receive for it. He shook the linen wrapping loose, only to learn that all he held was a worthless yoyo. He howled in fury, hurling the toy into some nearby shrubbery. His men, now unsure of what to do, froze. Anna took advantage of this and snapped the whip at the closest crewman. It struck directly in front of him, and he jumped back.
"Why, I oughtta…" The big man pulled out his gun, only to have it shot from his hand. He looked in the direction from which the bullet had come, and saw Indy aiming at him.
"Care to try that again?" Indy held his revolver steady, still keeping a good grip on Picarde.
The man and the rest of the crew surrendered, and within minutes the thrumming of helicopter rotors could be heard.
"Thank you for your services, Mr. Ramirez," Indy said politely as they walked down a corridor to the waiting plane. "Although, with your permission, I'd like to take the idol back to the United States, the San Francisco museum will gladly pay you for it.
"Consider it a permanent loan, Doctor Jones." the officer said, nodding. He stopped. "I wish you two an uneventful flight home. Adios, amigos."
Father and daughter continued onto the plane without a word. Anna fingered the idol inside her pocket, glad that this ordeal was finally over. "Are you sure we can't use it?" She implored her father.
"Why would we need to?" Indy responded, sitting down in his seat.
Anna looked at him, her hazel eyes pleading. She gestured outside at the wilting and thirsty plant life. "Just look at it."
Indy sighed. "Fine. Just this once. And nothing drastic. They don't need a monsoon."
Anna grinned. "Thanks Daddy!" She reached over and hugged him hard, before clutching the idol tightly with both hands. She took her place at his side, staring out the window. As the plane took off, clouds gathered. A single drop of water fell to the runway, followed by another. Soon, a refreshing downpour drenched all of Cuzco and the surrounding area.
Sunlight gleamed through the sheer curtains, lighting up the buttery yellow walls of the guest room at the end of the hall. A shirt sleeve could be seen hanging out of the middle drawer in the bureau, hurriedly shoved in before school. The little desk remained dusty, the stationary she used to write to her mother in a neat pile beside her unfinished English paper. The blue and white gingham comforter was somewhat mussed; with Harriet and Alex fast asleep on the large bed. Marion smiled lightly, watching the children sleep.
She could see why her daughter had liked this; the whole picture was one of perfection. Her brow furrowed as she cursed herself for thinking of her baby girl as if she were gone for good.
She very well could be, came a little voice in her head. She's been missing for weeks, and you know what that man can get into.
You also know that he would be the one to keep her safe; even if he doesn't know 'that'. Came another voice, one she decided she liked a lot better.
Well, why did you end up in so much trouble on your little adventure? Wasn't it because of him? He's probably the cause of all this! Shouted the first.
Marion was feeling sick. She sat down in the chair at the desk. If her mind continued on like this, she'd end up in an insane asylum. She needed a drink. She stood again and wandered in the direction of the kitchen. She walked into the large, open area and gazed across the half-wall to Tashi, who was sound asleep on the sofa. A sad smile flashed briefly across her lips. Tashi had been like a son to her. He and Anna had grown up together. He was always there to lend a helping hand, to comfort, to lean on, and to be an encouragement.
She sighed and opened up the cabinet above the small Frigidaire refrigerator and found herself a small bottle of cheap scotch. Anything would do. She poured herself a shot and downed it, the flavor enough to satisfy her for the moment. She stood there for a time, thinking of what had happened and what will happen if –when—Anna gets back.
Julia cracked the kitchen door, listening so as not to disturb her sleeping children. "Thank you for watching the kids, I really do appreciate it." She paused, not sure what to say. "Anna was—er, is amazing -- with the kids." She stumbled over her words.
"She always has liked working with children. I think she said she wants to teach." Marion mused. Just like her father.
Just then the doorbell rang. Julia rushed to put down her purse, but Marion stopped her. "Oh, don't bother, I'll get it." She walked over to the front door, glad for the distraction. The doorbell sounded insistently. "Alright, hold your horses. I'm coming." She swung the door open, and immediately pounced upon the visitor, crying out in absolute joy. "Oh, my God! You have no idea how worried I've been!"
"Mom?!" was all that could be heard from the teenager. "What're you--" Marion only held her tighter.
Marion glanced up, and saw the other visitor. Rage filled her from head to toe. She quickly let go of her daughter and angrily hefted her best right hook at the man's chin.
Pain shot through to the bone and down the neck. His hand rose to nurse his injured jaw. "Hello Marion." Indy said. "Nice to see you too."
He was barely able to say this before she flung herself into his arms and kissed him fiercely. After all she'd been through over the past several days; this was one thing that she was sure of. This was the man she loved. This was the man who had stood by her despite her father's wishes. This was the man who had nearly gotten her killed on several occasions. This was the man who she had seen reflected in her daughter. This was the man who was Indiana Jones. She slowly fell out of her reverie and realized what she had just done.
He faced flushed red. "I, um—uh…" she cleared her throat. "I see you've met Anna…"
"Indiana?"
She let a nervous laugh escape. "Yeah, about that…" She gestured semi-frantically around her and shrugged, no words coming to mind.
Indy raised an eyebrow. "How long did you think it'd take me to figure it out?"
"You're supposed to be teaching at Barnett in New York!" Marion defended.
"I needed a change of scenery."
The two continued to argue between themselves, and Anna wondered inside. She moved back to her room and, noticing the sleeping children through the open door, crept slowly to the closet for a change of clothes. Pulling out a shirt-waisted dress the same buttery shade as the walls, she retreated to the bathroom for a luxurious shower. She peeled off her once white blouse that was now dirt encrusted and bloodied slightly, and stepped out of her skirt that was now of an unidentifiable color or pattern, but she vaguely remembered to be pale blue. Her shoes had nearly fallen apart, and her socks, full of holes, served no purpose. Her hair consisted primarily of dirt, with the occasional twig or dried leaf. Worst of all, she hadn't realized how bad she smelled until she noticed the fresh, clean scent of soap and bleach in the bathroom.
Has it really been that long since I've had a bath? She thought. She sighed inwardly, and stepped into the warm water and steam.
She emerged from the bathroom, clean and in clean clothes, pulling her wet hair into a pony-tail. She was promptly lifted into the air by two strong arms attached to a young man of Asian origin.
"Tashi!" She squealed. He whirled her around a moment before setting her gently on her feet. They squeezed each other cheerfully, happy to see each other again. "What are you doing here?"
"You don't think I'd let your mom worry alone, do you?" He feigned a hurt expression, and quickly exchanged it for a wide grin. He put his arm around her shoulders, and they walked into the living room to find Indy and Marion on the sofa and Julia in the armchair with the children playing at her feet. Upon seeing Anna, they rushed over and hugged her as hard as they could.
"It's about time." Indy said. "You did leave me some hot water, didn't you?" He picked up a pile of Darren's clothes that Julia had fetched for him to borrow and walked past Anna, in the direction from which she just came.
"Towels are under the sink!" she shouted after him. She plopped down next to her mother, who immediately enveloped her in her arms.
"What happened here?" Marion asked, noticing the two inch cut along the right side of her forehead.
Anna gestured to the whip lying on the table. "That."
Marion's eyes widened momentarily.
Anna saw her face and continued. "I did it to myself. Literally."
Julia, who had disappeared into the kitchen, returned a few moments later with a plate of sandwiches that for Anna looked to be the most delicious things in the world. She had devoured two before her father returned, clad in Darren's khaki colored slacks and a white dress shirt.
"You forgot this," He said, holding out a small wooden toy. "I picked it up before we got into the chopper. Fun little gadget," He flicked his wrist and the toy zipped down the string, and hung limply from the end of it. "That is, if you know how to work the dang thing."
Anna laughed, "Go ahead and practice. You'll get the hang of it."
"Yeah, yeah." Indy wound up the yoyo and shoved it into his pocket. Not wanting to embarrass himself with such a ridiculous waste of time. He then proceeded to seat himself on the armrest next to Marion.
Julia spoke up. "Would you like to stay for dinner?" she addressed Indy.
"I wouldn't want to impose…" Indy started.
"Please Dad?" Anna whined.
Marion looked at her daughter with a look of confusion combined with amusement. Did I hear that correctly? She was more than a little surprised to hear her address Indy as 'Dad' after such a short time together, not having even seen a picture of him before.
"Alright. If you insist." Indy replied.
Marion looked at him, too; caught off guard by the fact that he so easily accepted the invite. Usually he would go home and keep to himself. She wasn't sure what astonished her more: how her daughter had changed over the months spent in the U.S. or even the past couple of weeks, or how Indy had changed over the past eighteen years.
Julia stood, "Alright, well I had better get in the kitchen."
"I'll help." Marion volunteered, and followed Julia into the next room.
Anna called the children over to her, and without delay, dug out some toys from the basket in the corner.
Tashi made quick work of setting the table, while Indy rested on the sofa. When Tashi finished, he sat down next to the older man. Indy was watching his daughter playing with the two kids. Tashi followed his gaze.
"She's a wonderful young woman. You should be very proud." Tashi observed her, a faint smile spreading across his lips. A certain pride and admiration shone on his face.
"I am proud." Indy said simply.
The doorknob rattled and Darren Cook, a tall man of medium build entered. He wore thin wire-framed glasses, and carried a small briefcase. His clothes were all neatly pressed, and his fiery red hair was neatly combed. His gaunt facial features and high cheekbones complimented his crystal blue eyes. He stepped through the door in one long stride, and took in the scene around him. Anna is finally back. She seems fine. Hopefully nothing too dreadful happened. The smell of some form of meatloaf greeted him. Julia and Marion must be cooking dinner.
"I hope you don't mind leftovers!" Julia called from the kitchen.
"Nah, I'm alright with just about anything." Indy called back.
Darren looked to the source of the voice. The man on the sofa was somewhere close to his own height. He had light brown hair and hazel eyes. He looked to be in his mid-fifties. Judging by the scrapes and bruising on any exposed flesh, he'd been through a living hell. He took a good look at him. "Are those my pants?" he asked, bemused.
"Yes, and they're very comfortable. So is the shirt." Darren was surprised to hear the man reply. The man stood, and decided to introduce himself. "I'm Indiana Jones; Anna's father. You must be Julia's husband."
"Yes, yes, I'm…" Darren stammered. He wasn't sure whether he should be insulted, concerned, or amused about this man being in his house wearing his clothes. "I'm Darren. Pardon my asking, but why…?" He gestured to encompass all of the clothes Indy was wearing.
"Oh, yeah. I just got back from Peru, and hadn't had time to stop by my place yet, so your wonderful wife kindly loaned me some of your clothes and let me wash up in your bathroom." Indy said matter-of-factly.
Darren's eyes narrowed. "Please excuse me, but your story does sound a bit far fetched."
"I can vouch for him," Anna called from the floor of the living room. "I was with him. I've got the scars to prove it."
The children shuffled awkwardly to their father, and he knelt to give them each a hug and kiss, before moving into the dining room, still eying his unexpected visitor.
Dinner was fairly uneventful. The children made a mess of themselves as all little ones do, and Darren finally deigned to stop watching Indy as if the man was going to make a move on his wife. Indy might have, had Marion not entered the picture.
She sat across from him, dark curls neatly framing her slight features. Time had been good to her. A few light creases were visible at the corners of her eyes and mouth, and a small strand of grey amid the black hair only added to her charm. She still had that gleam of innocence and mischief in her eyes. Indy still felt unworthy to behold such a creature. And yet, he found that his feelings really hadn't changed. He recalled the way she fit perfectly into his arms; like a puzzle piece, even after so many years. He mentally shook himself out of his memories, and looked up to see her giving him the same sweet smile she'd given him almost two decades ago.
After dinner everyone gathered in the living room to bid Indy goodbye for the evening. Anna handed him the little gold idol she retrieved from her filthy skirt, "Please tell me you have something safe to keep that in. After all we went through to get the darn thing." She beamed, a feeling of pride welling up inside her.
"Would you like me to call a cab?" Julia offered.
Indy shook his head. "Nah. I'll just walk."
Marion opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it and looked at the floor.
Indy turned to Anna. "I'll see you Monday?" He asked. The girl grinned and replied with an enthusiastic 'yes'. He was about to leave, when a thought occurred to him. He turned to Marion. "Would you like to bunk over at my place? I've got a couch; you at least wouldn't be on the floor."
Marion stared, unsure. She'd been on an emotional rollercoaster for the past month, and it had reached its climax only a few hours ago; she couldn't be sure if she was thinking straight or not. She looked to her daughter for guidance. Anna gave a nearly imperceptible nod of approval, and Marion walked out the front door with Indiana Jones.