Chapter 12 – The Journey Begins

London International Air Base,

Two Weeks Later…

Edmond Mason watched as the remaining equipment was stowed on a CH-46 Sea Knight American Marine Helicopter. He had made sure the rest of the needed equipment and personnel had been flown into West India the week before. He didn't want any loose ends to tie up when Lady Croft arrived. She had been extremely livid over his employment of Alex West, and even more insulted that he had tricked her into dinner with him. In hindsight, he admitted that perhaps it had not been the wisest course of action. However, he needed them both to recover his treasure. And he had gotten both of them. He had jeopardized his standing with Lady Croft, though. He couldn't let someone like Alex West ruin his chance to work with her. She was the only one who could successfully retrieve the Amulet. Everyone knew that. Even the others he had employed as research personnel and the like. Everyone involved knew Lara was the key. Most importantly, she knew that. He wasn't going to take any more chances. So, he had cleared everything up until the last day, hoping to ease her frustrations with him. West was already in the helicopter, aiding the pilots with prep work. Mason hadn't told him that Lara had decided to stay with the team. He still thought she had bailed. He enjoyed that pitiful puppy look that West wore when he was disappointed. He had been dragging his feet for the past two weeks, miffed that Lara wasn't coming. He obviously had a sweet spot for her. Mason chuckled as he thought of someone like Alex West deluding himself into believing that he could win the heart of such a fair lady. Even if she did fancy combat boots, Alex was no match.

"Mr. Mason?" came Nicholas' annoying voice from behind him. He cringed only slightly, his back still turned to his assistant.

"Yes Mr. Howard?"

"The crew is ready for flight, sir. I came to see if you were ready to board." Mason turned slowly, gazing with utter contempt at Nicholas.

"Mr. Howard, do you honestly think I would board our transport before Lady Croft arrived?" Nicholas only stared at him deliberately, keeping his focus locked so as not to lose his temper.

"Mr. Mason, I wasn't aware that Lady Croft was still a member of the expedition – "

"Of course she is, you moron! Do you think I would even have continued the project if she weren't?" He watched as Nicholas squirmed slightly in his expensive Italian loafers.

"You have Mr. West, sir. And everyone else that you've hired… well, I just supposed – "

"You supposed wrong, Mr. Howard. As soon as Lady Croft arrives, we will be prepared to take off. You are dismissed." He turned his back to Nicholas once more, waiting for Lara to arrive.

Nicholas had to suppress the knawing desire to strangle the man as he returned to the helicopter. God, how he fucking hated that man! Who the hell did he think he was, talking to him like he was some kind of military man? You are dismissed! What a fucking laugh! He stomped off, ignoring everything else around him. He was going to get him. He was going to make Mason pay somehow. Even if it took his life and his soul!

"Excuse me Mr. Howard," came a voice from his side. He jumped, staggering out of his own little world. An incredibly beautiful woman stood beside him, dressed in silk pants and a white top. It bagged fashionably around her waist. The top button was undone, showing off her impressive cleavage line. Her hair was braided tightly all the way to her butt, and she wore slight strands of burlap around her wrists. To top it all off, she sported a ridiculously expensive pair of Oakley's. He had to fight to keep his composure. She smelled of jasmine and pressed herbs. He thought he might have to make a trip to the little boy's room…

"Mr. Howard?" He shook his head, clearing his thoughts.

"Yes? I'm sorry. What can I do for you?"

"I have some bags that need to be carried. They have sensitive equipment in them, so they're very delicate." Nicholas only stared at her, a little confused.

"I'm not sure what exactly you mean, madam. This is a restricted area. I think you might have the wrong place." The woman laughed, rolling up the sleeves of her linen shirt. Beneath it he could see the outline of her tank top… and her extremely full breasts. He didn't think he had ever been this sexually attracted to a woman in his life.

"Mr. Howard, I don't think you quite understand. I'm personnel." He raised his eyebrows.

"Really? You're awfully good-looking for someone Mason would hire. And aren't you supposed to be in uniform?" She only laughed at him again, harder this time.

"You're something, Mr. Howard. I find that sort of humorous personality quite attractive."

Just call me Nicholas, please. And, I still don't really understand the situation here – "

"Lady Croft!" came Mason's bellow from across the hangar. "So glad you're finally here!" He started walking towards them, the whines of the aircraft echoing in the hangar. Nicholas shut his eyes tight, absolutely humiliated. Lady Croft… she was Lara Croft. Goddamn. He turned to face her, his cheeks scarlet with embarrassment.

"Lady Croft, I am so sorry. I had no idea – "

"Oh, please Mr. Howard. Do you really think I give a shit?" she asked with a smirk. He shoved his shaking hands into the pockets of his navy Brooks Brothers' trench coat.

"Forgive me, Lady Croft. I wasn't aware that you…well, I mean I… I've never met you before, so I – "

"Nicholas? Can I still call you that?" He blushed, nodding. God, he felt like a little kid. "Nicholas, I'm not one for pretenses. Your employer may be, but not me." He smiled, running a hand through his dark hair.

"Yeah, well… He's a little off the deep end, if I can speak freely." Lara leaned in, laying a hand on his arm. His heart jumped at her touch.

"If we're talking about Mason, speak as fucking freely as you like!" Nicholas laughed out loud, something he hadn't done in a very long time. It felt wonderful, like a breath of fresh air. He couldn't remember the last time he had laughed like that. Hell, when was the last time he had laughed at all?

"What's so amusing over here?" Mason asked as he strolled up to Lara's side.

"Oh, nothing. Mr. Howard and I were just having a good laugh about free speech," Lara replied, slipping a sly smile at Nicholas. He smiled, avoiding Mason's frigid gaze.

"Mr. Howard, would you please see to Lady Croft's luggage?" he asked, his tone icy. Nicholas left them, heading for the hangar entrance. Mason turned to Lara. "I'm so very sorry, My Lady. You must excuse him. He's a little off the deep end." Lara smirked, suppressing a laugh. "Are you all ready to begin our journey?"

"Look, Mason. I'm still a little pissed about the whole thing with Alex West, so don't push it." Mason let the smile fade, balling his fists to control his anger.

"Of course, Lara. I admit, it was extremely rude. I hope that, in time, you can forgive me."

"Perhaps. Are we all set for take-off?"

"I had a crew of Marine helicopters hired to take us to West India. That's where we're starting."

"Why West India?" Lara asked. The two set off walking back to the helicopter. Lara noticed that even though Mason was finely dressed as usual, he was dressed for the occasion. He wore an expensive pair of field khakis and a dark green polo lined with wool to reduce sweat. He had on a pair of Duley combat boots that ended at the middle of his shins, steel soles and everything. Lara realized that Mason wasn't as stupid as everyone around him thought he was. He obviously knew the kind of environments they would be in and out of within the next few weeks, and was thoroughly prepared. Unlike the rest of his people. Nicholas Howard looked as though he was dressed for a Monday morning business briefing. He must not have gotten the memo…

"The Siddhivinayak Temple in West India is located near the temple river Bhima, which flows southward. The river is famous for being completely silent while flowing past the temple," Mason explained. Lara eyed Nicholas and a few other crew members hefting her equipment and luggage into the helicopter as he spoke.

"I'm quite aware of the phenomenon, Mason. I've studied the spiritual rituals pertaining to the Bhima River for years now. It's quite amazing, actually. What does that have to do with the amulet of Immortality?" Mason stopped a few yards from the helicopter, nearly shouting over the engines pre-starting roars.

"That, Lady Croft, is exactly what we're going to find out!" He smiled a sly smile and turned to board the aircraft. Lara only shook her head, gazing at the thin strands of burlap on her wrists. She kissed them, sending up a peaceful prayer for safety and success, an ancient Burmese custom she had picked up while traveling in Burma. She looked up to see Alex West, his shaggy blonde head poking out of the helicopter's cargo door.

"Well, well! What have we here?" he yelled, a smile plastered across his face like a kid. "I thought you weren't coming, Lara!"

"I decided that I couldn't possibly allow you to take all the credit if you did happen to find something, Mr. West," she replied, climbing into the helicopter. She was surprised to see his eyes light up, and was even more amazed when he touched her shoulder lightly, tentatively.

"I'm glad you're here, Lara." She smiled as the helicopter took off, rising slowly from the ground in its assent from the floor of the hangar.

"So am I, Alex. So am I."