All The Way
Chapter 15
Utah
How long had they been traveling? Forever. The relentless sun and arid winds ripped through the open jeep. A small tarp rigged across the jeep's framework provided marginal relief from the sun's intense rays. The two young Mayan brothers from Richard's Yucatan expedition had joined them in Santa Fee. The older brother, Agustin, drove the jeep, while his younger brother, Ascension, sat next to Julia in the rear. Leaving Santa Fe early in the morning they pulled a trailer containing their equipment, the crate, and their personal belongings.
After several hours of travel they had turned north on Highway 666 crossing the Navajo reservation on their journey from New Mexico to Utah. On their trek north, Julia observed Navajo hogans and woven wire fences clotted with trapped tumbleweeds. The sky was a cloudless cobalt blue and endlessly extended in every direction. Tall brown grasses lined the margins of dried washes. The jeep slowed and swerved down an even smaller and more primitive road on their way to what seemed the most remote region on earth.
Ascension pretended to study the familiar arid landscape while surreptitiously studying the Senora Doctor. The young man found the physician fascinating. Julia unexpectedly turned and caught him watching her. Perhaps her dress was different from what he was accustomed she thought. She wore a coral scarf over her hair, large sunglasses, khaki pants, knee boots and a white blouse. Julia removed her sunglasses and smiled at the young man. Ascension's shyness seemed to disappear as he meet her eyes.
"Your hair." He pointed to the wisps of auburn hair that peeked from beneath her scarf. "Your hair is like the sun."
Julia smiled, gently touching a strand and nodded. So he's never seen someone with hair like mine. The young boy continued.
"Your skin." The boy touched his own cheek. "Your skin is like the moon."
Julia touched her cheek and realized he'd never seen someone with such fair skin. Smiling, she nodded. What a poetic young man!
"Gracias, Ascension."
Ascension beamed. Suddenly the jeep lurched to the side, and moved abruptly down. Julia frantically gripped the frame, and looked over the side of the jeep. She couldn't help but gasp. Only a foot from the vehicle the ground disappeared in a sheer vertical drop. The rocks stirred by their moving tires, bounced, and plunged over the edge out of sight. From her seat she could see the vertical drop had to be one hundred to one hundred fifty feet. Julia froze in terror. The jeep was rapidly moving down a narrow wash, descending into a steep canyon. The canyon appeared to be narrow, less than a mile wide. Julia could not enjoy the view, gripping the jeep, her knuckles white. Richard turned around, grinning, spoke to Agustin who glanced around and laughed. Ascension did not smile seeing the fear in Julia's eyes.
"Senora Doctor," He began earnestly.
Julia took her eyes from the edge momentarily.
"Your horse will care for you."
Julia's eyes narrowed. If the young man's attempt in conversation was to take her mind off the vertical cliff outside the jeep he was barely succeeding.
"A horse will never allow you to fall." Ascension pointed to the open space outside the jeep.
"A horse will not walk off a cliff. They are smart."
Julia returned his smile weakly, trying not to look beyond the jeep.
"A horse can smell mountain lions. Their ears look like this." Ascension placed his two fingers on his forehead and pointed them straight ahead, pretending to breathe heavily, his eyes wide. Julia laughed and Ascension joined her.
"So my horse will take care of me? He can tell me of danger?"
Ascension nodded vigorously.
"You must love horses very much, Ascension?"
The young boy nodded again, pleased that he was speaking to the doctor with hair like the sun and skin like the moon.
"I've only ridden a horse a few times, I'm not sure if I remember."
"I will show you Senora Doctor. You will be safe."
Julia nodded, smiled. "You are a very special young man."
Ascension's smile was dazzling.
The jeep shifted side to side as the wash flowed into the valley. Julia felt relief to be at the bottom and turned to check how their cargo had fared. The trailer tracked steadily behind them with everything intact. Their conversation on horses had helped ease her anxiety. Looking up from the canyon floor a vertical rock face of red and orange shot upward, haloed by the blue sky above. The rocks, sand, and debris spread out in a fan at the end of the wash. Julia could barely see their tire tracks, the wind already blowing a light dusting of sand over them. In another few hours the tracks would be gone, without a trace. So that's how it is here she thought.
The rough travel was far from over. The jeep and trailer seemed to roll and dip as they moved over the rugged terrain. Several times they had to ford the river to find and follow a favorable trail. A slight breeze flowed down the canyon giving them little relief from the heat. A green band of life hugged the margins of the small river. The contrast between the mesa above and the river below was like night and day. Julia observed the diversity of plants and animals clinging to the life-giving stream.
Richard turned to Julia. "We're almost there."
Somehow the news did not lighten her burden. Being the site physician meant she was the only person standing between life and death in no man's land. The nearest emergency room could have been on the moon for all she cared. The feeling of isolation was overwhelming. Don't think like that, Julia, she told herself, trying to regain her composure, not wanting to panic in front of everyone.
Agustin began pointing and waving his arms. Richard slipped outside the jeep and stood on the running board, hanging on the frame. Julia felt he resembled a big game hunter returning from the hunt with a male lion strapped to the hood of his vehicle.
The sound of their approaching vehicle brought an instant flurry of activity at the camp. Julia strained to see through the windshield, trying to get a glimpse of the camp ahead. Suddenly the jeep lurched to a stop and Richard Carter leaped to the ground.
Herbert Osmund, Denis Summerlin, and Eric Terpening stood in a small huddle outside the mess tent.
"Hail, the arrival of the king," Eric Turpening announced.
Herbert Osmund was uncharacteristically reserved, dreading the impending storm. With a quick glance, he was thankful Eliot Stokes was not in sight.
"Gentlemen," Osmund reminded them. "We are professionals."
The two professors looked with annoyance at Osmund.
"I wonder what sweet young thing he's managed to find this time?" Summerlin asked Turpening, ignoring Osmund's professionalism.
"He certainly likes them young and impressionable."
Terpening leaned in to Summerlin giving him an elbow to the ribs, then looking at Osmund, "I'm glad my tent is not next to theirs, the noise at night will be unbearable."
Herb did not hear the reference to tents; he was too busy checking the location of his friend. Suddenly Eliot emerged from his tent with a camera hanging from his neck.
Richard Carter stretched and flipped the seat forward for Julia's exit from the back. She tried stretching her stiff legs while gathering her medical bag from beside her.
Stokes noticed the three men huddled together. His insides tensed, the dreaded day had finally arrived. Since Herb's announcement he had tried placing the thoughts of Carter's impending arrival out of his mind. Richard Carter move confidently around the jeep enjoying his grand entrance.
Denis Summerlin spoke under his breathe, "Ten bucks says she's blonde, wearing a bikini top and barely twenty three."
"You're on," Eric Turpening replied.
Eliot slowly walked in the direction of the photography tent, not anxious to meet Carter. Osmund gave a sigh of relief knowing the meeting of the two men had been postponed for the moment.
Richard took Julia by the waist and easily lifted her from the seat to the ground. The physician handed her medical bag to Ascension.
Summerlin and Turpening gave an audible gasp. In awe, they watched the tall, slender, mature woman gracefully walk toward them. They strained for a better look, taking in the coral scarf and large sunglasses.
"My god,"Denis Summerlin exclaimed outloud, "He's brought Jackie O!"
Herb took a few steps toward the jeep noticing Stokes had changed direction and was now moving toward them, his steps quick and determined. Herb panicked. Were they about to have a brawl?
Richard placed his hand around his companion's waist, letting it slide knowingly down her hip as they moved toward the men. Julia slipped her fingers through the scarf sliding it from her hair, removing her sunglasses and running her fingers through her hair.
Carter watched with amusement the astonished look on their faces as they approached. The two professors could not take their eyes from Julia, their mouths hanging open. Herb's eyes moved between Julia and Richard all the while glancing in his peripheral vision waiting for Eliot Stokes to join them.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen," Richard greeted.
Summerlin and Terpening had the good manners to finally close their open mouths. It was Herb's turn to stare as Richard Carter and Julia Hoffman stood before them.
The men nodded and gave an obligatory, "Good afternoon."
Richard began the introductions. Osmund's eyes studying Julia's face while controlling the urge to blurt out. 'My god, it's her.'
Herb jumped, hearing the gravel stir as Eliot approached, turned. and watched Eliot's face change from shock…..to anger...then to disbelief. Osmund found it difficult to control his panic in the discovery of Carter's traveling companion. What a disaster! What would Eliot do? His friend had promised civil behavior, but the stakes were different now. Stokes' deliberate approach continued and he prepared for the worst. Was Stokes ready to strike?
"Dr. Julia Hoffman, this is Dr. Denis Summerlin, University of Utah and Dr. Eric Turpening, University of Arizona," Carter began.
The professors nervously nodded and shook her hand like bashful schoolboys. Carter turned to Osmund and continued. "Dr. Julia Hoffman this is Dr. Herbert Osmund, University of New Mexico."
She extended her hand with a warm smile. Herb slipped his fingers around hers; her eyes meet his with an easy confidence. He could see why Eliot was smitten with her. Suddenly her eyes trailed from his and widened. He realized she had caught sight of Eliot.
Julia barely felt Richard's hand tighten around her waist at the approach of Eliot Stokes. She was too busy trying to control her own tangled feelings of panic, guilt, and excitement. In one instant she wanted to slink away in guilt. Eliot had always been kind and helpful. Why didn't she have the nerve and good taste to bid him farewell in Maine? The next instant a surge of excitment bubbled up from within and she wanted to embrace him, but had the luxury of being able to do neither. He didn't resemble her college professor, but with carefull observation she recognized his stride, the broad shoulders and chest. In one sweeping movement he slipped the broad Panama hat from his head and smoothed back his silvery hair, the white shirt opened revealing a tanned chest covered with a frosting of silver hair. His walk was powerful and easy, the camera around his neck gently swaying with each stride. Coming closer she connected with eyes still containing the warmth she had always known
Richard Carter glared at Osmund for his deception. Later he would let the man know his displeasure, but for the moment he would not make a scene during his grand arrival. Holding in his contempt he casually turned to Eliot Stokes.
"Stokes," He said coolly, nodding his head at the professor.
Eliot's eyes left Julia's briefly.
"Carter." Eliot nodded in return.
"Dr. Julia Hoffman, this is Professor Stokes, from the University of Maine."
Julia extended her hand. "It's nice to see you."
Eliot took her hand, feeling the softness of her fingers and realized he had never seen her more beautiful. His heart sank. She also looked rested, pampered and very satisfied.
"Dr. Hoffman," He replied casually, bowing his head slightly.
Carter put his arm through Julia's. "We have a lot of unpacking to do. Later gentlemen."
Julia felt herself being towed along, a quick glance over her shoulder found Eliot slowly moving in the opposite direction.
Osmund stood in awe, realizing the time ahead would not be easy.
Richard and Julia began the process of directing Agustin and Ascension in the removal of the crates from the trailer. Their research tent and clinic site had been designated. The two brothers moved to place the crates inside the tent. Carter moved down the row of staff tents and found two vacant tents at the end. Julia followed Ascension while Richard pulled his trunk into the large tent and held the fly for Ascension to place Julia's trunk next to his.
She stopped, taking note of the empty tent next to Richard's.
"Ascension place Dr. Hoffman's trunk in here." He ordered, directing him to his tent.
Julia placed her hand on Ascension's arm as he moved to follow Carter's directions.
"Ascension, please place my trunk in that tent." The physician gestured to the other tent, the empty tent. The young boy's eyes widen in panic and confusion. Richard crossed the distance in two long strides, took Julia by the arm leading her far from the tents behind a stand of tall grasses.
"Julia this is our tent, your trunk is to be placed in our tent," He said firmly.
Julia's eyes narrowed, chin elevated, her lower lip pushed out in a determined pout.
"I'm not stupid, Richard, I understand that is your tent."
Her comment took him by surprise, his authoritative tone had always worked before.
"I believe what you fail to understand," Julia added firmly, " is the other tent will be mine."
Richard heaved an exaggerated sigh, realizing he would need to take a new approach. His hands reached out and pulled her close. Julia remained stiff, not falling into his arms.
"I've grown accustomed to having you with me at night, Julia."
She looked firmly into his face.
"I need my space, Richard, if I am to work on this project."
"You were able to stay with me and complete your work before," He countered in a pouty tone.
"We can still have time together, Richard. I need my space."
Julia turned to leave thinking the discussion was over, when he grabbed her arm. She flinched as his fingers dug into her skin.
"You're hurting me," She informed him as she tried to pull away.
"So you're going to use sex as a bargaining tool, is that it? If you've been good today Richard I'll sleep with you." His eyes glared. Julia tried to pull away; the look in his eyes frightened her. Julia fixed her eyes coolly with his, her lips set in determination.
"Sex was not part of our written agreement," She informed him.
He pulled her closer, trying to tower over her, intimidate her.
"You made it part of our agreement the first night," He countered.
Julia remained unfazed, her eyes never left his.
"Is this how it works? Is this how you get what you want, Richard? Do you threaten to send them back to Boston? Do you threaten to give them a failing grade? What will you do to threaten me?"
Her questions surprised him, his eyes blinked rapidly, considering how he would answer her questions. He slowly released her seeing she was not backing down. Julia rubbed her arm, noting the red marks left behind by his fingers. She stepped back, then quickly turned and left. Ascension stood by the tents, not knowing how to proceed. His face brightened as he saw Julia approach him.
"Ascension, please place my trunk in this tent, my tent." She pointed toward the empty tent next to Richard Carter.
Ascension nodded, "Of course Senora Doctor, whatever you say."
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Richard Carter avoided any further verbal contact with her in the process of setting up the equipment. Julia opened her trunk and began to set-up. The tent contained two canvas chairs, a small wooden table with a lantern and a cot. The windows and doors were screened, flies outside could be lowered for privacy or against rain. This would be her home for the remainder of her stay.
Turpening and Summerlin stood by the mess tent watching Richard Carter's entourage unpack and set-up their equipment. They watched with interest as Ascension moved Julia's trunk into the vacant tent next to Richard Carter's.
Osmund walked by and paused. "You two are impossible. Wagering again?"
Terpening and Summerlin looked only slightly embarrassed as they walked off to finish work in their respective tents.
Julia looked around her tent, pleased at the simple arrangement of her belongings. She longed for a shower to rid her body of the sand and perspiration that seemed to cover every inch. Quickly she undressed and slipped on her robe and slippers. Picking up a towel, soap, and shampoo she opened the tent and stepped outside. She barely glanced at Richard's tent. How dare he try to control her! Automatically her chin elevated in defiance. Did he really think he could intimidate her? He had no idea who he was dealing with, she had stood her ground before under far more trying circumstances.
The bathing facility was open to the elements and lacked a great deal of privacy. Outside the shower stall a simple note read: Rinse, Wash, Rinse, Conserve Water. Julia hung up her towel and slipped off her robe. Immediately she felt a warm breeze as though standing outside. Looking around nervously she checked to make sure she was alone. This would take some getting use to. The wooden shower stall covered her body from shoulder to knee and a string connected to a handle controlled the water flow. A small shelf provided space for soap and shampoo. Julia set-up her supplies and pulled the string and felt a mixture of cool and warm water flowing over her.
Closing her eyes she enjoyed the wonderful sensation, letting the water flow over her gritty skin. Turning, she dipped her head and face under the shower head and felt something long and smooth slide down her head and shoulders. Julia's eyes flew open and saw the long smooth body of a snake slide down her leg to the floor. Screaming she pushed open the door, frantically grabbed for any cover and ran from the latrine.
Julia's piercing scream had cleared the tents. Everyone stood outside trying to determine the source when Julia ran from the latrine, dripping wet and shivering with fright. Herb was the first to approach her.
"Snake," Julia said shivering, pointing to the shower. Graduate student, Lance Doole, broke from the group, his tall frame loping into the shower.
Julia realized she stood in front of the entire camp in only a towel. Trying to regain her dignity, she nervously smoothed out the towel and ran her fingers through her wet hair. Eliot Stokes moved toward them from the photography tent. Julia jumped as the door from the shower slammed shut and Lance emerged from the building with a large snake draped across his shoulders. Her eyes widened and gasped at the size of the reptile. The young man held the snake's head in his hand as he walked toward them. Julia moved protectively closer to Herbert Osmund. Everyone turned and watched the drama like a Shakespearian play.
Lance stopped and moved the snake's head up and down. "Hi, my name is Rosy, the rosy boa."
Julia gave a giant sigh seeing the rose and gray rubbery snake.
Lance bowed, "I'm sorry, I forgot where I left Rosy."
Herbert cleared his voice, and turned to the group.
"Well, everyone, in case you haven't met our colleague and site physician, this is Dr. Julia Hoffman."
Julia smiled weakly, and nodded hello to everyone, not sure of the proper etiquette required in such an awkward situation. She saw them nod and heard a few vocal responses from various members of the group before they moved back into the mess tent.
A mischievous smile played at Eliot's lips watching Doole stroke the rubbery snake while passing the toweled and dripping Julia Hoffman.
Herb apologized, "I'm sorry Dr. Hoffman, but this is the nature of our camp. We like to joke and I'm afraid you were caught early in one of our many practical jokes." Julia smiled and noticed Herb surreptitiously looking up at the faded blue boxers streaming from the makeshift flagpole.
"I see," Julia replied slowly studying the elegant "H" on the seat of the boxers as Herb blushed.
"Well, that was exciting," Julia said softly as she slowly moved back into the shower, not sure if she had the nerve to finish her bath.
Eliot watched Julia's shapely legs move into the shower before returning to his tent when Osmund tossed back the tent screening.
"Eliot, I'm sorry."
Stokes sat down in his canvas chair, poured a sherry, took a sip and watched Osmund nervously pacing the confines of his tent.
"There's no need to be sorry, Herb."
"It's her!" Herb blurted, waving his arms in frustration.
Eliot raised his eyebrows.
"Dammit Eliot, don't play coy with me! Julia's the woman in your sketch."
"Perhaps," Eliot said as he sipped the sherry.
Herb was exasperated, annoyed and in no mood for Eliot's elusive nature.
Stokes poured another glass and handed it to his friend.
"Sit down Herb."
Osmund sat in the chair, his hands gripping the glass of sherry.
Stokes elegantly folded his finger together. "There's no need to feel sorry, you had no idea."
His friend gave a sigh of relief and began to speak. Eliot waved him to silence.
"If I thought you knew you would be picking yourself up off the ground right now."
Osmund laughed nervously, but Eliot did not smile, his eyes cool and piercing.
"I'm not laughing, Herb."
Herb stared into his drink thoughtfully.
"I would deserve it, Eliot."
Eliot nodded as he downed his sherry.
~~~tbc~~~