All The Way
Chapter 23
PG-13 Sexual situations and perceived sexual assault
Later….
Supply day was a high energy day throughout the camp. The arrival of the small supply truck bringing in the necessities and pleasantries of life was greeted with much celebration. Herb knew the importance of camp morale and was busy making sure the plans for the evening's festivities were under way.
In contrast to the celebratory mood of the camp, Elliot and Julia solemnly carried the photography gear along the path to the village. They arrived at the base of the wall and paused to rest. Julia set down the cases, caught her breath, turned to him and shared her growing concerns.
"Eliot, shouldn't we discuss this with Herb?"
Stokes paused while adjusting the cameras around his neck.
"Discuss what?"
Julia glanced in the direction of the camp.
"The counterclockwise spiral, the murdered children, the perversion of nature."
"And your evidence?"
Julia pursed her lips, realizing their evidence would hardly convince anyone in the normal populace.
"For now, Julia, we shall gather information. I want us to properly present our case to the group."
"Us?" Julia asked.
Eliot's eyes twinkled. "Why not?"
The physician bit her lip and felt tension growing inside. What was she getting herself into? She had signed a formal agreement with Richard, and yet working with him proved difficult and frustrating. Carter had played to her ambition. Unfortunately, they had become lovers, further complicating their arrangement.
Us, the thought of working with Eliot was so appealing. Julia forced a smile, trying to mask her feelings of concern and guilt.
Placing the cameras in the lift he turned to help load the cases. Moving to the ladder she realized she had not answered his question. Eliot's words drifted through her mind.
"As with Barnabas Collins, Julia, you must decide, how far will you go with Richard Carter?"
The professor steadied the ladder and waited for her to climb. Standing close to him she enjoyed the fresh smell of soap and shaving cream.
"Eliot."
"Yes, Julia." He waited patiently, admiring how the morning sun played on her auburn hair.
"You know I will give you my all."
"Julia," he began softly, "I couldn't ask for any more."
"Thank you." She replied, smiling sweetly, touching his cheek, letting the back of her hand trail across his soft skin.
High in a darkened window, Richard Carter held a commanding panoramic view of the camp and the wall at the base of the village. He had followed them to the plateau and now his keen eyes followed them along the trail like a hawk follows its prey. The veins in his neck pulsed, muscles in his jaw tensed and breathing ceased as Julia's hand trailed across the cheek of Eliot Stokes. "Julia!" he groaned as he watched her smile at the professor, the smile that belonged only to him, the smile she gave as they lay contentedly in bed.
Carter anxiously watched the pair move the equipment to the level of the village, then on to kiva #5. Why are you helping him? You should be helping me!He watched as Stokes turned on his light and moved down the ladder into the dark kiva. Julia handed the equipment down the ladder then descended into the opening. Strong fingers angrily caressed the blow gun, a treacherous smile pulled at the corner of Richard's mouth. He knew the symbols were gone; he had made sure of it. As a matter of fact he had been busy all night making preparations for the days ahead. He had communed with the mask again, felt its energy and insights. Crawling from the charnel cave he saw the star pattern on the ceiling pointing to the area high in the back of the cave, pointing to a narrow slit. From below, the narrow opening blended with the shadows, totally camouflaged. Tonight he would investigate and felt a renewed excitement, his day of days would happen soon. But then he had to 'deal' with a problem, the problem…. Julia. His skin turned hot in the cool darkness, seeing Julia's hand reach out and touch Stokes, giving him the smile….his smile, he felt a raging fire burning within.
"Well, Dickey, you never learn, do you?" a thick Bostonian accent spoke from the darkness.
Richard's eyes shot to the corner. "Father!"
A small, glowing amber moved from the dark corner, revealing a tall slender man, a cigarette holder clutched firmly between his teeth. The man's features were sharp, aristocratic, and handsome for a man of his years.
Huntington Carter turned and stared out the window. "So you've gotten yourself into a bind have you?"
Richard felt ten again and nervous. "Everything is fine, father."
"You've signed an agreement with that woman."
Richard shuffled his feet nervously. "She's a professional woman, a blood specialist."
"You slept with her, why would you need to sign a contract?"
Richard answered quickly without thinking. "But father, she wouldn't have it any other way, I had to…"
The old man's glare silenced Richard immediately.
"She wouldn't have it any other way. She wouldn't have it." Huntington Carter took several steps toward his son, leaning against him, trying to tower over him as he had done since he was a boy.
"You are such a fool! You let a woman detect terms to you."
Carter felt perspiration popping out on his forehead and was at a loss for words. The thoughts he entertained of bringing Julia home to meet his mother seemed suddenly childish. What would his father say if he confessed his love for Julia, and the desire to share it all with her? Richard stared beyond the window remembering the touch, the smile and his whole world seemed a failure.
"Take care of this woman, Dickey. Get rid of her. She's nothing but trouble." Huntington Carter spoke sharply, tapping the ash from the end of his cigarette before returning it to his clinched teeth. Richard felt totally beaten and leaned against the cool adobe wall, feeling weak and ill.
He felt his father's towering presence hovering over him, glaring down at him.
"You've always been weak. I've always had to compensate for your inadequacies. Even now!" The elder Carter shook his head. "Take care of this woman, or I will be forced to deal with her."
Richard closed his eyes and tried to visualize. As a youngster he would imagine some faraway place, and mentally travel there, interacting with the people, eating their food…. anything to escape…to escape his father's ridicule. Carter opened his eyes and his father was gone. He stepped to the window and looked down, trying to determine the path his father might have taken when he noticed Denis Summerlin standing above kiva #5. Richard stepped back into the shadows and waited.
"Ju-li-a," Denis Summerlin called down into the kiva.
The physician's eyes rolled and lips pursed in annoyance. Forcing a pleasant smile, she stepped near the ladder and looked up through the opening at Denis.
"Yes, Denis."
"I really hate being a bother, but I've injured myself. As a matter of fact several of us have injured ourselves and we need your care, Ju-li-a."
Eliot looked at Julia with concern.
"How did you injury yourself, Denis?" Julia called up to him.
"It's really quite strange, as we made our way this morning we all seemed to have encountered a swarm of stinging insects and if that wasn't enough we managed to injure ourselves moving through the site. We have stings, scrapes and punctures. Yes, it's all quite odd. We don't want any allergic reactions or infection setting in out here, you know."
Julia nodded, turned to Eliot. They both had been looking at the wall and the destruction along the floor and knew it was useless to unpack the gear. The area of the symbols had been carefully scraped and scoured removing all trace of the logograph.
"Go on, Julia, I'll work on photographing the village ceiling. I'll meet you back at camp."
"Are you sure you can handle the gear by yourself?"
"I can manage, thank you."
Julia stepped on the ladder as Eliot handed the gear to her. Once in the courtyard they went their separate ways. Carter slipped from the shadow and watched Julia briefly inspect the wound on Denis Summerlin's arm and smiled. How unfortunate, so unfortunate for them all…..but necessary.
The shadows moved as the noonday sun rose overhead. Eliot Stokes disappeared into the far reaches of the village as Julia and Summerlin slipped down the trail toward the camp. Carter liked his vantage point, he had a commanding view of his surroundings. His fingers moved nervously across his chin, contemplating his dilemma. How would he solve such a conflicting problem? Richard's eyes narrowed into slits as his brain struggled to focus. Tonight the camp would receive supplies, and tomorrow the supply truck would leave. Why did his brain seem so slow to contemplate the obvious. Like the hawk, movement in the courtyard caught his attention. Richard admired the slender form of Hallie Stokes strolling across the courtyard. The young woman's head turned to check her surroundings before stepping to the opening of kiva #5. Nervously, she pulled a lantern from her knapsack, and descended the ladder into the darkness.
Why was Hallie Stokes acting so mysteriously? Did she know something? During her work with Anasazi pottery had she learned about the drug he sought? Were there traces remaining in the pottery? He had always assumed if he found the shamans he would find the drug? Perhaps he should visit Hallie? They needed to have a serious discussion.
Hallie placed the lantern on the floor near the sipapu. Bridget had endlessly lectured about the sipapu and the "other world." The graduate student spoke of this "other world" as though it didn't exist. She knew from experience that 'another world' did exist and the only question was how to make the crossing. Quickly she was on her knees, pulling the lantern closer, trying to look into the dark circle. Perhaps there was a way to open the hole even further. Carefully she moved her hands around inside the sipapu feeling for anything out of the ordinary, when a stone popped loose in her hand. Hallie stared at it, then at the dark space remaining. Should she put her hand in the space? She tried to position the lantern to see what was there. The light revealed something small and brown... a bag. Cautiously, Hallie moved her fingers toward the bag, gingerly touching it, letting her fingers close around it. The bag was still soft. It was a pouch of some kind with a leather strap closing the top. Bridget had mentioned medicine bags and explained sometimes pottery contained medicine bags. Hallie noticed a shadow moving along the wall and the rustle of steps. She closed her hand around the bag, slipped it into her knapsack as she stood. Turning around, she looked up at the full figure of Richard Carter leaning casually against the ladder of the kiva.
"Why hello, Hallie." His voice was soft and charming.
Hallie felt herself flush. She had briefly met Dr. Richard Carter and had admired his good looks from a distance.
"Hello, Dr. Carter."
Richard took a couple steps toward her. "There's no need to be so formal, Hallie."
"I'm sorry, "She apologized, and then felt silly for saying it.
"Out here, we're very informal. Richard will be just fine."
Hallie nodded in agreement, wanting to please. He stepped closer. she felt unable to move, transfixed by his presence. At their first meeting she recalled thinking how handsome he was and observing how his body was so fit and muscular. Even in dusty clothing, he had a rustic sensuality about him. Of course this was in contrast to the boys at the prep school who she found to be soft, awkward and immature.
"You know, Hallie, I had forgotten how pretty you are."
Hallie blushed again and felt a hot flush spreading from her neck, chest and across her cheeks. Richard stepped closer, his hand touching a loose lock, returning it to its rightful place, letting his fingers trail across her golden tresses. Carter couldn't help but notice her eyes were the same shade of blue as her uncle's. The thought made him even more pleased.
"I'm curious, why are you down here? I thought you were working with pottery."
"I thought I might find a few pots down here." The young woman explained nervously looking around the kiva. "But as you can see I didn't find any."
Richard smiled kindly, "Yes, I can see that. Did you find anything else of interest?"
Hallie felt her heart race and lowered her eyes, knowing if he looked at her face he would know she was lying.
Carter reached out and lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him.
"Tell me, Hallie, did you find anything of interest?"
She felt a strange mix of excitement and fear. Removing artifacts outside her area was not allowed. She was afraid she might be reprimanded, and yet, she couldn't resist the excitement of her find. Perhaps the Anasazi placed the bag in the sipapu because they used the contents as a means of reaching the 'other world'. Locating the bag in the sipapu wasn't an accident….it was fate. Hallie was confident fate and the medicine bag would lead her to the 'other world' and a reunion with her mother.
With new confidence, Hallie looked coolly in his eyes and lied. "No, I didn't find anything."
Richard carefully studied her face, allowing his fingers to caress the angle of her jaw, watching her yielding and enjoying his touch.
"In the lamp light your hair reminds me of spun gold," He observed, moving closer.
Hallie continued to meet his gaze and felt a strange mix of weakness, excitement and power; the excitement of lying to him and having him believe her, combined with the emerging power of her own blossoming sexuality and her ability to arouse this desireable man, and finally, the weakness she felt as he touched her.
Gently, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against her cheek, Hallie's eyes closed enjoying the sensation. "You wouldn't lie to me, would you, Hallie?" He cooed in her ear.
"No," She moan feeling weak beneath his touch.
Like soft clay, she yielded to him, allowing him to place his arm around her shoulders pulling her closer, his lips trailed along the nape of her neck.
"You're so beautiful, Hallie," He whispered in her ear while his fingers skillfully slipped the fastener from her hair releasing the golden curls. Hallie turned her mouth to his, her arms moving around his neck. Richard caressed her lips with his, moving his fingers through her hair, his tongue slipping between her lips. She felt breathless and lightheaded and didn't feel her body move to the mural wall, the knapsack slipping to the floor. The young woman's fingers moved through his hair, not wanting the moment to end, recalling the fumbling of the prep school boys as they kissed in the darkness of the theatre and relished Richard's experienced touch. Carter's lips moved down her chin, her head bending back allowing him to kiss along her neck, his legs were on either side of her, pressing her against the wall, as his hands slipped beneath the waistband of her jeans massaging the soft skin of her hips.
Hallie's logical brain struggled against the intoxicating flood of desire as Richard's hands slipped beneath the loose hem of her t-shirt. The young woman gasped as his hands moved along her bare skin, cupping her bare breasts in his hands and felt her jeans loosen, the sound of a zipper. Hallie's eyes flew open with alarm and her hands moved to his chest pushing with all her might.
"No! No!" she tried to speak, but the words were muffled. Hallie pushed again, this time adrenalin making her efforts stronger. Richard stepped back, his hand moving to his belt buckle, slowly unfastening it, his eyes boring into hers. She saw her moment, quickly stepped to the side, grabbed her knapsack and ran for the ladder. The young woman couldn't recall climbing the rungs as she stepped breathlessly on to the courtyard and began running back to camp.
Richard Carter chuckled as he methodically zipped his pants, refastened his belt, wiped his lips with the back of his hand and casually stepped to the ledge near the edge of the kiva and sat down. He was sure he would not have long to wait.
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Hallie burst into the research tent as Julia cleaned up bandages and gauze from her patients. Hallie sat down in a chair and began shaking.
"Julia," Her voice barely a whisper.
The physician came to her side, down on one knee quickly examining the young woman. It was obvious she was extremely upset.
Hallie clutched the knapsack in front of her and nervously moved her fingers over the fabric. She was scared and angry. Scared at what could have happened and angry for being so naive. She had enjoyed his kiss and attention, but she should have known it wouldn't stop there.
"In the kiva." Tears welling up in her eyes. "I'm such a fool. He touched me."
"Who touched you?"
"Dr. Carter."
Julia frowned deeply.
"He put his hands on me." The words began to rush out as Hallie began to cry with fear and anger. "He touched my breasts. He was taking….he was taking his pants off."
Julia stiffened, then stood, eyes narrowed, mouth tight. Slowly she moved to her supplies and poured a glass of water. Opening her medical bags she removed a vial and coolly walked to Hallie's seat.
"Here." Julia extended her hand and dropped two capsules into her hand. The young woman took the capsules. The older woman reached down and elevated her chin so their eyes met. Julia's smile was reassuring, her voice soft and compassionate.
"The capsules will help you relax. Dr. Carter will not bother you again. You have my word. Do you understand?" The physician's eyes narrowed in thought as she looked at the young woman. "It's not your fault, Hallie. You're just a young girl. Dr. Carter is a grown man, he should have known better." Of course he knows better. He knows exactly what he's doing, he's getting back at me. He's a fool if he thinks he can cross me.
Hallie stared in wonder. How could Dr. Hoffman be so sure? The girl merely nodded.
"Now I have to leave for a few minutes. You will be safe here. I promise."
Hallie again nodded and moved to the cot already feeling the effects of the capsules.
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Richard was on his knees looking into the sipapu. What was there that held Hallie's attention? He leaned back on his knees resting his back when his head jerked violently to the side, his skin stung and jaw ached. Richard automatically reached out to capture what had struck his head so violently and found Julia's wrist tightly in his grasp.
"What is wrong with you?" She demanded through clenched teeth.
Richard smiled nonchalantly, "I should ask what is wrong with you?"
Julia eye's flared, "You know what's wrong! She's just a child!"
Richard held her wrist in his hand as he got to his feet.
"What are you talking about?"
Julia twisted her wrist trying to free her hand, the palm red and aching.
"Don't be coy with me, Richard. You know damn well what I'm talking about."
Richard elevated his chin as he released her hand, making sure he was out of her reach and watched with delight how her eyes flared, her chest heaved. His eyes feasted on her, but the vision of her hand touching Stokes' cheek, the way she smiled at him bore deep into his mind. He loved and hated her in one tangled emotion.
"Hallie is hysterical," She began, watching him for any sign of remorse. "She says you touched her."
"Really," Richard replied calmly.
"Did you touch her?"
"Julia, the girl put her arms around my neck and kissed me. The rest is some romantic notion, some illusion, a teenage fantasy."
Julia folded her arms and became very cool, calm and eerily silent.
Richard was puzzled by her actions but continued. "This is just one of the problems on digs like these. Romances develop. Imaginary crushes. Besides, I'm a professor, who would believe I would force myself on a teenage girl."
"So you're saying it's her word against yours."
Richard felt triumphant. "Of course, even if you told them what she told you, they might think you were jealous. You are, after all, an unmarried older woman. "
Julia's face was impassive.
"Them?" Julia asked.
Richard was surprised by her question and demeanor. Julia's eyes were frosty, Carter found them chilling. Suddenly, he felt nervous.
Mustering confidence he answered authoritatively. "The police, of course."
Julia did not respond immediately. Carter watched carefully, trying to notice any alarm, any concern. Instead her eyes were as cold and life-less as a shark, a slight smile played across her lips as she gave a faint laugh.
"The police. Why would I bother going to the police?" She laughed again, amused. The smile abruptly disappeared from her face as she looked at him. Richard found himself fighting a feeling, a feeling that bothered him.
Her voice took on another-world-like tone. "There are far worse things than the police, Richard. I have found in my life there are even far worse things than dying. Dying is so very easy."
Richard began to recognize the feeling; it was fear. Julia leisurely turned and began climbing the rungs of the ladder, turned, looked at him and laughed incredulously, "The police."
Richard watched with concern as she disappeared up the ladder.
~~~tbc~~~