All The Way
Chapter 26
Julia leisurely walked into camp and tied the gilding to a bush near her tent. Spending time at the falls had given her time to think, the water cleansing her mind and spirit like a baptism. Feeling parched from the return trip, she walked to the mess tent and abruptly stopped. A spray of bright red covered the canvas near the entrance to the mess tent. On the ground in the entryway a small pool of blood had congealed in the sand. Grooves in the soil trailed for a few feet from the entry, disappeared, as though someone had been dragged, picked up and carried. Did someone have an accident? Experience told her to trust her instincts. No, it wasn't an accident. Her sixth sense also shouted. Richard!
Where was everyone? Where could they be?
Breathing heavily, tension building, Julia fought to remain calm. Since her arrival she had grown accustom to the sounds, energy and routines of the camp. The air whispering passed her ears seemed unnaturally quiet.
The quiet was so profound the hair on her arm stood up. Where was Hallie?
Stomaching tensing, she remembered how she had assured the young woman she would be safe. Turning, she ran to Hallie's tent and stared into the empty space.
Eliot. The professor's tent was in disarray, his violin case lay open, the instrument missing. Covering her mouth, she tried not to vocalize her rising panic. In record time she ran the length of tents to her own and found Eliot's violin, the strings cut, a note intertwined in the wreckage.
I have Julia
Kiva #5
R
Oh, no, all of her nightmarish thoughts were being realized. Eliot must be in kiva # 5. Something evil had occurred while she was at the falls. She needed protection and remembered the knives in the kitchen. The knives were not removed for sharpening; the knives were removed because they were potential weapons.
What could she find to protect herself and scanned the tent for a possibilities, when she noticed the toe of an unfamiliar shoe. Julia bent to one knee, lifted the sheet spilling from the cot and found Hallie's curled body. Gently, she touched her hair, placed her fingers on the young woman's neck and found the pulse extremely slow-Hallie was in a deep sleep.
Julia rose to her feet, legs trembling, knowing the fate of others rested in her hands. Whether they lived or died was now her responsibility. Tears welled in her eyes as her father's voice spoke to her.
Julia, you must be strong, you must survive. All the tears in the world will not change that.
"Yes, Daddy," She whispered. Inhaling deeply, squaring her shoulders, gathering strength for what she knew she must do. The young woman would be safe for the moment and dropped the concealing cover.
Recalling the blood on the tent she worried about Eliot in kiva #5. Eliot might be injured, or maybe he's….. Julia bit her lip not wanting to think he could be dead. Think positively! Her mind raced down a list of medical supplies she would need from the research tent as she cautiously stepped outside the tent. Looking for movement, her eyes rested on Max casually clipping the tall grasses. She would use Max to transport the sleeping Hallie. They would have to leave the camp if they were to survive.
She raced to their research tent and slowly pulled back the fly. The tent was empty and exactly as she had left it the night before. Julia moved to the area containing emergency medicines near the clinic and began opening and inspecting the bags, making a mental inventory when she paused at the sound of her name, stopped, and strained to listen.
"Ju-li-a."
The voice was not Denis Summerlin's and for once she wished it were the amorous professor. The voice using her name used an eerie singsong tone. "Ju-li-a, where are you? We need to talk." The voice was hollow and chilling, but she recognized the voice… it was Richard speaking. The physician froze as the vague silhouette on the canvas tent become crystal clear.
"Where are you, Ju-li-a?" The voice called from the other side of the canvas.
Julia bit her knuckle as the shadow moved along the length of the tent toward the entrance. Shadowy hands tossed back and forth a large knife as the figure moved. The physician looked around the tent for a way out, the floor and walls were all one unit…. the entrance was the only exit. She would never make it before he rounded the corner. She had to hide, but where? The only way out was down. Bending, she checked beneath the tables for the wooden packing crates. Richard had rounded the corner and in a few seconds would enter the tent. Darting beneath the table, crawling into the largest crate she pulled the lid in behind her leaving a small crack for vision and ventilation. Don't panic. Calm down, breathe normally. Through the small opening she watched Richard's boots enter the tent and stand for what seemed an eternity. His breathing was loud and jagged. What was wrong with him, why was he breathing like that?
Richard sang, "Ju-li-a. Come out, come out, where ever you are. It's your fairy godfather, Ju-li-a." At the end, he gave a snorting laugh.
Noticing his boots standing by her desk, she heard paper ripping, and watched small pieces float to the tent floor.
"Oh, Ju-li-a, you are such a messy girl. Naughty! Naughty! Your Richard will have to punish you." He laughed again.
His voice seemed strangely nasal, like a head cold. Tap, tap, tap. The tapping was metallic. Julia strained to peak through the crack in the box and saw it….a shiny hunting knife tapping on the wooden table. The blade was eight inches and serrated. Slowly, he moved down the counter, sliding the blade, tapping it over and over again. Julia was sure her breathing and heartbeat had grown loud enough to be heard as he walked the length of the table. Gripping the wooden lid and her legs she fought to stop the trembling from spreading to the rest of her body.
The tapping ceased as Carter stood at the far end of the room where the bones of the three girls had been on display. Suddenly, the tapping resumed, louder and faster, growing more agitated. The box had left for the university on the supply truck. What did he think she had done with them? Biting her lip, she wondered if she could make out the entrance before he saw her.
Suddenly, his fist pounded the table.
"Julia!" He bellowed. "You have betrayed me, Julia!"
The physician fought the impulse to run. Maybe he hoped he could frighten her into running from her hiding spot. The tapping continued along with the blade sliding along the surface of the table. The sound grew closer and closer. Suddenly, his shoes appeared near the opening in the box. The toe of his boot was covered with a reddish stain, dried blood. Tears welled in her eyes. Whose blood? Eliot's. Oh, Eliot. I have to get to him. He could be dying while I'm hiding in this box.
Richard's boots were within view, the blade of the knife tapping, tapping. She looked further up his pants and saw bright red. The drops were elliptical and fresh. Julia squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the image.
"Ju-li-a," The guttural singsong began again. "I won't hurt you. I just want you to answer my questions."
Glass shattered against the table, then curses as the boots turned and lumbered out the entrance. Julia waited, fighting the temptation to crawl from her hiding spot. Perspiring profusely in the small confines of the crate, she desperately wanted fresh air. She would wait. The sounds of several gunshots in a row made her change her mind. Julia tossed open the crate and crawled to the center of the tent. Without thinking, she grabbed the bags and placed them on her back. She had no choice, she had to get them out or they would all die.
Julia stood in the shadows of their research tent, gathering her strength. Richard is the predator, but remember….you are as fast and as small as a mouse. You will move like a mouse, you will not be seen. The analogy was silly, but it gave her mind something to consider instead of sheer terror. A fast and secretive route was needed to kiva #5.
In what direction had she heard the gunshots?
Gathering her bearings, she would make her way to the village before Richard saw her. He didn't have to be close to catch her in the cross hairs of Osmond's rifle. Poor Herb, what could have happened to him? Where were they all? I can't think of that now. If I did run into Richard's sights would he shoot me? The man with the knife would have no problem pulling the trigger. But what about the man who penned the poem of love, was that man still alive? She could only hope.
Meandering through the camp, she reached the wall of the village in record time. Julia leaned against the ladder catching her breath. Should she take the time to load her bags into the pulley? No. She didn't have the time. She would use all her strength to climb the ladder. A jolt of adrenaline kicked in and in a few minutes she was slowly peeking over the edge of the wall, praying she would not look up and find Richard Carter.
Cautiously she eased over the wall, scurried along the open courtyard, counting the kivas and stop at the dark opening of kiva #5. Reluctantly she pulled out the flashlight and dreaded what she might find in the kiva. Bending down, she cast the circular beam around the floor of the darkened pit and caught sight of a boot. Oh, No! Eliot!
Without hesitation she grabbed the bag, descended the ladder, and rushed to kneel at his side. The flashlight played across the thick pool of blood near his head. Oh, Eliot! Please don't leave me! I need you! Julia's hands trembled so badly she dropped the flashlight. The muscles in her throat constricted so tightly words would not come out, tears welled and streamed down her cheeks.
Get a grip on yourself! You are a doctor! Do your job!
The physician inhaled deeply, steadied her hand, wiped her cheeks, reached down and picked up the flashlight. Focus! This man is your patient. You must begin your examination. Julia pulled on a pair of rubber gloves, removed her stethoscope from the bag and began her examination. Pulse faint and thready. Breathing shallow and irregular. Dropping the ear pieces around her neck she examined his extremities. Knuckles, swollen, fingers cold to the touch, unresponsive. Legs flaccid and cooling. Julia began the examination of the head without turning it. Avulsion of the scalp, clotted profuse bleeding, ….. contrecoup concussion. Carefully, she moved her fingers along his skull. No way to know if he has a cranial fracture without an x-ray. Pulling out a pen flashlight she carefully opened the eyelids and flashed the light across both pupils…the pupils quickly constricted. Both pupils responsive. Julia smiled.
"Yes, my darling!" She whispered. Tenderly her fingers touched his cheek, caressing the soft skin. She bent, kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear. "Eliot, I'm going to bring you back to me."
Balancing the flashlight between her neck and shoulder she retrieved the supplies from her bag and prepared and administered an injection. The results were almost instantaneous, eyelids fluttered, fingers twitched. Checking her watch and listening to his heart rate she gauged whether a second dose was necessary.
Propping the flashlight on the bag she took his battered hand in hers and gently stroked his fingers. Gradually, the twitching fingers curled around hers. Julia bent near his face and whispered. "Eliot. Eliot, I'm here. It's Julia."
Eyes closed, his lips quivered, and began in a soft, ragged voice. "Julia?" Inhaling, he continued in a whisper, "Is that you calling me, Julia?"
"Yes, it's me, Eliot. It's Julia."
Groaning, his lips struggled to form words. "Leave. Leave now."
"I can't leave without you."
"Find, Hallie! Leave!" He mustered all his strength to assert himself as his voice grew weaker.
"You're leaving with me."
"I'm dying, Julia. He'll kill us all. Leave while you can. You don't have time, leave me here."
The physician's eyes filled with tears and met the warmth of his eyes as they fluttered open. Don't tell me you're dying. I can't bear to think of losing you.
"You're not dying, Eliot. I'm a doctor, I should know. "She lied with confidence, trying to build her own self-assurance.
"I've already been there, the other world. It won't be long." His eyes twitched and closed, his breathing began to slow again.
"No!" Julia replied louder than she had intended. Grabbing the syringe she withdrew another dose from the vial and injected it. She continued to monitor his heartbeat, vital signs and waited for the resurgence.
His lips twitched as he took a deep breath and whispered. "There's so much more I wanted to say to you, Julia."
No! This is not the end! You can't tell me you're giving up! I need you!
"We're leaving together, Eliot." She said with finality.
He continued as though he had not heard her.
"The song," He began, "the first night…. in the canyon…. I wrote the song for you."
Julia wiped the tears from her cheek and remembered falling asleep to the song playing in her mind. "Yes, I remember."
Eliot forced a feeble smile, though the pain in his head was building. "You were my inspiration all those long lonely nights." His lips pulled into a lopsided little grin. "I guess I always thought we'd have more time." Suddenly, he gasped with pain and groaned. "The pain… pain."
"Oh, Eliot," She whispered and fought back the fears he might be right, all the while her logical mind knew she still had more tricks up her sleeves.
"Well, you're not dying on my watch, Timothy Eliot Stokes."
Eliot's eyes weakly followed her movements.
Julia tucked the flashlight under her neck, rummaged through her bag, put on fresh gloves and pulled out another syringe and vial. Her nimble fingers began the process of cleaning and preparing to administer the dose.
"You always said I was the most stubborn woman you ever knew. I won't let you die, Eliot. We're leaving together. I will make sure of it." A sly smile spread across her lips as she injected the serum. "This stuff is faster and better than morphine."
Immediately, his breathing became regular and peaceful, while his eyes fluttered open.
"I can't do this without you, Eliot, "She whispered in his ear. "Yes, damn it, I need you."
Again, she opened the bag and removed antiseptics and bandages and began the process of stabilizing his head injury until it could be properly sutured.
Julia looked around the kiva, realizing for the first time she had not taken the time to make sure they were alone.
Staring up through the opening she wondered where Richard was lurking. How would she get Eliot out of the kiva and more importantly where would they go? Julia took Eliot's hand in hers and brought it to her cheek.
"Please stay with me." She whispered. The weight of responsibility descended again as she leaned back on her legs. They had to leave the camp. Richard was moving through the camp like a hunter, he would find them, then what? Julia closed her eyes tightly not wanting to think further.
They would follow the supply truck; the tracks should still be visible. The radio, where was the radio? Julia felt a lump growing in her gut. How did Richard get Herb's gun. The gun and the radio were no doubt together. Richard had the radio; he would have made sure they were out of touch with the outside world. It would be another week before the truck would return. She wanted to cry, but there were no tears. Slowly, she pulled herself to her feet and looked down at Eliot. Hallie, Eliot and any others who might be living were counting on her.
She remembered their time together and her reassurance.
Eliot stepped to the ladder and held it for her; she could smell the freshness of soap and shaving cream as she stood next to him.
"Eliot."
"Yes, Julia." He waited patiently, admiring the morning sunlight on her auburn hair.
"You know I will give you my all."
"Julia," he began softly, "I couldn't ask for any more."
Julia inhaled and squared her shoulders. "You know I'll give you my all." She knelt beside him and pulled his swollen hand to her cheek, bent and whispered in his ear.
"I'm coming back for you. I'm getting a horse. You, Hallie and I will leave together. Squeeze my hand if you hear me."
Julia waited and felt his fingers gently move in her hand. She rose, grabbed the flashlight and moved to the ladder. Cautiously she eased her head above the opening looking high and low.
Like a mouse, Julia. She played the mind game again and moved through the shadows staying near the walls at every opportunity. She didn't remember climbing down the ladder or traveling the path to camp. What should she do next? Biting her lip she contemplated whether Richard would shoot her with the rifle. No, he wouldn't shoot her, she was sure of it. Her eyes welled again. Why did he write the poem professing his love for her? Was this the farewell from the Richard she once knew?
"Damn, damn, damn." She whispered to herself as she clinched her fists and felt her logical brain click in gear. Move, Julia, move. Make your decision. Get the other horse. Please let there be another horse.
She raced through the tents staying in the deepening shadows till she reached the makeshift corral. Ascension was nowhere to be found, and neither was the other horse. Her hopes plummeted. They needed two horses. The grasses began to move and Julia immediately pulled into the shadows, her heart skipping beats. Suddenly, a white blaze appeared along with a soft knicker. She wanted to laugh as the horse sniffed the ground, easing its way to her. Apparently the animal had been released but had decided to return to the camp and the covered bales of hay. The physician found Ascension's stash of treats along with the bridle and coaxed the gilding close enough to place her arm around his neck. With great care she slipped the bridle from her shoulder and placed the bit over the lapping tongue and the leather strap over the ears. Julia could barely contain her joy almost forgetting Richard could be watching. The next step was remembering how the young Mayan saddled the horse.
The physician led the second horse, looking overhead noting the gathering cloud, a change of weather was in store-perhaps rain. She stared at the canyon walls and wondered what would happen if it were to rain here. Tears began to well again.
If it were to rain the tire tracks from the morning would disappear. What if the stream flooded in the confines of the canyon? What would they do? Darkness was just a few hours away. Should they travel at night?
This is just great, Julia! There are three of us; a man with a concussion, a girl in a coma, on two horses, traveling across a no-man's land with no idea where you're going. And don't forget, you're being pursued by a madman with a rifle and hunting knife. She wanted to laugh with hysteria.
Hallie and Eliot are counting on you. Julia's logical brain reaffirmed. Think! She would hide the horse near the ladder and bring Eliot down. Don't worry about the details. Bring Hallie and the horse to the hiding place. Go! Time is of the essence.
Julia was surprised how quickly darkness was descending, the gathering clouds blocking the sun. The rain clouds were a worrisome blessing. In the darkness it was easier to move unnoticed. Slowly, she moved the horse through the tall grasses, stopping out of sight of the ladder. She climbed the ladder and returned to kiva #5. Eliot tensed as she approached with the flashlight, then knelt at his side.
"I'm sorry to frighten you." She whispered. Her fingers gently touching his cheek, noting his eyes were open, his breathing steady.
"I need your help, Eliot. I need you to get on a horse. It's the only way."
Eliot's fingers gently motioned for her to come closer. She leaned down near his lips.
"I know where we can go." He said weakly.
Julia beamed. "Can you help me move you; I can't do it alone?"
Eliot's eyes opened wider. "Please Eliot," she whispered. His hand moved to take her hand in his.
"I don't know… I don't know if I can."
Julia kissed the bruised knuckles. "Please, Eliot, I won't leave without you. I can't do this without you."
Eliot's eyes closed, inhaled deeply. Summoning all his energy he pushed off, rolling over on his side. He groaned deeply, lying on his side. Julia noted the blood that had seeped down the back of his shirt. Julia gently rubbed his back, her hands examining the length of his spine. There would be no way of knowing if his skull were fractured unless she viewed an x-ray. Survival was now more important than a skull fracture. Eliot paused, gathering his strength he moved to a crawling position. Julia's hands massaged and encouraged his movement. After several minutes, Julia was feeling joyous as Eliot wobbled near the ladder. With great effort his feet moved from rung to rung and crawled from the kiva out onto the courtyard. Julia gathered the bags and ascended the ladder, thankful that Richard had not returned to the village. Stokes lay prone, breathing heavily on the cool adobe. Julia knelt by his side, kissing his cheek, whispering encouragement into his ear.
"Just a little further, please," She whispered. Again, he groaned and struggled to a crawling position. Julia realized the dosage of the pain medication was powerful but short in duration. He would soon need another dose. Julia braced her body helping him struggle to his feet.
"My head is spinning."
"Lean on me." Julia dropped the medical bags. Slowly, they made their way across the courtyard. Before the descent down the ladder, Eliot dropped to the ground and leaned against the wall, catching his breath trying to control the pain while Julia ran back to get the bags.
Staring down to the path below, catching her breath, she already felt exhausted and the evening was still new. The ladder was the next big obstacle. Would he be able to descend? She dropped to her knees in front of him.
"The ladder, you need to go down the ladder. Please."
Eliot's eyes opened, hands grabbing the wall he pulled himself to the top and over the edge, while Julia held the two supports of the ladder with all her strength. The expression on his face revealed the pain he endured to slowly move down the ladder. She felt herself holding her breath as he slowly descended. Finally at the bottom the professor staggered to the side, dropped to his knees and began to heave, then vomit. Julia pulled all the bags to her shoulders and hurried down the ladder, tossed the bags to the ground and rushed to his side. She was sure his heading was spinning, stomach churning and held his head till the heaving subsided. Carefully, she eased him to his feet and led him into the horse hidden in the tall grasses. He would remain there until she returned with Hallie.
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Carter's nose began to bleed again, as he stumbled back to their research tent. He had searched the camp without success. Where had she gone? Slowly, he walked to Julia's desk, kicking aside the paper and pieces of glass on the floor, lit the lantern and sat down in her chair.
His fingers dug around in his shirt pocket, pulled out a crumpled photograph and smoothed it out on the desk. His fingers gently moved over the photo. He leaned forward, breathing heavily from his mouth staring at the image of Julia leaning back on the ladder in the kiva. Carter's fingers continued to caress the paper, his eyes moving down the open folds of her blouse and remembered the softness of her breast. Stokes had taken the photo. He had found it in his tent. Richard smiled slightly. How ironic, the professor was now lying dead in that same kiva. He would have to visit Stokes again and relive the moment.
Drops of warm blood continued to drip down his shirt, reminding him of his own current condition. Turning his attention from the photo he moved to the first aid material in the makeshift clinic. Digging through the box he found a small mirror, emergency ice packs, bandages, ointments and cotton balls. He moved unsteadily back to Julia's desk, pushed the photo to the side and placed the items out in a row. Leaning close to the lantern he used the small mirror to inspect his face. Carter pulled back with repulsion at the eyes that peered out from two giant swellings, along with the swollen black and blue, blood encrusted nose. A fresh drip clung to the end of his blocked nose as his field of vision grew smaller and smaller due to the swollen tissue around each eye. He stared into the mirror, gingerly moving the lump on his nose back and forth with his fingers trying to determine if it was broken, flinching with pain as he pressed to reposition the cartilage. Fumbling for the emergency icepacks, his fingers exploded the inner bag, and vigorously moved the bag between his fingers. While the other bag cooled he grabbed the second bag and repeated the procedure. Taking both cooled bags he placed them across his swollen eyes and nose, then lean back in the chair.
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Julia froze in terror as she saw the light on in the research tent. Quietly, she slipped by the tent opening, glanced in and saw Richard Carter leaning back in the chair. Without hesitation she hurried to her tent and gathered the sleeping Hallie Stokes.
The young woman moved like a zombie, eyes half-open staring ahead, her body responding to verbal commands but her mind remaining unresponsive. Pushing her on the horse and along with the injured professor, his body slumped forward, hands clutching the mane, moaning with each step of the horse they began their journey. Julia's legs were heavy with fatigue as they followed the tire tracks along the river and beyond the view of the camp. The wind bent the tall grasses to the ground as temperatures dropped and dark clouds raced overhead. A front was moving in, an atmospheric battle of hot and cold.
"The stream," Eliot called to her in a feeble voice.
Julia walked between the two horses, stopped their movement to listen.
"The stream, walk in the stream."
"Why?" she asked, the thought of moving her tired legs through the resistant water was more than she could bear.
"Do as I say," He answered gruffly.
Julia pulled the horses into the stream and in a few minutes they were walking through knee-deep water. The physician struggled between the horses, checking her charges were not sliding to one side. How far could they travel like this, she was barely able to function.
"Here," Eliot commanded, his head turning to the side, arm pointing awkwardly toward the far bank of the stream. All she could see was a stand of cottonwoods and a sheer vertical cliff.
She was confused. "What is it, Eliot?"
The professor's finger still pointed to the far bank. "Go there," He commanded.
Julia moved the horses to the bank and for the first time she noticed small footprints in the sand leading to the cottonwoods, then disappearing into the darkness. Stepping onto the sand she followed the footprints into the shadows and noticed them leading to a rock wall and disappearing. On closer inspection the prints moved inside a dark vertical crack in the rock face and into a small cave.
Julia returned and led the horses through the narrow trail, felt them pull against the reins and heard them snort at the strong aromas emanating from the opening. The cave was the beginning of a wash or a slot canyon. A fracture in the rock high on the mesa moved down through the rock and widened as it reached the stream below. In another million years this narrow fissure would be a slot canyon with its own meandering stream. The opening of the cave was wide enough, but only big enough for their small group and their horses. The rear of the cave narrowed into a fissure only wide enough for a single person. The small footprints were numerous on the sandy floor. Several depressions lined with leaf litter indicated nests. Driftwood from past washes and floods were piled around the cave.
"Cover our tracks," Eliot commanded as he slid from the horse, appeared to be falling but landed on his feet, sank to the sand and leaned against the cool cave wall. Julia slipped down the trail carrying a branch from the cave and brushed their tracks from the sand until all traces were gone. Back inside she leaned on the branch, caught her breath and felt the burden of responsibility again descend on her shoulders.
~~~tbc~~~