Chapter Six

Since he could not go to work for a while, Milo decided he would catch up on his reading. He always wanted to read the Jules Verne books his grandfather had given him. As he was reading 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, he realized how much similarity there was between the book and his own journey he had experienced two months ago. He discovered that most of the stories by the author seemed to relate to his adventure in many ways. It was almost as if the books were about him. Creepy.

By the time he had finished reading the collection, his knee was fully healed and it was time to ditch the cane and go back to work. His vacation was over.

"Why good morning, Mr. Thatch. I see your eye has returned to its normal colouring. And your knee must be healed as you are no longer using the cane."

"I'm feeling better, that is for sure. How have you been, Mr. Mortlake?"

"Just fine. Well I suppose I should get back to work. Goodbye, Mr. Thatch." And they walked to their working stations.

Milo strolled over to his locker and used his combination on the padlock. The locker was not in the best of shape. It's blue paint was peeling off and it was covered with dents and scratches. However, it served its purpose. He finally got it open and took his faded, red uniform off its hanger. He undressed and stepped into the legs of the jumpsuit. After pulling the zipper up to the top, he folded the collar and fastened the belt around the middle. Lastly, he pulled on his work-boots. As he hung up his regular clothes, he glanced at the personal touches he had added to his locker. There was a photo of him and his grandfather, some vacation pictures, and the crystal necklace given to him by Kida's father. He slipped it over his head and held it up to his face. It still glowed a bright blue and he immediately became mesmerized. The phone rang, and woke Milo from his trance. He closed his locker and rushed to answer it.

"Thatch."

"Yes, Mr. Simmons?"

"Some kid threw-up near the caveman exhibit. Go clean it up!"

"Yes, Mr. Simmons." Milo hung up. "It just had to be puke." Milo grumbled. "Ugh, oh well. Duty calls." He grabbed the mop and bucket from the supply closet and walked up the stairs leading out of the basement, not even realizing that the crystal was still hanging around his neck.

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Milo was just finished cleaning up the vomit, when Mr. Harcourt caught sight of him. He was carrying a slice of cake and a cup of coffee.

"Well if isn't young Thatch."

"What do you want Mr. Harcourt?"

"Is that anyway to speak to the head director?" Mr. Harcourt asked boastfully. "How about we try some manners this time?"

"What can I do for you, sir?" Milo spoke through clenched teeth.

"Well for starters, you can clean this up." And he dumped the cake and coffee onto the area where Milo had just mopped. Mr. Harcourt laughed and pointed at the mess.

"Whoops, looks like you missed a spot. Better get to work." This angered Milo quite a bit. However, he did his best to keep his cool. He began cleaning up the sticky goop, and tried to ignore the chuckling moron. But Mr. Harcourt was far from finished. As soon as he spotted the glowing crystal hanging from Milo's neck, his laughter grew.

"Say Thatch, where'd you get the rock?" Instantly, Milo looked down and realized that he had never taken off his Atlantian pendant. "It's awfully pretty. Must be a diamond. Did you steal it?" Milo didn't answer. Instead, he hastily tried to tuck it inside his uniform. "Ah, so a janitor's pay isn't good enough for you. Well, you do know I was told to report any thief who dared to steal from the museum. And you made such a good little janitor, Thatch."

Milo panicked. What was he going to do? As much as he hated it, he didn't want to lose his job. Or go to prison for that matter.

"Please, don't tell anyone! I could get arrested for grand theft! They will really think I stole it!"

"But you did steal it. Why should I let you get away with such thievery?"

"Because I'm telling the truth. It was given to me by...a very good friend of

mine."

"Oh, really? And who would that be?"

"Me." They looked around to find where the voice came from. Their eyes fell on Astrid Mortlake. She stepped towards Milo.

"Astrid, what are you doing?" Milo half whispered half shouted.

"Saving your rear." she replied.

"Young lady, what on earth are you talking about?" Mr. Harcourt interrupted.

"I gave him the diamond, sir. It was a gift."

"And where did you find such a diamond?"

"I bought it from..." Milo watched helplessly as their conversation escalated. He couldn't believe Astrid was lying for him. Finally, Mr. Harcourt cleared his throat.

"Very well. If what you say is true, then I see no reason to have you arrested. Good day, Ms. Mortlake." And he walked off. Astrid turned to Milo, with a disappointed look on her face and her arms crossed.

"You better have a good explanation behind this, Milo Thatch." Milo sighed deeply.

"Astrid, it's time I told you what really happened on that expedition."