Shadows 01 Superstition Shadows

by K C West

  “All right, PJ, if you must stay on site today, I’m going to insist you lie down and rest awhile. No arguments. I’ll leave Pup with you.”

  “You think he’ll … Stephen … will be back?”

  “I don’t think so, but I’m not taking any chances.” If that bastard returns, he’ll have Pup and me to deal with. “I’m posting one of our security people outside.”

  “Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be okay. And, Kim … I’m sorry if I worried you.”

  I felt the tear on my cheek. Surprised by my depth of emotion … I hadn’t cried in years, I hastily swiped it away, hoping she hadn’t seen. “I wasn’t worried. Really. I uh …”

  “Just couldn’t bear the thought of losing your assistant director after you had finally broken her in.” She grinned. “Ami right?”

  “Absolutely.” I winked. “That’s it exactly.”

  I can’t believe she’s teasing me when she’s hurting, trying to comfort me when she was the one assaulted. What’s more, I’m enjoying it. I don’t like where this is headed. Or, maybe the problem is … I like it too much.

  PJ settled onto the cot, with Pup, ever watchful, at her side. “I’ll check on you later,” I said.

  She responded with a crooked grin.

  Two weeks had passed since the Stephen incident and the digging progressed smoothly. Despite the heat, the hard work, and the lack of anything tangible, everyone was in a good frame of mind. Laine and Dewey completed work on the old site, covered it, and turned in a detailed report. All the pottery shards were, as expected, Hohokam in origin. They represented several phases of development. It was not that the Hohokam culture was unimportant to us — it was just not what we were about. We treated the shards with respect. We measured, photographed, and noted for the benefit of future study all aspects of the site. Even though we thought the material had been thoroughly documented by earlier expeditions, we believed that there was always more -a site rarely revealed all its secrets. We, however, were looking for something much different, something that predated the Hohokam artifacts.

  One evening, on the spur of the moment, I invited the crew to my place for a spaghetti dinner. I prided myself on my cooking ability, though I seldom took time these days to do much in the kitchen. Preparing fine meals was relaxing for me. Through the simple act of handling and preparing food, blending ingredients, and adding spices, I found companionship, not as in one person to another, but meditatively as in a Zen experience.

  “I can’t afford to let you spoil perfectly good food,” Mother had told me time and time again so my first cooking attempts were as an adult and over campfires in distant places, where I would try anything to liven up the freeze dried meals that made up my diet.

  Sandy, Josie, and Lewis were the first to arrive. I was struck again by how much Lewis reminded me more of a prizefighter rather than a scientist. He was heavyset and had, as a child, broken his nose, the shape of which remained unique.

  PJ arrived right after Sandy and just before the rest of the group. She joined me in the kitchen.

  “What can I do to help?”

  “Not a thing. Thank you.” I moved away from the arm that had encircled my waist. “Just go relax with the others. Food will be ready in a few minutes.”

  “I can at least serve the drinks.” She tied a white, linen dish towel around her waist, grabbed a note pad and pencil, and left my little one butt kitchen to take orders in as professional a manner as she could muster and still keep a straight face. By then everyone had arrived and the interior of the motor home buzzed with conversation. And with that many people in such a small space, there wasn’t much room for moving about.

  We shared a relaxing evening during which we chatted about past work experiences and our dreams for the future. We were all dedicated scientists though we all brought differing philosophies to the table. The subject invariably got around to the Amazons and why the lost tribe had left their homeland so many centuries ago. It was suggested by Dewey, the most studious of the team, that the tribes had splintered and that, scattered as they were, they had not the strength to defeat their enemies.

  “I don’t agree,” Mike said, cleaning his glasses on the tail of his tee shirt. “I believe they became infected with what ails civilization today … they lost the ability to work together and disagreed so violently among themselves that it led to civil war.”

  PJ shook her head. “Get a group of powerful, independent women working in a community and you’ll have disagreement, but surely not civil war.”

  Sandy grinned. “But you’d sure get a whole lot of bitching.” His laugh was muffled by PJ’s dishtowel apron landing squarely in his face.

  Laine cheered. “Good pitch, PJ.”

  I began the evening totally involved in the conversation, but gradually found myself studying PJ and hanging on to her every lively word. We were colleagues, but more than that, she was a breath of fresh air in my life.

  I was pleased to see that she had settled into the routine and appeared comfortable with the crew and more importantly, with herself, but it was time to get my mind off her and add my two cents to the discussion.

  “We don’t know why the lost tribe left their homeland. We hope to learn the reason, but the fact is we may never know. History is sketchy at best and what we hope to learn from a few artifacts …”

  “What if we find human remains?”

  “Well, Dewey, that would be more than I dare hope for.”

  The conversation lagged and one by one and two by two, the crew left. Josie and Laine offered to stay and clean up, but I declined. It was getting late and tomorrow was another long workday. Then, there was just PJ and me.

  “Like it or not,” she said, pushing me out of the way, “I’m not leaving this mess for you to clean up by yourself.” I threw myself into washing the pots and pans while PJ straightened the living room, picking up the used paper plates, cups, and napkins. Together, we had the place ship shape in no time.

  “Would you care for a night cap before you leave?”

  “I’d love one, but I’d better go.” She laughed. “I’m so tired now that if I don’t get going, you’re going to have a bed partner.”

  A strange but sweet sensation crawled the length of my spine. “Then, you had better leave, pronto.”

  “Okay, be that way. Goodnight.” She sashayed to the door and ignoring the two steps, leapt to the ground.

  “Goodnight, PJ. Drive carefully, okay?”

  I stood in the doorway and watched her go to the car. G’Night, Boss, and sweet dreams.” She blew me a kiss.

  I turned away and closed the door behind me. Oh, PJ, what am I going to do about you?

  Several days after the dinner at my place, I decided to spend the night on site. It wasn’t the first time and I didn’t expect it to be the last. I was alone, except for the security team whom I glimpsed now and then as they made their rounds. When I was on site like this, at night, they were careful to maintain a discreet, but vigilant distance.

  I needed to be alone. The strain of Terry’s unexpected appearance and the incident with Stephen Cresswell had left me feeling stressed. PJ, on the surface anyway, had moved on. It was time for me to do the same. A night up here, alone with the nocturnal creatures and with the Amazons I knew had passed this way was the tonic I needed to recapture my inner peace. I sat in my low camp chair, closed my eyes and listened to the night. It was true that one’s hearing was more acute when vision was compromised. There was life in the dark.

  My thoughts turned inward. Seeing Terry again had nothing to do with the unexplained emptiness I felt. She had long ago destroyed anything I had felt for her. The deep-seated sense of loneliness began the day I comforted PJ after Stephen’s visit. I realized then, how important it was to have a close, dependable friend for support… someone who cared.

  That’s it. I have no one in my life that cares, really cares.

  My thoughts drifted, but soon returned to PJ. We had gotten off on the wrong foot.
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  Do you remember, PJ, when we first met? You were a handful and our relationship was tempestuous to say the least. You were spirited though, and wild like a mustang.

  I adjusted my chair into a semi-reclined position. The air was warm; the night sounds a symphony in the concert hall of the outdoors. Pup gave a low growl, sensing another presence. “Settle down, fella.” I wasn’t worried. Intruders were unlikely with the security we had in place. “Just a night creature going about his business.”

  Pup stood. He wagged his tail and whined as PJ emerged from the darkness.

  When she saw me, she hesitated. “Oh! Um … uh, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  “I might say the same thing to you.”

  She held up her hand. “Aw now, Kim, don’t get all bent out of shape.”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “Cuz I know how much you value your privacy.”

  I smiled, despite being a little miffed at the interruption. “What can I say?”

  “I got tired of staring at the four walls of the motel. I wanted to see what it’s like up here at night … if it’s as creepy as I thought it would be … hearing the coyotes and all.” PJ turned toward the chorus of howls. “They sound lonely.”

  “I doubt they’re lonely … they just make us feel that way.”

  “And I wanted to make sure that our security force is on the ball.”

  “And?”

  “They are … they stopped me on the trail.”

  “PJ, are you still worried about Stephen?”

  “A little, and the media … I wouldn’t put anything past them.”

  “Security didn’t tell you I was up here?”

  “No. I guess they figured I knew … that I was privy to what my boss was up to.” She snickered.

  I smiled to myself. “Well, now you know.”

  “Yeah. I guess I do.”

  “Right now, I’m concerned about how you’ll get back down the trail in the dark.”

  PJ shifted from one foot to the other. I noted the hesitation. “I… uh … thought I’d stay up here tonight.”

  I sat up. “Why would you want to do that and compromise your comfort?”

  “I’m not that fragile, Kim. I’ll manage.”

  “It gets cold up here at night.”

  “I brought my sleeping bag this morning … when I heard the temperature was to be above average. Mid fifties at night isn’t so bad. Back in Boston, that would be considered a heat wave.”

  I chuckled. “I didn’t expect company.”

  “Well, neither did I.”

  “I spend the night every once in a while. I guess to ground myself and refresh my thought processes.”

  PJ giggled. “And keep in touch with your Amazon friends wherever they are.”

  “Well, I know they’re here, somewhere.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Then, perhaps I should leave. My presence might make too much of a crowd.” Her mouth twitched, suppressing a grin.

  “Not necessary. You’ve every right to be here … and you’ll not bother me.”

  “Look, if you prefer, I’ll go over there.” PJ pointed to a hollowed out area about two hundred meters away. “You won’t even know I’m here.”

  “Really, that won’t be necessary. It’s warmer here, near these rocks … they hold the heat.”

  Pup had been whining around PJ’s legs, seeking her attention. She dropped to one knee and scratched his ears. He rolled onto his back and whimpered with pleasure when she tickled his stomach.

  “He really likes you,” I said. “He doesn’t usually take to people.”

  “They say animals assume the traits of their owners.”

  I frowned. Was I that antisocial?

  Pup shook himself, and returned to lie down beside my chair. We watched him settle into a comfortable position. “I don’t own him, you know. He has too much wildness to belong to anyone except himself.” I ran my hand over his shoulders and back. “He honors me by staying with me.”

  “He’d kill for you.”

  I looked at my faithful companion. His coat gleamed in the moonlight. “He probably would. For you, too, I think.”

  “Where did you get him?”

  “I found him beside the road. He’d been shot.”

  “My Gawd!” PJ rocked back on her heels. “How could someone do such a thing?”

  “Unfortunately, there are people out there who have no respect for life … in any form.”

  PJ moved to a nearby rock and sat down. “Mmm, it is warm.” She shrugged her shoulders and stretched her legs.

  I continued stroking Pup’s head, whispering soft endearments. I didn’t realize that PJ had been observing us until she spoke. “He looks all wolf to me. How do you know he’s part German Shepherd?”

  “The vet who attended him thought so.” I buried my hand in his ruff. “I think he’s more than half wolf.”

  “Me, too.”

  “I’m glad he’s taken to you.”

  “He should after scaring the pee outta me that first day.”

  I chuckled. “Would you like a cup of Earl Grey?”

  “Yeah, but let me fix it.” She stood up and stretched. “It’s the least I can do for invading your privacy.”

  “You’re not in …” She had already turned toward the tent. Her hips rolled in a sexy, seductive way. I wonder if she’s aware she does that? PJ was petite, blonde, and attractive. I could see why men were drawn to her. Am I attracted to her? Is she the reason for my unexpected loneliness? My chest filled with exhilarating warmth at the possibility. Stop that! She’s straight for gawd’s sake. Besides, the last thing I need is another relationship to complicate my life.

  I thought about Terry and the night she had just dropped in. What was she thinking? Did she honestly believe that I’d welcome her with open arms and invite her into my bed?

  Thinking about Terry reminded me that I should say something to PJ. She and Sandy had heard so much more that night than I would have shared willingly. If either of them was homophobic, they hadn’t shown it and I was grateful for that. As key players on my team, any resentment on their part would likely create problems.

  Does it make you nervous to be up here alone with me on this mountain, PJ? I hope you know that you have nothing to fear.

  She returned with two cups of tea and the cookie tin under her arm. After handing me my cup, she set hers down on a rock and struggled to remove the dented lid from the tin. I took a fat chocolate chip cookie and waited for her to settle on her rock.

  I hadn’t realized my concern was showing until PJ gave me a curious look. “Something wrong with the cookie, Kim?”

  “No. It’s fine.” I sipped some tea. “I um … I know it’s behind us, but I still need to talk to you, Sandy too, about Terry’s visit that night. I’m sure it was awkward for you both and …”

  “You don’t owe us any explanation.”

  “Oh, but I do. You witnessed an embarrassing encounter and I need to address it, even though I’m a little late in doing so.”

  “Kim, our only concern was for you. It was obvious that you two had a history … that she had hurt you. Other than that, we thought nothing of it.” PJ shifted and hugged her knees.

  “If you’re cold, there’s a blanket—”

  “No, I’m fine. My butt’s going to sleep. I guess the rest of me should too, pretty soon.”

  She knew how to inject humor into a situation.

  “Well, I feel better for having spoken …”

  “Look, Kim, what you do with your life is no one’s business but your own. Besides, I should judge … look at the mess I’ve made of mine.” She giggled. “Talk about fodder for a novel…”

  I smiled. “It would make for some interesting reading.”

  “I’ll be sure you get the first copy of the first edition. I’ll even autograph it for you.”

  I laughed and felt more relaxed, but I wasn’t about to let the dis
cussion of that fateful night go unfinished. “You’re right about Terry’s leaving. It did hurt. It was a difficult time for me, but it’s all in the past. I’m over it.”

  We sipped our tea in silent respect for the night. I could see PJ’s green eyes glinting, studying me in the low lantern light reflecting outward from the open tent flap.

  I was sure that PJ was sincere and that she had accepted my right to choose so I continued. “Terry and I were together for a number of years,” I said, surprised at my willingness to share some long buried pain.

  “What happened?”

  “Someone else, another woman, came along. Terry was always ready to trade the old for the new. Guess I always knew she’d move on, that I wasn’t exciting enough to hold her.” I sighed. “But, as time went on, I began to think and hope that she’d found a life partner in me. It didn’t turn out that way though.”

  “I gather from what little I heard that she’s not with that other person now?”

  I shook my head. “I guess she’s just another of Terry’s discarded trophies.”

  PJ reached for the cookie tin. “Want another?”

  “Not right now, thanks.”

  She replaced the tin and brushed crumbs from her lap. “So, how’d you two meet?”

  “At the home of some friends in South America. Terry is a forensic anthropologist, a very good one. She was conducting a study of a remote band of headhunters, the last of their kind who lived along the banks of the upper Amazon River. I liked her intelligence, her ability to converse on my level. I guess I was vulnerable in that I wanted love in my life. I was attracted physically, too.” The words slipped out. I felt myself blushing and hoping she didn’t notice.

  “She can’t be very good if she doesn’t recognize your worth, Kim. You’re better off without her.”

  “I guess.”

  PJ jumped lightly to her feet. “Tea makes pee. I’ll be right back.”

  I watched as she headed for the little tent that housed the porta-potty. Dewey, the quiet member of our crew, had painted a half moon on the outside and placed an old battery radio on the floor inside the flap. When the music was playing, the ‘think tank’ as it was sometimes referred to, was occupied. PJ turned on the radio. I wondered why since there was just the two of us and we would know when the teepee was occupied. Sounds carry at night, though. Perhaps PJ had a shy streak. I grinned to myself. Maybe I didn’t know my assistant as well as I thought I did.