by K C West
“Sounds like a plan.”
I worked alongside Sandy, Donny, James and Lewis, clearing brush and vegetation from the entrance, all the while cursing the prickly nature of the vegetation. We found, on the opposite side from where we were scrambling and slipping our way to the entrance, a rough track of sorts leading into the cave. “Let’s try not to disturb the dirt more than we have to.”
“Gotcha, Doc,” Donny muttered as he chopped away at a particularly stubborn bush.
“I wonder if the Amazons entered the cave by way of this track?” I asked, as much of myself as whoever happened to be listening.
“Possible, I suppose,” Sandy said, taking his hat off and wiping his sweaty brow.
“Is it feasible that their footsteps,” I inclined my head toward the cave entrance, “are still here, under a layer of dirt and dust?”
“I doubt it,” James said, studying the layout. “This looks like a game trail. Their footsteps, if they had left any, would have been obliterated.”
“Maybe not,” Sandy said. “The remains don’t appear to have been disturbed so it’s unlikely there have been any animals in there … snakes, maybe, or insects, but that’s all.”
“Depends, too,” Donny said, talking to himself more than anyone else, “on how long they were here and how much tracking in and out they did.”
I tried to visualize their activities, their comings and goings. “That’s right, the bones would have been scattered if they’d been visited by carnivores.”
I turned at the sound of PJ’s voice. She had come up from Site One to check on our progress and to take a break and stretch her limbs. “How come we’re so lucky?”
I smiled. She was a good-looking woman even when coated in sweat and dust. “We must be living right.”
With most of the brush removed, it was much easier now to see into the cave. Besides the human remains, there were two swords, and a dagger, less ornate than the one found in Site One, but a functional weapon nevertheless. Remnants of what appeared to be a litter were half buried beneath a layer of dirt and dust. There were scraps of cloth and leather; two of which looked like leather water flasks.
“Kim, it’s good to see you feeling better, and involved again.”
Together, we peered into the gloom of the cave.
“I just wish I could shake this feeling of impending doom. It’s like a premonition. I don’t know what that’s about. Whatever it is though has to do with Site One.”
PJ wrinkled her forehead. “Must be that there’s something in there that you’re allergic to. Whatever it is doesn’t bother me so I’ll keep working it. You can ‘snoopervize’ from a distance.”
I laughed. “PJ, you’re one in a million.” I wasn’t sure if she blushed or if it was the heat. Who could tell anyway, through all the grime?
I watched PJ as she made her way back down to Site One. It was time for me to pull myself together.
Chapter Fourteen
I crouched in the shallow cave next to Laine, scooping minute soil samples into plastic bags. We’d compare the samples to our Munsell soil chart for proper coding. Laine or Josie would take the bags and place them under the windows in the pages and make further notations in our record book regarding color, density and the associated materials contained in the dirt. Now that we had two sites to compare, we might determine their respective ages through this type of testing. My hands acted automatically, but my mind was on more personal issues.
I have to get my act together. Now that Kim is working with the crew in a nearly normal capacity, I’ve got to take some time and examine my situation. It’s a mess…and I can’t figure out how…
“PJ!” Mike’s shout snapped me back to reality.
“Be right out!” I handed the bag to Laine. “Wonder what the problem is now?”
“I’m sure he’ll let you know.” She grinned and took over my task as well as her own.
My knees creaked when I stood up. Gawd, I’m not as young as I used to be. Thirty-four isn’t that old except when compared with these fresh-faced college kids.
Mike was standing on the rock ledge waiting for me when I exited the cave. “Your cell phone was ringing, so I took the liberty of answering it.”
I blinked at the late afternoon sunlight. Where had the day gone? “Who was it?”
“Your motel in Apache Junction. They have to close down for several days because of damage to the electrical system and stuff. You know, the earthquake? Anyway, they got you a room m the Casa Grande across the highway, but you need to go move your things.”
The Casa Grande. I chuckled at an image of Kim fuming at me across our table in their restaurant. She had been so angry at my tardiness. She even accused me of seducing Sandy. It seems like ages ago. “Casa Grande, huh? Now, that’s ironic.”
Mike gave me a blank look.
“It’s where Doc and I first met. We had a momentous dinner in the restaurant there … nearly started World War Three.”
“Oh.”
“I guess you had to be there to appreciate it.”
I looked back toward the cave interior and then at my watch. “One more hour before quitting time,” I muttered. “Can you hike over to Site Two and tell Doc I have to be away overnight?”
“Sure thing, PJ. You might as well enjoy the new room once you get moved in.”
I smiled, rubbing my lower back. “Yeah, I’m thinking nice, hot shower, good meal, and a bed with no threat of scorpions.”
“Sounds like paradise.” He started down the rocky steps. “I’ll get right over to the other site.”
“Thanks Mike. I’m glad your ankle’s improved.”
He waved his hand in a gesture of dismissal. “It’s fine. No problemo.” Just to prove it, he demonstrated a tricky hop and jump to the bottom.
“Ah youth,” I muttered. I seem to be doing a lot of muttering lately. Is that a sign of senility or is it required of site directors?
Laine and Josie agreed to stay overnight at camp and keep an eye on Kim for me, so I hiked to the trailhead and took the minivan to the Holiday Inn. It was a short drive but one that spanned centuries of culture. Like Kim, I had become obsessed with the Amazon women and that small plot of ground in the Superstitions. It was hard to let go of the time and the place.
I’m also letting thoughts of Kim mess up my life. What am I going to do about that? Being around her so much of each day has me consumed with her; what she looks like…how she acts … what she has to say to me.
The trailhead dirt road merged quickly with a winding two-lane road called Old Apache Trail. There wasn’t a single old Apache in sight and very few vehicles either. In short order, I was through the scrub brush and saguaro cactus and at the intersection of Idaho and Apache Trail. The Casa Grande was off to the west and the Holiday Inn was on the other side of the road a quarter mile or so in the opposite direction. I paused to look at the mountains surrounding and controlling this area of the Valley of the Sun. The most prominent peaks were the Superstitions, old Moody Mountain as the natives called it.
I wonder what Kim’s doing up there now?
She had become such a big part of my life. I missed her presence already. Talking with Kim during the down time in the evening was the best part of my day. She knew so much about everything. We compared notes on projects, other archaeologists, and places we’d visited. I remember one evening we had heard some coyotes calling to each other, making loud, doleful sounds. Kim told me they had a wide range of vocal calls for communication. I was astonished to learn that coyotes were present in every one of the continental United States and even in New York City.
The afternoon sun was still warm so I rolled down the window and breathed in the dry desert air.
Kim knew all about coyotes. She said the Alpha female usually had the young, though the Beta females helped raise them and it took a year to train the pups to be independent. When they found mates, coyotes bonded for life. I was quite touched by that concept.
“That’s so s
weet,” I told her.
She nodded. “Yet, they’re the most despised animals in our country. Even the government wants to kill them.”
I said something sympathetic and Kim got a sly grin on her face. Her brown eyes sparkled in that intense way. “Even after decades of slaughter, there are more coyotes alive now than ever before. They’ve found a way to survive despite the odds against them.” I could tell that Kim admired their tenacity and fighting spirit. The warrior within … animals or humans.
I pulled into the motel parking lot, noting the plywood covering one side of the spacious glass front door. Several trucks and work crews clogged the front driveway. Workers wearing overalls, hard hats and heavy boots traipsed in and out, tools clanking from their leather belts.
Dennis, the assistant manager, was on duty. He looked like a deckhand on the Titanic. There were no guests checking in, only individuals and a family or two wheeling luggage down the hallway toward the parking lot.
Dennis made commiserating small talk with all of them. When he noticed me, he put on a brave face. “Doctor Curtis, I’m so sorry for this inconvenience.”
I shrugged. “Who can predict the whims of Mother Nature?”
“That’s the truth.” He ducked behind the counter and pulled up a small pile of envelopes and journals, handing them to me. “Here’s your mail. You haven’t been around for quite a while.”
“Thanks.” I tucked the bundle under my arm. “I’ve been up on the mountain, working.”
The ringing telephone distracted him, so I waved and walked along the deserted corridor to my old room. A fine coating of dust covered the doorknob and some of the furniture inside. I surveyed my accumulated possessions with a sigh. None of it was irreplaceable, but it all had to be packed and taken to a new location. I heard a noise in the hallway and discovered an employee with a luggage cart. Dennis, you thoughtful man. Together, we managed to load my books, clothing, duffel, cosmetics and assorted paraphernalia.
When the minivan was packed, I tipped my helper and returned to the lobby to settle my bill.
“Thank you, Dennis.” I pumped his hand gratefully. “I added a bit extra to the total for you and the staff. You’ve gone way beyond the call of duty.”
“Thank you, Doctor Curtis. That really wasn’t necessary. It was a pleasure to serve you.” Dennis smiled despite his weariness.
“I appreciate your finding me a new place and I hope you get things restored in short order.”
He nodded. “Me too. Please come back and stay with us when we aren’t having earthquakes.”
The lobby of the Casa Grande was busy, but not crowded. I paused to take note of the decor and experienced a feeling of deja vu. It was predictably southwestern in motif, a mixture of Native American and Mexican cultures. Colorful woven blankets hung on one wall and covered the backs of two over-stuffed sofas. Sturdy oak tables held replicas of Hohokam pottery as well as travel brochures and maps. A cactus garden held center stage, displaying examples of Arizona’s abundant prickly plants. I’d managed to avoid most of them during my hikes to and from our camp and I gave them a wide berth now.
As I approached the front desk I could hear faint Spanish-sounding guitar music and the scent of tamales and refried beans wafted from the corridor leading to the onsite restaurant. Several of the employees, dressed in bright red vests, white shirts and black slacks, smiled and greeted guests with practiced efficiency.
One of the energetic, college-aged fellows gave me a stunning smile. He had wavy black hair and bright brown eyes, not quite as dark as Kim’s. “How may I help you today?” he asked. His nametag said: Joel Weaver, Assistant Manager.
Joel must have started working here when he was still in middle school.
Now that I was closer, I could see that all of their vests had adorable saguaro cactus logos embroidered on them.
“Hello, Joel. My name is PJ Curtis. I’m a refugee from the Holiday Inn and I hope I have a reservation.”
His fingers raced over the computer keyboard. “Uh…yes…Oh, yes! We most definitely have a reservation for you, Doctor Curtis.” He swallowed. “We have a two bedroom suite with a view of Superstition Mountain. Would that be acceptable?”
“Wow. That sounds like more than acceptable. Thank you very much.” And I must remember to thank Dennis next time I see him. I signed in and Joel provided me with assistance moving my heavier luggage.
As I walked through the lobby on my final trip to the car, I noticed a commotion at the front desk. A man and woman with two young children clustered around Joel.
“I’m sorry, Reverend Parker, but the only room we have left is a single.”
From my position in front of the elevators, I glanced sideways at the family. They had an air of wrinkled weariness about them, the curse of long distance travelers. The man remained composed, but I could see that the kids were getting on the woman’s last nerve.
“We’ve been on the road since sun up,” she said, fatigue showing in her voice. “Now, this earthquake and the motel closing…” She made a snuffling sound.
Her husband put his hand on her arm. “C’mon Rose, honey…”
“Neil, if you’re about to say: ‘God will provide,’ I’m not in the mood to hear it right now.”
His hand gently rubbed her back. “It will be okay, really. We’ll just have to make do.”
“Sir, you don’t understand. We can’t let you have the room. It’s against regulations to put four people in one that small.” Joel was polite, but firm.
The little boy gave the woman’s arm an urgent tug. “Mommy, I gotta pee.”
She sighed. “Timmy, hold on a second.”
The husband continued to negotiate. “It’s just for one night. We’re driving to California…leaving early tomorrow. And, really, it’s just two adults—the kids can sleep on the floor in—”
“I’m sorry sir. Rules are-“
Before I had time to consider my actions, I wandered into their discussion. “Excuse me, Joel. I couldn’t help overhearing and I have a suggestion.”
He gave me an apologetic look. “Oh, Doctor Curtis, it’s really—”
I turned to the minister and stuck out my hand. “Hi, I’m PJ Curtis. You seem to have a problem.”
His palm was moist, but there was firmness in his grip.
“Hello. Neil Parker. My wife, Rose.”
I nodded and smiled in her direction.
“And our children, Jessica and Timmy.”
The girl gave me a shy smile, complete with dimple and twinkling blue eyes, but the boy was beyond social graces. A pained expression creased his flushed face and his legs were now crossed. One chubby hand struggled to keep the dam from bursting. “Mommy, I really gotta pee!”
“Urn, okay, Timmy. Uh…” She looked toward the desk. A woman working beside Joel noticed her distress signal and led them to a restroom.
“Now, I think I may have a solution to your problem, Reverend Parker.”
“At this point I’m willing to hear anything. Thanks.”
I motioned him over to the end of the counter where we could confer privately with the assistant manager. “Here’s the deal, Joel. Reverend Parker and his family need a bigger room.”
“Yes, but—”
“I know, I heard. You have only a single left.”
“Right. It has a double bed, but there’s just no room for two more—”
“Yes, of course.” I nodded. “And regulations are regulations. But you’ve just assigned me a two bedroom suite and I’ll be the only one in it.”
Joel squared his shoulders and pulled at the hem of his scarlet Casa Grande vest with the saguaro cactus logo. “Well, under the circumstances, Doctor Curtis, it was the least—”
“‘Under the circumstances,’ I think the obvious solution is to have the Parker family switch with me. Then we’ll all have room enough.”
The minister’s expression brightened. “That is so generous of you, Doctor Curtis.”
“Think nothin
g of it,” I said. “Now, we’ll just rearrange the-“
“But, we can’t afford anything that lavish.”
“Oh.” I thought for a moment. “You’re only staying for one night, right?”
“Yes, we’ll be away as early as we can get ‘our ducks in a row’ so to speak.”
I turned to Joel with my most persuasive smile. “We’ll just keep the rooms in our own names but switch places for the evening. I’ll pay for the suite and the Parkers can cover the price of the single. That should work, shouldn’t it?”
His forehead wrinkled into a frown. “Well, these are unusual times. I suppose it will be acceptable.”
Reverend Parker breathed a relieved sigh and took my hand. “Thank you. That is so kind of you. I’m afraid our travel budget is already stretched to the limit. This will really help us out.”
Mrs. Parker returned with the children to find her husband in a much happier mood.
“Honey, Doctor Curtis has offered us the use of her two bedroom suite for the night. She’ll take the single.”
His wife’s jaw dropped, but she recovered quickly. “How wonderful. Thank you.” She stared at me. “You look so familiar. Where have I seen you before? A magazine perhaps?”
Oh Gawd, I hope not. “No, I don’t think so,” I muttered, and turned back to the men.
Joel completed the transfer of electronic room keys and gave me an embarrassed look. “I’m so sorry, Doctor Curtis. That single is on the same floor as the suite but in the corner by the elevators. It has no view of the Superstitions and no Jacuzzi. No real amenities at all.”
“The suite has a view of the mountains?” Rose Parker gave a wistful sigh.
“And a Jacuzzi?” There was a gleam in her husband’s tired eyes.
I chuckled. “Don’t worry about it. All I need tonight is a hot shower, some food, and a mattress thicker than a bedroll. I’m too tired to care about extras.”
