by S. E. Akers
I smiled and nodded.
“Just be very careful,” Malachi advised. “I’m not sure how well you know this person, but Catemaco can be a very deceiving place.”
“Deceiving?” I missed that one on the Wikipedia search.
“Let’s just say that it’s a very charming city.” Malachi seemed tickled by his choice of words. “On the surface…and even more so underneath.”
Oookay, I thought quietly.
“I’ll let you return to whatever you were doing. We will be docking shortly.” Malachi nodded and extended his hand. “Good-day, Ms. Wallace.”
After a sneaky flip of my ring, I eased my hand towards his like I was testing the temperature of some iffy bathwater. “Good-day,” I repeated as I shook his hand cautiously, making sure his eyes were solely on me and not my hand. I nodded to Olaf, only to be met with a snarl. Once the Malachite Talisman and his walking steroid-advertisement were well out of sight, I closed the door and fell back against it. Crap…
An announcement over the ship’s intercom alerted us as soon as we had dropped anchor. I grabbed my bags and headed off to meet up with our group. I was the first to arrive to catch one of the awaiting shuttles that would ferry us to land. Tanner arrived next, not looking too happy.
“I couldn’t get into his room,” Tanner announced discreetly as he followed me onto the narrow boarding ramp. “Ask me, ‘why’?”
“Because you needed me to open it?” I posed, pretending to give my full attention to holding on to the ropes.
“Cute,” Tanner replied. “You would be correct, if it hadn’t already been replaced with another stone. Would you like to take a stab at which one?”
“No,” I mumbled as a man took my hand to help me aboard the small speedboat. I worked my way over to a seat that was as far from him as possible.
“As soon as we get to the hotel, I’m putting you on the first plane out of here,” Tanner ordered telepathically. “So don’t get too comfortable.” He whirled around and about knocked Ty down as he charged back to the ship. Ty turned and passed him a blank stare.
Like a shot, the effects of the curse returned with a vengeance. This time, it wasn’t only head pain. My stomach began to twist into a fierce knot. I felt like everything I’d eaten over the past two days was about to make its way back up.
“Hey, Shi,” Ty said. “I tried to find you earlier, but you snuck off.” I held my breath and nodded. I hadn’t spoken to him since the freaky wave last night, but the last thing I wanted was to open my mouth and take in too much salty sea air.
“Are you okay?” I rattled out quickly as I wrapped my arms around my stomach.
“Yeah. That was pretty crazy last night. Um, How are you?” Ty countered.
“Fine,” I replied and went back to holding my breath.
“You don’t look it. You look kind of…bad.”
“She always looks that way,” Kara interrupted when she hopped aboard.
I narrowed my eyes. If I hurl, I know which way I’m aiming.
Ms. Fitzpatrick approached me next. “Shiloh, are you still feeling bad?” She felt my forehead. “You’re not warm.”
“I’ll be okay,” I insisted. If I can find some way to change Tanner’s mind, so I can get to Catemaco and get rid of this curse!
If the bumpy water-taxi ride wasn’t enough torture, seeing what looked like several heavy-footed cab drivers waiting at the dock while we obtained our visas was sure to be my stomach’s final straw. Thankfully the hotel wasn’t far. If I hadn’t been so preoccupied with finding a bucket of ice to dump over my head and a toilet to stick my face in, I might have been more impressed with our latest destination. My eyes absorbed what I could of Veracruz, in-between the stabbing pains smacking me upside my head and my stomach being viciously contorted by agonizing thrusts. We zipped past countess historical buildings, all featuring pretentious embellishments, that lined the marble-tiled streets for miles. It rivaled New Orleans’ charm, but appeared far more formal. I’d never seen so many florid towers or showy domes on top of buildings. Considering my current predicament, they made me think about poor possessed Mr. Webber. I’d really meant to ask Bea about him. Another sharp heave to my stomach forced me to turn my head and start praying.
No matter where he is, I’m sure he’s doing much better than me.
A lengthy straight-stretch of road lined with soaring palms led us to our hotel, The Castillo Real. The collection of sandy-beige stucco buildings looked far more contemporary than the others I’d seen — crisp, unadorned, and streamlined. A tall structure layered with cantilevered balconies cascading down it on all sides hailed my attention immediately. It looked like a modern-day pyramid. The expansive complex that stretched along the coast was exactly how I’d pictured a tropical resort would look (something some lucky contestant would win a trip to on The Price Is Right).
Several attendants greeted us with complementary margaritas as we exited our vehicles. The smell of stout tequila and salt almost sent me over the edge. Ms. Fitz ushered them away quickly, seeing how not all of us were eighteen. Mike managed to grab one before they took off and downed it in one swig, right in front of Ms. Fitz and Coach Hayes — just to be cute.
We walked into a sweeping atrium and followed the terracotta tiles through a lushly landscaped courtyard. A large travertine fountain sat in the center that boasted a bronze statue of a female warrior, outfitted in a plumed helmet and pleated skirt. She looked downright fierce with her shield in one hand and ancient spear in the other. As I walked by it, I found myself wishing she would magically come to life and thrust the ancient weapon straight into my gut. A gaping hole gushing blood would certainly take my mind off the supernatural pain I was grappling with.
While everyone else raved about the poshness of our latest locale, I grabbed a seat off in a corner away from the rest of my group and secretly scanned for the closest planter. Ms. Fitz and Coach Hayes returned with a stack of small folders — not a minute too soon.
“Here you go, girls,” Ms. Fitz announced as she handed both Kara and I keys to room eighty-three. “You’ll be sharing a suite again.”
Unable to fight off the nauseous feeling anymore, I raced to a nearby trashcan. I barely made it too.
“That’s just perfect,” Kara griped. She covered her mouth and hurried off to the elevators.
“Shiloh, do you need a doctor?” Ms. Fitz asked, growing even more concerned. “I can see if the hotel can contact one.”
A witch doctor maybe, I noted with a deep breath. “I’m starting to feel better,” I assured her with a perky smile and sweat-streaked cheeks.
“Okay,” Ms. Fitz said skeptically. “Try to get some rest before we head out. We’re going to take a quick tour around the city before dinner and then head over to the carnival.”
“I will,” I replied and then staggered off to find suite eighty-three.
To my relief, my suitcases were already in the room. I threw my jacket into the closet, grabbed my toiletry bag, and pushed past Kara for first-crack at the bathroom. After paying homage to the “porcelain god”, I pulled myself up and wobbled over to the sink. Colgate never tasted so good.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. “Death warmed-over” would have been a treat. My skin was even starting to cast a sickly greenish-glow. But that wasn’t as bad as what happened when I sneezed. A line of blood streaked out of my nose.
Oh no, I groaned. A sharp stab to the muscles in my back brought me down to my knees. I curled up into ball right there on the floor and begged for it to stop. This has to end! I glared at my purse lying beside me — the whole reason I was in this mess in the first place. This deal is going to kill me! Rotten, rotten luck!
My eyes began to relax as an epiphany surfaced.
Rotten luck, I thought as I reached into my purse. I pulled out the malachite, the supposed “lucky” stone. Granted this wasn’t a multi-million dollar business deal, but it was a trade, nonetheless. I clenched the tumbled green stone in my hand and wished that some
thing could sway luck in my favor. Kara started banging on the door fiercely, so I hoisted myself up and wobbled out of the bathroom.
“Where’s my shirt you borrowed?” Kara demanded as she unpacked her clothes. I still didn’t have the strength to speak, so I simply pointed to the side pouch of my large suitcase. She pulled out the filthy torn top and squealed, “It’s ruined!”
I did feel bad about that. “I’m sorry,” I insisted. Kara dove into my suitcase and took out the one-shoulder blouse I had on at dinner the other night. She ripped it slick in two.
“There! We’re square,” Kara grinned.
She could have lit the damn thing on fire with me in it and I wouldn’t have cared. Not right now with my muscles starting to lock up. Another nauseating swell prompted a swift gag that made me turn away. I threw my purse on the desk and tightened my grip on the stone.
How hard is it to get a little freakin’ LUCK?
Miraculously, my muscles eased up and every torturous ache came to a sudden halt. Not a second later, the door to our suite flew open.
“Change of plans,” Tanner announced as he burst into the room. He paused awkwardly as soon as he spotted Kara. Her “why-are-YOU-in-here” look said it all. No need to add insult to injury with an “I-told-you-so” one from me. Tanner brushed past her and grabbed my arm, leading me out to the balcony.
“Real discreet,” I said. I simply couldn’t resist, especially now that I was feeling much, much better.
“You’re not leaving,” Tanner said. “Not yet.”
“Really?” Well, what do you know, I thought with a sneaky smile. “Why not?” I rephrased as I slipped the malachite inside my pocket.
“I have to tend to something first.” His voice reeked with a mysterious air.
“What?” I pried.
“I can’t tell you.”
I rolled my eyes. “What’s new?” I groaned.
“And I need your moonstone,” Tanner announced.
“For what? Are you hurt?”
“No. But I do need it,” Tanner insisted.
“For whatever you can’t tell me about, right?” I posed.
“Exactly,” Tanner replied shamelessly. “I’ll return it this evening.”
“Maybe you have to earn it?” I suggested with a smirk. Tanner’s eyes shot open, and with a testy look, he locked his arms at his chest. “Tell me what it’s for,” I demanded, sensing that “cheeky” wasn’t going to fly.
Straightaway, Tanner started loosening that precious tin belt of his. I glanced at Kara through the glass windows. Her mouth couldn’t have been gaped open any wider even if someone had wedged a jack between her lips and cranked it till the damn handle locked. I yanked the moonstone off my finger.
“Here,” I huffed as I handed it to him. “Do you know what this looks like?” Tanner glanced into the suite. The countless shades of shock and judgment on Kara’s face prompted a sly grin to emerge.
“I don’t really care…do you?” Tanner questioned boldly as he refastened his belt.
“With that mouth of hers? Yeah,” I grumbled. “I kind of do.”
“I won’t be back until late this evening, so I want you to stay with your group. I mean it. No wandering off,” Tanner said with a rigid tone. “And don’t worry. Malachi won’t be there.”
“What time?” I probed. This might be my one and only shot at getting rid of this curse.
“Late,” Tanner evaded as he stepped back inside.
I looked at my watch. It was almost four o’clock now. I quickly calculated some figures in my head.
“How late?” I badgered as he strode past Kara, blazing a trail towards the door. Tanner paused swiftly to shoot me an over-the-top sultry stare and then pointed his finger, purposely.
“I hope to find you in bed when I get back,” Tanner declared before he shut the door. The ass even winked. Kara spun around and scrutinized me from head to toe, totally floored. I could already hear the rumor in her head taking form as she trotted into the bathroom.
“Did I answer your question?” Tanner goaded with a laugh, telepathically of course, knowing I couldn’t “properly” reply.
You did more than that, I bitched to myself. Thanks a lot, Tanner!
I grabbed the phone and rang Ms. Fitz’s room. Good thing I looked as bad as I’d felt earlier. She didn’t sound the least bit surprised that I planned on staying in my room to rest up. Now, there was just one more thing to do. I pulled Katie out of my purse.
“Katie,” I called out.
“Is it safe?” she asked.
“For now,” I replied.
“That was horrible!”
I let out a dry laugh. “You have no idea. Just be glad I took you off.”
“Where are we?” Katie inquired.
“In the hotel, but I’m getting ready to catch a cab to Catemaco…and you’re staying here.”
“Let me come! Please?” Katie begged.
“No,” I declined. “Ms. Lá Léo said I had to go alone. Who knows what this curse will do if I take you with me.”
“I guess,” Katie agreed. “But—”
“Don’t worry. You’ll be fine. I’ll lock you in the safe and get you out as soon as I get back.”
“Promise? This is your last adventure without me?”
“Absolutely,” I vowed as I opened the closet door and located the room safe.
“Okay. Good luck,” Katie added.
“Yeah,” I agreed as I removed her from around my neck, locked her inside, and dropped the key into my purse. I pulled the malachite out of my pocket.
I’m definitely holding on to you, I ruled as I stared at the miraculous little green beauty with a starry gaze and felt around for my jacket. Confident my tide had officially turned, I threw it in the bend of my arm as I marched out the door.
First things, first. I exited the elevator and made my way over to the front desk to exchange some money. The woman behind the counter handed me a thick stack of colorful bills. Pretty, I noted as I shoved them into my wallet and headed for the exit. Coach Hayes was making his way through the courtyard with a drink in his hand, apparently coming back from the bar. I ducked behind one of the columns and waited until he had passed. I’m kind of glad I had to because I spotted someone else while I was hiding. Tanner. He was pacing anxiously, like he was waiting on someone. Soon, a svelte raven-haired woman snuck up behind him. She wrapped her arms around him playfully, covering his eyes, and whispered something in his ear. I couldn’t see her face (not with those big, black movie star shades blocking it), but I sure got a good enough look at her hourglass figure. Her daggone legs stretched up to her neck. They were arm-in-arm and heading off through the atrium before my cylinders fired.
Who the Hell is THAT?
I hung back and followed them outside. They made their way over to a sleek, red convertible Porsche. I guffawed and shook my head. This just keeps getting better. Tanner snatched the keys out of her hand and opened the passenger-door. She hopped in without a fuss, smiling and laughing, as Tanner made his way around to the driver-side. I watched them pull away from the curb to the sight of the woman whipping off her crimson scarf and shaking her long raven hair in the wind.
I darted into a vacant cab as soon as Tanner and his mysterious female companion were out of sight. Shamefully, I shook off my curiosity (and tried my best to suppress the green-eyed monster that had bubbled up from out of nowhere). I handed the slip of paper up to the leather-skinned driver. He turned around and threw me a skeptical look. He was talking way too fast for me to pick up on anything, but I sensed his doubt. I made a fan out of ten orange-inked pesos and issued him a curt, “Por vavor?” He turned back around and threw the taxi in gear straightaway, screeching out of the terracotta drive and gunning the engine down the road. I guess money is the international language.
The cabbies in New Orleans drove like little old ladies compared to this guy. Back home, we’d call this style of driving, “a shitin’ and a gettin’”. Thankfully I woul
dn’t get hurt if we crashed because there weren’t any seatbelts. If the jerky, high-speed ride out of Veracruz wasn’t disturbing enough, the interior carried an awful smell of BO and there was absolutely no air-conditioning. For the next hour, I propped my head against the side panel with the window rolled down and stared aimlessly at the ever-changing scenery passing by. I assumed he was going the right way (I wouldn’t know). I wanted to get there, drop whatever this thing was off, and get back safely — but most important, before Tanner got back. I still hadn’t decided if a full confession was in order. He was already pissed enough, and him finding out that I’d purposely defied him, curse or no curse, wouldn’t sit well at all. Though truthfully, he hadn’t been entirely upfront and honest with me.
Who has hair that shiny and bouncy anyway?
I spotted a sight for sore eyes when we whizzed past a rusty sign.
Catemaco — 2 km
It’s about time, I thought as I straightened myself up and checked my watch. The ride may have been Hell but at least Mario Andretti shaved about fifteen minutes off my allotted time. Catemaco’s scenery was similar to Veracruz’s, but more colorful and it had an eclectic, casual feel. Malachi was right. It was a charming city surrounded by a backdrop of lush jungles, rugged mountain ranges, and an enormous lake that looked big enough to be deemed an ocean. The sun’s fading light reflecting off its placid waters could hypnotize you alone. An absolutely charming, idealistic Mexican town.
The cab driver pulled over to ask for directions. I sat and watched from the backseat of the taxi. He questioned several passersby, only to be redirected to someone else. A woman wearing a strange, feathery headdress pointed him towards a rundown, yet colorful cantina. I had been waiting as patiently as I could, but my nerves were having a fit. I glanced at my watch. Six o’clock. I popped open the door restlessly, needing to at least stretch my legs. I stared at the people on the street. I wouldn’t say they looked mean, more like focused. Their smile-less faces flashed hints of ambition as they strode up and down the dusty cobblestone street. A market area featuring several rows of merchants captured my attention. I wandered over curiously. The first one I came upon displayed a hodgepodge of lit candles and various colorful bottles, all stacked and intermingled on a series of tiered shelves. A man, dressed all in white, was blowing a stream of smoke into an older man’s face while he sat on a stool in front of him. The seated man inhaled as much of the billowy cloud as he could and looked like he desperately wanted to take in more. He didn’t even let out the first cough. I shuddered as I passed by. Located in the next stand, a man and woman were banging on some drums, surrounded by a collection of dried herbs and odd-looking grains. My Spanish was basic, so I didn’t have a clue as to what any of the labels on the bags meant. They definitely didn’t look like anything I’d ever seen thrown in a pot to season food with. I picked up one that looked like the root of a plant. It smelled like the inside of an old pair of gym sneakers. Yuck…
