Conspiracy of Bones

by Tracy Krauss

  Mark sighed. "Okay. What do you want from me? I said I was sorry and I meant it. And I’m sorry that I can’t tell you where I’m going or what I’m doing, either. But it’s for your own safety and the safety of other people. I know that sounds pretty lame right about now, but it’s the best I can do."

  "Safety?" Genuine concern replaced any former churlishness. "Why? Are you in some kind of trouble?"

  "Amy…” He surveyed her features and reached to run the back of his finger down her cheek. "Even when you’re mad you’re beautiful, you know that?" he said softly. She didn’t reply, but he could see that her features were softening. "Forgive me?"

  She nodded mutely.

  "Good. And I’ll take all the questions as a sign that you care, that’s all."

  Somehow they managed to find themselves in each other’s arms, their kisses urgent with pent up emotion and the knowledge that they would be apart for some time in the near future.

  "I’m really going to miss you," Mark said when he pulled away. "I wish we’d been able to spend more time together."

  "Mark?" Amy whispered against his mouth.

  "Hm?"

  "Did you mean it? The other night, I mean."

  "Of course. Every word.” He kissed her ear and started making trail down her neck.

  "Then I was thinking. Maybe we should go over to your place."

  Mark stopped what he was doing and pulled back, just far enough to see her face fully. "Why? What are you saying?"

  "Just that, maybe I don’t want to wait after all," she replied, her voice sounding small and not quite convinced. She looked down, avoiding his gaze, as heat infused her cheeks.

  Mark was silent for a moment before adjusting himself further away from the temptation of her body. Instead, he took her hand safely in his own. "I don’t think that’s a very good idea."

  "Why?" she asked, anxiety catching in her voice.

  "Not because I don’t want to, believe me. But because I know how important it is for you to save yourself for marriage."

  "But I thought… the other night you said you wanted to marry me," Amy said.

  "Right. But you haven’t answered yet. And I don’t want you to, just yet, either."

  "But I’ve already made up my mind," Amy replied quickly. "The answer is ‘Yes’. Yes, I want to marry you."

  "That is like music to my ears.” Mark smiled. "But I’m leaving for awhile. You might feel differently once I get back. Things have been pretty intense between us, not to mention the fact that everything has happened so fast. A little time away from me will help you put things in perspective."

  "Or help you put things in perspective," Amy countered. "Maybe you’re just hoping that I’ll fall out of love with you so that you don’t have to get stuck with me."

  Mark laughed. “Now that is utterly ridiculous. If anyone is getting stuck with anyone, it’s you. I’m practically a senior citizen."

  "Hardly." She reached for his collar and pulled him closer for another heated kiss.

  "I must admit, you’re getting very good at that," Mark mused.

  "I’m a fast learner," Amy quipped.

  "So I see."

  "We could make love right now. In the car," Amy suggested between kisses.

  "Not a chance. That would be downright degrading. You’re not making this very easy, you know," he breathed.

  "I want to make sure you come back," Amy said.

  Mark sat back in his seat. "Is that what this is about? You think if you sleep with me I’ll be sure to come back to you? Amy, I told you already that I love you. I don’t know what kind of crazy notions you’ve got running around in your head, but let me assure you that it takes more than sex to secure a man’s heart. I should know.”

  The words stung and Mark could see the change in her countenance once again. He let out a gust of frustrated breath. "Man, I just keep putting my foot in it, don’t I? What I mean is, you’ve already got my heart. Don’t you know that already? So much so, that I’m willing to wait for you. And if I spoiled that now, even for a wonderful night with you before I leave - something I want more than you can imagine - well, I’d be mad at myself for the rest of my life. You’re worth it, Amy. Don’t you see? I want to do this thing right, for a change. I want it to be different for us, with no regrets."

  "I guess I really am pretty naïve," Amy whispered. "Oh, I’m so ashamed!" She turned away, a tiny sob escaping her lips.

  "Come here, honey," Mark soothed, taking her into his arms. He smoothed her hair. "Don’t worry about anything, okay? I meant what I said. I’m coming back. I promise."

  "And I meant what I said," she murmured into his shirt. "The answer is yes."

  He gently bent his head and sealed the declaration with another kiss. "I believe you. Now I better get you home." He shifted in his seat and started the car. "So, this might be it for awhile until I get back," Mark said, steering out onto the street.”

  "What do you mean?" Amy asked. "I thought you were leaving the day after tomorrow."

  "I was. But since I finished up early, I figure there’s no point hanging around."

  "Oh," Amy responded flatly. "I guess there’s nothing here to keep you an extra day."

  "That’s not what I meant. Of course I’d like to stay and spend an entire day with you. But, on the other hand, too much time with you and we might end up doing something we regret." He glanced over at her and gave her a gentle smile. "Besides, the sooner I get going, the sooner I get back, right?"

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Mark arrived very early at his parent’s home the next morning. He’d only gotten a couple of hours of sleep, anticipation making it almost impossible to relax. He had already secured the permits needed. All that was left was to load up and leave.

  Russ greeted his son at the door, dressed casually in jeans and a sweatshirt, his hair still looking tousled from sleep. "Come in," Russ waved with his free hand. In the other he held a steaming mug. "Coffee?"

  "No. I already stopped at Tim’s," Mark replied. "Deanie up?"

  "Are you kidding?" Russ laughed. "This is even early for me." He downed the rest of his coffee, setting the cup down on a side table by the door before stretching and yawning. "Well, let’s get at it, then."

  They headed out to the garage. "Is there room for me to back in?" Mark asked.

  "If I take my car out, I suppose," Russ said.

  "Okay. I think that’s the best idea."

  Russ surveyed his son speculatively, but said nothing. In a few moments they had made the switch and Mark had opened the back door of the SUV.

  "I sure hope you know what you’re doing," Russ said.

  "You know me. Always got a plan, and if not, I fake it anyway."

  "Will you contact us?" Russ asked. "Once you get wherever you’re going so we know you’re safe?"

  "Probably not," Mark replied. "Not right away, anyway."

  "I see.” Russ nodded stoically.

  "It’s better this way," Mark explained.

  Father and son loaded the vehicle in relative silence. Three sealed crates in all were safely stowed in the back and covered with a dark blanket.

  "Well, that’s it, then," Mark said as he closed the back hatch with a firm click.

  "Take care, son," Russ offered, holding his hand out.

  Mark shook his father’s hand firmly. "I will."

  "We’ll be praying," Russ added.

  "Thanks, I appreciate that." He actually meant it. "Well, I guess I better get going, then. Say bye to Deanie and Harmony for me."

  "I will."

  "Oh. And tell Harmony, no hard feelings."

  Russ raised his eyebrows.

  Mark laughed. "It’s complicated. She’ll understand."

  ◇ ◇ ◇

  Next stop, the Walters’ residence. Russ pulled up in front of the house. He’d called Amy on the way over, waking her. He’d offered to just say good-by over the phone, but she insisted that he stop by instead. He just hoped her parents were still asleep.<
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  He approached the front door and was about to knock when the door swung open. Amy beckoned him inside and shut the door quietly behind him. She was wearing a terry robe and her feet were bare.

  "Hi," he greeted awkwardly.

  "More like bye," Amy said, her voice already becoming wobbly. Tears glistened in her eyes.

  He pulled her into his arms and just hugged her, letting her bury her face in his jacket.

  "I’m coming back. I promise." He felt his own throat constricting.

  She pulled back slightly. "When?"

  "I don’t know for sure.” He searched her face - that beautiful face that had captured his heart. Why hadn’t he made more time for her over the past weeks? He had been so single minded in his need to finish his dissertation that he’d neglected the thing that had become most important - even more than the most intriguing archaeological find of the century. "Amy, I love you," he whispered urgently. "You know that, don’t you?"

  She nodded and their lips sought each other in a feverish embrace. He could feel her body, soft and pliable against his own. At that moment he wished he had taken her up on her offer last night. He needed her now. He needed to show her, in a physical way, just how much he loved her.

  They heard the noise simultaneously, a quiet tinkling of dishes, and parted reluctantly. Someone was in the kitchen making coffee. Mark looked down at Amy and mouthed the words, “I love you.”

  She took a shuddering breath and stepped back. "Come on," she said quietly, taking his hand. "We might as well go in, since they know you’re here anyway.

  Both Amy’s parents were in the kitchen, still wearing robes. Holly was busying herself near the coffee maker while Brent sat at the island counter, reading. They both looked up when the younger couple entered.

  "Good morning," Holly greeted. "Coffee'll be ready in a minute."

  "Morning Angel," Brent said to his daughter, rising to give her a peck on the cheek. He turned to Mark. "Mark. Nice to see you again."

  The atmosphere was artificially nonchalant, like they greeted their daughter’s boyfriends every morning while still wearing their bathrobes. It was decidedly awkward.

  "Um, Mark’s on his way out of town," Amy offered as explanation. "On archaeology business."

  "Oh? This about that big find you made last spring in Africa?" Brent asked.

  "Partially," Mark responded.

  "Very interesting, from what I recall," Brent offered. "What was it all about again? Dinosaur and human remains found together?"

  "I’m not really at liberty to talk about it just yet," Mark hedged.

  "Oh. I see. Well, good luck with it, anyway.” Brent nodded congenially.

  "Take anything in your coffee?" Holly asked as she busied herself pouring four mugs with the freshly made brew.

  Mark shook his head. "Um, no thanks.” He took the coffee mug from Holly and raised it to his lips. There were a few minutes of silence as the group sipped their steaming drinks.

  "So, I take it you and my daughter have taken up with each other.” Brent set his mug down on the counter.

  "Daddy!" Amy rolled her eyes.

  Mark cleared his throat. "Yes. Yes, that’s true." He paused, considering his next words. "I was planning to have a talk with you in the near future, but I was going to wait until I got back from my trip."

  "Oh?" Brent took another sip and surveyed mark over the rim of his mug.

  "Um, yes. Just so you know my intentions are… honourable."

  "I see. And what might that mean, exactly?"

  "Daddy! This is embarrassing.”

  Amy’s father obviously wasn’t going to make this easy on him, Mark mused. "Just that, even though I’m a lot older, I’m not going to take advantage of her, so to speak."

  Brent nodded. "Good, good."

  "More coffee?" Holly held the pot aloft.

  "I’m fine.” Mark placed his hand over the top of his cup. "Actually, I really need to get going now. Thanks." He rose from the stool he had occupied.

  They said their good-byes in the kitchen and Amy walked Mark to the front door.

  "I’m really sorry about that," she whispered. "I’m so embarrassed."

  "It’s okay. I’ll probably be the same way if I have a daughter." He stopped and looked intently at Amy. "Especially if she looks anything like you." He bent for a kiss. It was hard to keep the intensity at bay, even knowing that her parents were seated in the next room. He extracted his lips. "I’ve got to go."

  "Will you call me?"

  "I can’t say when, but I’ll try. Definitely." He gave her another quick kiss and strode down the sidewalk.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Mark glanced in the rear view mirror and noted the dark green sedan. It had passed him, he was sure, about an hour ago. Probably stopped for gas or something, he mused. He shifted in his seat, trying to stretch as much as possible while still driving. It was getting dusk, now. He’d been driving pretty much nonstop for the past ten hours and his body was starting to stiffen up.

  Thankfully, he had made it through customs earlier that morning with very little inconvenience. Seems his documentation was enough to wave him on through, a blessing for which he was very thankful. He may even have prayed, come to think of it, in a manner of speaking. These days, crossing the border had become a regular comedy of errors. The fact that things had gone so smoothly was truly a miracle.

  The landscape across the line was very similar to that of his native Manitoba; flat and dry expanses of farm land, sectioned off with fencing and dotted with small towns and farmyards. He had traveled south on Interstate 29 through the Dakotas and would have to veer west soon, into Nebraska, on a secondary highway that would connect him with the Interstate heading south through Kansas and on into Texas. Of course, that would have to be another day’s adventure. He’d be lucky to make it to Kansas tonight.

  He was tired already, he knew, but the need to make as much progress as possible kept him going. That, and way too much coffee. By tomorrow night, he’d be in Texas.

  The green sedan was accelerating again, pulling past him on the left. Apparently, the driver didn’t care much about rising gas prices. I guess we’ve all got places to be, Mark mused.

  He had contacted Anthony once during the trip. Everything was A-okay and ready to go, Anthony had said. All clear with no suspicion on the part of Laura or anyone else connected. Anthony was scheduled to meet him in Texas the day after tomorrow, first thing.

  That his presentation was so under publicized was somewhat irksome, to say the least. A find of this nature deserved all the hype available. But, Mark realized, that would have to come later. For now, he must be satisfied that the truth was going to be told.

  Several hours later he pulled into an overnight rest area. Unlike the highways back home, the US seemed to have outfitted their rest stops quite thoroughly - bathrooms, plenty of parking, some even had small coffee bars. He’d considered getting more coffee and just carrying on, but decided against it. He had already developed a headache and a slight feeling of nausea from too much caffeine. He’d be better off taking a break and starting fresh tomorrow.

  Of course, getting a room for the night was absolutely out of the question. He couldn’t leave his precious cargo alone in the car, unattended. After using the restroom, he hunkered down as best he could in the back seat of the SUV and tried for some shuteye. Fortunately, despite the inordinate amount of coffee and inadequate accommodation, exhaustion finally took over and he did, indeed, sleep.

  ◇ ◇ ◇

  Not enough sleep, Mark groaned as he struggled to sit up several hours later. But the crick in his neck would not allow further repose.

  The morning was clear and he stretched expansively once out of the confines of the vehicle. He would just use the facilities and be on his way to the next town for breakfast.

  He stopped in his tracks, frozen for a millisecond with sudden alarm. The green sedan. It was parked just three vehicles over from his. He took a deep breath.
Don’t jump to any conclusions, he chided himself. Lots of people traveled these highways. There was bound to be someone - probably several people - going in the same direction, at the same general pace. It was just coincidence.

  He took a deep breath. Despite his own assurances, he turned back to his own SUV. He could wait to relieve himself. For now, he was hitting the road.

  Another hour down the road and Mark felt himself relaxing a bit. The first thing he would do once the cargo was safely off loaded was take a shower. And shave. A full day and a night in his vehicle and he was beginning to feel like he was out in the field again. Out there, he got used to roughing it and hardly even noticed the aura of body odour that must have surrounded him.

  Another hour and he was looking forward to connecting with the next southbound interstate. He glanced in his rear view mirror and nearly swerved. The same green sedan was tailing him. This had to be more than mere coincidence. Mark accelerated slightly and watched with dismay as the green car did the same. That was a definite signal. Apparently, his uninvited traveling companion was no longer trying to be subtle. Okay. What now? The possibility of losing him by taking some other route held little appeal. The last thing he wanted was to end up lost. And judging from yesterday’s track record, the driver of that car seemed to know exactly which direction he was headed.

  The tension grew more palpable with each passing mile. Mark glanced down at his gas gauge. At some point he was going to have to face the music. He couldn’t travel on fumes. According to the overhead signs, he was approaching the next town. Now might be his last chance.

  Mark swerved off the exit ramp without slowing down or signalling. He kept both hands on the wheel and held his breath as he manoeuvred the SUV around the cloverleaf and onto a city street. He gunned it through the intersection just as the traffic light turned red and noted with satisfaction that the green sedan was several cars behind, stopped at the light.

  Now to find some side streets and try to get lost. He needed gas, but decided it would be better to wait for awhile in some back alley somewhere. He turned into one such likely hiding spot and parked beside a delivery truck. The truck shielded him from one side, but still allowed him to view the intersecting street.