Path of the Jaguar

by Vickie Britton

  "And you're always protecting someone," he answered.

  They gazed at the jaguar instead of at each other.

  The Mayan extended a card to her from his billfold. His words were clipped, businesslike. "I couldn't tell you this before," he said, "but I work for the Mexican government. It's my job to protect our heritage, our history, from robbers, looters. You see, I investigate the illegal flow of artifacts from Mexico. Delores Camille recognized me at customs in Mexico City and she's been hiding out ever since."

  "So it was you Delores was afraid of! I would have thought the police could have picked her up before this."

  "I wanted to catch her in the act. I wanted all of them. These sneak-thieves are very difficult to corner. But the time always arrives."

  His dark eyes skimmed the lobby and settled again on her. Lennea's gaze returned to the jaguar. "It's little wonder you have these problems. Collectors would give any price for these Mayan treasures!"

  "And they're just lying around like grapes on a vine," he said. "Frank LaTilla signed a full confession. He's implicated one of our own police officers, Carlos Alfonso. I've worked with him for over twelve years." He hesitated again. "What I usually find in a case like this is that everyone is involved."

  Lennea had been right in not trusting Carlos Alfonso! She drew a deep breath. "What about the money?"

  Before he could answer, his eyes shifted toward the main entrance of Hotel Guerrero. Lennea followed his gaze to see Joseph walking briskly toward them. On the inspector's solemn face, the trace of a smile appeared. "I was hoping to find you here, Darrigo," he said. "I didn't get a chance to thank you for all you did yesterday. For getting the money to us, and talking Frank LaTilla into turning himself in. Without LaTilla's confession, we wouldn't have much of a case. Delores Camille and Carlos have refused to say a word."

  Carlos Alfonso was the third party Delores had mentioned! Joseph was innocent! Relieved, Lennea stepped backward, leaning against the wall close to the jaguar statue. Joseph watched her, a smile in his dark eyes. She did not hear what he was saying to the investigator, instead, she heard words he had once spoken to her in this very spot. "The path of the jaguar, Lennea, leads from darkness into light."

  When the inspector had departed, Joseph said, "Hern has decided to give up his project. Dr. Mendoza is taking over the site."

  Lennea felt a tinge of disappointment. She had wanted to be a part of Tikom—helping to uncover its splendid treasures.

  "I want you to stay here in the Yucatan," Joseph said. "I'm offering you a full partnership in my venture." His voice rose, resounding with the enthusiasm which characterized him. "You and I will put together the best Maya exhibit ever assembled! What do you say?"

  "I'd be honored to be a part of your work," she replied without a moment's hesitation.

  Joseph's hands reached out to catch both of hers. "Oh, Lennea, what I'm really trying to say is that I want to marry you—I want you to be my partner for life."

  "I love you, Joseph," she admitted at last. Joseph drew her close in a tight embrace. A lifetime with Joseph— always unpredictable and exciting. As his lips met hers, Lennea knew adventure for her was just beginning.

  The End

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