*

One hour and a few hundred dollars later, Tara had rented them a suite in the Hotel Grandmare. There were four separate rooms opening into a shared common living space with couches, tables, and some basic appliances. There was a clothing shop in the hotel where all four of them acquired bathing suits and beachwear at an exorbitant markup that still left Tara fuming. She could afford it, but it was the principle of the thing. Chambers had been the easiest, purchasing swim trunks and an open shirt. 

Tara made a note to keep her eyes open for a special item, as of yet she’d not seen one, but she committed herself to finding a unique gift for Oriana to give her in private.  And so, she watched everything that Ori spent any time fixated on or musing over even briefly. It didn’t take away from her annoyance at the prices she’d paid for the swimwear but it was a good distraction at least.

Tara was hardly modest, but the “swimwear” that Jo had selected still elicited a double take when she’d taken it off the rack. It was a deep red, close in shade to her hair, and it looked as if it had the double fabric of a couple napkins. In contrast, Oriana picked a sleek, black one piece with an open back.  Meanwhile Tara had chosen a one piece swimsuit of white with navy polka dots, it had a halter top and flared skirt which covered her bottom side. It was modest but pretty enough that she thought that Brigitte would have approved.

After they’d changed and headed down to the beach, Chambers seemed like he was glowing. “I, no doubt, will be the envy of every man on the continent.” Unlike the professor, Tara and Ori both seemed to be exerting a tremendous effort to avoid looking at Jo, who seemed almost as pleased as Chambers. The redhead’s hourglass figure didn’t seem any worse for wear after her time in Paris.

“I’m certain you will be.”  Tara remarked. “Traveling in the company of Nurse Jo here and Ms. Montini would make any man appear to be a god-king behind the closed doors of our suite.”  She chuckled knowing that only the girls would get her joke. Ori winked at her.

“Yourself not least of all, Tara. If I were forced to choose between the three of you, a modern day judgment of Paris, I fear it would take me a decade to even begin to decide.”

“You’re too kind.”  Tara said to Chambers. “I’m quite flattered.  And don’t discount yourself. A man of great intellect is very attractive, you know.  I’m sure you’ve had more than a few young students come calling on you after class for extra study time.”  

“Ah. Well I do lecture at Bryn Mawr occasionally as well, for the young women who study there. And more than a few have come to see me- though it’s quite inappropriate to have any sort of relationship with a student at the university while instructing them. After, however?” Chambers grinned.

Tara smirked and shook her head,  “Summer must be your favorite season.”

“It is indeed,” he said, holding on tightly to the journal.

Tara leaned her head closer to the Professor as they walked, making a mock whisper conspiratorially, “It's very lucky for you that none of us are your students - though, maybe we could learn a thing or two from you.”  She gave him a coy wink.

Jo, somehow, had managed to acquire a drink with a little umbrella immediately upon reaching the beach. 

Tara quickly trotted away from the Professor, leaving him to marvel at her flirt and came up along side of Jo.  “Can I have a sip?” 

Jo handed her the drink with a smile. “You have this one. I’ll get another.”  She headed towards an empty row of chairs, all pointing out at the ocean.

“Just one.”  Ori cautioned.  “Need to stay alert for our meeting later.”

Tara took a drink, “Well, I guess ‘Drunk Tara’ will have to wait then.                                                                                                                                                                 Damn. Business always getting in the way of fun. I promise she’ll make an appearance here in this resort town though. Cross my heart.”

“Don’t be like that, Ori. Think about how often shitty stuff happens to us. And look where we are now! Besides, did you know that the combination of the heat from the sun and sweating actual removes most of the alcohol from your system? We could drink all day out here and barely feel it!”

Ori looked skeptical, but she wasn’t about to debate with a medical professional, so she just sighed. “Fine. I’ll go get a round.”

As soon as Ori walked off Tara looked to Jo, “Are you bullshitting about that so Ori will calm down and relax or… can we really drink like fish and not feel it?”

“Like fish. Absolutely,” said Jo.

The Professor had taken a seat close by where he could keep an eye on the women, but still focus on his reading without hearing their conversations.

“What’s the deal with him?” asked Jo as she flattened the chair and rolled onto her stomach. “Anything I should know? Other than he’s our source of information and he’s ready to jump in bed with any of us?”

Tara chuckled, “He is very transparent like that, isn’t he?”  She shrugged, “Not a lot to know. He knew one of my favorite professors from Vassar.  She got him in touch with me. Of course, I suspect he reached out to another group before us.  That’s part of the reason I don’t want to delay getting onto our path. He hasn’t outright said it, but considering the fact that we know some people were coming for him - I do have my doubts that we were his first choice for guides into the jungle.”

“Good to know. I’ll keep an eye out.”

“Of course, maybe I’m just being a little paranoid.  After all the things that we’ve had happen on our trips together, I’m pretty much ready to expect anything is possible.”  

“Anything?” teased Jo.

Oriana returned with a tray full of drinks- and a few shots as well. “There’s a bunch of English guys over there who bought us about ten drinks, just as a warning…”

Tara looked over towards the English guys and then looked back to Oriana, “Of course they did.”

Ori slid onto the seat on the other side of Tara, angling one long leg in the air as she leaned back in the sun and closed her eyes. “If anyone starts falling asleep, say something. We’ll make sure one of us is awake and keeping an eye on the professor.” She sighed, content in almost every way. “Just a nice, quiet afternoon in the sun with a couple drinks. Perfection.”

*

As the sun slipped down toward the horizon, Tara had given in to the music of the ocean and the many drinks she’d had and fallen asleep. She was shaken awake and woke up with a fantastic pair of tits in her face.

“Tara!” said Jo, leaning down to shake her again. “Wake up! Ori and the Professor are gone! And it’s nighttime almost!”

“Son of a…”  Tara leapt up.  “Maybe they went back to the room.”

“Like together?” 

“Don’t be silly.  I mean if the Professor needed something, Ori wasn’t going to let him go alone.”

“I… am silly. Sometimes. Right. Okay. Well, you’re wrong about that last thing…”

Jo pointed to the largest bar on the beach. A band was playing something hot, and a crowd of a few dozen people were dancing, even as another few dozen sat and watched them. Most eyes, however, were focused on the couple dancing on top of the bar. The man was wearing an unbuttoned shirt that showed off his muscular physique- he was strikingly handsome, and he moved gracefully as he danced. The woman was Oriana. As the couple moved back and forth along the bar, they deftly stepped around some glasses and bottles while kicking others to the side. As they reached the end of the dance, Ori was lifted into the air and wound up laughing to the applause. 

“Who won the bet?!” she shouted to the crowd. “Was it this fucking guy or me?” She was fortunate that the crowd was mostly male; after a narrow victory, her dancing partner handed her a few bills. Still standing on the bar, Ori curtsied with an imaginary dress to the cheering crowd, who’d seemed to enjoy the dance. Then she saw Tara.

“Oh…” She jumped down from the bar, stumbling on the sand, as she walked toward Jo and Tara counting her money. “I won!” Ori paused. “Where’s the professor?”

“No idea.”  Tara said grabbing up her towel.  “Going to go back to the room. Hopefully he just decided to head in out of the heat of the day.  You’d probably better come with me, I think you could use some water and food. You feeling okay?”

Ori slipped an arm around Tara’s waist and gave an earnest smile. “I feel fucking fantastuc. Fantastic. Did you see I won?”

“Yeah.  That’s what I thought.  Jo, keep an eye out for the professor as we’re headed up.  If you spot him keep him from wandering off again.” Jo nodded, trying not to laugh at Oriana.

“Come on, let’s get you something less alcoholic to drink upstairs and some proteins.”  Tara put an arm around Oriana and began to guide her inside. They walked up to their third floor suite quickly. They were slowed by Oriana, who kept trying to dance with Tara, then with Jo when Tara had firmly rejected her. As Tara slid the key in the door and the three women walked into the common area, they heard shouting from the Professor’s room- a female voice, shouting due to pleasure.

Tara froze and then began to turn around almost instantly.  Lowering her voice she spoke softly, “We’ll get something to eat downstairs.”  She nudged Ori back out through the door and into the hallway expecting Jo would follow.

“Why don’t we go to your room…” said Ori, resisting the nudge. “He’s too busy to notice us right now. And I miss you.”

Tara blinked, almost surprised at Ori’s suggestion in the moment.  “I mean… we… well there’s that meeting. The guy…”

“Oh fuck,” said Ori. “I forgot about that. Did we schedule something with him?”

“Well… no but, I mean, we did sort of tell the professor we were handling it tonight and I figured you’d want to keep to schedule.  I mean there could be guys following the professor still.”  

Tara saw Oriana’s eyes, and there wasn’t any hint of concern for the mission; instead, they were clouded over with lust, and she seemed to be subconsciously inching towards Tara.

“I mean, in theory we’re making the schedule… we could… change some things, but … Jo!”  She looked around Ori to the red-head.

“Yes, Drunk Tara?” asked Jo.  

Tara’s eyes darted between Jo and Oriana repeatedly.  The wheels behind her dark eyes seemed to be turning. Her lips began to curl.  “You sure you don’t want to bring up one of your dance partners from downstairs?  Make this a really interesting party? Even numbers…” she laughed allowing Ori to back her towards the bedroom.  “Or… maybe we don’t have to do anything but keep backing up towards that bed.”

Jo beamed. “Wait… are you suggesting what I think you’re…?”

Ori had been pushing Tara backwards, and they lost sight of Jo as they went into Tara’s room.

“You seem very… focused for being so drunk.”

“I’m not drunk,” said Ori, kissing Tara’s neck. “I’m just happy. Jo said I could drink all day and not get drunk so how could I drunk?”

“You are most certainly drunking right now.”  Tara joked.

“If I was drunk could I do this?” Ori lifted up Tara by the waist and tossed her back on the bed. 

Tara landed with an oof!  She laughed, “Ah the time honored tradition of tossing Byrne women.  I don’t know if that qualifies you as sober. I think we need to explore this a bit more and um… the door is still open, Ori.”

Ori crawled up the bed and began kissing Tara.

Jo was leaning against the doorframe, smirking. “Want me to close it? If everyone else is getting some before we head off to the jungle, I might go fishing down at the bar and see what I can catch. Not that I don’t have an aesthetic appreciation for this view…”

Tara leaned her head to the side and caught sight of Jo’s eyes, exhaling she nodded.  “Don’t do anything too risky… okay? Stay safe.” She smiled at the other woman. “And yes… please close the door.”

Jo walked over to the bed, where Oriana was on top of Tara. 

Tara watched Jo closely.

“What do you mean by safe?” asked Jo. “Just curious what you meant. Don’t mind me.” Ori didn’t seem to mind as she continued to move her hands over Tara’s body.

“Drinking in barn lofts…”  Tara said almost breathlessly.  “Dangerous business that. You never know what could happen.”

Jo winked at Tara. “You’re lucky I’m not as drunk as Oriana here.”

“Not drunk,” said Ori.

“Or maybe unlucky,” said Jo, who smacked Oriana on her way out the door, closing it behind her. “Have fun. Seems like the party’s still going next door. Good for you, Prof-” the door clicked shut behind her.

Tara whispered into Oriana’s ear, “Twenty bucks says the Professor is about to have the best surprise of his life.”

“What do you mean?” whispered Ori, way too loud. “Are we-?”

Tara laughed, “Jo’s a good friend.”  Her words were far softer than Ori’s and were followed up with kisses.  If Jo and this stranger were causing a distraction, well, it seemed a shame not to take advantage of it… at least until Ori fell asleep.  Then, well, then she’d go looking for their translator as planned and let her lover sleep it off.

Tara heard the door to the common room close- Jo apparently heading downstairs. As she heard it, Oriana sat up on Tara. Ori slid the shoulders off her bathing suit, then gave into her hunger and threw herself at Tara.

*

Forty five minutes later, Oriana was lying on her stomach, comfortably naked in the warm, tropical air, and snoring in Tara’s bed.

Tara took a bit of time to admire her lover’s body before finally finding she still had enough energy to want to get up and dressed again.  There was a translator somewhere in this building and she needed to find him. It had been a great day but she knew well that when Oriana woke tomorrow if they hadn’t gotten this man into their team, she’d be kicking herself for letting them fall behind schedule.  Oriana was very mission-oriented and this little distraction was pleasant but just the sort of thing Ori would normally have avoided like the plague. Tara wanted to show her that it was possible to have both fun and accomplish mission objectives. It was a simple business meeting.  Surely she could handle that alone.

Tara dressed herself and fixed her hair.  She penned a short note explaining to Oriana that she couldn’t sleep and wanted her to enjoy a little downtime so, she’d gone downstairs to look for the translator on her own.  Jo was ‘out’ and the Professor should be sleeping in his room. She’d be back soon. She signed it with a simple TM.

Slipping out of the room, she made a point to close the main door as quietly as possible, realizing that the sound was obviously something that Ori had been keyed up to recognize by her reaction to Jo leaving earlier.  Once in the hallway she took a deep breath and began to walk casually downstairs. She’d check the lounge, the lobby, all the common areas of the resort. She had a name, she knew he was a guy, and he’d obviously be able to speak English so… there was that.  It wasn’t a lot to go on, but she figured she’d know the guy when she saw him. Men of that sort had a certain look about them. Men for hire, that was. She’d probably be able to pick him out of the crowd in no time at all.

When Tara arrived back on the beach, the party was still going full swing. The moon had risen higher in the sky, and the band seemed to be playing loud enough to ensure anyone on the moon could hear them as well. Most of the people in the crowd were dancing, although a couple dozen holdouts were still sitting at their tables. Jo was at the bar, still wearing her “bathing suit”; she was surrounded by a group of men and seemed to be holding court. Smiling, Tara glanced around to look for people who stood out. There was Jo, of course. Then there was a sunburned, heavyset businessman who seemed to be watching everything from the corner. There was another table of men that was watching the festivities and barely drinking. Most interesting seemed to be the South American man in a white suit; he had a private table that offered him a view of the party. He seemed to be about forty or so, wiry and muscular, with keen brown eyes that cycled through the crowd. More often than not, they landed on Jo before they moved on again.

Tara made her way to the bar and ordered a drink, a gin and tonic.  She glanced around watching people, considering who she might go up to first.  Tara let her eyes linger on Jo and briefly allowed her mind to consider what might have happened if she had grabbed hold of her at the bedside.  As heat rose in her cheeks she pushed the thought away and looked across the rest of the gathering, sipping her drink.

Once she’d finished her drink and she turned to give the glass to the bartender, she asked, “Do you speak English?”  Drink names were one thing, but not everyone would speak her language, she knew this.

“A little bit yes,” said the bartender with a smile. 

“I’m looking for a man, Alejandro Vega.  I hear that he may spend his time here… a local.  I thought if anyone would be able to point me to him, it would be a bartender.”

“Ah, of course. Which one are you looking for?”

“A businessman, probably speaks a few languages.  He might be known for helping people as a translator.”

“The father, then? He is more the businessman, I think?” The bartender pointed to the man in the white suit. “He owns the hotel. He also has a son, Alejandro Vega Jr. He does not own the hotel, thank God.”

Tara chuckled.  “I see. Thank you.”  She tipped the bartender and then got up out of her seat and made her way towards the man in the white suit. A security guard stopped her and seemed to check her over before allowing her to approach.

“Mr. Vega?”  Tara’s tone was polite, and pleasant as she was allowed to come towards the man.

“Si,” he said, turning to Tara. “What can I assist you with this evening? You are enjoying your stay, I hope?”

“Absolutely.  A true paradise.”  She smiled meaning every word.  “My name is Tara Mastrosimone and while your resort has tempted me to enjoy a small bit of pleasure, I’m actually visiting from the United States on a small bit of business.  I was hoping I might discuss it with you, if you have a moment?”

“Oh? Of course. Always happy to assist my guests.” He waved her over to a couple chairs. “Something to drink?”

“I’ve been indulging all day.  A nurse mislead me into believing the sun has magical properties to keep a girl sober no matter how much she imbibes.  I should probably slow down or I’ll not be fit for business.”

“Ah,” said Vega. “A glass of water, then.” He waved his hand and they soon had their water.  “Now what can I do for you?”

“An associate of mine gave me the name Alejandro Vega as being a man who might be interested in helping me on a business venture of mine, as a translator.  He said the man was one of the very best.”

Vega paused, almost imperceptibly. “And what sort of business venture would this be, Senorita Mastrosimone?”

“The incredibly ill-advised and very profitable sort.”  She smiled. “But my contacts assured me that this Mr. Vega would find my offer appealing, that he was known for such work and had worked with people from as far away as Europe before.”

“Ill-advised… well, my assumption is that you’re not looking for assistance with a business meeting here at the resort. In that capacity, I often assist my European guests. It appears, however, that you have the wrong Vega. But please, present my son with your proposal. While ‘ill-advised’ does not instill confidence, it seems that I’m currently half a shot of rum away from having a redheaded grandchild, so perhaps it would be best for you to speak to him after all.” He gestured with his water toward the bar. Jo was seated on the bar now with her legs crossed, surrounded by a half dozen men- but the dancer from earlier was leaning on the bar next to Jo, and she had a hand on his shoulder, to the dismay of the other men, particularly the English tourists. “Would you like me to call him over?” asked Vega Sr. “Or will you be interrupting that menagerie?”

Tara chuckled, “Would you like to meet the redhead?  She’s a member of my team. I’d be happy to arrange an introduction since you’re being kind enough to introduce me to your son.”

“I am indifferent to the redhead,” said Vega Sr. “And blondes. And any brunette that is not my wife. Unlike most of the married men on the beach.”

Tara considered the man a moment and a genuine smile grew on her lips, heartfelt, “It’s nice to see such devotion.  I would love to meet your son, and since I don’t want to interrupt your quiet evening, I can manage to make my way over there myself.  Just the same, it’s been a pleasure meeting you. This really is a wonderful place. I hope to come back sometime soon and enjoy it on it’s own merits when I’m not in the middle of trying to net enough money for my next business venture.”

“Gracias. If you enjoy the Grandmare, then please ensure that my son isn’t killed or arrested on whatever business he’s about to get mixed up in.” He nodded at Tara, friendly but needing to attend to other business, now that it was clear Tara didn’t need anything from him.

Tara rose from her seat and made her way toward the bar, smiling at Jo as she approached.  Listening to the discussions of Jo and her companions as she came nearer to them.

“But you lost the contest!” protested one of the Englishmen.

“Did I?” asked Alejandro. “Or did I dance with a beautiful woman, who then won the support of the crowd due to her beauty? Seems to me that I won. The only thing I lost was money.”

“And does that matter to you?” asked Jo.

“Not really.”

“Because you have a lot of it?” 

“Well… no. But some things are more important, don’t you think?” He leaned on the bar, smiling up at Jo. 

“Like love?”  Tara interjected her question into the conversation.

“Ah, love,” said Alejandro, turning his attention to the latest beauty to fall into his orbit. He flashed a grin at Tara, and she found herself noting the white teeth and the strong jawline. He was one of the best looking men she’d ever met and, while she didn’t feel any particular attraction to him, she nevertheless found him beautiful. “Love is… a luxury that not everyone can afford. But beauty? Fun? That is why Mancora exists.”

Tara looked around, “It is nice,”  She said, ending her words with a sort of implication that there was more to be said, an unspoken ‘but’ hanging in the air.  “I mean, a girl could find her pleasure here. White sands, good drinks, men who aren’t hard on the eyes…”

“I’ll drink to that!” said Jo, resting her hand on Alejandro’s shoulder again. The man didn’t seem to mind.

Tara watched the younger Alejandro closely as she spoke, trying to gauge him.  Was he the sort of man who was wrapped up in his pleasures alone? Could he be something more or a foolish boy who was better left to his drinks and playing with girls?  Did she risk dragging him off and getting him killed and then having his father to deal with and God alone knew what he had behind him if anything… was he worth the potential trouble?

“Yes,” said Alejandro, responding to Jo. “A wonderful idea. Drinks all around, yes? Who’s buying? You again?” he asked the Englishman, who shook his head.

“I’ve been buying drinks for people all day, and mostly I’ve just seen them dance with you, so I’m done.”

Tara smiled at the Englishman’s situation, honestly feeling bad for him.  She knew what it was like to fly beside a much prettier and more charming person.  Being in their orbit brought fun - into your vicinity but not necessarily into your personal life.  She’d watched Brigitte always sparkling beside her, her whole life, and only now as an adult did she feel she was beginning to find her own place - her own ways to shine.  She suspected Alejandro knew how to use men like this Englishman though. He likely spent most of his days working them over with his ‘be my friend’ lines ‘my dad owns the place’ and ‘we will have our pick of ladies’ … and then, after he’d drank them dry and danced with all the best girls, his ‘friend’ would be lucky to have his scraps.

Tara didn’t know if she admired him or thought him a terrible person.  Of course, the parallels between him another hedonist she was fond of could not be understated.

“Where did your pretty dance partner end up going?”  Tara asked.

“That,” said Alejandro, “is tonight’s only tragedy. After she took my money, she seemed to disappear.” He shrugged. “Perhaps she’ll return.”

“Tell you what… if I could whisper sweet nothings into you and your redheaded companion’s ears for say the next fifteen minutes, I’d be willing to supply the next round of drinks.”  Tara said with a smile for Jo.

“Deal. Another round!” 

The crowd cheered, and the Englishman started walking over to Tara. He was short, blonde, and seemed in decent shape, though his skin seemed lightly pinked from the sun.

Tara braced herself for what she feared was inevitable.  She didn’t want to see this guy go through another ‘loss to Vega’ tonight, especially since she wasn’t a win for Vega, but she knew the Englishman wasn’t likely to see it that way.

“‘Evening, Miss. What’s your name? Thanks for the drink!”

Tara gave the Englishman a smile, she couldn’t make herself be rude enough to ignore him utterly.  “Tara.” she said warmly. “You’re quite welcome. Figured it was time someone else paid for the drinks if you’ve really been buying all day.”

“Oliver. And thanks, I’ve spent a small fortune today already, but it’s worth it. This place is great!”

“I’m glad you’re having fun.  I’m here on a bit of business myself.  In fact, that’s why I need to drag off Mr. Vega, but maybe when I come back through when my business is done, we can chat some more?  I’m always keen to make new friends.” 

“Oh- okay. Later then!” The man raised his drink to her, then wandered off.

Jo had gotten a drink for her and Alejandro and led the man down toward the surf.  Tara followed, picking up pace to try to make sure they didn’t get into anything too heavy before she reached them.  The last thing she wanted to do was to try and discuss business while the man’s hand was halfway down her southern border.

“I should have known you would have found Vega without me…”  Tara said to Jo as she came up on the other side of the handsome young man, making sure he was between she and Jo.  “You have a knack for finding all the best men.”

Jo smirked. “I like to think I have excellent taste.”

“So do I,” added Alejandro. 

“I’m Tara, by the way, Tara Mastrosimone.”  She said to the man beside her. “Some friends of mine mentioned you by name.  Said you might be interested in some work.”

“What sort of work is that?”

“I need a translator.  I’ve got a team here in the country helping me with a small business opportunity, but the closest thing I have to anyone who can really speak to the locals, well she learned the language in very different circles than those we’re likely to be running in on this job.  She’d stand out a bit. I could use someone with a gifted tongue. Yours is rumored to be one of the best.”

“What are you paying?” he asked, brown eyes gleaming.

“Enough that you won’t have to bum drinks off Englishmen for a very, very long time to come.  Enough for you to afford to keep Jo’s interest for more than just a few hours with your dance skills.”

“You’re coming along too?” asked Alejandro. Jo nodded.

“My usual fee is…” he leaned over and whispered a large number in Tara’s ear, but one that she was willing to pay.

Tara smirked.  “Has Jo told you she’s a nurse?”

“Business before pleasure. Are we agreed?” he asked, extending a hand to Tara. 

Tara took his hand and shook it saying, “Go play doctor.  We’ll catch up to discuss particulars in the morning after you’ve both exhausted yourselves, woke, and had a good breakfast.” 

Jo sidled up next to the man, who seemed confused but pleased that his first offer had been accepted, and confused but pleased that the redhead was apparently involved in the deal.

“Well… alright then. I’ll see you at breakfast, Tara.”

Tara nodded to Alejandro and then looked to Jo, devilishly saying, “Vigorosamente.”  Before giving her a wink and wandering back towards the hotel.

“Sure you don’t want to have a drink with us, Tara?” asked Jo.

“Not without my dance partner.”  She said with a smile. “But maybe in the future at some point.  I do enjoy diversity and new experiences. You might say, it’s my new religion.”

*

Tara woke up on Ori’s bed in the early hours of the morning. The sun had just risen, and she could hear seabirds calling each other from the beach. Otherwise, it was silent. Tara didn’t have much of a headache, fortunately. It was going to be a long day.

Getting up she decided to do something she hadn’t done in a long time.  Dressing quickly, not showering, she went downstairs and stretched. Once she’d limbered up and shook off some of her sleep, Tara began to run.  Running on the beach wasn’t like running in Canada or on the campus of Vassar, but it did have it’s advantages. The sights were lovely, the sounds so peaceful.  The birds, the surf, she did find herself relaxed and waking up gradually - mentally preparing for the day in a way she hadn’t in so long she couldn’t recall the last time she’d done so.

She took a long circuit around the sandy beach and back up onto the main property, looping back around the far side of the building and coming round again to the front.  It let her see the entire place, and gave her plenty of time to wake and clear her head. It was good to know that some things in her life hadn’t changed, that she didn’t let go of everything she’d once made a part of her life.  This, it was still here for her. In a small way, Aurora was still here too. Tara came to a stop, catching her breath, thinking of her mother with a smile. Aurora would have loved this place. Billy too.

Heading back upstairs she wiped a bit of sweat from her brow, and marched directly toward the shower in Ori’s bathroom, assuming her lover was likely still fast asleep in her bed.  Her plan was simple, shower in Ori’s room, put on a bathrobe, go to her room, get dressed and prepare for breakfast. Hopefully Ori’s hangover wouldn’t be too severe and she’d join as well. 

As Tara made breakfast, she heard the shower go on in her room- that must be Ori. After ten minutes or so, Tara heard a key in the door as Jo walked in, wearing only Alejandro’s shirt and the bottom of her bathing suit. She gave Tara a tired smile; obviously, she hadn’t slept much. 

“... total redemption for the nun thing,” said Jo. 

Tara chuckled.  “Glad to hear the night went well for you.”

“You have no idea.”

Tara’s eyes traveled briefly towards her bedroom door, but she said nothing and instead kept at making breakfast.

“I might go shower too,” said Jo. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll be out.” She sauntered off and Tara continued to prepare breakfast.

A few minutes later, Jo was the first one back, now wearing a sundress. “Jeez,” she said.

 “Sleeping in today, huh?”

“Well, you know, turns out the sun doesn’t really prevent you from getting drunk on alcohol.”  

“Yea. Sorry about that. Just thought Ori should cut loose and have fun, too. She’s always so focused when we’re out and about like this.”

“Missions.  She’s focused when she’s working which isn’t a bad thing - but more important, and God don’t tell her I told you this, but do you remember the hard time she had waking up after the surgery in Italy?”

“Of course.”

“She had a replay of that after they saved her life in the States too.  Doctors think her body doesn’t filter things out the way it should, which is probably why she gets drunk on half of what you or I do.”

“Shit. Sorry, I didn’t make the connection there. I’ll make sure to cut her off early next time.”

Tara shook her head, “I should have said something.  I guess I wanted her to have a little fun too, but just so you know - so I’m not the only one looking out for her, it might not be bad to water her drinks down from time to time just so she’s safe.  I’d feel like shit if anything bad really happened to her. Go easy on her hangover this morning if she has one.”

“Want me to go check on her? I can hook her up to an IV to help her bounce back faster.”

“If she’s bad off… if she’s just dealing with normal hangover shit, she’ll work through it.  Honestly her pride and ego might be a bit more injured than anything else. I’d be surprised if she can remember what I did to her last night.”

“Oh? Want to share?” Jo smirked. “I’ll tell if you will.”

Tara chuckled, “I have to admit to a small bit of curiosity but the truth is, I’m pretty sure Oriana would love to hear about your new lover’s abilities more than I would.  She… enjoys men a bit more than I do. I know she misses it sometimes.” Tara began plating up food.  

Jo glanced toward Ori. “Why don’t you go check on her? Or would you rather take the professor and I’ll get Ori?”

Tara drew a breath, “Ori and I are trying to make sure the professor doesn’t know about us… at least for now.”

“Makes sense, I guess. But people can still check on their friend, you know. I’ll go get Ori and see how she’s doing.”

“No.  You’re right.  I’m being a touch paranoid.  Just because she’s showering in my room and I’m going in there to check on her … it’s not a thing.  I just… I need to not worry so much. Ori would wonder why you came instead of me. I’ll go.” Tara made her way back into her room and then over to the bathroom door.  

Tapping on it she peeked her head inside.  

The shower was running hot, and steam filled the room. Not getting any answer or greeting, Tara peered over to see Oriana sitting in the corner of the shower, curled up with her forehead resting on her knees.

Tara came into the bathroom and over to the shower, “Ori?”  She called out in a normal voice first, a little worried about her but assuming maybe she’d dozed off. Before Tara could follow up, she heard Jo shouting from the other room. Something was wrong. Ori raised her head and blinked.

“Jo?!?”  Tara, realizing that Ori was alive, quickly turned from her lover and headed back in the direction of Jo’s shouts. Jo had apparently left the Professor’s room to go to her own; she was running with her medical bag. Ignoring Tara, Jo rifled through the bag until she found a large needle. 

The Professor was lying on his back, and his skin had turned a strange shade of light blue. His eyes were so bloodshot they were nearly red. Jo climbed on top of him and thrust the needle down into his heart, depressing the plunger. She turned around to Tara. “Fill a bathtub! Warm water, not hot enough to burn.” She then started scrambling for her bag again.

Tara stared wide-eyed in utter horror at the sight before her.  She didn’t know what to do, or say, she held her breath waiting to see what Jo needed.  Once she had orders, Tara rushed to dutifully fill them, running into the bathroom and beginning to draw a bath as instructed.

Ori had emerged, and at Jo’s instructions, the three women worked to lift Chambers. It was hard work; he was dead weight, and he wasn’t a small man. Eventually, they all just dragged him to the tub, where they helped him in.

“What the fuck happened?!” said Ori.

“Poisoned,” said Jo. “I gave him adrenaline- and every antidote I can think of. Hopefully, they don’t counteract with each other…”

Ori shook her head, apparently trying to clear her mind. “When’s the last time we saw him? Do we know who did this?”

“My money is on the woman he was fucking last night…”  Tara said sadly.  

“Christ…” said Ori. “What a fucking mess.” Then she darted out of the room.

Tara winced, rubbing the bridge of her nose.  “This is all my fault.” Tara muttered. “I shouldn’t have let myself get distracted.  No. Oriana would never have let this happen and I got her drunk… God damn it if he dies…”

“Don’t be silly,” said Jo. “We all should have kept a closer eye on him. When’s the last time we saw him? The beach?”

“The fucking book is gone!” shouted Ori from the other room.

“Of course it is…”  Tara said with great annoyance, but little surprise.  Tara stormed out of the bathroom and back into her room, pacing a moment before grabbing whatever was handy and throwing it violently roaring in frustration.

“Jo, I assume we should get him to the hospital?” asked Ori. 

Jo considered it, then shook her head. “I wouldn’t. I mean, you can if you really want to. But there’s no big hospital here- just a clinic, from what I saw. At this point, I’m surprised he was still alive… I think he was in his room for… 8 hours. 10 hours. At this point, he’s either going to die or recover based on how well his body fights off the poison- at least I assume it’s poison based on how it presents. The warm water should hopefully help him circulate more.

“Tara, get dressed,” said Ori. “We’re moving.”

“I am dressed.  I’ve been dressed for three hours now.”  Tara said with a great deal of annoyance in her tone.  She began throwing things back into her suitcase with as much violence as she’d tossed the small artwork item she’d smashed to bits on the floor in the corner.  

Ori sighed, then walked off to get dressed. Twenty seconds later, wearing whatever she could grab first to cover herself, Ori hit the hallway, expecting Tara would follow her.

“What can you tell me about the woman he was with last night?”

“Nothing.  She’s a screamer?”  Tara snarled. “We didn’t even see him walk away - or YOU for that matter.  That’s how fucking stupid I was.” She shook her head.  

“My fault for drinking. Nothing -”

“NO!  My fault.  I’m the leader right?  My fucking call. My bad, utterly.  I left you alone and you could have been killed I left you in the room with a fucking killer Ori!  I fucking walked out that door and didn’t even … GAH!”

 “Focus, Tara. Doesn’t matter. Can’t change it. Look around for anyone you recognize from yesterday- someone who might have seen him with her. We need anything to go on at this point.”

“If you fucked a man and left him for dead in a hotel after stealing something like that book from him, would YOU stick around?!?  She’d have to be the stupidest assassin in the whole fucking world - or not an assassin at all!”

“At least we’ll know something about her if we cross paths with her again. Or literally anything more than we know right now,” huffed Ori. “But you’re right. If it was that long ago… we can just go wait for the Professor to come around. You head back up. I’ll go do a quick loop around.”

“Looking for what exactly?  A woman who … damn it! Ori there’s …”  Tara sputtered. “I’ll walk around. I don’t think you’d remember her if you saw her, and I KNOW I can’t think of a single woman who paid him any mind on the beach before I passed out.  I’m shooting for a miracle here. At best. There’s no way anyone would be so dumb as to stay here after doing what she did-

“Tara. I get it. I fucking get it. I’m not saying you’ll find her. I’m saying we can learn something.” Not turning around, Ori walked off, but she yelled back over her shoulder. “Meet me back upstairs in 15-20!”

*

Twenty minutes later, the three women were all sitting in the bathroom in a strange vigil around the Professor. Jo was on the edge of the tub, Ori was on the toilet, and Tara was standing and leaning against the door. The professor seemed to be less blue, which they all took as a positive sign.

“You learn anything, Tara?”

“Someone saw him with an attractive blonde. Not a local. That could be about one hundred women we saw yesterday but.. there you go.”

“Yea. The only thing I learned for sure is that she checked out last night. In a hurry, I guess.” Ori sighed. 

“So, wait, she checked out?”  Tara stood up off the frame of the door.  “When you passed out last night I went back out.  I hit the beach bar. I … I found Alejandro Vega… both of them.  Junior and Senior. Senior first, Junior Second. Junior is our guy for translating he’s agreed to join us… but his dad, his dad owns this place!”  Tara said excitedly. “Vega might be able to tell us the name she registered under. I mean, it’s a long shot that she might have used a real name but even if it’s an alias she’s used before maybe we can use it to know who the hell took our book and where she might be going!”

“Better than nothing,” said Ori.

*

In a meeting with Tara, Vega Sr. expressed a belief that the woman was American or European, due to her fair skin and the fact that she spoke English. She’d paid for everything in cash, American dollars, and she’d registered under the name “Hazel Harcourt.” Vega Sr. shrugged apologetically; people used famous aliases all the time when they wanted to preserve anonymity. 

In a few hours of investigating, Ori and Tara hadn’t turned up anything else on their mystery woman. Apparently the only person she’d talked to was the professor. Frustrated, they returned to their room. Before they walked in, Ori rested a hand on Tara’s shoulder.

“It’s your fault. It’s also my fault. It’s our fault, and we’ll fix it together. Agreed?” 

Ori continued, raising her other hand to Tara’s shoulder and looking her in the eye. “And yea, we’ll be more careful. No more drinking and screwing until after each mission is done, unless we need to blend in. But Tara… I don’t want you be too hard on yourself. We flew out of Philly fucking yesterday, switched planes in Panama just to throw people off our scent… I’m usually the paranoid one, but I thought for sure we’d have at least a day or two head start here. What I’m saying is… these people are professionals, whoever they are. It’s okay to be pissed, but I’m just saying… something feels weird. How else would they get here so fast?”

Tara lowered her eyes, nodding, “Losing you would be just about the worst thing I could ever imagine, Ori,”  Her eyes came back up and met Ori’s, “Losing you because I fucked up, that would be …”

For once Tara didn’t think about where they were or who might be watching or what they might think as she threw her arms around Oriana and held her tight.  “You’re right. I know you are, but I’m not half so mad about the professor as I am about leaving the woman I love in the same hotel room with a fucking murderer.  I’m so sorry Ori.  I really am and I’m so happy that you’re okay.”

She kissed Ori’s cheek, “No more drinking and fucking on missions, unless it’s to fit in.”  She looked into her lover’s gray eyes and smiled.

“Good,” said Ori, holding tightly on to Tara. “Let’s go check on the professor and figure out where the hell we go from here…”

*

Eight Hours Later

The sounds of the resort had been left behind, replaced with the sounds of the ocean. Alejandro had driven them to a group of small cabanas a few hours away where they could lie low. The Professor had returned to a normal color, but he was still receiving attention from Jo. It was late in the evening when he could finally speak again. Ori and Tara had spent the day close together; each of them had been touching the other, consciously or subconsciously, since they’d arrived. As they waited, they talked about how badly they’d fucked up, and Tara heard a couple stories that Oriana had never told before, like the time she’d fallen for the target of one of their assassinations and the six month stretch where Lucia had decided to go rogue and do all the missions solo, resulting in Ori having to cover for her constantly. It was obvious that Oriana was telling about her failures just to make Tara feel better, but she didn’t mind- and it worked, at least                    n partially. Whereas Tara had previously been dwelling on her mistakes, her focus was now on their shadowy opponents, cloaked figures across a chessboard that they’d seemingly defeated in Philadelphia, only to lose spectacularly to here in Mancora. Well, at least the professor was alive. Jo had spent the day caring for him, while Alejandro had left for a while to get his own supplies; he returned with a heavy pack- and dinner, a fortifying stew with meat and vegetables.

“My God,” said the Professor, seemingly returning to health. “I owe you all my life.”

“Well, let’s not get into debts and responsibility, let’s instead talk about who these people are.  You must have some idea, professor, surely. If you do, now is the time to come clean. If we’re going to protect you and if we’re going to beat them to the treasure - it begins with you being open and honest with us.”  Tara said gently, but firm. She had no patience for a man who would keep the team in danger for any reason.

“I assure you, I have no idea. I had reached out and set up preliminary appointments with two groups of mercenaries, but I didn’t even tell them what the business was about. And I never met with them at all.”

“Did you see the body of your friend, this man who was allegedly mugged?  I don’t mean to be morbid but is it possible he decided to disappear so he could take his own team after the treasure?  Is there anyone else he might have shared this information with?” Tara arched an eyebrow, she didn’t have much to work with here, knowing who was across the board from her would at least feel better - even if she could do nothing about it.  Though she strongly believed it was unlikely the professor knew anything helpful at this point.

“No, I didn’t see the body. But why would Joseph send his research to me if he was going after it himself? I assumed he knew he was in trouble and simply mailed it away to protect it- either to benefit me, keep it away from others, or both.”

Tara sighed.  “I’m sorry. I’ve just been dwelling on the topic of these people this whole time we’ve sat vigil over you Professor.  I wish we had some idea of who we were dealing with. Since we don’t and that means chasing after them is pretty much a non-starter… I have to ask you, did you learn enough from that book to even bother trying to go after this place?  Are we risking our lives for nothing if we lean on what you know? I’d bank on your knowledge if you feel strongly about it, but if you have doubts…”

“Ah, well there is some good news on that front. The book was largely about how to penetrate through a system of caves- a temple that was built into natural underground formations. I remember… some things, but frankly I think our odds of getting through this entrance just got much harder. There were clues about how to pass the various trials and defenses that Joseph had compiled from years of research- satellite sites that pointed to Paititi itself. That journal is what was taken from me. However, I do still have the map.” He gestured to his bag. “It seemed too unwieldy to bring to the beach. The map, however, doesn’t point us precisely where we’d like to go. It simply describes landmarks, which we’ll then need to use to navigate to the city. Joseph was convinced that we should begin search north of Ayacucho- the place we had sent the rest of our things. He also noted this in the journal, unfortunately. I suggest that we travel to Ayacucho and begin searching for these landmarks… although I’d expect that whoever attacked me here will be present there as well.”

Tara smiled, “GREAT!”  She looked at Oriana, “Maybe if they’re in that place too, we can find them and take the journal back.”

Ori nodded.

“It will be a long drive there,” said Alejandro. “But a short flight. When you say landmarks, professor, what do you mean?”

“Oh. Rivers. Mountains. Valleys. There’s a picture on the map; if we line them up, we’ll know where to begin.”

“Perhaps it would be easier to scout from the air, then,” said Alejandro. “It would save time and make things easier for us.”

“That seems to make sense to me,” agreed Ori. “If we’re running around on the ground level, it could take us forever.”

“And it could help us catch up,” added Jo.

“Air it is then.”  Tara said. “Let’s hope our rivals don’t have the sort of bankroll we do.  Maybe in that we have a bit of an edge. I want to find these bastards, not just because they have the journal but because I sincerely wouldn’t mind putting my foot in their asses for what they did to the professor.”  Her side glance to Ori suggested her unspoken thought that it was probably more about her, but Tara wouldn’t voice that.

“And I appreciate that,” said the professor. “A close call. Fortunately, that demon woman was inept in trying to eliminate me.”

“Actually…” said Jo, unsure whether or not she should say anything. “If you hadn’t thrown up from drinking, professor… remember you told me you vomited after she left you? If you hadn’t done that, you would have been dead in minutes. She knew what she was doing.”

“Oh,” said the professor.

“Regardless, your Succubus failed and we all learned something.  She won’t be getting a second shot at it, that’s for damn sure.” Tara inserted.

“So that’s it, then? Get a small plane, head to Ayacucho, then start taking flights into the jungle to find what we’re looking for?” asked Ori, nodding at Tara.

“Yes. I believe we have our plan.”  She said smiling at Ori.  

*

Ayacucho was rich with history, but largely poor in every other area. They lacked highways and much of the infrastructure that the Americans were used to. When they arrived, the landing was bumpy: the “airfield” was a long strip of grass that had a few hangars. The “city”, dotted with ancient Incan ruins, was a mix of Spanish architecture, indigenous ruins, and the poor settlements that sprung up everywhere where there were too many people and not enough money. Tara had spent most of their earlier flight explaining the job to Alejandro, and he ventured off into the city to line up some assistance for them: workers to carry supplies and do initial excavations. Jo and the Professor set up the new base of operations, an old house on the outskirts of the city falling into disrepair, but offering privacy and separate bedrooms. After helping Jo and the Professor get settled, Tara and Oriana ventured into the city to meet with Alejandro and hopefully find a lead on whoever had stolen the journal.

Reunited with their luggage and supplies, Oriana dressed herself in a black tank top, form-fitting khaki pants, and a pair of broken in leather boots. She wore a loose shirt over the tanktop, her gun was on her hip, and she had her hair back in a ponytail. She seemed ready to head into the jungle, and Tara found herself intentionally walking behind Oriana more often than not. 

Tara had broke out one of her white button down blouses, it was light and airy and she figured it would provide her with the most comfort while running around in the tropical heat.  She rolled up the sleeves and left the top few buttons open creating a v neck opening.

At Brigitte's suggestion she'd picked up a pair of khaki pants with several pockets for carrying needed items, a hip holster for her gun, and a leather sling pack that worked much like a purse to hold supplies.

As they walked through the streets to meet up with Alejandro, they passed various street vendors selling food, clothing, books, and all sorts of things. Tara studied the books, hoping to find the journal or something interesting, but was unsuccessful. She focused on the books, reading the covers in various languages Then, she heard footsteps behind her and her world went black.

“Hope you like it,” said Ori, who’d just dropped a hat on Tara’s head. Tara pushed the brim back, restoring her sight, then removed the hat to look at it. It was a fedora, slightly used, and it seemed to complete Tara’s look. Brigitte, no doubt, would approve. “I have no idea how much I just paid for it…”

“I don’t know that any Byrne or Mastrosimone has ever wore a hat before… perhaps I’ll start a new family fashion trend.”  She smiled.

“Well, it’d look a little out of place in Philadelphia. But here? Why not.” The five year old boy, shirtless and barefoot, who’d sold the hat to Ori, was grinning up at her.

Tara shrugged, “Maybe I’m starting to care less and less about what others like back in Philly the more of these adventures we go on together.”  

Ori tried to shoo the boy away as she replied to Tara. “Yea. Well… don’t get shot, and we can keep doing these. That’s our mutual promise, right?”

“Oh.  Smooth one.  Yeah. I guess I have no desire to be shot.”  She smiled down at the kiddo and gave him a wink.

“Kid, what do you want? I already gave you money for the hat.” 

The boy smiled up at Ori, then returned Tara’s smile even wider.

“He probably doesn’t speak much English.”  Tara dug into the leather bag hanging around her neck and pulled out a small Hersey’s bar and offered the boy a square of chocolate.  “I bet he understands this though.” Tara chuckled. “What kid doesn’t? My dad used to bring these back with him when he went into the city on his trips.”

The boy accepted the chocolate gratefully, bowing his head before biting into it.

“Christ! He’s eating the-” Oriana grabbed at the chocolate, wrestling it away from the boy. “No comas el papel!”

“Ori!”  Tara startled at her girlfriend taking candy from a child.  “I have more if you really wanted some.”

“He’s eating the wrapper…” sighed Ori. Unwrapping it, she handed it back to the now tearful boy, whose happiness returned with the chocolate. 

“Want to go sit down and wait for Alejandro?” asked Ori. “Seems like there’s a cafe over there near the church we’re supposed to meet at.”

“Sounds good.”  Tara ruffled the boy’s hair with her hand, thinking for a moment about Malcolm and wondering how he was doing.  Then she followed Ori to the cafe.

“Beer safer to drink than the water, I’d guess,” said Ori as they settled into the table. They ordered two beers, opening the bottles and settling into their seats.

Tara caught sight of the young man coming up on Oriana, his arms open wide and empty, clearly making for a hug but Tara knew her lover a little better than the kid did.  She wasn’t likely to react appropriately without a heads up and so in Italian she threw out quietly, “The boy is going to hug you, don’t be mean.” Tara smiled as she leaned back in her chair and lifted her beer to take a sip.  

“Jesus Chri-” Ori was cut off by two small arms that wrapped around her, one around her neck and the other around her torso. “Kid, deberías irte… don’t do that. No hagas eso!” Then Ori started laughing; apparently, the young man had found a spot where she was ticklish. “No hagas eso!”

The image of Oriana, laughing and smiling as two thin arms encircled her, would remain with Tara for the rest of her life.

After thirty seconds of  laughing struggles, Oriana had managed to pin the boy’s arms and seated him on a chair next to hers. A brief, broken Spanish exchange occurred. When it was done, Ori translated.

“His name is Tomas. His family sells clothing. He wants more chocolate, but I think he’ll take money too. He says we’re very pretty, so we’ve got that going for us.” Ori glanced at Tara. “He also wants to know if we’re with the other foreigners.”

“Tomas is a smart boy.”  Tara said smirking at the kid.  “He’s also likely to go to the other team and ask them the same question if we don’t make good use of him.  His life seems like a pretty rough one… I’d prefer we were the ones to give him hand rather than the other team.”  Tara dug back into her bag.

“I agree with that.” She released the boy’s arms, and he jumped up on Oriana’s lap. She accepted it with a sigh. 

“I think you should warn the boy that both we and the other team are dangerous and that after we give him these gifts he and his family should steer clear of both teams.  I don’t want to find out that they got hurt later because they got in the middle of all this. I’ll give him enough to hopefully keep him from even considering going to the others.  Do you agree?” She asked Oriana.

“Sure.”

Tara pulled out some more chocolate and some money.  “You should ask the boy where he saw the other foreigners and what he might know about them.  Has he spoken to them? Does he know anyone else who has? It would be good to know if they were asking questions of locals and what they might be asking.”

Ori talked with the boy for a while, but she didn’t seem particularly pleased with the answers. “Nothing specific. He’s seen them walking around. At least six or seven guys, plus a woman with golden hair. He assumed they were American, but doesn’t know anyone who actually talked to them. He wants to keep an eye out for them, ask around, earn more money for learning about them. My sense is that he’s going to do it anyway, whether you say yes or no. If you want, I can try to scare him away from it or encourage him…”

“No.  Scaring him won’t work...” Ori rolled her eyes. “...when the alternative is his family goes without.  I’ve got a better idea. We’ll just hire him for safer work. Something that will keep him out of trouble but offer him a chance to earn some cash.  It’s the least we can do for the intel.” Tara gave him a bit of chocolate first.  

“Fair enough.” Oriana conveyed Tara’s message to the boy, who ate his chocolate and nodded.

“Let’s see… safe work I need done.”  Tara said thoughtfully. “Mom always made this look so damn easy but coming up with safe errands isn’t really that easy at all.”

“We could have him be a look out near our house. Ring a bell if anyone comes around.”

“Nice!  You’re a natural at this, like mom.”  Tara said with a smile. “Have you hired local kids to work for you before?”  She smirked.

“Some jobs,” said Ori. “Usually the ones where it was just me, Serena, and Viola. We had the Rabbits around as a spotters on the big jobs. When they weren’t there, kids were good lookouts and messengers, though this one is a little young for that. But yea, no one really pays attention to them.”

Tara gave the boy a bit of money, tucking it deep into the pocket of his pants so it was not seen by anyone else.  Tara feared that thieves lurking around and in places where cash was not plentiful who knew what folks might do even to a kid in order to make a buck.  “Tell him we’ll make sure he gets a bit of money every day we are in town while he’s working for us. If he actually ends up warning us of danger, and don’t tell him this part, I’ll make sure he gets one hell of a bonus.”  

Ori conveyed the message. After bowing his head at Tara again and thanking her in rapid Spanish, the boy disappeared. 

Tara sipped her beer again, “Well, that was useful.  Cute kid too.”

Ori nodded, keeping an eye on the crowd. 

Alejandro arrived with a beer of his own, dropping into the seat next to Tara. “buenos tardes, hermosas damas. I have a half dozen good men lined up for your job. They have all worked excavations before. More importantly, they all have families. Family men, in my experience, are less likely to betray you.” He leaned back, confident and relaxed. “Ready to head back to the others? Time to head up for our first plane ride, as well. I talked to Manuel, the pilot. We’ll be flying deep over the jungle, and we’ll burn more fuel if the five of us go on every trip. He suggested that we go in groups of two or three. More sets of eyes than one, but less use of fuel. I’d like to go on the first trip up to communicate with Manuel.”

“We’ll need the professor along since he read the journal and the map both.”

“Perhaps not,” said Alejandro. “He showed Josephine and I the map- we’re looking for a string of six mountains in a particular pattern, with a river running between them. Any of us should be able to find it- and he is the biggest, as well. What groups would you suggest, for our scouting trips?”

“Perhaps you and I?” suggested Tara to Alejandro.

“Seems wise,” said Ori. “You’ve got good eyes. I’ll stay back to guard the professor, so you don’t need to worry about him. Would you want Jo to go with you? Or stay back with me and Chambers?”

“I’m thinking she needs to be around Chamber still, right?  Plus the plane will need more fuel if we put her up there with us… of course, the extra eyes wouldn’t hurt.”  She paused and then shook her head. “I’m sure Alejandro and I will be fine. Plus the pilot of course.”

“Sounds like a plan then,” said Ori, finishing her beer. Alejandro did the same, eyeing Oriana with interest.

Chapter 4: Adventure

The plane was older and small, but it seemed sturdy as Tara and Alejandro climbed aboard. The pilot, Manuel, was seated up front, and there were two seats in the back for Alejandro and Tara near the windows. 

“Manuel says welcome. Strap yourself in, and we’ll take off shortly.”

As the engine roared to life, Alejandro grinned at Tara, but before either of them could say anything, they were pushed back into their seats. In this small plane, with all the excess weight and seats removed, every motion was felt more clearly. Soon, they lifted off and the turbulence ceased as they glided into the sky. Just before lift off, Tara was convinced she saw a brown-haired, well built man watching them take off, but they were in the air before she could say anything.

Tara had gripped her seat tightly as they jostled and climbed up off the ground and into the air.  The perks of having a private plane were very clear to her now. She’d never felt so nervous going up into the sky, never been so keenly aware of how far off the ground they were, or so scared they might plummet down to the ground abruptly either.  She swallowed the lump in her throat and found her voice as they finally were soaring more smoothly, though she was keenly aware of the wind outside of the plane howling like wolves threatening to pull them down and tear them apart.

“Well, that was something, wasn’t it?”  She chuckled nervously and peaked out the window again.

“Manuel is excellent. Nothing to fear,” reassured Alejandro, patting Tara’s knee.

Tara glanced at Alejandro’s hand but said nothing about it.  Instead she looked back out the window. “So… what are we looking for again?  Mountains? Seems like that should be an easy thing to spot from up here.”

“There are many mountains. We are looking for six of them, like this.” Alejandro showed her a picture of a zigzagging pattern. “And a river that runs between them in the shape of the Hydra- the constellation.” He pointed to the picture again. “But we’ll have at least 15-20 minutes before we reach less charted territory.” He leaned back, looking at Tara with a smile. “Perhaps some time for us to talk?” The engine was loud, but Alejandro had moved closer to her; it was relatively easy to hear each other.

Tara settled back into her chair trying to relax.  “Yes. It seems like a good time for that. Have you grown up at the resort?  It seems a very idliac place.”

“I did. My mother died when I was eight, and I grew up working there every day. It is how I learned so many languages, catering to our guests from so many European countries.”

Tara’s brow furrowed, her large brown eyes grew sad, “Your mother has passed?  Did… did your father remarry then?”

“No. He had no interest.”

Tara softened even more.  “Oh. Your father is a dear man.  I could see the love he has for her in his eyes and his voice when we spoke.  He mentioned her to me, the way he spoke of her, I thought she was still…”

“Ah, yes. He loves her dearly, despite the years.”

“No wonder you’re a bit of a romantic.  Hard to follow in the shoes of a great romance such as that.  I can’t imagine any woman has a hope of ever measuring up.”

“Just a bit of a romantic. I appreciate beauty, but times like this?” He gestured to the plane. “This is the fun part, no?”

Tara chuckled, “I don’t know.  I’m a fan of romance.”

“Oh? Tell me more.”

She shrugged, “I’ve got family who also have a similar story to your father’s.  I grew up hearing about their great love and watching my parents as well - theirs is pretty epic as well.  I guess it was only natural that I would be a fan of love. I’ve read books all my life but for as much as I love learning new things and adventure, I have always come back to stories about lovers overcoming the odds and connecting.  It’s… a kind of magic.”

“But you do not wear a ring. You are not married? Do I take this to mean you are…” Alejandro searched for the word and failed, paraphrasing instead. “A woman exploring her possibilities?”

“See, a man unmarried at twenty-three would raise no eyebrows at all.  A woman, especially a woman fond of relationships, it’s odd. People can’t and don’t want to talk about such things.  In two years they’ll be whispering that I’m a spinster and marrying me off to a house of cats.” she laughed. “Or they’ll try.  Once I have this treasure we’re searching for though - no one would dream of it. Instead they’ll speak of me as the ruined woman I’ll be; but I won’t care.  I’ll be the high priestess of my own temple to love and excess and I just won’t give a damn what the outside world thinks of it.”

“Very interesting, Tara. Very interesting. What sort of… excess?” He grinned at her, and Tara again felt the peculiar experience of finding him beautiful, despite the lack of physical desire.

“Well,”  she said teasing her companion a bit and taking some pleasure in knowing he wanted a reaction from her.  “There was this place in Naples I visited, called The House of Pleasure. It was owned by a most amazing man.  He was a mentor, a friend, a lover… incredible individual in all the ways I can possibly describe to you. The proprietor of the establishment but so much more than that.  He was a God-King in his own Olympus. Bacchus. Watching over a domain free of hate and violence and negativity. He encouraged frivolity, and laughter. He wanted people to feel free to enjoy whatever vices they had as long as they harmed no one else who did not want to be harmed.”  Tara smirked with memories of the place.

“His temple to love and excess was the first place I knew physical love and I have never forgotten the lessons I learned there about myself and others.  I want to build a place like it, a homage. A place where people can be free to experience all sorts of pleasures.”

“That sounds wonderful. Perhaps I will visit your place, when you have it. That’s what your doing with your new fortune?” he smirked.

“It is.  Perhaps when I’ve made myself the Chief Maenad of this hallowed place, you will come and visit Oriana.  I think she’d like that a lot. Jo too.” She smiled.

“Ah, Oriana. I meant to ask about her. Our dance- it was special. Vivacious. But since then, she’s been cold…”

“I saw the look in her eyes.  I know what she was thinking when she danced with you.  You had the right of it. She’s just… focused on the mission.  She’s a woman who takes her work very seriously. You won’t get anywhere trying to make your way into her bed while we’re working.  Perhaps after.”

“But she is available? I hope you don’t think me indelicate for asking, since you know your friend Jo and I have been together. However, Josephine made it very clear before, during, and after that we were a fling. That is a woman who does not want to be tied down,” he said. “At least not metaphorically.”

Tara thought about it a moment and then she decided to level with the man beside her, “Oh, Oriana is most certainly taken.  She’s mine.” Alejandro blinked. “However, I know she enjoys beautiful men. If she’s open to spending time with you, I wouldn’t stop her.”

“She’s… yours? But this is wrong. Against the law,” he said emphatically. 

“Which part is against the law?  The part where I care for my dear friend and look out for her?”

“The part where two beautiful women take each other off the market,” teased Alejandro, sensing Tara’s temper. “Although, from what you said… perhaps not entirely off.”

“Let me be clear in a way I have not even been to her, so there is no confusion.  I love Oriana, with all my heart. I will live my life trying to make sure she is happy.  If one day she were to come to my home and say to me that marrying a man would make her happy, I would throw her such a wedding as to make the angels themselves weep.  Though, not before fighting like hell to make sure she knew that was what she really wanted.  I’d never keep her from happiness though.  I don’t think she’d do any different for me either.  However, just to be clear about myself, I’ll never marry a man. It’s not in the cards.”

“You two… very complicated,” said Alejandro. “But I suspect that millions of dollars will make things easier for you all.” He shifted away from Tara, either because she’d made it clear that she wasn’t interested in men or because they were now flying over the rainforest. “Keep an eye out, as we speak?” Alejandro unbuckled himself, sliding forward to speak in Spanish to Manuel for a moment before returning. “If we see anything, Manuel will mark the heading and give us an approximate distance to find our way back on foot with the rest.”

He settled back in, and the two of them looked out their windows for a moment. “What will you call your pleasure house, when you have it?”

Tara’s expression had become a bit troubled as she considered if she made a mistake in speaking so boldly.  Perhaps it was the thought of a man having such affection for Oriana that made her feel like she had to claim her like that?  Damn ego.  She should have kept her trap shut. Well, it was done now.  There was nothing for it but to ride out her choice.  

“Liber.”  She said. “Freedom in my family’s native tongue.  Bacchus’ House of Pleasure was the first place I felt free to be myself.  I want others to live without fear too. To be happy.”

“For what it’s worth, you seem very free. Beautiful. In charge. Independent.”

Tara smiled, “Well, maybe I have picked up some of my older sister’s talent for acting after all.”  She stared out the window. “I don’t always live as I did at Bacchus’ home. I spend a lot of time second guessing myself.”

“I’m surprised to hear it. Josephine spoke of you very... admiringly. She painted a picture of you that’s very different than the way you describe yourself.”

“We all see ourselves differently in the mirror than others see us.  Take you for example. I don’t know if you see what I see when I look at you.”  She glanced over to the man and gave him an appraising look.

“Ah, tell me. Would you like me to remove any clothing first?” He laughed as Manuel shouted something back at him.

Tara’s attention snapped to the pilot and then out the windows.

“He just said I should keep my clothes on,” laughed Alejandro.

Tara shook her head, smiling.  “At least while we’re on the job you should.” She stole another quick glance at him.  “I suspect that what I can’t see is as pleasing as what I can. We don’t need that sort of distraction right now.  Airplane fuel is costly. Besides, there will be time to celebrate after we’ve found what we’re looking for and I do love a good celebration.”

“Sounds excellent to me,” he said, smiling and looking out the window.

Time passed quickly as they made small talk. Alejandro talked about his life growing up, his father, and some of his work. He talked about working as a mercenary, using a gun, but preferred working as a bodyguard and translator for wealthy, short-term clients. In return, Tara chatted a bit about her family and her past adventures with Ori, leaving out the personal details she’d rather not discuss.

After a half-hour or so, Tara looked down and saw the mountains and river they were looking for; she quickly called Alejandro over to her window, and they shouted out to Manuel, who marked the location down precisely on the map. Laughing, Alejandro reached out and squeezed Tara’s shoulders. “Very good! I was hoping they’d be easy to spot, but I didn’t expect it to happen on our first trip up. Oriana was right; you have keen eyes.”

“Luck was on our side this time, thankfully.  This should allow us a good headstart on the other team.  Between the map and finding our start point, I can’t imagine we’ll be seeing much of them for the rest of the trip and that’s just fine by me.”  Tara smiled at Alejandro and looked back to the river and mountains. Two of the mountains stretched up so high that clouds formed around them. “Being here, doing this, it’s rather surreal.  Honestly. This whole trip is nothing like anything I’ve ever even dreamed of before. It’s like something out of one of my stories. The sort of thing my Grandfather would have killed to be able to go and do.”  

“Well… I’m sure the others will be just as excited to hear about this. I’ll let you share the good news with them, of course.”

They were halfway back when bullets started spraying throughout the small plane without warning. Alejandro dove onto Tara and shielded her as they heard another plane’s engine roar past them. The plane began to dive, and Alejandro stumbled forward to Manuel, who was lying with his head against the controls. Alejandro grabbed the coordinates with one hand and stuck them in his pocket, then worked to level the plane. 

“Oh god!  Please tell me you can land this fucking thing?!?”

“I… maybe?!” shouted Alejandro. “But I don’t think we need to worry about that! They’re coming around again- grab the parachutes in the back, behind the seats!”

Tara let out a string of curses that would make the roughest wise guy blush with shame as she snatched up the parachute.  She muttered something, shakily under her breath, about it only being a joke. It was said more to God than to Alejandro.  

A fire broke out in front, but Alejandro did his best to keep it steady. “Help me get mine on!” He stuck his arms back, trying to balance flying and the parachute.

Tara raced forward with the chute in hand and began to help him strap into it.  Tara was quietly praying, just loud enough for her companion to hear.

“Hit the door, then jump. Have you ever done this before?!”

Tara face was a mask of terror.  “No. I … I don’t know if I can.”

“Okay. Well… I guess we just pull these. Better than dying up here!”

He pushed her toward the door as the plane began to dive again and more bullets blasted through the plane.

She nodded emphatically, clearly not eager to go and yet knowing she could not stay.  Tara screamed as the bullets rained down on them again, thinking of what bullets would do to the thin fabric of a parachute as they fell thousands of feet to the earth.

Tara grabbed Alejandro, “Wait for the shooting to stop, then go!  If they can hit our chutes we’re doomed! Once they pass, we go!”

Alejandro nodded. “Okay. Try to stick out your arms and legs, slow yourself down before you pull!”

Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and they both stumbled as wind whipped through the cabin. Alejandro grabbed ahold of the door with one hand and Tara with the other, helping drag her against the wind toward the open door.

“If I die!”  Tara yelled to Alejandro, “Tell her I loved her!”

“JUST GO!” yelled Alejandro, as he fought against the wind to push them both out into space.  Tara tumbled forward, screaming as she went.

Air rushed past Tara so violently it felt like it might rip all her clothing and skin off her body.  She barely had the wherewithal to realize that the ground was coming towards her fast, or rather she toward it.  Spinning in the air as she was, she could barely register what was happening around her but remembering Alejandro’s last words to her she threw her arms and legs out to slow herself as best she could and then took hold of the cord and pulled it with a prayer to whatever God would listen that she not be allowed to die.

The parachute deployed properly and as Tara slowed enough to actually begin to comprehend where she was, her terror did not abate, it just changed.  She had time to contemplate the helplessness of it all as she descended towards the thick green jungle canopy miles and miles away from anything or anyone.

Tara braced herself as she entered the tops of the trees, not sure how tall they were or how far she yet had to go to the ground.  The branches scratched and twacked her body. She cried out in pain causing all manner of ruckus as she crashed downward unceremoniously.  Breaking through smaller limbs and smacking her body against larger ones she slowed and eventually came to a stop some fifteen feet above the ground.  Her parachute finally snagged well enough she did not actually hit the earth.

Back and forth Tara swung, hanging in the tree, suspended by the straps she’d hastily put around her body in the plane.  She struggled to catch her breath, to slow her heart, to get her mind together and then still crying her stomach emptied itself all over the jungle floor below her.  She shuddered as she wept, thinking about how lost she was in a place she’d never been - about Oriana and what she might think when the plane didn’t come back. They’d have no way of knowing where she was.  No way of knowing she was alive. If she was ever going to see Ori again, she would have to save herself.

Reaching down to her leg, she grabbed a hold of her grandfather’s knife.  There was comfort in putting her fingers around it’s familiar handle. A sense that she wasn’t totally lost, just misplaced for now.  She just had to stay alert, focused, and not panic. More people died of their own recklessness in the woods than anything else. She was skilled at survival in environments like this, she knew it.  She just had to calm the fuck down and take it one step at a time. First things first, getting out of the tree without injury. An injury now, even a small one, could prove deadly.

Second, check what she had on her in the way of provisions.  Third, begin making her way in the direction she saw Alejandro’s parachute falling.  Her odds of survival would increase ten fold with someone else there to watch her back.  Hopefully he’d seen where she was falling and be moving toward her as well.

The trees stretched up far above Tara, creating an unfamiliar canopy of brilliant green. It was the sounds that struck her at first: the birds, hundreds, thousands, of them, chirping, hooting and singing once the jungle had processed its new arrival.

When they howler monkeys began hooting, Tara initially dropped down to her knees and reached for her gun. After a day or so, she’d become so accustomed to hearing it that she’d pay more attention when they went unnaturally quiet...

“Focus.”  She told herself.  She took a moment to orient herself, find the direction she was sure she saw Alejandro falling in and began moving forward.  She wished she had a way to mark her path, or to leave some clue of where she’d been, but she had nothing. Still after only a short distance away she headed back to the parachute and decided to pull out her knife.  Scratching into the tree she wrote the word “OKAY.” So that her companion, if he found her crash location before she found him, would know she was alright.

Then, she began again keeping her eyes up and moving all around.  Knowing that it was possible her companion might be looking for her and that in this thick forest they might walk right past each other, she began to sing.  Tara knew her voice wasn’t anything like Ori’s but it seemed logical that her voice would stand out in this place. It might even carry a bit. Of course, it could draw the attention of predators, but right now she was far more concerned with finding herself alone come nightfall than having something stalk her now.  She had to find Alejandro.

After walking for fifteen minutes, she heard gunshots and began running immediately toward them. She panicked initially, but they seemed to be spaced out every minute or two. Eventually, she heard Alejandro shouting her name.

“ALEJANDRO!”  She called back to him racing towards the sound of his voice, hopeful he wasn’t injured badly.  After all, he was at least able to speak.

“Tara! Here!”

She moved toward the voice, looking up to find him stuck in a tree, obviously in pain.

“Oh dear…”  She said looking up at him.  “Don’t move. I’ll come up. We’ll find a way to get you down safely.  Just… stay put. I don’t want you to fall and get hurt worse.” Tara looked around to the trees and vines that seemed to be everywhere.  Getting up to him wouldn’t be the problem. The problem would be lowering him to the ground without causing his wounds to become worse.  

“There’s a branch stuck in my leg. There’s also an anaconda up here, but I think the gunshots scared it away.”

Tara paused a moment thinking about the name, trying to remember where she’d read it and what it was.  After a moment she gasped. “A snake?!?” She couldn’t imagine a snake being scared by a gunshot, but everything in the jungle seemed to be far larger than the animals they resembled in the north according to the book she had been reading.  Perhaps this meant they had higher intellect as well.

“One problem at a time.”  She said, more to herself than him.  “Get up there. Get you down. Fix the issue with your leg… get the fuck back.”  Tara grabbed up some of the vines she could find, hopeful they’d be long enough she might use them like ropes to lower Alejandro.  They seemed sturdy, surely they were hard to cut through, but who knew if she could pull off something this complex with such crude tools.  Dropping him like a sack of potatoes with a limb in his leg seemed like a horrible idea though. She’d have to try at least. Vines over her shoulder she began to scale the tree.

“I’ll try to be careful here,”  She said sliding across a limb that would get her closest to him.  “I’m going to try to get you wrapped up in these vines and then use the branch like a pulley.  I’ll lower you to the ground, ideally slow.  

“Ideally. Sounds promising.”

“Trust me, I don’t want to be alone in the jungle any more than you do so I’m going to avoid hurting you any worse than you already are but … these are vines and not ideal circumstances.  Just… do your best to hold on.”

Tara knew Alejandro would be heavier than her, she knew it was unlikely she’d make a very good counter-weight but she had no idea just how bad until she began to lower him ‘carefully.’  The fall wasn’t at all the way she hoped. When he finally stopped, Tara called out to her companion without a reply in return. She scrambled down the tree, panicked and over to his side pleading for him to wake up.

She touched his shoulder, gently giving him a shake, eyeing the wound in his leg closely.  “Alejandro? Oh god… don’t die. Just… be okay.”

Realizing her friend was still breathing, she decided it was wise to tend to his leg sooner rather than later.  Infection would be terrible with Jo and the nearest doctor miles away, far beyond the forest edge. Tara didn’t have a lot to work with, but she did have some bandages.  Taking off her belt she knew she could easily make a tourniquet if the wound was that bad, but first she’d have to get a good look at it.  

The branch hadn’t struck him too badly.  It seemed to have lodged into his thigh but not overly deep.  She hoped this would mean that when he came round he’d be able to walk.  With as much care as she could, Tara began clearing away the debris from the wound.  Taking every precaution not to cause him more injury in an attempt to remove the wood from his leg and bandage it.  She hoped that doing this while was out cold might be a wiser option than trying to deal with a panicked man watching her work.  

A few minutes after Tara was finished, Alejandro came to. He felt his bandaged leg and took a deep breath. “Thanks.” Then he looked up at the giant trees looming above them.

“Purely selfish, I promise.  I might be a woodsman, but you’re a local.  You know more about the dangers here than me.  If we’re getting out of this, it’s only going to happen with us watching each other’s backs.”

“Well, you’re half-right. I tend to stick to the cities. I’ve been in the forest… never this deep. But I’m glad not to be alone out here.”

“We’re miles from anywhere or anyone.  Oriana and Jo will think we died in that damn plane.”  she sighed.  

“And my father. Shit.”

“Ori knows I’m good in the woods, though.  Maybe she hopes we survived the crash and are out here somewhere.  Of course, how the hell anyone would find us is beyond me.”

Tara stood up and grabbed two sticks.  She snapped one off small and left the other larger.  She then put them into the ground and laid down on the ground behind them, looking up toward the sun.  She stayed in this position, looking back at her companion while they spoke.

“I think our best bet is to determine the way back, and start making our way in that direction.  At night we’ll take turns sleeping. We’ll travel a casual pace because of your leg and so we don’t drive ourselves to be overly hungry.  We’ll make sure we stay as dry as we can despite the constant humidity in this place… and just keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

After a short time she looked back up to the sun and having determined which way it was moving thanks to the sticks she’d been looking up between, she pointed.  “That’s west. That’s the direction we have to go.”

She stood up and grabbed a decent sized stick and began to work on sharpening a point on it using her knife.  “Might see something worth eating along the way,” She explained realizing that the man with her might take some comfort in seeing she knew something about what she was doing here and while she shared his fears and sadness, she had confidence she could find a way out of this mess.  

“We’ll want to save our bullets for anything really dangerous.  Though to be honest, if what I read is right we’re far more likely to be killed by sickness and injury than animals.  There’s a lot of dangerous stuff out there, but animals are the same everywhere. Their motives are pretty simple and generally speaking they don’t want to tangle with humans any more than we want to mess around with them.  So… goals here are to try and stay dry, not get hurt by stupid things like tripping over rocks or falling, and keep well hydrated and fed. If we can do that, we got better than fair odds of seeing your Dad and the team again.  Even going at a slower pace, if we stay pointed in the right direction we should be home in a few days. Just a shit ton of walking.”

She offered her hand to him, “I’ll get you out of this,”  she said to him with far more confidence than she felt. “I promised your father I’d bring you back to him and I mean to.”

Helping Alejandro to his feet the two of them began walking west and Tara let her mind wander to all the things she was going to do to these bastards when she finally caught up with them.  Whatever she settled on, she knew it would be a terrible fate. After all, she had hours and hours to think about it.

After the sun passed its zenith and the afternoon wore on, Tara began to think about food, which Alejandro soon echoed.

“You said you were a good hunter, right? Two best options, as far as I know, would be capybara or marsh deer.”

Tara nodded, “I’m a fair hunter.  I like to think good but I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging.  How big are these marsh deer? Smaller creatures? I’m trying to remember if I read about them or not.”

“Marsh deer… I don’t know exactly. A few feet long, few feet high?”

“The capybara I do recall, weird little rodents.  Not little I suppose, quite large. Might be able to take one of those easily enough.  Of course, right now I’d go for anything with a bit of meat on it.” She chuckled. “I knew a man who used to kill turtles and frogs and eat them.  Always swore they were ‘good eatin’ but I never took him up on his offer to sample it. Kinda wish I had now.”

“Plenty of birds around, too.”

Tara began keeping her eyes open for possible prey.  Ideally something she felt confident she could easily kill and clean quickly.  More time spent traveling meant they’d be back to Ori sooner. And yet, without good food their strength would wane and they’d go slower and hunting would be harder.  It was a vicious cycle that would end in death if it went on long enough so - a good lunch was a sound plan while she still had the energy to hunt one down.

“I could have you set up a little fire, rest for a bit and I’ll hunt around the area to find something decent to eat.  I won’t go far away from you, I honestly don’t think I’ll have to. Seems like everything around here is happy to announce its presence.  I’ll find something in short order I’m sure.”

Tara situated Alejandro with some items she hoped was capable of being made into a fire.  Sadly most everything here was wet. It was going to take work to build a fire to cook over, but Alejandro would have time to work at it while she hunted down and cleaned lunch so - she left him to it.  

Changing her mindset to one of pursuing prey, Tara watched the ground and looked for signs of life.  While the wet made creating fire difficult, it meant that there was lots of evidence of passing animals.  Of course, looking at the strange tracks was like reading a foriegn language. She didn’t know a capybara track from a marsh deer.  Mostly she looked at size and impression. She didn’t want to pick something too big, but not too small either.

When Tara came across what was clearly a large cat print her heart stopped.  She froze making sure that it wasn’t recent. She could remember Oriana asking her if she was sure she was a tiger, not a jaguar or panther.  She swallowed. God she hoped she never had to look one of those in the eye. It was a fine thing to call oneself a tiger, but to face a big cat in their own territory?  Tara had no illusions who would win that fight.

Tara found a place where three trees had grown together, providing a natural platform; she climbed up to get a good look at things, disturbing a pair of iguanas that had been sitting there. Careful to orient herself in a way where she’d remember which way Alejandro was, she waited for a moment. When she moved through the jungle, she felt it react to her presence, just as it had in Newfoundland. This jungle spoke a different language- was a different world- but the slow return to normalcy was the same.

When Tara spotted her first capybara she thought she’d found a beaver at first glance.  It was low to the ground, had that same coarse-looking fur, coloration was the same too, and it’s face had that look about it - but it moved different and it lacked the distinct tail of a beaver.  In some ways it made her think of a strange cross between a rabbit, in how it moved, and the beaver. As if the creatures had somehow gotten together and had a larger child. In other ways it appeared to be a small pig.  The way it rolled about on the bank of the small stream, seeming to try to cool itself or play or maybe mark its territory. It was almost cute. Tara smiled; it would be delicious.

Raising her gun she tried to take aim, to be precise but perhaps the creature had a sense of her or she wasn’t really as quiet as she thought.  Maybe her body wasn’t as still and calm either, she had been through a lot today. Whatever the cause, she found that the creature ran off into thick brush and disappeared leaving not a trace of blood behind.  For all her boast at being a fair hunter, she’d missed the shot.

“Maybe I should have stuck with a spear.”  She shook her head, quietly reprimanding herself and making mental notes on how she’d do better next time.  The forest was, as it had been after Alejandro’s shots, quieter. It would be awhile before she got another chance to nab a meal for them.  Returning to her friend she pulled out a bit of candy. “Seems the little capybara are slippery buggers. Here’s a small snack. I’ll keep my eyes open for something else.”

Alejandro had been more successful in starting a small fire; he’d dried out a few leaves on a rock, and he’d found some drier vegetation to get things started. The strange trees burned with a darker smoke than Tara expected, and the fire felt good- though not as good as it would have with something cooking.

“Well, I’ve got a decent pile of berries here. Help yourself. There’s actually a ton of fruits growing around here, but these are the only ones I recognize. Acai and bacaba.” He gestured to the berries. “I’ve also been doing some thinking. If we can find the river, we should be able to follow it west. Unfortunately, it flows east… that would have sped things up for us.

“Best to stick with berries you know.”  She said smiling taking a few. “Not bad.”  she said after eating some. “The river would be a good way to find our way back and if someone does come looking for us they are much more likely to see us along the river bank from the air.  It’s not a bad idea.”

“And at least we’ll have plenty of water. The good news is that there are lots of animals along the water. Might make for easier hunting. Or course, they’ll also be more jaguars and black caimans around, but… well, I’m hoping they’ll leave us alone.”

Tara shook her head, “We have that problem here in the thick too.  Saw a track, pretty old, but definitely a big cat. I think we don’t pester them they should leave us alone.  There’s smaller and easier prey out there than us humans. Predators usually only come after humans if they look weak or threaten them. So, again, let’s keep ourselves from getting any injuries and we should be fine.  We’ll just keep moving and leave the wildlife well enough alone as much as possible.”

The berries were good- different. They weren’t a feast, exactly, but they filled the belly, and they were better than nothing. “You know, this wasn’t exactly how I hoped we spending our day today, but it’s not completely horrible.”  Tara looked around. “It’s really kinda pretty here. Granted, after a week of it I might be ready to run back to your beach resort with all haste. Treasure be damned.”

“I hope it’s only a week,” said Alejandro, shaking his head. 

“Exactly.  Just a week.  And I could have a lot worse company.”  She chuckled. “How you feeling? That leg holding up okay?”

“Seems okay. Sore. Want to walk back a bit more, try to get to the river. Then you can try another hunt?”

“Sounds like a plan.”  She helped Alejandro up to his feet and after putting out the small fire she and he began walking again.