Treasure of the Anasazi Page 5

  It was hard to comprehend that any of this was real. But what if? A fountain of youth? Could that be why the government had become involved? That was an ulterior motive I could believe. If it was true, the government would do anything to control it.

  “If you don’t drink the water, then how is it that you look the same as you did when you disappeared?” I asked.

  There were only two explanations that I could think of to explain it. One, the water actually did have an effect on her and she didn’t realize it. The second, she wasn’t the girl that had disappeared years before. A third came to mind. It amused me to even consider it. What if she was a ghost? A spirit? I felt foolish for even thinking it. I’d spent a fair amount of time with her, walking and talking around the community. Then how would I know what was typical behavior for a ghost or spirit.

  “I can’t explain,” she said.

  “And the water the old woman gave me?”

  “Don’t worry. From what I’ve been told, you’d have to drink it over a long period of time before it would have any effect. For those who have taken it regularly and then leave, the consequences are dramatic with accelerated aging, reverting back to their real age.”

  “Have you ever seen that happen to anyone?”

  “No. Rarely does anyone leave, and if they do, seldom do they ever come back.”

  “Then there is no way of knowing if it actually happens,” I commented.

  “It does according to the elders and I have no reason to question them,” she said with a defensive tone.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that they would lie to you. Do you think anything would happen to you if you left?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t think so.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “What about?”

  “That you’ve been told you can’t leave, and you don’t even know why or what would happen if you did.”

  “I’m not sorry. They’ve been very good to me, and as I’ve said before, I have everything I need. There is nothing for me out there. I know you won’t understand, but I don’t stay because I’m afraid, I stay because I love these people.”

  “Don’t you miss your family?”

  “We were never very close. I’m sure they’ve put me behind them now. These people are my family now.”

  “Of course it’s your decision, but I doubt that they’ve forgotten you. So, now can you explain? Why me?”

  “Originally we were waiting for an opportunity to contact the Ranger, but just as he came close enough for us to try, the two men showed up and he was shot. We saw him drive off. Is he going to be all right?”

  “Yeah, he’s going to be fine.”

  “I’m glad. After he was shot, we weren’t sure what to do. Then I told the elders that you were working nearby. We’ve been watching you for quite some time. The old ones trust you. They have seen and heard of your respectful ways at the cliff dwellings. I’m sure you understand that we need to be extremely cautious of who we can contact. The wrong person and the entire settlement would be in jeopardy. There are some people that come into this area just because there is a fence that says “Keep Out.” For some people, it’s like a magnet. And they aren’t exactly the type of people we want to know about us. Then there are others that come out here with their only purpose being to steal items from the cliff dwellings, whether as a souvenir or to sell. The elders believe you are the right person to help us.”

  “It’s nice to be appreciated and I’ll do whatever I can.”

  “Then you understand why I told you to leave the first time we met? We weren’t sure what to do after the Ranger was shot. Once the council met, they decided that you should be contacted. Then we had to wait for you to return to get your attention.”

  “So you sent the boy to where I was working?”

  “Not the first time, that was completely on his own. The younger ones get curious about the outside and venture off periodically. Testing their limits.” She smiled down at Niyol. “After our first encounter, we came back to camp and I informed the council. They asked me to try to meet with you, so I sent him to coax you past the fence.”

  “Obviously, it worked. Is he going to be all right? Leaving the Restricted Area?”

  “He is still young. He won’t suffer from its effects. It’s the older ones that suffer from the effects of aging most rapidly and severely. The Anasazi can leave the area if they want to, but they would have to return regularly to drink from the spring or suffer the consequences.”

  “I’m honored that the elders have so much faith in me, to believe I can step into Emitt’s shoes, but I still don’t know what I can do to help.”

  “This community and these people are in danger. I know you understand that if they are discovered they will be exploited, and everything you see here will cease to exist. We can’t let that happen, and with your help we can also avoid further bloodshed.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “The Ranger that was shot …, it was no accident.”

  “You know this for sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then you know who did it?”

  “We were nearby when he was shot, and we saw the two men who did it.”

  “Are you absolutely positive? It was after dark.”

  “I’m positive.”

  “Then do you know who they are?”

  “We don’t know who they are, but they have been inside the fenced area several times, getting closer to the village each time. So far we’ve stayed at a distance and remained hidden, just keeping an eye on them. I’m afraid it’s just a matter of time before they find us.”

  “I’m sorry, but I’m confused. Why do you have to hide? I’d think that the men of the village would be able to handle two strangers if they thought they were a threat.”

  “I want you to believe me when I tell you that they can ‘handle’ them, but that’s what we don’t want. If they were to take matters into their own hands, their actions could draw attention to the area, which would be worse. I convinced the elders to let the Ranger help with our situation and now they’re asking for your help.”

  “I’m not so sure those two men would be missed if they should somehow disappear. I know that if they shot Emitt, I wouldn’t miss ‘em. I’d say the Anasazi would be justified by protecting their home.”

  “Jack, they are a peaceful people. I’d like them to stay that way. If you can’t help I’m afraid they will take matters into their own hands. I don’t know how much longer I can hold them off. If those two get too close before you’re able to do something, I won’t be able to stop them. So, I hope you can see how urgent this is. Please, won’t you help?”

  “I’m beginning to understand. I agree, I wouldn’t want anything to happen to change who they are or what they have here. I’ll do what I can, but I can’t promise anything.”

  “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea though. The men of this tribe are as brave as any you have known. They will fight if they have to, but if these men turned up missing and someone came looking for them, I’m afraid it would end badly. I’m just trying to look out for their interest. They would never be able to understand the outside world. I believe this may be the reason why I ended up here, if you believe in fate, and I will do everything in my power to protect them and to be their mouthpiece.”

  “Okay, I understand. So, do you have any idea what those men are looking for?”

  “We can’t be sure. We haven’t seen them take anything from any of the cliff dwellings. So, we don’t think they are looters like the brothers, but since seeing them shoot that poor Ranger we’re sure they’re much more dangerous.

  “If it’s all about finding the village, how is it that they even know about it? I live here and I didn’t even know about it.”

  “We don’t know for certain that they are searching for the village, but they are definitely looking for something. They search a different area each time they come and they continue to move closer to t
he village.”

  “Is there a chance that they’re hunters? Maybe the shooting was an accident.”

  “We don’t believe so. They didn’t look like hunters.”

  “In what way?”

  “They wore suits and shoes, no boots, and they didn’t behave as hunters, by trying to be as quiet as possible or by hiding their movements. It’s as though they’re in a hurry, covering as much area as possible in the least amount of time.”

  “Can you describe them?”

  “Both are middle-aged, white, and they both carried pistols. One of the men was six inches taller than the other with long sandy-colored hair. The smaller of the two appeared to be in charge because he did most of the talking. His hair was black and slicked back. It glistened in the moonlight as though it was wet. “

  “A pair like that should be easy to identify if they’re still in the area. I’ll share this info with the Sheriff’s office in Durango. Maybe they can help.”

  “No! You can’t tell them. They will send people out here to investigate, and that’s exactly what we don’t need. Besides, who would you tell them was your eyewitness? Like you said, we’re not even supposed to be here and you know they’re going to ask.”

  “Yeah. You’re right. That does present a problem, doesn’t it? Leave it to me, I have a friend with the Sheriff’s office that I can trust. I’ll ask him to keep it unofficial and off the books. Okay?”

  “Please don’t. Can’t you just see what they’re up to first?”

  “You asked for my help. I think it’s the best way, and they’re set up for this sort of thing. Well, not exactly this sort of thing, but you know what I mean. Besides, if the authorities found out that I knew something about the shooting and didn’t come forward, I’d be in real hot water.”

  “Please, Jack. We don’t want to draw any more attention to this place than absolutely necessary. Don’t talk to your friend at the Sheriff’s office just yet. Please.”

  I knew it probably wasn’t the right thing to do, but I promised to keep the cops in the dark for the time being.

  “There is someone else I’m sure will help me out if he’s available, with your and the council’s permission. He’s a very good friend. He won’t tell anyone, and he can be a big help. We’ll have a look around and see what we can discover. And don’t worry, I trust him completely.”

  “That would be Rudy?”

  “That’s right,” I said, surprised. “You’re pretty well informed.”

  She just smiled. “We know we can count on both you and Rudy for help. Just be careful, those men are dangerous.”

  “I think I’ll have a talk with Emitt too. Maybe I can jar his memory. He may have seen something that didn’t register at the time.”

  “Would you like to see the rest of the village before you go?”

  “I’d love to, but I’ll take a rain check. It would seem there are more important things to do, but I hope there’ll be plenty of time for that later. Right now I think I’ll go and see what I can find out. From what you’ve told me, there isn’t much time.”

  Sarah led me back to the fence and directed me to my jeep. I didn’t really need her help. I’ve always had a good sense of direction. I crossed the fence and gave a casual wave as I started walking away.

  “Good luck,” Sarah called out.

  “Thanks. I’ll need it.” I thought of another question, stopped, turned, and walked back to the fence. “How often have those two men been coming around?”

  “Every two or three days late at night for the last few weeks.”

  “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

  I went to my jeep and returned with a two-way radio.

  “Here,” I said as I handed it to her.

  “I don’t really …,” started Sarah as she backed away. Bewildered, I hung it on a fence post.

  “It’s not hard to use. If they come back, turn this switch to ‘On’ and push this button …,” I explained.

  “Jack, you should keep the radio,” she said.

  I smiled. “It’s okay. Just give me a call if you see them. I’ll be back as soon as I find something out. Okay?”

  “Thank you, Jack.”

  Chapter Seven

  I drove straight to the Ranger’s station. Sam was just getting into her jeep. I braked and slid to a stop in front of her vehicle, blocking her from leaving. I saw her throw her hands into the air and sigh heavily.

  I jumped out and approached her side of the jeep.

  “What the hell, Trader?”

  “I hope you’ve got a good reason for that.”

  “I do. Where were you headed?”

  “The café. I’m meeting someone for a late lunch.”

  “Anyone I know?”

  “That’s none of your business.”

  “Fine. I just wanted to know if you would go see Emitt with me?”

  “I can do that. What gives?”

  “I’d like to ask him some questions about the night he was shot. I heard a rumor.”

  “Since when did you become a cop?”

  “Are you going or not?”

  “I said I would. When did you want to go?”

  “Tonight okay? Around 6:00?”

  “Sure. I’ll just meet you there.”

  * * *

  Sam pulled up to the Mancos café a little after noon. Walking inside she spotted Joe on a stool at the counter, drinking an iced tea. She straddled the stool next to him.

  “Hi, Joe. Thanks for coming. It doesn’t look like they’re here. Do you want to stay and have a bite while we’re here?” asked Sam.

  “Thanks, but I don’t think so. No time. Why don’t we head straight over to the Hightower place. I need to get back to town as soon as possible. I’ve got a full load today.”

  Marlene came over.

  “What’ll you have, Sam?”

  “Sorry, Marlene, we’ve got to go. Maybe later.”

  As they stood up, Joe placed a couple of dollars on the counter, and they headed for the door.

  “You want to ride together or follow me over?” asked Sam.

  “Why don’t you follow me? Then I can go back to town from there.”

  “Hold up. You see what I see?” asked Sam.

  The Hightower brothers had just pulled up outside. They got out of their truck and were headed inside.

  “This is our lucky day,” said Sam, stepping away from the door, motioning for Joe to follow.

  “When they sit down, we’ll go over and have our chat,” said Joe.

  After the brothers had taken a booth in the corner, Joe and Sam walked over and stood in front of the table.

  “Hello, boys. Ranger Baker here would like to ask you some questions.”

  Marlene had her order pad out and was headed in their direction.

  Joe, seeing her coming, held up his hand. “Give us a second, Marlene. They’ll order in a little bit.”

  She looked a little surprised, shrugged and did an about-face. “Sure thing, Joe.”

  Daryl and Donny kept their heads down as Billy slowly looked up. “Well, sure thing Detective. Be glad to help out whenever we can. What’s on your mind acting Ranger Baker?”

  Sam ignored the attempt to dig at her. “Where were you and your brothers yesterday afternoon?” asked Sam.

  “I don’t think you have any jurisdiction outside the park, acting ranger. So, I think I’ll just have my lunch if you don’t mind,” said Billy.

  Joe leaned in, staring intensely at Billy. “Ms. Baker may not have jurisdiction here, but I do, so and I recommend you answer the lady’s question. We can do it here or back in town. It’s up to you.”

  “Okay. Okay.” He paused as if to gather his thoughts while breaking eye contact, looking across the booth to Daryl. “Well, let’s see. We were here yesterday for lunch. Then we went for a nice drive in the park. As long as we’ve lived here we still enjoy going into the park. After that…”

  “Quit the crap! Why were you following me yesterday?” blurte
d Sam.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I saw you spying on us.”

  “Where?”

  “You know where. Near the Restricted Area. Obviously you saw us because you took off when we drove towards you. We know it was you because I recognized your truck. Again, why were you following me?”

  “Oh, was that you? We were just driving around on the park trails, and we saw someone driving toward us like maniacs so we took off. We didn’t have any idea who it was. It could have been some unsavory character for all we knew. We didn’t want any trouble so we decided to get out of there. It was kind of scary.”

  “Billy, I thought…” started Donny.

  “Shut up, Donny!” Billy stated firmly.

  “So, that’s your story?” asked Baker.

  “That’s all there was to it,” answered Billy.

  “Anything you got to say?” asked Baker, looking at Daryl.

  He glanced at Billy, hung his head and remained silent.

  “I don’t want to ever see you out near the Restricted Area again,” said Baker.

  “Last time I checked that area is still open to the public,” said Billy.

  “I’m going to be watching you very carefully. You step out of line and I’ll be there. Let’s go, Joe.”

  As they walked to the door, laughter broke out behind them. Baker could feel the blood rushing into her face, but she kept walking. It was probably a good idea Joe had been there. She may have lost her temper and done something she would regret otherwise.

  “Thanks, Joe. I appreciate you coming out here. I was hoping I could get more out of them. I guess it wasn’t worth your time after all.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t say that. Now they know you’ll be watching them. Maybe they’ll behave themselves, for a while anyway.”

  “I hope you’re right, but I’d still like to know why they were out there.”

  “Would you like my opinion?”

  “Sure, Joe.”

  “It’s quite possible they were watching you to see if you were going to lead them to a site they didn’t know about. Even though they’ve never been caught red-handed, we both know what they do out there.”