The Myth of Kukulkan: Kelly O'Brian

By Geoffrey R. Tigg

This fictional detective mystery is set in Mexico City and Vancouver Canada, where Kelly O'Brian, a Canadian RCMP detective, gets involved in the unraveling of a 450-year-old Mayan puzzle.

A set of thirteen lokens, believed to have been made by King Kukulkan, the last King of the Mayan empire, were thought to contain clues to a mythical secret hiding place of the King.

Detective O'Brian and Detective Mendoza, of the Mexican police force, get involved in murder, deception and romance as they work together to protect the ancient artifacts from organized crimes and self interest groups.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rushing Tide Media
• Release date: Oct 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9781939288356

Geoffrey R. Tigg

Born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Geoff Tigg became interested in film, art and writing in his early teens. He loves telling stories as his father had, and the creative seed sown  in those teen years has been rejuvenated through his works on film, canvas and on paper. Tigg's stories have been inspired by characters, events and places that have touched his life in some imprtessionable way. A graduate of the Univerity of Waterloo, Tigg went on to became a Professional Engineer, receive his cetification in accounting and process logistics, and is a graduate from a consultancy business school in New York. Tigg has been able to provide consulting in Canada, the United States and South America, and has been CFO and CEO of numerous corporations in British Columbia, Canada. Tigg has volunteered in his community, mentored others and has frequently reinvented himself to meet changing times.  Geoff lives in the West Coast overlooking the inspiring and unpredictable ocean absorbing its power and returning it to readers through his written words.

Book preview

Chapter One

Carlos Henriguez hadn’t been able to wait for the work day to finish, and had encouraged Maria Flores to leave the museum early. They had left their research laboratory, and had walked to her apartment which was only fifteen minutes away. The December day sun had heated her small one-bedroom condo, and the stifling heat and initial foreplay had encouraged them to rapidly discard their clothing after arriving.

Maria Flores was a tall, slim, Latino woman who easily captivated most men with her seductive figure and alluring smile. She had learned the pleasures of the flesh at an early age, and had no shortage of partners to choose from. She was ready to have a serious relationship that was more than sexual, and she hoped that Carlos Henriguez would be the man of her dreams. There was only one wrinkle in her plan.

Carlos was married.

Maria had a plan to fix that, and knew how to keep Carlos interested! It didn’t take much effort, as Carlos was infatuated with her sexuality and attentiveness.

She had graduated in the spring, with a Doctorate in numerology and glyphic studies from the University of México. She had been hired by the Museum of Anthropology to assist Carlos in his research on ancient Mexican cultures. Their physical attraction had been immediate, and it quickly became common knowledge that they had become more than just co-workers. Their body language had betrayed their pretense of a plutonic working relationship, and their affair hadn’t been a well-kept secret for some time.

Her sweaty, exotic frame lay on top of him, as both of their naked bodies struggled to catch their breaths. Their sexual encounter had been passionate and intense.

Hey lover, did that make an enjoyable end to your busy working day? Maria whispered seductively as she straddled over him, pressing her aroused breasts into his hairy chest and running her hand through his thick black hair. She kissed him before he could answer, and slowly moved her moist mouth to his ear and licked the lobe. She ran her hands down the sides of his slender moist body and kissed his neck. Hmm … you sure smell intoxicating after we make love. She slowly inhaled, feeling his heart beginning to pound harder, and his arousal once again stiffening between her legs.

Oh! … Maria, he muttered as he slowly ran a finger between her soft perspiring buttocks.

I see that you still want more … and we’ve a little more time! she smiled, seductively moving her tantalizing body back onto him, becoming one with him again.

Ah! he exhaled loudly, as he felt the sensation of sliding back inside of her. Oh … Maria, Maria, he gasped for air, savoring every motion as each body worked to fulfill the wanting desire of the other.

Their heated lovemaking encounter exhausted both of them, and Maria slid off his body and placed her head on his chest. She felt his racing heart and rapid breathing as she lay caressing the attractive man who she wanted. Their bodies were soaked, and sprawled across the bottom bed sheet that was drenched in the fluids of their heated passion. Their naked bodies lay motionless in the rays of the incoming sun pouring through the front window, illuminating the droplets of sweat that had formed on their skins. The scent of their sexuality and bodily aromas filled the air of the stuffy bedroom.

Maria, you’re so hot! Carlos choked out as he stroked her long flowing black hair. I can’t seem to get enough of you!

Well my love, I think that you just got a good piece of me! she grinned, and stroked the inside of his thigh. It’s the 22nd and almost Christmas, she sighed, and getting time together will become more difficult, as Anita will want you home with her for the Christmas season. She stroked the curly black hair on his chest as she spoke.

I know. It’ll work out and I’ll spend lots of time with you, Maria, he replied, running his hand along her shapely neck down to a stiffened nipple.

Well, I hope not all of our time will be in bed. Sex isn’t enough anymore, Carlos! Take me out dancing and share the celebrations of the season with me, she replied softly as she cupped her hand over his fingers that were caressing her breast. She felt her heart rate increase with his touch as he started to toy with her nipple. Carlos! she exclaimed, and started to laugh as he continued to distract her attention. You know we need to talk about this more, don’t you, Carlos?

There’s time for talk later, he replied, running his hands down her shapely narrow waist.

Maria raised her head from his chest, glanced into his wanting dark brown eyes and smiled as she rolled onto her back. I know you’re a man of action rather than talk. Show me again what you mean by hot!

Maria closed her eyes as his hands caressed her ears. He ran his fingers through her long, silky, somewhat tangled hair, as he ran his tongue through the cleavage of her firm youthful breasts. Her heartbeat raced, and she squirmed to his hot breath and kisses as she encouraged him onward. Oh, Carlos! she gasped, her excited body stiffened and her sexual desire escalated as she guided his pulsating erotic finger between her moist legs. He could smell her sensual scents, alluring him to continue, as he moved his head down her torso.

Oh … Carlos … ah … ah … take me now! her voice was weak and the words were spoken between labored breaths, as she spread her legs, inviting his mouth and skillful tongue to her impatient femininity. Ah … ah! she groaned and pulled his head form the apex of her legs. Make love to me now, Carlos! I need you inside of me, not for the carnal lust of sex, but for the passion of your love. She panted out the words loudly.

Their hearts seemed to beat as one as they stayed glued together, embracing every moment, savoring every touch. Ah … ah! They gasped as one being, pounding their rhythm of release and fulfillment. They satisfied each other’s burning desires: hers for him and his for sex. They lay together, said nothing, and embraced as one.

The evening sun had set over Burrard Inlet, and the Vancouver City lights could be seen from the West Vancouver shoreline. Homes were decorated with Christmas lights, and the early night darkness was awake with the brightly colored bulbs and decorative displays. December nights were cold and damp when the cloudy skies of the holiday season engulfed the west coast. A Canadian Christmas in Vancouver often didn’t include snow, and the wintery rain was typically predictable and bitingly cold.

Wayne Uren was proudly explaining his successful achievement of the prior night. His tall wiry body stood overlooking his view of the city from a living room window. The two-story concrete condo sat on the edge of the shoreline, a couple blocks from the prestigious Dundarave Park. Freighters could be seen anchored in the misty night, waiting their turn for a berth in the Vancouver harbour. Their moorage lights dimly glowed, and were the only sign that the ships were there in the darkness of the calm inlet.

"It was easier than I thought, Antonio! The exhibition had minimal guard security and I was able to disarm the alarms without any problem. I don’t think the Victoria Museum thought that the collection warranted heavy security!" Wayne said with a grin, as he rubbed his black, closely shaved beard.

That’s why I called you guys! You’re the best on the west coast at that type of job. Antonio García placed his scotch down on the sitting room glass table and joined Wayne at the window. I needed a local expert and you guys came highly recommended, he replied in a strong Mexican accent.

Antonio was a large-boned man with light brown, golden-colored skin, and had his hair braided and pulled back away from his round, full face.

There were few pedestrians walking the paved promenade that stretched for miles in front of the condo. It had started to drizzle, and the well-lit walkway made it easier for the two men to see the bobbing umbrellas dancing in the cold winter rain.

That cultural exhibition of Mayan civilization artifacts was packed with lots of pieces. I’m sure glad that I cased the joint the day before. It would’ve taken forever for me to find that token thing you wanted. I sure hope that the piece is worth all the effort for ya, Antonio!

Well, I wanted to be sure that I got it! You got the wooden case too, right? Antonio replied, glancing over at Wayne.

Yea. I placed the silver token thing in the box. It fit perfectly. It’s hard to believe how old that thing is. Wayne turned to face Antonio and peered coldly at the big man. I read the display tag. Over four hundred and fifty years old it said!

Antonio shrugged his shoulders. Ya didn’t leave no prints, huh? I sure don’t want to be connected to the heist! It’s a complication I don’t need, he asked, then returned to the end of the bar and poured another drink.

No sweat man! I’m a professional and the special sonic tool I’ve made for this type of break-in cracks the heavy safety glass, allowing me to easily punch the casing into the display box. No fuss, no noise. I was out before they even knew that I was there!

Yea. I saw the newspaper article today, though it wasn’t front page news. No clues, they say, Lloyd Dyke remarked, smiling, as he joined the conversation from a place by the other end of the bar. Lloyd was in his early sixties, had graying, thinning hair, and a receding hairline that exposed his wrinkling forehead that reached right across the top of his head. He had a long, drawn face, a closely-cut graying mustache, and an un-tanned Caucasian complexion. He had a well-worn business jacket and pants, and his stocky frame leaned on the end of the bar by a glass of neat scotch. His black piercing eyes closely watched Antonio, who was standing at the other end of the bar, then he pick up his scotch on the rocks.

So Antonio, what are ya going to do with that thing anyway? Wayne asked. Just curious is all! He looked away from the window to face the two men at the bar.

I just get the items for my boss and I ask no questions. Do ya have the other token ya said ya could get for my boss? Antonio asked, wanting to speed up the business transaction.

Lloyd pulled an old wooden box from his dress jacket pocket, and placed it on the bar counter. "I told you I’d be able to get anything for a price! I’ve a contact who helped me heist this from the National Archaeological Museum of Spain in Madrid last month. It didn’t create any stir though, as it wasn’t on display at the time and I doubt that they even know it’s gone!" he replied as he removed the hand-carved wooden lid and held the small container open, so that Antonio could see the old token set in its place.

The artifact inside was stone, but the same size and shape as the silver one that had been taken from Victoria by Wayne. I don’t know what all these symbols mean on these things, but they’re kind of cool to look at! Lloyd remarked, and replaced the lid, leaving the unique box on the bar.

Antonio rubbed his tightly-shaved black mustache and smiled. Yea, I’ve seen some others. They’re quite somethin’ and my boss wants ’em all! Where’s the silver one? he asked, with an anxious look on his round face.

Lloyd pulled the second box from his other jacket pocket, lifted off the carved wooden lid, and showed Antonio the silver token pressed into its place inside. Satisfied? he asked bluntly, then replaced the lid and set the box next to the first.

The golden-skinned Mexican grinned. Ya bet! he sneered, and pulled a Beretta revolver from a holster that had been hidden under his leather jacket. Sorry amigos, my boss wants no loose ends, Antonio said threateningly, narrowing his eyes and glancing over at Wayne Uren.

Lloyd groped for the light switch that he knew was close by the bar where he stood. He turned the room lights off and ducked behind the bar.

Bang! A shot rang out and the bullet whizzed over Wayne’s shoulder and shattered one of the large front windows behind him. The room went deathly silent as each person listened for sounds of the others.

Wayne quickly crouched down behind the back edge of a sofa, reached for his pistol that he carried in an ankle holster, and quietly slipped it from its place under his pant leg. The room was dimly lit by the promenade lamps that cast eerie shadows on the back wall of the room. Wayne knew where Antonio had been before the shot was fired, and expected that the heavyset man hadn’t been able to move far from that position. From his hiding place behind the sofa, Wayne saw Antonio’s faint shadow on the bar wall, and groped for his scotch glass that he had dropped on the floor after the first shot had rung out. He quickly clutched the glass and threw it toward Antonio’s hiding place, shattering the crystal glass behind the bar.

Bang! Antonio fired his pistol in the direction of the sound, startled by the exploding glass above him. Bang … bang! Wayne fired his small pistol, seeing Antonio momentarily, and hit him in the arm.

Chinga! Antonio yelled out, and spun quickly around. Bang … bang! Antonio fired again and shot Wayne twice in the chest. The room went silent again as Wayne thumped onto the floor.

Lloyd Dyke’s brain was in panic mode. He didn’t have his weapon, and he knew that Antonio would easily find him behind the bar. He could hear Antonio’s large body creeping behind the bar wall, moving closer to the end. Lloyd grabbed a full wine bottle from behind the bar, and threw it over the counter surface toward the large front window. It smashed the window pane, and the crashing sound caused Antonio to stand and point the muzzle of the pistol toward the shattering glass. Lloyd stood up from behind the bar, grabbed the partially empty scotch bottle that had been left on the counter, and struck Antonio on the back of the head.

Antonio crashed to the floor as police sirens could be heard screaming toward the scene.

Shit! This is no time for cops! Lloyd muttered under his breath, as he snatched the two wooden boxes from the bar counter and placed each of them into one of his jacket pockets.

Oh … ugh…. Antonio groaned as he regained consciousness.

Lloyd darted around Antonio’s large frame and down the hallway toward the front door of the condo. Beep, beep. The security announced that the door had been opened.

Antonio got to his feet, and felt the large bump on the back of his head with his hand. He tried to clear his head as he heard the bellowing sirens and grabbed his pistol from the floor. The screaming sirens pierced his ears as he squinted to see in the poorly lit room. He quickly looked about the room, grabbed a bar stool, and staggered to the partially broken front window. His heart pounding at the sound of the screaming police vehicles, he smashed a larger hole in the broken picture window with the seat of the bar stool, and ran through the broken glass onto an open deck.

The screaming sirens bellowed at a deafening pitch as he stood on the deck in the rain, deciding where to run. He almost slipped on the wet wooden stairs as he scrambled downward to the lawn level and decided to hide behind the fir trees in the garden. He heard the police vehicles arrive in the front driveway of the condo and knew that he had to leave the scene before the police could swarm the area. Antonio took a quick breath, and quickly worked his way toward the well-lit ocean-front walkway, now devoid of any pedestrians in the heavy pouring rain.

Lloyd raced out the front door and headed for his car in the driveway, but the police cruiser headlights left him nowhere to hide, and he stood frozen in panic, not knowing his next move.

Stop! Police, a voice yelled out in the heavy rain as the red and blue flashing squad car lights surrounded the front of the condo. Put your hands on the roof of the car! the command came from the driveway. The rain was pelting down, bouncing off the surface of his car and the wind had picked up, blowing off the ocean front. The ice cold water stung Lloyd’s face, and he quickly became soaked as he stood sprawled against his car. A second squad car screamed to a stop, and the officers joined the first responding pair.

The man with the gun’s in the condo. He … he tried to kill me! Lloyd blurted out as the cold rain flowed off his stressed face.

Don’t move! an officer demanded as he searched Lloyd for weapons and then handcuffed the shaking man. The other pair of officers rushed to the front door and stood, pistols pointing up. How many men have guns in there? the young officer demanded as he pushed Lloyd into the back seat of the police vehicle.

Ah … one that tried to kill me and … and my partner who was hit! Lloyd replied in a panicked tone, his heart pounding in fear.

Okay guys, there’re two suspects with weapons. Let’s go! the officer yelled out to the pair of uniformed officers standing stiffly by the open door. We’ll go around to the back!

Antonio could see a pair of police officers with their weapons drawn, working their way around the side of the condo. He had been able to reach the walkway, and had shoved a handkerchief under his coat to ease the bleeding in his upper arm. His wound hurt like hell, and the driving December wind from the ocean whipped the biting rain into his face. He knew that he was exposed on the lit and deserted walkway as he jogged quickly, searching for an easy route back to the street. The rain pouring on his drenched hair didn’t help the pounding headache emulating from his sore head, as he moved his heavy body quickly from the scene. The police sirens had stopped by the time that he found a staircase and disappeared into the darkness between a pair of high-rise condos.

The first team of police officers stormed the front of the condo and found Wayne Uren dead on the floor. Clear! an officer yelled out as he kicked a gun away from the body.

Clear up here! a second voice called out from the interior of the condo. I’ll check downstairs!

The second team scanned the back yard for movement, and not seeing anything, stopped at the back corner of the two-story condo. Penner, you wait out here in case our perp comes out that basement sliding door. I’ll carry on up those stairs, the officer directed.

Ya, okay Sarge! the young officer replied, and stood in his place as the sergeant slowly worked his way up the slippery wooden stairs to the rear deck.

An officer opened the rear sliding glass door and the sergeant stepped into the sitting room that now had the room lights turned on. We’ve only got one in here, Sarge. I’ve secured his pistol. The young officer looked about. The guy in the car said that there were two men with weapons, the sergeant replied. Hmm … the other must’ve escaped through the broken glass window! Damn! Call this in, Williams. We need a coroner and a detective detail.

It’s all clear downstairs, too, Sarge, so I let Penner in from the outside, a young officer said as he entered the room with Officer Penner.

Lloyd Dyke fidgeted in the back seat of the RCMP white cruiser. He was wet and cold, but more concerned that he hadn’t lost the two boxes in his pocket. Damn Mexicans! I should’ve known better and checked García for a weapon! he grumbled as he looked out the side window of the cruiser that was streaming with rain.

He heard the ambulance approach and took a deep breath, hoping that Wayne Uren was still alive. It was dark, and he couldn’t tell what had happened to Wayne when the lights had been turned out. He shivered in the back seat of the cruiser, as he waited uncomfortably with his hands shackled behind him. I hope they get that bastard! He’ll surely come back for these tokens if they don’t! he growled as he saw an image approach the car in the reflection of the flashing lights.

The front door of the squad car opened and an officer poked his head inside. We’ll have you down to the station shortly and get you some dry clothes. We’re just wrapping things up here.

How’s my partner?

Sorry, he’s dead from two shots in the chest.

You guys get Antonio, the shooter? Lloyd asked the water-soaked officer.

Nope, he was gone before we secured the place, the officer replied. The front door slammed closed again, and the officer headed back toward the condo, leaving Lloyd thankful that he hadn’t met with the same fate as his partner, Wayne Uren.

Lloyd could hear the squawking of the police radio as he sat watching the flashing colored lights of the cruiser reflect off the wet driveway pavement. He sat there saddened about his partner, and he began to feel exhausted, as the adrenalin began to dissipate into the darkness of the miserable night.

Antonio García reached his car that he had parked a block away from the condo. He was always cautious about leaving his vehicle outside of pre-arranged meeting places, and despite the wet night he had stuck to his standard routine. He quickly glanced toward Wayne Uren’s condo, observed that the police vehicles were still in the driveway, so he fished out his keys and slipped into the front seat of his rented sedan.

His clothing was completely soaked by the rain, and the blood from his wound had seeped right through his handkerchief and jacket. He started the car and quickly headed away from the scene, back toward his hotel. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and punched the speed dial. Hola Paulo, it’s Antonio. He paused as he turned the vehicle northward toward Marine Drive. I went to the meet to pay for the tokens tonight, just as we planned. Some partner of Dyke’s, ah … Wayne Uren, pulled a gun on me wanting the cash! I shot the bastard.

You get the tokens, Antonio? the voice asked bluntly.

No mano, I didn’t get the tokens. I saw them, but Lloyd Dyke slipped away with them during the shooting. The cops came and I split!

Idiot! You’d better find Dyke and get those tokens, pronto, the annoyed voice barked through the phone.

Eh man, sorry. I’ll get ’em! Antonio replied, trying to steer the car and talk on the phone.

Where’d Dyke go?

Don’t know, Paulo. He slipped out while I ducked the cops. Ah … look, I’ll call back tomorrow when I know more. Bye! Antonio hung up the cell phone and focused on his escape as he headed for downtown Vancouver.

Kelly O’Brian sat at her desk talking to her partner Simon Chung. The West Vancouver detective office was almost vacant, as most of the detectives had already left for home. She was a tall, slim, muscular twenty-nine-year-old brunette, and had her long hair pulled back into a tight bun. She was attractive, with alluring light gray eyes, high cheek bones and a captivating smile that was dressed in red lip gloss.

What’re your plans for Christmas, KO? Simon asked, peering over his black-rimmed glasses at his partner sitting across from him. Kelly preferred that people called her KO instead of her full name as she thought that it suited her better.

Simon Chung was in his mid-forties, and was considered a veteran with his twenty years of service with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He was five-foot-six, had dark black hair and thin narrow eyes that seldom missed anything. He sat at his RCMP office desk, wearing a black dress jacket, a white shirt and a black tie with narrow white stripes, waiting patiently for her answer.

I plan to spend most of my time with my mother and Hunter on Bowen Island. We’re both going to visit Dad later this week, too, Kelly replied with a faint smile.

Well, you certainly need to take a break and have a rest. This year’s been crazy in here! he replied. Bowen with your mother and Hunter sounds nice and relaxing to me.

Simon Chung had been Kelly O’Brian’s partner for just over one year, and they had grown close and trusted each other explicitly. He’d been transferred to the West Vancouver detachment the year before when Kelly had been promoted to detective. Captain Samuel Hollingsworth had wanted a skilled and seasoned detective to develop Kelly’s competency. She’d been a wise street cop and had worked hard to become detective, but detective work proved to be quite a different task than wearing a uniform.

Simon, you got plans to go away? she asked, but was sure that she knew the answer.

No, I’ll just spend some time with Mom in Chinatown. She doesn’t like going away at Christmas and I think I’m going to give her a vacation on Pender Island as my gift this year. The ferry ride you and I took last summer was great, and I think Mom would like that. His round face smiled, as he recalled his adventure with Kelly in the Gulf Islands the summer before.

Why don’t we plan a trip to my place on Galiano Island? I’m sure that it would be fun! I’ll bring my mom and you bring yours. I’m sure that they’ll enjoy each other’s company, Kelly offered, and studied his reaction to her suggestion.

We’ll really like that! Thanks for the invite, he replied, a little surprised, as she hadn’t invited him before to her waterfront property.

Simon Chung was a second generation Canadian, and he lived only a block away from his mother in Chinatown. He was a kind man but a tough detective. He had grown to respect Kelly O’Brian, and he knew that she was already a creative and observant detective. He had watched her exceed his expectations, and he knew that she had an inbred instinct for solving puzzles, a characteristic that he thought was a natural gift.

I’m going to wish on a star for you, KO. It was now Simon’s turn to study his partner. Ricardo was months ago and it’s time for love in your life! Simon’s thin narrow brown eyes sparkled as he softly spoke.

Yea, well, maybe. I’m just beginning to understand myself, and I don’t want a guy to get in the way. She grinned, Anyway, I have my hands full looking after you!

Hey, Detectives, I don’t want to break up your private conversation, but I’ve an assignment for you! Captain Hollingsworth called from his office doorway across the room, and then walked quickly toward the detectives’ desks. We’ve got a shooting in Dunderave. The uniforms are holding one of the men involved, another man’s been killed and apparently a third has escaped. Here’s the address. Go see what’s up. Hollingsworth handed a piece of notepaper to Simon.

Captain Samuel Hollingsworth was a well-respected leader. He was a trim, five-foot-six Englishman, well spoken with a strong British accent. He had piercing dark blue eyes, reddish brown hair that was parted on the left side, and narrow thin eyebrows. He had fair skin, a small, groomed, reddish mustache and an inviting smile.

Likely a Christmas B&E that went wrong, Kelly remarked, happy to have a new case to distract her from the endless paperwork scattered over their desks. What a shitty night! she growled, as the sound of the pounding rain on the office window reminded her to dress for the nasty winter storm outside.

The pair found their vehicle in the covered parking garage. Kelly unlocked their unmarked Taurus coupe and slipped into the driver’s seat. She loved to drive, and this vehicle had been given to Simon and her when they had become partners. The gray SHO pulled from the designated space, waited for the security gate to rise, and then headed westward toward the destination, only ten minutes down the street.

The howling wind drove the heavy blinding rain directly into the windshield, slowing their trip as the windshield wipers had difficulty keeping up with the driving water.

Man, what an ugly night! Welcome to a Vancouver December storm! Kelly grunted, peering through the blinding rain.

I’ll bet it clears by morning. These things blow themselves out very quickly, Simon replied, looking up at the black sky.

The flashing lights of the police cars could be seen a few blocks down the