Steppin In Belize

By Ronn Turner

It's like Harlem Nights meets Indiana Jones in search of Pirates Gold!. When confronted by a Catholic Priest
who tells them about a hidden treasure in a foreign country, Mr.T and Monson couldn't resist the temptation
to go on a treasure hunt in forbidden caves in a land where Pirates use to rule. Join by their faithful friends and
some Zany Dames they embark upon a chest match and journey filled with Fun, Mystery, Murder and Adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365073427

Book preview

1972....

CHAPTER ONE

I'll call you

The distinctive ring of a dial phone was summoning a answer. The building it was coming from was very modern for the times. Lots of trees and shrubbery graced the building like a sculpture. Outside was a big sign that read ‘Monson and Turner Insurance’. Several stylish high-priced cars graced the parking lot. It was high noon, when a yellow Taxicab pulled up out front. 

Two men were sitting in a lush office at their respective desks. The office was gigantic, complete with its own bar and Afro American decor. Both men were dressed in suits. They looked at the phone.

Houston Turner was a wiry looking guy. Dark skinned and wore a trimmed haircut. His short mustache extended to the edge of his lip and he liked to smile. He picks up the beige stylish receiver and answers it. He was chewing gum, and smiling as he looked at Monson, his partner. Monson was a large man with medium brown pigmentation. His pastoral haircut was cut very close, but his big brown eyes made him seem approachable. The way he wore his look was attractive for the times.

Yeah he said. Houston replied, as he looked at Monson.

Monson listened to the minimal conversation.

Who is he? Houston listened and looked back at Monson with a half smiling face and said Alright, send him in he added.

"Who was that? asked Monson.

Jewel Houston hung up the phone. One of your brethren is here he added.

What? Monson started to ask.

Gentlemen a small sheepish looking black man entered the room, dressed in black with a catholic collar. His horn-rimmed glasses were looming on his large nose. His haircut was short, and his demeanor was very authoritarian looking as his eyes seemed bigger than they were. He entered the room with a broad grin and his hand was held out in greeting.

Houston and Monson stood up to greet the man.

Father Monson reached out to him with a inquisitive face. The man shook Monson hand then turned to Houston.

I’m Father Thaddeus Miller of the Arch Diocese in New York City He motioned for permission to sit down. Houston nodded his approval. He sat in front of the desk. Monson stood and went over to the window and propped himself against it behind Houston. He took out a cigarette and lit it.

What can we do for you sir? Houston asked as he sat behind his desk.

Well, I here to tell you a story he started.

"About what?’ asked Monson.

A story about our people, a story you want forget he paused. ...but I’m not here in a official capacity with the diocese he continued. But you were referred to me, he nodded at Houston and then Monson and what I heard, you could be the key to something I discovered at my job in New York.

Monson from his position at the window looked over at the door and saw Jewel listening around the corner behind the Priest. He smiled at her and blew smoke through the window from his cigarette.

Have you ever heard of the country called Belize, the British Honduras?’ He asked as he looked around. I am a historian for the Diocese. I record and document historical documents and artifacts and send this information to the Vatican in Rome. Some time ago I came upon a map. I didn’t think much about it, until I dug a little dipper into its historical background"

Map? Houston asked.

Yes, a map. He continued. Printed on pigs’ skin, almost like paper, there were some very interesting notations. Seems this map came from a slave who was once bonded to a Honduran Landowner in Belize. He was originally found on a beach near some caves. It is believed he once had an association with Pirates. A specific pirate named ‘LaFize’, I think Portuguese born. Anyway, as I was able to research, the Landowner gave the boy, who was now a man, his freedom. He was believed to be quite old then. While in America, as a free man, he worked for the Mexican consulate as a assistant to the Blacksmith. A good job for Negro’s in those days. He lived on site behind the barn. Houston broke in.

Would you like a drink? he asked as he stood and walked over to the bar. 

No, I’m quite good thank you the Priest replied. He began again Well the map came into the Diocese possession when the property was sold to them. The property was vacant for a long time. Upon renovating the property, several artifacts were found, one of them a small white vase. When I received it, the top was sealed. It had no particular value, but as I was moving about, it fell off the table and broke into a thousand pieces. And there in the middle of the broken pieces was this rag. As I looked at it, I became intrigued with the markings on it. It was faded, but you could make out certain repeatable symbols on it. The Priest shifted his position in the chair. Monson now interested, moved from the window to sit near the man. Houston went back to his chair. The Priest had their attention. 

I went to some Archaeologists. I found out that the rag was really old. Two hundred years old but no one could identify the markings, So I then took it to the University and found a old friend of mine. Who specialized in ancient languages? Through some exhaustive investigative measures, we were able to identify the language as Portuguese.

How hard was that? added Monson Portuguese is a common language easily recognizable he added.

Yes, but it was written in 1780 when the language was slightly different! the Priest became a little more excitable. You see, it is a map to a vast fortune.

Ah huh Monson commented, not believing his ears.

So, what does this map show? asked Houston.

This is where it gets a little more interesting. He continued. The man was originally captured from a Spanish ship as a young boy. The ship was leaving a Honduran city going to Spain. Aboard the ship was a Spanish Prince who was escorting valuable gold and jewels.

So? asked Jewel. Everybody turned around and looked at her. She had sneaked her way into the office without anyone noticing her. She crossed her arms and stood there with a smirk.

My God man, does everyone in Phoenix need to know this? the little man asked

She’s the least of your worries Houston looked at Jewel, and she shifted her feet and commented.

Go ahead, Preacher she added.

Father Monson corrected her.

Here’s the catcher, this young man had two gold pieces in his possession the Priest added.

Ah like I said, So? Jewel wanted an explanation as she looked at the Priest to continued.

The two pieces of gold were verified to come from the gold treasure the Spanish Prince was escorting to the Spanish government. he stopped These gold pieces showed up in the United States in the 1800’s, at the Mexican Consulate. Everybody looked at each other, they were amazed. I believe this is the map to the treasure, and If I am correct, there’s a vast fortune still in those caves he continued. Because there hasn’t been any trace of this treasure, except those gold pieces, anywhere! he stared at Houston who didn’t have any words right then.

This is where you come in the Priest added.

Come in? Monson asked

Yes, I understand that you men could finance a expedition to those caves he sat back a little.

Expedition Father? Houston asked.

Yes, an expedition that could make us millions for our people. Think of it Gentlemen, Ruby’s, diamonds and gold bullion he stopped.

Monson looked at Houston and both of the men’s eyebrows went up. 

Sound like a lot of bullshit to me Jewel added.

Do you know a Ricardo Romero? the Priest asked. Houston attention peeked.

Why? he asked

His family was responsible for hiring this man to work for them.

The Priest looked around and saw that everyone recognized the name.

So, you know him? he asked

Yeah we know him Houston answered.

I spoke to his brother in a Mexican prison as part of my investigation. Maybe I shouldn’t have, because he would only confirm that his family lived in New York during that time, but he became very suspicious and started to ask me about the map. I found out last week that he had escape from prison.

Ricky knows about the map then. Monson added.

Last week, I felt I was being followed. I returned to New York and met with my friend from the University. He returned the map to me and I left. The next day he was found dead and his office and his home was ramp sacked. The Police had no clue why he was murdered. So, I hid out and sent a friend of mine to my modest accommodations. I later found out that my friend was murdered also outside of my apartment.

Oh shit! Jewel added. Ricky’s looking for the map too She turned and left the room.

So, where’s the map now Father asked Monson

The little man became uncomfortable in his movements.

Somewhere safe he said not looking at the men.

Well Father, that’s a very interesting story Houston smiled and sat back. But I’m afraid we don’t finance expeditions like that, really we don’t know the first clue of what do in a situation like this

Monson looked at Houston and was surprised.

Gentlemen think about it, if I am correct, you could have insurance agencies all over America, employ hundreds of our people he employed them.

Hey Houston, let’s talk Monson motioned for Houston to follow him. Houston got up and followed him leaving the Priest in the room.

They entered another room and Monson started.

Hey man, this sounds pretty good to me he started

What do we know about expeditions man?’ Houston asked surprised. this sounds like jungles and all kinds of crap" Houston added.

Yeah it does man! Monson jumped in. Hell, I could get one of those white Safari Hats with the long rags on the back and a white suit and hell...

Please Houston seemed annoyed. To do something like this we would have to hire help Houston commented.

That shouldn't be a problem Monson replied.

Yeah... who do we hire then? Houston paused for a minute.

Monson looked at him and kind of shrugged his shoulders.

After a moment Houston started again.

Okay, Monson check with our sources about this Priest. I'll get Jewel to make some calls to find out who does this kind of stuff. Houston stopped. We have to contact Ricky, no need to alienate him, we might need him if we do this

All right! Jewel’s voice could be heard on the other side of the door.

Houston opened the door quickly and found Jewel and the Priest standing there.

Well I saw him listening, so I listened too she said.

Gentlemen, I assure you that my credentials are in order the Father proclaimed.

We don't know you Father, and we always know who we are getting in bed with Houston commented. Besides, you seem to know more about us than we know about you

If you ain't who you say you are, I'll know Monson responded to Houston's comment.

Well I invite you to do your due- diligence Gentlemen, I assure you that you will be pleased he added standing very erect.

Who am I supposed to call? Jewel jumped in I don't know nobody who runs around in the jungle she added.

I don't know... find somebody. Call the Colleges or something Monson gestured.

Yeah... call the guy who cuts the grass Houston joked.

Ya'll must be crazy! Jewel placed her hands on her hips and then walked away cussing under her breath. "Always want me to find out something nobody else does... I gonna quit one day...' she could be heard saying as she looked back them in disgust. Houston and Monson looked at each other and smiled.

That'll keep her busy for a while Monson said quietly as she disappeared around the corner.

And you Houston's attention went back to the Priest.

Where you are staying? he asked

Well I’m in hiding right now… the little man started to say. Then Jewel came back from around the corner.

What College? she asked. Ain't no College of the Jungle in the Phone book! she blurted out.

Jewel, just call somebody Houston replied. 

Jewel stopped Somebody like who? she demanded.

I don't care ...and we got to find somewhere for this man to stay tonight Houston added. Do that, OK?.

He can come with me! she suggested You can help me find a Guide Jewel gestured for the Priest to come with her. You don't know Tarzan, do you? she asked the little man as he approached her.

Well... what you think? Monson asked Houston. Houston started to smile and replied.

I think we some dam fools if we think this is going to work out he lamented.

One other thing... the Priest came back around the corner with Jewel in tow.

There's another part, right? Houston added Yes, I afraid so he sheepishly added.

That's the part about going to the prison, right? Houston inputted. The little man looked a little nervous and surprised that Houston thought he was ahead of him.

Supposedly, the cave entrance is difficult to find. And we need a etching made on glass The Father stated. It coincides with the map to show the right entrance. 

Glass etching? Jewel questioned. What’s that?

The boy marked the location of the entrance using this glass piece he turned again with his back to the group.

So how do they coincide? Monson asks.

"The etching was made by the Young Boy,