Taikatu

By Kimberly Jensen

Deep in the Amazon, Chrissy was amazed at the sights, sounds, and smells of the rain forest. Her biggest excitement, however, was watching her beloved Devin working alongside the professor as the two of them deciphered the golden glyphs in the cave. How they could understand all the images and squiggly lines was beyond her. Chrissy knew that Vicki, the professor’s assistant, was not a fan of hers, so she decided to hang out with Ricardo. She was fascinated by his story of the elusive smoke people, reported to be hidden in this area, and how so many people had mysteriously disappeared. Of course, that would not happen to them. Still, the thought made a cold chill run down her spine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662448942

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Taikatu

Kimberly Jensen

Copyright © 2022 Kimberly Jensen

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 979-8-8865-4247-9 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-6624-4896-6 (hc)

ISBN 978-1-6624-4894-2 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

To my mom and dad.

Even though they are not with

me anymore, I will always remember their words

of support and encouragement.

To my siblings, Lynn, Marie, and Jerry,

who put up with a crazy little sister.

To all my wonderful nieces and nephews.

Chapter 1

Stupid idiots! They have no idea how valuable a dig like this could be! Professor Britton was fuming at the thought of their ignorance and incompetence. The university council members said they didn’t have the funds for the continuance of the expedition. Bullshit! If Harvard doesn’t have the money, who does? And to top it off, to say they need the money for a new teachers’ lounge instead of pouring funds into an expedition that may prove to be a waste is a crock! Professor Britton knew it would be worth it. Call it intuition, gut feeling, or whatever you want, he knew it would be well worth the time and money. After all, he hadn’t become one of the leading archaeologists in this country by luck.

Vicki, would you come in here, please? Professor Britton released the intercom button and began to rub his temples. Victoria Standish entered his office. She had been a student at Harvard, but recently she had become more involved with her secretarial duties to the professor. Victoria was a smart woman. She wasn’t the most attractive, but she knew how to manipulate men. When she first entered the university, Professor Britton was one of the most sought-after men in the nation. Never married, handsome, well-established, and very well-known. Her ticket to an easy life. So far, the professor had played right into her seduction game.

Could you get me a couple of aspirin? I have one hell of a headache, stated the professor.

Victoria returned with two aspirins and a glass of water before the professor realized that she had left the room. Here, take these and then tell your Vicki what’s wrong. She was massaging his temples when he began.

They’ve cut the funds for the expedition! He paused. Vicki, is everyone ignorant, or is it just me? Can’t they see what this means? There could be thousands, millions of dollars’ worth of relics there, not to mention the valuable information we would be gaining.

Honey, did you explain that to them? inquired Victoria.

Of course, but with those morons, it goes in one ear and out the other. All they are concerned about is their damned lounge. They never do anything anyway. I guess that’s why they feel they must have it. Neidenham, that fat ass, wants a large-screen TV so he can watch his game shows! And they have the audacity to say that money spent on the legitimate expedition is a waste of funds! What a laugh! retorted the professor.

What did they say about the piece you brought back? asked Victoria.

The talisman? Exactly my point. They just don’t understand what something like that could mean. From what I can tell, it’s more than just a relic. The same insignia kept popping up throughout the drawings. It seems that it has something to do with a treasure with a sacred meaning. If I’m understanding the drawings correctly, the medallion is linked to a treasure of sorts. Apparently, the treasure, or whatever was given to the tribe by their supreme being, it is supposed to protect them from any forces of evil. That is, as long as the treasure is preserved and not used in a way to assume personal gain. But telling that to the council is like reading them a fairy tale. They can’t comprehend the primitive mind. Vicki, if the legend is true, it could lead to a fortune of jewels, gold, and God knows what!

You mean this could make you a millionaire? said Victoria, her eyes sparkling with greed.

Well, most of it would be turned over to the university. I would get a commission plus all the publicity. Yeah, I guess I’d make some money, but, Vicki, think of all the information we’d be acquiring. A whole new world may open its doors to us! exclaimed the professor. The only thing I don’t understand is the wording on the medallion. The word, which I think translates to Taikatu, is embedded in it. It is also at the end of the drawings. I can only assume that it’s either the name of the tribe, a leader, or referring to the treasure. God, there is so much to learn, but with the ‘almighty council’ pulling the plug on the funds, I’ll never find out. The professor sighed in defeat. Sitting in silence, the professor could only imagine what could have been. Victoria’s idea hit her with such force that she almost pushed the professor out of his chair.

Alistair, what about Sam Middleton? He’s got some pull with the council, doesn’t he?

Yeah, but—

Yeah, but nothing! You got him out of the very embarrassing situation with that slut teacher. He owes you! At least he could talk to the council, maybe he can get them to change their minds.

Vicki, my girl, now you’re thinking. What would I do without you?

Well…, Vicki said, as she lowered her eyes, mocking a bashful child.

Sweetheart, I could just kiss you for thinking up such a great idea, said the professor in a romantic tone.

So what’s stopping you? whispered Vicki.

*****

May I speak with Sam Middleton, please? asked the professor.

May I tell him who’s calling? replied the sexy voice at the other end of the phone.

Professor Alistair Britton.

Thank you. One moment, please.

There was a brief wait. I hate elevator music, the professor commented to himself. Then a familiar voice was on the other end of the phone. Al, you ole dusty fart! How in the hell are you? inquired Sam.

I’m just fine. And you? answered the professor.

I take it one day at a time! So what do I owe this pleasure?

Well, Sam, I need to call in an old favor.

Name it. I still owe you one, replied Sam.

You’re pretty close to Dean Kessler, aren’t you?

Phil? Yeah, sure! Well, I guess that depends on whether or not I let him win when we golf.

Sam, I need someone to lean on the council members at the university. I’m right in the middle of planning an expedition, and they’ve cut the funding on me. I think I’m onto something big, and I just can’t let this one go. I’d really appreciate any help you can give me.

Consider it done. I’ll be having lunch with Phil, and I’ll see what I can do. Anything else I can do for you? questioned Sam.

Believe me, that would be enough. Thanks, Sam.

I’ll talk to you soon. Maybe we can get together for a drink sometime?

Uh…sure. Thanks again.

Bye, Professor, said Sam.

The last thing I want to do is to have a drink with him. That’s how he got into trouble in the first place! Of course, I guess if he pulls this off, it’s the least I could do, thought the professor after he hung up.

Chapter 2

Out of all the students here at Harvard, you’d think one of them would qualify for the dig! noted the professor with an air of disgust. The intercom buzzed, and Victoria’s voice floated through the speaker.

Professor Britton, there is one more student here applying for the opening on the expedition. Should I send him in? she questioned.

Shit! Yeah…send him in, replied Professor Britton.

A moment later, the two massive maple doors opened and allowed the young man to enter.

Professor Britton, I’m Devin Hadley.

The professor rose and greeted the young man with a handshake.

That’s quite a grip you have there, quipped the professor.

Thanks. I try to keep in shape.

Well, where this expedition is headed, you’ll need it. So, Devin, is it? Would you be interested in going to South America?

Yes, sir. I’d love to go. The experience would be invaluable. Plus, the fact that I would be working with the infamous Professor Alistair Britton, what more could a student ask for? answered Devin.

"Look, Devin, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but you don’t need to flatter me. The truth is, it is not going to be like staying at the Hilton. It’s a lot of hard work. A lot! The accommodations are horrible, and the food is even worse. Still interested?" asked the professor.

Professor Britton, I hope you don’t mind me being frank with you, but you seem like the kind of man that doesn’t beat around the bush. I really want to go because one can’t come by this kind of experience easily. To be quite honest, a résumé with your name behind it would do me a world of good. If you look through my records, you’ll find that my grades are excellent. I have a part-time job and tutor as well, so you can see that I am not afraid of hard work. My references will inform you that I’m not one to complain, nor do I make up excuses for any failures on my part. A trip like this one has always been a dream of mine. I can’t be more upfront than that. I know I have a lot of competition, but I hope that you’ll consider me for the expedition.

The professor leaned back in his chair and sized up the eager student. Devin, I like your spirit and desire. You remind me of myself when I was starting out in this crazy field. From what I have seen today, you have little competition to worry about. The opening is yours if you want it.

Devin jumped out of his chair and practically fell over the professor’s desk. Thank you, Professor. You have no idea what this means to me. You won’t be disappointed!

Just coming off the winter thaw, the air was fresh and crisp. The bright sun cast a brilliant light onto the bustling campus below. As Devin walked along, he smiled at everyone he met. The world seemed so right. He was attending one of the nation’s finest schools, his grades were good, and he was going to Peru on an expedition with one of the most famous archaeologists in the US—Professor Alistair Britton. There was only one problem standing in his way: he had to tell Chrissy.

How can I tell her I’m going to South America? It will be hard on her, we’ve never been separated before.

There seemed to be a cloud on his bright day even though the skies were crystal clear. Devin’s pace slowed and became heavier. He sat at the base of the huge rambling oak tree. How do you tell someone that you love so much that you are going away and are not sure when you will be returning home? He tried to plan out the scenario of breaking the news to her. He could picture her violet eyes brimming with tears but refusing to let them flow. He knew she’d be on his side, encouraging him, she always did. God, he loved her! All her life, she had been alone, and now he was going to leave her too. But he’d be back. No matter what, he’d be back!

With renewed enthusiasm, Devin leapt two stairs at a time to their third-floor apartment. As he opened the door, the sweet smell of fresh-baked apple pie penetrated his every pore. He threw his windbreaker over the back of the chair of their second-hand dining room set. After making a search for Chrissy in the kitchen, bedroom, and living room, he found her sprawled out on the floor of the sun porch. Devin sat down on the window seat, taking in her beauty. Her lustrous long blond hair spread out around her like a peacock’s tail in full plumage. The sunlight made her hair look like strands of gold. Her lean body was clad in an old football jersey of his and a pair of worn-out jeans. Despite the baggy shirt, her shapely bust cut clean lines through the ol’ number 88. To Devin, she was the sexiest thing alive, and she was his.

Devin knelt down next to his goddess. He kissed her forehead and began to nibble on her ear. Chrissy began to moan. Softly she whispered, Oh James. Devin sat back on his knees, bewildered. She raised her eyelids slowly, exposing her vibrant violet eyes.

Who in the hell is James? questioned Devin, his voice shaking.

Oh, him? He’s just a secret agent for her Majesty’s Secret Service. I think his last name is Bond.

Suddenly attacked by a fit of giggles, Chrissy rolled up into a ball, and Devin joined in the laughter.

Devin, the look on your face! Chrissy said between giggles. I thought you were ready to punch me out!

His laughter subsided. Chrissy, I just couldn’t imagine you with anyone else. You mean the world to me. I don’t know what I would do if I lost you.

Chrissy sat up and crossed her legs. Darling, you know I’d never leave you. Without you, my world is nothing. You know that, don’t you? Her satin hand traced the strong line of his jaw.

I know. Devin’s mind was racing. He wondered if this was the right time for him to tell her about his news. Chrissy picked up on his doubt.

Devin, talk to me. What’s wrong?

Tell her now! Well, I was wondering if that pie was for me or for James?

Chrissy threw her head back and expelled a laugh from her heart. You nut. It would be soggy by the time it reached England. Jokingly, she punched him in the stomach and rose swiftly, heading for the kitchen. C’mon, it should be set by now.

Devin sat on the floor for a moment. It amazed him how someone as slight built as she was could possess such a punch. She may be thin, but shit, she was strong. Of course, he’d never let on he thought so.

As they sat at the small dining set with its red-and-white checkered tablecloth, next to the open window, he watched her eat. Devin put his fork down. Chrissy’s eyes met his. You amaze me, he said. You’re the only woman I know that can eat apple pie seductively.

It’s a well-known fact that apples are a natural aphrodisiac. Just ask Adam and Eve, replied Chrissy.

Chrissy, you made that up, didn’t you!

Does it matter? she asked, slowly running her tongue over her teeth. The piece of pie Devin was about to eat stopped in midair. His fork dropped to his plate, and the clattering noise shattered the silent air. He stood and walked to Chrissy’s side of the table, and with one swift move, he had her cradled in his arms. Chrissy hung on like a child does to a favorite teddy bear.

The bedroom had a savage look to it. The bamboo blinds cut the light to a minimum. Two large woven grass mats served as their headboard, and the emerald green comforter made the bed look like a field of fresh mown grass. Devin stood trancelike as he watch Chrissy shed her clothes in an almost striptease fashion. As she bent over to slip her jeans past her feet, her long hair fell forward, covering her like the sea grass gently envelopes the smooth rocks on the reef. As she stood erect, her form looked flawless, like the gods on Olympus created her. Devin could feel the hardness in his pants. Chrissy unbuttoned his shirt slowly, taking her time to kiss every inch of his body as she worked downward. When she reached the last button, she moved upward. She traced her trail with her tongue, going from his navel to his lips. Her smooth hands slid over his shoulders, forcing his shirt to fall onto the floor. As she pressed her body next to his, he could feel the contrast of her soft, supple flesh compared to his rock-hard pectorals and rippled stomach. In the next moment, his pants were released and fell to his ankles. Her hands moved swiftly, caressing his hard member. Devin felt weak in the knees. Never in his life had he met a woman who could affect him like Chrissy could. Backing up, they fell onto the bed in an embrace. The foreplay was more than Devin could stand. He wanted her and wanted her now! Once enveloped by Chrissy, Devin could hold out no longer. His climax shook his whole body. Their motions slowed to a gentle rocking, like that of the stream cradling a fallen leaf. As they lay back, Chrissy’s head nestled on his chest. Devin knew it was time to tell her of his plans.

I went to see Professor Britton today.

About the application for the expedition?

Yeah, it’s a trip to South America. Peru.

South America? I thought it would be somewhere in the States! Chrissy exclaimed. Peru is so far away…how long would you be gone?

I don’t know for sure. Possibly for three to four months.

Chrissy was silent for a moment. When will you know if you’ve been accepted? she asked warily. Devin couldn’t think of a way to break it to her except to just come out with it. He said the opening was mine if I wanted it.

Chrissy could feel the emotions backing up, ready to overflow at any minute. Bravely, she started, You told them you’d take it, didn’t you?

"Chrissy, please try to understand. This could mean so much to my future. Our future. I wouldn’t go if it wasn’t so important."

Chrissy rose up on one elbow. Devin, I’m so proud of you. Her eyes couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. I’ll miss you. I know it’s only for a couple of months, but we’ve never been apart before. I’ll just have to adjust, I guess.

Teardrops began to fall on Devin’s chest. He held her next to him, and Chrissy started to cry. He had expected a few tears, but nothing like this. Chrissy cried herself to sleep cradled in Devin’s arms. While she slept, Devin’s mind was racing full throttle.

The alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. In his usual trance, Devin rolled over and hit the snooze button. Chrissy stirred. Careful not to wake her, Devin slipped out of bed and donned his running gear. It was time for his usual five-mile run. Some days, it was all he could do to get out of bed, never mind run, and today was one of those days. After pulling out his earphones, he took a good look at himself in the full-length mirror on the closet door. His legs were toned and very muscular. His hips were small, and from the waist up, his body formed a perfect V. Even through his shirt, he could see the muscles of his stomach ripple when he flexed. His arms were like bands of steel connected to powerful but gentle hands. Not too bad, he thought. He turned around and took one last look at Chrissy. You better take in all you can, he said to himself. That’s a sight you won’t be seeing for quite a while. Devin quietly left the room and headed out for his run.

Chrissy rolled over only to feel an empty space where just minutes ago Devin had been sleeping. Chrissy noticed that the clock read 6:20 a.m. It took a couple of minutes to realize that Devin was probably out on his daily run. How in the world he could make himself go through that torture was beyond her. She would rather sit in front of their little black-and-white TV and exercise with the girls in skimpy outfits. Granted, it wasn’t like running, but she didn’t want runner’s muscles. That was what she called them.

Chrissy dragged herself out from under the heavy green comforter. The wooden floor was cool on her feet. She staggered into the bathroom and fumbled for the light switch. Chrissy squinted into the mirror. Looking directly at herself, she said, Well, if I had a makeup man and a hairdresser standing by at all times, I guess I’d look great too.

Truthfully, she didn’t look bad in the mornings at all. Today she didn’t look as well, probably because she had cried so much last night. As she stood there, the whole conversation came back to her. She backed up and sat on the edge of the tub. Her mind was floating again over everything that had been said. She knew it was silly for her to react so emotionally, but it just wasn’t easy for her to let things go. Chrissy had been alone ever since she could remember. Nothing in her life seemed stable, except for the chores she had to do for years when she was at the children’s home.

She closed her eyes tighter, but once the door to the past was opened, it was hard for her to close it. She could have been worse off, she supposed, but there were too many bitter moments to forget. People think that children don’t remember a whole lot, but they are very wrong. The memories always got worse from here on in. She especially recalled the Bradley couple. It was when Chrissy was eight. The house mother brought the Bradleys in to meet with her on a Wednesday. She liked them right away; they were so nice. Chrissy remembered sitting on the man’s lap and thinking how much he reminded her of her real father. He was so kind, and she knew that he wouldn’t make her do all the disgusting things the home made her do. Especially washing and scrubbing floors until her little hands were red. She just knew it. It all seemed so right—until Jessica.

Jessica was four; she was brought in on Friday from another home. At the time, Chrissy didn’t think anything about it, just another kid. Cute, but just another kid. That all changed on Saturday. The Bradley couple returned that day, just like they promised. Chrissy remembered being so excited that she woke up early and did all her chores so that she would have time to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Bradley. She took extra time getting ready, combing her long blond hair and making sure that her barrettes were in just the right places. She was just about ready when her necklace with the little heart fell from her neck. When it hit the floor, the heart slid over the tile like a graceful skater on ice and came to rest in the corner of the room. It had slipped between the tiles and the tub and wedged itself in. Not now! Chrissy thought. She had to be downstairs. She didn’t want to be late for the Bradleys.

After a couple of minutes, her nimble fingers maneuvered the tiny heart from the crevice. She quickly slid it onto the chain and replaced the necklace around her neck. As fast as she could, she scampered through the hall and down the massive staircase. To small legs, it seemed twice the trip a grown-up would take. Stopping outside the parlor, Chrissy tugged at her dress and smoothed her hair once more. Her little heart was racing like a locomotive. She took a deep breath and opened the door. Looking in, Chrissy’s heart shattered like a piece of fine crystal that had been precariously placed too close to the edge of a table. There in the middle of the room was Mr. and Mrs. Bradley—with Jessica on Mr. Bradley’s lap. He was tickling her, and she was giggling uncontrollably. Mrs. Johansen, the house mother, knelt down next to Jessica.

Jesse, would you like to go with Mr. and Mrs. Bradley and stay at their house this weekend?

Jessica’s eyes got as big as saucers, and she squealed, Yes, pees!

Chrissy froze in her place. No, not Jesse! Me! I’m supposed to go! That was all that went through her mind, but her mouth refused to work. Then, as if someone had placed a spotlight on her, the Bradleys and Mrs. Johansen all looked in her direction. Mrs. Bradley’s mouth was forming the words, Oh my god, Chrissy!

But Chrissy never heard a word. Before anyone could move, she turned and bolted up the staircase and to the little bathroom at the end of the hall. Slamming the door, she huddled in the corner, her knees pulled up tightly against her chest. Despite all the pounding on the door, she didn’t move. She never remembered leaving the tiny bathroom. In all the chaos to jimmy the lock, Chrissy had cried herself to sleep, safe in her own arms.

Chrissy felt a tear run down her cheek and fall to her velvet hand. All those memories never left her. Rising from the edge of the tub, she walked to the sink and ran the water until it was freezing cold. She bent over and splashed her face with the icy liquid. Patting her face with a