Amichu Read online

  else could we put it, silly man? Give it to me!" The words were all he needed to allow his release, and Mandy barely had him back in her mouth before his legs stiffened and he exploded. She stopped moving her head and kept just the tip of him in her mouth while she ran her hand up and down his shaft, pulling all she could, then sucking it hard before slipping it out of her mouth. Pulling back the blanket, she grinned up at him with a devilish light in her eyes. "Yum, lover. I didn't know I was gonna get an extra snack on this flight." "You know I love you. Right, Man?" "You better!" Mandy said as she sat up and snuggled into his shoulder. "Because I don't think I could have anywhere near this much fun traveling solo."

  * * *

  The flight attendant nudged them awake to buckle their seatbelts in preparation for landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport. Mandy stretched, straightened her skirt, and lifted the window shade to allow the bright morning sunshine to fully wake her. "You slept!" Bruce grinned triumphantly. "Oh, stop gloating. It's unbecoming." She leaned over to give him a good morning kiss. "I do feel quite rested, though. I guess I just never took the proper tranquilizer before. I'm afraid that means you'll have to accompany me on all future flights."

  As Bruce stood and wrestled their carry-on bags from the overhead compartments, he looked down at Mandy through his raised arms. "Geez! I don't know, Man. That's asking an awful lot of a guy. What's in it for me?"

  Mandy poked him in the belly, then laughed as she noticed his jeans. She reached forward to zip them—being extra careful not to catch anything in the teeth—and winked. "Frequent flyer smiles, of course."

  An amused cough startled them, and they looked toward the rear of the plane to discover the flight attendant trying unsuccessfully to stifle her laughter. They grinned at one another, but didn't speak again until they were standing in the terminal.

  "Are you sure he said he'd meet us—well, meet Vivian—at the gate? That's odd, don't you think? Airport security doesn't typically allow that any more."

  "Hmm. I didn't make anything of it when his reply came back, but you're right. Maybe he's got some pull with the local officials or something. I did feel a wee bit guilty allowing him to believe Aunt Viv was on her way in the fax I sent him, though. Oh," Mandy cocked her head, "that must be him."

  The elderly gentleman leaned on his cane and scanned the passengers. He appeared both nervous and eager. Scant moments after Mandy pegged him, he met her gaze, and his eyes widened in instant recognition. His smile was genuine, but it couldn't hide the apprehension that Vivian's absence apparently produced.

  "You're kin, I'm certain," he blurted, forgetting his manners as he grasped both of Mandy's outstretched hands. "But, where's Vivian?"

  "I'm her niece, Amanda. Amanda Long. And this is my partner, Bruce Winfield. Please, let's go somewhere quiet and I'll explain."

  "Yes, of course. There's a comfortable café on the main concourse. I am, as you surmised, Eduardo Aguilar. Vivian calls me Eddie, though, and I daresay she's the only one who can get away with it."

  Mandy's jaw dropped, and she stared at the professor. "You're Eddie! Damn, I just put two and two together. Aunt Viv spoke of you often. You…" When she saw the shadow cross his features, she realized her use of the past tense had confirmed his worst fears. Placing her hand on his arm, she continued, "I'm sorry. I'll explain everything, I promise."

  The professor simply nodded somberly, seeming to have aged a decade in mere seconds. "We've precious little time and much to discuss. I don't know how much you've surmised, but all is not as it appears on the surface."

  "Where my aunt is involved," Mandy winked, trying to bring a bit of lightness back into the conversation, "it never is." Bruce wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Runs in the family, Man." "You two remind me of a young couple I knew many years ago. They certainly had their share of adventures until life, unfortunately, pulled them apart. Don't let that happen to you," the professor cautioned, smiling indulgently and wagging his finger. "Life's too short."

  Mandy linked her arm through his. "I hope you'll share those adventures, Eddie. Aunt Viv told me some things, but she left mysterious gaping holes in her tales. I especially want to hear about her first trip to the Orient—the one that inspired her to build Erotique's collection. You were along for that trip, were you not?"

  "Indeed I was," he chuckled, reliving a fond memory. "What a ride! I could spend months chronicling our travels, but we've currently other pressing matters. You must be on the next flight to Rapa Nui, which departs in little over an hour. I've already booked your passage. There is much to discuss. Please, let's not dally further. We can take all the time you wish to reminisce once you've safely returned." At the word safely, Bruce and Mandy exchanged a look. "I can see that you're every bit as intuitive as Vivian was. Very well, then. The fact that you're here at all tells me a great deal. Perhaps we can save some time if you tell me what you know and what you've already surmised?"

  As they finished the short walk to the café, Mandy and Bruce summarized. Eduardo didn't interrupt, but did occasionally punctuate their narrative with a murmured exclamation. They paused only long enough to order and exhausted their theories just as the light fare was served.

  "I am impressed," the professor admitted, adding sugar to his tea. He smiled at Bruce's expression upon tasting the coffee. "It's instant. I've never gotten used to it, myself, although I've lived in Chile for over a decade. Would you believe it accounts for 95% of the country's coffee sales? Now…" He reached into his satchel and extracted a cloth-wrapped parcel. Placing it on the table, he carefully untied the twine to reveal a smooth stone figurine of the creamiest alabaster.

  Mandy's hand flew to her mouth. "She's stunning! I'd seen pictures, of course, but they don't do her justice." "Pictures? Why didn't you tell me there were pictures?" Bruce elbowed her. "Because, Counselor, I don't know what happened to them. They weren't with Aunt Viv's belongings." She turned back to the professor. "I recall a single word written on the back of those photos, though: Amichu. Is that her name?"

  Eduardo shrugged. "Well, that's what I've always called her, but in truth, I've no idea her real name. The Inca had no written language, although many scholars believe their knotted strings—called khipu—were a form of writing, for mathematical purposes if not more. One of the Ayacucho natives working at the site kept whispering amichu over and over. I'm assuming it's some sort of legend or folklore, although I've never been able to track it down. The word, in Quechua, means thing united with another—and now, given recent discoveries on Rapa Nui, we may finally learn its significance.

  "My protégé contacted me just over a week ago to let me know that she'd unearthed a burial site along a section of the island's northeast coast near Anakena, the legendary landing place of the island's first king, Hotu Matu'a. What's notable about the find is that it appears to be that of an Incan explorer, which has caused quite a stir. There is a very powerful sect of Polynesian purists determined to bury the evidence of any early link between Rapa Nui and the South American mainland. Thus, she is now under constant scrutiny. Before the local government took over the site, Olga managed to catalog the discovery of this…" Eduardo extracted a piece of paper from his breast pocket and handed it to Mandy. Unfolding the paper—a grainy facsimile—she gasped. "Yes," the professor continued. "The similarity to this figure is unmistakable. Not only is his size comparable, Olga believes he is carved from the same marble, called huamanga, unique to the Andes. That will require laboratory verification, however, and such facilities are not available on the island. The ramifications are…significant."

  Bruce looked from Eduardo to Mandy and back again. "That's quite a boner he's sporting," he grinned before adopting a more serious expression. "Just how determined is this sect? I mean, is she in any danger?"

  "I fear so. As long as the artifact is in her possession, she will be watched like a hawk. It is my hope that you will be able to return with the figure—both to remove Olga from jeopardy and to reunite
what appears to be a long-separated pair."

  "Amichu," Bruce breathed, turning the female figure over in his hands to reveal an obvious vaginal-like orifice. "Thing united with another!"

  "They may indeed fit together. I suspect they do," Eduardo noted, "but it is simply not possible to tell by a photograph. I'd like you take Amichu with you to Rapa Nui to verify the connection, although doing so is not without its own risks. Hopefully, you'll be able to return with both statues."

  Bruce raised an eyebrow at that, alarmed by the Eduardo's tone. "Professor Rojas Aguilar, you really do feel that Olga is in serious danger! What's more, you believe that you are."

  " Sí, Señor Winfield. But please, let's dispense with formality. I think I'd prefer to have you call me Eddie. Hmm. Never thought I'd say that." He took a deep breath. "Now, our time is very short. Let me finish quickly. I have two main concerns professionally. One is the male statue, of course. The other is Olga's journal. I taught her well. She will have recorded everything appropriately. Indeed, if I know my Olga, she will have extensive photographs. There will be no doubt as to the correct condition of the site. I suspect this discovery proves the existence of an early South American influence on Rapa Nui. This Incan explorer did not die in a shipwreck. He lived many years there, and most likely his shipmates did as well.

  "It is in the interests of the Chilean government to have the site preserved, both for scientific and political reasons. I am not worried about the location itself. However, if the Polynesians can create a sufficient controversy surrounding the methodology, they will be able to argue that it is a hoax or a misinterpretation. As you know, some will go to extraordinary lengths to preserve the sanctity of their beliefs. Therefore, Olga's documentation is crucially important—perhaps even more so than the artifacts themselves."

  The airport P.A. system interrupted them: " Buenos días. Éste es la petición primera para entrar LANChile línea aérea ocho cuatro uno a la puerta diez y ocho."

  "Alas, our time is up—for now. That's your flight. Amanda, it has been a most extraordinary pleasure to meet you. Although I did not expect you, I must say that it is no surprise that you are as lovely and competent as you are. Vivian would only entrust her legacy to such a woman." The professor bowed, taking Mandy's hand and bringing it to his lips. In a younger or less distinguished man the gesture would have looked silly, but from Professor Eduardo it was simply natural. "Bruce, if I might have a more private word with you while we walk?"

  Mandy raised her eyebrows slightly but said nothing. Bruce hung back a couple of steps to talk quietly with Eddie while they made their way to the gate.

  "I think I know what you're going to say, Eddie. Don't worry. Mandy can take care of herself."

  "You and she may both believe that, my new friend, but American sensibilities aside, it is simply not true. Mandy is no victim, of that I am sure. I had the honor of knowing her aunt very well for a very long time. Smart and sassy women—but, in spite of that, neither could match you in strength."

  Bruce simply nodded. He knew the differences between a man's and woman's body in ways that even the experienced explorer would find unsettling. "In addition, Señor Winfield, there is the matter of Olga. She is precious to me in more ways than one, and I would greatly appreciate it if you would watch over her while you are there. Indeed, I would be forever in your debt if the two of you could convince her to return to the mainland. She would be much safer here. There is very little crime on an island as small as Rapa Nui, and although the police may try to protect her, I fear they lack both the numbers and the experience to do so adequately."

  "Um, guys, this is our gate—and they just announced final boarding," Mandy interrupted. "They almost gave away our first class seats! Eddie, when we get back you'll have to explain how you knew to buy two tickets instead of one. You're keeping secrets! Knowing Aunt Viv, I suppose that shouldn't surprise me. We'll see you next week."

  "Yes, my dear. Amichu is safely in your bag?" Mandy tapped her carry-on and nodded in response. "Contact me if you're able but," he cautioned once more, "guard your words. I do have friends on the island, but they'll not make themselves known unless there's serious trouble. I'm counting on the fact that you're Americans. No one wants the American authorities involved in this matter. No one."

  Bruce nodded solemnly and shook the professor's hand. "Thank you for everything." "Thank me by bringing both ladies—and yourself—safely back to Santiago."

  * * *

  They stepped onto the tarmac at Mataveri Airport shortly after noon and made their way toward the terminal. Bruce found something almost supernatural about entering a foreign country that had not quite kept pace with the rest of the world.

  "This must be what time travel feels like," he whispered into Mandy's ear as they followed the other passengers. "It's like we've landed in the seventies. Check out the cars, and…holy hell, Man! Look over there. It's you ten years from now. Now I'm really disoriented. Forward and backward in time." Mandy turned in the direction indicated. Rather than seeing an older version of herself, however, she saw a much younger version of Vivian Long—a version Bruce never knew, for it stemmed from her childhood. It was Aunt Viv as she often looked when returning from a yet another adventure—tanned and toned from long hours hiking and exploring ancient ruins.

  The women's eyes met and, even at a distance, their mutual recognition was evident. Mandy paused only long enough to drape the strap of her bag over Bruce's shoulder before she took off running. They embraced without speaking, then held one another at arm's length, grinning.

  "I hope you're Olga," Mandy finally spoke. "Otherwise, I'm gonna be quite embarrassed."

  She laughed, "And you, according to Tío Eduardo's message, must be Amanda. It's very nice to meet you, although I was quite looking forward to meeting Vivian. I'd heard so much about her over the years. A very enigmatic woman."

  "That she was. This," Mandy gestured as he caught up to them, "is my partner, Bruce Winfield. In spite of the dumbfounded expression on his face, he's really quite bright—most of the time. Speak, Bruce." He looked from one woman to the other and back again. "Woof?" Mandy and Olga rolled their eyes in a gesture so similar that Bruce had to laugh. "You're making me dizzy, ladies. Mandy is intoxicating solo…and the two of you together is a bit overwhelming."

  "Ah, a charmer." She winked at Mandy before turning her attention to Bruce. "We can talk about our similarities over lunch. I've had my own theories ever since I saw Vivian's picture several years ago. Shall we be on our way? Lately, I feel rather...exposed...in public places. I have the museum's Jeep. This way."

  As Mandy and Bruce piled their bags into the vehicle, Olga climbed behind the wheel. "See that man taking photographs of the big moko...um, lizard...sculpture over there?" she asked when they took their seats. "I've spotted him almost everywhere I've been in the last week. Granted, this is not a big island—but it's beyond coincidence, I'm sure. I'm also sure he's not a tourist in spite of his attempts to appear one."

  She eased onto the two-lane road, glancing in the rearview mirror, and her shoulders slumped. "I'm just not cut out for this cloak and dagger stuff. At first, it was invigorating, but when my office was broken into..." "Whoa," Bruce interrupted. "Eddie didn't tell us that!" "That's because Eddie doesn't know," Mandy guessed, receiving a

  confirmatory nod from Olga. "He suspects, though." "Yes, I'm sure he does. I can hide facts from him, but not feelings—even when I'm thousands of miles away. He knows me too well. This," she gestured ahead, "is your hotel. I booked two rooms because, at the time, Eduardo didn't know if...well, if you were..." Olga shrugged. "I figured if you were together, I'd use the other room for myself. It's been a while since I've gotten a good night's sleep in my own place.

  "Sorry to desert you so soon after your arrival, but I have to return to the museum for an afternoon meeting. I'm treading very carefully with the powersthat-be these days. I'll be back as soon as possible, though, and we should still have enough daylight
to visit the site at Anakena."

  As she pulled to a stop in front of the Hanga Roa Hotel, Olga cautioned, "Do not, under any circumstances, mention your real reason for being here. Remember, you're just tourists and I'm just a friend of the family, showing you around. We'll find somewhere to talk openly this evening."

  "Gotcha," Bruce confirmed. "Speaking of family, I can't wait to hear those theories you mentioned earlier. It's obvious to me—and, I think, to both of you—that there's a relationship. Mandy's an only child, though, and neither of her aunts had children." "That we know of." Mandy said with a sidelong glance at Olga, who nodded. "I've long wondered why Tío Eduardo took me under his wing—both personally and professionally—but I've never had the courage to confront him about it. Unfortunately, that discussion will have to wait. Here's your key. There's something waiting for you in the room, too—a hospitality basket, with something extra beneath all that fresh fruit."

  They retrieved their luggage and waved as Olga departed. "Just you and me again, kiddo."

  Mandy hugged him and whispered into his ear, "And a shadow—across the street. He tailed us from the airport."

  As Bruce spun her around to get a surreptitious look, the faux tourist pulled away. "Guess we're not interesting enough—which I'll take as a good sign—and as long as Olga stays in public, she should be just fine. Ahora, mi amor, deseo una siesta. ¿Ensámbleme?"

  "You are full of surprises, Señor Counselor! I guess you didn't really sleep through Spanish class. If you just asked me to go to bed with you," she winked, "I accept. I could use a power nap." "¿Usted aspirará mi martillo, también?" "I don't know what you just said, but I'd bet all my pesos it's not something