The Stone by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-04-19T18:32:21+00:00

Chapter 9

“I told you everything would be all right. My mom and sister took to you like bees to honey, and my dad, well let’s just say he’s usually not quite so accepting. You really made a hit with him,” Susan admitted as their plane taxied toward takeoff. Her sister had taken them to the airport after an early morning breakfast and farewell, and they were back on their way.

“Well, you’ve met my family and now I’ve met yours, we should take that as a good sign,” Tom said, glancing at Susan. She smiled and gazed deep into his eyes in agreement and snuggled her head against his shoulder. Tom, not wanting to let go and enjoying the moment, thought to himself Yeah, a good sign, now all we’ve got to do is have no worries on this excursion, his nagging concerns returning.

Their plane landed that afternoon in Lima, Peru, and after catching their connecting flight to Cuzco, they were now just tourists going through customs. Though Susan had been there before, it was still a pain in the neck that must be dealt with – just another stamp in the passport.

They spent some time acclimating to their new surroundings, the warmer temperature, and the high elevation of nearly 8,000 feet. “This is the first time I’ve ever been in the southern hemisphere – you know, the other side of the equator,” Tom admitted. “You’ll have to keep an eye on me, so I don’t get lost. Hey, by the way, is it true what they say that when you flush, the water really spins the opposite direction? I’ve always heard that.”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Susan said laughing. “There are a few things you will have to get used to. Besides being a bit of a third-world country, they do have a few unusual and rather archaic customs down here so I’ll need to make sure you’re up to speed on some of them. I know you’ve traveled some, but like I told you at home, this is going to be a bit different.”

She had taken the time in the last few days and on the plane to explain much of what they’d be in for. Equally important, she had also gone over the real ins and outs of an archaeological exploration, which was, after all, her area of expertise. Of course, since this trip was not official, there were going to be similarities.

Tom took her by the hand and declared, “Lead on, Miss Jones. You’re in charge!”

They strolled away from the airport like ordinary tourists towards the colorful, old city that was bustling with people and traffic, with the majestic Andes Mountains towering behind as a backdrop. It was truly an ancient and mysterious land.

While waiting to catch a ride to their hotel, Susan noticed a man looking in their direction and paying a little too much attention to them. Whether it was the eyes in the back of her head, her feline whiskers, or her well-developed sixth sense, a silent alarm went off in her mind.

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