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Back Jungle Up Save as PDF
Chapters (63)
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  63. Author’s Note

“I’m not too worried about the narcos coming in and looting the site. They have a much more profitable business to worry about. I’d be much more concerned about the Bolivian soldiers.” Cala nodded toward Lieutenant Goytia and the Bolivian soldiers who were in the process of carrying the remaining boar meat to their camp. “After we leave here, everything will be gone in a week. Trust me, I already overheard two of the soldiers planning it.”

“He’s right,” Vern said, although he wasn’t part of the expedition team. “They’ll take everything.”

Cala said, “I believe it’s in the best interest of Bolivia to excavate, photograph, record, and recover as many artifacts as possible before we leave.”

Roth said, “So that’s that. Tomorrow we head back to the cache, and we start digging.” He glared at Farah. “So, are you resigning?”

She leapt up from her seat and stormed out. Andy jumped up and followed. “Farah, wait!”

But she didn’t stop, she didn’t flinch. She just kept on walking.

37

37

t3
august 21, 7:11 a.m.
expedition: day 8

Twenty-one of them splashed their way north through the unnamed river. In addition to Holland and Rix rejoining them, the expedition team was once again accompanied by Lieutenant Goytia and his convoy—though two of his soldiers had stayed behind—plus Juan Pablo, Carlos, Diego, and even Camila. The latter group had decided to tag along to view the highly acclaimed jungle pyramid and its priceless cache of artifacts.

When they were halfway through their trudge, Cala stopped everyone and announced he’d changed his mind about the excavation. They would dig around, photograph, and catalogue each of the artifacts, but they would stop short of removing them from the site. He decided it was imperative an ethical and systematic excavation take place in the coming months. They would simply have to take their chances and hope Lieutenant Goytia could keep his soldiers from looting the cache.

Andy was certain Farah had been the one to change the aging archaeologist’s mind—the two could be heard having a heated discussion near Cala’s campsite that morning—and even though Farah was ignoring Andy, she was all smiles.

“You look tired,” Darnell said next to Andy.

“I am tired,” Andy said groggily. “I hardly slept.”

“Bugs?”

“No, it wasn’t bugs.”

What had kept Andy awake was Farah Karim. Andy couldn’t stop obsessing over whether he had blown his chances by not siding with her.

“Girl problems?” asked Darnell.

Andy didn’t respond.

“Come on,” Darnell prodded. “I see how she looks at you.”

“You do?”

“Oh yeah. I’ve worked with her twice before this, and I’ve never seen her flirt with anyone.”

“Farah worked on the other documentaries?”

“Farah?” Darnell huffed.

“Yes, Farah. Who the hell are you talking about?”

“Libby, you idiot.”

“When was she flirting with me?”