Enigmatic Encounter

By Jeanne Linton

Martha still dreams of that great expedition she’ll one day be part
of. On one of the family’s yearly vacations they went into Alberta to the
Valley of the Dinosaurs. Although the area was miserably hot and arid,
they had fun exploring the hills for artifacts but only found active colonies
of rabbits and prairie chickens and the bones of a cow that died a few
years earlier. After a few days and a visit to the local museum, the heat
and the rough terrain cured Martha of wanting to trek all over the globe
looking for illusive skeletons and she is now content to do her exploring
though books.
As time slips through her fingers and Martha becomes a middle-
aged woman with a successful teaching career, two children standing on
the threshold of adult life, and a beautiful home next to her parents,
Charles and Lily Semple. With her life in a neat orderly package, things
suddenly change. Without warning, her husband, David, becomes sullen
and distant. What is going on? I haven’t changed and I’ve treated him in
the same manner for years but suddenly everything’s different. Why?
Then the bomb drops. “I’m leaving you, Martha. I’m packing my
things and I’ll be out by morning.”
Shocked and dumbfounded, she asks, “What have I done that’s so
offensive that you want to leave me? I’ve been faithful, respected you as
a partner, I keep the house in order, and I don’t interfere with anything
you do. As tears streak her cheeks, “If it’s change you want, I’ll do
anything to keep our lives and family together. Please don’t do this,
David.”
After David leaves, Martha faces a new reality. Join us on the
adventure as new challenges enter Martha’s life . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeanne Linton
• Release date: May 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224676521

Jeanne Linton

I was born in Vancouver, B.C. Married when I was 22 and moved to the midwest with my husband. While living in Michigan I had four children. Although I liked living in the U.S. after I was divorced, I returned to B.C. with two of my children where I have lived ever since, only returning to visit my family still in the U.S. I am retired now, enjoying my life, and continuing to write stories.I have written three young adult novels, a book where the main character is a chicken, but mostly science fiction novels. The science fiction novels ;'Seeds of the Galaxy' deals with the roots of humanity as they are forced from their world because of a changing environment and migrate across the cosmos.My books are listed on Smashwords under Jeannelinton.

Book preview

SEEDS OF THE GALAXY:

ENIGMATIC ENCOUNTER

By

Jeanne Linton

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Copyright 2023 Jeanne Linton

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, descriptions, entities and incidents included in the story are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, events and entities is entirely coincidental.

The opinions expressed by the author are hers alone.

DEDICATION

TO

NICOLE

ALONG YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE

MAY YOU FIND THE SAME JOY

THAT YOU GIVE TO OTHERS

WITH YOUR CHARM, GENEROSITY AND

PURE HEART

Prologue

Martha still dreams of that great expedition she’ll one day be part of. On one of the family’s yearly vacations they went into Alberta to the Valley of the Dinosaurs. Although the area was miserably hot and arid, they had fun exploring the hills for artifacts but only found active colonies of rabbits and prairie chickens and the bones of a cow that died a few years earlier. After a few days and a visit to the local museum, the heat and the rough terrain cured Martha of wanting to trek all over the globe looking for illusive skeletons and she is now content to do her exploring though books.

As time slips through her fingers and Martha becomes a middle-aged woman with a successful teaching career, two children standing on the threshold of adult life, and a beautiful home next to her parents, Charles and Lily Semple. With her life in a neat orderly package, things suddenly change. Without warning, her husband, David, becomes sullen and distant. What is going on? I haven’t changed and I’ve treated him in the same manner for years but suddenly everything’s different. Why?

Then the bomb drops. I’m leaving you, Martha. I’m packing my things and I’ll be out by morning.

Shocked and dumbfounded, she asks, What have I done that’s so offensive that you want to leave me? I’ve been faithful, respected you as a partner, I keep the house in order, and I don’t interfere with anything you do. As tears streak her cheeks, If it’s change you want, I’ll do anything to keep our lives and family together. Please don’t do this, David."

After David leaves, Martha faces a new reality. Join us on the adventure as new challenges enter Martha’s life . . .

MEXICO

~1~

Hurry up, Martha, or you'll miss your flight, David shouts up the stairs as he picks up her suitcase, small carry-on, and walks out the front door to the car. Martha quickly collects her makeup, throws it into her purse, hurries into the bedroom to take the ticket off her dresser, and virtually flies down the stairs. As she gets into the car about to embark on the trip she's dreamed of for weeks, she reaches over and gives David a wistful kiss. With a mix of excitement and anticipation, she waves goodbye to Davey and Sheila, who are standing at the door in their pajamas.

Have a nice time, Mom, Sheila shouts.

Be good you two, Martha yells out the car window. Sheila, don't give Aunt Liz trouble.

I won't, Sheila responds.

Wearing the telltale sign of concern on his face, Listen honey, I’m hoping you’ll be careful because you never know what can happen.

For heaven sakes, we're with a tour group. What can go wrong?

Be careful anyway, as he pinches her knee.

Driving through the darkened streets they make their way to the airport. It’s barely past six when they reach the terminal. I hope Madge’s already here because we only have an hour to get through customs.

There's no point in dragging your suitcase across the parking lot so I'll let you out at the terminal. Parking the car at the terminal entrance, he places the large suitcase onto a dolly, Wait here, I'll be right back.

Standing alone, she spots Madge and Eddy drive up. Madge, I'm over here, as she waves to get Madge’s attention. Eddy is out of their car and taking Madge’s luggage out of the car trunk, We’ll be inside, Eddy, Madge says as he leaves to park the car.

I'm so excited I feel like a schoolgirl, Martha offers.

Giggling, Me too, Madge responds.

Both men wear the look of dread as they enter the terminal. Trying to ease the tension, Martha blurts out, Don't have too much fun while we're away. Remember, we’re the ones on vacation. A grin crosses Eddy’s face but he says nothing.

We better hurry. We have to check in with American Airlines and then clear customs. Martha picks up her carry-on and walks to the check-in counter. The agent checks the women's tickets and puts their luggage onto the conveyer belt.

There’s time for a coffee, Eddy suggests.

Sitting at a table, Eddy grabs Madge’s hand. Listen; don't go off on your own because Mexico is not a particularly safe country. LISTEN to me, Madge, DON'T DO ANYTHING CRAZY."

As if; when have I done anything crazy? Madge scowls.

ALL THE TIME AS I RECALL! Martha, you’re the responsible one so please, please be careful.

Don't worry, Eddy, I'll look after her.

That's what scares me, David says with a pompous attitude.

Look, we don't bug you guys when you go hunting. We trust you so you have to trust us. Looking directly into David's eyes, her face stern, brow furrowed.

It's not the same. We can take care of ourselves and this is the first vacation you girls have taken on your own, David's voice, commanding and direct.

Like the time you sat on your knife and the guys had to rush you to the hospital. What was it, seven stitches in your BUTT? Martha giggles as she gulps her last sip of coffee. We’re done here so let’s get moving. Picking up her carry-on, she heads to customs. As they stand waiting, David holds her hand until she reaches the counter. Stepping away, he looks very much like an abandoned puppy. After speaking to the customs agent, the women blow kisses as they proceed down the long corridor to the waiting room.

Once aboard the plane and settled in their seats, the captain announces, We’ve been cleared for take-off. Make sure your carry-on is stored properly, your seatbelt is fastened, and make ready for lift-off.

Martha feels the initial thrust as the plane speeds along the tarmac and the sudden lunge as the plane lifts off. The direct flight to Mexico City takes about five hours. Most of the passengers aboard the flight are members of a two-week chartered excursion to view the ruins of Mexico. However, they’ll not be boarding the return flight because they plan to stay a few extra days to shop and enjoy a luxurious beach resort. They've looked forward to this trip for almost a year and the much-needed change of pace. This is payback time for the yearly hunting and fishing trips of their husbands.

Upon landing the stewardess announces, Please remain seated until we reach the terminal. Upon arrival, you’ll deplane through the front exit. At this time I’d like to thank you for flying American and welcome you to Mexico.

As Madge views the heat radiating off the tarmac, I wonder how hot it is.

An older woman sitting behind them offers, It's very hot at this time of the year, dear.

Have you taken this tour before? Martha asks.

We've been to Mexico several times. George is an archaeologist. We’re going to visit the usual sites but we plan to do some exploring on our own. Actually, a friend of ours brought something back from a curio shop and we want to know more about the piece. I'm Jenny Curtis. This is my husband, George.

Martha offers her hand, I'm Martha DeCarlo and this is Madge Johnson. I'm a teacher and Madge is a hairdresser. I was on my honeymoon the last time I was here but this is Madge's first trip.

Upon entering the airport lobby, a tour guide holding a sign over his head heralds, Those on the Mexican Getaway, please gather behind me. As a large group gathers behind the man, he checks the guest list and then announces, After picking up your luggage, please meet me in front of bus 45. We’ll then proceed to the hotel.

After reaching the hotel, they stand in the lobby as the guide addresses them, After you’re settled in your rooms, you’ll have the rest of today to enjoy the hotel and look through the shops. A word of caution, don't eat the food from the street vendors because you may regret it. Tomorrow we'll leave the hotel at seven for a day trip to Teotihuacan to see the restored pyramid and floating gardens. Remember to bring a sweater or a light jacket because the mornings are cool. I'll see you in front of the hotel before seven. Don’t be late.

Once settled in their room, they shower and change. As Madge opens the window, a soft breeze enters bringing with it the aroma of the street vendors. I smell tortillas.

As Martha flops on her bed, I need a nap before we go to the street market.

Okay, but after a short nap we’re off to do some shopping.

It’s about an hour later as the sound of their luggage being dropped at their door wakes her. Madge is still asleep so Martha quietly pulls the suitcases into their room. About to pull the last bag in, George Curtis is pulling his bags into the room beside theirs. She acknowledges George with a warm smile and nod. He responds in kind.

How long have we been sleeping? Madge asks as she wakes to the closing door.

Not long. Would you like to go for dinner?

It's too early for dinner. Why not stop in the bar for a drink and pick up brochures, as Madge gets up and slips into her shorts.

Later, upon sliding onto bar stools, What would you like ladies? the bartender asks in a heavy Mexican accent.

We'll be original, two strawberry margaritas, Martha responds as she hands Madge the flyers she picked up in the lobby. These sites are not on our itinerary. The only ancient ruins we’ll actually visit are the Teotihuacan pyramids and the floating gardens. The rest of the time we’ll be visiting sites in Mexico City from the seventeenth century, a couple of casinos and a beach resort.

Madge reads the brochures out loud, Yucatan, Touring Mexico City, Touring Mexico, and Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz.

Those sound interesting but we came to see ancient ruins not tourist traps. Sure, I'd like to see Mexico City because I heard the architecture is spectacular, but that’s not what I had in mind. Chechen Itza is on the Yucatan but we aren't going anywhere near it. The tombstone of Kukulkan is near Palenque, a major find but that's not on the itinerary either. I think this tour was sponsored by the chamber of commerce. Let's stay with the tour and see how interesting it is but if it's a bust, we’ll rent a car and plan our own trip. Why spend this kind of money and time on a tour that visits seventeenth century Mexico.

Madge chuckles, Agreed, but didn't we promise the guys we wouldn't go off on our own? Eyes twinkling with enthusiasm, How's your Spanish?

About as good as my Eskimo, Martha snickers as she picks up her handbag and stuffs the brochures inside. If you've finished your drink, let's have dinner. I'm hungry and I have a taste for Mexican.

Since it’s the dinner hour, the dining room is full. The frustrated hostess acknowledges them as she scans the room looking for a vacant table. Spotting a table at the back of the restaurant about to be reset, she hurries them across the dining room. Once seated, Martha looks over the menu. I'm surprised; the prices are reasonable. That’s when Madge notices the Curtis' standing at the door waiting. She waves to them, Shall we ask them to join us, Martha?

Sure.

As the couple approaches, Thanks for inviting us to join you. Their food’s excellent so no matter what you order, you won't be disappointed. As Jenny is seated, I was saying to George, I hope we can dine with someone from our tour. It’s so much more interesting when you get to know the people you travel with.

We're happy to have you join us, Jenny. Actually, we’re undecided as to what we're going to do because this tour was advertised as viewing ancient ruins but it seems their idea of ancient ruins only dates back to the seventeenth century. We had something else in mind. What we’re looking for is prehistoric ruins. We'll do the tour tomorrow, but after that, who knows.

George speaks fluent Spanish. If you decide to leave, we'd be happy to join you and share expenses. It’d be to your advantage to travel with someone who speaks fluent Spanish.

After a pleasant dinner with an enjoyable couple, Martha and Madge venture into the open market where they’re so taken with the merchandise and prices they fail to notice the hour. When do these people close up and go home? Madge asks.

They’re chasing sales, a tourist behind her responds. It's a hard life for these people.

It's been a busy day. First, the flight, then drinks and dinner, and lastly, shopping in the open market. Lying on top of their beds in the sweltering heat, they leave the window open. Expecting a slight breeze, they are sadly disappointed.

Nobody mentioned the heat, Madge complains.

It’s August, Madge, what did you expect?

Not this.

* * *

The breaking sun wakes her. Looking at her watch, Madge, the bus leaves at seven so we better get moving.

The tour through the city is impressive, the architecture, beautiful, the local gardens, breathtaking. Upon reaching Teotihuacan, they find the restored pyramids not only impressive but the vastness of the edifice mind-boggling. The site was constructed on a man-made island and is a work of engineering genius.

Later that afternoon, the bus stops at an open-air restaurant where Martha takes several rolls of exposed film into an adjoining post office and mails the film home. She wouldn’t want to lose the pictures because it shows the wonders of Mexico City and also includes their newfound friends the Curtis'. The women were drawn to this delightful couple because they’re not only friendly but also generous, offering to pay for their lunch. It's past eight when they finally reach the hotel.

The following day, the tour is scheduled to visit the fine arts building. They stop at the front desk and reserve a car for the following morning so they can visit a couple of sites not listed on their itinerary. They’re already in the dining room for breakfast when the Curtis’ enter. Jenny, as Madge waves, you’re late.

Actually, we’re not. We’re going to visit the shop where our friend purchased the piece of pottery we liked so much and get the address of his source. Apparently, the source lives somewhere near Merida on the Yucatan peninsula. We'll be leaving the tour tomorrow. Show them the piece of pottery, George.

George shows them a medium size clay vessel with an elaborate design. As he hands it to Martha, A piece like this caused quite a stir at a university in Toronto last year. It has the symbol of Quetzalcoatl. Quetzalcoatl and Kukulkan are different versions of the same god.

Madge looks at this. It appears to be a cartoon character of someone seated on small ship travelling through space. I saw a similar version of it during my studies of the Mayans. She continues, This is a valuable find. There was a revolt in the early sixteenth century and many artifacts went missing. Pieces like this were hidden because the Spanish were trying to eradicate native culture, traditions and religion. The Spaniards wanted to assimilate the natives into their society to make better slaves and curtail revolts. Among the things lost was the Aztec Calendar, a solar calendar of 365 days and another sacred calendar of 260 days. The combination of these calendars ended in cycles of 52 years and those figures are the mathematical basis for the construction of the pyramids and tombs built by the Mayans and Aztecs. At the time, the natives were not only civilized but much more advanced in mathematics than the Europeans. George takes the vessel back from Martha.

We’ve rented a car. Tomorrow, we leave for El Castillo to see the ruins at Chechen Itza. Would you like to join us for the trip to the Yucatan? We’ll take you as far as Merida. It's not out of our way and you'd save considerable on a car rental. It’d help us too because we don't speak Spanish, Martha offers.

Jenny responds, That’d be lovely, dear. Let's get an early start. Are you going to see the museum and the fine arts building today?

Yes, as Madge finishes her coffee. We better hurry. Are you coming?

No, we have other things to do.

The tour guide is impatiently pacing up and down the sidewalk in front of the hotel. The tour starts at ten sharp ladies, no later, as he hustles them onto the bus.

Although they thoroughly enjoy the tour, Martha’s mind is elsewhere. Madge, however, takes in the sights, enjoying the exquisite artistic design of the buildings plus the exquisite tour through the museum. In spite of excellent service, their vacation wasn’t intended to be a holiday but rather the opportunity to see prehistoric sites furthering Martha’s knowledge of native development. Martha accepts her disappointment as not the fault of the tour company because they should have read the fine print and the tour outline more closely.

* * *

They find the Curtis' waiting for them in the lobby around six the following morning. The couple appears somewhat different from the previous day but it’s hard to put a finger on what’s different about them. We've cancelled our hotel rooms for the rest of the tour. No point in paying for something we have no intention of using, George says casually.

Not giving the situation another thought, the women load their luggage into the back of the rented car and follow the highway leading out of town. It’s unreal. They never imagined Mexico City was so spread out. It takes them more than two hours to reach the outskirts of the city using the expressway. How on earth did the ancient people survive? How did they cultivate the land? And, for heaven’s sake, how did they build their infrastructure? All of it seems impossible in an area as arid as this, Madge states as she views the parched surroundings.

I’d say ingenuity, as Martha agrees.

Much later, as the landscape changes abruptly, they descend out of the mountains and approach the Gulf of Mexico. The searing heat of the high plateau is dispelled as the barren countryside turns into an enchanting jungle. The smell of the ocean is in the air, as Madge sucks in a deep breath.

We love this part of Mexico, Jenny says. George and I have been this way a number of times over the years. Each time we visit Mexico, we enjoy it more than the last. Perhaps it's the company. Madge picks up a twinge of insincerity in Jenny’s voice and her patronizing tone. Madge has spent years dealing with snobs so she knows when she's being patronized. This, however, is the first time she’s sensed insincerity from Jenny. Have we made a mistake? But then, you can't hang people for being phony on occasion; it's not a crime.

As they weave along the twisting highway, Look, Madge, the views breathtaking. Can you picture Cortez in the fifteenth century looking at this and then encountering the half-naked natives in their strange costumes and body painting? It must have been unnerving the first time he saw them. Martha hesitates, But then the poor natives didn’t have a clue what was coming their way.

You seem to know quite a bit about history, Martha. George leans over to get a closer view of the shore. Did you study Mexican history?

I wanted to be a Paleontologist when I entered university. After I got married and had a family I went into teaching.

It takes most of the day to reach Merida because they stop to view numerous sights along the way, have lunch, and shop. George buys a city map so he can find his way around Merida. That night they book rooms in a cheap hotel on the outskirts of the city near the ocean. With the hotel almost fully booked, the Curtis' are offered the only room left with a double bed leaving the girls in a room with one single bed.

Upon reaching their room, they find it less than squeaky-clean. This place could use some housekeeping, as Madge checks for bugs. Cockroaches are acceptable, bedbugs, not so much. Look for anything sharing the room without sharing the rent.

The first bug I see, I'm out of here. Goodness sake, this is a dive.

Get real, Martha, its Mexico, Madge says casually.

I hate bugs, especially spiders.

Checking under the bed, Just dust, Madge offers.

Martha pulls back the blanket, At least the sheets are clean. Not the average tourists run I’d say but we'll get better accommodations when we reach El Castillo because it's a tourist site. As she plops on the bed, George said he wants us to drop him at his contact in the morning and pick him up and take them to the airport later.

Madge puts on her nighty and covers up with the top sheet. It's hot but I don’t know about opening the window. Never know what might fly in.

Martha opens the window. We're on the third floor. Nothing is coming through the window and we'll die if we don't get some cross ventilation. As she slides the window up halfway, she pulls the thin curtain back. This place gives me the creeps. Since this is the low rent district I'm bringing the suitcases up so nothings stolen.

We’re leaving early, why drag the suitcases up three flights of stairs.

Our car’s on the street and from the look of the locals our passports would be worth a lot of money on the black market. I’ll bring our overnight bags, a couple of changes of clothes, our passports, and the extra cash. When I pass through the lobby, I’ll pick up a map from the desk clerk so we can locate the address George is looking for and save time. I copied the address on the room receipt so I have it. Before leaving the lobby, Martha stops to ask the desk clerk the best way to get to 364 North Santa Itza. He takes her to a large map on the wall and shows her the exact location.

Are you sure you want to go there? he questions.

Why do you ask that?

That's the Indian reserve. It's very poor and it'd be risky for two women to go there alone. Do you speak Spanish?

The man we’re with speaks Spanish, so we'll be fine. Thanks for your help.

* * *

It's the morning street noises filtering through the half-open window that wakes Madge. As she sits up, Martha, it's past eight. What happened to our wakeup call? Madge reaches for the phone, Good morning, this is room 314. We were supposed to have an early wakeup call. What happened? Madge hangs up, One of the Curtis' must be sick because they cancelled the wake-up call. I'll see what's up.

With no answer at their door, Madge returns to the room and calls the desk again. Do you know where the Curtis' are? That’s room 316. There’s a pause, Thank you. Addressing Martha, I don't know what the hell's going on, Martha, but they split.

What!

That's right, they checked out around six. Madge looks around the room, Where are the car keys? Madge runs down to street level to check on the car. Upon returning, Martha is dressed. The car’s gone and they took our luggage with them. It's a good thing you brought our passports and money up or we'd be stranded.

Don’t jump to conclusions, Madge. Being a gentleman, maybe George didn't want to bother us by taking us into the reservation. They'll be back.

Martha, the keys are gone. I left them on the dresser when we came in last night. If he was going to spare us the trouble of going with them this morning, he’d have asked for the keys last night. How he got into our room while we were sleeping I’ll never know. Shaking her head in disbelief, Let’s hope they don’t rob a bank because our names are on the car rental and Mexican jails aren't known for their accommodations.

I can't imagine them stealing our clothes. Why would they do that? Martha questions.

They were using us. They didn't know you took our passports and money up to our room. When you told him you studied paleontology, he knew you’d recognize a descent find. Most people wouldn't know the difference. They got mileage out of us with the car and shared expenses. They’re seniors; they thought we'd be useful if the going got rough. Well, since I have the address all we need is a guide to translate. I'm not allowing them to stick it to us without a fight. Are you willing to get even?

Yes, but shouldn’t we give them the benefit of the doubt?

What doubt. I picked up on Jenny's insincerity yesterday. I'm used to phony’s Martha. It didn't show at first because she's talented. She was too sweet for my liking.

As