Trees Hold Up the Sky 5 William James Johnson

The furnishings in his house were original antiquities, crafted in Spain in centuries past, handed down from generation to generation. In the main foyer was one of his proudest possessions, an original painting by the great master Velasquez. The dishes used at dinner were designed and fired by Pablo Picasso. His luxurious lifestyle was obviously not solely dependent upon his salary as a writer and professor. Either Gonzalo had descended from a long line of old money, or he was getting a payoff from the obscenely profitable drug business. His furtive night time departure made Jess suspect he wasn't what he pretended to be.

Brunch was being served on the patio beside the pool as Jess came outside to join the others. There was laughter at the wrought iron table where Hank and Laura sat with their host. They all looked up as he approached.

"Good morning Doctor Martin," said Gonzalo. The wear and tear of his all night activities were not apparent. After leaving Obispo at the Museum, he had gone to his university office and spent the rest of the early morning hours selecting students to join Newton's party.

"Sleep well Jess?" asked Newton.

Gonzalo's mysterious departure was still on his mind. "Not particularly. I kept thinking about our unfortunate host having to work all night, while we were enjoying the comfort of his casa."

"How did you know I was working?" asked Gonzalo, smiling in an attempt to defuse the situation.

"I saw you leave in your Mercedes just before I went to bed."

"I was just telling Henry and Laura that I had to meet with our Secretary of the Interior to tell him about your problems with the zambos."

"At three in the morning...really professor."

Newton didn't like his mocking of their host. There was a cynicism about Jess Martin that made Hank wish now that he hadn't been so hasty in asking him to join his expedition.

"Do you mind Jess waiting until Gonzalo tells you his news."

Gonzalo was shrewd enough to disregard the prying of his guest.

"I explained to Mr. Obispo the urgency to get you to the cave before the rainy season. Fortunately he's a man who can make important decisions without requiring a committee. He's assured me he will get the approval of the Minister of Transport to provide your party with a flight to San Fernando. Instead of several days on the river, you will be at your base in about five hours flying time."

"That's fantastic professor. I hope you don't think I was being too pushy with my questions. I didn't mean to be." said Jess, apologetically, not noticing that Gonzalo neglected to explain why his meeting with the Secretary had to take place at such an early hour.

"Not at all. If we're going to succeed in this mission, we must have complete trust in each other."

"And the young students you spoke about," asked Laura. "Are you still going to have them join us?"

"My staff at the University is working on that now. If everything goes according to plan, you will all be in San Fernando in two days. So I would suggest you take your time and enjoy the sights of Bogota. Take one of my cars, or if you prefer, I will send my man Salvador to drive you wherever you wish and act as your guide."

"Thanks Gonzalo. You're most generous. I really don't think we should take up Salvador's time. I'm very familiar with Bogota, so we'll use the car, and I'll drive," said Newton.

"Whatever you wish. Now if you'll excuse me, I must get back to my office and see how the selections are coming." As he walked towards the archway near the garage, Jess still harboured doubts. Hank wasted no time expressing his disappointment in Jess' behaviour.

"I wish you wouldn't confront my friend like that."

"Well I was curious about where he had gone and what he might be doing, that would affect us. I meant no harm by it."

"What he does is his business."

"Not if it jeopardizes our mission. It just seemed fishy to me that he would take off in the middle of the night right after we had arrived. The two things had to be connected."

"I don't want you to think I'm taking sides Henry," said Laura, "But I can understand how Jess must have felt."

"Let's drop the matter. If either of you have any observations like this again, I'd appreciate it if you would clear them first with me. After all, we are guests in their country. The least we could do is be civil."

"You're right Hank. I'm sorry. My work back at the college the past few years has been in isolation. I've forgotten how the real world functions. You won't have to worry anymore. If I have a problem, you'll be the first to know about it."

"Me too Henry. We sure don't want to antagonize our hosts when so much is at stake."

Newton embraced his two associates and smiled. "I know we're going to be a good team. I'm sure of it. Now what would you like to do on this splendid spring morning?"

"I'd like to get a copy of Gonzalo's book 'Life Before the Chibchas', and see what he has to say about the legendary cave people," said Jess.

"I've got a copy you can read on our flight. It would be a waste to bury your nose in a book on such a glorious day, when we can go into the city and see the wonders of this historic capital," said Hank.

"You're right. Give me a few minutes to grab a jacket. Are you coming too Laura?"

"Wouldn't miss it."

There was a steady stream of traffic heading for the capital. Hank moved steadily from lane to lane avoiding delays caused by minor fender-benders. Surrounding this large plateau were snow covered peaks that chilled the air before it descended to the valley. On many slopes disappearing in the clouds were the low coffee bushes which provided one of the main sources of income for this third world country. Next to Brazil, Colombia is second in the production of coffee in the world.

In these times, cocaine was vying for top spot as the main export. Lost in the many mountain ranges simple natives tended their coca shrubs, chewing on the bitter leaves which helped them survive the rare atmosphere of the Andes. This illegal crop had become their chief source of income and the bane of the narcotic squads of most developed nations. Hank avoided discussing the possibility Gonzalo's great wealth might have come from this criminal activity which had made multi-millionaires out of many Colombians.

The population of Bogota had exploded in the last generation. Improved access to this centre of education and commerce had been a boon to this ancient capital. Surrounding the Plaza Bolivar were some of the most imposing examples of Spanish architecture in this hemisphere. The Cathedral of Bogota commanded the expansive square, linking the various levels of pavement with several ornate steps, and fountains. In the centre of the plaza was the monument to the Washington of south America, General Simon Bolivar.

"He was an outstanding man," said Newton. "If you haven't read it yet, I'd suggest you get a copy of Ybarra's book, 'Passionate Warrior'. This was a man from a wealthy family who could have taken it easy, but he chose instead to devote his life to gaining liberty for his fellowman."

"But wasn't he a dictator when he ruled here?" asked Laura.

"Yes he was. But he wasn't like the third world dictators we have known in our generations. Bolivar was no Batista. With all his power, he did not build up a private fortune for himself. Instead, he used his money to help the poor."

"So he was the one who vanquished the Spanish in Colombia?"

"Not just Colombia. Under his leadership, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Venezuela, and Bolivia all gained their independence. He was called El Libertador, 'The Liberator'. He ended the exploitation of the slaves, and gave them a sense of belonging. This is one of history's great men."

"So how did this hero end up?" asked Jess.

"As with all great men, the enemies he made in the struggle for freedom, accused him of plotting to make himself dictator over all the lands he had liberated. Devastated by tuberculosis he was too weak to continue the struggle. He retired from public life and died shortly after. He was only 47 years old."

"He did a tremendous amount in his short life," said Laura.

"That's for sure."

Colourful stalls of produce managed by Indians in their native costumes skirted the monument, giving spice to the drab grey of the ancient buildings.

"Can we get out and walk," asked Laura.

"Of course. Do whatever you like."

"Are you coming Jess?"

"You've probably done this tourist thing many times before Hank. Why don't you leave us and do whatever you have to and pick us up later?"

"Good. I want to check in with Gonzalo at the University. How about I pick you up at 4 P.M. outside the Antiquities Museum. You might enjoy spending some time there."

"Great. See you at four." In a very natural gesture, Laura grabbed him by the hand. Jess looked down, enjoying the warmth of her touch. "So what do you want to do first?"

"Just walk and talk. I don't know about you, but this place makes me feel like a tourist on her honeymoon."

"Honeymoon?"

"Don't let me scare you off. I'm just a romantic at heart."

"You can't scare me sweetie. If you want this to be a honeymoon, then let's make it a honeymoon."

"Really Jess?"

She stopped and looked him directly in the eyes.

"Really," he said.

Tilting her chin, he gave her a gentle, flirtatious kiss on the lips. She responded, pulling him closer to her.

"I dreamed it would be like this," she said.

"Like what?"

"The two of us, alone in a distant land, sharing each other."

"Hey! Wait a minute Laura. You're going too fast for an old crock like me," Frum's words echoing in his head. His rejection stunned her momentarily.

"I'm sorry Jess. This place. The bright sun. Everything. I got carried away. I'll back off. I can wait."

She let go of his hand and walked slowly towards one of the produce stalls.

"How much is the banana?"

The Indian woman indicated one peso and broke off the one Laura had selected.

"Want some?"

"Laura. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"Forget it. I know what you must be thinking."

"Okay. Tell me. What must I be thinking?"

"This is all so sudden. But believe me darling this has been going on for a long time, since I first began studying your books."

He felt his chest pounding as she spoke.

"Go on. I want to hear it all."

"Promise you won't laugh if I tell you a little secret."

He raised his right hand and smiled. "Promise. Cross my heart and hope to die."

"Remember that picture of you they put on the dust jacket of your book 'Voices from the Past'."

"The one in the army fatigues, with the ratty beard. How can I ever forget."

"I had a photographer copy that picture, and make me a life size enlargement. I've got it hanging in my bedroom."

"You what?"

"Remember. You promised not to laugh."

"I'm not laughing. I'm in a state of shock. Why would you ever do that?"

"Because, my good doctor, I've had a thing for you for a long time. You're a very sexy guy Jess. You have no idea how thrilled I was when you showed up at my apartment and asked me to come down here as your assistant."

Jess was flabbergasted by Laura's openness. He wondered if this was what Joe had tried to warn him about. "I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything now. Just give me a chance Jess. I won't rush you. I just wanted you to know that if I show affection for you, it's because it's real." Each new secret made him more vulnerable. She made him want to reveal his deepest feelings. There was something magical about this exchange. Maybe it was the high altitude, the rare mountain air. He felt compelled to do his part.

"I've got a few things I'd like to get off my chest too Laura."

"You don't have to Jess if you don't want to."

"No, no. I'll feel much better once I've said it."

They sat on the stone steps in front of the mammoth Cathedral.

"Laura, I think you're one of the most stunning women I've ever met. If this is a dream, don't wake me. I can hardly believe we're having this conversation. You could have any guy you wanted, and still you say it's me. My head feels like it's ten sizes larger since you told me how you feel. Any guy would sell his soul to have such a beautiful woman with your tremendous talent interested in him."

"Oh Jess!"

"Wait. I'm not through. I'm not saying I haven't had the occasional fling since I've been married. I have. But that's all it's been. Usually some little piece of fluff who wants a C grade raised to an A. I'm not proud of it, but I'll admit when it's right there in front of you, it's pretty hard to refuse."

"Please Jess. I don't want to hear anymore. It doesn't matter."

"Well it does to me. You see Laura, even though I've slipped once in awhile, I've never felt that I've betrayed Martha."

"What has this got to do with us?"

"I love Martha, and I want you to know it."

"And I love you Jess, and I want you to know it."

"But I don't want you to feel I'm misleading you Laura. What comes will come. But I'm making no promises."

"Wonderful. I can live with that."

"And you're not mad at me."

"How could I be mad at you. I love you."

He hugged her and kissed her in front of the huge church. A friar on his way up the steps smiled as he saw their affectionate embrace, convinced this must be one of those romantic American couples on their honeymoon. Jess returned his smile as he released Laura, and laughingly asked her a question.

"Then tell me one thing will you?"

"Sure. What's that."

"What you said about that large picture of me in your bedroom, is that true?"

"It sure is."

"Well what did your husband say about it?"

"My husband...that's a laugh. He liked it more than me."

"I don't understand."

"He likes men more than women, or didn't you know."

"Just rumors. I wasn't sure."

"Oh yes. He's a real winner. Came by to wish me luck the night before I left. He thinks there's still something there, but I can assure you it's not love."

Jess let out a long sigh of relief.

"What's that for?" asked Laura.
"I've wanted to be with you for so long, and I had no idea what I would do if I ever got the chance. All this confessing sure is exhausting."

"The good stuff is still to come."