The Scorpio Caper

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

The Scorpio Caper Copyright © 2005 Bret Mallory ISBN: 1-55410-558-7 Cover art and design by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books, a division of Zumaya Publications, 2005 Look for us online at: www.zumayapublications.com www.Extasybooks.com

Bret Mallory

A

s the credits roll down a black screen after the end of a movie, a person with the strange title, ‘Key Grip’ appears. What such a person did in the development of that movie is a total mystery. The rest of the credits are self-explanatory. After all, director means to direct, producer means to produce, actor means to act, cameraman means point the camera, but the term ‘key grip’ means absolutely nothing to those outside of the movie industry. Gary Anderson was just such a person and he knew exactly what a key grip did, especially for this shoot on an isolated beach in the Grand Cayman Islands. Of course, with a small independent production company like Scorpio Productions, he also worked as gaffer, grip, best boy and gofer; other obscure titles, all of which meant he had to do the grunt work. Gary, with the help of two local boys, had been working since dawn, setting up all the movie gear. He removed the last of the equipment from the rental truck as sweat drenched his shirt, dripped into his eyes, glistened on his arms and legs and made his shorts cling to his butt. He checked the lighting, the camera set-ups, the wireless mikes, the boom camera, the power output of the remote generator; even the cooler full of ice merited his close inspection because of its precious cargo of Gatorade and beer. He doggedly finished his work, knowing this would be the last set up for this piece-of-crap movie. Most of the time, Gary Anderson loved his job. He took great pride in his meticulous attention to detail, 1

The Scorpio Caper and that made the director’s job so much easier. He knew each set-up would be on time, would be complete and that no lost time or money would ever be attributable to lack of effort by the Key Grip. For Scorpio Productions, every dollar counted and every dollar saved, helped keep the company solvent. Soon the eager actors would arrive, anxious to get a crack at any part of the movie industry, no matter how far removed it happened to be from the big studios at Warner, Universal or Paramount out in Hollywood. Even a small production about a treasure hunt along with a curious murder, attracted actors like a gold strike draws miners. For the actors, this could be the mother lode and the payoff could be great. Freddie Bonner, the President, CEO, CFO, Director, Producer and principal stockholder of Scorpio Productions, had spent three days auditioning actors for the two major parts. It turned out to be a waste of time. The money guy, Derrick Jamison, had already decided that his latest squeeze, the fabulously voluptuous Tammy, would play the lead role. Money talks, tits and ass talk, talent walks. It really didn’t matter to Freddie. He was just going through the motions for this sordid tale, a fantasy dreamed up by Derrick Jamison. Freddie already had the funding and commitment to film a documentary in the heart of Mexico about the Maya culture and what was left of their descendents. Now that was real stuff. It was the type of documentary he could develop; it was the kind of documentary that would garner Freddie more awards, maybe even Academy 2

Bret Mallory Awards. “Great job, Gary,” said Freddie. “Thanks,” said the hard-working key grip, toweling off the sweat. “At least it’s the last one.” Freddie certainly didn’t look like a movie producer. He dressed in cargo shorts, sandals, and an island shirt covered with colorful parrots, topped off with a floppy straw hat he had purchased in the local market. His boyish good looks, blond hair and tanned, fit body made people think of a California surfer more than the boy wonder of documentary films. “With luck, we can get this fucker in the can in about three hours. That should give us plenty of time to get pleasantly shit-faced at the wrap party.” “I can identify with that,” laughed Gary. “We’ll use the steady-cam for most of the shots. I think we can use the boom for some dramatic panning and overhead shots,” explained Freddie. “That dip-shit Jamison wrote this scene just like that beach scene in ‘ From Here to Eternity’. He just loved that part where Burt Lancaster is trying to fuck Debra Kerr and a big wave crashes over them. He asked me, ‘How about a lot of sea weed and sand washing up Tammy’s snatch?’ Holy shit, what a turd head.” Freddie shook his head in amazement. Freddie took on this movie because he had to keep his company solvent while he put together the financing for the Maya documentary. Also, the alimony demands of two ex-wives kept him constantly in need of a steady cash flow. Why in the world he got married the second time was a mystery 3

The Scorpio Caper he had tried to solve several times. Freddie had an eager pool of young pussy ready to do anything to get into one of his movies, and he could get a date anytime he wanted with the beautiful women who populated the fringes of the movie industry. He vowed never to go down that married rut again. Jamison arrived in his limo with the amazing Tammy. He looked like a movie director right out of the Thirties with Jodhpur pants, long shiny boots, a white, wide-brimmed velvet hat, all punctuated with his long ivory cigarette holder He rushed up to Freddie with the jiggling Tammy in tow. “Great day for a wrap!” said Jamison enthusiastically. “Show Freddie your swimming suit, darling.” Tammy willingly unzipped a sheath dress and dropped it into the sand, revealing the tiniest bikini Freddie had ever seen, and he had seen plenty. The thong bottom was little more than a g-string and the top struggled to keep even her nipples covered. “These puppies are real, no silicone here,” said Jamison proudly, squeezing one of her amazing breasts. Freddie had heard that compliment about twenty times since the production started, but he couldn’t help but be impressed by the golden orbs. Just then Bart Striker bounced up with his usual enthusiasm. The male lead had covered his impressive body with a tiny, brief swimming suit, which dramatically showed a large bulge that could have been a sock or a potato or a turnip, but was undoubtedly his well-documented penis. “Love your bikini, Tammy,” he said, as the bulge seemed to grow. 4

Bret Mallory “Thanks, Bart,” she said, batting her big blues like twin blinking searchlights. “Let’s get this barn burner going,” said Freddie. “Here’s the way I want it shot. Bart and Tammy will walk down to the edge of the surf, then turn and face each other. The steady-cam operator will follow them while the boom camera shoots from above.” “I don’t have no dialogue,” pouted Tammy. “We get all of your meaning through body language,” explained Freddie. “We want to see the yearning and lust you have for Bart by the way you move.” “Oh,” said Tammy. “I know how to use my body. I can do that.” “I’m sure you can, my dear,” agreed Freddie. “We won’t do a walk through. Bart, when the two of you get to the edge of the surf, you take hold of Tammy’ s hand and turn her toward you. Tammy, you press against him, breasts and crotch, while you plant a big juicy kiss full on his lips. Then you both sink down, still lip-locked, to the sand. Bart, you roll her over on top of you. Tammy, you spread your legs slightly and wiggle your sweet ass eagerly while you press against his crotch. I want to see some steam rising off of your hot bodies.” Freddie looked around. He had everyone’s attention. “Ok, then, let’s see some.” He paused, then shouted, “Action!” Bart and Tammy walked slowly down the sandy beach toward the surf. The steady-cam man followed along, making sure he got close-ups of Tammy’s incredibly pneumatic ass and her bouncing tits. The 5

The Scorpio Caper lovers stopped right at the edge of the surf, turned and started an open-mouthed kiss with lots of tongue and lip licking. Tammy humped against Bart’s bulge like a horny dog on a stuffed chair. They slowly slipped down to the sand, generating so much heat that Freddie was afraid they might start fucking right there and ruin his shot. Bart rolled Tammy over on top of him. She sat up, straddling his crotch and tore off the bikini top. The steady-cam man zoomed in on her naughty nipples as they bulged like two ripe cherries. “Nice touch,” whispered Freddie to Gary. Bart pulled Tammy down against him, eager to feel those great breasts against his manly chest. As if on cue, a small wave washed over their legs, then receded. Tammy worked herself into a frenzy, graphically demonstrating she could method-act without any Stanislofsky training, or maybe it was her early work in porno films. Bart squeezed her bulbous butt cheeks and seemed to be having a grand, hot time. Everyone was so focused on the action nobody saw the huge wave approaching the beach. The wave smashed into the interlocked couple, knocking them apart, sprawling them out on their backs covered with sand and bits of seaweed. Bart’s amazing penis, now fully erect, sprang out of the confines of the tight briefs like a one-headed hydra, leaving no doubt that the bulge had not been caused by any sock or potato. “Cut!” yelled Freddie. “We’re not making a fuck flick here!” he shouted in exasperation. “Stuff that thing back in and let’s try it again.” 6

Bret Mallory After the third take, it became obvious that Bart just couldn’t keep from getting an erection. “Let me take him into the limo and I’ll give him some head to relieve that swelling,” suggested Tammy. Freddie looked at Jamison. “What the hell,” Jamison said. “This is costing me money, and I know it will work.” So, thanks to Tammy’s talented mouth, Freddie finally got what he wanted from the scene and called it a wrap. **** By the time Freddie showered, dressed in white slacks, pulled on another colorful shirt, and arrived at the party, people in a festive mood already jumped to the beat of a steel band while the libations poured at two bars kept the conversation going at a high noise level. Jamison, with Tammy on his arm, spotted Freddie at one of the bars. “Great work today,” he said effusively. “I put together a deal for distribution in Europe and Blockbuster signed on for the DVDs. It looks like we’ll make some money on this film after all” “I’m glad to hear that, since we have twenty percent of the gross,” said Freddie. “How soon will the post-production work be finished?” asked Jamison. “Well, as you know, we filmed everything on digital tape, so the editing, sound mixing and all that stuff are much easier than with traditional film. We should have a director’s cut for you to see in about 7

The Scorpio Caper two weeks.” “I’ll trust your judgment on the final cut. How do we get theater prints?” “We take the final digital master to Consolidated Film Industries in Hollywood and they can make us film prints in any format you want; 35mm, 70mm or even Cinemascope,” explained Freddie. “Modern technology is sure great. That saves us a bundle. I’ll let you know how many prints and the format.” He gave Tammy a squeeze. “Now let’s party!” “Do you know that exotically beautiful woman over there in the white dress?” asked Freddie. “That amazing woman is Dr. Monique Lafrenier,” said Jamison. “Not only is she one of the most beautiful women in the world, she also speaks six languages, is an anthropologist, author, lecturer and, to top it all off, she is very nice person.” “Could you arrange an introduction?” asked Freddie hopefully. “I don’t know if you want to get involved with her,” said Jamison. “Her father is French and her mother is Chinese. All she’ll want to do is suck off your laundry.” He burst into laughter. “Why would she want to suck off his laundry?” asked Tammy. “It’s a joke, my lovely,” explained Jamison. “See the French invented oral sex and the Chinese own all the laundries in the world.” “I still don’t get it,” said Tammy. “But speaking of sucking, you wouldn’t believe what happened in the limo this morning. I started to go down on that Bart 8

Bret Mallory guy and only got in about three sucks before he blasted a big load right in my mouth.” “I don’t think Freddie needs all the details,” said Jamison uncomfortably. “Bart told me he had such a short fuse because he never has sex while he’s working on a film. He said all that testosterone radiates from him and makes him more appealing to the ladies,” said Tammy. “Go get us a couple of drinks while I introduce Freddie to Monique,” said Jamison, pushing her toward the bar. “Quite a character,” said Freddie “Christ, I couldn’t stand being around her if she didn’t have some amazing talents, and I’m not talking about acting. Come on; let’s go meet the fabulous Monique. She’s staying at this hotel, by the way.” “You are the movie producer?” Monique asked, after the introductions. Her voice, low and modulated, had a slight French and British accent. “Guilty,” said Freddie. “I watched you film that scene in old town last week. Very interesting.” “Film making is a lot of standing around while waiting for set-ups. But it does have its rewards,” said Freddie, turning on the boyish charm. “I understand you are an anthropologist.” “Yes. Presently I’m cataloging a series of Maya artifacts in Merida, Mexico.” “Amazing!” exclaimed Freddie. “I’ll be going to Merida in a couple of weeks to film a documentary about the Maya and their descendents.” “What a coincidence,” she said. “Maybe we can 9

The Scorpio Caper exchange notes in Merida. I’ll give you the number of my office there at the museum.” “That would be great,” said Freddie. “If you’re not busy tonight I’d like to invite you to dinner so we can discuss the Maya thing. I’m not an expert and I need all the help I can get.” “Dinner would be nice,” she said, giving Freddie the full power of her exotic eyes. “How about the Calypso Bar and Grill? It’s just a couple of blocks from here and I hear they have wonderful seafood.” “I’ll call your room at nine and we can meet in the lobby,” said Freddie, not quite believing he had a date with this incredible woman. And a Maya expert. Boy, would he love to work with her. “I’ll be expecting your call,” she said. “I must go now to a meeting.” She shook hands and left. The two men watched her lovely backside as she walked majestically away. “You sly dog, you!” exclaimed Jamison. “You really made a hit with her. I’ve never heard of her dating anyone.” **** By nine-fifteen, Freddie and Monique joined a raucous crowd at the Calypso. Their cozy table, in one corner of the deck, afforded a great view of the ocean and Morgan’ s harbor. A half moon floated just above the horizon, throwing out a shimmering ribbon of light that seemed to flow right into the restaurant. “Cheers,” said Monique, holding up her champagne. 10

Bret Mallory “Cheers,” said Freddie, staring at her lovely face. Her Chinese heritage showed in her almond-shaped eyes and high cheekbones. The combination produced a compelling, classical beauty that fascinated the movie producer. “How did you get into anthropology?” he asked. “I became fascinated with ancient cultures when I was six. My father is French and a museum curator in Paris. My mother is Chinese and she took me to China several times doing cultural work for the embassy in Hong Kong. So I guess I just kind of gravitated to Anthropology.” Monique paused and took a sip of wine. “After my graduate work at Oxford, I spent two years in the Yucatan studying the Maya culture. My specialty is the Post-Classic Period.” “I think it is the most incredible coincidence that I met you here in Grand Cayman,” he said earnestly. “I mean, we seem to be on the same trajectory. I hope we can spend some time together in Merida.” He paused and studied the lovely lady. “What I’d really like to do is hire you as technical consultant for the film.” “That might be possible. Film fascinates me and it would look good on my resume to work on a prestigious film.” “Then you’ll do it?” he asked hopefully. “I’ll have to re-arrange my schedule, but yes, I think I would like that. Where do you plan to film?” “We’re going to scout out Uxmal. Eventually we plan to see Kabah, Chichen Itza, Tolum, and then explore the strange coincidence in the temple designs of Tula and Chichen Itza.” 11

The Scorpio Caper “Those are all Post-Classic sites and I know them well. Have you heard of the Feathered Serpent Cult?” she asked. A slight frown of fear flashed across her face. “Yes. And we plan to dig into that.” “Make sure you meet with me before you do anything in that area,” she said ominously. “One other warning. Do not go down into Chiapas. The rebels there are very dangerous, especially to foreigners.” “You have already earned your fee for that information,” he said. “But enough shop talk. Let’s order dinner.” “I’ve been told the food here is excellent and has a strong Jamaican flavor, especially the seafood,” Monique said. “While they cook the fish, tell me about yourself.” “I have a mixed heritage, just like you. My mother is Spanish and my father is British. My hot Latin blood is always fighting with the British coolness. A real taffy pull.” Monique laughed. “A taffy pull? I never heard it explained like that before. I guess I pull some taffy myself.” After a delicious meal of Bonita in fresh pineapple and mangos, topped off with a very fine brandy, the couple walked slowly back to the hotel. The tropical night air caressed their skin while the smell of orange blossoms wafted erotically around them. “I have some Courvoisier in my room if you would care to come up for a night cap,” said Monique, squeezing his hand. 12

Bret Mallory “I would like that very much,” Freddie replied. In the room, Monique poured the brandy and held up her glass. “Let’s toast to the movie,” she said. “And to my new technical director,” added Freddie. Monique sipped the brandy, staring at Freddie over the rim of the glass. “Tonight is my first date in three years,” she said. “How is that possible?” asked Freddie incredulously. “I mean, you are so beautiful and so intelligent, I would think men would be all over you.” Monique hesitated while she considered how much she should tell this new man in her life. “I went through a very messy breakup with a man and I just couldn’t let myself get involved romantically.” She put her hand on Freddie’ s arm, in an intimate touch. “Thank you for inviting me out tonight. I feel very comfortable with you.” Freddie leaned in and kissed her lightly on the lips. Monique, eyes wide open, hesitated, then returned the kiss with building passion. She broke the kiss, flushed and breathless. “This feels so right, and so good,” she said as she hugged him tightly to her slim body. A very natural choreography of touching, caressing and kissing slowly led to both of them lying naked on her bed, locked in a passionate embrace She tentatively slid her hand down to his hard cock while she kissed Freddie with a hunger that surprised and excited the two new lovers. She suddenly sat up and looked down at his hardon. “You have a beautiful cock,” she said reverently. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” he said 13

The Scorpio Caper lamely. “Or in the mouth of the beholder,” she said boldly as she slipped his cock between her delightful lips. She very slowly slid her mouth down his cock while she twirled around the head like a blender with tongue paddles. She kept taking it deeper and deeper while she kicked the blender into overdrive. Monique gently cupped his balls in her delicate hand as if they were made of precious jade. She slid her mouth off and kissed him again. “Do you think I am a brazen hussy?” she asked, coquettishly, her lovely face flushed with excitement. “I think you are the most delightful woman I have ever met,” replied Freddie. “And besides, I love brazen hussies. Brazen me some more.” Monique laughed delightedly, as if she suddenly had been released from some terrifying dream. “Is this brazen enough?” she asked as she slowly slid her lips up and down on the shaft of his cock. He pulled her back up and kissed her tingling lips “I have an overpowering urge to eat your pussy,” said Freddie, breathing heavily. “My psychiatrist friend tells me not to suppress strong urges,” she said, licking his lips. “It’s not good for your health.” Freddie crawled between her perfect legs and spread her labia with his hand. Her pussy wasn’t shaved, but it had very few pubic hairs. He licked lightly up and down the swollen labia then zeroed in on her clit. Monique moaned loudly and raised her hips. Freddie wanted to swallow her, wanted to taste her essence, wanted to devour her. He swirled his 14

Bret Mallory tongue on the magic spot, as she twitched and jerked. Suddenly she grabbed his head, pulling him down tight while she rode him like a hobbyhorse. “Ohhhhhhhhh! Mon dieu!” she screamed, as her body shook like a wet dog. Freddie rode out the storm until she collapsed limply on the bed. He crawled up beside her, planning to wrap that twitching pussy around his cock. “Not that,” she said. “I don’t want you to think I fuck on the first date.” Freddie burst out laughing. “Are you going to send me out in this condition?” he asked, pointing down at his aching cock. “I can fix that,” said Monique, diving down and plunging her mouth to the hilt. She started the most amazing series of sucks, licks and caresses that Freddie had ever experienced in his life. Within thirty seconds she brought him to a roaring orgasm. She sucked each spurt with increasing ferocity until Freddie couldn’t take it any more. Just then she started the screaming again, lifting her contorted face to stare at him as another amazing orgasm rattled her bones. Freddie and Monique slowly recovered from the intense sex. “Well,” said Freddie, “Jamison was half right. He said because of your heritage you would want to suck off my laundry.” She looked at him quizzically, then burst into laughter. “You can have someone else handle your laundry,” she said. “With you, my French genes have total control.” “Vive la France!” Freddie exclaimed. 15

The Scorpio Caper

**** Back in his Santa Monica beach cottage, Freddie numbly worked on the story board for the Maya documentary. He just couldn’t get Monique out of his mind. They had met the morning after their sexcapade for breakfast, exchanged cards and he promised to send a sample contract to her Merida office within a week. She had shyly told him that the previous night was a complete aberration for her, that she had not indulged in any kind of sex for over three years, ever since she had broken off the very messy relationship. They passionately kissed goodbye and promised phone calls and emails. Freddie had purchased his beach cottage for four hundred thousand dollars with the profits of a very successful documentary about surfing. In the ensuing fifteen years, he had managed to hold on to the delightful cottage, even through two divorces, but he had to give up a lot of cash and alimony to keep it. Because of the explosion of beach property values, the cottage now had an appraised value of $10.5 million. Freddie also finished editing the Jamison film, added sound and music, titles and all the other details. He had CFI run off the prints requested by Jamison, sent them off and received a sizeable check for his efforts. Then he had to complete the logistics to go down to the Yucatan to settle on locations, find suitable descendents of the Maya and finish working out the shooting sequences. He had secured the financing by presenting a 16

Bret Mallory graphic oral outline of what he had in mind. Now he had to get specific, plus work out all the logistics for the shoot. Gary, his key grip, and Dennis, his creative consultant, would be of immense help and he planned to take them with him on the exploratory trip. Freddie knew that the limited resources for the documentary had to be conserved for the actual filming in Mexico. The budget only provided a few thousand dollars for the exploratory trip, so Freddie called his crazy and rich friend, Dickey Brimley, who just happened to own a Gulfstream IV business jet. Dickey was also the most up-tight, compulsive asshole in all of California, and that was saying a lot. “Dickey,” he said with great camaraderie. “How would you like to take a trip to sunny Mexico?” “Freddie!” exclaimed Dickey. “Does the trip include sexy starlets eager to bounce up and down on my ho-ha?” Dickey couldn’t get laid in a whorehouse with a platinum American Express card and pockets full of hundred dollar bills, so he always hoped to get Freddie to share some of the starlets who hung around the movie business. “There could be some interesting possibilities in that area,” said Freddie craftily. “Count me in!” shouted Dickey. “I suppose we take my G-IV and I pay for all the fuel?” “Well, there might be some expense money, but the plentiful pussy should make up for all of that.” “Who will fly while I get a hummer?” asked Dickey. “I’m going to have to bring my co-pilot and insane Italian friend, Francesco Troponelli, who not 17

The Scorpio Caper only can fly my aircraft but the guy is an incredible babe magnet, maybe even better than you.” “Include him in the group of merry pranksters,” said Freddie. “I love diversity.” “When do we leave?” asked Dickey. “Don’t you want to know where we’re going so you can plan the trip?” “God, yes!” exclaimed Dickey. “I have to get sectionals, learn all about Mexican flight rules, and study all the approaches and departures for the airports along the way.” Freddie suddenly felt a tinge of anxiety for inviting the anal retentive, super compulsive, up-tight man. “Our first destination is Merida, Mexico. We’ll play it by ear after that. What ever you have to do to get us there is fine. We’ll leave next Tuesday, if that’s all right with you.” “Great!” said Dickey. “Everything will be ready. Bring all your shit and your people to the Burbank airport by five a.m.. We’ll blast off by six.” “Six?” exclaimed Freddie. “Why so fucking early?” “I like to be up in the wild blue yonder while the day is still a puppy,” replied Dickey. “See you then.” A dark feeling of foreboding and impending doom swept over Freddie like rancid swamp water. Freddie alerted Gary and Dennis about the time of departure and the plan. They would explore the ruins at Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Tolum, Kabah, and Mayapan. They would also spend some time in the small villages close to the ruins to see what kind of lives those indigenous peoples experience today. He explained that he had hired Dr. Monique Lafrenier to 18

Bret Mallory serve as technical consultant and that they could expect valuable input for the project from that talented lady. Dennis lived for that kind of intercultural experience. “I want to study the Maya art, see how it compares and how it’s evolved since the glory days of the Empire,” he said enthusiastically. “Maybe we can even find some old guys who still make pots in the ancient way.” He ran his fingers though his long hair. “Yes! The possibilities are endless. The great brown, round faces that still look like the images on the stelae around the temples, the children, women and old people. It will be a veritable visual feast, all captured on film!” That’s what Freddie loved about Dennis. The artistic director approached every assignment with unbridled enthusiasm, open to every possibility, eager to experience all facets and nuances of whatever came his way. His artist’s perceptibility represented an open slate or a strip of blank film, ready to record whatever truth radiated out of the moment. Freddie was sure that Dennis could add an extra ingredient to the documentary that would guarantee success. Dennis and Freddie had been good friends for ten years. They first met when Freddie joined a pottery class taught by Dennis at Santa Monica College. Freddie thought he should study the techniques of pottery, including throwing a pot on the potter’s wheel, as well as decorating, glazing and the all important firing in a kiln. At the time, Freddie was researching a film project about Mesopotamia, with the obvious implications of that culture’s pottery on 19

The Scorpio Caper the ancient world. The class consisted of twelve cute little college girls and Freddie. The first day of class, Dennis, dressed in his regular attire of faded blue jeans, cowboy boots and a gaudy shirt, came in from the back room of the pottery lab, brushed back his long hair and then stared intently at the class. “We are all here for one purpose,” he said in his deep, gravely voice, the obvious result from smoking too much pot. “We are here to participate in a quest for ‘Truth and Beauty’.” The way he said that phrase made the words leap out like the credits on a Cecil B. biblical film. Freddie looked around at the young girls. Every single one was completed fixated by the commanding figure of Dennis and his compelling voice Freddie was fascinated by the effect on the young women. I’ve got to get this guy in a movie, thought Freddie. “Yes!” said Dennis portentously. “We will embark on an odyssey to search for the intrinsic truth in the creation of art and the beauty in all of our efforts.” Freddie just about burst out laughing at that bunch of bullshit, but then he noticed the powerful effect this artist and his words had on the girls in the class. He could tell by the looks on their faces that every girl in that class would have sex with Dennis right there, right now, on his desk or even on the pottery wheel. “I won’t give you specific assignments,” he continued. “Each of you bought a five-pound bag of clay and you will form some object out of part of that clay. It can be decorative, utilitarian or even a pile of dog crap, but it will be your own creation. You will be 20

Bret Mallory completely free to experiment, to go down any path you choose, without worrying about what I think or expect. Once you have set your mind free for the creative act, only then will we get into the techniques of pottery making.” Dennis paused dramatically. “Tomorrow we begin the quest,” he said, indicating that the class was over. He walked up to Freddie’s desk as the girls got up, confused by the sudden ending of the class. “What the fuck are you doing in this class?” he asked in sotto voce, accompanied by a sly smile. “Are you trying to poach on my pussy pool?” Freddie immediately liked this crazy artist. “I have my own pussy pool,” he replied. “I’m an independent film producer and my pussy pool makes this one look like a group of pathetic high school rejects.” Dennis threw back his head and burst into laughter. “How in the hell do I get into that racket?” he asked. **** From that day on, Freddie and Dennis became fast friends. Freddie asked the artist to be a consultant on one of his films and was so pleased with the way Dennis created visual images he hired him as full time artistic coordinator. The two creative and fun loving buddies traveled the world, putting together distinctive films that even made money. Between pictures, when the funds got scarce, Freddie could always come up with a new project and sell it to the money people. 21

The Scorpio Caper Freddie called a meeting to explain the logistics of the trip and what they hoped to accomplish. As usual, the meeting took place in a nice restaurant at a pleasant location. The Yacht Club at Newport Beach qualified as just such a happy meeting place. Besides Freddie’ s usual crew of Dennis and Gary, he had invited Dickey and four lovely swimsuit models who would act as background fluff and keep Dickey inspired about furnishing his luxurious jet for the trip. Dickey breezed into the restaurant with a tall, good looking man who sported a shock of black curly hair that matched his outfit of black silk shirt, black skin tight pants and black boots. Francesco Troponelli was certainly an impressive Italian The hostess brought them out to the patio overlooking zillions of dollars worth of yachts, most of which never left the moorage. Freddie’ s party was already seated and drinking large glasses filled with potent concoctions. Dickey spied the curvaceous ladies and beamed like a kid at Christmas. “This is my friend, Tropo,” he said effusively. “This insane Italian stallion will fly my magic carpet while I entertain the ladies.” Freddie introduced everyone, explaining that Beth, Margo, Bonnie and Suzie would be going to Cancun for a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition shoot. “We can go to Cancun first and then back to Merida,” said Dickey happily. “The girls have to leave tomorrow with the SI crew,” said Freddie. “But why can’t they go with us?” asked Dickey petulantly. 22

Bret Mallory Margo, a beautiful blond with unreal green eyes, looked at Dickey. “Freddie explained that you will be busy for a week and so will we. That way we can party in Cancun when we’re finished with the work.” “You pretty girls would have a lot more fun flying with us,” said Dickey, pushing a chair between Margo and Monica. He sat down, put an arm around each girl and leered from one cleavage to the next. The ladies shrank back from the smarmy little man, not at all pleased with such blatantly crude behavior. “Behave yourself, Dickey,” said Freddie. “We’re here to discuss our trip and the project. Dennis, tell us what you have planned.” “We’ll fly directly to Merida. The route will take us over Uxmal which has the most unique pyramid in the Maya world. I would like to fly over it very low, in a tight circle, maybe in the late afternoon with the sun gleaming on the rounded sides of the pyramid. We’ll film it in super-slow motion so it will look like we’re circling the ruins in a balloon.” “Brilliant,” said Freddie. “Is that possible with your plane, Dickey?” “I can crank that puppy around like a fighter,” said Dickey. “We’ll pull so many g’s you’ll shit your pants.” “Can’t we have an intellectual discussion without scatological references?” asked Dennis disgustedly, already disliking this odious man. “Please continue, Dennis,” said Freddie. “We use Merida as our home base. We’ll rent a van and a guide to take us to Uxmal for a day of filming. The road to Uxmal passes through several small 23

The Scorpio Caper villages where the people still speak the Maya language. We can see if we can find one for our present-day Maya culture.” Dennis and Freddie continued to go over the itinerary during lunch. Dickey paid no attention to the plans; he only had eyes for the models. Tropo added insightful comments, charming everyone at the table, especially the girls, with his wit and brilliant smile. Freddie paid the impressive bill. “We’ll meet at the Burbank airport at five AM on Tuesday,” said Freddie. “I’ll have the plane ready to go,” said Dickey. “Girls, can Tropo and I take you someplace?” “Margo drove and we’re riding with her,” said Bonnie, throwing a bag of ice over Dickey’s hyperactive libido. **** On Tuesday, the Burbank airport was blanketed in a thick layer of fog. “No problem,” said Dickey. “We’ll file an IFR flight plan and punch right up through this shit. Once we’re on top we don’ t have any problems because all of the airports along the way are clear. Are you sure we can’t get those models over here. It would sure make the flight more fun.” “Just drive the fucking airplane,” said Freddie. “We’ll see them in Cancun. Let’s tend to business and the fun will happen.” Little did any of them realize that the trip would include a lot more than fun and games. None of them had any inkling of what strange and terrifying things would happen before this trip 24

Bret Mallory was over. The Gulfstream IV is an impressive corporate jet. Not as luxurious as the G-V or the Boeing 737 business jet, but still a spacious, fast, long range aircraft. Dickey had purchased his G-IV from a Saudi Prince who had fallen out of favor with the royal family and needed some quick cash. The Prince had spared no expense furnishing the cabin, with the final result resembling a cross between a Persian brothel and a plush Bedouin tent. Dickey didn’t change a thing because one of his few friends had told him it looked like an Arabian Nights whorehouse and that was good enough for Dickey. Dickey taxied the sleek aircraft out to the run-up area and called the tower. Because no planes could land, he was immediately cleared for take-off. Dickey pushed the throttles forward as he rolled out onto the centerline of the runway and they rocketed up into the white all-enveloping fog. Troponelli unfolded a giant sectional map that obliterated the entire pilot’s view. It didn’t matter because they were flying on instruments anyway, but the thought of the pilot not being able to see anything caused more than a little discomfort among the passengers in back. Tropo turned and smiled broadly at Freddie, Gary and Dennis. “We may be lost, but we’re making damn good time.” Suddenly the aircraft blasted through the last of the fog into a brilliant blue sky. “On top, and loving it,” shouted Dickey as he waggled the wings. Freddie unbuckled his seat belt and gathered his crew around the conference table. “Let’s discuss the 25

The Scorpio Caper various philosophical and artistic levels that we might be able to squeeze out of this production,” he said. “Let me run this by you guys,” said Dennis. “I’ve been researching the Post-classic era of the Maya civilization, starting in the Eleventh Century. Here’ s one thing I think we can put into the film that will generate a lot of interest.” He ran his long fingers through his unruly hair. “One ceremonial city, Chichen Itza, in semi-tropical Yucatan, and another, Tula, over a thousand kilometers to the arid north, both seem to have been built from the same blueprint.” “Do we make that a major mystery and then solve it?” asked Freddie. “That could be the hook. What’s so fascinating, and could be so visually compelling, is that, even though the architecture of both sites is almost identical, there is almost no resemblance between the domestic remains, such as pottery. This indicates that the two populations were culturally distinct.” “Wow!” exclaimed Freddie. “That’s it! We film not only the ruins, but also the remains of the two cultures and their artifacts. We can weave a major mystery of lost cultures.” “And the visual aspects of all that stuff are mind boggling.” Dennis stood up as Dickey leveled off the aircraft at cruising altitude. “There is one more intriguing possibility. Were those great cities part of shared ideology that revolved around the Feathered Serpent cult? And, if that’s the case, why do so many scholars break into a sweat and want to duel it out on one side or the other of that question?” 26

Bret Mallory After the fueling and customs check stop, the merry pranksters bored on to the southeast, arriving in the late afternoon above the Yucatan Peninsula. Dickey, using the GPS navigational system, had been steadily descending from cruising altitude and arrived dead-on at the ruins of Uxmal. That part of the Yucatan is as flat as an aircraft carrier, with jungle trees and fauna creating a fuzzy covering. In the distance, the impressive Pyramid of the Musician thrust out of those flatlands like a knobby rock pile. As they got closer, the rock pile turned into a wonderful pyramid of unusual shape. The afternoon sun glistened on the symmetrical structure, contrasting sharply with the vivid green of the jungle. Dickey clicked on the intercom. “Grab hold of your asses, gentlemen, we are strafing the target.” He peeled over in a sixty-degree bank and dove down to about two hundred feet above the jungle canopy. Dennis and Freddie took out the digital cameras and pressed up against the windows. Dickey aimed straight at the pyramid, and then cranked the aircraft into a steep bank, pirouetting around the gleaming structure like an ice queen spinning around a sturdy partner. The cameras started recording the zeros and ones that make up all of the magic of digital imaging. The two cameramen could see, through the viewfinders, that they were capturing some really good stuff. **** When they arrived at the hotel in Merida, Freddie 27

The Scorpio Caper excitedly called Monique’s cell number. She answered on the first ring. “Oh, darling, you’re in Merida!” she exclaimed breathlessly. “I’m in Campeche. They had an emergency here at the ruins of Edzna. But I’ll be back tomorrow night. Just behave yourself.” She rang off, leaving a disappointed Freddie staring at the dead phone. The fearsome fivesome sat by the pool drinking tequila shooters. “Great flight,” said Freddie. “Dickey you were awesome on that run by the pyramid.” “Thanks,” said Dickey. “But when do we get to the pussy?” “We’ll have dinner in the show room of this hotel,” replied Freddie. “The concierge told me that they have a great show with Maya dances and music, plus, as an added bonus, all of the flight crews stay here including those foxy Aero México and Mexicana stews.” Dickey perked up on that information. “I’m going to shower and put on my disco attire,” he said, not realizing that disco had died almost as long ago as the Maya culture. Freddie had reserved a table right next to the floorshow, which happened to be adjacent to a large table with six very good-looking ladies. He had tipped the hostess fifty dollars to secure such a wonderful table. Dickey surveyed the possibilities of the location and thought he had arrived in paradise. “What a pussy paradise,” he said, waving to the girls. The evening progressed with a great dinner of steak and lobster, Campeche style, along with fine 28

Bret Mallory Mexican wines and a flaming sexy-Mexy coffee, brandy, tequila shooters and other drinks too complex to mention. Dickey sent a bottle of champagne to the lady’s table along with six dozen red roses that he managed to buy from one of the ubiquitous flower vendors who hang around tourist spots. The floorshow started with wild-looking Maya in bright costumes leaping and twirling all over the stage. A pyramid rose out of the floor with a scantily clad sacrificial virgin squirming under the knife of a high priest. Drums thumped, voices wailed, virgins screamed, as the drama built to a climax. Suddenly a group of maidens sprinted onto the stage from the wings, dressed only the skimpiest of costumes. They joined the young bucks in a wild, writhing, sensuous dance as the virgin on top of the pyramid collapsed in the arms of the high priest. Then the room was plunged into total darkness. The lights slowly came up as a bandstand rotated into view. A salsa band stuck up a driving rhythm, inviting the patrons to get out on the floor and mingle bodies. “Wow!” exclaimed Dickey. “This is the best ever!” He walked over to the adjacent table and asked a very pretty girl to dance. She jumped up, grabbed Dickey and spun him out onto the dance floor. Another of the girls grabbed Troponelli and whirled him out into the gyrating masses. Freddie looked at Dennis and Gary, wondering why they weren’t attracting any of the action. What they didn’t realize was that, before the night ended, all of the action, 29

The Scorpio Caper sexual and otherwise would be in their court. It started with the four remaining girls inviting them to a party somewhere in the guts of Merida. Freddie reluctantly left with the party, thinking he should stay in his room and pine for Monique. He also worried about what would happen to Dickey and Tropo. Then he realized he really didn’t give a big fat rat’s ass what happened to those two crazies. Besides, he and Gary and Dennis floated on an alcoholic high of mythic proportions and were completely ready to go wherever the flow took them. And the flow took them into a world they hadn’t even imagined existed. One of the girls, Adriana, a very exotic-looking woman with huge brown eyes and a mouth to die for, grabbed hold of Freddie’s arm. “Are you the movie producer, Freddie Bonner?” she asked. “That’s what they tell me,” he said, not wanting to go down the flirting and hustling route. “I saw your film, What is Truth? and I thought it was terrific,” she said. “You are one of about fifty who saw that movie,” he laughed. “Are you coming to the party? I think you will find it very interesting,” she added cryptically. “I might stop by for awhile, but we have to get an early start tomorrow.” The booze and the exciting women took over at that point. Before the merry pranksters knew it, they were inside a giant mansion somewhere in Merida. Strobe lights flashed, bouncing off of strangely 30

Bret Mallory costumed people. One woman slowly sucked a man’ s cock on one of the chairs. Two cute girls, locked in a sixty-nine position, licked and sucked each other while four men watched. “This is like a scene from Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut,” said Freddie, reeling from too little sleep and too much booze. “I knew you’d like it,” gushed Adriana. “They have one room here where only the initiated can enter, but I can get you in.” “What happens there?” Freddie asked, wondering how anything could top the action going on in this room. Adriana pulled him close and whispered, “It’s the Feathered Serpent room.” Freddie immediately snapped to attention, trying to focus through his alcoholic daze “The Cult of the Feathered Serpent?” he asked. “Don’t say that out loud,” she hissed. “It’s very secret and dangerous.” Adriana said something to the huge man guarding the door and he let them into the room. Several men in outlandish plumage stood in two rows facing each other, chanting in some indistinguishable language. A Shaman, dressed in a costume with a snake’s head covered by feathers, jumped out of the darkness and twirled down between the men. He held a writhing snake in his hands and he thrust it at them menacingly. Drum music pounded out of hidden speakers, vibrating the whole room in a cacophony of sound. Suddenly the sounds ceased and the room plunged 31

The Scorpio Caper into total darkness. Adriana grabbed hold of Freddie’s arm and pulled him through a side door, into a small, dimly lit room that had a strange looking, raised throne at one side. On the throne sat a huge man dressed as a jaguar. Around his neck hung a jade, double headed, feathered serpent necklace. Someone slipped a black hood over Freddie and dragged him across a rough surface. A needle pricked his arm and blackness descended upon him like a giant inky wave. **** Freddie woke up to the strident ringing of some fucking bell. His head felt like a limpid bowl of oatmeal. He opened his eyes and noticed he was in his room at the hotel in Merida but had no clue how he got there. The damn phone continued ringing, rattling his brain with sonic booms. He picked up the phone. “What?” he shouted, and immediately regretted that outburst as his brain seemed to explode. “This is Dickey. We’re in the lobby waiting for you, so get your ass in gear. I’ve been up since six thirty.” “Didn’t you get laid last night?” Freddie shouted in exasperation. “Uh, well, that’s another story. The point is, we’re ready to roll.” “Are Gary and Dennis there?” “I just woke them up. They’ll be down in a few minutes.” “What about Tropo?” 32

Bret Mallory “He’s still sleeping. Refuses to get up.” “Listen you little prick,” said Freddie evenly. “This is my production. I run this show. You are merely a fucking driver of an airplane, a fucking chauffeur, do you fucking understand?” “You don’t have to get all huffy, Freddie,” said Dickey in a whiney voice. “I just thought you would want to get started.” “I had a very rough night,” said Freddie, as if explaining it all to a Martian. “Go out and find a hooker and take the edge off your compulsive craziness.” “Where am I going to find a hooker at nine in the morning? Besides, you know I don’t have to pay to get laid.” “It’s only nine? I’m going to kill you,” shouted Freddie, slamming down the phone. The phone immediately rang again. “Leave me alone, Dickey!” he shouted. “It is Adriana,” said a soft voice. “I called to see if you’re all right.” “What the hell happened last night?” “You got very drunk and passed out. You’re friends had left so Carlos and I brought you back to your hotel and put you to bed,” she explained. “Bullshit!” he yelled. “Somebody put a hood over my head and stuck me with a needle.” “It was for your own protection,” she said meekly. “Certain people decided you had seen too much.” “Too much what?” “I’ll explain later. I have to go to Belize today,” she said and hung up. 33

The Scorpio Caper What the fuck is going on? wondered Freddie, completely bewildered by the strange turn of events. By the time everyone got down to the lobby, it was already past eleven. Tropical rain poured down like a waterfall, filling the street in front of the hotel with a raging river. Dickey paced up and down, almost crazy with anxiety. “I think we need a bloody Mary,” said Tropo. “Why didn’t you get Dickey laid last night?” Freddie asked. “I tried to. We had two of those stewardesses in our suite when Dickey’s girl jumps up and runs out into the hall. The other one was on top of me, jumping up and down on my joystick and she doesn't miss a beat. Then I look over and Dickey is peeking up over the edge of the bed, watching us. The girl sees him, jumps up off of my dick, stripping it like a gorilla peels a banana, and runs out the door, dragging her clothes as she runs.” Tropo shrugged in resignation. “I wanted to kill the little motherfucker.” “You can be first in line,” laughed Dennis. “But I’m second. That son-of-a-bitch called me at six this morning just as my sweetie decided she could deal with oral sex.” “How did you and Gary get back here?” asked Freddie. “After you disappeared, we decided that party was just too strange, so we brought two of those crazy girls back here,” explained Dennis. “What happened to you?” “I think I was drugged. I was watching a very weird ritual at that house and someone threw a hood 34

Bret Mallory over me and stuck me with a needle. Adriana called this morning and said she brought me back to the hotel. She said they did it for my protection.” Freddie tried to clear his head. “I think it had something to do with the Feather Serpent Cult.” Dennis looked at his friend. “Very strange shit,” he said. “Maybe we should explore that some more.” “Monique knows all about the serpent stuff. In fact, she even warned me about it.” Freddie shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs. “I’ve got to call Monique,” he said. “This fucking storm is supposed to last all day. I guess the rainy season is starting a little early this year. It would be futile to go out to Uxmal today,” said Dennis. “Why don’t we kick back and get an early start tomorrow?” “Brilliant!” exclaimed Freddie. “I need some rest and I really need to talk to Monique.” “The field trip is called off, gentlemen,” said Dennis. “Go forth and populate the earth.” Back in his room, Freddie called Monique. Her lovely voice lifted his spirits more than the bloody Mary. “Are you at Uxmal?” she asked. “We decided not to go today. Too wet. Where are you?” “I’m in my office here in the museum. Can you come over? I have something to show you.” “Can you show me that in the museum?” he asked hopefully. “Not what you’re thinking, you naughty man,” she said. “But I think you’ll find it very interesting. Can you meet me for lunch about two? Then we can come 35

The Scorpio Caper over here.” “Of course, my lovely,” he said happily. “I have my office at the Anthropology and History Museum on Calle 40. The museum is housed in a refurbished mansion and there’s a nice restaurant, called El Rincon just across the street. Meet me there at two.” “Sounds great. Do you mind if I bring my art director and my production guy?” “Not at all. I think your art director will find what I have to show you especially interesting. See you at two.” “I shall suffer until then,” Freddie said. **** Monique swept into the little restaurant like a goddess, wearing a flowing dress of white cotton that ended just above her knees. She folded her umbrella and looked around the room. Every eye followed her to the table where Freddie, Gary and Dennis already sat, drinking Bohemia beer. The three men jumped to their feet. “These are my associates,” he said. “Dennis, my art director, and Gary my production coordinator. Gentlemen, I’d like you to meet Dr. Monique Lafrenier, our technical consultant,” said Freddie proudly. Freddie pulled out a chair for Monique as he stared at her in obvious admiration. “Dennis, I understand from Freddie that you want to compare the present day Maya art with the artifacts 36

Bret Mallory found at the ancient sites,” said Monique in her intriguing accent. “Yes!” he said with his normal enthusiasm when talking about art. “I think we can form incredibly compelling visual images around that theme.” “I have been studying the smallest Maya tribe we know of” said Monique. “They live in a remote area of Chiapas and have preserved many of the PreColumbian traditions in their culture and art. They call themselves the Tzutujil and I have many of their artifacts in the museum.” “That’s incredible! Just what we need,” said Dennis, seeing the way he would film it in his head. “Can we visit their village?” “That’s impossible,” said Monique regretfully. “The political situation in Chiapas makes it just too dangerous. And the tribe is very suspicious of outsiders.” “Are there any similar tribes in this area?” asked Dennis hopefully. “Several, and they might be better for your film because their art has changed from that of their ancestors. I suggest you come over to the museum after lunch and see what we have collected and what would be available in some of the villages.” Monique ordered Pulpo en su Tinta for lunch. “What’s that?” asked Gary. “It is the local favorite, baby octopus in its own ink.” The three men looked at each other. “I think I’ll have the shark,” said Freddie. “I’ll join you in the octopus,” said Dennis bravely. “Hamburger for me,” said Gary. 37

The Scorpio Caper “Have you ever heard of the Spring Equinox at Dzilbilchaltun?” Monique asked the filmmakers while they waited for their food. “I’ve only heard it mentioned,” said Freddie. “Is it important?” “It’s a very important festival for all of the Maya tribes and it’s only fifteen miles from here. Many tribes gather there to meditate and pray, and at five a.m. on March 21 the sun sends its beams through the Temple of the Seven Dolls at Dzibilchaltun in a spectacular display of the incredible accuracy of Maya astronomy.” “Perfect!” exclaimed Dennis. “What a visual sight.” “I brought it up because tomorrow is the twentyfirst,” said Monique. “I think you should go out there and film it” “Absolutely,” said Freddie. “But don’t you want to go with us?” “I’d love to and I can help you film the important aspects, such as how their astronomy was integrated into the architecture which was necessary because they planned their lives around the movements of the sun to help them know when to plant and when to sow.” “We’ll have to leave about four in the morning to get there and set up in time for the solstice,” said Freddie. “I’ll be ready, but I have to get back now,” said Monique as they finished the lunch. “Come on over to the museum when you’re finished and I’ll give you the grand tour.” The three men watched the striking lady leave the 38

Bret Mallory restaurant. “What a woman!” enthused Dennis. “I think I’m in love.” “Too late,” said Freddie. “She’s already spoken for!” “And who’s the lucky guy?” “I am!” Freddie said triumphantly. At the museum, Monique showed the filmmakers various exhibits of Maya pottery, tapestries, clothing and paintings. She led them into the archives to examine some of the artifacts not yet on exhibit. “Monique and I are going to her office to discuss her contract,” said Freddie. “You guys take notes and jot down some ideas.” Monique closed the door to her office, wrapped her arms around Freddie and planted a juicy kiss right on his lips. “God, I missed you,” she said breathlessly. “I could barely keep my hands off you at lunch.” “Me too,” he said. “I can’t help thinking about our night in Grand Cayman.” “Do you get overpowering urges?” she asked coquettishly. “Only when I think of you,” he said pulling her up tightly against him. “Remember what I said about acting on those urges?” “It’s unhealthy if I don’t act on them,” he said, getting excited with the sexual banter. “Especially unhealthy for me,” she said, gazing into his eyes. “What do you suggest, Doctor?” She walked over to her desk and sat down on the edge. She pulled up the full skirt, exposing white 39

The Scorpio Caper bikini panties. “Come here,” she said as she pulled the crotch of her panties aside. “I want you to put your tongue right here,” she said, licking her finger and rubbing it on her clit. “I like this prescription,” said Freddie, kneeling in front of the Holy Grail. He lightly licked her finger then pushed it to one side with his tongue and started a slow butterfly flick on the shiny, pink target. Monique picked up a small cushion and bit down on it. Freddie looked up and wondered what the hell is going on here. “What the hell is going on here?” he asked. “Remember how I screamed when you did this last time? I don’t want to scare your friends or the staff. But why did you stop?” Freddie dove back down and increased the intensity of the flick. He placed his mouth tight against her pussy and hummed a deep resonant vibrating sound. He plunged his tongue into the slick opening, ramming his nose hard against her pubis, then snaked it down to her ass and back to her clit. Monique started to tremble, then bounced up and down on her pneumatic ass as she started a muffled sound around the cushion. She grabbed his head and bucked like a wild bronco as an explosion rocketed from her pussy to her brain. She finally flopped back on the desk, legs splayed apart as she wound down. Freddie jumped up, dropped his pants and plunged his ridged cock into her pulsing pussy. “Oh!” exclaimed Monique as her eyes popped wide open. Freddie pumped like a man possessed; all of the anticipation and yearning for this moment 40

Bret Mallory focused on the twitching pussy attached to this unbelievable woman and it drove him toward a monster climax that could not be denied. Monique wrapped her long legs around his waist and dug her heels into his butt, pulling him down harder each time he thrust. “Oh, baby, I’m coming,” he hissed as he felt the hot fluid flood up from his balls. That statement set Monique off in a writhing, grinding frenzy as she drove her fingernails into his back. She pulled his head down and thrust her tongue into his mouth. “Fuck me hard, Freddie,” she wheezed as her second orgasm joined his first in a super nova spectacular. Freddie collapsed on top of Monique, amazed and overwhelmed by the intensity of the incredible sex. “It’s impossible for anything to be that good,” he finally gasped. “We just proved it is possible,” she said, giving his cock a pussy hug. “And we can keep proving it, over and over and over, as we make the best film ever about the Maya.” Freddie kissed her perfect mouth. “You are my dream woman and my dream colleague,” he said as he slipped out of the hot confines of her wonderful sex. Monique sat up, looking slightly disheveled and dazed. “I guess we better get some of those fucking pots on film.” Freddie laughed. “Or smoke some pot and get some film on the fucking.” 41

The Scorpio Caper **** Freddie, Dennis and Gary arrived back at the hotel in fine spirits. Dickey, on the other hand, was ready to rocket off the planet. “Where the fuck have you guys been?” he asked belligerently. “Researching the film,” replied Freddie, in an expansive and mellow mood. “You left me here and Tropo took off. What am I supposed to do?” “Where’s Tropo?” asked Dennis. “That fucking Italian is back in his room with some girl he picked up and he’s having a grand old time,” replied the insipid little prick. “You are an insipid little prick,” said Gary. “Why don’t you get a life?” “I don’t want a life,” said Dickey pathetically. “I just want some pussy.” “Some things, for some people, are unobtainable,” said Dennis pedantically. “Enough of this bullshit,” said Freddie. “I am the producer of this little epic and I will produce. Tomorrow we will safari to the spring equinox show. I suggest that since Dickey and Tropo have nothing to do with the production, they stay here and try to get their dicks wet.” “The only way Dickey is going to get his dick wet is in the shower, by himself,” laughed Gary. “I want to go with you guys,” whined Dickey. “Look,” said Freddie. “Two starlets are coming over here the day after tomorrow to audition for the film. I won’t be here and I want you to interview 42

Bret Mallory them, Dickey. You can probably get them on the casting couch for a threesome.” “Really!” said Dickey. “You would set that up for me?” “Absolutely,” enthused Freddie. “All you have to do is pretend you’re the casting director for Scorpio Productions and you will have that pussy all over you.” By four-thirty the next morning, the film crew had set up two cameras to catch the exact moment of the sun bursting through an opening in the Temple of the Seven Dolls at Dzilbilchaltun. Monique talked discretely with some of the Maya tribal leaders gleaning information about how far they had come for the ceremony. Dennis walked around visualizing how the celebration could best be captured on film. A few minutes before five, the huge crowd started to buzz with excitement. The Maya began their rituals, many people started chanting, tourists strained for a better vantage point, all of which caused an immense increase of tension and anticipation Dennis framed the camera on the Temple of the Seven Dolls, Gary turned on the omnidirectional mikes, and then Freddie indicated they should start rolling. At exactly five a.m. the sun burst through the opening in the Temple, causing the huge crowd to burst into applause and cheering. The crew filmed for the next few hours, capturing vivid and dramatic scenes of the event. Finally they packed up and headed back to the city “Great stuff,” enthused Dennis. “I agree,” said Freddie. “And we owe it all to 43

The Scorpio Caper Monique. We would have missed this great event if she hadn’t told us about it.” “Thank you, Freddie,” she said with her lovely smile. “Now we should plan on going south to film at Uxmal. It is a day trip also.” “Let’s go tomorrow morning,” suggested Freddie. “I think we’re on a roll.” **** The next day dawned clear and bright with a clean smell in the air. Freddie called Monique to see if she could get away and join them on the road trip to Uxmal. “I would love to, Freddie,” she answered sweetly. “Tell Dennis we can visit a village that will be perfect for his needs and it’s right on the way to Uxmal.” “Great, my love. We’ll pick you up in about an hour.” In the lobby, Dennis asked about the starlets they had hired to take care of Dickey. “They’re not starlets,” laughed Freddie. “I hired two hookers to pretend to be actresses and then tear Dickey a new asshole. I told them to fuck and suck him until there’s not a bone left in his body. He’ll be so sated with pussy he won’t pester us again on this trip.” “Beautiful!” said Dennis. On the road to Uxmal, Gary drove with Dennis in the front while Monique and Freddie rode alone in back. Freddie told Monique about the strange ritual he had witnessed at the house in Merida. “Why didn’t 44

Bret Mallory you tell me this yesterday?” she asked. “As you remember, we got distracted,” he said squeezing her leg. “We sure did,” she said. “My knees are still weak.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “But what you saw is very ominous. That Feathered Serpent cult might want to stop you from making this film, especially if you delve too deeply into how the cult has become a powerful force in Church politics.” “They’re involved in the Catholic Church?” he asked incredulously. “Some of them are trying to resurrect the old Maya religion and weave it into modern Catholicism. That group is very proud of its Maya heritage and yearns for a return to the days of glory.” “When I proposed this film, I had no idea I’d get involved in this kind of intrigue,” said Freddie. “If you handle it right, that type of intrigue could add a new dimension to the film,” she said thoughtfully. “We just don’t want to get people nervous and paranoid. If they feel too threatened they might resort to violence.” “I’ll leave the political machinations in your lovely hands,” he said. “I trust your judgment in anthropology, politics and love.” “As Tina Turner said, ‘love is a secondhand emotion’. Sex is the real emotion.” “I heartily agree with that,” said Freddie. “Is this the village?” asked Dennis from the front seat. Monique looked out the window as Dennis pulled off the main road into a small village. “Yes, this is one 45

The Scorpio Caper that might be worth exploring.” The village consisted of a group of typical Maya thatch covered dwellings along with a few commercial buildings. The streets, muddy and narrow, allowed minimal passage of modern transportation. “Most of the people here only speak Maya,” said Monique. “Fortunately, I’m fluent in that language.” Gary pulled up to an outdoor market displaying artwork by local artisans. “Maybe we can find the artists who make these intricate tapestries,” he said. “I wonder if they’ll let us film here.” “If we buy some of their wares, I’m sure they will let us film,” said Monique. “Is that in the budget?” asked Dennis. “Whatever it takes,” said Freddie magnanimously. They all climbed out of the van onto the muddy road. Dennis rushed into the little market to get a better look at the displays. “Could you ask who made this interesting piece?” Monique queried the proprietor in Maya. “He says the man lives about a mile up this trail in the jungle, but today he brought in this work and he’s over there in that abarote drinking pulque.” “Let’s buy his tapestry and then go meet him,” suggested Freddie. “If you offer to buy him a pulque, we can probably get a lot of information out of him,” said Monique. Freddie purchased the tapestry and they headed for the abarote. Two Maya men sat on a wooden bench in front of the small store. They watched the approaching group with suspicion, peeking up 46

Bret Mallory beneath hooded eyes. Monique greeted them in their native tongue, which elicited a small hint of surprise. She showed them the tapestry and pointed to the movie crew. The smaller man cracked a smile and waved his pulque bottle in greeting. He stood up and shook hands all around, smiling while speaking strange phrases in the Maya language. “He says he has some more tapestries and some pottery at his house,” said Monique. “He wants to take us out there.” Some very dark clouds had been gathering in the east and suddenly a bright flash of lightening lit up the sky, followed instantly by a monster thunderclap. “Holy shit!” exclaimed Gary. “We better head back to Merida.” “We can come back later, now that we have an artisan willing to cooperate,” said Monique. “This could be a real downpour.” Freddie gave the Maya some pesos for his pulque and the group ran back to the van. Gary turned around in the narrow road, and headed back to the highway. “That black Toyota has been trailing us since we left Merida,” said Gary. “I thought maybe it was coincidence but he followed us into that village and when we pulled out, he pulled out.” The dark clouds suddenly opened up and sheets of driving, tropical rain whipped against the van. Gary turned on the lights while he fought the wind gusts and the narrow road. But Gary had been a stunt driver in Hollywood before joining Scorpio 47

The Scorpio Caper Productions and he knew a thing or two about hazardous driving. “Here he comes,” said Gary, watching out of the rear view mirror. The Toyota roared up beside them on the narrow road, then slowed down to match their speed. The right side window rolled down exposing a man with a very large assault rifle pointed directly at the van. Gary hit the brakes and banged the nose of the van against the back bumper of the Toyota. The Toyota skidded erratically, spun off the slippery road, then crashed into a large tree and exploding into a ball of flames. “Don’t stop!” exclaimed Monique. “If the Federales come by they will detain everyone.” Gary continued driving. “What the hell was that?” exclaimed Dennis. “That fucker was trying to kill us.” “I think this Feathered Serpent thing is getting out of hand,” said Freddie, visibly shaken. “What has the Feathered Serpent myth have to do with that shit?” asked Dennis. “It seems like we’ve opened a can of worms,” said Freddie. **** When they finally got back to the hotel, the whole crew tried to figure out what the fuck was happening. They had dropped Monique off at the museum and headed for the bar. Just as they finished ordering double shots of Heradura tequila, Dickey and Troponelli rushed into the bar. Dickey seemed as 48

Bret Mallory agitated as ever. “Where have your guys been?” he asked. “Do you always have to leave me alone?” “What happened to the starlets?” asked Freddie. “You were supposed to spend the whole day on the casting couch.” “I sent them away,” mumbled Dickey. “What? Why the fuck would you send them away?” asked Freddie in exasperation. “Because he’s a three-second man in the six-inch dash, or in his case, it’s probably the three-inch dash,” said Tropo disgustedly. “Well, I had my way with one of them and why would I want them around after that?” asked Dickey. “He was in and out of that room in about three minutes,” said Tropo. “I asked him why he didn’t let them stick around for me He said they probably wouldn’t want another man after they had done him. Can you believe this little fuckhead?” “Holy Christ!” exclaimed Freddie. “I paid those hookers two hundred bucks apiece to fuck his brains loose and keep him busy all day.” “They were hookers?” exclaimed Dickey. “You know I don’t have to pay for it.” “That’s it!” exclaimed Freddie. “You fly that tub of yours out of here tomorrow and I don’t want to see your pathetic face again.” “But what about the production?” whined Dickey. “How will you get back?” “The production will do without you just fine, and we’ll fly commercial,” replied Freddie. “Now get the fuck out of here and leave us alone.” 49

The Scorpio Caper

**** The next day, Freddie and Monique held a strategy meeting at TGIFridays on the outskirts of Merida. Monique thought it best that they not meet in the museum until the reason for the attack on the road from Uxmal became clear. The popular restaurant, part of a chain imported from the States, had turned into a regular meeting place for the young movers and shakers of modern Merida. “Maybe we should forget this whole production,” said Freddie after they were seated in a private booth. “It’s not worth getting shot at.” “I think it’s more important than ever to find out what is happening with that cult,” said Monique. “I have some connections with the government here, and I know they are concerned about the growing presence of that renegade sect.” “I still can’t figure out why they would so blatantly try to kill us,” said Freddie. “There was nothing about the car crash and explosion in any of the papers,” she said. “I called my friend at the Minister of Information and he told me a complete media ban is in effect on that. They found two badly burned bodies, four automatic weapons and the remnants of a large explosive device in the wreckage.” “That explains the huge explosion when the car hit the tree.” Freddie shook his head. “Maybe those guys were terrorists.” “Home grown terrorists with a political and 50

Bret Mallory religious agenda,” said Monique. “But why us?” asked Freddie. “I thought maybe they were after me,” she said with a frown. “But I’ve been here for almost a year and this only started after you saw the ritual at that house.” “All of those girls who took us to the party have vanished,” said Freddie. “Adriana told me she had to go to Belize.” “Belize is a gathering place for Chiapas rebels and, I heard, the source of funding for the Feathered Serpent Cult. “Maybe those groups are involved.” “Do you think they’ll try to kill us again?” asked Freddie. “That attack on the road could have been some hotheads acting on their own. The leaders of the cult will lay low now. They’ll be afraid that the government will crack down on them, maybe even raid their meetings.” “I don’t want to put my crew in any danger,” said Freddie. “Or you.” “One other strange thing is that the attack on the road had all the markings of an assassination attempt by the drug cartel.” “This just keeps getting weirder and scarier. What do you suggest we do?” “I think we should all go to Mexico City and let this simmer down I have to do some work at the Museum of Anthropology and History there and you could get some great footage for an introduction to the film. I was thinking you should connect all of the Pre-Columbian cultures. The Feathered Serpent 51

The Scorpio Caper legend is found in the Olmec, the Aztec and the Maya religions, in various incarnations, and even the mysterious Teotihuacán ruins.” “That’s a great idea. I have a commitment to do this film and I want to see it through. I think we should stay in Mexico until we get the film in the can. If we need more equipment we can rent it in the city. Maybe some time in Mexico City will clear away the paranoia.” “We can return from Mexico City to Cancun and then work our way back through Tolum, Chichen Itza and then take the back roads to Uxmal and Kabah. If we don’t come back to Merida I’m sure we’ll be safe.” “I’ll let the guys know about the new plans,” said Freddie. “I’ll have Dickey drop us off in Mexico City on his way back to LA.” “You could issue a press release that the project is postponed and the crew is heading back. That should throw them off the trail.” “Can you be ready by tomorrow morning?” asked Freddie. “I’ll be ready,” she said with a suggestive smile. **** Dickey started the descent into the Mexico City airport. He had whined and complained about the new plans until Freddie told him they would all stay at the Gran Melia Hotel and that the restaurant in that hotel, The Black and Black, had an eye popping collection of stunning women, all dressed as wenches, and all eager to please rich gringos. 52

Bret Mallory At the airport, Freddie rented a seven-passenger van with driver/guide that could hold all of their movie gear. Monique had booked the rooms in the hotel and put together an itinerary for the various locations. The craziness in Merida receded behind them, leaving the whole crew in a festive mood, eager to get the film underway. Freddie and Monique anticipated sensuous encounters in their hotel suite after full days of filming. After unpacking, Freddie called Dennis and Gary. “Let’s meet in the restaurant for lunch. I have some new ideas for the production and I’d like to run them past you guys and Monique,” he explained. “How about this?” he asked, as the foursome sat in a corner table. “I think it would be a great idea to showcase Monique as the nexus of the whole documentary. After watching her talk with that Maya artist it’ s very clear she would be a commanding presence that could tie it all together.” Dennis nodded enthusiastically. “Perfect!” he said. “We could open with that sequence of the pyramid we filmed from the air on the way here, with Maya music over, as the credits roll. We fade to the pyramid from ground level. Monique is standing in front of the pyramid, dressed in a foxy, khaki jumpsuit that shows us her obvious feminine assets. We slowly zoom into a three quarter shot of Monique. She is holding a jade, double headed Feathered Serpent amulet.” “I can see it!” exclaimed Freddie. “Superimposed, at the bottom of the screen we read, ‘Dr. Monique Lafrenier, Maya Anthropologist’. She begins to speak 53

The Scorpio Caper with that beautiful French-British accent.” “Can I write my own dialogue?” Monique asked. The three men turned to look at her. They had been discussing her as if she weren’t seated there with them. “My God, I haven’t even asked you if you want to do this,” said Freddie. “Please save our film, Monique.” “Only if I can write my own dialogue and if the jumpsuit isn’t too revealing,” she answered with a smile. Dickey and Tropo rushed up to the table, with two sexy ladies on their arms. “We’re leaving in the morning,” said Dickey. “These two lovely ladies want us to take them to Acapulco for fun and games.” “Great!” said Freddie. “You guys have fun, you’ve earned it.” “Can you finish the film without us?” “I’m sure we’ll manage,” said Freddie. “I’ll call you when we get back to LA.” That night, after a wonderful meal in the Black and Black restaurant, Monique and Freddie returned to their suite. “Are you sure you want me to do so much in your documentary,” she asked, as they sipped a very hearty brandy. “Monique,” he said as he kissed her on the mouth. “I know I might be prejudiced, but you are not only one of the most beautiful women on this planet, you are also a recognized specialist and expert in your field. Those two qualities will assure that this documentary will win every award anyone can dream up.” 54

Bret Mallory Monique laughed. “I think you’ve had too much booze.” “I may have had too much booze, but I know I’ve not had enough Monique.” “How much Monique can you handle?” she asked with a sultry smile on her exotic face. “Well, up to now, we’ve only had the red-hot lustful type of sex. Maybe we should try a long, sustained love type and see where that leads us.” Monique pressed against him, tilted her lovely face up to look into his eyes, and said, “Are you sure you want to pursue the love aspect of this relationship?” “All I know, at this point, is you have completely knocked me for several loops. If that’s love, then, yes, I want to pursue it.” “Well then, just what is your idea of a good love fuck?” she asked innocently. “With you, I want all the lights on so I can see every part of your fabulous being. I want to watch it all as a participant and as a voyeur. I want you to feel the same way.” He paused and touched her cheek “And I would like us to be connected. I want us connected in mind, body, soul, psyche, libido and all those slippery parts that feel so good when they fit together in that special male and female way.” “Wow!” exclaimed Monique. “If it’s as good as you describe it, we may be at this all night.” Monique broke the embrace and walked over to the Jacuzzi tub. She poured some fragrant stuff into the tub, then turned and slowly undressed, giving Freddie a perfect view of her delightful and sensuous body. She spun in a delicate pirouette, and bent over 55

The Scorpio Caper the tub, exposing her vertical smile of pouting, slick lips. Freddie was mesmerized by the sight of her wonderfully rounded ass curving down to her tapered legs and the perfect target of her beckoning pussy. “Come on, Freddie,” she said. “Let’s soap up that magnificent staff. Thy staff and thy rod, comfort me.” They immersed into the hot, soapy water, feeling the jets of bubbly water vigorously bouncing off their tingling bodies. Monique slid up next to one of the jets and let it squirt directly on her clit. “Oh, my!” she exclaimed. “Either this is foreplay or you can be replaced.” Freddie slipped up behind her, lifted her slightly and buried his cock into her pussy. “Oh!” she exclaimed as she realigned the target, letting the jet spurt against her clit as Freddie slid in and out of her wonderful tunnel of lust. Freddie could feet the hot jet cascading down around his cock and over his balls, adding whole new dimensions to what Mr. Jacuzzi had in mind when he designed this apparatus. Monique started thrashing around like a shark on a huge hook as a quick orgasm shook her body and raised the temperature of the water by about twenty degrees. “Mon dieu, my God, dios mio!” she exclaimed as a tsunami roared across the tub. Freddie rode out the storm, grateful he hadn’t tempted nature by squirting along with the water jet. He wanted this night to last. Monique finally wound down, turned around, still connected, and wrapped her arms around him. She kissed him deeply, thrusting her tongue in and out as 56

Bret Mallory her pussy rippled around his cock. “Ummm!” she exclaimed, breathing heavily. “I’d call that a pretty good start.” Monique hugged Freddie tightly, kissing him deeply, grinding around and around on his cock as she breathed hotly into his mouth. “I love this,” she said. “And this is definitely a love fuck.” Freddie grabbed on to her like a life raft in the middle of an Atlantic storm. He wanted to encompass her into his very being. He wanted to feel all of her; he wanted her to become a part of him as he reached the explosion that could no longer be denied. “Oh, baby!” he exclaimed and he drove in and out in a demonic frenzy. “Here comes a love fuck!” Monique’s eyes popped open as another monster orgasm started to shake her. She matched him thrust for thrust, then shouted breathlessly, “Love fuck, love fuck, love fuck… now!”

**** Gary had set up the cameras and sound gear in front of the Museum of Anthropology and History in Chapultepec Park. Dennis decided he wanted part of the sequence to be filmed in front of the gigantic Calendar of the Sun for the visual impact of the intricately carved stone. The impressive calendar was of Aztec origin but could be linked to the more ancient Maya calendar. Several hundred tourists and local Mexicans gathered to watch the filming. Freddie and Monique had spent the previous 57

The Scorpio Caper afternoon writing the dialogue for Monique’ s presentation. They decided to show how the various Pre-Columbian cultures shared common myths and how the later cultures barrowed heavily from the earlier inhabitants of the area. Into that dialogue they would weave the Feathered Serpent Myth, with later scenes at the ruins sites showing the power that myth exerted on all of the cultures. As they wrapped the scene, two cute girls walked up to Dennis. “Could we talk to you," asked the one dressed in hip-huggers and a skintight tank top. “We’re film studies students from the University” Dennis checked out the two really ripe Mexican girls and decided he did, indeed have time to talk about filmmaking. They reminded him of his pussy posse days when he taught at the community college in Santa Monica. “I’m just the Artistic Director,” he said with just a hint of self-depredation. “Exactly what we want to talk about!” said the girl. “I’m Alicia, and this is Margarita.” “We have a meeting with the Museum Director,” said Dennis, “but if you can come over to the Gran Melia at about six, I will invite you to have a few drinks and we can talk about anything you want.” The two charming girls looked at each other and screamed in delight. “Wow!” said Alicia. “That would be so great!” “I’ll meet you in the Garden Bar,” said Dennis. In the office of the curator of the Museum, Enrique Villarreal, the film crew talked quietly until the curator appeared. “I notice that you are focusing on 58

Bret Mallory the Feathered Serpent Myth as a common thread between the Pre-Columbian cultures,” he said, once they were all seated in the comfortable office. “I must warn you there are powerful and dangerous forces that will do anything to keep their power a secret.” “We were attacked on the road between Uxmal and Merida,” said Monique. “Do you think that attack was the work of those forces?” “I heard about the incident, and, yes, I believe it was the work of the fanatical wing of that group.” “How did you hear about it?” asked Freddie. “We were informed that a total media blackout was in effect.” “It doesn’t matter how I heard,” he said, shrugging his shoulders expansively. “The point is, you have permission from the Mexican Government to make this film and I have to assist you any way I can.” His eyes suddenly turned hard. “But don’t force yourselves into areas you know nothing about. I would suggest you make a standard documentary with no speculation about the importance of the Feathered Serpent Cult.” He gazed at each of them. “I would suggest you make your film and leave the country,” he said ominously” **** In a large booth back at the Garden Bar, the film crew discussed the implications of what the curator had told them. Monique was furious. “How dare that pompous bastard intimidate us?” she asked indignantly 59

The Scorpio Caper “Well, I don’t think we have much of a documentary unless we include the Feathered Serpent shit,” said Freddie. “I agree,” said Gary. “But I think I better start packin’.” “You can’t carry a gun in Mexico,” said Freddie. “Just a little automatic pistol,” said Gary with a sly smile. Gary, besides being a stunt driver, had also been a member of the Navy Seals and Special Operations and had been schooled in all kinds of weapons and strange clandestine operations. “And where would you get such a weapon?” asked Monique. “You don’t have to worry your pretty head about that,” said Gary. “You won’t see it unless we need it.” “I think that might be a prudent move,” said Freddie. “Look, we finish filming at the Museum tomorrow and then we head for Cancun. Let’s continue with the Serpent theme and fuck’em all.” Just then the two girls who had talked to Dennis at the museum walked up to the booth. They had changed their clothes, putting on bitchy little cocktail dresses that barely covered their tight asses. Dennis jumped up, introduced them and sat the girls on each side of him, forming perfect pussy posse bookends. That set the tone for a wild and crazy night of good booze, good food and fun. Dennis charmed the girls; with amazing tales of wild adventures the film crew had shared making movies all over the world. The ominous threat of the Serpent Cult vanished like a wispy cloud on a hot summer day. Finally, Monique and Freddie stood up 60

Bret Mallory and said their farewells. Gary, very mysterious, said he would see them in the morning. “What are the rooms like in this great hotel?” asked Alicia. “I don’t have a room,” said Dennis. “I have a suite” “Show it to us!” pleaded Alicia. “We live in a very small apartment and we don’t get to see stuff like this.” Dennis took the girls up to the suite. The elevators in the Melia are glass enclosed and look down on the atrium and the lobby. The view is spectacular. The girls squealed and giggled as the elevator rocketed up to the twenty-eighth floor. Inside the sumptuous suite, the young women frolicked like schoolgirls at a circus. “What is this thing here?” asked Alicia, opening the self-service bar. “It’s full of booze and goodies,” replied Dennis. “Get some of those bottles of brandy out and we’ll have a toast.” “I love toasts,” said Margarita. “Here’s one. Margarita is a flower, Margarita is a drink and Margarita is a woman.” Alicia moved up to Dennis and kissed him full on the lips, with lots of tongue. “You are a very visual kind of guy,” she said breathlessly. “How would you like to watch while Margarita eats my pussy?” “Voyeurism is good,” said Dennis with a crocked smile. “And how do you know such slang as eating pussy?” “We went to school in the States,” said Alicia. “Do you want to watch, or talk?” 61

The Scorpio Caper “Watch, watch, watch!” shouted Dennis. “Good. I know you’ll enjoy it,” said Alicia. “And so will I.” Margarita walked up to Alicia and kissed her with building passion. She unzipped Alicia’s bitchy little dress and slid it to the floor, revealing all of her charms since Alicia didn’t have on any panties or bra. Margarita slid her mouth to the pouting nipples, licking lightly, while she moved her finger up and down on the lips of a completely shaved pussy. Margarita followed her finger with her pink, pointed tongue. Alicia spread her legs apart, put her hands on her hips and stared at Dennis with an enigmatic smile on her face. She slowly backed up and sat on the bed while Margarita continued the tongue-lashing. Margarita pushed her gently back on the bed, as Alicia spread her legs wide open and raised her feet up in the air, exposing her wet, gleaming pussy for a better angle of attack by Margarita’s magic tongue. Dennis moved over to the bed and sat next to the two girls so he could get a close-up look of the action. Alicia smiled at him and started moving her hips up and down as a pink flush rose from her crotch to her lovely face. Margarita licked and sucked like a woman possessed as Alicia started a low moaning sound deep in her throat. Margarita plunged two fingers into the flaming pussy just as Alicia jerked and thrashed to an explosive orgasm. Dennis couldn’t believe the intensity of the young girl’s climax and neither could his cock, which strained to escape the confines of his pants. He slid 62

Bret Mallory down the restraining garment, releasing a full-blown hard-on of monster dimensions. He started to stroke it while he watched Alicia slowly wind down. She looked at him with glazed eyes and smiled languidly. “I see you enjoyed the show,” she said as she looked at his giant cock. Margarita rose up; her face covered with the juices of the sweet pussy, and noticed Dennis’ fantastic erection. “Oh, my God!” she exclaimed. “His cock is bigger than that giant black dildo we have,” she said in wonder. Alicia reached out and put her hand on the throbbing woodie. “Wow!” she exclaimed. “Now that’s a cock.” “It’s my turn to watch now,” said Margarita breathlessly. “I want you to fuck Alicia with that meat mauler. I would love to see that huge thing slip in and out of her tight little pussy.” She moved to one side and pointed at the steaming snatch. “Come and get it, artist boy,” she said. Dennis moved up between Alicia’s legs. Margarita grabbed his cock. “Let me put it in,” she said. She moved the swollen head slowly up and down between the slick lips. Alicia twitched her fine ass because her clit was still jangling from the massive orgasm. Dennis pushed forward as his mindless monster opened the tiny pink orifice and lodged in past the corona ring, making her labia stretch around it as tight as a hangman’s noose. “Oh!” exclaimed Alicia in wonder, feeling as if her pussy were stuffed to congestion. 63

The Scorpio Caper The girth of Dennis’s cock pulled Alicia’s clit down tight against the giant ram, stimulating the delicate organ as much as the snug fit between the cock and walls of the vagina. Margarita reached around behind his butt and cupped his balls in her hand. She pulled him forward slowly; watching in fascination as the giant shaft steadily entered the tight confines of the white-hot pussy. When it was in to the hilt, she pulled him back out. “God, that’s erotic,” she exclaimed. “Now, fuck her hard!” The giant cock flashed in and out like a gleaming piston as Alicia rose up and watched the amazing connection, her breath coming in sharp gasps. Suddenly her eyes popped wide open and she screamed as her ass twitched like a prisoner at the end of a rope. She grabbed Dennis by the cheeks of his ass and pulled him ever deeper as she rocketed into outer space, shaken by one orgasm after another. That stimulus, as well as Margarita’ s hand stroking his balls, started the inexorable rush of cum from his steaming balls. Suddenly, Margarita plunged her finger up his ass causing Dennis to jangle like a manic puppet as the hot liquid spurted into the clasping cunt. Dennis collapsed on top of Alicia as her pussy twitched and his cock throbbed. The three sex partners were stunned by the intensity and excitement of the encounter. Finally, Dennis rolled off Alicia, causing his semi-hard, spent cock to flop wetly against his stomach, still oozing drops of slippery cum. 64

Bret Mallory “I never believed that stuff about clitoral and vaginal orgasms,” said Alicia with a glazed look in her eyes. “But I do now. I just had both at once!” **** Gary checked the custom-built camera case when he returned to his room. The case contained a false bottom below the camera gear that hid a disassembled G36K assault rifle with four, thirty round clips, two automatic pistols with several clips and night vision goggles, all courtesy of his days in Special Operations. Gary called his gear American Express, never leave home without it. The case could withstand even the most stringent security checks at any airport. The incident on the road between Uxmal and Merida, certainly confirmed his caution in bringing the weapons, even though it would mean instant jail if he were caught with them in Mexico. But the attack on the road was so unexpected he wouldn’ t have had time to get the assault rifle out of the case. He decided to keep the weapons next to him at all times once they cleared airport security. Freddie knew that they had captured on film some compelling visuals and background at the Museum and at the ruins of Tenochtitlan outside of Mexico City. He also recognized that Monique possessed a certain star quality as the narrator and demonstrated a command of the Maya cultures that would lend credence to the documentary. If they could just get the Yucatan filming finished without running into 65

The Scorpio Caper trouble with the Feathered Serpent crazies, he knew they could put together an award-winning documentary. After spending the week in the gloomy smog of Mexico City, the entire crew arrived in Cancun. The opulent hotels, resorts, restaurants and the gleaming beaches buoyed their spirits as much as the tropical sun. Cancun seemed to be in a constant state of bacchanalian exuberance and that kept the tourists happy, drunk and horny. “I think we should use Cancun as the home base for our filming,” said Monique. “We can rent a van and drive to Tolum and then go east to the other sites.” “I agree,” said Freddie. “I don’t think we want to go back to Merida and stir up that scene again.” “This place has definite possibilities,” said Dennis, checking out the profusion of young girls hanging out at the beaches as the limo took them to their hotel. “Not that Mexico City was a pussy wasteland.” “Monique and I are going to sit on our balcony overlooking this great scene and write the outline for the rest of the filming,” said Freddie expansively. “We will order up some tequila tonics and get pleasantly shit-faced.” “An admirable endeavor,” laughed Dennis. “Gary and I are going to troll in the bars and on the beach for pretty young maidens.” “It’s been so long since I got a strike in that area, I might not be able to set the hook,” said Gary. “We’ll find some girls who have experience in setting the hook,” said Dennis. 66

Bret Mallory “You are my guru,” said Gary. He turned and looked out of the back window. “I don’t want to alarm anyone, but did you notice those two guys in strange shirts pretending to be tourists when we picked up our luggage? They seem to be following us.” “Are you doing your Spec Ops paranoia thing?” asked Freddie. “Probably,” said Gary. “We’ll find out when we check into the hotel. If they show up, I think it’s more than a coincidence.” Gary pulled up to the Gran Melia Cancun hotel but the guys in the strange tourist shirts drove right on by. “They didn’t stop,” said Dennis. “Let’s check in, have the valet take our luggage to our rooms and then we’ll tell the check-in desk that we have to leave for an hour,” said Gary. “We’ll pull the van around to the parking lot and come in the side door. I’ll bet those punks show up.” “Boy these Special Ops guys make complicated plans for their paranoia,” said Dennis. After parking the van, the group ducked into a small bar next to the lobby and sat at a table behind some ferns. They could see the check-in desk but were hidden well enough so they could observe without being seen. Ten minutes later the two suspects walked through the door and up to the check-in desk. They talked to the clerk then slid some money across the desk. The clerk looked around then handed the men a key. They headed for the elevators “Well, well, well,” said Gary. “Seems like we have ourselves some bad guys.” 67

The Scorpio Caper “What are we going to do?” asked Monique. Gary opened a little sports bag he was carrying and showed the others one of the automatic pistols, “I’m going up the stairs and see what those guys are up to. Wait here until I call.” Gary hurried over to the stairwell just as the two men walked into the elevator. Their rooms were on the second floor so he could get there about the same time as the men. He cracked the second floor door and watched the two men come out of the elevator, check the room key then walk up to suite 202, Freddie and Monique’s room. Gary pulled out the pistol just as the men opened the door. “Hold it right there!” he shouted. The two men turned around, a surprised look on their faces that rapidly turned to anger as they noticed the pistol. Gary waved them into the room and closed the door. He took two pairs of handcuffs out of the sports bag, motioned the men to move up to the wet bar. Holding the pistol on them, he handcuffed each man to the pipe rail around the bar then frisked them, removing lethal looking pistols from each. “You know tourists aren’t allowed to pack,” he said. “No hablamos ingles,” said the tall one. “Maybe not,” replied Gary. “But you sure savvy this pistol.” Gary took a roll of duct tape out of the sports bag and tightly strapped their legs and arms together. He picked up the phone, read the lobby bar number and dialed it. He got Freddie on the phone. “Come up to your suite,” he said. “I need a translator.” 68

Bret Mallory Freddie, Monique and Dennis rushed into the suite, took in the strange scene of the two men handcuffed and strapped to the bar and burst into relieved laughter. “You didn’t tell me James Bond was part of our movie crew,” said Monique. “Where in the hell did you get the handcuffs and duct tape?” asked Dennis. “I always carry shit like that,” said Gary. “Ask them what the fuck they’re doing breaking into our room.” Monique and Freddie interrogated the men but they refused to divulge anything about who they worked for or what they were doing breaking into the room. Gary searched the men again and extracted two billfolds containing Belize ID, a card with the icon of the Feathered Serpent and a picture of the four filmmakers, obviously taken with a telephoto lens. “Somebody is keeping very close tabs on us,” said Freddie. “But why?” “I think I can find out,” said Gary. “Ask them again why they are following us,” he said. The men didn’t respond to the question so Gary placed the tall man’s hand on the bar rail and struck it brutally with the pistol. The finger broke in a weird angle and spurted blood. The man screamed in pain. Gary ignored him and grabbed the other man’s hand. “Ask this one again,” he said. Monique repeated the question and the man immediately started speaking rapid Spanish. “He says he knows we are agents for the DEA. He says we have been sent by the US government to break up their smuggling ring.” 69

The Scorpio Caper “What the hell?” asked Gary incredulously. “Ask him if they are part of the Cartel.” Monique asked the question but the man said nothing more. Gary put the man’s hand on the bar and raised the pistol. The man shook his head and closed his eyes. Gary pushed the pistol barrel into the man’s mouth. “Tell him I will give him three seconds and then I pull the trigger.” Monique relayed the instructions. “No! Por favor,” he pleaded, and then began speaking rapidly. “He says they are merely following orders. They are soldiers in a Belize based cartel that is financing the Feathered Serpent Cult so they can infiltrate the Catholic Church and governmental agencies.” “Ask him what they planned to do in our rooms?” “He said they were looking for proof that we are DEA agents. If they found proof, they were supposed to kill us.” “Holy shit!” exclaimed Dennis. “Ask him if there are others assigned to kill us,” asked Gary. “He says it is a small organization and there are no other hired guns. He says most of the group is involved in the smuggling and in the political aspects.” “Ask him who gave them the order to kill us and where is that person,” said Gary. Monique asked the question and panic spread across the man’s face as he remained silent. Gary stuck the pistol back into the man’s mouth so fiercely that it gagged him. “Tell him his fucking brains are 70

Bret Mallory about to be splattered all over this place,” said Gary with a snarl. The man panicked, gasping out words around the barrel of the pistol. “He says the Jefe, the boss, is at an estate ten kilometers from here. They have all of the ruling council there for a meeting.” “What are we going to do with these two bastards?” asked Dennis. “We turn them over to the police,” said Freddie. “They’re foreign nationals and they have guns. The Mexicans will throw them in the slammer and forget where they put the key.” “Do you think we should pack up and go back to LA?” asked Dennis. “We have a lot of money and time invested in this film,” said Gary. “I say we stay and make the film. I can protect our six-pack.” “What’s does that mean?” asked Monique. “It’s a combat pilot’s term. It means cover your back. Six o’clock is directly behind you so I cover your six-pack.” “With Gary covering our back, I think we should finish the film,” said Freddie. “You can leave if you want to, Monique.” “I love intrigue and danger,” she said. “Let’s finish it. Anthropology usually isn’t this exciting.” “Have this guy draw a map of the meeting location of the counsel,” said Gary. “I may want to pay them a little visit.” **** 71

The Scorpio Caper Freddie called the local police. When they arrived the police detective, who had spent time with the LAPD, couldn’t figure out how this group of filmmakers had captured and tied up two hardened criminals with guns, but didn’t press the point. Gary had removed the handcuffs after taping the men up tightly. He had hidden the pistol and the handcuffs, leaving the bad guy’s weapons for the cops. “So you caught them in your room and tied them up. You had duct tape and they had two automatic pistols, is that about it?” asked the detective dubiously. “I also had a bunch of military training handling situations like this,” said Gary. “And you say they broke into your room to find out if you worked for the Drug Enforcement Agency of the United States?” “Yes. And if they found such proof they had been ordered to kill us,” added Freddie. “Are you agents from Drug Enforcement?” asked the detective. “No way!” exclaimed Freddie. “We’re here to make a film and we have permission from the Mexican Government to do just that.” “And you think all of this is because of the Feathered Serpent Cult and their agents in the cartel in Belize?” “Yes,” said Gary. “And I would suggest you investigate the meeting that’s taking place now at this location on the map one of those guys made for us.” “We will do just that,” said the detective. “Thank you for your cooperation.” 72

Bret Mallory The police finally finished the investigation, herded the prisoners out and left, after telling the film crew to not leave the country without informing the police. “Gary, you Rambo son-of-a-bitch!” exclaimed Dennis. “How did you capture and tie up those guys by yourself?” “Training,” he answered with a smile. “I owe it all to Uncle Sam.” “What now?” asked Dennis. “Monique and I are going to sit on that balcony there, enjoy the magnificent view, work on the film, drink some champagne and do whatever else may come up, no pun intended.” “Well, then, Gary and I are going on pussy patrol,” said Dennis. “God knows he’s earned the right to get his dick wet, other than in the shower.” “Thanks, pal,” said Gary. “Let’s see if you can pimp as well as you talk.” **** Later that afternoon, Monique and Freddie sat on the balcony with a big platter of fresh iced shrimp and a Magnum of Dom. They had finished the storyboard for the rest of the documentary and written some more narration while they slowly ramped up a mellow champagne high. The exciting events of the morning receded like the waves bubbling down the white, sparkling beach. They lay side by side on plush lounge chairs, savoring the fine afternoon. “I think I would like to suck on your cock,” 73

The Scorpio Caper Monique said drunkenly, running her pink tongue around her sensuous red lips. Freddie smiled crookedly. “I am never one to suppress the expression of talent, and that is one of your many talents.” “Really?” she asked. “You think I do it well?” “My darling French beauty, like you said, it’s in your genes,” said Freddie, enjoying the sexual word game. “Let’s have a tutorial,” she suggested. “I will take that luscious cock out and you instruct me on exactly what I should do.” “I shall be your Socrates and you shall be my Aristotle,” he said as he drained another glass of the fine champagne. “That has homosexual overtones,” she said. “Do you think Aristotle ever sucked off Socrates?” She reached inside of the surfer shorts and wrapped her hand around his cock. “Probably not, I was speaking metaphorically,” he said as his cock metamorphosed into a throbbing blue veiner. “You are being way too pedantic,” she replied as she pulled out the straining cock and examined it up close. “Fascinating,” she said as she slipped it between her pouting lips. “Pompous, pedantic puffery is not good when a hot pussy has your prick in her pouting mouth,” he said as he watched her slide her lips slowly down to the hilt. It was an amazingly visual image, one that started his juices bubbling. Monique looked up into his eyes as she held the 74

Bret Mallory cock tight with her mouth. Her tongue did funny swirly things around the head. “Now that is very good,” said Freddie. “I don’t think I could add any instructions that would make it that any better.” Monique slipped her mouth off his cock and stood up. “I think you need an instant comparison between my mouth and my pussy,” she said as she slipped off her bikini. She swung her leg over the lounge and poised wide open above the turgid cock. She reached down, took it into her lovely hand, and rubbed it against the slippery nether lips, then gently lowered herself down until she was tight against him. She started a sensuous circular motion with her hips that bent his cock hither and yon, as if it were stirring very thick paint. “Do you prefer the hither feeling or the yon feeling?” she asked as her face flushed in passion. “All of the above and all of the below, and I also like to and fro But did I ever tell you about the Chinese basket fuck?” he asked with building passion. “Tell me about it,” she said with glazed eyes as she moved to some primal Caribbean beat. “I would suspend a basket from the ceiling on a rope through pulleys,” he gasped as she increased the beat. “You would sit in the basket with your pussy directly over a hole. Then I would lower you onto my cock and spin the basket as I moved it up and down by the rope and pulleys.” “You mean like this,” she said as she bounced up and down on his cock while twisting left and right. “I think she’s got it,” he said with a British accent. 75

The Scorpio Caper “That’s not Socrates,” Monique gasped as her climax neared. “That’s Professor Higgins.” “You were my fair lady until you got all flushed,” he said as he thrust up to meet her plunging pussy. Suddenly the dirty talk and the hot connection pushed them over the edge. Monique flopped against Freddie’ s chest as she planted a juicy kiss on his lips and wiggled her ass in an orgasmic frenzy. He clutched her desperately as they both fucked each other’ s brains loose in a rampaging release. They slowly wound down, slickly connected, until their hearts resumed a semi-normal beat. “How do you think the lesson went?” Monique asked breathlessly “We forgot the fucking basket,” he laughed. **** The next morning the crew set out on the road south to Tolum. Gary had Dennis drive so he could ride shotgun in case any more crazies came out of the woodwork or out of the jungle. The road wound down the coast, through picturesque little towns and even through some minor Maya ruins. By midmorning they reached Tolum without incident. “This place is great!” said Dennis. “A real cornucopia of visual possibilities.” “We’ll set up by the main temple,” said Freddie. “I think we’ll film Monique on top of the temple with the sea in the background while she describes this site and the place it occupied in the Post-Classic Maya period.” 76

Bret Mallory By late afternoon the filmmakers had captured everything Freddie and Monique had in mind. Dennis wanted one more shot of the sun setting behind the ruins, sort of a metaphor for the demise of the culture. Finally, Gary started packing up the gear as dusk settled over the site, leaving only the parking lot lights. “I left my notebook on that last setup by the temple,” said Monique. “While you guys finish loading up, I’ll run back and get it.” When Monique hadn’t returned after ten minutes, Freddie started to get concerned. “I’m going to look for her,” said Freddie. Gary took one of the automatic pistols and the night vision goggles out of the camera case, along with two walkie-talkies. “I’ll go with you,” he said. “Dennis, take this walkie-talkie and stay here and watch our equipment.” Gary spotted the rock where Monique had left the notebook. It notebook was still there. Gary shined a pencil light on the notebook revealing a crude handwritten message. ‘Leave Mexico and the woman will be released. If you don’t, she dies’. Freddie looked around, not really believing what had happened. “They didn’t come down to the parking lot,” he said. “They either took her into the jungle or they’re still here.” “Go back to the parking lot and watch for anyone coming out of the ruins,” said Gary. “What are you going to do?” asked Freddie anxiously. “Go back to the parking lot,” said Gary evenly. He 77

The Scorpio Caper ran across the courtyard of the ruins and disappeared into the blackness. Freddie sprinted back to the parking lot, not knowing what else to do. “Where’s Monique?” asked Dennis. “Some goons took her,” said Freddie angrily. “They left a note saying they’d kill her if we didn’t leave Mexico.” “Those motherfuckers!” shouted Dennis. “I thought we had all that shit behind us.” What Freddie didn’t realize was that Monique and her captors already had reached a clearing on the other side of the site that had a trail leading down to the main road, well out of sight of the parking lot. Gary had spotted that opening in the trees on the far side of the site silhouetted against the sky. He pulled on the night vision goggles and raced straight for the trail just as four figures disappeared over a slight rise. Gary sprinted down the trail, not even trying to be silent, figuring they might stop if they heard noise behind them. He crested the rise just as the men turned to see what was causing the noise. Gary could clearly see four figures in the goggles. “Get down, Monique!” he shouted. Monique instantly dropped to her knees as the three men swung weapons up toward the sound of his voice. Gary ripped off fifteen shots before they could respond. The staccato firing of the automatic pistol reverberated into the jungle as three men dropped like slabs of cold beef to the ground. Gary slammed a new clip into the weapon as he ran toward Monique. One of the men tried to raise his pistol but 78

Bret Mallory Gary pumped a stream of bullets out of his automatic pistol that caused the man to jerk and twitch as the gun flopped out of his hand. Monique trembled on her knees as blood spurted against her jump suit. “Are you all right?” asked Gary. But Monique had tape over her mouth and couldn’t answer. Gary checked the men, satisfied himself that they were all dead, then gently removed the tape. Her hands shook as she got slowly to her feet, wobbly and dazed. “Sorry about all those bullets flying around your head,” said Gary. “You were in no danger though. I only hit what I want to.” Gary clicked on the walkie-talkie. “Freddie, did you hear that gunplay?” “Yes. What the fuck is happening?” “I killed the three guys who tried to kidnap Monique, and she’s fine. Get in the van and come down the road to the south. I think we’re about a kilometer from the parking lot.” Gary and Monique walked out to the road just as the van careened around a curve. Gary waved at Dennis and Freddie, motioning them to stop next to the kidnapper’ s car. Gary and Monique piled into the van, slamming the door as Dennis peeled out onto the highway. “Gary saved my life,” said Monique, still trembling from the traumatic experience. She pointed at the blood on her jumpsuit. “This is their blood.” “We were lucky,” said Gary. “Another couple of minutes and they would have had her in their car.” “This fucker is better than Rambo,” said Dennis admiringly. “He’s the Terminator. “But what do we 79

The Scorpio Caper do now?” “I think we’d better go back to our hotel in Cancun as fast as we can get there,” said Gary. “It will probably take a while for anyone to find the bodies, and even if they do, they can’ t tie us to anything. Those guys have to be foreign nationals like the other ones and they had all kinds of firepower so the cops will concentrate on that.” “But what about the bastards who put them up to this?” asked Freddie. “They lost two of their hired killers in that crash on the road from Uxmal and two are in jail. Add these three dead guys and they’ve lost seven of their storm troopers in two weeks,” said Gary. “I think they must be getting pretty nervous by this turn of events.” **** They arrived back at the hotel with no Federale stops and no problems; a good omen. Dennis parked in the underground garage that had an elevator access by using a room key that led directly to their floor. “Let’s all get cleaned up and meet in the bar,” suggested Gary. “We can eat in there and watch the floor show, you know, act like nothing happened, act like tourists.” “Are you up to that, Monique?” asked Freddie. “A hot shower and a double shot of tequila will fix me up just fine,” she said bravely. Later, in the bar, the tequila, loud music and festive atmosphere started the healing process caused by the horror in the jungle. 80

Bret Mallory “Let’s just act like tourists for a couple of days and see what happens,” suggested Gary. “I’ll bet that detective pays us a visit.” “Why would he do that?” asked Freddie. “If those guys had any Belize identification on them, you can be sure the detective will be extremely curious about any connection they might have with the two we caught in our room.” “I just hope that detective followed up on the lead you gave them on the meeting of the counsel of the Feathered Serpent,” said Monique Just then two foxy looking young girls walked up to the booth. “The bartender said you guys are here making a movie,” said the little brunette girl. “We’re actors,” explained the blonde in a skintight tank top. “Yes, we are here making a movie,” said Dennis, turning on the charm. “Sit down and let us buy you a drink while we talk about the film industry.” He turned to Gary, “I think these girls will know how to set the hook.” “Oh, no,” said the blonde. “We’re not here for the fishing tournament.” “Just a local joke, my dear,” explained Dennis. “But we’re straying from the subject. We are part of Scorpio Productions, an independent film company that has won innumerable awards.” “Gosh!” exclaimed the blonde. She turned to the petite brunette. “How lucky is this?” “Are there any parts in your movie for us?” asked the brunette hopefully. “We can talk about that,” said Dennis. “Why don’t 81

The Scorpio Caper we go out on that dance floor and discuss it in depth. This is Gary, and he has final say on all casting. He will dance with your friend and I will dance with you.” The two couples moved out onto the dance floor as the band cranked up a red-hot salsa rhythm. The two darling girls started an impromptu audition, wriggling and shaking, flipping their hair, grinding their slim bodies up against Gary and Dennis. “A match made in heaven,” said Freddie. “Why don’t we go back to the room and see if we can make a match,” suggested Monique, slightly drunk from the tequila. “Do you know you can start a fire if you rub a boy scout against a girl scout,” said Freddie, feeling no pain. “We may be slightly older than that,” said Monique, kissing him lightly on the lips, “but I think we can definitely start a fire.” “Baby, won’t you light my fire,” sang Freddie. “The Doors or Feliciano?” asked Monique. “Freddie Bonner,” he said. “And I’m not asking, I’m begging.” The others returned to the table. “We’re going to take Barbie and Jackie up to the suite for an audition,” said Dennis. “They might have some talent. This is Barbie and this is Jackie,” he said, first indicating the blonde and then the brunette. “Ladies I’d like you to meet the famous director and producer, Freddie Bonner, and our technical consultant, Monique Lafrenier.” “Monique, you must be a movie star, you’re so 82

Bret Mallory beautiful,” said Barbie. “I’m an anthropologist,” said Monique. “Well, you certainly could be a movie star,” said Jackie. “Are you going to direct our screen test, Freddie,” asked Barbie. “Dennis is also a director,” said Freddie, winking at Dennis. “He’ll handle the screen test. Monique and I are going to call it a night. It’s been a very busy day.” Stretched out nude on the king sized bed, Freddie and Monique clutched each other desperately. “When I saw that note today and thought you could be harmed, I realized how much you mean to me,” said Freddie. “I haven’ t had these kinds of feelings for any woman in years.” “You don’t have a woman back in LA?” she asked. “Since my divorce three years ago, I haven’t dated any woman more than twice. I didn’t think I could ever fall in love again. Boy was I wrong.” Monique nuzzled closer to Freddie. “I feel the same way,” confessed Monique. “When I split up with Mariano over two years ago, I was so distraught I couldn’t even date.” “What was he like?” “He was a horrible man. I met him when I first came over here, a very good looking macho Mexican who used women like he used his horses and his cars.” She shuddered as if shaking off a frightening memory. “I had concentrated on my studies so much I never had time for romance before that, at least that’s what I told myself.” 83

The Scorpio Caper “You were a virgin when you met him?” asked Freddie incredulously. “I had messed around a bit but I sure didn’t know anything about sex. He decided he would train me.” “I have to thank him for that,” laughed Freddie. “He certainly trained you well.” “It was a one-way street. Toward the end, he wouldn’t even fuck me. He never did anything to please me sexually. He never once ate my pussy. He would get roaring drunk and then make me suck his cock, only he couldn’t come because he was too drunk. He would get enraged and beat me, saying it was my fault.” “How horrible,” consoled Freddie. “Why didn’t you leave him?” “He was very possessive. And, in my naiveté I thought he would change.” Freddie kissed her tenderly and stroked her hair. “My poor darling. How did you get out of it?” “I tried to leave him many times but he always came after me, promising to change, and begging my forgiveness. I was so ensnared in his web I couldn’t muster up the courage to stay away. Finally, after he beat me savagely one night, I left him and went back to Paris. I never answered his calls or his letters. I guess he finally gave up.” Monique started to sob, her body shaking with the recollection of those horrible memories. “I love you, my sweetest darling,” said Freddie, surprising himself that he actually meant it. He did love her and it was the best feeling he’d experienced in years. 84

Bret Mallory “I love you, Freddie,” she said with an intensity that overwhelmed him. “And these last two weeks with you have been the most exciting and fulfilling two weeks of my life. Even with the danger, I wouldn’t exchange it for anything.” “Do you want to continue the film?” “Let’s see what the police say. I’m sure Gary is right. That detective will be extremely curious about our part in what happened back in Tolum.” “You’re right,” agreed Freddie. “But right now, you need to catch up on all those years without oral sex,” he said as he dove down between her beautiful legs. **** Gary set up one of the cameras and placed a halogen light and two reflectors on each side of the bed as the two girls and Dennis drank brandy from the servibar. “The set is ready, Mr. Director,” said Gary with a whimsical smile. The girls bounced up and down on the bar stools in anticipation. “Ok, ladies,” said Dennis in his best directorial voice. “We need a variety of scenes to test your photogenic and acting qualities. We need to see if the camera loves you.” “What do we do first?” asked Barbie, glowing from all the booze and excitement. “I want you to come into the scene, one from each side of the bed, then lightly kiss and sensuously start to take each other's clothes off.” 85

The Scorpio Caper The two darling girls looked at each other and started to laugh. “What’s so funny?” asked Dennis. “We do that all the time, so it should really be easy,” said Jackie. “Perfect. You can improvise dialogue and just try to be natural. When you get the clothes off just play it by ear and do whatever feels good. Quiet on the set please. And….Action!” The two darling girls walked slowly into the camera frame. Dennis watched as Gary operated the camera. The girls slid into each other’s arms, kissed like Britney and Madonna, with mouths open and tongues flashing. Without breaking the kiss, the girls peeled each other's jeans down, exposing two perfect pussies. They broke the kiss for a second as they pulled off the tank tops, and then pressed two sets of cute, pointy titties together, lining up the pouting nipples just like four perfect little cherries playing soldier. “We shouldn’t be doing this,” said Barbie breathlessly in a rough Marilyn Monroe imitation. “This is our destiny,” said Jackie dramatically. The two men looked at each other and suppressed a laugh. The two girls suddenly jumped on the bed, spun around in a sixty-nine position and began a frantic mutual pussy licking. Barbie, on top, sat up and looked at the two men. “Look, Jackie,” she said. “The two horny neighbors are playing peeping tom again.” “Tell them to join the fun,” said Jackie, her voice muffled by being buried in Barbie’s creampuff. 86

Bret Mallory Dennis looked at Gary and shrugged. They both walked over to the bed as the girls disengaged. Barbie unzipped Gary’s pants and freed his ridged cock. “I think this neighbor enjoyed our show,” she said as she took it into her hot mouth. Jackie, not to be outdone, quickly stripped off Dennis’ clothes, exposing his huge cock. “Oh my!” she exclaimed as she plunged it deep into her throat. After that, the scene turned into a blur of cocks, pussies, lips, tits, asses, entwined legs, thrusting, grinding, panting, squealing, and grunting, punctuated by the sloppy, slippery, slurping sounds of hot sex. Finally the foursome flopped back, spent and exhausted on the bed. “Did we get all that on film?” asked Barbie breathlessly. “Oh, my God!” exclaimed Gary. “I forgot to turn off the camera.” “We just made our first fuck flick,” laughed Dennis. “Did we pass the audition?” asked Jackie. “You both will be in the screen test hall of fame,” said Gary. “If we can’t be in your movie, can we be your groupies or roadies?” asked Barbie. “I’m not a rock star so I don’t know the difference,” said Dennis. “Well, they both give blow jobs, but the roadies also help carry the equipment,” said Jackie. “Then roadies it is,” laughed Gary. “I need all the help I can get. Especially after a good hummer.” “You really think we give good hummers?” asked 87

The Scorpio Caper Barbie. “Topped only by the intensity of your fine fucking,” said Gary “Roadies for a film company!” exclaimed Barbie, as the two girls hugged each other and bounced up and down. “We’re in the movie business!” squealed the two girls in unison. **** As Gary predicted, Detective Rodriguez called the next morning. “I want to have a meeting, Sr. Bonner,” he said. “How about your hotel in one hour?” “We can manage that,” said Freddie. “Is this about the meeting of the Feathered Serpent Cult?” he asked innocently. “I think you know perfectly well what this is about,” said the detective. “I’ll see you in your suite in one hour.” Freddie made sure the whole crew was assembled in his suite before the detective arrived. “We’ll just play it innocent and see what they have to say,” said Freddie. “We won’t volunteer any information.” The police detective arrived with two other younger detectives. Monique served coffee and sweetbreads off of a tray from room service. The police detective exchanged pleasantries and then asked pointedly, “I understand you filmed at Tolum yesterday.” “Yes,” said Freddie. “We shot some great footage for our documentary.” “What time did you leave the site?” 88

Bret Mallory “It was just after sunset. We stayed late to get a shot of the sun going down over the bay.” “Did you hear any gunfire about that time?” Freddie looked at the others. “No. Just jungle sounds and the surf. What’s this about?” “Three men were found on a trail not far from the site, their bodies riddled with bullets from an automatic pistol.” “My God!” exclaimed Freddie. “Who were they?” “They were Belize nationals, just like the two you captured in this suite,” he said with a penetrating stare. “I believe your Special Ops man here took care of them.” “What makes you think that?” asked Gary. “We found this on a rock near the pyramid,” said the detective, as he presented Monique’s clipboard notebook. “I left that by mistake,” said Monique. “I just forgot it.” “When we found it, there was a note attached,” said the detective, laying down his trump card. “The note indicated that Dr. Lafrenier had been abducted and that she would be killed if your film company didn’t leave Mexico.” Everyone remained silent. “I see you have no comment,” said the detective, playing his cat and mouse game. “I’ll tell you what I think. I think your Special Ops man here tracked them onto the trail and killed them. How he did it I don’t have a clue since they were all packing automatic weapons. All I know is we have three men dead and two in custody, all Belize nationals and all connected with the Feathered 89

The Scorpio Caper Serpent Cult. But we have no suspects,” he said, looking directly at Gary. “Did you go out to the place on the map we gave you?” asked Gary. “We already knew about that place and we had a man there who infiltrated the meeting with a wire. We knew about the plans to kidnap Dr. Lafrenier but it was supposed to happen when you went to Chichen Itza to film.” He shrugged his shoulders. “We probably should have had you under close surveillance at all times.” “You knew they were going to try to kidnap her and you didn’t warn us?” asked Freddie incredulously. “We extracted some information from the prisoners that gave us a lead about the smuggling plan.” He looked at Gary. “We have our ways that are more subtle than breaking fingers or shoving pistols into mouths. Anyway, if we had spooked the kidnappers before our plan was in effect, it might have put in jeopardy the whole operation.” “But you sure put Monique in harm's way,” said Freddie in exasperation. “We won’t make that mistake again,” said the detective with conviction. “We want you to include two of our top men in your film crew. They will be armed and they will go everywhere you go.” “Why are we the center of this?” asked Dennis. “Because they are going to use hollow Maya artifact replicas to ship cocaine to the United States and they were afraid you would stumble across the plan with all of your filming and research. Also they 90

Bret Mallory knew Dr. Lafrenier would spot an imitation replica instantly if she stumbled across it. They are very paranoid and will try to eliminate every threat.” “If you know so much about them, their plan is bound to fail,” said Monique. “That’s right. But we must catch them in the act and we have to establish connections with the conspiracy group that heads the organization. We want to break up this cult before it gets too powerful.” “What do you want us to do now?” asked Freddie. “Continue with your filming plans. I want you to furnish a daily itinerary of your movements. Our men will be with you and will report directly to me.” The detective stood up, signaling that the meeting was over. “One more thing, Sr. Anderson. I would suggest that any weapons you may have in your possession be kept completely out of sight.” After the detectives left, the film crew sat around wondering what to do next. “Are you sure you want to go through with this, Monique?” asked Freddie. “Absolutely. If they are trying to use Maya replicas to smuggle cocaine, I feel obligated to do what I can to stop it.” “How about you, Dennis?” “Shit, I haven’t had this much fun in years. Count me in.” “Gary?” “Reminds me of my old clandestine operations days in Afghanistan,” he said with a smile. “These fuckers have no idea what we can do to them. Balls to walls, I say.” 91

The Scorpio Caper “Then we’re unanimous,” said Freddie. “And I haven’t had this much fun in my whole life either. I mean, look what we were doing. We were making a fucking film about some bimbo getting seaweed up her snatch. We were going through the motions of living life, of moving each project forward, without any thought of the moment and how it affected our lives during that moment.” “Jesus!” exclaimed Dennis. “I think you’ve gone round the pipe, old man. I mean I haven’t heard any of those kinds of philosophical ruminations since we started working together.” “This wonderful woman has changed my life,” said Freddie, smiling warmly at Monique. “I’m not the cynical boy-wonder of independent films anymore.” He turned to his colleagues and spread his arms expansively. “So let’s make this the best documentary ever and if those fuckers try to stand in our way, we’ll steamroller the bastards into the asphalt.” **** Early the next morning the film crew set out on the road to Uxmal. They had packed overnight bags in case the filming required more time. Freddie had notified Detective Rodriquez of their plans and had informed the two special undercover agents. The agents followed the van in an unmarked car, staying discretely out of sight. They would spot any vehicle that seemed to be following the film crew and let them know through the walkie-talkies. The extra 92

Bret Mallory security, along with Gary’s unbelievable prowess at spotting bad guys, comforted the others, knowing they were not alone on this drive into the remote jungle. The mini-convoy reached Uxmal in mid-morning, cleared through the gate into the inner parking lot and then packed their gear into the site. Dennis took in the magnificent Pyramid of the Musicians, the same one they had filmed from the air, and stopped in stunned silence. “Look at that!” he exclaimed. “What a powerful image. I see us filming Monique in front of the pyramid, a low shot that magnifies the enormity of the structure with the steps seeming to lead right up to heaven.” By early afternoon, Freddie called it a day. The whole crew felt they had captured on film sequences that could be edited into the comprehensive telling of the Maya culture. The two detectives played tourists, staying discretely in the background while surveying the area for suspicious activity. “Let’s go over to that giant thatched bar we passed at the entrance and have a drink,” Freddie suggested. “We’ve all earned a little rest and relaxation.” After loading the equipment into the van, the film crew sat at a table under the giant cantilevered roof. “Interesting architecture,” said Dennis. “But not as interesting as that pyramid.” “It’s the only Maya pyramid with rounded sides,” said Monique. “All other pyramids were constructed by building a series of terraces, one on top of the other just like the Mesopotamian structures.” 93

The Scorpio Caper Gary looked around the bar. “I wonder what happened to our keepers,” he said. “I told them we were coming to the bar,” said Freddie. “They said they would stay in the background.” “I’ve been watching but they didn’t come out of the site,” said Gary. “I think I’ll go take a look.” Gary disappeared through the gate as the rest of the crew felt apprehension about their stalwart guard leaving them alone. “As soon as he gets back, we’ll head for Cancun,” said Freddie. Gary hurried back through the gate. “I couldn’t find them,” he said. “I’m going out to the van. We might need some insurance.” “We’ll all go,” said Freddie. “We’re heading back to Cancun.” They walked out to the parking lot, wondering what could possibly have happened to the two detectives. As Freddie unlocked the van, a jeep sped up and skidded to a stop. Four men piled out waving assault rifles. One of the men grabbed the keys from Freddie while another opened the sliding doors on the van. “Dr. Lafrenier will sit in front on the right side,” the obvious leader said in a conversational tone. “Dennis and Gary will sit it the second seat. Mr. Bonner will ride in the jeep with me.” The filmmakers looked at each other in surprise, wondering how these men knew their names. Gary glared at the man with some kind of revenge percolating up in his brain. “Why are you kidnapping us?” asked Freddie, 94

Bret Mallory looking frantically at Monique. “You will find out when we reach our destination,” said the leader. “Give me your cell phones and just follow orders and no one will be hurt.” One of the men jumped into the driver’s seat of the van while the other slid into the last row of seats where he could cover everyone with his weapon. Freddie, with a numbing, sinking feeling, climbed into the jeep. The leader, driving the jeep, jammed the accelerator to the floor and sped past the van. Freddie caught a glimpse of Gary giving him the thumbs-up sign as the van leaped forward in hot pursuit. The two vehicles careened out onto the highway and headed south with the confused and frightened captives wondering what strange force guided their destinies now. After about ten minutes the two vehicles cranked off the main highway onto a narrow dirt road that cut a dark, ominous tunnel into the dense jungle. They bounced recklessly down the rutted road for several miles then suddenly, the road widened into a clearing and ended at a huge wrought iron gate, anchored by stone walls with guard towers that stretched in both directions until they disappeared into the foliage. The guard at the gate waved them on as the gates parted in some kind of mechanical magic that allowed the vehicles to race through without slowing down. Inside the gates, rose a sprawling hacienda with outside balconies, red tiled roofs, cascading bougainvillea and sparkling fountains, all surrounded by avocado trees, orange trees and fragrant multicolored roses. It looked like a fantasy Mexican villa 95

The Scorpio Caper right out of Architectural Digest. The two vehicles sped around the building on a cobblestone road that led to a parking area where several cars sat in ordered rows. Off to the side of the parking lot, extended a helipad with a gleaming Sikorsky helicopter that seemed to be poised and ready for instant takeoff. Freddie jumped out of the jeep, rushed up to Monique as she got out of the van and hugged her. “That Toyota there belongs to our faithful detectives,” said Gary ironically. “Follow me,” said the leader of the gang. He led them to the main entrance where they were greeted by a giant of a man dressed in a long ornate robe, a towering plumed hat, and carrying a gold-tipped staff. He waved the staff in a sweeping arc, turned in a snappy military about face and started to walk across the gleaming tiled floor. The room, as big as a gymnasium, contained massive, hand-carved furniture, Maya tapestries on the walls, with Maya pottery and statues artistically displayed in strategic locations. ‘These are authentic Maya artifacts,” said Monique incredulously as the entourage arrived at a very wide, hand carved door decorated with Maya symbols that surrounded a large feathered serpent crafted out of jade and inset into the wood. The giant man raised his staff and knocked twice on the door. The door immediately swung open, revealing a room that seemed to have been copied from the inside of one of the Maya temples. The walls looked to be carved out of solid stone and were 96

Bret Mallory decorated with vibrant colored relief paintings depicting Maya rituals. Seated at the end of the room, on a huge stone throne, sat an imposing figure dressed in Post-Classic Maya finery, an intricate feathered serpent necklace made of jade dangling on a silver chain around his neck. Flanking the man on each side stood Maya warriors with long lances. The man, sporting a flowing blond beard, sat motionless as the group approached the throne. “He thinks he is Quetzalcoatl,” whispered Monique to Freddie. “I am Quetzalcoatl!” boomed the man on the throne, startling everyone with the power and intensity of his voice. “I come from the East with the wisdom and knowledge to reform and enlighten, just as I have done for forty-five baktuns, which would be twenty two centuries according to your time calculations,” he added in perfect English. “Why did you kidnap us?” asked Freddie belligerently. The man on the throne waved his scepter as if dismissing the whole idea. “My dear Mr. Bonner. Kidnap is an ugly word. You and your crew are honored guests here and you will be treated as such.” “Then why are we honored guests?” asked Monique. “Ah, the beautiful and brilliant Doctor Lafrenier,” said Quetzalcoatl. “My dear, we have a need for your expertise and we require the filmmaking talent of Mr. Bonner and his crew.” “You could have asked us first,” said Freddie. “Regretfully, circumstances did not allow the 97

The Scorpio Caper luxury of such formalities. All will be explained at dinner. For now, you will be taken to your quarters. There are no locks or restraints here, you are free to move about, to converse amongst yourselves, and do whatever you want. Just remember, the entire perimeter of this estate is patrolled by armed guards as well as electronic surveillance so do not jeopardize yourselves by silly heroics.” “Detective Rodriguez knows we came to Uxmal so he will be looking for us,” said Freddie. “Detective Rodriguez and his two men are part of our group,” the man on the throne said with an expansive smile. “Now, Tlaloc will take you to your quarters,” he added, dismissing them. Tlaloc took them down a long hall to the four adjoining rooms. “Your movie gear and your bags are in this room,” he said. “Dinner will be at nine.” The film crew gathered in Freddie’s room. Gary examined the room for obvious bugs or hidden video monitors. He motioned to the others to follow him out the French doors onto the patio. “What the hell was that about?” asked Dennis. “Are we in some kind of a nut house? And who is this Quetza guy?” “According to legend, a bearded blond man came out of the east and taught the indigenous tribes of Central America astronomy, architecture and the knowledge necessary to create an advanced culture,” said Monique. “The sacred symbol of Quetzalcoatl is the feathered serpent.” “And the dude on the throne thinks he’s the reincarnation of that guy?” asked Dennis. 98

Bret Mallory “It seems that way,” said Monique. “You notice they left our camera gear here which means we have the assault rifle and pistols,” said Gary. “We can stir up all kinds of shit if we have to.” “Look, why don’t we get a little rest and then go down to dinner,” said Monique. “I think we should just see where this takes us. It could be very interesting.” “As long as it doesn’t take us to a crypt underneath a pyramid,” added Freddie. **** Quetzalcoatl appeared at dinner wearing a dressy tropical shirt and black trousers, with a heavy gold pendant hanging around his neck. He displayed none of the demeanor he had shown in the throne room, in fact, he could have been a typical businessman from Merida “Welcome, my friends,” he said expansively. “I trust your accommodations are comfortable.” “Very nice,” said Monique, as the waiters pulled out chairs for the assembled guests. Just then, two young women entered the dining room, the same two women who had taken Freddie to the weird party back in Merida. “Hello, Adriana,” said Freddie. “You’re back from Belize, I see.” “Hello, Freddie,” she said with a warm smile. “This is an associate of ours, Cristina. I hope we can clear up any confusion or anxiety you might have.” “We have plenty of both,” said Freddie with a cold smile. 99

The Scorpio Caper “Please, everyone, sit down and let’s enjoy a marvelous meal,” said Quetzalcoatl. “We will feast and you can ask us any questions that will help you better understand why you are here and what we plan to do.” Three waiters brought in succulent salads of tropical fruits arranged on ornate pottery plates, placing one in front of each of the seven diners, while a wine steward poured white wine into silver goblets. Quetzalcoatl raised his goblet. “To my new friends, who will be instrumental in helping me bring enlightenment to the uninitiated.” The film crew exchanged quizzical glances then sipped the wine. “And how do we do that?” asked Freddie. “All in due time, my impatient friend. Adriana will first explain who we are, what we represent, and why we have embarked on this path of cultural renewal.” Everyone turned to look at Adriana, who had dressed in a flowing white gown with a garland of orchids in her hair. With her jet-black hair and her exotic eyes she could have been an ancient goddess. “We are a group of seekers of wisdom and truth who have banded together, under the guidance of Quetzalcoatl, to make sure the ancient teachings of the Feathered Serpent are not lost in the crush of modern technology.” Adriana paused and took a sip of wine. “You see, the ancient cultures of MesoAmerica, practiced a harmony of the spirit, of nature and of mankind, all interdependent and all necessary for a balanced and productive society.” “Sign me on,” said Dennis. “That’s the kind of stuff 100

Bret Mallory I’ve been preaching for years.” Adriana smiled warmly at Dennis. “You will have that opportunity, Dennis. We would like to enlist all of your skills in filmmaking and, for Monique, her technical expertise.” “I assume you want us to make a film of some sort,” said Freddie. “Yes, and you will be paid handsomely,” said Adriana. “You will be able to film things that would be useful in your documentary, things that you couldn’t possibly include without our support.” “What is Monique’s role in all of this?” asked Freddie. “We would like her to authenticate several artifacts for us, artifacts that we cannot show to the archeological community. And, of course, Monique will be rewarded handsomely as well.” “You want me to authenticate the artifacts even if I determine they are fake?” “Not at all. We expect you to be truthful about the authenticity of everything you examine.” “How long do we have to stay here?” asked Gary. “Until you finish the project. That will be up to you.” “And then we will be free to go?” asked Freddie. “You will sign confidentiality agreements first, but yes, you will be free to leave.” “Do you have a script or a storyboard of some sort?” asked Freddie. “We have an outline of what we want told in the film and the locations where we will film, but the composition of the film will be left to your judgment.” 101

The Scorpio Caper “If we leave this compound to go and film, how do you plan to keep us from contacting the authorities?” asked Monique. “We do not have to leave this location to film what we need,” said Quetzalcoatl cryptically. “If you agree to our conditions we will start filming tomorrow and you will see wonders you cannot possibly imagine,” said Adriana. “Do we have any choice?” asked Freddie. “There are always choices, but some choices have dire consequences,” said Quetzalcoatl. “If my team agrees, we will do it,” said Freddie. He looked at Gary who nodded affirmatively, then at Dennis who did likewise. “I think this might be a wonderful opportunity for all of us,” said Monique. “Count me in.” “Then it’s settled,” said Quetzalcoatl magnanimously. “Tomorrow morning at nine we will all start on a great adventure.” “Cristina and I would like to invite Dennis and Gary to enjoy an after dinner cognac on the patio,” said Adriana. “We want to learn some of the technical aspects of filmmaking so we won’t be total novices when we go to the site tomorrow.” “You command and we obey,” said Dennis gallantly. “I always enjoy sharing a cognac with beautiful women.” The two couples walked through the open patio doors and out into the warm tropical night. Dennis and Gary wondered what the two lovely women had in mind and how they could take advantage of whatever the situation offered. The ladies led them to 102

Bret Mallory a low table already set with brandy snifters accompanied by a large bottle of Courvoisier. On each side of the table, long padded benches offered comfortable seating, or whatever else might be in store. Adriana poured the brandy and handed a snifter to the others. “Tell me more about the ancient philosophies,” asked Dennis. “Like the sexual practices.” “Do you know anything about the sexual revolution of the sixties?” she asked. “Free love, Woodstock, acid, pot, communes, group sex, switching, swapping, everything goes and if it feels good, do it,” said Dennis. ‘Wow,” said Adriana with a big smile. “I guess you we’re there or a great student of history.” “I’m an artist and artists have always indulged in that kind of hedonistic craziness.” “As you know, the Maya were consummate artists and we are all children of nature,” said Cristina as she pulled her sheath dress over her head, exposing a completely nude and stunning figure. “Aren’t you afraid that lovely body will attract mosquitoes?” asked Gary. “Haven’t you noticed?” asked Adriana. “There are no insects here. We have a native herbal insect repellant that keeps all of the biting kind outside of the compound.” “Of course, we don’t mind a few human type nips and chews,” laughed Cristina. Sensuous music drifted out over the patio, mixing with the sweet smell of orange blossoms and roses. Adriana untied a sash around her dress and stepped 103

The Scorpio Caper out into the enveloping comfort of the evening. “These lovely ladies are way ahead of us,” said Dennis to Gary as he pulled off his shirt and shorts. Gary joined the stripping ritual as he watched the two girls gyrate around them like maidens performing a fertility dance. The lovely ladies swayed and bumped like dancers in a tittie bar, gliding up next to Gary and Dennis, lightly touching them on the face, the body and the now rigid cocks, stroking and teasing with gliding kisses and busy hands. The women maintained complete control, not hurrying anything, gradually working the men into a sexual frenzy until finally, Cristina straddled Gary, parted the slick lips of her pussy and slowly lowered herself down on his eager cock. Adriana emulated the moves as she slipped Dennis into her fiery furnace. The sounds of the music and the fragrance of the flowers were soon drowned out by the sounds and odors of uninhibited sex. **** Meanwhile, inside the dinning room, Freddie and Monique decided it was time to call it a night. “Thank you for the wonderful dinner,” said Monique to Quetzalcoatl. “Freddie and I are going to our room to discuss these developments.” “I am very happy that we could come to an agreement,” said Quetzalcoatl. “Until tomorrow, then.” Monique and Freddie walked slowly back to their room, silently pondering the strange turn their lives 104

Bret Mallory had taken. “What do you make of all this?” asked Freddie. “I think the whole feathered serpent thing is a guise to cover a grab for power,” she said thoughtfully. “It seems as if this group has infiltrated not only the government, but also the Church. Obviously they are very well funded.” “So where does that put us?” “We should make the film and I’ll look over the artifacts and we’ll get the hell out of here as soon as we can,” she said with a conviction that Freddie had not seen before. “I agree with that, and the sooner the better. Let’s go back to the room and make sweet love. I need to get grounded again.” “Sweet love is good,” she said, giving him a light kiss. “Let’s go!” **** The next morning the crew was told to load all of their filmmaking equipment into three jeeps. Quetzalcoatl, dressed again in his Maya finery, climbed into the lead jeep and waved his scepter forward just like a bwana starting a safari. The caravan proceeded down a narrow road behind the main buildings before diving into a dense jungle canopy that created a surrealistic twilight haze of strange images. Suddenly, the caravan burst out into an expansive clearing, out of which rose perfectly restored temples, and a small pyramid along with several other buildings, all obviously of Maya origin. 105

The Scorpio Caper A green netlike material covered the whole site, stretching from one edge of the clearing to the other, making the site impossible to spot from the air. “My God!” exclaimed Monique. “This site is completely unknown to Maya scholars.” “What do you think, Dr. Lafrenier?” asked Quetzalcoatl waving his scepter proudly as he dismounted from the jeep. “Absolutely amazing,” said Monique in wonder, visibly impressed with such an unexpected scene. “Is it authentic or did you build it?” “You will be convinced very shortly that it is absolutely authentic,” he said with great conviction. At that moment about two hundred Maya warriors appeared from behind the temple, all dressed in authentic clothing, carrying long spears with machete-like knives in their breechcloths. They marched in perfect formation, led by a fierce looking warrior who directed them to a spot in front of the pyramid. “We’ve got to get this on film,” said Dennis. “That is the idea,” said Quetzalcoatl. “Set up your gear for the best vantage point while the rest of the cast gets set.” “Dennis, take the steady-cam up on top of the temple for an establishing shot,” said Freddie. “Gary, set up the tripod with the long lens camera and I’ ll set up the sound with the shotgun mike and take the small camera for shots of opportunity.” A high-pitched flute sound filled the air as several deep drums started a pulsing, driving rhythm. More flutes joined in as about fifty young maidens danced 106

Bret Mallory barefoot and bare breasted out of one of the large buildings. The flutes and drums were joined by an eerie chanting that seemed to float out of the openings in the temple. “Are your cameras ready,” asked Quetzalcoatl. “As ready as we can be with this short a notice,” replied Freddie. Quetzalcoatl raised his scepter, walked to the front of the warriors, and started a reverberating chant that bounced off of the buildings. Two high priests emerged from the altar on top of the pyramid carrying a screaming and kicking woman. One of the priests pinned the woman to a large flat stone and raised his head to the heavens. The drums increased the beat in intensity and volume while the flute soared to dog pitch highs. The other priest pulled a long obsidian knife out of his tunic, raised it as an offering to Quetzalcoatl, and plunged it into the chest of the woman. Her scream chilled the blood of the entire film crew as the woman’s own blood spurted up over the priest. He reached into her chest, yanked out her still-beating heart and held it up as an offering to the blond god, Quetzalcoatl. “Holly shit!” exclaimed Freddie, astounded by the sudden and unexpected violence. He ran up the steps of the pyramid to get a close-up of the sacrifice, still thinking it had to be an act, that it was just a bit of theatrics. Suddenly, the priests, oblivious to the action below them, picked up the dying woman, held her over their heads and then tossed her brutally down the steep steps of the pyramid. Freddie, the consummate filmmaker and still thinking it probably 107

The Scorpio Caper was a dummy, captured the horrible scene as the woman’s body bounced wildly past him, and for a second it looked exactly like Cristina. “Cut!” shouted Quetzalcoatl. He waved his scepter in a sweeping move. The music suddenly stopped as the warriors and maidens disappeared behind the temple. The priests hurried down the pyramid, picked up the body and ran into the temple. Quetzalcoatl walked over to Freddie. “How did you like our little drama?” he asked. Freddie and Monique, visibly shaken, stood numb and silent. Finally, Monique looked at Quetzalcoatl. “It looked like a real sacrifice to me,” she said in a hushed voice. “Appearances can be deceptive,” he said with a sly smile. “I want you to look over some of the artifacts found at this site. They are in this building,” he said pointing to one of the smaller structures. “Bring your camera, Freddie. Have your men get some more film of the site” Quetzalcoatl led them into the dark and musty building. Inside, under soft lighting, were displayed hundred of Maya artifacts, including gold masks, pendants and other jewelry, hand crafted jade and silver goblets and plates along with a profusion of pottery and statuary. “No museum in the world has a collection like this,” she said in awe. “You are convinced of the authenticity?” he asked. “I couldn’t verify everything, but yes, what I see is absolutely authentic. Either that, or incredibly crafted replicas.” 108

Bret Mallory “I can assure you that everything was found at this site and the site was abandoned in the eleventh century AD.” “This is the most important discovery in two hundred years,” said Monique. “I can’t figure out how all of this gold and silver and jade hadn’t been plundered.” “In my previous incarnation, I buried it in a vault beneath the main temple. When I returned from the other side to restore the Maya greatness and this site, I naturally uncovered the treasure.” “What are you going to do with it?” “It is all part of a master plan,” he replied mysteriously. “I will bring you back here tomorrow to shoot another scene for the film. In the meantime, we will keep all of the film equipment here.” **** Back at the villa, the crew gathered on the patio to discuss the astounding events of the day. “I think we just made a snuff film,” said Gary. “Do you think that was a real sacrifice?’ asked Freddie. “It could have been a slight of hand like those doctors in the Philippines who were always yanking chicken livers out of patients, pretending to cure them with weird surgery.” He looked at the others thoughtfully. “But you know that body they tossed off of the pyramid looked exactly like Cristina when it bounced past me.” “Has anyone seen Cristina since we got back?” asked Monique. 109

The Scorpio Caper “She wasn’t at the cocktail hour,” said Gary. “I just wish we had the camera gear so we could rerun that footage.” “Now we don’t even have any weapons,” said Dennis. “The bastards kept our stuff.” “I took the liberty of removing certain items before we headed out to the site,” said Gary with a shiteating grin. “Don’t even ask me where I hid the goodies, but that stuff will show up if we need it.” “Do you think we might need it?” asked Dennis. “Who knows? I just like to have an edge in every situation.” “At dinner tonight, let’s ask Quetzalcoatl what he plans to film tomorrow, and if Cristina is not there, we will ask him what happened to her,” suggested Gary. “Good idea,” agreed Freddie. “Consider this,” said Monique, “if that really was Cristina on the altar and if they really did kill her, that means we all might be in extreme danger.” “I agree,” said Freddie. “When they get what they want from us I don’t think they’ll let any of us out to describe what we’ve seen.” Adriana appeared from the garden and knocked anxiously on the patio doors. Monique let in the obviously distraught girl. “They killed Cristina!” Adriana exclaimed breathlessly. “They are going to sacrifice me tomorrow for the film.” She burst into tears. “How do you know they killed Cristina?” asked Gary. “I was one of the dancers at the temple during the 110

Bret Mallory filming,” she said. “I saw her body. It was horrible.” “We’ve got to get out of here,” said Gary. “And how do we do that?” asked Freddie. “I mean, there are guards everywhere and we couldn’t possible get out of that gate, even if we could get the keys to the van and make it that far.” “You remember that Sikorsky helicopter sitting on the pad next to the parking lot?” asked Gary. “We’ll use that.” “You can fly it?” “Shit, I’ve flown Cobras and Apaches and even Chinooks, with RPG’s whizzing past the rotors. It should be a piece of cake.” “So what’s the plan?” asked Dennis. “In my little goodies kit, besides the pistols and assault rifle and the night vision goggles, I just happen to have a nice brick of C-4 which make big boom sounds that blow the shit out of things.” “What do we blow up?” asked Freddie. “I found out they generate all of their electricity in that big shed out behind the greenhouses. I’ll go out there and set a fuse I can blow with a remote I have. Then I’ll stealth it over to the helicopter, sneak aboard and get ready to spool it up.” Gary paced around the room, excited about putting his plan into action. “When I’m ready, I’ll trigger the explosion, and when it blows you will all sprint out of here to the helipad. The fireball of the explosion plus the total shutdown of electricity should create enough confusion to let us get the fuck out of here.” “Brilliant!” exclaimed Freddie. “I think it’ll work” “What can we do?” asked Dennis. 111

The Scorpio Caper “I’ll pack one of the automatic pistols and the night goggles with me. You bring the assault rifle and Freddie packs the other pistol in case some one comes out there before we can lift off.” “Do I get to go too?” asked Adriana timidly. “If we make it out of here I could be a big help with information for the authorities. I know what’s going on around this place.” “Of course you can come with us,” said Freddie. “We still have to face Quetzalcoatl at dinner,” said Monique. “I think we should convince him that everything is fine and that we look forward to going back to the site tomorrow.” During dinner Quetzalcoatl was in an expansive mood, regaling the guests with amazing tales about the Maya and their contributions to civilization. Monique and Adriana, playing the role of adoring subjects, asked interesting questions and laughed at all the right moments. Finally, Quetzalcoatl stood up, signaling that the meal was over. “I have many duties that require attention,” he said. “I want to make sure you get to film some spectacular scenes tomorrow.” **** Back in their room, Freddie and Monique hugged each other tightly, standing nude next to the bed. “In a few hours we could be in extreme danger,” said Freddie. “If we don’t try Gary’s plan, we’ll be in even more danger,” she answered, kissing him lightly on the 112

Bret Mallory lips. “If anybody can pull it off, it’s Gary. The guy constantly amazes me.” “I have read that when life is threatened, the species will do whatever is necessary to reproduce itself,” said Monique. “Do you have an overpowering urge to reproduce?” asked Freddie, licking her ear. “At least we could go through the motions.” “And what motions do you have in mind?” “Well, we’ve done the Chinese basket fuck and the love fuck and the lust fuck. What do you suggest?” Monique asked. “We didn’t do the Chinese basket fuck because we didn’t have a basket.” “But we improvised,” she said with a sexy smile. “We have three hours before Gary starts the invasion of Normandy, so let’s be imaginative and see what our fertile minds can create in the way of new fucks.” “You mean, sort of put our heads together and see what happens?” “Head is always good,” Monique said. “But I don’t want to be stereotyped because of my French heritage.” “How about this? Let’s get connected, man and woman, cock and pussy, and then start a nice lip-lock while we meld our brains and our psyches together.” “A perfect solution. I love melding and I love you,” she said as she pulled him down onto the bed. She opened her delightful legs in an invitation to meld. Freddie melded, guiding his ready cock between the slippery lips and into a love connection 113

The Scorpio Caper space that held him and comforted them both against the uncertainty that would surely come. **** Gary put on the night vision goggles, grabbed the C4, the detonator, the automatic pistol and slipped out the door onto the patio. He looked around to see if any heat signals from human forms guarded the back of the villa. He spotted two men, close together, obviously smoking and conversing, on the far side of the grounds. He ducked down, working his way to the generator building, constantly scanning the area for other guards. This is amazing, he thought. Not one guard between him and the target, not even one sentinel he could spot at the generator building or in the parking lot. Gary quietly slid back the door to the building, immediately identifying the hot diesel engine and generator that reflected brightly in his goggles. He placed the C-3 on the huge fuel tank next to the chugging engine, inserted the detonator, removed the safety and then slipped out of the building. He scanned the area again; noticing no other activity, then ran over to the helipad. The sliding door on the side of the Sikorsky opened noiselessly and he ducked inside. Gary scanned the instrument panel, the engine start-up sequence, the controls and knew instantly that he could handle this beast. He began the scroll up sequence of the engines as he lightly fingered the trigger device for the explosives. 114

Bret Mallory Freddie, Monique, Dennis and Adriana poised at the patio doors, nervously anticipating the explosion they hoped would come. Freddie heard the quiet scrolling up of a turbine engine starting just as a brilliant flash illuminated the night sky. “Let’s go!” he said, sprinting out into the grassy area as all hell broke loose in the generator shed. The lights in the villa suddenly blinked out. The guard tower lights disappeared, and, except for the burning generator building, everything plunged into blackness. The four terrified escapees raced for the helipad, and dove through the open door, just as Gary threw in the collective pitch that levitated them straight up into an unknown sky. “Welcome aboard,” said Gary over the intercom, as he peeled the Sikorsky into a forty-degree bank while climbing out over the walls of the compound. Not one shot was fired. “Drinks and food will be served when we reach our cruising altitude,” Gary said, imitating an airline pilot. Everyone started cheering, as the realization sunk in that they had really escaped. “You crazy motherfucking bastard,” shouted Freddie “You did it!” “Where now boss?” asked Gary with great nonchalance. “I have no idea,” admitted Freddie. “Let’s go to Campeche,” suggested Monique. “It’s close, has a great airport and the Governor and I are very good friends. The Mexicans also have a garrison of army troops there and I’ m sure the government will be interested in what we discovered back at that 115

The Scorpio Caper Maya site.” “Especially when they find out those guys are smuggling drugs,” added Adriana. “And I know exactly how they do it.” “What a great caper!” exclaimed Dennis. “The only bad part is we lost all of our camera gear and our film.” “I extracted all of the digital tape from the cameras, including the scenes we shot at the Maya site,” said Gary. “I figured we might need it.” “Give this guy the Golden Globe Award and the CIA award for covert operations,” said Freddie, slightly giddy from all the excitement and the knowledge that they were not only safe, but they also had all of the footage they shot. “Fortunately this buggy has all of the latest GPS navigation stuff so I can give anybody the exact location and I can dial us right in to Campeche,” said Gary. “I can call the tower at the airport but they might want to know where we came from and what the hell are we doing at this time of the morning flying into their airspace.” “I don’t think we should go to the airport,” said Freddie. “The security will be tight and they might just take us away the lock us up before we get a chance to talk to the Governor.” “Put those weapons in that canvas bag there,” said Gary. “I have an idea,” said Monique. “If we fly due north, we’ll cross over the coast line, then we can follow the shoreline until we reach Campeche to the southwest. Just north of the Ramada, which is right 116

Bret Mallory on the gulf, there’ s a large grassy area. I’ve seen helicopters land there. We can walk to the Ramada, and since it’s Saturday morning, the disco will be in full swing until dawn, plus the restaurant is open all night.” “Good idea,” said Freddie. “We can mix into the crowd and have some breakfast.” “They know me at the Ramada and they’ll just think we’re there on some kind of assignment,” said Monique. “It’s a very busy place.” Gary flew out over the gulf and turned to the southwest. He kept the helicopter at twelve hundred feet over the land then skimmed down just above the water. The city lights illuminated the early morning sky as they flew past small hamlets and into the suburbs of the city. “The landing site is just beyond that big shopping center,” said Monique. Gary pulled the nose up on the Sikorsky, slowing down to line up for the approach. “There it is,” said Monique. Gary spotted the landing site, brought the helicopter around so it lined up with the shore, and then descended to a perfect landing on the grass. He turned off all of the switches and fuel, unbuckled, grabbed the canvas bag and opened the door. He looked around but not one person or vehicle could be seen in the pre-dawn darkness. “Let’s go!” They scrambled out into the muggy night. A pink sliver of light glowed on the eastern horizon. “This way,” said Monique. The group walked the two blocks to the Ramada 117

The Scorpio Caper where they could hear the sounds of the nightclub music long before they got there. The parking lot appeared to be jammed with cars and several young people milled around the entrance to the hotel. As Monique led them into the lobby, no one even glanced at them. They walked into the crowded restaurant, found an empty booth and sat down. “What now, brave leader?” asked Dennis. “We’ll have a nice leisurely breakfast and figure out what we tell the Governor,” said Monique. “That escape was better than anything I’ve ever seen in the movies,” said Freddie. “Gary, you are a brilliant and brave bastard. I still can’t believe we pulled it off.” “Do you think Quetzalcoatl will tell the authorities we stole the helicopter?” Monique asked Adriana. “First of all, his name is Jose Luis Puente. He just uses that Quetzalcoatl shtick to impress the gullible,” said Adriana. “And I don’t think he’ll report the helicopter. The man is totally paranoid, thinks the whole world is out to get him. But I’m sure he’s already sent out his killer squads to take care of us.” “If they get word that the helicopter is here, they could show up in about an hour,” said Gary. “We’ve got to go to the Governor’s mansion,” said Monique. “He always has a large group of bodyguard types around that place.” “Can we trust him?” asked Gary. “I know he’s not part of the Feathered Serpent Cult,” said Adriana. “Let’s not press our luck,” said Gary. “I think we should get a cab and go to the Governor’s mansion.” 118

Bret Mallory

**** At the guard gate of the mansion, the sentry absolutely refused to wake up the Governor at such an early hour. Monique pleaded, explaining that she was a close friend of the Governor and it was a matter of life and death. She finally convinced the guard to send her card to the Governor’s attaché whom she had met at a reception the last time she was in Campeche. The foursome waited nervously at the gate, expecting that the minions of Quetzalcoatl would show up at any second and gun them down. Finally, the phone in the guard post rang and the sentry waved them into the inner courtyard. The attaché, looking slightly disheveled, rushed up to Monique. “Mademoiselle Lafrenier,” he said effusively. “The Governor will be down shortly. He instructed me to give you and your friends some coffee and sweet cakes while you wait.” The attaché ushered them into a sumptuous reception room where servants rushed around, setting up the refreshments. “Please sit and enjoy,” he said. He shrugged his shoulders. “It is very early on a Saturday morning. I hope you understand.” “I wouldn’t possibly bother you or the Governor if it wasn’t a serious matter,” said Monique. “I know he will be very interested in what we have to say.” “The Governor will always take time to see you, Dr. Lafrenier, and if the matter is as urgent as you suggest, he will want to take immediate action.” 119

The Scorpio Caper The Governor rushed into the room, embraced Monique then introduced himself to the others. “What is this all about, Monique?” Monique quickly explained what had happened to them since the beginning of filming, how they had been attacked, how the feathered serpent cult had tried to kidnap her and finally, how they had be taken to the strange villa with the hidden Maya ruins. The Governor listened carefully, expressing shock and outrage at such behavior happening in his country. “Governor,” said Adriana. “I have been a member of the cult and I can supply information about their cocaine operation, including names and methods.” “We have been monitoring that group for about three years,” said the Governor. “We’ve been trying to get enough evidence to justify a raid. We have a plan in place to raid their estate in the jungle but we didn’ t have any clue about the Maya ruins or about the extent of their cocaine operation.” “We are convinced the Quetzalcoatl character has sent out his death squads to assassinate us,” said Monique. “You will be safe here for now. I will notify Colonel Hernandez to alert his Tactical Response unit. They are a well trained and heavily armed brigade capable of storming and overwhelming that villa. We also have a Narcotics unit trained in the States that we can deploy. They have assault helicopters and are also heavily armed.” “There are only fifty or so actual armed guards,” said Adriana “The men he uses for his Maya warriors are farmers who are involved in growing the coca 120

Bret Mallory plants.” The Governor picked up the phone and barked out several orders in rapid Spanish. “They will be ready to roll in an hour. Colonel Hernandez assures me that the whole villa area will be secure by noon today.” “Once the area is secured, we would like to go there and retrieve our camera gear and our van,” said Freddie. “Of course,” agreed the Governor. “In the meantime, I’ll have my helicopter pilot bring the Sikorsky to our helipad here. You can go up there with me in my helicopter.” “How about the guys Quetzalcoatl might have sent out to kill us?” asked Gary. “Once they realize the head has been cut off of that snake, they will disappear into the jungle or maybe head back to Belize.” “I hope you’re right,” said Gary. “But I’m going to assume they’re still coming after us.” “Don’t take the law into your own hands,” warned the Governor. “We can handle this group.” “With all due respect, Governor,” said Freddie. “If Gary hadn’t gotten us out of there, we would probably all be dead by now.” “And I appreciate that. But now, we are in charge and we will take care of the situation.” The attaché rushed in. “Governor, Colonel Hernandez and his troops have started the operation. The narcotics unit is coming down from Merida and will join up at the villa.” “Excellent! Make sure we have our friends in the media alerted so we get the first coverage of the 121

The Scorpio Caper discovery.” He turned to the filmmakers and shrugged. “Good publicity is always welcomed by a politician.” “When we arrive at the site, I would really like to get some footage of the soldiers securing the area,” said Freddie. “We can leave as soon as Colonel Hernandez contacts me,” replied the Governor. “We kept the taxi waiting outside,” said Gary. “I’ll go out and pay him and pick up a bag I left.” He winked at Freddie. “We’ll go out to the helipad in about half an hour,” said the Governor. “Be ready to leave.” “We’re ready now,” said Freddie. **** The helicopter swooped down over the villa and settled into a stable hover. Soldiers patrolled the grounds and had rounded up a group of Quetzalcoatl’ s men. The Governor directed the pilot to fly over the ruins, which could now be seen as the soldiers had dismantled the canopy. “Astounding,” said the Governor. “I can’t imagine how they managed to excavate this site without any of us finding out.” He waved his arms and pointed out the window. “Look at that! How could they have possibly kept this huge site a secret?” “They have been at it for ten years,” said Adriana. “And with the proceeds from their drug smuggling, money was no object.” “Land in that opening by the temple,” said the 122

Bret Mallory Governor to the pilot. “Colonel Hernandez is there with the head of the narcotics team.” The pilot dropped the helicopter on the grassy area next to the temple. The Colonel rushed up as the door slid back. “Governor, the area is secure and we took no casualties. They just gave up when they realized the Quetzalcoatl character had bugged out.” “He escaped?” asked Gary. “One of his men told us that he and his four closest advisors packed up all of the gold, silver and jade and took off down that back road in a truck about an hour after the film crew escaped. We have checkpoints on all roads so we expect to capture them soon.” “Good work, Colonel,” said the Governor. “We also found a cocaine processing plant in that building over there by the temple. Big time production and it looks like they put the cocaine in Maya replica statues to smuggle into the States.” “Amazing,” exclaimed the Governor. “Not only do we uncover the most important archeological find in two hundred years, we break up a huge narcotics ring.” “If we could find our camera equipment we could get all this on film,” suggested Freddie. “Of course,” said the Governor. “Did your men find any large aluminum boxes?” “There’s a stack of stuff in the building with all the artifacts,” said the Colonel. “I think I saw some aluminum boxes there.” “Let’s check it out,” said Freddie. In the building the film crew found all of the camera cases as well as their cell phones. Gary 123

The Scorpio Caper immediately set up the small hand-held camera, opened the bag with all of his stuff and extracted some digital tape cartridges. Freddie took the camera out into the site to film the Governor and Colonel playing the role of strong and decisive leaders. “Great stuff for the eleven o’clock news,” he told the Governor. “Adriana, get in this scene and tell the Governor about the drug smuggling operation and about the Cult’s plans for political and religious domination.” The Governor and Colonel preened and mugged while soldiers scurried around in the background playing army games. After about a half an hour of filming, a TV news van careened into the site, discouraging a news crew. One of the men, clutching a mike rushed over to the Governor and Colonel. “Channel Five News,” he said. “We’d like to get on-camera interviews by everyone involved in this amazing operation.” The news crew soon found out that the Scorpio Productions filmmakers were the newsworthy part of this story, from their kidnapping to the great escape. Freddie left out the part about the shootout at Tolum and the attempted assassination on the road to Uxmal. He didn’t want the authorities to start digging into those episodes. Monique led the Governor into the building that had stored the invaluable artifacts. “My god!” she exclaimed. “He took all of the best pieces.” “We’ll catch him,” the Colonel assured her, as the news crew filmed his concern. “We have a description of the truck they used and the license plate number.” 124

Bret Mallory Dennis and Gary continued filming shots they though might be useful for the documentary. By two in the afternoon they had all the footage they needed. “Let’s go up to the house and get our overnight bags,” said Freddie. “I think we should head back to Cancun tonight.” “Maybe we should stay here, at least until they capture Quetzalcoatl,” said Monique. “With all the Army troops around we should be safe.” “It is kind of a kick back place now that the bad guys are gone,” said Dennis. “Maybe we should stay.” “I agree,” said Adriana. “I don’t trust that bastard, Quetzalcoatl. He has more lives than a cat.” “Well, then, I guess we stay, at least for one night,” said Freddie. “Come to think of it, we haven’t had any sleep for about forty hours.” Freddie told the Governor that they had decided to stay at least one night or until they captured Quetzalcoatl. “We’re using the main house for the officers and visiting dignitaries,” said the Governor. “Any you certainly qualify as visiting dignitaries. The servants and kitchen staff are there so it should be comfortable.” **** Back at the villa, the film crew discovered that their rooms were just as they had left them when they sprinted out the door for the great escape just eight hours before. “When I signed up to be your technical 125

The Scorpio Caper consultant, I had no idea it would be this exciting,” said Monique. “I couldn’t write a script to match this craziness,” agreed Freddie. “My god, if it hadn’t been for Gary we would probably all be dead by now.” “As we ran out to that helicopter, I realized what a precious thing we have going between us, and how horrible it would be to lose it.” “I had that same thought. I couldn’t bear to lose what we have,” said Freddie sincerely. “I love you so much.” Monique placed her arms around his neck and kissed him. “I love you too, Freddie.” “Let’s take a hot bath, relax and unwind a little bit,” he suggested. “I can identify with relax and unwind,” said Monique. “Maybe even a nap.” “How about a nip, some nookie and a nap, the three n’s to well being,” said Freddie, pouring them each a glass of champagne. “This champagne takes care of the first n, but what do we do about the second, and, by the way, just what is nookie?” “Nookie is a good old American slang expression for things like fucking, getting a piece of ass, getting laid, screwing, humping, jumping bones, balling, boinking, boffing, burying the one-eyed-worm, hiding the wienie, splitting the beaver, and sexual intercourse.” “Do you think you could teach me this ‘nookie’ thing?” asked Monique innocently. “Will you be an eager student?” 126

Bret Mallory “I have always been a very eager student,” she said earnestly. “Especially when I have a good professor.” “Excellent. First we have to get into the proper attire for the lesson.” “And what is the proper attire?” “It is called buck-assed-naked,” said Freddie, peeling off his shirt and shorts. “Some people like leathers and spiked collars and costumes but we will stick to the basics.” “Is this basic enough for the good professor?” Monique asked as she stepped out of her jump suit, revealing her fabulous body. “From this point of view, it looks as if you have all of the proper equipment for this lesson,” said Freddie, leering like a dirty old man. “Of course, I’ll have to get a close-up look at all those goodies to be sure.” “Is this close enough,” said Monique, pushing one of her perky, perfect breasts against his nose. She grabbed his head, twisted it around and stuck her naughty nipple into his ear. “Can you hear me now?” “Ten-four, loud and clear, five-by five,” he said. “But wouldn’t you rather speak into the mike?” Monique bent down and grabbed his cock, placing it directly in front of her lips. “Good evening, Mexico and all the ships at sea,” she said in a stentorian voice while lightly brushing her mouth against the meat mike. “Is this thing on?” she asked as she looked up into his eyes. “Oh, yes,” said Freddie breathing heavily. “It is definitely on. In fact, if you’re not careful you might get some feedback.” “Then I’ll just turn down the volume by twisting 127

The Scorpio Caper these knobs,” she said, grabbing his balls. “Careful, those knobs are connected directly to the mike,” warned Freddie. Monique pushed Freddie back on the bed, straddling him right above the faux mike. “I think the shower is going to have to wait,” she said as she guided him into her fiery opening. She slowly impaled herself on his ready cock. “This mike makes a great masturbatory tool,” she said as she ground around on his pubic bone. She increased the tempo as her eyes sparkled with lust. “You’re about to short out the mike and when that happens it’s going to shoot sparks and rockets,” he said, clutching her beautiful butt. “Bring it on!” she shouted as an unexpected orgasm suddenly shook her trim body. “You asked for it,” he gasped as he thrust up and down like a manic yoyo. “Skyrockets in flight, afternoon delight,” Freddie sang, as he launched several salvos into the delightful depths of her clasping pussy. The phone on the nightstand jangled stridently. “What?” gasped Freddie as he picked up the irritating instrument. “This is the Governor,” said an officious voice. “We have some interesting news. Assemble your crew in about an hour and meet us in the main room for cocktails.” The Governor hung up the phone without waiting for an answer. An hour later they had all assembled in the main room, wondering what the Governor wanted to tell them. The Governor, accompanied by the Colonel, 128

Bret Mallory strode in and picked up drinks from the servant. “We have news,” announced the Governor. He paused dramatically. “We stopped the truck with the artifacts and we arrested Quetzalcoatl’s men.” “What about Quetzalcoatl?” asked Gary. “His men told us he had taken several of the gold artifacts and disappeared when they made a stop on the way to Belize. We are trying to pick up his trail.” “I told you that bastard has more lives than a cat,” said Adriana. “And he has more tentacles than an octopus.” “We will chop off those tentacles,” said the Colonel. “He will be so busy running he won’t have time or resources to bother any of you again.” “The man has a mystic control over his devout followers,” said Adriana. “And I’m sure there are still a lot of them out there planning revenge.” “Do you really think they will make another attempt on your lives?” asked the Governor. “If they have the opportunity,” said Adriana. “Then it’s my responsibility to see they don’t have that opportunity,” said the Colonel. “We have work to do Colonel,” said the Governor. “We’ll talk later at dinner.” The four filmmakers and Adriana stayed in the main room to discuss their situation. “Here’s my thinking,” said Freddie. “We have plenty of film in the can now to tell the story of the Maya and their descendents, especially with the dramatic film we took of the little drama Quetzalcoatl enacted for us. I think we all ought to head for the airport tomorrow morning and go back to LA. If 129

The Scorpio Caper Monique and Adriana are willing, I would like them to go with us for the post production work in Hollywood, with a substantial salary of course.” “I would love to go to LA,” said Adriana. “And I know I could help with the narration. I could fill in a lot of information about the Feathered Serpent Cult and how this site was discovered and restored.” “I can take a sabbatical from my work in Merida,” said Monique “The whole Hollywood thing might be very interesting.” “Great!” enthused Freddie. “I assume you both have passports and I can get you temporary work visas.” “I was going to suggest that plan myself,” said Gary. “I think it’s still very dangerous for us here in Mexico. Besides, I miss my lovely lady.” “I have a great beach house with a complete digital editing studio,” said Freddie. “We can finish most of the work there. “Monique can stay with me if she wishes.” “And I live just down the beach from Freddie in Venus Beach,” said Dennis. “I have an extra bedroom if Adriana wants to stay with me. We can have a great extended beach party while we finish the film.” “I don’t think we need an extra bedroom,” said Adriana. “Or have you forgotten our encounter the other night?” “Are you kidding?” laughed Dennis. “That episode is forever engraved in my memory. I was just leaving you an out if you don’t have the same pleasant memories.” “Why don’t you guys work out the logistics of 130

Bret Mallory sleeping while I get our stuff ready to go,” said Gary. Freddie held up his drink in a toast. “My dear friends, tomorrow we will start a new chapter in this amazing caper. Here’s to making a great movie and having more fun than mere mortals deserve.” Everyone toasted and cheered. **** The next morning, Freddie informed the Governor of their decision. “We might need you to testify at a trail but that won’t be for a long time,” said the Governor. “I’ll make sure you don’ t have any trouble with leaving the country. Just leave your address and phone number.” Adrian packed two suitcases and the group headed for Merida to pick up Monique’ s belongings. She quickly packed up two bags, said her goodbyes to the Director of the Museum then looked around, wondering if she were doing the right thing by taking such a radical step away from her normal life. By eleven the group headed out on the road to Cancun to pick up the film crew’s stuff at the hotel. On the way, Gary had Dennis stop the van so he could dump the weapons and other stuff into the jungle because he didn’t want to take any chances going through security in LA. By three in the afternoon, the five intrepid travelers sat in the first class section of a nonstop flight to Los Angeles drinking champagne, relieved about getting out of there without any encounters with Quetzalcoatl and excited about continuing the adventure on the beaches of 131

The Scorpio Caper California. Once the 747 reached cruising altitude the filmmakers decided to go up the stairs to the lounge so they could talk about the film and the strange happenings back in Quetzalcoatl’s lair. “Life in California will probably be pretty tranquil compared to what we’ve been through,” said Dennis. “I can use some tranquility for awhile,” said Freddie. “But it will be exciting seeing all the footage we have and putting together the film.” “You said you have an editing studio in your beach house,” said Monique. “What’s that like?” “I have complete digital editing equipment, sound mixing, title generators, sound effects; all the stuff needed to make a professional production except running theater prints.” “What’s the rest of the beach house like?” asked Monique. “It’s about a mile south of the Santa Monica Pier, with a great view of the Pacific and just a stone’s throw from the beach, a wonderful deck on the second floor for viewing the sunsets while drinking margaritas or other exotic drinks, and a complete collection of fine art, including all the posters from my films, and a gourmet kitchen,” said Freddie with just a touch of pride. “I don’t think I would ever want to leave such a wonderful place,” said Monique. “And you don’t have to, my lovely,” said Freddie. “Sounds like we might have to produce a wedding there,” said Dennis. “You live on the beach, too?” asked Adriana. 132

Bret Mallory “I live in Venice Beach, about two miles south of Freddie’s pad, said Dennis. “When we’re working on a film, I roller blade to his place.” “I love to roller blade,” said Adriana. “But I didn’t bring mine along. “We’ll get you a pair,” said Dennis. “You’ll find out that Venice Beach is a lot different than Santa Monica. It’ s got canals just like Venice in Italy, artists and visionaries, hippies, free spirits and a lot of crazies that perform on the beach. In fact, it’s been named one of the funkiest towns of America.” “Sounds great,” said Adriana. “My little loft can’t compare with Freddie’s luxurious pad, but the location is fun and I have room to do my artist’s crap.” “What about you, Gary?” asked Monique. “Do you live on the beach too?” Gary laughed. “No, I live in North Hollywood along with a lot of other minor movie types.” “I contacted a limo to pick us up at LAX so we can maintain this luxurious life style as befitting a major film company,” said Freddie. Freddie directed the limo driver to take the Pacific Coast Highway out of LAX so they could cruise through the interesting beach towns that populate the coastline in that area of California. “We’ll stop in Newport Beach and have dinner at the 21 Club, right on the beach. We’ll get there right at sunset,” announced Freddie excitedly. The group managed a window table with a spectacular view of the beach and surf. The sun poised just above the water like a distended egg yolk. 133

The Scorpio Caper “I suggest we start with the Sunset Seafood Platter,” suggested Freddie. “Accompanied by a fine bottle or two of Pouilly Fuisse.” The waiter served a huge platter of Oysters Rockefeller, Clams Casino, mini crabs, lobster claws and shrimp, all on top of a bed of crushed ice. The sun began the descent into the ocean as the waiter poured the crisp white wine. “How about this, my friends?” asked Freddie. “Monique and Adriana, welcome to California.” “Absolutely beautiful,” said Monique. “Better than the French Riviera.” “I love it!” exclaimed Adriana. “And I love all of you for rescuing me from that horrible cult.” “Thank you my lovelies, but this is just the beginning. I have a good feeling that we are going to make this documentary about the Maya into an Academy nomination.” “We did get some great footage,” agreed Dennis. “I’d like to get it ready for the Newport Beach Film Festival they have here in late May. If we can get an award here, it will give us a leg up for an Academy nomination,” said Freddie. “Don’t forget Sundance and Cannes,” said Dennis. “Those are fun film festivals and very prestigious.” “Well hit them all,” said Freddie expansively. The waiter appeared with small bowls of lobster bisque laced with brandy and sherry, followed by plates of seared black and blue Ahi cooked in red wine sauce. As the golden glow of the sunset deepened into a moonlit sky, a mellow camaraderie of fine food, fine wine and beautiful surroundings 134

Bret Mallory spread through the group, leaving them sated and satisfied. “Thank you, Freddie,” said Monique. “What a great welcoming to California.” **** The limo dropped Dennis and Adriana at his loft in Venice Beach. “Let’s take two days off to decompress and then we’ll all meet at my house on Wednesday morning at ten,” said Freddie. “Adriana and I are going to explore some of the cult things we might want to include in the documentary,” said Dennis. “Among other things,” said Adriana. Dennis opened the door to his loft and turned on a subdued light, revealing one huge space with very high ceilings and expansive picture windows opening out onto the incredible scene on the beach walk, where itinerate musicians, mimes, jugglers, and all kinds of spontaneous acts performed for the locals and the tourists. “What a delightful place!” Adriana said, staring down at the teaming scene on the boardwalk. She turned and walked around the loft, inspecting the king sized bed, the open shower, the paintings and sculpture in various stages of completion. “You created all of these?” she asked in admiration. “It’s my thing,” said Dennis. “In fact, it’s my main thing. I only got into the movie business for the thrills, excitement, money and girls.” “Were you surprised when I seduced you back at 135

The Scorpio Caper the villa?” “Well, as you may remember, we were kind of drunk and I was definitely horny, and you are a beautiful woman, so I guess I was more pleased than surprised.” “I enjoyed it very much,” said Adriana, moving up and putting her arms around him. “I think I am going to enjoy this loft and the movie thing and you much more.” “It’s been a long day,” said Dennis. “Let’s get into that bed and make slow, sensuous love.” “A perfect ending to a perfect day,” she said. The street noises of the musicians and the surf combined to infuse a romantic and exotic presence into the loft. Dennis and Adriana slowly undressed each other, touching and kissing, caressing and rubbing, bringing on a warm glow that blossomed into full blown passion. They lay down on the bed and kissed hungrily, with lots of slippery, slidy lips and tongue. Adriana felt his erection against her and reached down to grasp it. “You have an amazing cock,” she said wondrously, stoking it with her delicate hand. “I remember it filling my female space completely, something I had never felt before.” “Do you want to feel it again?” he asked hopefully. “Oh, yes. As you said, we were drunk, so I have to find out if my memory can match the reality.” “We can try,” laughed Dennis, “but I make no guarantees I can live up to that.” “Trying is good,” said Adriana. “Try me.” She rolled over on top of him, straddling his cock 136

Bret Mallory with her slick nether lips. She slid forward and back as her distended pussy lips wrapped around the turgid shaft. Dennis raised his head to watch the head of his cock appearing and disappearing like a huge white anaconda from her black bush as she slid slowly towards him and back, with his cock smashed against his tummy on one side while the incredible sensation of her slippery pussy glided up and down in building lust. She suddenly clutched his chest, digging in her fingernails as a mini-orgasm rattled her beautiful body. “Oh, my,” she said wondrously. “And that was only on the outside.” “Inside is good,” gasped Dennis. Adriana rose up, reached down and guided his throbbing cock into the tight confines of her glowing pussy. “Oh, yes,” she said as she plunged down to the hilt. “It certainly is better on the inside.” She lay down against his chest and kissed him deeply. “I love this kind of love fucking,” she said, her hot breath mixing with his, as she raised and lowered, causing the entire sensation of tight pussy on huge cock to encompass them both. Dennis clutched her tightly as he felt the inexorable rush of hot liquid start rising from deep in his balls. She started to wiggle her ass from side to side as she increased the thrusting. “Oh, my darling,” shouted Dennis. “Here it comes!” He grabbed the cheeks of her incredible ass and bounced her up and down as his orgasm erupted like Vesuvius. “Me too!” shouted Adriana, thrashing around like 137

The Scorpio Caper a wild kite in a hurricane, as a massive orgasm shook her to the depths of her being. The two lovers collapsed in a heap of vibrating, tingling, satisfied flesh. “Welcome to California,” said Dennis happily. After the limo dropped off Freddie and Monique in Santa Monica, he led her into his beach cottage. “This is my humble home,” he said proudly, turning on some indirect lighting that showed the subdued beauty of the house. Monique looked at the amazing collection of artwork and posters, the white leather couches and chairs, and the huge sliding glass doors opening onto an extensive deck that overlooked the beach with a view of the Santa Monica Pier. “Freddie,” she exclaimed. “This is a dream cottage. What a wonderful space, what a wonderful view.” “I want you to enjoy it,” he said. “I want you to love it as much as I love you.” She rushed into his arms and kissed him hungrily. “I do love it and I do love you,” she said. “Let’s go to bed.” **** On Wednesday morning the rest of the crew showed up at Freddie’s beach house. “Did you see the news this morning?” asked Gary. “We are some kind of heroes and daring adventurers.” “Yes, we saw it and right after that, CNN and all the major networks called asking for an interview,” said Freddie. “It seems as if we’re famous.” “CNN showed the whole interview by that 138

Bret Mallory Mexican film crew,” said Monique. “I think we all looked pretty good.” “I’m sure they’ll descend on us like locusts,” said Freddie. “We’ll just edit the film and see where this all goes.” “What’s the plan, boss?” asked Dennis. “I’ve set up all the digital tapes so we can view it in sequence. I think we should see every thing we shot, make notes, stop whenever someone has a comment and then talk about where we want to go with this film. Monique and I have spent the last two days figuring out a story board and a narrative, so whatever you can add will get us where we want to go.” The crew spent the morning slowly assembling the beginning of the editing process. After a catered lunch, they began to see that the documentary could have a terrific impact. “I think we have something here,” said Freddie. “This is really good shit.” “I agree,” said Dennis. “We can use creative editing and narration to transport viewers into the Maya world of a thousand years ago, and then snap them back into the present with that new site discovery and the Quetzalcoatl stuff.” “This is so exciting,” said Monique. “I had no idea how movies were put together.” “This is just the beginning,” said Freddie. “I’d say we have about a month to go.” “Do we have enough funds in the kitty to do a good job?” asked Gary. “That’s another thing I wanted to talk about,” said 139

The Scorpio Caper Freddie. “Jamison called me this morning about that shit film we made in Grand Cayman. It seems it’ s a major hit in Europe as well as the Far East and we already have about six million dollars in profit to Scorpio Productions. In other words, ladies and gentlemen, we can kick ass in this production and drinks are on the house.” “Holy shit!” exclaimed Dennis. “It just shows there is no way to define taste in movies.” “I guess all that sweating I did on those set-ups paid off,” said Gary. “It sure did,” said Freddie. “And remember you and Dennis are stockholders, so your share is about two hundred grand apiece after expenses.” “You have the Midas touch,” said Dennis. “No, we have the Midas touch,” said Freddie. “And with these two beautiful and talented ladies, our Midas will get even touchier.” **** During the next three weeks, the editing of the film continued at an accelerating pace. The filmmakers had to deal with interviews about their amazing kidnapping and escape in Mexico and even an appearance on the Tonight Show to tell their story. NBC offered Freddie three million dollars for the rights to make a television movie about the incredible tale, then CBS jumped in and upped the ante. It soon became apparent to the filmmakers that the dramatic scene of Quetzalcoatl at the ancient site with all of the Maya warriors and maidens along with the 140

Bret Mallory startling human sacrifice would be the focal point of the whole documentary. “As scary it seemed at the time,” said Freddie, “it certainly was a lucky break for us to be able to film that scene.” “Serendipity and luck are hallmarks of successful artists,” said Dennis. “And you can quote me on that.” “How do we handle the sacrifice itself?” asked Monique. “We have the long shot from Dennis’ camera and the medium shot from Gary,” said Freddie. “I don’t think we can use those close-ups I shot of the body tumbling down the steps. Too graphic.” “The problem is that it’s been all over the news that the human sacrifice happened, and that we filmed it,” said Monique. “Since we have the only footage of the sacrifice, if we don’t include it in the film, we’ll be accused of censorship.” “If we handle it right, and use narration that ties it to the whole documentary, I think we can use it,” said Freddie. “Let’s put it together and see how it plays.” By the end of the week, the preview cut was ready to view. Freddie had to show it on his sixty-two-inch digital flat screen TV in his projection room. “We still have some sound effects and more music to add, but this will give us the general impact of the documentary,” said Freddie, cuing up the film. The screen faded in to the shot of the Uxmal pyramid rising dramatically out of a flat Yucatan landscape, with the setting sun reflecting off of the white stones in an eerie golden glow. The Titles come 141

The Scorpio Caper up as the camera revolves around the pyramid in a slow pirouette while drums thump in increasing ferocity. Suddenly the drums fall silent and the scene dissolves into a shot from ground level, with Monique standing directly in front of the pyramid, dressed in a khaki jump suit, looking stunning and in control. The documentary, through artistic and creative shots, develops the theme of the Maya culture and their descendents, drawing the viewer in to the beauty and savagery of that ancient race. The final scene, of the spectacle staged by Quetzalcoatl, filled the screen with pageantry and color, until, suddenly, the unexpected human sacrifice shocks the viewer into the startling realization that man is basically a very savage animal. As the maiden’s body bounces down the steps, the screen fades out and the credits roll. “Very impressive!” shouted a loud voice directly behind the assembled crew, jolting them with the sudden and unexpected outburst. All heads snapped around and saw Quetzalcoatl standing behind them with two other men. The men held large and ominous pistols with silencers leveled at the filmmakers. “What the fuck?” exclaimed Freddie. “Wonderful film,” said Quetzalcoatl in a conversational tone. “Too bad nobody will be able to see it besides us.” “How in the hell did you get here?” asked Gary angrily. “That is not really important, is it?” he answered. “We are very resourceful, as you can see. The 142

Bret Mallory important thing is that you people, single handedly, destroyed a dream of mine and I cannot allow that horrible act to go without extracting revenge. And I will extract my vengeance in a manner befitting my heritage.” “If you hadn’t kidnapped us in the first place, none of that would have happened,” said Freddie. “But it did happen and it cannot be changed,” said Quetzalcoatl. “Events and time flow forward and nothing you mortals do can reverse them.” “And you are not a mortal?” asked Monique. “You should know the answer to that, Dr. Lafrenier. But you are only stalling for time and I’m pleased to say your time is over.” He motioned to the two men. “Kill them one at a time, starting with the women.” As the two men swung the pistols toward the women, a spray of bullets, accompanied by loud explosions, splattered chunks of flesh and skull and blood all over the wall. The two gunmen slumped to the floor as Quetzalcoatl stared in catatonic fear. Gary jumped up with a smoking pistol in his hand. “Don’t even fucking move a hair!” he shouted to Quetzalcoatl. The others trembled in disbelief at the sudden and unexpected killing of the two gunmen. “Rambo to the rescue,” said Dennis in a shaky voice. “I’ll call 911,” said Freddie, trembling as he tried to dial the number. A phalanx of police and swat team members rushed into the beach house. A burly Detective took 143

The Scorpio Caper one look at the carnage and shook his head. “What the hell happened here?” he asked. “These men broke in and tried to kill us,” explained Freddie. “Say, aren’t you the guys who pulled off that great escape in Mexico?” asked the Detective. “Yes, and this is the guy who caused all of the trouble,” said Freddie, pointing to Quetzalcoatl. “He’s wanted by the Mexican government for drug trafficking and murder.” “Who killed these two?” asked the Detective. “I did,” volunteered Gary. “So, they had their pistols pointed at you, and you shot them right in the head from over there? Is that the way it happened?” asked the Detective skeptically. “Yes sir,” replied Gary. ‘That is pretty amazing shooting.” “Special Ops trained me very well.” “You have a permit for that weapon?” “Yes, and it was certainly self-defense.” “These two guys still have their pistols so it looks that way,” agreed the Detective. “I’ll need statements from all of you.” The film crew walked out on the deck while the officials cleaned up the mess and removed the bodies. “For whatever it’s worth,” said Monique. “I think the film is terrific.” The others broke into nervous laughter.” “Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln. Did you enjoy the play?” added Dennis. “How many times would we be dead if it weren’t 144

Bret Mallory for this guy?” said Freddie, giving Gary a big hug. “Just doing my job,” said Gary with a wry smile. “I think you enjoy this shit,” said Dennis. “If somebody is trying to kill me or my friends and I kill them first, yes, I enjoy that.” “Do you think this is the end of it?” asked Monique. “If Quetzalcoatl is mortal, yes, I would say this ends it,” said Freddie. “Is he mortal, Adriana?” “Very mortal,” she replied. “That bastard lived by treachery and brute power but it’s over now. The Mexican judicial system will take care of that.” “He’ll have to deal with ours first. He’s an accomplice to murder here in California.” The police led Quetzalcoatl out in handcuffs. He glared at the filmmakers. “This is not over,” he shouted. “The gods will avenge me!” The coroner’s team finally removed the bodies and cleaned up the carnage. The film crew sat on the balcony sipping tequilas as the sun sank lower in the west. The lights came on at the Pier, lighting up the rollercoaster and the boardwalk. “What do we do now?” asked Monique. “I think we all agree that the documentary has great potential if we tweak it here and there,” said Freddie. “Let’s walk down to the Pier and have a great sunset dinner, then starting tomorrow, we’ ll finish the editing and get some prints for the Newport Beach Film Festival.” “And this little episode with Quetzalcoatl will be all over the papers so we’ll have tremendous publicity for the film,” said Monique. 145

The Scorpio Caper “One time, when I was very young and all distraught about something, my grandpa told me, ‘Dennis, life goes on, or it doesn’t’, and that just about sums it up.” “Life is going on, my friends,” said Freddie. “And we’ re going to grab it by the ass and have great fun to wherever the ride takes us.” **** Freddie, in consultation with the rest of the crew, had decided on the final cut of the Maya documentary a week before the Newport Beach Film Festival, and the projection prints had been ordered. The buzz in the industry, because of all the publicity, had determined that the new Freddie Bonner film would be a winner. That kind of talk made Freddie nervous because he didn’ t want to build up expectations among the judges before the film could be seen in a theater. The team argued about what they might title the documentary and the first choice was, “Quetzalcoatl, The Feathered Serpent”. Some argued that might be too esoteric for general audiences. After all, who could even pronounce Quetzalcoatl? “But those words are so powerful,” said Monique. “And with the publicity and the TV film of our Quetzalcoatl, everyone knows who he is. You have to admit, he is an amazing presence.” “I think you’re right,” agreed Freddie. “We should take advantage of the publicity, and it is a great title.” The film premiered on the third day of the festival to standing room only audiences, receiving standing 146

Bret Mallory ovations at every showing. Critics searched for new adjectives to describe the power of the film, and all of the crew became instant celebrities because of the film and their exploits in Mexico and Santa Monica. Adriana and Monique became the darlings of the paparazzi, with their dazzling beauty and their connection to the film. At the banquet presentation of the awards, it became a foregone conclusion that the new Freddie Bonner film was destined for greatness. When the presenter opened the envelope and announced that Scorpio Productions had won the award for Best Documentary, the whole crew, dressed to the nines in tuxedos and designer gowns, and very mellow from a lot of champagne, charged up to the stage like a bunch of happy school kids getting released for an early recess. After that, the whole ceremony became a blur for the charged-up bunch from Scorpio Productions. A whirl of interviews and cocktail parties ended as Freddie and Monique finally reeled into their suite at the magnificent Bayside Hotel. “We did it!” exclaimed Freddie, grabbing Monique and spinning her around in an impromptu dance. “Be careful, mon ami,” said Monique. “My head is light from the champagne. Get me into this bed before I crash and burn.” They peeled off the expensive clothes, threw them on the floor in a pile, and then jumped into the giant bed. “Wow!” exclaimed Freddie “What a night. Let’s crash and burn.” “This is much more fun than archeology,” said Monique. “I love this life you live.” 147

The Scorpio Caper “It’s our life, my darling beautiful princess,” he said “This has been the most fulfilling and exciting time I’ve ever experienced.” “Me too,” she said, pressing her lips to his mouth in a deep and clinging kiss. He stared into her exotic eyes. “You are the most magnificent woman I have ever known,” he said, rubbing his rising cock against her sweet pussy. “Umm,” she said. “You know how to bedazzle a girl, don’t you?” “I can do more than that,” he said, moving up slightly and slipping his cock into the hot confines of her pussy. “Now, that’s what I call bedazzling,” she said breathlessly as she thrust up against him in a twisting, grinding motion that increased the pressure and delight of the wonderful connection. Freddie clasp her slim body tightly as he slowly slid in and out, not really caring about getting off, just enjoying the wonderful closeness and love that flowed between them. He kissed her deeply, feeling more love than he had ever felt in his life. And, still connected, they both fell into a blissful sleep. **** Freddie nailed down the distribution rights for the documentary with Universal, allowing the film to initially open in 250 theaters throughout the US and Canada. Jamison called and offered to distribute it in Europe and the Far East. “Freddie,” said Jamison excitedly. “Our little film 148

Bret Mallory has taken off in the Far East and Tammy and Bart are major stars over there. The public is clamoring for another film so, with all the money I made on the first one, I’d like to do a high budget film and I want Scorpio Productions to head up the whole project.” “Sounds interesting,” said Freddie. “What kind of a budget do you want to commit?” “Around $25 million,” said Jamison casually. “The film I have in mind takes place in San Francisco’s China Town, sort of a modern Charlie Chan mystery with lots of tits and ass. We’ll film additional scenes in Vancouver BC because of the huge Chinese population there. We might even film some scenes in Hong Kong and put in a lot of martial arts shit.” “Well, I’ve been kicking around some proposals, no pun intended, but nothing that ambitious,” said Freddie cagily. “I’ll discuss it with my crew and see how they feel.” “You can name one of the producers and hire any additional crew you need,” said Jamison hopefully. “Why don’t you send me a script, and I’ll let you know?” “I don’t have a script yet, just an outline, and I’m going to use a professional script writer on this one because I don’t have the time to do it myself,” said Jamison. “I’m trying to find a beautiful Eurasian woman to play one of the main roles. Do you know what happened to that beautiful Monique Lafrenier you met in Grand Cayman?” “She’s here with me now. She narrated our documentary and did some acting in it.” “God, she’d be perfect. Do you think she’d be 149

The Scorpio Caper interested?” “I’ll ask her,” said Freddie. “But I think she would be better as a producer.” “Just let me know if you’ll do the film and I need an answer within a week. I want to get this thing going while we still have a following around the world.” Freddie explained to Monique what Jamison had in mind, especially whether she wanted to be an actress. “I’m not assuming that you’re going to give up your career as an archeologist,” said Freddie. “We haven’t even discussed how long you want to stay with me or how long you want to be involved in the promotion of the documentary.” “Freddie,” she said, “I am in love with you. This filmmaking thing is the most interesting work I’ve ever done and I felt like it was a dead end working in that dark office, cataloging artifacts.” She put her arms around him. “What I’m saying is, I want to stay with you and I want to be part of this exciting business.” She paused and looked at him intently. “That is, if you want me to stay.” “Of course, I want you to stay,” he said earnestly. “I love you too, and you’ve been a great asset to the company. Besides the new film project, we still have the Sundance Film Festival, Cannes and the Academy Awards, and I need your help in all of that.” Monique kissed him fervently. “I was hoping you would say that. I already have my resignation letter written to the Museum.” “Send it today,” he said happily. “Let’s burn the bridges.” 150

Bret Mallory

**** Dennis and Adriana roller bladed together through the teaming craziness of Venice Beach. They stopped to watch a group of musicians playing guitars, gutbuckets and washboards. “I love this place,” said Adriana. “So different from my life in Mexico with that cult.” “Why don’t you stay here with me?” asked Dennis, wondering if he really wanted that kind of commitment. “Do you think Freddie will keep me on for the new film?” “You are the best assistant art director we’ve ever had. I know he’ll want you on the film.” “What about you, Dennis? Do you want me on the film?” “Of course,” he replied earnestly. “And I want you with me,” he said, realizing he really meant it. “Then I’ll stay,” she said happily. “Let’s go back to the loft and seal this agreement with a special treat.” “And what treat would that be?” he asked hopefully. “Will you turn a trick to treat me?” “Are you implying that I might be some kind of a hooker?” she asked playfully. “You do have some incredible moves that only working girls know.” “Maybe I’m just naturally inventive when it comes to sex.” “Do you think you could invent something new for me today?” 151

The Scorpio Caper “Your huge cock always gives me inspiration,” she said, rubbing the object of the conversation with her hand. “Let’s go to the loft before this thing becomes so obvious that these people will think I’m putting up the mast for my skate sail,” he said, feeling the rising heat and passion. “In the privacy of the loft I can use it like a dance pole in a topless club,” she said. “Now that’s an image I’d like to witness in person.” “Let’s go,” she said, starting to skate towards the loft. “I just thought of a move not even hookers know.” Back in the loft, Dennis snapped open two cans of ice-cold Tecate beers, squeezed a lime over the top and then poured them each a shot of tequila. They tossed off the tequila in a silent toast, then sipped the refreshing beer. “When does the show start?” asked Dennis. “We have to get the patrons ready first,” she said, slipping her tank top off and then sliding down her shorts. She put on a CD of hot salsa music and began a steaming cha-cha, wriggling her hips sensuously while she stroked her perky breasts. She spun around and bent over, giving Dennis a close-up view of her fabulous heart-shaped ass and her pouting pussy. She peeked, upside down, between her legs at him and smiled evilly, the bright red lips of her mouth creating an erotic counterpoint to the vertical pink lips of her pussy. She reached back with one hand and spread 152

Bret Mallory the lips, revealing a bright scarlet opening that looked voracious in its need to be filled. Adriana reached back with her other hand and began twirling a finger around her slippery clit. She danced, still bent over and backwards, inching her way towards Dennis until the incredible view of all those female goodies filled his entire vision. Adriana suddenly stood up and spun around, grabbed his shorts and tore them off, releasing his amazing erection so suddenly that it whapped up against his stomach like a wet fish on concrete. “My dance pole is ready,” she said, pushing him back on the bed. She spread open his legs, moved up close to the flopping mackerel, grabbed it with both hands and spun side to side as she stroked it up and down. “This pole needs some lubrication,” she said as she bent down and slipped her juicy lips over the pulsing head. Her saliva flowed down around his cock as her tongue beat a crazy Latino rhythm around the crown, causing some of his own juices to join in the fun. She popped her mouth off of it like a ravenous contestant in a hot dog eating contest coming up for air and smiled at Dennis. “Like it so far?” she asked. “You have to be warned though; the rest of this treat is not for the faint of heart.” “Call me Lion Heart!” he yelled. “Carry on, soldier.” Adriana saluted and spun around. She bent over and backed up until her magic opening hovered over his eager cock, reached back and grabbed it, then 153

The Scorpio Caper moved it back and forth between her slippery pussy lips while inching it slowly into the fiery furnace. Dennis raised his head and watched in fascination as his cock became engulfed in that darling lust tunnel at the apex of her beautiful ass. Adriana put her hands on her knees, looked over her shoulder with an evil grin and started to bounce up and down on the straining tool, raising her ass up until it almost slipped out, then slamming back down with a smack! as her pneumatic butt bounced off of his thighs. “Up periscope, down periscope,” shouted Dennis like a Nazi U-boat captain as he watched the steaming sex action. “I think….the….periscope…. is…..about…..to….flood,” he gasped, managing to get out one word each time she bounced down. Adriana jumped off the jangling cock and the slimy fish smacked him in the stomach again. She dove down between his legs, took one of his balls into her mouth and started humming Deutschland Eber Alis as she furiously jacked him off. As Old Faithful started to erupt, she jumped on top of him, burying the spurting cock in to the hilt. She grabbed him by the pecs as one orgasm after another shook her in rippling waves of release until she flopped, completely spent against his chest, her heart fluttering like a trapped moth, her pussy twitching with electric energy against his dribbling cock. Adriana nuzzled against his throat, gasping hot breath into his ear. Finally she sat up with a glazed look in her eyes, his cock still throbbing inside of her. “Well,“ she said, “You made it through the warmup, so I guess you’ re ready for the main event.“ 154

Bret Mallory

**** Freddie called a meeting at his beach house to discuss the latest developments. “I have decided to take Jamison’s offer to make his new movie and Monique is staying on to be assistant producer and maybe even take a cameo role in the production. Gary will have a full crew of expert technicians and we will hire anyone else to make sure this is a slick and professional film. “I have convinced Adriana to stay on to be the assistant art director,” said Dennis. “Great news,” said Freddie. “We have a successful crew here and I don’t want to break it up.” “When does Jamison’s film start?” asked Gary. “He still doesn’t have a script, so I would guess it will be at least a month. That will give us time to take our film to Cannes and a couple of other film festivals.” “I can’t believe this life,” said Monique. “I mean, Cannes is a great place on the French Riviera and the parties during the festival are legendary.” “Pack your bags, folks,” said Freddie. “We are going to Cannes, then we’ll make Jamison’s movie, then we’ll go to the Academy Awards and win in the documentary category. Let the games continue, because we are indeed blessed and we’re on a roll.”

The End

155

About the Author

B

ret Mallory has been a Hollywood stunt man, an independent film producer, the CEO of several companies and has lived in Mexico, Panama and Canada.