Dan leaned against the door, listening to the footsteps. There was movement in the hall, a very light, ginger, step, he thought. A cautious step.

He waited until the footsteps receded and grabbed his jacket, slipping it over his shoulder holster. A flashlight would be helpful he thought, but there was no time.

Stepping gingerly until he was away from the rooms, he could see through the front window there was a shadowy figure moving quickly towards the cliffs.

Dan made his way down the cliff side, remembering last night’s lack of adventure in going down the cliff.

Keeping to the shadows, Dan tried to keep the mystery person in his sights. He was fairly certain it was Nola; despite the cloudy cover of the moon, he was sure the person was too graceful to be a man and was the right height to be the chef.

Dan frowned as he realized his target was going in the wrong direction. The only cave they knew of was the one where Frank Trask had set up his pirate tour. But the target, who Dan now wasn’t sure was Nola, was headed away from the cave. She had very long hair and there was no obvious ponytail or braid, and the hat fit too closely to the head to hide that much hair.

Curiosity aroused, Dan followed stealthily. He cautiously glanced around the bend of rock and saw the target slip into a crack in the cliff. Another cave? He wondered. Quickly he approached and realized from where he had been, it appeared a crack, but it was really several feet wide. Without hesitation, Dan entered.

The moon was bright enough to provide light the first few feet. He was going to have to go back and get a flashlight. All he could see was shadows, shiny cave walls-shiny? He realized it must be moss or moisture. The cave was quite cold, and very close to the water.

Turning, Dan never saw what hit him in the head before he fell to the ground.

***

“Trixie, wake up!” Honey shook her friend.

“Can’t a girl get some beauty sleep?” Trixie mumbled, shoving her head under her pillow.

“I think something’s happened to Dan,” Honey said.

Trixie poked her head out from under the pillow to see Honey and Brian standing over her.

“Dan? Huh?” Trixie answered sleepily. “Honey, are you sure? He probably just you know, found someone to hook up with. He’s probably in Nola’s room.”

Honey shook his head. “Marge told me Nola was leaving this evening to spend tomorrow at a spa. There was no one else he was eyeing.”

Trixie frowned. “Did you check the kitchen?”

“That’s how I discovered he was gone,” Brian replied. “I went for a snack. He wasn’t in our room, or the kitchen. I did a quick check of the main floor and he’s nowhere. But his sneakers are gone, as his hoodie.”

Trixie frowned and sat up.

“Well, Dan isn’t used to checking in with anyone,” she pointed out.

“I have a bad feeling,” Honey and Brian replied in unison.

“All right, I’m getting up. Surely he can’t have gone far.”

***

Trixie had just stepped out of her room when she heard something down below her. Knowing the other Bob-Whites were all on her floor, and Honey and Brian were in the boy’s room, she hesitated. Creeping towards the stairs, she peered down. Someone was there.

Dan, if you’re out on a booty call, I’m going to kill you for ruining my beauty sleep! Trixie thought. Stepping down a few steps, she peered down and around the corner and froze.

Nola was walking silently down the hall towards the front door. A heavy rope was slung over her shoulder, and Trixie could make out some sort of backpack.

Exploring, Trixie thought. She’s looking for the treasure! A day at the spa, my ass! Trixie also realized Nola was tall, and strong, and carried a weapon. And Dan wasn’t subtle about his attraction. Could Dan have showed up at her room, she lured him in, knocked him out, and then went on her treasure hunt?

As soon as Nola was outside and the door shut, Trixie hurried back up the stairs and threw open the door to Brian’s room.

“Brian!” she burst into the room as he was tying his shoes. “It’s Nola! She’s headed towards the cliffs and I’m going after her. Honey, go check Nola’s room, make sure she hasn’t hurt Dan. Brian, follow me to the cliff but be careful, and quiet!”

Trixie had slid on her shoulder holster and gun as she talked, and by the time she dashed out the door, had tugged on her jacket, leaving her brother and friend speechless.

Trixie hurried outside, closing the Inn door behind her quietly. Nola was headed for the cliffs and had a good head start.

***

Honey ran for Nola’s room, and easily had the lock picked within seconds. With a mental note to tell Miss Trask she needed better locks, Honey quickly looked under the bed and in the closet and bathroom. No Dan. The trunk in her closet was mostly empty though. Only a lantern remained.

Brian joined her.

“If she did something to Dan, he’s not here,” Honey said. Brian nodded and they headed after Trixie.

***

Cool water splashed on Dan’s face. He twitched, then sat up and covered his eyes when he realized a light was shining in them.

“What the?”

“Hush, you’ve got a nice goose egg on your forehead,” came a soft, familiar voice. The light moved to the side, and he could make out the woman bending over him.

“Who—Nola?”

“Prize to the detective.” He could hear the smile in her voice. “Someone whopped you good.”

Dan struggled to sit up with her help, blinking as his vision swam. “Damn. Feels like a baseball bat hit me.”

“I wouldn’t rule it out,” Nola replied. “Anything else hurt? Can you move okay?”

“No, I’m fine. Just my head hurts like hell.”

“You’re lucky. You probably got hit with a Mag-lite or something. Think you can stand?”

“I’ll try,” Dan answered. She took his arm and he slowly got to his feet.

“You dizzy?” she asked.

Not from getting hit on the head, he thought, catching a whiff of a light perfume.

“We probably need to get you—”

“Just hang on right there, sister!” Trixie ordered, flashing a light on the pair. “Dan, did she cold cock you?”

“No, Trix. At least, I don’t think so.” Dan felt a sudden surge of protectiveness towards the chef.

“I found him lying here about sixty seconds ago,” Nola replied, annoyed. As Trixie came closer she saw through the light that Trixie held a 9mm firmly and it was aimed on her.

“Stand up and back away from him,” Trixie answered. She had made a hasty and dangerous unsupervised rappel down the cliff side, intent on keeping up with the taller woman.

“If you’ll let me explain-”

“Keep your hands where I can see them,” Trixie ordered.

“Look, this isn’t what—”

“She’s got a gun, Trix,” Dan reminded Trixie.

“So do I,” Trixie snapped.

“How do you know that?” Nola demanded, then she gasped. “You! So it was you in my room the other night! You pervert!”

Dan winced. “I wasn’t spying on you-okay maybe I was but not for that reason. Yeah, I saw you undress but, I’m just going to shut up,” he sighed.

Nola looked furious in the glow from the flashlight then she sent a seductive smile his way. “I smelled your cologne and knew someone was there. Thought it was yours. Did you enjoy the show?”

Dan was grateful for the lamplight, knowing it would hide his embarrassment and his body’s stirring response to the memory. “I’m not answering that.”

Trixie rolled her eyes as she heard the others approaching.

“Trixie, what—Dan!” Honey exclaimed.

“Yeah I found him. Along with our spa bunny and a bump to his noggin.”

“All right, so I’m not at a spa, is that a crime?” Nola snapped.

“Only when you attack our friend!” Honey answered angrily.

“I did not attack Dan!” Nola exploded, exasperated. “Some detectives you are, jumping to conclusions,” she snapped.

Trixie bristled.

“I don’t think it was her, Trix. I was following who I thought was her, but then I got a good look, and I think it was someone much shorter. My money is on Matten and I think he knew I was following him. He probably hid in the shadows and then came up from behind.”

“Matten was at the top of our list,” Trixie admitted.

“Look, let me reach into my pocket and I will show you who I am. Yes, I have a gun, and no, I’m not going for it.”

Trixie and Honey exchanged a glance. Honey pulled her gun out as well and trained it on Nola.

“All right,” Trixie agreed.

Nola slowly reached into her pocket and produced a small, black flip wallet. Brian stepped forward and took it, holding it in the light.

“Finola Gaston, National Society for Historical Preservation,” he read out loud.

“You’re a treasure hunter?” Dan demanded.

“Of sorts. But not what you’re thinking. We actually try to prevent the looters and black market from selling valuable history pieces. We can usually keep the scene secure until the Smithsonian arrives. You wouldn’t believe the damage local police do to a scene.”

The Bob-Whites gaped at her.

“Matten is trouble, and I think you’re on the right track with him,” Nola added. “He’s done nothing but pump Willis for information, and has spent plenty of time walking the cliffs and the beach. Took the tour through the cave four times. I think he was looking to see if the hidden cave was further back in there. He’s determined to get the Captain’s treasure.”

“So you’re going to find it first,” Brian said.

Nola nodded. “Miss Trask deserves it. She’s a real nice lady and if she doesn’t get the money for the property taxes, she’ll lose everything here. The money she’d get for that treasure would secure the Inn for a very long time. Frank really sucked at handling money.”

“Some things don’t change,” Trixie murmured. Nola nodded.

“So if you’re a treasure hunter, how can you cook so well?” Honey asked.

She smiled. “My uncle really is Gaston. I convinced him to retire last year because I needed to be in this area. It’s full of hidden treasures and I volunteered. There’s an article that’s coming out real soon about this place and the supposed treasure. Which means it’ll be swarming with hunters and pirates, of a different sort. They’ll tear this place apart looking for it. But to answer the original question, I did go the Cordon Bleu and my uncle taught me everything he knows. It was the perfect cover.”

“So why haven’t you found the treasure before now?” Brian asked.

“Well,” she said, and Trixie noted she still had one arm around Dan, who didn’t seem to mind, “we’ve always known where it is. It was a matter of finding it in manner that wouldn’t draw attention to ourselves, preserve the area, and keep out the pirates. I’ve been down in this cave several times. Never get real far though. Too many traps.”

“Traps?” Honey asked doubtfully.

“Well sure. What self respecting pirate leaves his booty behind where anyone can get it?” Nola asked sensibly.

“What self respecting pirate leaves his treasure behind, period?” Brian asked.

Nola smiled at the handsome doctor.

“Captain Trask didn’t have time to load it all up before he left. He only had a couple hours notice of the men coming for him. He stashed the loot, took off and never made it back to collect it. The original plan was to set up his base of operations here. He fortified his hiding place with booby traps so no one would accidentally stumble across it.”

“Why didn’t he leave anything behind for his family to find it?” Honey asked.

“He did. The map Marge has. He hid it away, figuring one of his nieces or nephews would find it. But they never did. Marge found it going through stuff in the attic. It probably got overlooked all these years and became the family legend, figured to be a prank.”

“What brought you down here tonight?” Dan asked.

“I knew Matten was going to make a move. I’ve been monitoring him the last three days. Ever since he arrived, asking questions, prowling around. If Brian will look at the other ID . . .” she suggested.

Brian did so and chuckled. “Licensed private investigator in the state of New York.”

Dan smiled knowingly. “You knew who I was the moment I mentioned the agency.”

“Correct again, detective,” she smiled back at him. “But I couldn’t risk you guys finding me out and blowing my cover. So I got chatty. Passed on the information I had so you’d have it too. You three have a reputation for integrity and honor, and I knew I could count on you guys to help me, even if you didn’t know you were.”

“Pretty clever,” Brian admitted.

“There were just too many people to let in, please understand that. I needed the secrecy. Even Marge doesn’t know.”

“Oh, we understand,” Brian said dryly.

“Where’s Matten now?” Trixie asked.

“More than likely he’s in the tunnel. If he figured out the map, he stands a chance of getting to the treasure. We need to find him and subdue him.”

“Well, let’s get rolling then,” Dan said, reluctantly moving away from Nola’s hold. “It must have been him I was following, but I honestly thought it was you.”

“I saw her leaving so I followed her,” Trixie said, shaking her head. “I was afraid she had hurt you and left you tied up in her room.”

Dan hid his smile. There was a sort of tying up he wouldn’t mind with her.

“Nice little train of ducks,” Nola smirked. “I only have one flashlight.”

“We’ve got a couple.”

“All right. Hope you all are wearing boots. This could get kind of dirty.”

‘Dirty’ didn’t describe it. They quickly realized touching the walls was out of the question. Slimy moss and fungus grew rampant. More than once a foot slipped. They made their way through the tunnel carefully, Nola in the lead with Dan behind her. The sound of running water got louder.

Dan was right behind Nola and whispered to her, “You’re a great nursemaid, got any other skills?”

“Many,” she whispered back.

Dan grinned to himself. “Tell you what, when we get out of this, why don’t we explore some of those?”

“That might be arranged. How about if we find treasure, I choose the skill, if we don’t, you do.”

“You’re on,” he replied.

Honey nudged Trixie and motioned to Dan. Through a series of facial expressions and hand gestures the friends decided Dan was flirting, and they giggled. Leave it to their lothario friend to be a flirt even in a slimy, dark cave. Brian was at the end of theline, following his sister and friends.

Finally they slowed, and Nola held the light out. They had come to a huge crevice, easily twelve feet wide.

“How do we get over that?” Honey whispered.

Nola and Dan looked up, searching the darkness. Dan swung his flashlight around on the ceiling.

“Do you see ropes?” Dan asked.

“Uh-huh.” Nola added, “We get to play Tarzan the pirate.”

She unfolded her copy of the map and studied it. The first drawing could easily be a rope, a long squiggly lines hanging over on heavier curving line she thought to be the river. “Look, it matches, I bet. Conceivably, this could this on the map.”

“Looks like they’re hanging over there,” Brian said, swinging his light to the left.

“This must be a natural offshoot of the Hudson,” Honey said thoughtfully. “It worked out as a nice trap for the Captain. What are the chances we could just follow it downstream?”

“No way,” Nola said. “It’s at least ten feet deep and there’s no telling what sort of undercurrent it has. Listen to the rush. That’s intense.”

Trixie was looking overhead.

“How is it a trap if—oh. Those aren’t real,” Trixie mused.

“They’re real all right,” Brian examined one that unhooked from the wall.

“I bet the catch is that only one will get us across,” Dan said. He and Brian began to look through the ropes.

“How do you figure?” Honey asked.

Nola answered first. “Easy. Pirates always lay traps. Ninety nine percent of the options are false, usually. Increases the chances of no one getting across but leaves a backdoor option for the pirates themselves. Like the ancient Egyptians, when they built the pyramids. The architect always had a way out. I’d bet the pirates are the same. There may very well be a tunnel leading to the treasure or out, that has no traps, that won’t be on the map. Only the pirates would have known it.”

“How can we test them? We’re not sending one of us over. That’s got to be a thirty foot drop!” Trixie exclaimed.

“More like eighteen or so,” Nola was peering over the edge shining her powerful flashlight into the water below. “And I don’t think we’re alone. That movement looks like crocs.”

“As in crocodiles?” Honey asked. She turned to Dan. “I thought you said they weren’t up here!”

Dan frowned. “I said they weren’t indigenous. They’re not. And there haven’t been reported sightings.”

Nola nodded. “I can almost see their tails swishing. They must have enough of a food supply from the incoming Hudson that they don’t venture out of the caves. Those suckers can be close to twenty feet long. I think the largest on record was a giant saltwater, coming in at about 28 feet.” Honey shuddered. “They’re usually in freshwater but I think we’re high enough on the Adirondack that this feed is freshwater. But there's no telling how long they've been here or how they might have mutated.” She winked at Dan as fear crossed Honey's pretty face.

“I'm going to pretend you didn't say that. But if they’re here, then what are those big teeth on the map?” Trixie asked. “They’re further away.”

“We’ll get to that in a minute, Trixie,” Nola said. “The first question here is, how did Matten know which rope was the right one? He couldn’t have had that far a head start. I saw Dan, and Dan thought he was following me. He only had a few minutes on us. But it cost us time while I had to explain everything,” Nola said. “How many ropes are there?”

“Looks like ten or so. But they’re all really old, and half rotted,” Brian said. “If Trask’s men left these, they’re over two hundred years old. Not reliable.”

“And no way to distinguish which might have taken him over,” Dan said thoughtfully.

“What if the correct rope is on the other side? He could have tied it over there so we couldn’t follow,” Honey pointed out.

Trixie and Nola both nodded.

“I still want to know how he figured it out though,” Nola murmured.

“What if he just did a simple weight test?” Honey asked. “Pulled on them hard enough?”

“That’s the only thing I can think of as well,” Nola admitted. “But that seems too simple. I have a grappling hook in my bag but there’s nothing to secure it to that I can see over there that would enable us to swing across, and I have a feeling we’ll need it later.”

Brian was shining his light across the ravine. “I don’t see a rope tied anywhere. It looks like he let it fall back.”

“Let’s give them a try,” Dan said.

The first three snapped easily when Brian and Dan pulled on them. The fourth didn’t, and Trixie held it gingerly as they tested the others. More light shined upwards revealed several other ropes had been snapped.

“Looks like Matten got lucky,” Trixie muttered.

“Forget luck,” Dan said, examining a rope on the ground. “He cut some of these. He must have figured it’d slow us down enough.” When they had determined the rope was secure, with Trixie lifting her feet from the ground and hanging on the rope, they glanced around at each other, wondering who would go first.

“Let me. If I don’t make it, notify my uncle, and he’ll know who to call,” Nola offered.

“You can’t just swing out there!” Dan protested.

She gave him a saucy wink.

“Don’t worry Dan. I’ll still collect on our bet.”

“Bet? What bet?” Trixie demanded.

Dan just grinned.

Nola tugged the rope one more time, glanced upwards and resettled her large backpack, securing her lantern to it with a heavy clip. They backed up and she took a running start for momentum. Her ponytail flew behind her as she sailed across the water, landing on the slippery rocks, and almost losing her balance.

“Woohoo!” she yelled. Her voice echoed. “Be careful trying to land, looks like some moss over here!”

She sent the rope back and Trixie went next, then Honey, followed by Dan and finally Brian.

They tied the rope to one of the smaller rocks in case they had to come back this way.

Nola pulled out the map and studied it for the next part.

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Captain Trask's Treasure Map      Additional Cast

Author’s Notes -I bow to the awesomeness of Donna, who helped me flesh out this story and labored strenuously over pulling it together, including editing it three separate times, so really, she should be a co-author, becuase this thing was a MESS when I sent it to her!
-A huge thank you to Julie, my second editor, who polished this baby up and gave me the title!
-Word Count, 3,554