Free Treasure of the Mayan King (2012) by Alehandro, Zabala Page A

be overheard and I recorded these horrible wailing sounds. Even as I walked around the camp I was able to control the sounds with my remote - and Voila!”
    A light went on in Chauncy’s head. “So, you didn’t mean what you said to me last night, Doc?”
    Dr. Sova turned and put his hand on Chauncy’s shoulder, a soft smile on his face. “Of course not, sorry mon ami, but I did not want anyone to know in advance what I was planning. There is another language that does not involve the mouth, it is body language. I had to have you believe the ruse as well, otherwise the rebels may have read in your posture that it was a ploy. I certainly could not risk failure, could I? You see, I had already formulated a plan before descending the temple steps to meet the commander. I heard that he was prowling this area and I had already anticipated his visit.”
    “Are you going to execute me?” Solis interrupted.
    Dr. Sova turned to face the man. “No, of course not, that would only make you a martyr.”
    “Are you going to turn me over to the authorities to be arrested?”
    “No, that would make you a hero.”
    “Then what are you going to do with me?”
    “I’m going to expose you for what you are,” Dr. Sova replied with a hint of a smile.
    Jumping onto a dining table, he explained in a loud voice that Comandante Solis’s real name was Raul Martinez, an imposter whose sole desire was to enrich himself by plundering archaeological sites. After a pause to allow that to sink in, Dr. Sova also explained that Martinez was not the least bit interested in fighting for the Mayan people because once he was finished with his plans he would abandon them and take the money.
    Offering the rebels payment to help clean up the temple site, he explained that when it was completed they would be allowed to go free. In addition, he offered to have the Mayan priests bless the temple to rid the place of evil spirits and appease the gods in an effort to gain forgiveness for ransacking the tomb.
    A large cheer arose from the camp when Dr. Sova ordered the rebels released.
    With an angry expression, Dr. Sova turned back to glare at Martinez. “This is what you get for attempting to outsmart me! I hope you have learned a vital lesson, miscreant: nobody will ever outsmart me. Nobody! I will release you once we are done with this project. Do me a favor, will you? Take my advice, return to your parent’s house in Mexico City, and go back to school. Get some good grades and maybe - just maybe - you might make a good tour guide in some museum.”
    Dr. Sova motioned to Chauncy. They walked in silence for a few minutes, watching the rebels begin helping reorganize the camp. The doctor paused and then spoke to Chauncy. “Let this be a lesson to you, as well, Chauncy. Use your brain to its maximum potential, use it fully and you will see that no man will ever outsmart you - ever!”
    In time, King Chac’s remains and artifacts found their way into the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.
    A book entitled The Mayan Mystery, Solved, authored by Dr. Sova and Chauncy Rollock was shortly thereafter seen on bookshelves, recounting how King Chac’s remains had been discovered; it quickly became a best seller.
    They had promised each other that they would reunite to decipher the mysterious riddle on the steps that would lead them to the treasure of the Mayan King. However, Dr. Sova was having personal and legal difficulties with the Mexican government, besides the financial problems and marital strife created by his compulsive gambling. Seeking greater control over archaeological projects in Yucatan, the Mexican officials desired to have more control and oversight at all of Dr. Sova’s digs. Opposed, he insisted that he be allowed to work independently.
    The result was a downward spiral of red tape, delays, bad temper and impatience.
    Chauncy eventually became involved in his own projects. In time, Chauncy lost contact with the doctor.
    Sova’s colleagues