CHAPTER FOUR: Sudden Allies

There was room enough on the bed for the two captives, but lying on one's hands is seldom comfortable. The room was prepared well for its intended purpose, with thick double-locking wooden doors and sound-proofed walls, in case the girls managed to remove their gags. The young women struggled ferociously in their bonds, but the ropes never moved an inch.

To Corrine's surprise, Sasha went back to lying on her arms, then suddenly planted her bound feet, pushed her hips upward and shook vigorously from side to side. Corrine gave a querying grunt at the young detective, when a small red plastic object slowly emerged from Sasha's left front pocket. She's trying to shake out her Swiss Army Knife! Corrine realized.

A hand fell heavily on the doorknob and a key turned in the lock and Sasha resumed lying flat on the bed. The door opened moments later and a long familiar looking hand slipped in between the two bound young women.

“Tsk, tsk. We'll have none of that !” Percival Yorkshire said with a broad, positively evil grin on his face, waving the knife disapprovingly.

“Rather,” chimed in Bianca Yorkshire at his side, “One would almost believe they don't wish to stay for the party. And you went to so much trouble, darling.” the criminal couple kissed lovingly. Sasha felt suddenly ill.

“Indeed, treasure. You see dears, it's simply been too strenuous to go completely legal.”Percival explained,” Taxes for this, fees for that- it never ends.”

“Quite, at least we steal our money openly instead of nickle-and-dime-ing people to death.”

“Which brings us to you, Miss Corrine and your lovely detective friend. While we simply must thank you for the start up money that allowed us to start our little land acquisition game, we simply hated to think you might believe you might come to the conclusion that you've gotten the better of us.”

“Rather, think of our reputations.” Bianca added, faking a swoon.

“So when an opportunity came our way when we might be able to balance the books- we sprang for it of course. But I don't think the women are quite ready for their stay, love- wouldn't you agree?”

“Quite, love. “Bianca said with a sharp nod. She went over to the dresser, opened the top drawer and removed two long coils of rope from it. Corrine grunted in disbelief.

“You disapprove?” Bianca asked holding up the white nylon rope as if it were an expensive ermine wrap at a shop Corrine might have frequented ,” We can always use the sisal rope, which is like being tied with thorny branches.”

“Especially when you are finished tying the knots, love of loves.” Percival added with an approving smile.

“Quite.” Bianca said, looking to the two captive women. Sasha and Corrine just lay there unmoving.

With that, Percival and Bianca took the ropes and promptly and thoroughly hogtied the prisoners, drawing the ropes cruelly tight so that their legs were folded up at full stretch and immobile.

After the girls were dealt with, Bianca frisked them thoroughly for any other knives or other surprises they might have had stashed.

“Well tah, darlings. Must dash.” Percival said, looking at his pocket watch.

“Indeed, mustn't keep the other guests waiting.” Bianca added.

“True dearest, but don't worry girls. We'll be back to play with you later.”

“Tah !!” Bianca said brightly with a cheery wave of her hand, and so the criminals left locking the door behind them.

Try as they might, the girls could barely wriggle now. After about ten minutes, Corrine gave up. The Yorkshires knew what they were doing. The ropes refused to give way so much as a millimeter. Sasha did likewise and had the same results Periodically, they would stop for some bit of rest, then start over, but the ropes held fast. The best Sasha could accomplish was to roll over onto her side.

Minutes later there was another sound at the door. Different from before however, but the girls waited frozen with dread as the door opened. One of the Yorkshires' waiting staff for the party slipped in, peered behind her and then closed the door quietly behind her. came in, still in the bikini and blouse, but barefoot. She knelt beside Corrine and removed the gag. "I'm sorry it took so long, but I couldn't get away easily " she said in English, to the surprise of the two captives."

"Who are you?" Corrine asked.

" Bella Alvarez, of the Mexican National Police. "

"How so?" Anne asked.

"I overheard Mr. Yorkshire talking to a woman about you two. You're trying to find that plane with the lost Incan artifacts, which makes you all right in my book. "

Bella removed a knife and cut Corrine loose. "Won't you be get in trouble for helping us?" Sasha asked.

"Who is helping?" Bella asked as she untied the duo's ankles. "You got yourselves loose, saw me in the hallway, overpowered me, and took me in here and tied me up. I kicked off those ridiculous shoes before I came in, so it should lend credence to what I'm saying."

"Won't you be missed?"

"There's a dozen or so girls out there dressed just like me, It'll be a while before I'm missed."

Sasha and Corrine where now up and moving, trying to restore their circulation "How do we get out of here?" Anne asked.

"The same stairs as you were taken up, then turn left. You'll be leaving through the servant's entrance, but I think escape is your chief priority. Enough talking. Tie me up and do a good job of it so they believe it."

Corrine picked up a length of rope and secured Bella's wrists, while Sasha went to work on the ankles. Bella winced a bit, Corrine picked up the discarded gags and hesitated a moment. Sasha nodded and Bella did likewise. Bella opened her mouth. Corrine wadded up the one bandanna and stuffed it in Bella's mouth and then tightly tied the remaining bandanna in place, securing the packing, then she and Sasha gently set Bella down on the bed. Without another word, they set quietly slipped out of the room.

The Jeep was out of the question, as was on the other side of the building from where they were and surely they would be seen if they tried to get to it. They slipped into they shrubbery on the property and thought out their next step.

"I wonder if we can slip through the fence." Corrine whispered.

"We could" Sasha returned "but with all this thick plant material, that gate could be only window dressing."

"Come on. We've got less than an hour before the sun goes down, and since we have a long walk ahead of us, I suggest we get as much of it in while we have the light."

They crept through the brush as quietly as they could and to their surprise, came across a trail of some kind or other. As they went along, they notice two figures emerging to block their way. Sasha ran right toward them, then leaped through the air, legs extended, to hit one squarely in the stomach. The other one tried to seize her from behind, but she flipped him to the ground. Corrine had by now arrived on the scene she gave the second a good kick before grabbing Sasha by the arm and towing her friend away from the scene. the continued along the twisting for several minutes before encountering a place where the trail split. Two more men showed up, no doubt trailing the two escapees. The women ducked behind some bushes and their pursuers thundered past them. As soon as it was quiet, they fled in the direction away from the two goons. Soon they were on the road leading down the hill.

"They got away, darling." Bianca Yorkshire said in an irritated tone. “I found one of those little waitress sluts tied on the bed instead.”

"Indeed," Percival replied,”but all is not quite lost. We'll keep an eye out for them. The game is not yet done.”

“My love,” Bianca said hugging her husband.

“Always.” he replied

Darkness had settled in after Sasha and Corrine had returned to the resort. They settled down for dinner, but it had been a long and difficult day for them. On returning to their bungalow, the sleuths were so exhausted they simply stretched out on their beds, and went straight to sleep.