The Sidenstrasse Tapestry: An Indiana Jones Fan-Fiction

Chapter 12: Jerusalem, 1960

Indy and Marion walked into the museum curator's office. "Where's Em?" he asked.

"Ah, Dr. Jones," the curator smiled blandly. "Your child left me at my wit's end... She attacked a donator, and broke his hand. She's very fortunate that he didn't press charges."

Indy asked again, adding an uncomfortable edge to his voice. "Where is she?"

"I had to let Miss Jones go... budget cuts and such."

"I just got your financial reports – there were no budget cuts," Indy growled.

"Dr. Jones, there's no need to get angry at me. Maybe she ran off with Mr. Bernard. She seemed the type to do that... emotionally unstable and such..."

"I don't know any Bernard."

The curator shrugged. "Well, Dr. Jones, that proves that's she emotionally unstable. Creating a friend and not telling you about him – or just running off."

"I know my daughter – and she wouldn't lie to me," Indy insisted. "She'd lie to you – but not to me."

"There is always a first time, Dr. Jones. Her un-lady profession does nothing to help her -"

"Shut up," Indy muttered, slamming the door.

Marion glanced at him. "Indy?"

"C'mon, let's go. I know where she looks for trouble –"

Marion gave Indy an upturned eyebrow. "She really is your daughter... isn't she?"

Indy grinned, turning a corner in the museum and nearly bumping into a taller man.

Mac smiled down at his fuming friend. "Indy, how are you?"

"I can't find Em," Indy replied, stepping out of the way and moving toward Marion.

"Oh, don't worry. She's safe," Mac smiled.

"No, Mac! She's not dead! She's alive!"

"Of course she is Indy. She just called me and reported in."

"She what...?" Indy paused.

"I sent her to do a little errand for me."

"When did you two meet?" Indy wondered.

"I was looking for you to confirm an artifact. I found her instead. I'm very glad to know she's doing well."

"Where is she Mac?"

"Oh don't worry – she'll be home soon."

Indy shoved the taller man against the wall. "Where's my daughter!?" he growled. "If anything and I mean anything happens to my little girl – I will beat you six feet under!"

"You're threatening to kill me Indy."

"I know – and you're not telling me where she is!"

"It's a precaution Indy – if I told you, it could kill her."

Indy loosened his grip in shock. "You sent her on a spy mission?!"

"Indy – it hardly matters, I'll get her home safe."

"That's my kid you're talking about!"

"And she can take care of herself – she is eighteen, Indy."

"And I'm still her father!"

Marion touched Indy's shoulder. Indy looked at her and loosened his grip. "Where'd you send her Mac?" Marion asked.

"I'm sorry. I can't tell you," Mac looked at both the Joneses. "I don't know why you're so upset."

"UPSET!?!" Indy echoed. "I'm not upset – I'm furious! She didn't tell you about her eye, did she?"

Mac shook his head. "Indy, I can't take her out of the field – it's vital. I'm not telling you where she went for her protection. It would jeopardize the mission."

"So would the agent being half blind!" Indy snapped as Mac turned away.

Mac took a step back and faced Indy. "What?"

"Emily is half blind," Indy told Mac quietly stern.

Mac looked shocked. "She really will be killed!"

"Mac, where is she?" Marion demanded, pulling a gun from her handbag.

Mac sighed, staring at the revolver. "Kashgar. In China."