Treasure Hunters: Book of Secrets

Fifteen: To Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore - spectacular in itself, and even more so when you knew it was a cover up. Riley could not get over this. 

"Positions everyone-"

They all scattered themselves about, preparing to cut off Mitch. Abigail pretended to be asking a guide a question, while Riley and Alex pretended to be taking photos of the scenery.  

"Hello Mitch," said Ben, turning around to  face him when he marched up the steps, Emily in tow. Alex couldn't help but grin at the look of shock that passed over the rival man's face at the sight of them. 

"Benjamin, Alexandra!" Emily cried, a wide smile spreading across her face.  "I knew you'd figure out the riddle I gave your father."

"The hummingbird was good." Ben nodded.  Then he turned to the other man.  "Let her go, Mitch."

"We're the ones with the firepower and you're giving me the orders?" Mitch sneered.

"They're armed!" hissed Riley. 

"I kidnapped the president," Ben replied casually, causing his mother to shoot him an incredibly shocked look.  "The FBI are on their way right now to arrest me, and I'm sure they'd love to meet you. They'll find us both and arrest us both, and that path doesn't lead to the City of Gold, now does it?"

"This man has information you need," jumped in Emily.  "He's got a letter-"

"Sent from Queen Victoria to General Albert Pike." Ben remained calm and casual.

"How do you know about that?" demanded Mitch.

"We read about it, in a book."

"Well I'm afraid he's burned it," said Emily. Mitch gave a smug grin.

"Well you've had me do all the work so far so why stop now?" Ben continued.  "You tell me what you know, I'll find the City of Gold, prove Thomas's innocence, and you can have the treasure and all the glory."

"What?" piped up Riley. 

"I'm going with you," Mitch declared.  "And if anyone's going to be credited with finding the City of Gold, it's gonna be me." 

"That's basically what he just said," said Alex. 

Ben nodded in agreement with Mitch.  "Fine, but your partners stay here, and all the guns." 

"What makes you think I'd agree to that?"

"Cause you need that treasure - believe me, I know."

There was a tense moment before Mitch gave in and nodded.  "Alright Gates, we'll do it your way. But believe me, I don't need the guns." With that, they headed off, Ben leading the way.

"Uh, Ben, are you really sure about this?"

"Not now, Riley." 

"He kidnapped the president?!" Emily hissed to Patrick.

"I thought it best not to tell you."

They headed further into the park, keeping on the lookout for the 'noble bird'.  After nearly an hour of unsuccessful searching, Ben turned to Mitch. "Alright Mitch, let's have it.  What did the letter say? What's the clue from Queen Victoria?"

Mitch looked up from where he sat on a rock while the others all stood around actively searching.  "'The entrance shall only be revealed under a cloudless rain.'"

That was a beautiful riddle, but a riddle nonetheless.  There was a moment of silence as everyone pondered over it. 

"Figure that one out," Mitch said smugly.