“What do they say?” he asked wolfishly. “Is that where you got the frisky idea?”
Tessa dropped her arms to her side, eyes batting. Once the nervous tic kicked in, her bossy demeanor collapsed. “They say you’re an…amazing lover, but aloof.” She shifted her weight to one hip, another sign of irritation. “You pretend to listen to them but won’t do intimate things like hold hands. Some think you’re a germaphobe. How do you ever expect to find Miss Right with that attitude? What are you afraid of?”
“And do you weigh in on these conversations?” Still amused, he managed to stand on his own.
“No. I mostly have overheard—”
“You’re eavesdropping?”
They stared at each other. Chase loved backing her into a corner. She became vulnerable and wide-eyed.
“About that shower?”
The usual huff of disdain was followed by her trying to dart past him. But in close quarters she couldn’t avoid him blocking her with a raised arm then jerked her body away. He swayed on unsteady feet and toppled backwards.
“Oh gosh!” Tessa tried to grab him with no success. “Are you all right?”
Flat on his back, he frowned up at her. “No thanks to you. You drive me crazy.”
“I’ll go get things ready for a shower.” She extended her hand to him. “Then I’ll come back to help you with things—if you need it—like unlacing your boots.”
He avoided her hand and tried to sit then let her grasp his arm and help him.
“Chase, do you think I’m hitting on you? I’m trying to help.”
Even in the dim light he could see her flushed cheeks.
He touched the spot on his chest that gave him fits during moments like these. “I’m not sure you are capable of hitting on a man, Tessa. So, no. I didn’t think you were hitting on me.” Part of him wanted to laugh but resisted. “We are friends.” Cocking his head, he placed his feet to the floor. “I also forget that sometimes I go a little too far. And you do give the impression your hero worship is negotiable.”
“Oh geeze,” she moaned while avoiding eye contact.
“Our—friendship is complicated. But it is what it is. You make me laugh. Before you came along to be my pain in the neck, I didn’t give a rip about anything or anyone. I want you to be happy and most of all, strong enough to defend yourself. I’m not going to rip your clothes off in a lapse in judgement, kick your husband to the curb—although it has crossed my mind—or force you to do anything to compromise your values. You are my best friend. That’s it. Friends.”
A slow smile spread across her mouth, forcing Chase to wish he hadn’t promised he wouldn’t have a lapse in judgement. It would be so easy to take advantage of her trusting nature and end this ridiculous pain in his chest.
“Now, as to the women I sleep with…”
“Too much information. No thanks. I don’t want that mental picture.”
He stared up at her. “Whatever we are to each other, it is safe ground for me. You expect nothing and give everything.”
One corner of her mouth turned up. “And I appreciate that.” She turned to leave.
“Tessa?”
“Yes?”
“You need to remember I’m also not a safe guy for you to be alone with on a regular basis. People like me do have lapses in judgement. Don’t let your guard down. Okay?”
Tessa’s lips parted.
“Do. You. Understand?”
She raised her chin. “Got it. Let’s get cleaned up, and we’ll talk about Handsome.”
Chapter Eighteen
“Then Handsome knew all along he could easily take control of the country when the time came. All he needs is the diamond.” Tessa sat down on the bed next to Chase. “Dr. Girard escaped with John and Keeya’s child when the soldiers began killing everyone.”
“Apparently Dr. Girard had no idea Keeya was still alive.” Chase motioned for Sam and Carter to join them inside their tent and caught them up to speed. “I’m guessing they had met because she certainly knew the doctor when she laid eyes on him.”
“It’s been over thirty years.” Sam sounded skeptical. “People change.”
“If Robert tried to hide my son with someone I had met, I’d remember,” Tessa interjected. “That poor woman. All these years, surviving in the presence of the man who she believed to have killed her family.”
“Handsome still has no idea who she is?” Carter asked.
Chase shook his head. “No. Although I could have misunderstood the whole conversation. I need to talk to the doctor first. Handsome is a loose cannon we don’t want going after Baboloki. At least with Baboloki we know who we’re dealing with. The void he’d leave could put someone even worse in power. The country is fairly stable for the time being.”
“Handsome has no special skills for leading a country.” Carter pulled out a camp stool and sat. “In Africa, that seems to be the rule rather than the exception.”
“What’s to keep Keeya from breaking the news to him?” Tessa’s comment paused the conversation. “If I’d found my son… I’d find it difficult not to blurt it out and try to make up for lost time. I’d become overprotective and give excuses for my absence, demonizing the kidnapper and in this case, murderer.”
“We need to get Baboloki to admit what he did all those years ago.” Chase fidgeted to make himself more comfortable. Exhaustion wafted over him. With a yawn, he continued, “Tessa, you need to talk to Keeya tomorrow and see if we’re right. Let her know we want to help her. You’re a mother so you understand how important it is to wait to reveal who she is even though—”
“I can do that. Don’t worry. It might be difficult getting her alone long enough, but I’ll do my best.”
“Anything come up tonight at dinner?”
Sam shrugged. “President Baboloki bragged about what a great guy he’s been for the country. The other guests ate it up, had their pictures taken with him and laughed at every little amusing antidote he shared.”
“And, of course,” Carter continued, “he wanted his picture taken with Sam.”
Sam stood and moved to where he sat then pulled him to his feet. “Carter got his ego smashed because no one asked to take his picture or about his stupid time on the space station.” She stuck out her bottom lip and rubbed his shoulder. “Poor baby.”
“You can make it all better later,” he quipped only to have her chuckle.
“Night, you two. Come on, Carter.” She was already out the door when he turned to Chase and Tessa. He winked then caught up with his tent mate.
~ ~ ~
Baboloki stood on his deck that circled the baobab. It had stood like an upside-down tree for hundreds of years. The lavish accommodation connected to a bridge so as not to damage the rare tree. The camp had built only three of these VIP guest rooms. They towered in the air to get the best views of the delta.
A limited number of tourists got permission to enter the fragile ecosystem of the Okavango Delta each year. Some preferred a less Tarzan experience, one more like a five-star hotel. The president had secured one of those exclusive tree villas.
It resembled a tree house fit for a king, or president in his case. Indoor plumbing, the best safari-inspired furniture, faux-leopard rugs, and white bedding came with the hefty price tag Westerners appeared willing to pay in order to secure comfort and a romantic experience. A retractable staircase provided an element of safety when lions and elephants strolled through the camp at night.
From here, he could see the other tent structures and guests emerging for a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and flat cakes. If he was lucky, lekatane, or melon, would be served. Getting such treats out here might be too much to ask for on short notice.
Keeya, along with his secretary, stepped from their guest tent. There didn’t seem to be a need to put a guard on her out here. Where would she go? It could be a dangerous place with hungry lions, ill-tempered Cape buffalo, and territorial hippopotami trying to force humans into the afterlife. Besides, Keeya�
��s people died many years ago. Looking for a familiar face would be a waste of time. The few who escaped probably had started new lives elsewhere.
More than 150,000 people lived in and around the many islands of the Okavango. They moved with the fluctuations of the water levels. Villages could disappear overnight to find better fishing holes. Thatched houses remained a low-cost investment, one worth leaving for their food source.
Leaning against the railing with his cup of hot tea in hand, he watched Keeya stretch like a sleepy lioness on the savanna. Even from here, he caught the look of joy on her face. This place impressed upon her she’d come home to another life, another time. Was she thinking about her husband, John, or the child who died with him? Baboloki couldn’t help but wonder if she might love him if he had saved the infant? Nothing he’d done over the years could rescue her from the memories of what he’d done to change her life. He realized that she would never love or forgive him.
But he continued to be smitten by her, even as she aged. The pretty young wife he’d chosen most recently could not compete with Keeya. The self-centered woman had decided after their child was born to make a life traveling with friends and continue her modeling career. She cared nothing about the boy. That would no longer be a problem.
Keeya, on the other hand, loved the child. He remained the one thing that brought her joy, and he’d gladly let her be the child’s playmate and protector. The boy adored her as well. Understanding she’d chosen to be loving rather than cruel made Baboloki want her all the more. Why couldn’t she let the past go?
With a casual turn of her head, she gazed up at him, still smiling, and then turned back toward the still waters of the blue Okavango. She hugged her bare arms against the frigid morning air. A battery-operated golf cart passed her. The passengers exchanged greetings before proceeding down the trampled path created by heavy-footed animals.
The dutiful secretary spotted him and waved. He lifted his warm teacup in acknowledgment before turning back to his quarters. A commotion along the riverbank caught his eye in time for him to see the escape of some carmine bee-eaters take flight off the brown banks. A blur of red and blue lifted to low-hanging branches. At the sound of laughter, he returned to the railing to see Keeya point with excitement at the birds. She looked his way and clapped her hands. Was that all it took to win her favor, bringing her to this wild place?
Baboloki finished his morning routine before joining the others at the dining pavilion. His security and the ladies had waited to walk with him.
“Keeya, you look very well this morning. This place agrees with you,” Baboloki said under his breath. They approached the area where other guests stood at the buffet table.
“Yes. I think it does.” She stole a glance at him. “This is my home. I belong in the delta. I will never go back.”
Although her words were soft, the president frowned and clicked his tongue. “Don’t be ridiculous. Your home is with me, and I will never leave you in such a dangerous place. What of my son? He needs you.”
Keeya raised her chin and stared straight ahead. “He is not my son. You took that from me.”
He turned to his security. “Take Keeya back to her quarters and bring her a tray of food. She will stay here today and rest.”
“I do not need rest. I need to be free.” She halted, displaying a stubbornness Baboloki recognized from other times she’d gotten out of control. “I will not be sent to my room like a child or bow to your orders any longer.” She moved away with jerky movements and managed to avoid the president’s touch. Running up the steps of the deck, she greeted the others. Baboloki swallowed his fury and joined her.
“Welcome, Mr. President. I was about to send someone to see if you’d like to take your breakfast in your accommodations.” Peter pointed to the stack of plates on the buffet. “Please. Enjoy. We have some tasty surprises this morning.”
“So I see. Ladies, please. You go first. They have some work to finish up, so I’m sure they will want to hurry along.” He glanced at his secretary and Keeya.
“But of course.” Peter moved to the coffee bar. “Tell me what you’d like to drink, and I’ll bring it to your table.”
Keeya offered a quiet attempt at conversation. “Can I sit over there by the edge? I’d like to see the delta this morning.”
Peter nodded. “There is only a coffee table.”
“That will be perfect, sir. Thank you for your kindness.” Keeya filled her plate with the delights prepared for them then carried her plate to sit alone.
Baboloki’s anger ebbed away, watching her obstinate expression become passive as she stared across the water. He would give her this victory, but at some point, he would need to teach her a lesson. It tended to get physical with her during those times, making her even more desirable. Even after all these years, Keeya remained an unobtainable prize. Maybe when he found the Kifaru diamond, his luck would change.
The Americans joined the group. He’d suspected from the day he met them that the man called Hunter and the State Department representative were more than friends or colleagues. He’d observed they shared a tent and the night of the Gaborone break-in, they’d ended up in the same room. Even though they seemed guarded about their relationship, their sideways glances indicated affection.
The man put him on edge. Being a military man himself, Baboloki recognized Hunter as someone who knew his way around trouble. He avoided eye contact but couldn’t sidestep the muscled American when he cut him off at the table.
“Morning, Mr. President. Hope you slept well.”
“Indeed. Are you better this morning, Captain Hunter? That was a nasty business yesterday. I’ve put my people on the incident. If there were poachers we will bring them to justice in short order. The Okavango must remain a safe place for tourists.”
“Unlike years ago, when armed men murdered innocent guests and villagers?”
Baboloki tensed at the unexpected declaration. “Yes. Those were different times. Today, we are a stable country, thanks to my programs and repercussions for lawlessness.”
Hunter grinned and narrowed his eyes to slits. “There’s talk of a diamond that will bring a new leader to Botswana. Tessa is enamored by such stories. Have you heard anything about that?”
“Yes. Magical tales from an ignorant people who continue to live in the past. This diamond has no power. I read about it in the papers after Ms. Scott mentioned it at dinner the other day.”
“Is it true that the one who possesses the diamond is the true heir to ruling Botswana?”
Baboloki didn’t like the tone of the man or that he’d followed him to a table and sat on the opposite side. Must he endure this American’s company? He took a spoonful of garlic potatoes and mixed them with his limp bacon before funneling it into his mouth. With his next bite held near his mouth, Baboloki sneered.
“Of course not. We are a democracy. Our elections are run fairly with the blessings of our people as well as the UN observers at every polling institution.” He continued to eat before speaking again. “Do you think I want to be king, Captains Hunter?”
“I think you enjoy your lot in life, and the threat of a diamond with such power could upset your rather perfect life.”
A worker stopped to pour each man a fresh cup of hot tea then wandered off to help at the buffet. “Some men are destined for greatness, Captain Hunter. I have worked hard to make this country better.”
“That you have, Mr. President.” The man continued to exhibit a devious smirk that unnerved him more than he liked to admit.
“How long will you be with us?” The president hoped their departure had been moved up, considering his accident the day before.
“It’s just now getting interesting. Besides”— he nodded over at Tessa Scott—“my friend is enjoying herself immensely.” She sat next to Keeya and struck up a conversation. “She was shaken up a bit yesterday, what with getting stranded and a gunman on the loose. But it all worked out. She’s a trouper. I promised her an adv
enture and”— he chuckled good heartedly “well, that is what I intend to give her.”
“Could be very dangerous here, Captain Hunter.” Baboloki spoke slowly, in hopes the man would pick up on his warning.
“Maybe. Or maybe I’ll look into finding that diamond and see what happens.” He nodded toward Tessa. “She would get a kick out of that.”
“May I join you, Keeya?” Tessa looked down at the woman who stared across the calm waters of the Okavango Delta. The serene gaze vanished when Tessa didn’t wait to be refused. The woman motioned for her to set her plate of fruit and eggs on the coffee table next to hers. “We met the other night. Remember?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Please. Call me Tessa.”
Keeya offered a tired expression then glanced over her shoulder at Baboloki who sat talking to other guests.
Tessa noted the concerned glance she gave her boss. “Is everything all right?”
Keeya turned back to stare at the water for only a few seconds before answering. Pulling her shoulders back, followed by raising her chin, the African beauty spoke in a hushed tone.
“I am in danger, Tessa. I must escape for the sake of my son. Please. Will you help me?”
Tessa set her coffee down and mimicked her interested look at the blue waters as she slipped her hand into Keeya’s. “Yes. That is why I’m here.”
Keeya turned eyes on her that seemed to hold back a dam of tears then laid her free hand on top of Tessa’s and squeezed. “It will not be easy.”
Tessa withdrew, in fear someone would spot them. “Things worthwhile are rarely easy.”
Chapter Nineteen
Dr. Girard finished vaccinating the last child in his tiny waiting room before checking outside in the spillover area where many people usually waited to see him on clinic days. Today it was empty except for a couple of nurse’s aides who gossiped under one of the thatched pavilions. They spotted him and slid off the rough benches to meander back to work.
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