He hobbled to the bed and sat. With each deep breath he took, he rubbed his face and moaned. All he managed to do was nod until he felt the mattress move and her presence behind him. When she slipped her hands onto his shoulders, he grabbed her and pulled her into his lap.
“Time for that spanking I’ve been promising you. And no, I won’t promise any such thing because I like doing it and let’s be honest. You don’t really mind.”
Tessa stared up into his eyes. She didn’t try to fight, escape, or argue. “Chase,” she whispered. “Please. Stop.”
Chase pushed her off him. “Desk duty. No more field work until we sort this out. One of these times—”
“I won’t cheat on Robert, so treat me like everyone else. Please.”
“I don’t want you to, Tess. Get ready for bed. I’m going out on the deck to wait for Handsome. I need to cool off.”
She swung her legs to the floor. When she stepped away he pulled her back so he had to look up at her.
“Don’t get the idea I’m some kind of knight in shining armor, Tessa. I’m not, and you of all people should know that. Wanting you is not the same as loving you. You deserve a forever love, not someone like me. Being friends with you has gotten a little more complicated than I’m used to.”
“I think being here with all that has been going on—things have gotten intense between us, and the lines got a little blurred.”
Chase pushed her back and stood up. “Intense? I break out in a sweat when I look at you,” he admitted. “The lines aren’t blurred for me, Tess. I know exactly what I want and how to get it. You’re the one who can’t decide what you want because deep down I’m too big of a risk. And you’re right. Go to bed. Talk to you in the morning.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Handsome gathered his father in his massive arms and lifted him off the ground. Bursts of laughter rose between them as Dr. Girard rubbed his head then patted his back like he did when Handsome was a boy. The emotion welled up inside the doctor as he stepped back. He stroked his son’s face.
“I am glad to see you. I worried I might never again.” Dr. Girard let his son guide him to a chair in his new accommodations. “Your friends found me.” The doctor nodded at Sam and Carter standing in the doorway. “And a former student drove us back. I wish he didn’t need to return to Maun so soon.”
Handsome checked his father’s wounds and bruises. “I’m going to kill him,” he growled.
“Most of this was because I fell down the steps and hit my head. The president never struck me, son.”
“I can’t believe you’re defending him.” Handsome pulled the one chair in the tiny quarters closer. “This is his fault. The clinic, all you have worked for, destroyed.”
Dr. Girard took on a concerned look before he cupped his son’s chin in his hand. “Listen to me. You are going to be a great man, a great leader for these people. Do not muddy up your future with revenge. Do not become the man Baboloki is. He is afraid of me. If he discovers you’re my son, you’ll be killed. You must tread lightly.”
Carter looked over his shoulder and pushed into the room. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Handsome will have to go through the same process as any other candidate, get funding, campaign… You can’t depend on the legend of the Kifaru to get you the presidency. The world has changed. Even out here in the bush, people have access to the modern world. I saw a satellite dish in the medical compound the other day.”
“I’m not sure I even want the job,” Handsome sighed.
“But your mother…Keeya. We must talk to her before Baboloki finds her. If Dage still has her, then she will be safe.”
Handsome caught his father up-to-date about the way Dage managed to outmaneuver them all and take Keeya. He still didn’t understand why his mother would leave with him until Sam informed him about the child.
“The young boy was the child she never got to raise, love, or guide through life. That little boy means the world to her. Sounds like Dage kept a dangerous secret.”
The four explored where Dage may have taken Keeya to keep her safe and decided nothing could be done until morning. Handsome accepted Carter and Sam’s offer to stay the night with his father so he could return to Camp Kubu to try and continue acting normal.
He’d witnessed the evening’s festivities and felt enraged at the smug expression on Baboloki’s face while the food was served and then at the entertainment that followed. He’d nodded approval and clapped calmly, even though the dancers had gone above and beyond to perform. At least the guests showed their appreciation with their applause and kind words afterward. The president on the other hand remained in his cushioned rattan chair near the fire and smoked a cigar, observing everyone with squinted eyes.
Handsome became aware he also followed his movements while serving and cleaning up. The crooked snarl the president offered when they’d locked gazes gave him pause. A chill pinched the nape of his neck.
Old habits die hard when you’ve had to hide the truth most of your life and be suspicious of anyone who appears confrontational. Therefore, he couldn’t bring himself to look humble and nod a sign of respect. He stopped, straightened to his six-foot-six height and glared back, with what he hoped, was a darkness the president needed to heed.
The other person the president appeared to observe more closely was Chase Hunter. The man took pride in baiting the president on a number of occasions and came across as an ugly American without social skills. He played the part well by offering inappropriate comments along with questions about things that didn’t concern him. Even in the darkness, touched only by the light of tiki torches and a campfire, Handsome could see the flame of irritation wash over the president’s face. Only when Tessa spoke did the president divert his interest from the captain.
Maybe Enigma kept Tessa in the mix for just this sort of thing. She certainly wasn’t a killer like the rest of them or possessed of any special skills, other than creating a kind of chaos that the captain clearly enjoyed.
He’d met the man a few years back and had to admit he’d feared him. Back in the Old West days, he would have been one of those sheriffs who shot first and asked questions later. His attention to details added to his lethal demeanor and could manipulate any situation to a successful outcome.
Back then, Handsome would have sworn the man lacked a conscience and even got off on putting a would-be terrorist out of his jihadist misery. Few words, no sense of humor, and by all accounts, little to no expressions of remorse, made up the man who had him thrown him into a Tunisian jail, an experience he would not soon forget. He could still remember the smirk on Chase’s face when the rusty door slammed shut on his cell.
Now, something had changed in the man. Was it the Grass Valley housewife who tagged along after him like a faithful puppy? Although well-liked among her fellow Enigma team members, well, except for Samantha Cordova, she wielded a presence that had softened the mighty Captain Chase Hunter.
The senior agent, like a lot of men in his profession, went through women like other people went through socks, discarding some, wearing others out until they were no longer of any use to him, and even buying new ones when he had no use for the old ones. And like socks, they meant nothing to him except for a little comfort in times of need.
Tessa certainly wasn’t a worn-out sock. Pretty, smart, and brave to a fault, a man could get lost in those blue eyes. She was American apple pie, the Fourth of July, and Christmas rolled into one innocent academic who happened to have the ear of the president and the notorious Captain Hunter.
At first, he believed she and the captain were having a fling, but time had erased that opinion. He wondered how the former Delta Force captain managed to keep his hands off her or better still, how she kept him in line.
When the three of them nearly met with an untimely death at Lake Tahoe, it had been Chase who threw caution to the wind and saved Tessa along with Handsome’s chances of becoming the leader of Botswana. Even then, when he could have taken a
dvantage of the woman’s naked body after saving her from drowning, he remained the model of chivalry. Handsome could still remember the look of terror in the man’s eyes as he dragged Tessa from the icy waters. For the first time since he’d encountered Chase, he witnessed fear in his dark eyes. The woman was definitely his Achilles’ heel.
Although the hero worship of the captain was obvious, there remained little indication they shared a sexual relationship. Since he’d known her, Tessa appeared to be a devoted mother and wife. Was it an act?
Whatever the reason for Chase’s guard-dog mentality, Handsome knew still waters ran deep, and if anyone threatened the safety of his charge, he would revert back to the monster slayer he’d become years earlier—a man of no mercy and the ability to bestow unimaginable pain without batting an eye. Chase Hunter was a rabid dog on a short leash held in the hands of Tessa Scott.
That could be bad news for Baboloki since he definitely had an eye for the ladies. He wasn’t shy about checking out both Sam and Tessa whenever it suited him. Even though his cold observations of Tessa’s backside concerned Handsome, knowing the explosive consequences of crossing Chase and that the captain watched on in quiet aloofness, gave Handsome reason to be on the alert for trouble. However, the president remained a gentleman to her and even tried to engage her in pleasant conversation about her work at the State Department.
Handsome admitted to himself, even he possessed a kind of need to be protective of the woman. Gullible, naïve, and refreshing as a spring rain, Tessa believed in him when no one else did. She trusted him when the smart thing would have been to run away. Even though she’d been frightened of him, she followed him to danger and nearly lost her life. Could be why Chase still didn’t trust him and looked forward to the day when he could bring this little party to an end.
How could one piece of carbon turn so many lives upside down? Kifaru should have been called Toxic or Nightmare. Even so, the idea of living up to his birth father’s expectations, and now his mother’s, inflated his pride in the hopes of making a difference for these people. If not for the example of his adopted father, his life might have been very different.
“Why are you sitting out here all by your lonesome, Captain Hunter?” Handsome asked as he climbed the steps to the deck surrounding the tree house suite. “And why, pray tell, aren’t you in there with that woman who clearly thinks you walk on water?”
Chase cocked his head at the giant then nodded toward a chair next to him. “That woman is the reason I’m here making sure you don’t cause a fairly stable African country to go off the rails.”
He plopped down and sighed. “That wasn’t really my question.”
“What is your problem?” Chase sulked.
Handsome looked over his shoulder into the suite where he could see Tessa propped against several pillows, sound asleep. “Seems to me you’re the one with the problem. The Chase Hunter I used to know took whatever he wanted and left the world in ruins when he finished with—well, you get my point.”
“Talking about Tess is off-limits. Understand?”
“Probably more than you’d like. Your pet do-gooder is helping me, and you’re jealous.”
Chase cut off a chuckle in his throat that sounded like he might choke. “Keep telling yourself that. I like Tess. We all do. And yes, I watch her back.”
Handsome gave a dog howl. “We all do that, Chase. Even Baboloki.”
“I’ve noticed. He’s a little too engaging when she’s around. I’m not sure if it’s because she’s a babe, or if he thinks he can get under my skin.”
“I’m betting on both. Any word on Keeya?”
“No. The president’s secretary brought him several messages after you left. We were sitting around the fire talking. He waved her off the last time. But his demeaner got darker as the evening went on.”
Handsome shared the latest news about Baboloki and the child he claimed as his son. “Poetic justice if you ask me.”
“The only one who loses in that game is the little boy. Keeya is your mother, but don’t do anything that would hurt that child. She is more attached to him than to you. Her loyalties could jeopardize everything you’re trying to accomplish.”
Handsome stared out into the night, listening to the sounds of the delta. “When this started out, years ago, all I wanted was revenge.”
“And now?”
“Now I want to come home, to be a part of something bigger than myself. I want to help my father with the clinic. He’s the one who makes a difference. I’m nothing. I have nothing but a diverse education and a questionable history of lending my skills to the highest bidder.” Handsome sighed and tried to adjust his large frame to the tight chair. “I love this country as I’ve loved America and Canada. I’ve been blessed with seeing both the best and worst humanity has to offer.”
“I get that,” Chase said looking back into the suite to see Tessa roll to her side then stretch her arm where he should be laying. “Some things are worth a gamble, Handsome.”
“I’m clueless about politics. Why did I think I could do this?”
“Things always look easier when you’re standing on the outside looking in. Besides, Tess likes to say things that are worthwhile are never easy.”
“Didn’t figure you for a philosopher.”
“I’m trying to say you know enough about the right way to do things and can avoid the traps of corruption and deceit. Surround yourself with good men and women. You haven’t been part of a tribal society, so you don’t owe anyone any favors. Be your own man. If you aren’t elected, then you can still work with Dr. Girard. He’s going to need you more than ever. Don’t leave destiny up to a legend.”
“Are you encouraging me to run for president?” he gasped before landing an easy punch on Chase’s arm. “I’m touched.”
“Doesn’t mean I like you,” he offered, shoving at his fist.
Handsome stood and turned to look inside the suite. “Well, I will be needing a first lady to be at my side. I’m thinking—”
“Over my dead body,” Chase frowned up at Handsome, who continued to look amused.
“In our line of work, the Tessa Scotts of the world get killed if they fall in love with the likes of us.”
“Not this time.” Chase stood and turned away.
~ ~ ~
Baboloki paced in the treetop suite with his cell phone to this ear.
“And where are they now, Opperman?” His voice grew low and deadly.
“Under surveillance, Mr. President. I didn’t know there was a problem until they’d left. They are headed back to the Okavango. Apparently, the Kifaru is already there. I guess you didn’t know that.”
Baboloki fought the rising panic in his chest, the need to take deep breaths, and then exhaled in frustration. “I did not. Why were they there?”
“Hard to say for sure. Since both of them packed a bag, I assumed you decided to extend your stay and needed a few things. Dage didn’t expect me, of course, and questioned me like the relentless jerk he is, and—”
“About what?” he interrupted.
“Why I was in your office. I told him you asked me to get Chase Hunter’s file and go over it with you, that you had some concerns.”
“Did you have a chance to read it?”
“He’s a professor at some California college. Teaches literature, some online courses. Former army captain. Does some work for the State Department when someone needs muscle. Pretty unremarkable. No red flags. Couple of speeding tickets five years ago. His grandfather is an old Washington diplomat, and that is probably how he got in with the government work. Some family on his mother’s side lives on an Indian reservation. I’m not sure what you’re looking for with this guy. When I met him, I got the impression he was more interested in the State Department woman than anything. Just an American wise ass.”
“Anything else?”
“Those magazine guys check out. Nothing jumped out at me. I didn’t get very far before Dage walked in on me.”
>
“Then finish it, and keep me informed.”
There was a pause. “Dage insisted I give it to him since he would see you tomorrow.”
“You really are worthless.”
“I wouldn’t get too insulting, Mr. President. It seems you could soon be replaced. And I, on the other hand, will need to be supportive of anyone who wishes to usher in a new Botswana. Something you have been reluctant to embrace.”
“Are you threatening me?” he quipped.
“No. My interests are in Camelthorn Diamond Industries. I want to make sure it lives beyond any future changes that may or may not occur. You still have my full support, Mr. President.”
“Until I don’t. Am I right?”
“You need to take care of this,” Opperman warned. “There is a rumor your wife is missing. Any truth to that?”
“She’ll turn up.”
“Aren’t you concerned about the well-being of your son?”
“What about Imari?”
Opperman cooed. “They took him.”
The president clicked off.
Opperman chuckled and hung up the phone. He rolled his shoulders then turned his head back and forth until his neck popped. “Happy?”
Dage stuffed the file on Chase into his duffel bag. “I don’t trust you.”
“I lied for you. There’s no need to rush off tonight. I have my plane on standby for you. There’s a landing strip a few kilometers from a medical clinic.”
“The one Baboloki destroyed?”
“Don’t forget you were part of those actions. Add kidnapping a respected doctor, Keeya, and now his son”— Opperman offered the hostile observation then raised an eyebrow— “or the child he thinks is his son, and you are in way over your head. I see you’ve got two choices. One is, take Keeya back to Baboloki, who seems to have an unhealthy attachment to the woman.”
“And the other choice?”
“Find the Kifaru and kill him. And do it soon.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Black Mamba Page 28