“Peter is hobbling around giving orders to his crew about making Baboloki’s suite ready for Keeya and the boy.”
“And Handsome? How is it he got the anti-venom instead of the president? I could have sworn Dage and Handsome were on the road to killing each other a day ago.”
Carter chuckled. “I think if it weren’t for knowing Handsome was Keeya’s son, he might have given the shot to the president. But then again, he’s free to raise the boy.”
“The wife will probably come in for the funeral and take off again. I’m sure Opperman will make restitution to her as well, in order to have her gone.” Chase couldn’t imagine her wanting to leave her child behind.
Sam popped a piece of potato in her mouth and chewed before speaking. “News came in a little while ago that the wife’s plane had been found, crashed in the rainforest around the equator. No survivors. Opperman will make sure right is done by the child. Keeya and Dage have nothing to worry about there. Hard to believe he’s going to support Handsome.”
“After today”— Chase stretched—“I think Handsome could be king if he wanted.”
“And I don’t want that,” came Handsome’s booming voice from the direction of the steps. They twisted around in their seats to see Handsome carrying Tessa like a ragdoll. She had her arms around his neck and waved happily.
“Put me down, Handsome,” she demanded. “I’m fine.”
He carried her to one of the camp chairs at the table and settled her next to Sam. “She’s not fine. Badly sprained ankle with ten stitches. Another twenty on her leg. Not too bad, I guess, considering.”
“You need to take it easy, too, Handsome. I’m beat. How can you walk around like nothing happened?” The guy was a rock. “That snake got you twice.”
Handsome arched an eyebrow and in a deep voice intoned, “I am the Kifaru.”
The group burst out into moans and insults. Even Handsome smiled for once.
“Go on and laugh.” Handsome pulled up a chair. “Seriously. I want to thank you for all you did for me. I didn’t deserve it. There were times I never believed the story or in myself.”
Chase narrowed his eyes at the man and landed a punch on his huge arm. “We still don’t, so get over yourself and prove us wrong.”
“I believed in you, Handsome,” Tessa chimed in and winked at him before giving a wrinkled-nose look to the others who frowned or dropped an eye roll.
“I know, Tessa. And I’d like to offer you a position as first lady of Botswana if I’m elected.” Although Handsome spoke to Tessa, his eyes were on Chase.
“Well, good luck with that. She is bad luck from the get-go. You owe Enigma. Take her,” Chase quipped as he pointed to her.
“Well, thank you for the offer, Mr. Future President of Botswana. But I already have a husband. If only you’d spoken up twelve years ago.” Tessa threw her hands up in a show of helplessness.
Handsome laughed so loud the others joined in, and they finished their meal with talk of the future as dessert.
The camp quieted down around midnight, even the warring lions and hyenas silent for once, or perhaps they’d moved on in search of prey. Vernon and Zoric gave access to their information and photos for the authorities to demonstrate the possibility the president had been unstable. They turned in first after checking in with Chase and bringing him up to speed. Before Carter and Sam left, they asked Tessa several times if she was all right.
“I’m touched.” Tessa blinked innocently up at Sam who loomed over her with a stoic posture and sour expression.
“You’re touched all right.” Sam pinched Tessa on the shoulder, and she quickly slapped at her hand.
Tessa smacked her lips together to make kissing sounds then smiled wickedly. “I know you love me, Sam.” She made her voice sound like she might be talking to a toddler.
Sam cut her eyes to Chase then Carter. “I’m going to bed. You coming, Carter?”
He hopped up out of the chair and slapped his hands together before pretending to yawn. “I’m beat. Think I’ll turn in, too.”
Tessa chuckled and landed a fist on Sam’s leg. She reciprocated by shoving Tessa’s head forward. It would be the closest thing to friendship either would be willing to admit. When they left, silence followed for a few minutes until Chase took a deep breath then slowly expelled it.
“Handsome, there is going to be a media storm headed your way. Are you ready for this?”
“I’ve been preparing for it my whole life, so we’ll see. This may not work out, but at least someone worthy may have a chance to make a difference.”
Tessa patted his hand. “Well my money is on you.” She stood. “I’m going to bed. Thanks for packing me up those stairs, Handsome.” He pushed up halfway out of the chair when she motioned for him to sit down. “You’re not going to carry me inside. I can manage. See you in the morning, Handsome.”
After she left, the men continued their conversation in low voices.
“Keep us informed, Handsome. Enigma will be watching,” Chase warned.
A hard glower of rebellion washed over Handsome’s face. “And if I find out you’ve done anything inappropriate to the lady’s husband or her children or basically her life, I’ll be in touch with you. You keep that in mind.”
“I’m a freakin’ angel.”
He nodded. “I’m sure. Possibly one of those with a forked tail and horns. This isn’t a threat.”
“She’s a big girl, Handsome, capable of making her own decisions about—life. Besides, we’re friends. Nothing to be concerned about.”
Handsome rose and moved toward the stairs. “I’ll see you in the morning. Opperman is sending his helicopter to get you to Gaborone on time for your flight. I’ll send someone with a wake-up call around six.”
Chase watched him disappear into the night before entering the tree house suite. Tessa had already rumpled the covers into chaos and was tossing and turning. He slid in next to her, fully clothed. She woke immediately.
“I had a bad dream,” she whispered into his face inches from hers.
“Probably going to be a lot of those for a while. Dr. Wu can help when we get back.” He dared push her hair out of her eyes. “Are you still scared?”
She laid a palm on his cheek. “You could have died protecting me.”
He yawned. “All in a day’s work, ma’am.”
“You’re impossible,” she said, patting his cheek before withdrawing her hand. “And I adore you.”
“I’m here for you, Tess. Always. Now, go to sleep. I’ll wake you up if you have more nightmares, and you do the same for me.”
Instead of rolling away and shoving pillows between them, Tessa remained in the crook of his arm and slept against him the rest of the night. He was too tired to do anything about it. Maybe it was for the best, this time around. When they got stateside, he’d see where things were headed between them. But deep down, Chase knew in order to do that, he would need to help her get rid of the ghosts Enigma had laid at her feet.
THE END
What You Should Know About Botswana
First of all, the country described in this book is not unsafe or run by a corrupt dictator. Botswana is actually one of the safest countries in Africa. A little-known fact is that street crime is rare in this amazing country which is a welcomed change in Africa. Botswana is the continent’s longest continuous multi-party democracy. Unlike the story I’ve just told, it is relatively free of corruption and has an excellent human rights record.
Botswana is known for protecting some of the largest areas of wilderness. The Okavango Delta, where most of the story takes place, is a vast inland river delta, located in the north. With sprawling grassy plains, there is an abundance of wildlife; hippos, elephants, crocodiles as well as, lions, leopards, giraffes and rhino. It is a dream for those wanting to go on a photo safari.
Most people live on the fringes of the wetlands in towns and villages. Since the country’s independence it has become one of the fastest growing econom
ies in the world. Botswana is wide open for a new life and full of opportunities. With a good educational network and transportation system, it is an excellent place to get lost for the adventurous.
My time in Botswana was nothing short of magical. The quiet is deafening when poling through the Okavango Delta. I tried to weave some of my experiences into Tessa and Chase’s adventure.
The Hyena Men of Nigeria do really exist. You can find videos about them on YouTube. It is one of the most interesting things I discovered in my research and wanted to incorporate it into the story. It was an unexplained surprise when I started writing. I first found them on Pinterest of all places.
There are numerous videos on YouTube about the Okavango Delta. I recommend you trying a few of them out before deciding on an overseas vacation. I found the people to be welcoming and eager to share their amazing country. Everyone speaks English and are interested in people from the west.
The tent I described where Tessa and Chase stayed was very much like the one my husband and I shared. Fruit bats really did bark at night and a resident hippo named Amadeus visited in the middle of the night. A bull elephant I mentioned by the name of Rambo visited the camp during the day with a couple of his buddies. Just the week before our arrival he pushed a tree over on a tent one night. The guests had turned out their lantern at bedtime. Poor Rambo just didn’t know they were there. The incident with the leopard was part of my trip. Even now when I look at those pictures I get the shivers. Today a lot of the accommodations are lifted up like a treehouse.
Going to Africa was a dream come true for me. At the time I taught World Geography and wrote a classroom thematic book for teachers. I realized that children can go through their entire educational experience without ever learning about this continent. Never miss an opportunity to teach them about the world.
I’ve made some collections on Pinterest if you are interested. It is a great place to escape.
https://www.pinterest.com/ptierneyjames/africa/
https://www.pinterest.com/ptierneyjames/enigma-5-black-mamba/
About the Author
Tierney James decided to become a full-time writer after working in education for over thirty years. Besides serving as a Solar System Ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, and attending Space Camp for Educators, Tierney served as a Geo-teacher for National Geographic. Her love of travel and cultures took her on adventures throughout Africa, Asia and Europe. From the Great Wall of China to floating the Okavango Delta of Botswana, Tierney weaves her unique experiences into the adventures she loves to write. Living on an Indian reservation and in a mining town continues to fuel the characters in the Enigma and Wind Dancer series.
The love of teaching continues in her marketing and writing workshops along with the creation of educational materials and children’s books. Try some of her other books to bring a little adventure to your life. http://www.tierneyjames.com
Books by Tierney James
Enigma Series
An Unlikely Hero
Winds of Deception
Rooftop Angels
KIFARU
Stand Alone Novels
The Rescued Heart
Dance of the Devil’s Trill
Wind Dancer Series
Dark Side of Morning
Education
African Safari
Children’s Books
There’s a Superhero in the Library
Zombie Meatloaf
Mission K9 Rescue
Enigma #6 Coming 2019
The Tribesman
The cold winds brought ice crystals to hit the tribesman who stood taller than the other Kyrgyz. His shoulders were wider and more muscled, and a hint of mixed parentage showed in his thicker lips and wide mouth. But the almond-shaped eyes labeled him from Central Asia. These treacherous mountains and plains reminded him of another home in Montana.
“It is good to have you back, Darya.” The old Kahn remained wiry at the ripe old age of fifty-five. In this land, years beyond forty were considered ancient. “How long will you stay?”
“I need to find someone?” He led his horse into a lean-to protected building of mud.
“And the woman? What of her? Is she dead?”
Darya rubbed down the horse. “No. She will be with me soon.”
The old Kahn smoked his pipe of heroin to relieve the pain in his spine. “Who do you seek?”
“I want to make sure Masood, the Taliban leader, is dead. The woman will not be safe until he is.”
“Then where will you go?”
“To Russia.”
The Kahn spit on the ground. “You walk in danger. Why not stay with us?” When the younger Kyrgyz didn’t explain, the Kahn continued, “It’s because of the woman.” He nodded with understanding.
“Yes. This time, the American captain cannot interfere.”
“How do you know this?”
“Because I will kill him if he tries.” The old Kahn sighed with resignation and moved away to enter his yurt.
Darya moved to look at the desolate land marked with raw beauty and lost himself in the memories of the woman. He whispered the words, “I’m coming for you, Tessa Scott.”
~ ~ ~
Tessa bolted straight up from another nightmare. Gasping for breath, Tessa lifted her hands to her throat then her chest. With a glance to the man next to her, she realized her husband had not been awakened by her distress. She left their bed and moved to the frosty window then laid her cheek against the cold glass.
His image could not be erased, even after all this time. A sense of foreboding washed over her when his memory filled her. The wild freedom he brought to her life on the rooftop of the world still remained so fresh. The man had enslaved her heart to a life of incredible adventure and danger. This kind of life old women retold in stories to their children and grandchildren around cooking fires on winter nights or in grassy meadows during times of summer heat when all work ceased.
There would be no escape this time, nor would she try if he ever dared show his face again.
“Darya,” she mouthed, resting her face against the cold window pane. “Darya.”
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