by Rifi Strawn
He leaned back in his chair and uncrossed his arms. “Anything else?”
She cringed. “Those old pictures of celebrities on the dining room walls need to go. They belong in the lobby. The guests will get a nostalgic glimpse of the history of this place at check-in or check-out. The dining hall should be a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy meals.”
“What else do you suggest?”
“Your menu also needs a bit of tweaking.”
“What’s wrong with it? We’re known for our world-class gourmet cuisine and superb service.”
“Which are not working out for you. Keep the superb service only.” She crossed her arms. “The guests aren’t expecting five-star gourmet meals here. I think barbecues and finger foods would be more appropriate for a rustic lodge menu.”
“Thanks for your input.” He stood and opened the door for her. “You’ve given me a lot to think about. I have other urgent business to tend to right now.”
“I understand updating this place isn’t your first priority.”
“I’ll think about your suggestions,” he promised.
She kept up with his fast pace through the open corridor to the back lawn. “I’ll take care of the decorating and organizing, so you don’t have to.”
Jeremy waved to Lucky to come over, who was mowing the grass around the pool area.
Lucky wiped the sweat off his face. “Yes, sir?”
“Hey, bru. Stanley will need your help moving things around.”
Her eyes lit up. “You’re going to let me do it?”
After a quick nod at her, his attention turned back to Lucky. “Keep an eye out for her. I’d hate for her to get distracted and surprised by a lion wandering in here looking for food.”
“They come in here?”
“Oh, yes. We’ve also seen the snakes under the tables in the dining room during the day, and sometimes they hide in the storage sheds. Keep your dart rifle close.”
She bit her lower lip. “On second thought, this place looks great.”
He winked and held back a smile. “Don’t worry. Lucky will keep you safe in my absence.”
~*~
Late that evening, Jeremy returned from his business trip in town. The smell of meat grilling drew him to the back porch. Hands on his belt, he admired the festive backyard. The barbeque grill was smoking with steaks and chicken. Candle-lit picnic tables lined the outdoor pavilion. There was a party going on here.
He looked at the manicured flowerbeds and flower pots on the porch. The weeds had been replaced with blooming shrubs. Poor Lucky must’ve worked his ass off along with her. Other than Mum, no one had taken such care of this place in decades. He’d forgotten how beautiful it was.
His searching gaze swept the lawn for Stanley. She was out in the moonlit yard talking with Lucky and Tabo in a flowing, off-the-shoulder dress. He pulled up his jeans and ran his fingers through his hair to look his best for this stunning beauty.
After a quick stop by the bar, he grabbed a bottle of wine and two wine glasses. She should like the South African wine he kept in stock. Admiring her smooth shoulders and long neck in the cream dress, he cleared his throat. On cue, Tabo and Lucky left.
He gave her radiant beauty the once over, and smiled as she turned to face him. “This place looks as beautiful as you. Would you like some wine?”
“Yes.” She beamed. “Thank you.”
He poured pinot noir in her glass and put the rest on the table. “You did a great job of cleaning this place up.”
She took a slow sip, pleased with his approval. “I couldn’t have done it without Lucky and Tabo’s help.”
They sat together for dinner under the moonlit sky. He could barely keep his eyes off her, but forced himself to look at the candle-lit path and the wildflower centerpieces she’d added to the tables. “I’m amazed at how much you’ve accomplished in one day. This lodge hasn’t looked this good in years.” His gaze dropped on his plate. “I love barbeque chicken. Nice touch to the menu.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
His gaze softened from the scrapes on her hands. “You worked hard today. Be careful now. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”
She studied her hands. “Oh, it’s nothing.”
Her face glistened in the moonlight. “This place needed a woman’s touch.”
“I’m not done yet.”
“If you’ve accomplished all this in one day, I can only imagine what else you’ll get done here.”
She smiled proudly as she looked around. “The best part is none of these new improvements will cost you a dime. I’m using what’s available in storage.”
“Even better.” The soft beat of Lucky’s hand drums put a smile on his face.
“Interesting music,” she said.
He chuckled. “He’s playing an African tribal folk song for mating rituals.”
The combination of the mist and dancing added an air of mystery to the romantic night. The normally rambunctious monkeys looked quietly from the trees above. She smiled at the other two married couples laughing and dancing and then at him. “Is this a hint for us or something?”
“Lucky doesn’t give up. I told you he’s on a mission to find me a woman.”
Tabo came dancing in her native clothes. Her curvy hips seductively moved to entice Jeremy to join her. As he stood, the beat of the drums escalated. His hips rhythmically moved toward Stanley. Smiling at her blushing face, he held her hands. “Just follow my lead,” he said. His gaze dropped on her voluptuous breasts peeking from the low neck of her dress. Unknowingly, she was seducing him in the mating dance.
The music stopped long before their dance. She felt so good in his arms that he wished the night would never end. Her warm breath tickled his neck as he held her close to his heart. Taking in her sweet scent, he gave her feminine form a gentle squeeze. His gaze on her lips, he ached to kiss her again. As he lowered his lips toward hers, she stepped back from him.
She glanced at her watch. “It’s way past my bedtime,” she said. “Will you walk me to my hut?”
“Yes, of course.” He cleared his throat, then smiled and whispered. “I’ll have you know, I don’t show those moves to just anyone. That tribal dance is illegal in several African countries. And for a good reason. You just witnessed the power of its seduction. It’s a good thing you stopped me before you got carried away in the forbidden dance.”
“I got carried away?” she said with a playful smile. “It was you getting carried away.”
“So, you’re afraid of bad boys?”
“Just how bad are you?”
He gazed her tempting lips again. “It depends…”
She wrapped her shoulders in her shawl and denied him another look at her tempting breasts. As they walked toward her hut, his flashlight beam bounced off the treetops, bushes, and ground scanning for stalking animals.
A roar in the distance startled her, and she held onto his arm. “Where’s that coming from?”
He looked ahead. “It’s probably a mile away and no danger to you.” She let go of his arm as he opened her hut door for her. Before the bugs flew in, he stepped inside and quickly closed it. “If you keep the lights off, you won’t have to deal with the bugs.”
She lit the candles as he turned off the light. “I’m scared to sleep in total darkness.” She pulled the new curtains over the window.
He crossed his arms. “Where did you get those?”
“I asked Tabo to make them for me after that scare last night,” she said. “Don’t worry, I paid for it.”
“That’s not the point. If people think someone is living in here, they’ll be more curious to check out your hut.” He looked at the pictures on the walls and the new lamp on her nightstand that belonged to his mother. “I see you’ve been busy decorating here.”
“Sorry. I should’ve asked your permission before fixing this place up. Lucky said that you wouldn’t care.”
“Most employees don’t have the money to fix their huts lik
e this. And I don’t allow them to use things in storage. Well-decorated huts invite thieves.”
“I promise I won’t do anything else before getting your permission.”
His gaze softened. “I’m just being extra cautious for your safety.”
She yawned as she opened the door for him. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Put on that extra latch,” he said, as he left.
~*~
Stanley tucked herself in bed, and finished massaging the moisturizer on her cheeks. Her five-step nightly cleansing ritual was now reduced to two steps—wash and moisturize. No way she was standing in that bathroom longer than she had to. The bugs seem to love the mirror. Her daily routine at home was anything but relaxing here.
Yawning, she got comfortable in bed and turned on her side. The soft candlelight illuminated Aunt Zoie’s ashes on top of the chest of drawers. In the morning, she’d ask Jeremy to take her to a tranquil spot but she’d have to guard against his charm. It took everything in her power tonight not to kiss him back. Since that kiss during the mamba scare, she hadn’t stopped thinking about him.
She looked at the bugs on the outside of the mosquito netting. They better not bite her tonight. She double checked to see if she’d drawn the curtains over the window. Slowly, she drifted off to sleep.
Hours later, loud screams of a woman woke her up from a deep sleep. Stanley sat up petrified.
“Help me. Help me!” a woman’s voice cried out.
Stanley grabbed her dart rifle and slipped into her shoes without checking them for bugs. She made a call to Jeremy on her phone. Damn. The reception was awful here. She left it on the table.
The woman’s voice grew weaker. “Help. Help me.”
Heart pounding, she turned off the ceiling fan to hear better. After taking a deep breath, she walked out the door in her pajamas. The hot, humid air blasted her face as she peered into the darkness, searching for movement. The dull rumble of gushing waterfalls competed with the sounds of nature around her. Where is that woman?
After a brief pause, she took slow, steady steps around the corner. A masked man slapped and dragged a woman off the path toward the bush. Adrenaline pumping, she aimed and fired. The assailant startled from the pop of the rifle, looked at her, and then ran off into the brush. She heard a loud thump, followed by whispers and the sound of feet running through the grass. He wasn’t alone.
In the dim light, Stanley helped the crying woman to her feet. “Put your arm around my neck.” Quickly, she carried the victim to her hut and locked the door. She turned the light on and sat the woman in a chair. Her jaw dropped as she looked at the bloody face. It was Tabo.
“Oh, you poor thing,” Stanley cried. “You’re safe now.”
Tabo’s blouse was torn, and her arms and legs were bleeding from fresh scrapes. Stanley gave her a glass of water and hurriedly grabbed the alcohol, a wet washcloth, and a bowl of warm water from the bathroom. Gently, she cleaned the dirt and blood from Tabo’s skin.
She sighed at the bite marks on the woman’s breasts. “Did he rape you?”
Tabo sniffled. “No, my lady, you came just in time.”
The poor woman flinched from dabs of alcohol disinfecting her bleeding scrapes.
“You need a tetanus shot just in case.” Stanley put the soiled washcloth aside and applied antibiotic ointment from the first-aid kit Jeremy had given her.
Tabo wiped her tears. “Thank you for saving my life, my lady. You’re a brave woman.”
Gunshots rang outside. The two women looked at each other wide-eyed as the door rattled.
“Miss Stanley, have you seen Tabo? It’s Lucky.”
“Open the door,” Tabo said.
Stanley unlatched the metal handle and let the worried husband in. Lucky ran to Tabo and dropped on his knees. Tears in his eyes, he held his distraught wife. Stanley couldn’t understand what he said to Tabo in his native language, but his soft, sweet tone soothed her.
Jeremy walked in out of breath and gave both women a quick glance. Tabo’s whimpers softened his gaze as he looked away from her torn blouse.
Stanley draped a shawl over Tabo.
Jeremy knelt next to Tabo after she calmed down. “What were you doing here so early?”
Stanley nodded to encourage her to tell the truth. “I came to deliver Ms. Stanley’s new uniform.”
“What uniform?” Jeremy asked.
Stanley lowered her head. “I asked her to upgrade my fitting.”
He rose to his feet and glared at her. “There you go breaking the rules again. Tabo could’ve died catering to your fashion statement. You’re so spoiled.”
She looked away, holding back the tears. “I’m so sorry.”
He cooled his temper and looked at Lucky. “Take Tabo to the clinic to get her checked out. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“I’m fine,” Tabo insisted. “I have an extra uniform in my locker to change into.”
Arms around his wife, Lucky led Tabo out, and Jeremy closed the door behind them, giving Stanley a sympathetic look. He held her trembling body. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell.”
She buried her head in his chest. “You’re right. I’m spoiled and selfish.”
He tipped her chin and looked into her teary eyes. “You did a brave thing by rescuing Tabo. Please, never do that again.” He gently wiped her tears. “Do you understand?”
“I couldn’t just sit here and not help her.”
He sighed. “Stanley, that man wasn’t after Tabo. He was after you. He’d been stalking you all night. I kept a close eye on him during my rounds. I saw him peeking through your window. Tabo came for the delivery at the wrong time. Had I not been watching him, he would’ve raped Tabo and then questioned her about you.”
She gasped. “Oh, my God. Why would anyone want me?”
He looked her in the eye. “You’re the pretty American girl the whole village is talking about. Any single woman who can afford to travel to see the animals here is rich and worth a ransom. Desperation makes the oppressed do things you could never imagine.” He paused. “Is there anything about you he knows that I don’t?”
The color drained from her face. “No.”
“I was making the rounds when I saw a man looking for you in the guest huts.”
She released from his gentle hold. “Why are you keeping such a close eye on me?”
“I’m responsible for you. I run this place. After this, I’m going to be even more worried about your safety.” He checked the time. “The sun is coming up. You better get ready for work.”
She picked up her old uniform to go to the bathroom.
He held the bag. “Aren’t you going to wear your new uniform?”
“No. I don’t feel good about wearing it.”
“You owe it to Tabo to wear it. She worked hard for you.”
She took the new uniform and walked with her head down to change.
Jeremy paced the floor and made a few calls. When she returned, he ended the call and stood speechless. “You look amazing. That’s the best-looking outfit I’ve ever seen.”
“It wasn’t worth risking Tabo’s life. I feel bad wearing this.”
“That’s all the more reason to wear it. You’ll honor Tabo’s valiant effort.”
“My only fear now is you’ll attract even more attention. You look so beautiful in it.”
“I don’t want to be kidnapped. I’ll take it off.”
“No need to panic.” He fixed her zebra-striped collar. “I’ll ask Tabo to alter the rest of the maids’ uniforms to look just like yours, so you don’t stand out. Which will be difficult to do, since you wear yours so well.”
She picked up her fedora and put it on to complete the look. He stood in front of the door with one more warning. “Please don’t mention this kidnapping to the workers or the guests. It’ll just create panic.”
“What about Tabo and Lucky?”
“They know how to handle these situations. There have been other kidnapp
ing attempts here.”
“So, you really think someone’s after me?”
He sighed. “I’m sure of it.”
~*~
Later that morning, Lucky glared at Stanley as she walked by him at the lodge. She didn’t blame him for hating her. Her desire to look her best had nearly killed his wife. But the women on staff were thrilled to get new uniforms like hers when Jeremy made the announcement.
He gave the maids a brief description of their new uniforms. “Stanley designed it. She claims the zebra stripes keep her cool and keeps the flies away.” He smiled. “I hope it also works for you.”
After Jeremy finished his meeting, he assigned her an unexpectedly hard chore, perhaps to punish her for doing things behind his back. She deserved everything he dished out to her. She’d continuously challenged his authority and did what she pleased.
“Just because you look good in your uniform doesn’t excuse you from your volunteer duties.” He showed her the wheelbarrow and the shovel in the shed behind the kitchen. “I need you to fill in the potholes in the path before someone trips and falls.”
She gave him a skeptical look. “That’s where the black mamba was.”
“It’s not there anymore. Lucky relocated it.”
“What if there are other snakes?”
He poked the pile of dirt and gravel with a long stick. “There’s nothing here. It’s safe.”
She looked at Jeremy as he walked away, and then shoveled the dirt into the wheelbarrow. The back-breaking work would even challenge a man. He must think I’m stronger than I am. After two rounds of hauling dirt, her arms and lower back were killing her. The last time she’d worked this hard was when she helped Aunt Zoie build her flowerbeds in the herb garden.
His gaze on her, Jeremy leaned against the porch column, talking on his phone again. Since Tabo’s attack this morning, he’d made several calls. Maybe to the police? She could barely walk after two more rounds of shoveling and stopped to look at the blisters on her fingers from gripping the shovel so tight. Her hands were throbbing like hell.
She couldn’t lift another ounce of dirt. It would’ve been nice if he’d given her gloves to wear. He must be really mad at her. Why else would he give her this job and call her spoiled? Brushing the loose strands of hair away from her face, she continued filling the potholes. Half an hour later, her legs and back hurt even worse than before, so she took a short break.