Blood Gold in the Congo

by Peter Ralph

  “General Zamenka fell overboard. I dived in and tried to save him. I did everything I could,” Joseph said, water still dripping from his clothes.

  “That’s not what this man says,” Bodho said, nodding at a soldier standing on the left of him. “He says you threw the general overboard. Did you?”

  “It’s ridiculous,” Joseph replied. “The general was sitting on the rail and overbalanced. I lunged and tried to grab him. I had no reason to hurt him. If I had, would have I dived in and tried to save him?”

  The president beckoned the soldier to bend down, and they spoke in whispered tones. After they’d finished, Bodho looked up and said, “He says he made a mistake, and what you say is true. He saw you lunge and thought you’d thrown the general overboard. He didn’t realize he’d fallen off the rail, and you had tried to pull him back. He is sorry and apologizes to you.”

  Joseph lifted his hand and nodded to the soldier. “I can understand how he misinterpreted what he saw. Apology accepted.”

  “You better take a shower, and we’ll head back to Kinshasa. Find him some dry clothes,” Bodho said to one of his aides.

  “Aren’t you going to try to find him? He might still be alive,” Joseph said.

  “He couldn’t swim,” Bodho replied. “He is dead. He might already be crocodile food. You were courageous.”

  “Thank you, Mr. President, I only wish I could have saved him.”

  “I was going to see you off tomorrow,” Bodho replied. “In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate. Thank you for your valiant efforts. I’ll say goodbye now.”

  “Goodbye, Mr. President.”

  Joseph could feel George Faraday staring at him as they got off the yacht. “George, contact the captain. I want to be on the plane and out of here by five o’clock in the morning.”

  “That’s in four hours.”

  “Yes. Arrange it. I’ll meet you in the foyer at four-fifteen.”

  “What about Maya and Moise?”

  “I called Maya earlier. She’ll be ready.”

  “All right,” Faraday said, shaking his head.

  CHAPTER 26

  ..................

  JOSEPH PACKED AND THEN PACED around his room, regretting he hadn’t said three o’clock. Adrenaline was pumping through him. He hadn’t had time to think when he killed the two soldiers, but Zamenka’s death was premeditated. He had no regrets but knew that had he been a second later, the soldier would’ve seen exactly what he had done. Fate had saved his life by taking him to America. Fate had saved him from the python, and now it had saved him again. The sense of being spared for a greater calling was stronger than ever, but he still didn’t know what it was.

  This time, there were no cheering crowds on the way to the airport or a red-carpet departure – just dark, quiet streets and anxiety among those leaving. On the plane, Joseph smiled grimly when he told Maya about the terrible accident on the yacht. She looked at him in the same way Faraday had. Only Moise was bubbling with excitement, racing up and down the plane’s aisle, oblivious to the adults’ tension. Two hours later, he – along with everyone else except Joseph and Maya – was asleep.

  “He’s a beautiful little boy,” Maya said, as she looked at him curled up on the two seats in front of them. “How are you going to care for him?”

  “Mom and Dad will help. He’ll be okay. I’ll be with him at night and on the weekends.”

  “When are you going to find time to train?”

  “Moise’s more important than defending my gold medal. After the last two weeks, the Olympics are no longer as significant as they once were.”

  “Joseph,” Maya said, holding his hand, “do you feel better?”

  “Avenged. I’m glad the butcher is dead, but I know they’ll replace him with someone equally as evil.”

  “Will you still go back to the Congo?”

  “I don’t know. At the start, I thought I could change things. Now I’m not as sure. Life is cheap. It could be a turning point if the government brings Gizenga and his thugs to trial. My interview with Bodho probably killed the chance of legal action, though. I feel so guilty.”

  “You had no choice,” Maya said, squeezing his hand. “Who’s to say what the United Nations and Greenpeace will find? Don’t give up hope.”

  “I won’t,” Joseph replied without conviction.

  “I’m tired,” Maya said, resting her head on his shoulder. “I’m going to sleep.”

  Joseph put his arm around her. He was still hyped up and knew there was no point in closing his eyes.

  It was just after midday when they touched down at LAX. Customs officials came out to the plane, and thirty minutes later they were in the arrivals terminal. Michelle Rafter pushed her way through the crowd, threw her arms around Joseph’s neck, and kissed him. “I was worried sick. I’m glad you’re back. Don’t ever do that to me again,” she said, still clinging to him.

  “I wasn’t in any danger, Mom. I promise.”

  Frank Rafter was bending down talking to Moise. “My son told me all about you. He said you might win an Olympic gold medal one day too.”

  Maya stood with Faraday and the State Department officials watching the Rafters. She again had mixed feelings. The love she had seen on television at the Beijing Olympics was overwhelming, and Joseph’s adoptive parents were nothing like hers. His father was hugging him, and his mother hadn’t left his side. She was pleased but also envious.

  “Maya, Maya,” he shouted, “come and meet my parents.”

  Michelle kissed her, and Frank shook her hand. “Joseph tells me you’re a childhood friend. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  On the drive to the house, memories flooded back for Joseph as he watched Moise, his face glued to the window, staring in astonishment at the hundreds of cars flashing around him and the high-rise buildings. More memories were to follow when Michelle showed Moise to his room. Clothes were on his bed; shoes, sandals, and Nikes were next to it; and a three-drawer dresser was overflowing with socks, underwear, and T-shirts. Michelle had gone a step further, and pictures of the 49ers’ quarterback covered the walls. Maya gasped when she saw her room and the four-poster double bed with drapes. She had never been in a house as large or luxurious. After they had settled, Joseph grabbed a football. “Come on, Dad,” he said, “and you too, Maya and Moise. I’ll introduce you to American football.”

  Moise was a good catch, but his hands were too small to get a grip on the ball, and he couldn’t throw with any power. “I’ll buy you a smaller ball tomorrow,” Frank said, ruffling the little boy’s hair before picking up the ball and unleashing a fast throw.

  Maya was another story. She could not only catch but was soon throwing with surprising speed and power. “I’m going to sign you up for the 49ers,” Joseph laughed.

  “See, it’s not hard to smile,” Maya responded. “I like it when you lighten up.”

  After dinner, when Michelle, Maya, and Moise had gone to bed, Joseph sat across from his father in the study. “Who’s going to look after the boy?” Frank asked.

  “I am,” Joseph said.

  “How? Are you going to retire? I thought you brought Maya back to help you.”

  “It never entered my mind. Maya used to be like my sister when she was a little girl. Now I’m romantically attracted to her. It’s strange. I want to see if we can set our cultural differences aside. She calls me a soft American boy.”

  Frank smiled. “She’s a stunning young woman. It’s not hard to understand your attraction. How long is she going to stay?”

  “I don’t know. She’s a nurse in Kinshasa but wants to be a doctor. Do you think you can get her into UCLA?”

  “Possibly. No, make that probably. Let’s go back to the boy. How are you going to look after him when you’re at work or training?”

  “I thought you and Mom might be able to help.”

  “I’m sixty-eight, and your mother’s sixty-six. We’re not going to be around forever.”

  “You�
��re in terrific condition, Dad. That rocket you threw nearly knocked me over.”

  Frank frowned. “You’ve taken on a big responsibility, Son. You might have to hire someone to help you out.”

  “Dad, I told you the army killed all of his family. If you were in my shoes, you would’ve done the same.”

  Frank reached over the desk and squeezed Joseph’s forearm. “I’m not critical of you. You’re right, I would’ve done what you did. I’m just trying to work out what’s best for Moise. Lighten up.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” Joseph grimaced. “The adoption papers are in the name of Moise Rafter. Mom’s always said she’d like a grandson.”

  “Yes, but I don’t think an instant seven-year-old is what she had in mind.” Frank laughed. “Do you think you’ll go back to the Congo?”

  “I don’t know. It might depend on Maya, but if she’s studying medicine here, I can’t see myself going back for a long time. It’s corrupt, and I felt sick listening to some of the deals George Faraday put together.”

  “Your mother will be delighted if you never set foot in the Congo again. She missed you terribly. So did I. We were distraught when you were in the jungle and no one knew if you were dead or alive. We thought we’d lost you. Then you called. It was such a relief.”

  I wish I hadn’t told George about those two thugs and the snake. I hope he keeps his mouth shut. “It was nothing, Dad. I was with Maya and little Moise. Staying in the jungle for two nights was no hardship for us. We were in no danger.”

  “I’m glad. I want you to take a week off to help Maya and Moise get acclimated. The firm can afford it. Those deals you didn’t like George doing were lucrative. Make the most of your break. There’s a lot for you to do at the office when you return.”

  BOOK 2

  Justice in the Congo

  CHAPTER 27

  ..................

  JOSEPH HAD INTENDED TO CONTINUE his investigations into the New Dawn Gold Mining Company on his return from the Congo. There were thousands of emails to read, and he was still determined to find out who the real owners were. However, he had little spare time. Michelle enrolled Moise in a local school, and Joseph played with him and helped out with homework every night. He hadn’t realized being a father would be so time-consuming. When he returned to work, there was a backlog to catch up on, and with his newfound fame, there was always a client wanting to see him. His relationship with Maya also took time. He was attracted to her but still had visions of her as his little sister, and it troubled him. She had wanted to return to the Congo after a month in Beverly Hills, but Joseph had dangled the carrot of studying medicine, and she had taken it.

  “As soon as I’m qualified, I’m returning,” she said. “I can make a real difference in Kinshasa.”

  “I’m happy to go back with you during semester breaks,” Joseph replied. “You don’t have to wait until you’re qualified.”

  “What do you see happening with us?”

  “With us? I don’t understand.”

  “You were so anxious to bring me back to America with you. Surely it wasn’t just because you wanted to see me become a doctor.” She smiled.

  “That was part of it.”

  “Joseph, can I ask you a personal question? You might find it offensive. I hope not, but I need to clear the air.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “Are you gay?”

  “Jesus, why would you ask me something like that?”

  “It’s been six weeks since we reconnected in Kinshasa. We’ve been together nearly every day. We’ve gone on long walks holding hands, you’ve taken me to nice restaurants, and we’ve been to the movies. Last weekend watching the sunset over Santa Monica was romantic, but there was no romance. In all that time, you haven’t made a move.”

  Joseph put his hand to his mouth to conceal a frown and then, unable to hold a straight face, roared with laughter. “No, I’m not gay, and if you remember, Moise was with us in Santa Monica. What did you expect me to do?”

  “Well, if you’re not gay, is it me?”

  “Maya, I used to think of you as my little sister. Now you are a beautiful young woman. I’m confused. We’re going to be living under the same roof for the next three years. What if we started something and it didn’t work out? It might mess with your studies, and you might leave. If that happened, it would break Moise’s heart. He loves you.”

  “Oh my God. I don’t believe you. I’ve never heard you laugh so loudly. It was so great to hear, and now you’re back to the old, serious Joseph. All relationships are risky, and many fail, but don’t you wonder about us?”

  “Of course I do, but you’re going back to the Congo, and I’ll probably stay here. You’re right. I’m an American boy. I love Michelle and Frank.”

  “You mightn’t know it yet, but you’re not staying here. Do you think the calling you keep talking about is coming from California? It’s coming from the Congo. I can see how attached you are to your parents, but your calling isn’t here.”

  “When I see that petulant face, it brings back memories,” Joseph said. “It’s the same face you used to pull when I called you ’Sis.’ Your expression hasn’t changed a bit.”

  “Really?” Maya giggled. “We’ll have to see about that.”

  That night, just after midnight, Maya crept into Joseph’s room, took her nightgown off and put it at the end of the bed. His back was to her, and she put a hand over his mouth and snuggled into him. Three hours later she whispered, “I better get back to my room.”

  “Not now,” he murmured.

  “Yes, I have to. I don’t want your mom or dad catching me leaving your room in the morning.”

  “Okay,” he said, kissing her.

  “I have a question.”

  “Go on.”

  “Do you still think of me as your little sister?” she giggled, jumping out of the bed before he could respond.

  Six months after they had returned from the Congo, Joseph and Maya were planning their marriage. He was happy and content. Moise had assimilated far better than he had fourteen years earlier and had put on a needed eight pounds. Joseph had read thousands of emails between Marc Boucher and the man called Thibault without finding anything more. He hadn’t lost interest but had lost the drive, and he’d gone from reading emails every night to reading them when he had some free time. Even Maya had lost some of her earlier doggedness. They didn’t know it, but the drums of the Congo were on the verge of erupting.

  Their first indication was a long, detailed letter from Congolese law firm, Banze & Yaz. They were representing Colonel Gizenga and twenty soldiers, who had been charged with war crimes including: arbitrary detention, torture, rape, and murder by the Congolese military prosecutor. The most serious charges related to the execution of twenty-five men, six women – one of whom was pregnant – and three children. Banze & Yaz were also representing Marc Boucher and Gert Botha, who were facing charges of incitement and aiding and abetting the soldiers by hiring the helicopters that had taken them from Lubumbashi to the New Dawn mine, and providing them with company vehicles.

  Joseph was amazed. Jack Costigan had told him there was no possibility of Gizenga and his thugs ever being charged. He was also shocked. Paul Banze had watched the Bodho interview and wanted him to return to the Congo to appear as a defense witness. Failing this, Banze had arranged with the court for Joseph to appear by video. He hung his head. There was no way out, not that he was looking for one. He wanted to return to the Congo, not as a witness for the defense, but as a witness for the prosecution. He could only do this by exposing the Bodho interview as a lie.

  Still staggered, Joseph called Costigan, who told him the United Nations report into the massacre had been damning and had come down hard on the army. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund had threatened to turn the cash tap off, and President Bodho blinked.

  “I don’t get it,” Joseph said. “Didn’t you tell me if the West turned his cash off, Bodho would go to the Chinese for f
unds?”

  Costigan laughed. “Do you remember those deals you and George Faraday put together?”

  “Of course. Get to the point.”

  “When they were getting done, Bodho and Zamenka were holding deposits from the Chinese on the same projects. The Chinese never got their deposits back. Bodho burned his bridges with them. He’s got no one to turn to. The only way he could ensure the continuing flow of funds was by agreeing to put Gizenga and the others on trial. He knows the world is watching. Are you going back?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll discuss it with my family over dinner tonight. Thanks, Jack.”

  CHAPTER 28

  ..................

  THE RAFTER FAMILY’S DINNER TABLE was in an uproar. “I don’t want you going back,” Michelle said. “If you must, you can testify by video. They’ve given you that option.”

  “Mom, my testimony won’t have any impact if I do it from here. I’ll have no credibility. I’m going to repudiate what I said in that interview with the president, and I’m going to say why.”

  “You’re a fool,” Maya said. “When they find out what you’re up to, they’ll kill you before they let you near the courtroom.”

  “If you go, I’m coming with you,” Frank said.

  “So am I,” Maya said.

  “Neither of you are,” Joseph responded. “They blackmailed me last time because they knew I was desperate to take Moise home. I don’t want anyone with me who they can use in the same way.”

  “I don’t want you to go,” Moise sniffled, ketchup dribbling down his chin. “What will happen to me if you don’t come back?”

  “I’ll be back, don’t worry about me, Moise,” Joseph said, reaching out and putting his arm around the young boy. “Grandma and Grandad will look after you while I’m gone, and Maya will still be here.”

  “Why is it crucial for you to go?” Michelle asked. “The United Nations built its case without you. How do you know your testimony will be important?”