The four looked at the inflatable boat tied to a hollow log to the water. They saw a very large crocodile opening its huge mouth and bit into it. There was the typical sound of air coming out of a punctured inflatable plastic boat gradually twisted, entering the belly of the scaly beast.
- For the points … we will think as we get into the camp. I suggest that we all go back to the shade and wait for the helicopter to take us - the voice of Christian was filled with great concern.
They began to descend the stone pile with the shaded lane. Only Anna did not move from her place. Soon she see that all started gesticulating, some of the people started walking on the stones at her. From her position she could not hear what they were saying, but the excitement was evident. Then they all got back in the shade. Only Baz began to climb toward her.
- Anna, I'll come with you. Others think it is more appropriate to wait for the helicopter. But …six hours have passed. So far, we should have arrived twice. We should not stay idle. Soon the girls will begin to swoon, faint and become easy prey for the crocodiles.
The handsome alabaster lad traced her eyes. There was a crocodile in the distance, half in the water, half on the sand, still swallowing the rubber boat. Baz continued:
- Here, Mark gave me a rope and told his colleagues that cannot stop us because in their instructions it said that if you give up and leave, you lose all points and they will not pay any money, what is more - we need to get these $ 5,000 back, which was given as a deposit. So if we both want to leave, it's our decision. If we want to become food for the crocodiles, we are responsible, too.
They turned their eyes toward the river. The gorge was a majestic view and if the situation was not so tense, they might enjoy the view. But they were focused on the only tall tree in the distance. Baz looked at it through the binoculars and handed them to Anna. Mark Credo had given him and his binoculars.
Chapter 21
Moonlight was washing the floor in the central computer room of the control center and no one paid any attention to her. For them she was an Asian woman of indeterminate age in red-brown apron with large pockets and every afternoon at 5pm was required to start cleaning. Another day at that time there remained only the supervisor on duty, but today the situation was extraordinary. After a two-week absence there had suddenly arrived Fritz Mueller, chief commandant of the "Anthill" and all sat on their working places until further notice.
The cleaner from Asian origin blended with the interior and was completely silent. She interfered with nobody. She was washing rhythmically the floor with a mop without bothering the men who were staring at their monitors. For the watching cameras from five farms so-called operators, unlike the four deputy commandants, were only young men.
At this point inside the room came Mueller and said:
- Cleaner should go out immediately.
He followed her with his peripheral vision how she closed the door and started screaming something at the operators inside, but in the corridor it cannot be clearly heard.
Moonlight went into the small room full of tools and cleaners and sat on an old uncomfortable chair. He knew that the supervisor would call her when they were off for the day and she felt relaxed. Recently he slept little and now she drifted off to sleep. She saw herself seven years ago at the hotel where a friend of her husband Evening Breeze used his connections to start work as a maid. The leaving of the state of the Superior become very easy and she could not believe her luck. On that fatal day she had stopped in the same way in the niche for the staff to rest and dream of her husband. She expected that he would appear. But after loading her cart with fresh linen and towels and opened the door to get out of the service room, she saw the Inspector down the hall. She immediately stepped back. In the room there were two maids and a man, whom she guessed that he was a pimp. He watched her and as he saw the way she reacted, he came out inside out to look. He approached her. Moonlight gripped the metal handle of the trolley so hard that her knuckles were white. The pimp examined the other two women, and seeing that they paid no attention, he leaned towards her.
- I was wondering how come that you are so decent, but now understand - that freak is the reason you've been here appointed here. I'll help you, but tonight you’ll do me a favor.
- What? – She did not dare to look at him.
- I have a rich client, a hot shot, who wanted something special, but my beautiful girls are busy with other rich people, so you have to go. He can kick you after half an hour, but the important thing is to send him a woman.
- You mean…I should replace hooker?
- Yes, I want you to go to my client tonight and I will save you from that sick freak.
- I do not have appropriate clothing - she immediately grasped that the pimp knew the Inspector.
- You'll go this way, in your uniform as if it is some kind of a set-up.
- What should I do?
- You will undress naked and lie down beside him on the bed.
Only then Moonlight looked at the whispering man, standing next to her, who pretended to be distracted and was swiveling key on his finger. He smiled slightly.
- He is a normal guy, you will endure the f**king.
Otherwise, I do not know whether that compatriot of yours will leave you alive if he happens to know things about you.
- Then, where will you hide me?
- I'll find a place, don’t worry. I will shunt around the hotel to notice when you will go out of the room of the client and I will take you back with my car in a safe place.
- What if the person wants me to stay all night?
- If you are lucky … but rather not - he looked at her and saw her desperate face and added: - Do not worry, it will not be more than an hour.
He lied. He expected that the client will send her away after only a few minutes, because the night before he had kicked two of his finest girls, but they were paid the sum. And it was not meagre. But tonight, he could not afford to underestimate the authority of other of his workers. A hot shot had called again and had ordered a girl. On top of all, this monster came in the hotel again, the great man from the neighboring confused state. Some years ago he had injured two of his girls. More classy prostitutes did not get laid for him, all of them refused and he had stopped coming. It was very clear that he had come for Moonlight. The pimp did not even know what the relationship of newly maid with him were, nor did he know that she was working as a seamstress. But he decided to make a good deed, and yet to solve the problem with Mr. Hot Shot who was not satisfied with his professional prostitutes.
***
Moonlight came into the hotel room of the client, whom the pimp called "Hot Shot". Greeted timidly. The man was sitting up the bedroom, leaning on many pillows.
- Aren’t you the maid on the floor? - He asked.
- Yes - she noted his observation. - But tonight I will work as a prostitute.
- The Pimp hired you and you go on a better-paid job, right? - "Hot Shot" barely hid his surprise by the direct statement the newly comer
- Yes - she does not look at him, staring at the floor.
- And what would you offer me?
- Well, he recommended me to strip naked ... - she took her hands out of his pockets, where she had them up to that moment.
The man jumped nimbly out of bed and stood against her, then raised her chin. She looked at him and wondered how normal he seemed.
- You are an intelligent woman, why have you come down to such a situation? - On his face one could read nothing but contempt.
- You also look like a normal farmer, and you pay for prostitutes!
- Farmer? Why exactly farmer? - He had let her chin, but continued to watch her.
- For… your hands are calloused and the silk robe can’t make them tenderer.
The so-called "Hot Shot" laughed:
- You're very observant. Come Undress naked, to see if you can make it and be a priestess of love!
He lay back on the bedroom and stared at her. Moonl
ight was standing against him but did not undress. She said:
- I overestimated my abilities, I cannot – then she turned and started on her way to leave.
- Wait, wait… how much money did the pimp offer you?
- He did not offer me money.
The man caught up with her, grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her facing to him.
- What did he suggest?
- To hide me from my enemies.
- If you stay with me tonight and I'm happy, right?
- Yes.
- Well, get some sleep and in the morning I'll pay him. I am a rich farmer, with money.
- Yes, he calls you "Hot Shot" - her smile looked more like crying.
Then then lay down – she on one side of the wide, luxurious bed, he on the other end. It was long ago since she had slept so well. In the morning she wake up early, but the man was already dressed. He had ordered room service. While eating breakfast, they delivered a dress and ladies' gown.
- I paid the pimp and let him go. I'll take care of you. I have very difficult negotiations with some traders would need a representative woman to distract them. Will you wear the dress I bought for this purpose?
Moonlight went into the bathroom, took off her apron, which she had slept with and put the dress bought by her new benefactor. It was a little wide, but it was elegant. She liked her! They called for a taxi and went on a commercial meeting. The Hot shot introduced her as his fiancée.
The two local merchants, one fat and one thin, did not want to buy the entire crop of rice piled up in warehouses of her "fiancé". The conversation was conducted in a luxury cafe.
- If you flood the market with rice, prices will go down, profits will decline, and costs and expenses will rise. We will give you a higher purchase price, but will buy half the amount.
‘- Yesterday I told you that you either buy all or I will seek markets elsewhere!
- Will you allow me to interfere - She asked suddenly. - You can buy the entire quantity but leave half here and half to sell it cheap in the neighboring country, where people are dying of hunger. This gesture of kindness will create a serious confidence in you from the authorities and you will be able to continue trade relations and almost nothing to lose.
- This is an interesting idea - said the fat merchant, exchanging glances with the other. - Let's talk about the price, if under such circumstances we by the rice harvest.
After half an hour negotiations and haggling, they shook hands. The traders bowed her farewell.
When they were both in the cafeteria, the Hot Shot proposed:
- I suggest that I take you away because you bring me luck, and I bring luck to you. I'll give you a ring and I will present you as my fiancée, in cases like this, and you'll be free, independent and most importantly protected.
Moonlight replied:
- I am married, but my husband was able to settle only my escape from the state of the Superior. I expect that he can come here, too and we can be together.
- This is not an obstacle, I travel a lot, you will come often, I will use my connection, will try to get him out. We will be mutually beneficial.
He convinced her. Thus, like comrades or trade-partners in business they lived for seven years. They realized that Evening Breeze was in camp and during all that time he was trying to organize his escape. She learned English, graduated from a business school. Hot Shot grew richer. He never touched her, though often they slept in the same bed.
By that day four years ago in which she overheard his conversation with some dubious bodyguard. It was about that Evening Breeze was in Japan because he had information that his wife had gone there. She continued to look for her. She could not hear anything but her bitterness was great. She has realized that her "fiancé" has a lot of money and a great influence in South Asia. She had neither money nor opportunity to seek her own husband in Japan. She could no longer stay with the "Hot Shot", who was hiding from her this important information and apparently had no intention of helping them get together.
The same day she found some agents, who were looking for single women for a scientific experiment in Latin America within a period of four years. This ideally suited her. In four years she would have been financially independent. She got the most necessary in a small suitcase and left. On paper she was a lone woman without family and country, without relatives. At that time "Hot Shot" attended a conference in Australia and he was alone.
***
In the “Anthill” they distributed her as a cleaner in the building management department. Only in this building there were no camcorders. In the dormitory of the staff there were no cameras, either. So she remained invisible to the others.
The voice of Mr. Muller startled her. He never opened the door of the "closet" as they called this room. He was with his first deputy commandant Mrs. Hass. What was the first name of this lady was not clear to anyone.
- You can go back to clean - Fritz Mueller was looking round the room.
Moonlight grabbed the mop and hurried away. He heard Hass commented:
- It is not possible to enter the building from here. This is an inside job.
- The fact is a fact, Hyulal has gone with his passport.
Further the maid did not hear, but she felt relaxed. So they were searching how the Algerian Hyulal had taken his passport. In fact, she did not know exactly what nationality the black twin brothers were, but such a move was not expected by the supplier Hyulal. Well, she facilitated his task, but that he himself did not understand how everywhere in this building on date deadline rooms were unlocked. And the code to the safe in the room of the chief commandant, where they held the passports of all participants, he had remembered himself. He had access to everywhere, as opposed to her. He visited the offices discussing the supplies. He stayed at the operators, and brought them a special hallucinogenic herb from which they made tea in the evening and endured easier the stay in the camp. All were accustomed to his silent presence. They knew that he often went to the capital, but no further, because he felt his brother very close, and his bargaining and buying was very strange – he pointed at the goods, used a calculator to value them and rest was done by the loaders - Indians recruited from the nearby villages.
For her, they also did not know that she knew English, Chinese, Spanish and many other languages, including their mother tongue. They were so arrogant! Moonlight was in a bad mood because sleep during the nap had returned her to the time spent with "Hot Shot"- the best seven years of her entire life. The decision, which she took in the moment when she realized his betrayal was her Golgotha. Here in the camp she realized that it was premature and not well-thought. Now from the distance of time, she thought that they had allowed Evening Breeze to escape under the pressure of the Inspector - could not have been otherwise. For her, she was aware that his thirst for mob with her was the reason for her leaving the country. Hot Shot was probably right in not telling her that her husband was in Japan. He never allowed himself to touch her or even imply a thing, knowing she was married, and everywhere they went, he introduced her for his fiancée. He had not noticed him ordering more prostitutes, nor courting other women. And the fact that she was so offended by that conversation which she overheard spoke unequivocally that he was considered the most important person in her life. She could no longer imagine the face of her husband Evening Breeze, but the face of "Hot Shot" was before her eyes every day for a period of four years, she was dreaming it, she was saying his name in delirium, throughout her whole stay in “Anthill”.
Chapter 22
Dr. Musa Ziyad arrived in Niamey together with AlBukri. The old cleric could not refuse. He was very grateful to have spent so much money to get back Hyulal. He did not hide that Illal, the other twin was not his favourite. The dark berberine Musa, a naturalized Frenchman, with a solid medical education and good social status, also had his own quirks. He had gone to search for a patient -a hustler who came from a country to which the preacher had never heard of, because of t
he Balkan Peninsula there were too many small countries, and for him only the big Turkey was the only one important. This woman, some Anna, had robbed and made Musa feel embarrassed, and on top of that she had identified him as a relative, to participate in the reality show of the ungodly people. In general, the permissiveness of these women without headscarves, which compared themselves with men, but were just some promiscuous creatures, was repugnant and he felt a pure heart, that this behavior of Western women is one of the reasons for the pernicious development of the modern world. But Musa was dear to him and he would not like to leave him alone in this dubious inquiry and search.
Once visited several mosques in Niamey, and they got the information about which hotel hosted a group of white foreigners participating in an expedition. Because there were a lot of foreigners who swarmed from all sides of the Sahara Desert, they did not have much hope, but still they went to the hotel. Musa asked about Anna Zanesheva from Bulgaria and the receptionist answered them against bribery that this guest was staying in their hotel. He promised to show them the lady when back, but explained that for two weeks they have been on a trip and they do not come back in the hotel for the night.
They sat down in the lobby and AlBukri was like hail cloud, but he said nothing. The “Frenchman” Musa, as he called it, had also changed so many airline flights to visit Bolivia at his request, and it was his turn to endure. But he could not assuage his anger by the riotous behavior of this Anna. The Salafist cleric did not move from his seat and was very worried.
- Agha, according to the contract, the participants in the reality «Sahara» had to fly back today - Musa said quietly. - Anna is missing. The whole group had not stayed here for two weeks. Things may turn to be dangerous and risky.
The old man nodded, his face brightened. So it was worth going all that way, and spending money on an airplane. When the reception was empty, the swarthy Doctor “Frenchman” again put a bill to the receptionist.
Humility Page 17