Path of the Tiger

by J M Hemmings

  ‘Yes, we have many bees. They are very good insects! Without them most life on this planet would die! Did you know that, Dr Green? We learn a lot about the interconnectedness of all life forms, from the tiniest microbes and insects to the great whales of the ocean. I really enjoy our environmental awareness classes. The teacher is from—’

  ‘Um yeah, sure, that sounds real interesting,’ Margaret interrupted, her tone bristling with barely concealed impatience. ‘But listen Tesla, I have to tell you something very important, and I hope you can help me out with it.’

  Tesla looked up, wearing an expression of earnest consternation.

  ‘Why, of course. What’s wrong?’

  ‘I’m terribly, terribly allergic to bee stings. If I get stung even once I could go into anaphylactic shock and die.’

  Tesla gasped.

  ‘Really? That is terrible!’

  ‘Yeah, it’s not the nicest allergy to have, that’s for sure, especially in a place like this. Listen, I’m really worried about getting stung out here. Like I said, if it happens, and I don’t have my medication, there’s a very good chance that it could be fatal. If there’s any medication here that I could, ya know, keep on me, in case of a bee sting…’

  ‘We do have some western medical supplies here in the city. There are not many, of course, but even if we don’t have what you need, I’m sure we can find a way to get it.’

  Margaret sat up straight in her chair, making sure to look both relieved and surprised at once.

  ‘Really? All right Tesla, listen to me, you have to, have to get me the medication I need. I’m serious when I say that if I don’t have it, I could die. Do you really think you could get it for me if I tell you what it is?’

  Tesla looked suddenly ill at ease and unsure of himself.

  ‘I, er, I’m not supposed to go anywhere near the clinic. Only qualified medical personnel are—’

  ‘Well that’s okay sweetie, can you just ask the General? I’m not trying to do anything sneaky here; I’m sure he’ll understand. He does want me to feel safe, doesn’t he?’

  ‘Yes, yes of course, your safety and comfort is our priority. I’ll ask him about the medication.’

  ‘I knew I could count on my best friend!’ Margaret said, beaming an affectionate smile at Tesla.

  Despite his earlier misgivings, he couldn’t help but return the gesture, smiling at Margaret with self-conscious shyness glimmering in his eyes.

  ‘I’m happy to help,’ he said. ‘But now I really do have to go. Tell me the name of the medication and I’ll ask the General about it.’

  ‘Aw, you’re such a star,’ she said, gushing. ‘I need a real strong antihistamine. If you could just get me a couple pills of 50 milligrams Phenergan, I’d feel a lot safer.’

  ‘Phenergan, 50 milligrams?’

  ‘Yes, if you could get that you’d be a real sweetie.’

  ‘I will do my best! And now Margaret, I must go. It’s been good chatting with you, and I’ll come back later when it’s dinner time. You heard about the attack earlier, so the General will probably be too busy tonight to eat with you in the main hall. If that’s the case, I hope you don’t mind eating in here again.’

  ‘As long as you eat with me, my friend, it’s all good.’

  Tesla stood up, smiled and saluted.

  ‘I will see you later then, Dr Green. Phenergan, 50 milligrams. I will do my best!’

  ‘Thank you kiddo, you’re the best!’

  Margaret watched him walk out of the door with her heart in her mouth. Had he seen through the deception in her eyes? Had he any inkling of her real motive for requesting that medication? And, more importantly, would the General himself believe her cover story about a bee sting allergy, or would his suspicions be raised?

  No, no … I played it cool, I played it real cool. Besides, there isn’t really anything suspicious about asking for an antihistamine. The boy doesn’t suspect a thing, and I think that this lil’ mercenary attack happened at just the right time too. The General is gonna be all preoccupied with his war now, and he won’t be thinking about lil’ ol’ me and my request for medication. No, I think I’m in the clear. Hell, I think it actually might work! And once I’ve got my hands on those pills, phase two of the escape plan can be put into action…

  ***

  Margaret was staring out of the enormous window in her room, mesmerised by the fire-bath sunset over the jungle, when Sergeant Tesla knocked on the door. The sun cascading its inferno over the bulbous rainforest, like molten gold pouring in showers of sparks from a forge, was as spectacular a sight as any she’d seen in all her years, and even with the dire severity of her current circumstances she could not help but feel that her fears and anxieties were being partially assuaged as she stared in awe at this majestic vista.

  ‘Come in Tesla,’ she said, recognising him from the manner in which he rapped on the door.

  She heaved herself up from her chair, took one last look at the deep crimson and bronze conflagration behind her, and then turned to face Tesla as he walked into the room.

  ‘Hello Margaret,’ he said. ‘I hope you had a chance to rest since I last saw you.’

  ‘I’ve had a lovely rest, thank you. But it’d be even better if you guys could bring in your blowtorches and heat up a nice warm bath for me after dinner.’

  ‘I can certainly arrange that.’

  Margaret was aching to ask about the pills she had requested, but she nonetheless managed to bite her tongue; Tesla had to be kept in the dark about how desperately she needed this medication in order to set her escape plan in motion. She would have to wait until he brought it up, and if he didn’t … well, she’d find a way to. She had to.

  ‘What’s the latest news about the mercenaries?’ she asked, feigning concern.

  ‘Oh, um, well I’m not sure how much I am supposed to talk about that,’ Tesla replied, looking somewhat uncomfortable.

  ‘That’s all right,’ Margaret said, sighing melodramatically and looking away. ‘You don’t need to tell me any details if you don’t think it’s appropriate. I mean, I thought we wouldn’t have any secrets between us, but uh, I guess if you need to put your needs first, I can’t really say anything about that…’

  I wonder if that was too much, if I just pushed the envelope a bit too far there. Did I? No, I don’t think so. This kid is pretty naïve, he’ll fall for a little feminine manipulation. See, he’s already looking guilty, playing right into the trap. Excellent.

  ‘I’m really sorry,’ the boy mumbled. ‘It’s just that, that…’

  His words trailed off as guilt contorted his features, and he looked down at the ground, shame oozing from his pores as if his reluctance to speak about the General’s military operations was tantamount to betrayal. Margaret smiled inwardly as she saw her strategy doing its work, but on her face she wore, makeup-like, an expression of compassionate sympathy.

  ‘Aw, that’s fine!’ she said, her tone abruptly cheery and light. ‘C’mon, I know how good of a friend you are. I don’t wanna get you in trouble; you know I’d never, ever do that. Let’s just change the subject.’

  She was desperate to get onto the topic of the pills, and she had to somehow steer the conversation with subtle delicacy toward that subject. Time was short; the General had said the barrel for Bafa village would be floated downriver the following evening, so things had to be put in motion soon. Very soon.

  ‘Those trees out there are looking real impressive in the dusk light, don’t ya think? Do you ever take time outta your busy routine to watch a sunset, Tesla?’

  ‘I do when I can. It does look especially beautiful today.’

  ‘Gee, those trees to the left are just incredible, huh? The ones that are covered with purple and pink blossoms. Why, they’re just like big ol’ giant flowers, ain’t they? You can almost hear all the tons of insects buzzing in those thousands of blossoms out there in those trees.’

  Come on kiddo, that was a blatant hint. You’ve gotta rememb
er what I asked you earlier.

  ‘Yes, the sound of the birds and insects in the trees is very loud at this time of day. Especially the birds! They make so much noise when they are settling in for the night.’

  Tesla was smiling now, the guilt trip of a few minutes prior seemingly forgotten. He had not, however, picked up Margaret’s hint, it appeared. Feeling a kettle-boiling frustration building a head of scalding steam beneath her skin, Margaret decided to force the point as obviously as she could. She kept her lips drawn in a tight, forced smile as she spoke, doing her best not to let her hotplate-hissing annoyance show through.

  ‘Yeah, but I bet above the sound of birds there’s, you know, the whine and buzz of insects. I mean, those flowery trees must attract hundreds of wasps … and bees.’

  Please, for the love of Christ, pick up on that one kiddo. I know you’re smart. C’mon, just pick up on it.

  ‘Oh!’ Tesla’s eyes widened as the memory of what he had promised to do for Margaret suddenly forced its way to the fore of his thoughts. ‘Margaret, yes, I just remembered about your request, I’m sorry I forgot to say something earlier!’

  ‘Oh yes, what exactly did I say again?’ Margaret asked meekly, leaning back and stretching her arms out with a leisurely sigh as she did her best to feign nonchalance.

  ‘You needed Phenergan pills, for your bee sting allergy.’

  ‘Oh yeah, that,’ she replied, chuckling lightly as if it were the most inconsequential thing in the world.

  ‘Yes, yes!’

  Tesla was obviously very eager to please her; his young eyes were alive with delight in his half-burned, rubber-mask face.

  ‘What did the General say about that?’

  ‘He said it was fine.’

  Margaret’s heart soared, and it took every ounce of self-control and restraint to prevent herself from jumping up with triumphant glee. Instead she maintained, with considerable difficulty, her front of collected calm.

  ‘That’s good news for me,’ she replied coolly. ‘One less thing to worry about. Did you manage to bring a couple of pills for me, or is the General gonna have to order ‘em?’

  ‘I got some. Here, the General sent me to the clinic and allowed me to get five of these pills. That’s fine, right?’

  ‘Oh I only needed two, but sure, I’ll take five.’

  Tesla dug in the breast pocket of his uniform jacket and pulled out a small vial containing a few of the pills. He handed it to Margaret, who took it with gracious fingers. She popped it open and dropped one of the pills into her cupped hand, and saw with a surge of excitement that it was, as she had requested, a genuine Phenergan 50 milligram pill.

  Yes! YES! All right, all right … stay cool Margaret, stay cool! You have to play the next one out very subtly. Do it right and you’ll get out of here. But keep it cool! Be subtle, be very subtle.

  ‘This is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much, my friend! You really are such a star. What a wonderful young man you are!’

  Margaret could see a smile of delight lifting his dark, scarred cheeks, but he immediately looked away, shifting his feet on the ground and fidgeting with nervous fingers. It was apparent that compliments and the warmth of close friendship were something he was quite unused to. With this in mind she wasted no time in pressing home her current advantage.

  ‘I’m so glad to have a trustworthy, caring friend like you, Tesla,’ she said. ‘Really. You’re a great kid.’

  ‘It was a small favour. It’s not necessary to praise me too highly for it,’ he replied, still shifting awkwardly on his feet and avoiding eye contact.

  ‘Nonsense. You deserve a compliment for being such a nice person, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. But anyway, listen kiddo, what’s the dinner situation? I’ve burned up all that food we had earlier, most likely on account of all the exercise I did today, so I’m feeling mighty peckish right about now. Does the General have time to dine in the hall, as usual?’

  ‘I’m afraid not. He’s very occupied right now, you know, with the mercenary situation. You’re to eat dinner here in your room, unfortunately.’

  ‘Well that’s fine, I do understand that it’s a very serious problem and that he does, of course, need to focus all of his energy on sorting it out.’

  ‘Yes…’

  ‘You can sit in here and eat with me later right? I mean, he doesn’t expect me to go without company the whole evening, does he?’

  Tesla looked suddenly worried.

  ‘I’m not supposed to be in here talking to you too much, Dr Green,’ he said, stiffening up. ‘The General told me that himself. I think … I think that I already spend too much time talking to you. I’m sorry … I cannot say that I don’t enjoy it, but I also cannot disobey the General’s orders.’

  Sudden panic surged a wave of crippling nausea through Margaret’s system. She desperately needed Tesla with her for dinner in order to move on to phase two of her escape plan.

  ‘Oh, my sweet lil’ friend,’ she said, rushing her words as the panic began to take hold, ‘I don’t mean to put any pressure on you or anything like that. Gee, I mean I know you have enough of it already. Really, if it’s going to get you in trouble, you don’t need to sit with me for dinner.’

  ‘It’s not that I don’t want to,’ he blurted out, ‘but I really can’t afford to get in trouble. But, um … well, I suppose I can maybe sit and chat with you for a few minutes at dinner time. The General hasn’t actually told me again that I shouldn’t talk to you. He only really said that once, before I had even met you. So … I think it will be fine for me to sit with you, for just a little while.’

  He smiled at her, beaming out genuine warmth, and a wave of relief gushed its cooling waters through her veins. She nonetheless kept up her façade of relaxed nonchalance.

  ‘Thank you kindly, young Tesla. I do enjoy your company so!’

  He chuckled, and again delight shone in his eyes.

  ‘I must go now Margaret. I’ll come back when your dinner is ready. Um, are there any other favours I can help you with? I like to help you, and I … I want you to be as happy as you can be here.’

  ‘Aw, aren’t you a little sweetie! No kiddo, I’m fine. I guess, though, if you could ask about letting me have a hot bath later though, that would be fantastic. Oh! And a bottle of dry red wine with dinner, if the General is okay with that.’

  ‘I’ll make sure I mention the wine and the bath. Goodbye Margaret.’

  The boy saluted, clicked his heels together and marched out of the room. Now, both he and Margaret were wearing broad grins upon their faces … but each person’s smile was there for very different reasons.

  ***

  The moon was a mere suggestion of an orb, ghostlike in its un-presence in the dark sky. The slimmest of slivers denoted its sickle edge; a razor-cut in the fabric of night, through which white quicksilver bled with infinite slowness, frozen and icy as the outer reaches of space.

  Margaret was absorbed in a book on the flora and fauna of this region of the world, marvelling at its various exotic creatures and plants, the likes of many of which she had never before seen. A familiar knock on the door snapped her out of the book-trance though, so she set it down on the desk before turning around to face the door.

  ‘Come in, Tesla,’ she said.

  The boy walked in wearing an ear-to-ear grin, carrying himself with a relaxed ease Margaret had not hitherto seen in him.

  ‘I can sit and eat with you!’ he announced, as pleased with this pronouncement as if he was telling her he had won the lottery. ‘The General has given me the night off, but what is more, he has said that I am allowed to talk to you and spend time with you!’

  ‘Well,’ Margaret said, beaming a smile at him, ‘that sounds downright fantastic!’

  ‘Yes,’ Tesla answered warmly as he set the platter of food down on the desk. ‘He says that he feels bad about leaving you so long in this room all by yourself, and as he is busy with the military operation and cannot keep you compan
y, he has allowed me to entertain you. And what is more, he says that I’m free to how did you call it, “hang out with you”, over the next few days, because he is going to be so busy with the campaign against the mercenaries.’

  Margaret’s heart was hammering a galloping rhythm of sheer excitement through her chest, shuddering and vibrating every bone in her body; somehow, the universe had just turned the wheels of fate and aligned the stars and planets in the exact configuration she had hoped for. This was better than good; this was the best possible news she could have heard. She had anticipated a lot of cajoling and pleading and manipulation to get permission to spend more time with Tesla, but now, amazingly enough, everything she needed had been handed to her on a plate. Everything was exactly how it needed to be.

  Sudden terror, however, flooded ice through her veins as doubt fired a venom-laden blowdart from the cover of foliage within the forest of her mind.

  What if this is some sort of trap?! What if that maniac knows what I’m planning to do, somehow?! What if he’s setting everything up so perfectly for me just to tempt me into attempting my plan? Things don’t just go this right by chance – they don’t. No, no … calm down. He can only read my mind when he’s physically close to me, and I’ve made damn sure that I haven’t thought of the details of my plan at all whenever he’s been around. No. That news of the mercenary attack was no rouse – the emotion on that man’s face when he heard of the dead soldiers was as genuine as any I’ve ever seen. He wasn’t faking that, not at all. Maybe … maybe it is through sheer, blind luck that this has happened. But either way, I have to take the chance, I have to. Even if it is, somehow, a setup. What other choice do I have? Sit here and rot, until he ‘enlightens’ me? Hell no. I’m doing this. I’m doing this, and I’m going all the way. I’m coming back to you, Ting, I’m coming back to you!

  Margaret steeled her resolution, feeling determined to follow through with her plan, whether the General had any suspicions about her intent or not; this was her only way of escaping this place. She decided to hold off before pushing on to the next phase of her plan; despite the fact that things seemed to have fallen into her lap, she didn’t want to risk exposing her true intentions; she needed to play things very subtly and very cool.