by P J Skinner
They might not get another chance to chat privately with Alex and Adanna around though, so it was now or never. She leaned forward and put her hand on his arm.
‘What will you do next?’ she said.
‘Next?’ He wiped his mouth with a napkin, pulling his arm away from her grasp. This wasn’t the reaction she had hoped for.
‘After Simbako, I mean.’
‘Oh, I’m sure Alex will have some scheme going to keep me busy.’
‘And if not?’
‘Home, I guess. Why do you ask?’
Sam panicked. There was no good answer to that one that didn’t involve opening herself up to rejection. Why were men so difficult? Why couldn’t she just tell him that she wanted to be with him without being rejected out of hand as a defence mechanism? Why was talking to Fergus annoyingly like looking in a mirror when it came to commitment? She had probably lost Simon due to her habit of running off to foreign parts every time things got tricky.
‘Um, no reason. Just wondering.’
But she saw from his expression that she had triggered the fright, fight or flight mechanism. He glanced at the door. Checking his escape route.
‘I don’t expect Alex will need you much longer,’ he said. ‘I’m leaving soon myself.’
She wanted to slap him, but instead she grunted in assent. Suddenly, a telephone rang in the background.
‘Listen. They have a phone. Let’s ring Alex.’
‘Okay, you call him. I’ll finish my lunch. Tell him we are about two hours away, roads permitting. I’ve got the telephone number written here.’ He handed her a scrap of paper.
Sam asked the owner if she could use the phone to call Njahili.
‘That will be one dollar, madam. I’ll add it to the bill.’
He showed her into a back room.
‘You make a local call from here. Just dial the number without the code in front.’
‘Thank you.’ Sam fiddled with the piece of paper given to her by Fergus and made out the numbers scrawled across it. Holding the receiver between her ear and shoulder, she dialled.
‘Hello?’
‘Alex, it’s me Sam.’
‘How are you? Where are you?’
‘I’m not sure. We’re in a small town about two hours from Njahili. We tried to call you from Fona, but the line is down. I’m afraid we have bad news. The Chief is dying.’
‘That’s terrible. We should go back at once.’
‘He asked me to bring Adanna.’
‘Oh, but she’s gone.’
‘Gone? Gone where?'
'I think she went to visit a friend. Oh, and to the hospital.’
‘The hospital? What for?’ A cold sweat crept up her back.
‘She said she had to collect medicine for her father.’
‘But … Okay, we’ll see you later.’
Sam hung up. The Chief was right. They would be too late. She was panicking and her lunch invaded her throat. The toilet was beside the phone booth. She only just made it to the bowl before being sick.
Afterwards, she stood holding on to the basin and looking at her reflection in horror. As if the debacle with Fergus wasn’t bad enough. This was turning into a nightmare. She cleaned up and came back outside. Fergus was standing in the doorway ready to leave.
‘Are you okay? You look like hell.’ He put his hand on her shoulder. ‘I’ve paid the bill. We should leave.’
Sam began to cry. ‘It’s all my fault,’ she said.
‘What’s happened? Is the Chief dead?’
Sam forced herself to speak. ‘No, Adanna may be in danger. I may have done something terrible.’
Chapter XXV
Adanna stood outside the hospital and gazed up at the gleaming structure. The coming operation petrified her, but nothing would impede her ambitions. As if she would share power with someone like Tamba. No-one understood her. Now she had the means to escape from the destiny enforced on her by her father and to forge her own path. Fona would be hers now.
She approached the reception desk again.
‘I have an appointment for surgery at midday with Dr Mohammed. I wish to pay now.’
‘Of course, madam. What is your name?’
‘Adanna Sesay.’
The receptionist opened a filing cabinet positioned behind the desk. After shuffling through the papers, she found the right one and brought it to Adanna.
‘You need to sign here and here and date it at the bottom. How will you be paying?’
‘Cash. Dollars.’
The woman’s right eyebrow rose almost as far as her wig line.
‘Cash? Okay, can you follow me, please?’
They stepped into a side room where Adanna emptied the money onto the table.
'Please can you wait here while I fetch the accountant from the back office,' she said.
Adanna sat on the faux leather chair, picking her nails. Her heart rose to her mouth. Waves of panic overwhelmed her. She stood up, intending to leave. At that moment, the receptionist returned with another woman.
‘This is the accountant. She’ll check the amount. It’s nine thousand five hundred dollars in total please.’
Adanna remained standing when they entered, ready to flee at the least opportunity.
‘Are you okay, dear?’ said the receptionist.
Adanna shook herself. 'Yes, I thought I'd forgotten something, but I didn't.'
'Have you got the cash?' said the accountant.
Once the money had been double-checked and the papers signed, the receptionist led Adanna through to an antechamber where she had her blood taken and her vital signs noted.
‘Wait here, dear. You will go straight to the operating theatre because there was a cancellation this morning. I hope you haven’t eaten anything today.’
‘No, not since last night.’
‘Perfect. Wait here.’
Adanna became faint with anticipation and fear. Despite the reassurances from Dr Mohammed, she could not rid herself of her suspicious fear of hospitals. Sam had told her hospitals were safe though and she trusted Sam so she pushed the fear out of her mind. The door opened and Dr Mohammed filled the frame.
‘Good morning, my dear. All ready for the big day? My companion, Dr Bemba, will now send you to sleep and when you wake up, it will all be over.’
The young anaesthesiologist made Adanna lie down on the trolley and covered her with a sheet.
‘Just a sharp prick,’ she said.
Adanna felt the anaesthetic burn its way through her hand, but before she had time to be alarmed, she had the sensation she was falling into a dark pit. She tried to grab the sides, terrified that Pakuteh lay at the bottom.
‘There, there. Let go now and rest. Everything will be fine.’
The anaesthesiologist held her arms down. She had seen this irrational terror often in first timers at the hospital. Soon Adanna slept though and they wheeled her into the theatre where Dr Mohammed was having his gloves pulled on.
‘Ready, everyone? This has to be perfect. Okay, let’s go.’
***
Sam had stopped gabbling, but she still sat on the edge of her seat willing the car forward. Fergus had not known how to deal with the torrent of emotion and decided that his best option was to drive to the hospital as fast as he could. The roads fought him, however, wrenching the steering wheel from his hands whenever he tried to speed up. The shock absorbers were getting an unwanted workout due to the uneven pavement too.
‘We’ll be there soon.’
‘Please hurry. Maybe we can stop her.’
‘I don’t understand why you feel that you are involved in this. Adanna is an adult and she can make her own decisions. We don’t have to agree with them, but it’s hardly your fault she planned to do this.’
‘But I told her.’
‘You told her what.’
‘That hospitals were safe. About the big new hospital outside Njahili.’
‘So?’
‘She didn’t do this before because she feared infection or death. Once she realised that modern hospitals didn’t kill you, there was no stopping her.’
‘But she would have known about it eventually. Perhaps by going now while she is still young, it has saved her from worse trauma.’
‘You don’t know that.’
‘Neither do you. Be reasonable, Sam. The world doesn’t revolve around you, no matter what you think.’
‘And is that what you believe? That I imagine the world revolves around me?’
‘Just a bit. But has it put me off?’
Sam sulked for a while and put on some Led Zeppelin to cover the silence. Soon they drew up to the hospital. Fergus parked the car and turned to Sam.
‘Do you want me to come?’
‘Can I go in first?’
‘I’ll have a cigarette.’
Sam leant over and kissed him without thinking and, when he didn’t resist, she kissed him again for good luck.
‘Get out of the car, Sam.’
She walked across the car park and entered the double doors to reception.
‘Hello, have you got patient called Adanna Sesay here today?’
‘Are you a relative?’
‘Not exactly.’
‘Then you can’t see her.’
‘But her father is dying and I came to give her a message.’ It wasn’t hard to force out a few tears in her emotional state.
‘I’ll see what I can do.’
Five minutes later, Sam walked into a private room in the East Wing of the hospital. It was painted in hospital magnolia with cheap furnishings and chrome beds. Adanna lay on the second of two beds beside a window looking out over the main road.
‘Sam, you came. I’m so glad.’
‘You were expecting me?’
‘No, well yes, I thought my father would send you. Fatimata is not good at secrets.’
‘I don’t understand why you did this to yourself.’
‘I didn’t.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Dr Mohammed is a genius. He has hidden the evidence. It looks like I had it done, but I still have my clitoris, it’s hidden beside the urethra. I have the best of both worlds.’
‘Really? That’s amazing. You had me so worried. I blamed myself for you coming here.’
‘Well, that was your fault, but it brought me to Dr Mohammed so the result is brilliant.’
Fergus knocked on the door. He came in with his fingers in his ears. ‘Whatever you did, please don't tell me the details. Hospitals make me faint. Are you alright? That’s the only thing that matters.’
‘Yes, I am fine. I can leave hospital tomorrow.’
‘Have you told her?’ said Fergus. Sam looked blank. ‘About her father.’
‘Oh, God, I forgot.’
‘You forgot what?’
‘I’m really sorry. Your father is dying. He sent us here to get you and bring you home.’
Adanna did not reply, but fat tears rolled down her cheeks.
‘We need to see Alex first this evening, but, if you wish, we can leave tomorrow when you are discharged.’
Adanna nodded.
‘Your father isn’t in any pain. I promise. His body is just slowing down.’
‘He wanted to die without me because he couldn’t bear to leave if I was at his side.’
‘We may get to Fona in time,’ said Fergus.
***
‘You’re here. Thank goodness. Did you find Adanna?’ said Alex.
‘Yes, she’s in the hospital,’ said Fergus.
‘What’s she doing there?’
‘Um, just a minor procedure. She was too embarrassed to tell you about it,’ said Sam.
‘Ah, well, glad she’s alright. William has made dinner. Get washed up and we’ll eat.’
Dinner was delicious, but Sam struggled to do it justice. Her jumbled emotions killed her appetite. The whole affair with Adanna had confused and upset her. It may have ended well, but she felt guilty for being the instigator, even so. Alex was still hungover and didn’t seem to notice. He was thrilled with the haul of diamonds from the terrace.
‘I’ll take them to Nelson tomorrow. Everyone will do well out of this, including you, Sam.’
‘Thank you. It surprised me they had missed the best bit of the pothole. I guess Pakuteh stopped them working just before they hit it.’
She excused herself and went to the bathroom.
‘I’ve got to go back to Britain,’ said Fergus.
‘Right away? Can’t it wait? What about the ceremony? Aren’t you coming to Fona?’
‘No, I can’t. Something’s come up.’
Fergus avoided Alex’s inquiring look.
‘Sam? It’s Sam, isn’t it? That woman amazes me. I can understand Ned falling for her, but I thought you were an eternal bachelor.’
'I am. At least, that’s what I thought. I’m panicking, Alex, I need to leave now and think about this.’
‘What about Sam? Does she know you intend to leave?’
‘I'll tell her this evening.’
‘You’re an idiot.’
‘I'm aware of my failings and I don’t want to hurt her, but I’m not ready.’
‘Not ready? Are you sixteen? I married at twenty-one.’
‘And you got divorced at twenty-six.’
‘Touché. But you are thirty-five and it’s not like you haven’t played the field. Do you imagine there are many women like Sam wandering around the planet? You may never get the same chance at happiness.’
‘I’m sorry. It will be tough on her, but I can’t commit right now. I hope she isn’t too heartbroken. It’s not like we had a lot of time together.’
‘You’ve been through near death situations with her. That forms bonds that are not easily broken. My friendship with Joseph was built the same way.'
‘If it was meant to happen, I’d find a way. I just don’t want to hurt her.’
‘I don’t think that’s a realistic expectation. But she can deal with it. Can you?’
Their conversation was cut short when Sam reappeared. They chatted for a little longer and then Alex stood up.
‘I’m going to bed. See you two in the morning.’
‘Night, Alex,’ said Fergus.
‘Diamond dreams,’ said Sam.
They were left sitting together at the table after William cleared away. Fergus poured them each a glass of whisky and water.
‘Cheers,’ he said.
‘Cheers.’
‘I’ve got something to tell you.’
‘That sounds ominous.’
‘I have to leave for England. There’s a matter I have to attend to.’
‘You won’t be coming back to Fona with us?’
‘No. I’m sorry. I wanted to spend more time with you.’
‘Is that it then?’ Despite the heat, a cold shiver went up her spine.
‘Is what it?’
‘Will I see you again? Or was it all a mirage?’
‘You know I care about you.’
‘I thought I did.’
‘I can’t explain now. You must trust me. Give me your number and I’ll call you at home.’
‘Alex’s got it. Ask him for it.’ Sam stood up abruptly and stuck out her hand. ‘It’s been a pleasure working with you,’ she said.
‘Sam!’
‘Don’t Sam me. Call me when you grow up.’
She ran upstairs and just got to her room before she lost control, throwing herself on the bed and shoving her head into the pillow to scream abuse and misery. She should have known. Simon, mark II. It was her fault for allowing lust to overcome judgement. She punched the pillow and bit her lip. Why was she surprised? Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. She switched out the light and got under her mosquito net.
***
/> Fergus had gone when she came downstairs in the morning.
‘He went to the diamond exchange to register the diamonds and leave them for auction,’ said Alex. ‘Afterwards, he’s going straight to the airport. He told me to say goodbye.’
‘Do you know why he had to leave?’ said Sam.
‘Some woman, I expect. He’s quite the lad.’
‘Yes, he is.’
She forced herself to eat breakfast. Alex avoided her eyes and fiddled with his toast. Finally, he said. ‘You’ve done a great job at Fona and I’ve deposited a bonus in your account along with your salary.’ He paused, but Sam stared at her plate and said nothing.
‘However, I came here for the Star of Simbako and mining the terraces was only secondary. Your success with the first terrace meant that I intended to continue, but the death of my dear friend, Joseph, will put a stop to that. Adanna told me she will not allow any more mining by outside parties at Fona.’
‘Oh, I see.’
‘I’m afraid it’s the end of the line for this project.’
‘That’s a pity. I enjoyed working with you.’
‘Before you go home, I’d like you to come with me to bury the Chief and support Adanna in her bid to succeed him. You can pick up all your stuff while you are there. I’ll organise a plane ticket home for you this morning, business class.’ Despite her efforts to focus on the wall, he caught her eye, sympathy on his face. ‘I’m sorry. You did a hell of a job. I’ll keep you in mind for the next caper.’
Sam nodded. ‘When are we leaving for Fona?’
***
‘Hallo?’
‘Hi, darling. Daddy and I were just talking about you. Aren’t you due home for a break soon?’
‘Yes, I’ll be home in a few days. Alex has just gone to buy me a ticket.’
‘That’s nice. How’s it going out there?’
‘It’s been amazing. Unfortunately, the project has finished. It’s too complicated to go into on the phone. I’ll tell you when I get home.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that. You must be disappointed. But there is good news. Hang on a minute. I’ll hand you Daddy.’
There was a delay on the line. No doubt her mother was relaying the news.
‘Hello, sweetheart. Sorry to hear about the job. We’re looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing your photos.’
‘That’s alright. There’s plenty of work around.’