Whispered Kisses

by Taylor, Janelle

  In another tent, Reid asked, “Where have you been?”

  “I had to be excused,” Cynthia replied, stripping naked and reclining on her cot. She left the cover aside, but it was dark.

  “This late? In the jungle? You aren’t that brave or rash.”

  The brunette giggled. “Is that jealousy in you, Reid? Do you think I sneaked a visit with our handsome and virile guide?”

  Reid folded his arms across his chest and gazed upward into the darkness. “If you did, I’m certain he wasn’t receptive.”

  “Why, because you never are anymore?” she snapped.

  “Can I help it if we don’t excite each other these days? Is that what’s the matter with you? Frustration? You were a bitch tonight. Maybe we should seek new partners when we return home.”

  “That sounds like an excellent idea. We haven’t pleased each other in a long time. Is she already picked out, Reid?”

  “Why should you care?” the man retorted. “You’ve never loved or wanted me or any man as much as you love Louisa.”

  Cynthia gasped. “Don’t be absurd. We’re best friends.”

  “That’s why you’re so cold and hateful, because I refuse to give you the information she wants. Chad’s past isn’t her business.”

  “If it involves what’s going on here,” the irate female argued, “it most assuredly is her affair. Don’t tell me little Leigh has you enchanted, too. You’re wasting time and energy and emotions, Reid. Chad would never let you take Leigh from him.”

  Reid wasn’t provoked as intended. “I don’t want Leigh.”

  “If not that blond witch, then who? You’re hungry for someone.”

  “Just because I no longer find you desirable and pleasing doesn’t mean I’m aching for another woman, like you are.”

  Cynthia warned in a cold tone, “Stop it, Reid.”

  He chuckled. “Can’t you take a joke, your ladyship?”

  “Not when it isn’t amusing, lover. You and Chad are alike. He’ll be sorry if he discards Louisa for that little chit.”

  “How and why is that, Cynthia?”

  “Are you both blind? Our guide has captured her eye.”

  Reid’s voice altered noticeably. “How do you know?”

  “I don’t, but I would bet my life and money on it. I would say a hot romance is in the making. Chad will lose this time.” “Lose what?” he inquired, coming to full alert.

  “Lose everything if he isn’t careful. He’ll never get Leigh, and he’ll lose Louisa if he keeps lusting for his ward and her wealth.”

  “Who says Chad wants to get Leigh?”

  Cynthia laughed merrily. “Wouldn’t you, in his place?”

  “No, I wouldn’t. Chad doesn’t have to marry her to control her and the firm. Louisa is much better for him, and he knows it.”

  “Does he, Reid?” she challenged. “I think he’s a little luststruck. He seems as bored with Louisa as you are with me.”

  “Only because both of you are acting like shrews. All you’re accomplishing is to make Leigh look like a dream. If I were Louisa, I would behave myself. If she does, she has nothing to worry about.”

  Cynthia was surprised. “Are you certain?”

  Reeking with confidence, the man responded, “Absolutely. Now, be quite and go to sleep. I’m tired.”

  Johi reported to Jace’s tent and revealed the conversation he had overheard in the couple’s tent. “Good work, Johi. Keep your eyes and ears open. Something is going on, my friend.”

  For two days, there were no perils or problems, or any time for Leigh and Jace to speak privately. Someone was always underfoot. The women were allowed to bathe in a safe area of the river, soothing Louisa’s and Cynthia’s nerves. The group went walking, looking, and hunting. Pictures were taken. Chad shot an impala for their dinner. At night, Leigh and Jace kept their distance from each other.

  On the third day, the safari party left camp early. As they walked along, Leigh asked Jace, “Are there really spiders as big as your hand, huge snakes, and wild cannibals?”

  Jace chuckled and said, “Big spiders and snakes, yes. But man-or woman-eaters, not really. That was to test your courage, Miss Webster. I was glad to see you don’t frighten easily.”

  “Didn’t you discover that in London?” Chad inquired, grinning.

  “That I did, Chad,” she replied. “Look,” he said, halting them.

  A herd of giraffes was browsing beyond them. “They prefer young trees,” Jace told them, “so they do a lot of damage. They can peel the leaves from thorny acacias without hurting their tongues, but it hinders new growth. Between them and elephants, they can strip all buds. Sometimes it takes an area a couple of years to recover.”

  The five towering creatures ceased their feeding to check out the approaching group. Leigh observed the nimble, tall animals. Their hides were exquisitely patterned. Their tails flicked at pesky insects. Their ears wiggled to catch the sound of danger. Deciding they were in peril, the herd loped off at a long, easy stride on slender legs.

  The lookout for a troop of baboons barked an alarm and the dog-faced creatures hurried into the underbrush while protesting the intrusion. Countless birds that filled treetops with colors, movements, and songs took hasty flight to land elsewhere until safe to return. Monkeys chattered loudly and scampered for cover, from which they observed the passing humans. An unseen lion growled. An elephant trumpeted. Bushes quivered to expose the escapes of frightened critters. Other small beasts scattered before their approach. The party continued their leisurely walk, searching for rhino today.

  “Your Sporting Licence allows each of you to take five big game heads and four zebras, plus smaller eating game,” Jace reminded them. “Make certain you select wisely, as there won’t be a second chance. If we take more than is legal, we’re the same as poachers. Remember the laws and regulations at all times, and keep them.”

  The license had cost twenty-five pounds for twelve months, and each member of their group had one. Yet Leigh didn’t plan to use hers. Hunting for food was all right, or shooting in self-defense, but she did not care to kill for sport. She only wanted to explore this land.

  In a quietened tone, Jace informed and instructed, “The black rhino is a grazer or browser. Usually you find some in the same area with giraffes, and normally in pairs. With luck and from the signs, one is nearby, hopefully a solitary bull. From here on, be quiet and move with caution. If you spook one, he’ll charge. They don’t see will, but their hearing and smell are excellent. You’re only allowed one each because so many have been killed off for their horns.”

  “Why?” Leigh inquired.

  “People in the Middle and Far East believe the rhino has magical and medicinal traits. The Yemen make knife handles from them. One horn fetches thousands of dollars, so poachers love ‘em.”

  “What’s the difference between a black rhino and a white one?”

  “Not color, Chad. It’s the shape of their mouths. Black rhino have hook-lips. They’re prized the most. That’s what you’ll want.”

  At the edge of a clearing, an elephant had stopped to scratch his side on a tree. The rubbing sound seemed loud in the quiet setting. The tree moved, despite its thick size. The bulky animal was mud-splattered to discourage insect attacks. The huge creature shook his head, causing his trunk to sway back and forth. It looked around with gentle eyes, and flapped its oversize ears to cool itself.

  Jace lifted his hand and motioned for caution. “When he stops waving his ears, take care. That means he’s nervous. He can run over you without stopping and crush you flat.”

  Slowly and gingerly they slipped into scrub woodlands. “A rhino always charges in a straight line,” Jace whispered, “so don’t get in front of him. You’ll never escape that deadly horn. I’ve seen men run clear through, then mutilated and trampled. Don’t hurt yourself by running into a thicket to escape or hide; it offers no barrier to him. He’ll crash through thornbushes as if they weren’t there, but you’ll be snagged an
d trapped. At first sight, you’ll think he’s clumsy, but he isn’t. He can stop and turn faster than you can blink. He’s unpredictable and fearless. Even the Masai, who’ll grab a man-eating lion by the tail, fear only the rhino. Do I make myself clear?”

  “More than clear,” Louisa wailed. “I’d rather be in camp.”

  “Just do as I’ve said and you’ll be fine,” Jace coaxed. “This first shot is Chad’s. Reid, you’re backup man. If you both miss, it’s me and Johi. Once we challenge him, somebody has to take him down. Then, the kill has to be marked on somebody’s license. The women will hang back with the bearers this time. They’re all tribal huntsmen and safari trained, so they know what to do. I’ve talked to you plenty for the past few days, so keep in mind what I’ve said.”

  Grasslands loomed before them. Several giraffes roamed near flat-topped acacias, stretching their long necks to feed in the high branches. Near a cluster of thornbushes, Jace pointed to a browsing rhino, a black one. They halted and came to alert.

  The grayish-brown brute was larger than Leigh imagined. An attendant egret and several tick-birds perched on a back that displayed lumps along the spine. His skin reminded her of unskillfully tanned cowhide that was old and crinkled. His flared ears resembled soup bowls. His large nostrils increased in size with each breath of air taken, which was hot and dry today. His small, beady eyes had numerous wrinkles surrounding them. Two horns protruded on his snout. One was short and straight, the other long, thick, and curved. Jace told them it was razor sharp for battling and digging.

  The sky was clear. They were engulfed by a green-and-gold landscape, the area smelling like prairie grass during autumn. Still air was filled with tension and suspense. Chad quivered with anticipation and studied the beast. The three women hung back with several bearers and observed the sight. Jace unslung his weapon, then motioned Chad and Reid forward. Johi followed without a sound.

  The cantankerous animal did not hear or smell them as Jace closed the distance from upwind. The grassy surface smothered the sound of their boots. Birds walked up and down the rhino’s back, pecking at ticks in the heavy skin folds. The birds were also the alarm-givers for the rhino. Jace had revealed—that on sighting or hearing them—the birds would dart upward, give shrill cries, and head toward the hunters as if to reveal their hiding place to their host.

  With his gaze glued ahead, Reid stepped on a rock, causing him to stumble. The carbine was jostled in his grip. Red-billed ox peckers took noisy flight, straight for the men. The rhino’s head jerked upward from his grazing. Unchewed grass hung from his misshapen mouth. His fuzzy-edged ears twitched, and his spread nostrils sniffed the air. It only took a moment for the animal to come to full alert.

  When the rhino jerked his head upward twice and tossed the grass from his mouth, Jace shouted, “He’s on to us. Scatter! At fifty feet, we all fire if he isn’t down. It’s your game, Chad. Keep alert for a mate, Johi. There’s too many tracks here for one.”

  Jace’s voice caught the animal’s attention. It lowered its head and charged in her lover’s direction, determined to gore the man. Leigh screamed, then clamped her hand over her mouth to prevent further distraction. Terror filled her as the beast ran swiftly at her love.

  “Here, you bloody bloke!” Chad yelled.

  The animal came to an immediate standstill, whirled in her guardian’s direction, and charged straightforward. Its pace was fast and menacing. Chad took aim but waited, and waited.

  “Shoot!” Louisa shrieked in panic, but Chad held his fire and stance and ground. “Don’t be a fool. Kill him! Now!”

  The animal came to an abrupt halt, located the noise, and raced toward the women. All except Leigh screamed. The hunter/bearers prepared for the attack. Leigh lifted her weapon and took aim, not realizing her gun was no longer loaded …

  “This way, you monster,” Chad shouted. “You’re mine.” He yelled until he succeeded in attracting the animal’s attention.

  Again, the enormous and strong creature changed directions. At fifty feet, Jace shouted, “Shoot, damn you. Stop playing!”

  That time, the rhino wasn’t distracted and kept up his charge at the handsome earl. Both man and beast were committed to life or death in a moment. The black-haired man fired, just as Jace shot its front leg to halt its lethal intent. Chad’s bullet struck home first, and the beast stumbled and fell, dead near his feet. Chad sent out a whoop of joy, lifting and shaking his gun overhead in victory.

  Jace hurried to him. The men exchanged challenging looks. “That was damn foolish, old friend. Don’t wait so long next time. Another minute and he would have had you on the end of that horn.”

  Chad sent him a broad grin. “No way. You would have taken him down before he reached me. I know what a perfect shot you are. I wanted to get him close. I didn’t want to take a risk of ruining him. What a prize,” he murmured. “Louisa! Come take my picture with him.”

  The redhead rushed forward and flung herself into Chad’s arms. “You scared me to death. I don’t like such sport, Chad. You’re reckless.”

  Laughing, he argued, “I was never in any danger. Was I, Jace?”

  “We’d have gotten him, but it was close. Too close, Chad. I warned you about showing off and being stubborn.”

  “You shot him in the leg to slow him,” Leigh remarked. “You might have saved Chad’s life,” she pointed out to everyone. To make certain she didn’t insult her guardian, she added, “That was mighty brave, Chad. I would have been scared stiff.”

  “It was awfully exciting. My head’s spinning and my heart’s pounding. What a surge! I feel ten years younger.”

  “And I feel twenty years older, my love,” Louisa murmured.

  Chad laughed and said, “It wouldn’t be the first time Jace saved my life, would it? You remember in ‘89 when I riled that native in the Somoan Islands by chasing his girl? I thought she was inviting me into her hut for the night. Her man and his friends started beating me senseless. They dragged me down the beach and tried to drown me in the ocean. I came up spitting dirt and water to find Jace all over them. He had to whip three men to rescue me. Broke his nose. What a fight. Those were some good old days, weren’t they, Jace?”

  “Yep, and you’re still a reckless bastard,” he quipped, grinning at that amusing memory and rubbing the small bump on his nose.

  “But we always won every battle, old chap, and they were fun.”

  “What will we do with him?” Reid asked, motioning to the dead rhino and ceasing the merriment.

  “One of the extra men will take his head downriver to be prepared,” Jace revealed. He called the bearers forward to remove the head, load it on a carrying board, and transport it back to camp.

  A successful hunt completed, they headed back to camp. They reached the area by five o’clock, with plenty of daylight left. As the white men celebrated with wine, the natives sang and danced as they carried the board with rhino head round and round the campfire in a victorious ritual. Everyone watched and enjoyed the ceremony.

  Passing Leigh to fetch a map from his tent, Jace murmured, “You broke rule one today, woman; you screamed. That puts me a point ahead, and you owe me a kiss. I’ll collect when it’s safe.”

  Leigh had strolled around the day after Cynthia’s surprise arrival at her tent, to find no other shelter with a secret escape route. She wanted to know if Jace had used that special tent with other women in the past, or if it had been made just for her. If so, it had been mighty cocky of him.

  Jace spread a map over one table. “We’ll head for the Ambroseli Plains next, then Kajiado, and on to Nairobi and the Aberdare Range. We’ll take the Tana River to the coast, then back to Mombasa. Every visitor should see the Great Rift Valley. After we reach Nairobi, it’ll mostly be sightseeing until we reach the river. There’s plenty of game along its banks. The trek should take about two months.”

  “Sounds great, Jace. This is about the only place in the world we haven’t seen together. You ever thought of going bac
k to Australia?”

  “Nope,” Jace replied, wondering at Chad’s mellow mood.

  “I still remember all those opals our ships picked up there and took to London. We should have invested in one of those mines. It would be worth a fortune today.”

  “You and Jace were in Australia together?” Louisa hinted.

  “Many times. When we were in the Royal Navy, our ship transported convicts to the colonies there, then goods back to England. The scum of mankind, right, Jace?”

  “That’s right. Tasmania was said to be the ideal dumping ground for incorrigible prisoners. Port Arthur was a penal colony, one of the most notorious prisons in the world. Frankly I hated taking even convicts there. They were used like slave labor—if they survived the harsh conditions and brutal treatment. The guards used vicious dogs to hunt down escapees. They had this lookout on a place called Eagle Hawk Neck.”

  “You remember Paddington?” After Jace nodded, Chad informed the others, “It was a legendary slum district in the eighties. The balconies were made from the iron ballasts in ships. You didn’t walk through there alone at night, did you, Jace?” The two men exchanged looks, grinned at a shared reflection, and shook their heads.

  “What are the plans for tomorrow?” Reid asked as he poured everyone more wine.

  “I thought we’d hunt zebra. The following day, if you’d all like, we can visit a Masai village. It’s quite interesting.”

  “That sounds wonderful, Jace,” Leigh said with anticipation.

  “If you don’t mind,” Cynthia said, “Louisa and I would like to rest tomorrow. We aren’t accustomed to so much walking. Then, we’ll be eager and ready to head for that native village.”

  “Doesn’t matter to me,” Chad said in a casual tone. “What about you, Leigh? You coming with us or resting?”