The Twin Test

by Rula Sinara

  It didn’t matter. She was responsible enough to watch the girls until he found someone else. That’s all he needed. So long as she kept the girls safe for the next few weeks, Pippa Harper could think whatever she wanted of him.

  * * *

  PIPPA PROPPED HER feet up on the rattan ottoman, threw a light shawl over her knees and leaned back in the rocker that sat on the front porch of the Busara house.

  The full moon cast shadows on the opposite side of the camp, where the old framed tents she’d grown up in still stood, decades later.

  Her parents, and Kamau—the other vet who ran Busara—and his wife, Niara—Pippa’s mother’s best friend—hadn’t built the house until Pippa was five years old...right after her father had discovered she existed.

  The fact that she still lived here wasn’t all that weird. It wasn’t like there were apartment complexes every block so she could move out—not that she wanted to move away. The year and a half she’d spent traveling had been enough to stretch her wings and make her miss home. At least that’s what she kept telling herself. Maybe if she ever made enough money to invest in herself, she’d be able to build her own cottage nearby. It seemed like a waste of resources, though. There was room here. And whatever money she made, she preferred to donate to her education project or funding wildlife projects, like at Busara.

  A lamp from inside cast just enough light through the nearby window for her to read the book in her lap. The house was quiet; everyone was asleep. The rise and fall of cricket and cicada song lulled her into a dreamy, relaxed zone, perfect for reading. Dark. Breezy. Alone. Perfect for a romantic mystery.

  She opened her book and vanished into the story. It sucked her in. Page after page. The thrill of not knowing...like that first spark of attraction or first crush. Dax’s face flashed in her head and she rubbed at her eyes. Where had that come from? She glanced at the page number and paragraph she’d just read. Nope. She wasn’t falling asleep. She’d read that. It had just been an exhausting day, that’s all. She shifted in her chair and kept reading.

  This was it. The moment of truth. The whodunit. A wild dog howled in the distance, and the brush beyond the elephant pens rustled. Her pulse raced, and she flipped the page.

  “What in the name of thunder? No!” she growled.

  She double-checked the page numbers. It wasn’t a typo. The page was gone. The page with the whodunit. She stretched the binding apart just enough to spy the jagged remains of a torn page. White powder shook onto her lap. White powder. Sugar. A brown smudge stained the following page. Chocolate.

  “They. Did. Not!”

  The twins had torn out the page. Who did that? Who damaged books like that? A rare copy, no less.

  “Those freaking girls. I’m going to—” She grabbed fistfuls of her hair and braced her head against her knees. “I swear they better not have thrown it away.”

  The screen door to the house creaked open and her mother appeared, half-awake.

  “Pippa, what in the world is going on? You’re going to wake up the entire camp.”

  “I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t realize my voice had carried. It’s just these twins I’ve agreed to look after. This whole thing might not be worth it. I’m pretty sure their dad knew they were a handful. He lied to me by omission. Alim tried to warn me. I should have listened.”

  Her mom sat on the corner of the ottoman and put her hand on Pippa’s knee.

  “Since when do you back down from a challenge? You seemed so excited about this at dinner and you haven’t seen them since you left Tabara. Why the change of heart in just a few hours?”

  “They tore my book.”

  “Ooh, that’s bad. Girls their age should know better. You ought to call in first thing and quit.”

  “Just like that?” Pippa sighed and slumped back when Anna smiled. “Am I ever going to outgrow your reverse psychology tactics?”

  “Nope. Because we parents know our kids so well.”

  Just how well does Dax know his daughters?

  “I guess. I just never met a child who would tear up a book. They’re evil little monsters.”

  “A harsh label for girls so young. I love you to pieces, Pippa, but I’m pretty sure a few of my gray hairs were caused by you.” She gave Pippa’s hand a loving squeeze.

  “Just a few?” Pippa tipped her head up and stared at the moon. “I’m sorry I woke you. Go back to bed. I’ll be in in a sec.”

  “Okay. But just remember, Pip, you’re the one in control. This can’t be that different from all the tours you’ve given at camps and lodges in the past. You’re the leader. You make the rules and set the boundaries. Maybe these girls need some. Maybe they need someone like you.”

  “You’re right. I’m the one in control.”

  Her mom nodded as she disappeared through the screen door. Pippa got up, wrapped the shawl around her shoulders and filled her lungs with night air.

  You have them at your mercy, Pippa. Don’t lose it. Use it.

  Civil war history and battle strategies, huh?

  She had a few battle plans herself.

  And if Dax didn’t like her methods, he was on his own.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  DAX CLOSED HIS laptop and hurried to answer the knock on the bungalow door. She was ten minutes late. Even five wouldn’t have been acceptable, but he was desperate and his ride was waiting. And he’d been hoping for a few minutes to go over the schedule and to set things straight...like not being late and not letting Ivy and Fern out of her sight.

  “Girls, I’m getting ready to leave. Come out here.” He cleared the ten feet to the door in three strides, then opened it and stood aside.

  Miss Harper smiled brightly and marched right past him. He glanced at his watch, just as she turned around.

  “Sorry I’m late, but I’m all set to go now,” she said. She was beaming, as if taking care of his daughters was the most exciting thing in her life. Her green eyes sparkled the way Ivy and Fern’s did when they were having fun. They lit the way Sandy’s used to, simply because she loved life and lived each moment like a celebration, even before the diagnosis. He loved his daughters, but their idea of fun was probably not the kind Pippa would appreciate. Unless she was that bored, living out here in the middle of nowhere. “Where are they? I hope they have comfortable shoes. I have the best day planned,” she said, tipping her head at him expectantly.

  She had planned the day? No, no, no. He had the day planned. Just get back in control.

  Dax held up a finger, but she spoke before he could get a word out.

  “You’re standing very still for someone who needs to be somewhere. I’ve got this. You’re already late, so go on. You can leave now.”

  He was late? Well, yes, he was, but only because she had been late first. Was getting Pippa to be on time and follow a schedule going to be that much work? His temples throbbed. He really did need to go. He tugged at his collar and motioned toward the girls’ room.

  “They’re in there. Ivy, Fern! Come on out here a second.” He turned back to Pippa. “About the time—”

  “Oh. Zebras,” she said with a brush of her hand. She helped herself to the view outside the window. Was that supposed to be an expression...like “Oh whatever”? She was so not going to dismiss him that easily.

  “Look, Ms. Harper, I need you to be on time. The girls have to stick to their schedule or they’ll fall behind. You can’t plan their day without reading their lesson plans. As I explained, they’re homeschooled, so you’ve got to stick with my plan. If I can’t count on you, say so now.” From his research, he knew she was trustworthy on the not-a-criminal front, but trustworthy and dependable didn’t always go hand in hand. He needed a nanny who was dependable and punctual. And resilient.

  “Mr. Calder. I can’t control the wild herds.”

  She pulled an elastic out of the pocket of her jeans
and proceeded to gather her wind-blown hair into a semitidy ponytail. A curly strand escaped and fell across her face. She tucked it behind her ear and put her hands on her hips. The curly lock fell back against her cheek.

  “What?”

  “The zebras. I had to wait for them to escape.”

  “Wait a minute. Escape what?”

  “They were being chased by a lion and I wasn’t about to slow them down. I stopped my jeep and waited. I’ll admit, I didn’t just sit there. I mean, who could pass up an opportunity like that to take photographs? But I did drive here as fast as I could once they passed. And they did get away. The zebras, I mean. Not that I want the lion to starve. She probably had cubs to feed. But I certainly didn’t want to witness the kill. You know what I mean?”

  No, he didn’t. But, boy, could she talk. And he kind of wished said lion wasn’t out there hungry. Not with his daughters being escape artists.

  “I don’t know where this zebra crossing happened, but the girls aren’t allowed anywhere near there. I don’t want them in any sort of danger, got it?”

  “You do realize where we are, right? Wild animals aren’t restricted to one area. This isn’t a zoo.”

  “I get enough snark from my kids. I’m fully aware that this isn’t a zoo, which is why maybe you should stick around the lodge, especially for the first day, and see how things go. Look. I’m running late. I have a schedule printed out here,” he said, grabbing the sheet of paper off the small desk and handing it to her. “Also, I’d prefer it if you and the girls didn’t touch any of my paperwork or printed maps. You shouldn’t have to remind the girls. They know my work is off-limits.”

  “Yes, sir,” Pippa said, taking the sheet with a salute. “I’m not a nosy person. Your work stuff is safe from me.” She scanned the schedule. “Is this really how their day is supposed to go?” She scrunched her face at him and held the sheet up?

  “Yes. That’s why it’s called a schedule. I don’t have time to argue. I’m paying you to stick to it, okay? And keep a close eye on them.”

  “It’s the only kind I keep. I’m sure they’ll be fine. They’re not the first kids I’ve worked with, and they seemed so well behaved that I can’t imagine their being any trouble at all. And can I just point out that you’re the one who begged me to watch them?”

  He noticed her gaze shift, and he glanced over his shoulder. The twins were standing behind him looking as innocent as could be. He couldn’t argue in front of them, particularly if the argument was about them.

  “I’ll leave you all to it, then. Ivy. Fern. Be good. Ms. Harper. The schedule.”

  “Yes. The schedule. And please don’t call me Ms. Harper. It makes me sound like a prissy schoolteacher. I prefer to go by Pippa.”

  The girls giggled, and Fern stepped to his side and looped her arm in his.

  “Don’t worry about us, Dad. We’ll listen to Miss Pippa and get all our work done.”

  “Right. Good.”

  He didn’t believe it. But he didn’t have a choice except to leave Pippa to the lions right now. He zipped up the duffel bag that held a spare pair of jeans and a T-shirt, in case he needed them and grabbed his laptop. His hard hat and utility vest were already on-site. He glanced at his watch again.

  “There’s a satellite phone on the desk with the number where I’ll be. See you later,” he said, heading for the door.

  “Oh, wait. One more thing before you leave.” Pippa stepped close to his side and lowered her voice. “How do you tell them apart?”

  * * *

  PIPPA SHUT THE door behind Dax and leaned back against it. Ivy stood with her arms crossed and a smirk on her face. Fern rocked on her heels with her hands clasped behind her.

  She was so going to make them pay for the damage they’d done to her book.

  She smiled.

  “So, girls. Let’s take a look at what you’re supposed to be doing. Um, let’s see, no history today? Did you finish that book you were reading?”

  “Yep,” Ivy said, collapsing into a wicker lounge chair and kicking her feet up on the matching ottoman. “Did you finish yours?”

  Ivy gave her sister a look, but Fern stared boldly at Pippa. Ivy is purple and Fern is green. Right. Boy, was this going to be fun. Not.

  Their dad had her worried there. He did not look happy when she walked in late, and if he fired her before she even started, she’d be out a lot of money. Not to mention the page from her book. Only she wouldn’t be the one really losing out. This was about the kids out there who needed a teacher, not about her or the two kids in front of her who took what they had for granted. She stood as tall as she could.

  “No, I haven’t finished mine yet.” It wasn’t a lie. She hated lies. Lies ruined lives. Lies caused pain. These girls had better tell the truth about the book page. She wasn’t going to let on that she knew about it just yet, though. Nope. Getting mad would only feed their entertainment. “How about starting with social studies?”

  “But we’re supposed to clean our rooms first. That’s what we were doing when you got here, and we’re not quite done,” Fern said.

  “As long as it’s done before your dad gets back, I don’t see a problem with changing things up.”

  “But the schedule says—”

  “The schedule says that you have a social studies paper to write, so I say let’s get the essays done so that we can go do something social. Besides, flexibility is an important lesson when it comes to living in this world. Consider it part of your lesson.”

  Ivy and Fern looked dumbfounded.

  “Do you have kids? Are you married?” Fern asked.

  Pippa’s stomach recoiled and she fought to keep the prickle of self-doubt that still plagued her every so often in check. Almost. She was over it...past it...but the betrayal and heartbreak that had changed her life and all her future plans still had a way of creeping out of the darkness and grabbing her by the ankles.

  Changes. That’s all it was. She was feeling uncertain because this was a new job and it was reminding her subconscious of how grueling changes could be. She stood her ground.

  “No to both questions. Why do you ask?”

  “Because every nanny we’ve ever had was either a spinster type who couldn’t wait to get away at the end of the day, or single and anxious to leave for their dates,” Ivy said. How many nannies had they had? Maybe she was better off not knowing.

  “Wrong,” Fern said. “There was the one who loved being around, but not because of us. She was crushing on Dad.”

  Oh, for crying out loud. She wasn’t crushing on their dad...even though she had to admit he looked really good dressed ruggedly in jeans, a T-shirt and work boots.

  “I assure you, I’m not here because of your dad. He’s not my type.” No one was her type right now. The last thing she needed was another relationship. But it wasn’t hard to read between the lines of what the girls were saying. The twins felt second-best. Boy, did she know that feeling. “Listen, I have things I do other than helping take care of the two of you, but when I’m here, I’m here. You have my undivided attention and I hope I have yours.”

  Their lips twisted and they folded their arms. Interesting.

  “So, you’re going to sit and watch us write essays? Isn’t that boring?” Fern asked.

  “Yeah,” Ivy added. “The nannies we’ve had before usually leave us to do our work...since we’re so responsible and all...and they go get coffee or something. You can go if you want and come back when we’re done.”

  Pippa went over to her bag and pulled out her book.

  “I won’t be the least bit bored. I plan to finish reading this mystery so that I can loan it to your dad. I figured he might want to read it while he watches you guys swim at the pool.”

  “He doesn’t read mysteries. He prefers scientific magazines,” Fern said.

  “Science? I tho
ught he was in business. Those types tend to prefer magazines like Forbes or The Economist.”

  “Um...yeah. Land business,” Ivy said, frowning.

  “Oh. Okay,” Pippa said. That explained his outfit today. Maybe he was a developer or an architect looking to build another safari lodge in the area. The idea of overdeveloping this wilderness made her cringe. They already had enough lodges and camps. She wasn’t going to ask his kids behind his back. It wasn’t right. “Well, if he likes science, this book has a lot of scientific evidence in it. I’m sure he’ll love it.”

  “He’ll never read it,” Fern insisted.

  “Yes, he will. He told me he wants to borrow it.” A huge, massive, unforgivable white lie. “What’s the fun in a book if you can’t share what you’re reading with someone? Like you two, both reading the same history assignment so that you can discuss it.”

  The twins glanced at each other and Ivy nibbled at her bottom lip. At least she seemed to have a conscience. Wait a minute. Dax had told her that Fern was the more timid one. Ivy, purple. Fern, green. Hmm.

  “Grab your assignments and let’s sit at the patio table. It’s too nice of a day to stay in here. We can head out after that.” Pippa waited for them to gather their things and followed them out. The day was warm with a slight breeze that carried the scent of jasmine toward them. A perfect day for daydreaming. She sat and flipped the book open to just enough pages before the missing one to keep them on edge. Twenty minutes later, neither had written as much as a word; they’d merely fidgeted and passed notes. From the corner of her eye, Pippa watched the one she was beginning to suspect was Fern squirming, but Ivy kept nudging her with her elbow and scowling at her to stop.

  “Oh, gosh, this is getting good,” Pippa said, as she flipped another page. She looked up. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud and interrupt your work.” She resumed reading.