The Killing Grounds

by Jack Ford

  ‘And?’

  ‘And, Condor Atlantic Mines, owned as we know by Nadbury Electronics, applied for and was granted mining research permits, as well as mining licenses, for that same large area of land which the locals were afraid of.’

  ‘Which happens to be the land Bemba got them to sign over in these so called exchanges.’

  Cooper nodded. ‘They’ve got it all locked down.’

  ‘But Thomas, one thing I don’t understand is, how come Bemba and Charles didn’t get ill if they were around the fleas?’

  ‘When I spoke to Eddie about the fleas he said not only does it depend on your immune system, there’s a possibility that the disease the fleas are carrying is easily cured by basic antibiotics in the early stages. So if they ever had it, or showed any signs of getting it, they could just easily administer antibiotics on themselves. After that they’d be resistant to it. It’s only when you allow the disease to the next stages there’s no going back.’

  ‘So perhaps whatever this disease is, it’s the lack of knowledge which is the biggest danger.’

  ‘Totally. A lot of the diseases in areas like the eastern part of the DRC, where there’s poverty and lack of resources, wouldn’t ever be a problem if the people had access to medicine and proper healthcare.’

  ‘And I guess because they haven’t got proper medical services there, what they’ve done is put all their trust in Bemba.’

  ‘Right. Bemba’s telling them that they’re possessed, rather than the truth which is they’re just ill. And he’s done it by manipulating his position and status within the communities. I’m guessing he told people they were possessed, and so was the land, but for a price he would help rid them of the witchcraft, and knowing that as long as the disease hadn’t progressed too much, the likelihood of the antibiotics working was pretty high. That’s what I think the injection marks were on the woman’s arm. The antibiotics. But I can’t be a hundred percent sure. With people desperate to get well, and rid themselves of the Kindoki, they were willing to give an exchange to the spirit world via Bemba.’

  ‘And Bemba insisted the exchange was their land.’

  ‘Yeah, and even if, like Zola’s grandson, it was too late for the antibiotics to work, it didn’t matter to Bemba because in line with local beliefs, just trying to heal a person demands an exchange. And Bemba was the perfect person because I think not only was he violent and sadistic and power hungry, which we learnt he was from Bill Travis, I think he probably has some real belief in Kindoki himself. So the combination of his psychopathic ways along with his spiritual belief system equates to one hell of a twisted and dangerous mix.’

  Rosedale lit his cigar. ‘And Emmanuel?’

  ‘What I think happened with Emmanuel is he found out something, and so did this Dr. Foster guy. They apparently visited the water treatment plant together before he flew home. I’m not sure why but it’s obvious they both knew something. Emmanuel disappears, I suspect murdered, but all in the name of witchcraft. And if anyone did question or investigate, maybe like Emmanuel did, Bemba would turn the community against them, pronouncing them a witch. The sense of fear is huge, both from the spirit world and Bemba, who totally abused their beliefs and knew exactly how to.’

  Rosedale said. ‘What about this Dr. Foster?’

  ‘Well they’re saying he probably committed suicide, but I very much doubt that. I think it’s got something to do with what he found out.’

  ‘So you think he was murdered?’

  ‘That’s what my hunch is telling me. According to his secretary, Karen, he went to speak to Donald Parker at Nadbury. Maybe the guy realized Dr. Foster knew too much.’

  ‘So he killed him and made it look like suicide.’

  ‘Got it in one… So what do you reckon? It all makes sense, doesn’t it? Can you see how it all fits into place?’

  ‘Couple of questions, Thomas. You think the rats were diseased already?’

  ‘Who knows? But all you need is one diseased rat, take the blood from it and inject it into a healthy rat. The process is effective but simple. But if they’ve been injecting the rats with the disease, or the rats were diseased already, the outcome is the same.’

  ‘And the plane? What’s your take on that?’

  ‘I think it was registered to Emmanuel, not the Lemon water plant or Condor Atlantic Mines, to distance themselves completely from anything. And then like I say he probably found something out which he didn’t like. Then they got rid of him, like they got rid of a lot of people.’

  Rosedale gave Cooper a wry smile. ‘Jesus, next time I think I’m just going to stick to Granger’s orders. Just bring back the goddamn plane.’

  ‘Look, I don’t know how we’re going to do it, but we’ve got to do something, Rosedale. I’ve found out that there’s a connecting flight to Kigali tomorrow evening.’

  Rosedale fell silent. He walked over to the small fridge in the corner, breaking open a bottle of beer. ‘Is that everything?’

  ‘Yeah, I think I covered everything. Can’t think of anything else.’

  Sitting down, Rosedale un-paused the movie. ‘Well, if that’s everything, then close the door on the way out. I’m just getting to the good bit.’

  113

  ‘You expect me to believe all this, Coop? Have you heard what you’re saying?’

  ‘Look, John. You don’t think I know how crazy it sounds? But here’s the thing: it’s true.’

  The two men stood in Woods’s bedroom. A place which guaranteed privacy.

  Woods said, ‘I’m sorry. I can’t take this seriously.’

  ‘You mean you won’t.’

  ‘Coop, you’re tired. There’s a lot of things been happening, it’s…’

  ‘No, don’t you do that. Don’t you make it out that it’s all in my head. Not on this.’

  ‘Coop. Please.’

  ‘Look at me, John. Look at me…! Do you really think there’s nothing in what I’ve just told you?’

  ‘That’s right. I think you’re so desperate to find the answers, you don’t even look at the right sum.’

  ‘Not on this.’

  ‘It’s just too crazy. Using insects as weapons? I know it happens but, come on Coop. You’re talking about a water treatment plant, not Unit 731.’

  ‘So, okay, okay. Forget about that at the moment. Donald Parker and Simon Ballard. You think there’s nothing in that either?’

  ‘It’s the same thing,’ said Woods, his patience running thin. ‘You’re looking for something which isn’t there.’

  ‘That’s not true. Parker and Ballard are intrinsically linked. Why won’t you open your goddamn eyes and see it?’

  ‘Just because… forget it.’

  Cooper strode up to Woods. Inches apart. He put his hand on John’s chest. ‘You already know something, don’t you?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘You do. You’re lying. I can always tell. Look at me.’

  Woods pushed Cooper’s hand off. ‘Who the hell do you think you are?’

  ‘Someone who knows the truth.’

  Woods turned away but Cooper grabbed him, holding his arm tight. ‘You know something don’t you…? Don’t you?’

  ‘Look… Jesus, okay. Okay. I’ve done a bit of digging myself. And I know Donald Parker knew Simon Ballard a long time ago.’

  ‘Bullshit, John! When did today suddenly become a long time ago?’

  ‘Leave it, Coop. Why are you just pushing it? It’s under control. It’s okay. Now step off.’

  Cooper shook his head. ‘It’s okay? What’s okay? That Donald Parker and Simon Ballard are making people ill? That people are dying? That’s okay, is it?’

  ‘You don’t know that!’

  ‘Of course I do. It’s there. Right in front of us.’

  ‘No.’

  ‘How the hell can you just say no?’

  Woods raised his voice. ‘I’ve told you before. I need you to leave it.’

  ‘What? Why…? John, I don’t get it. I brought you
the evidence.’

  ‘What evidence? There is none. This is just you.’

  ‘It’s not just me. Travis confirmed it was Ballard on the photo. He’s out there with Templin-Wright and Parker. How much more evidence do you need?’

  ‘It doesn’t mean Parker’s doing anything wrong.’

  ‘Are you for real? Ballard’s a wanted terrorist. And you’re sitting on this like it’s nothing. Why aren’t you jumping at it?’

  Woods paused. ‘Because I can’t… I’ve got everything riding on Parker. I need him.’

  Cooper’s voice turned into a whisper. ‘What?’

  ‘Oh, God, Coop. I’m breaking every rule in the book by telling you this, but the reforms…’

  ‘Go on.’

  ‘To get them through, I need Parker on side.’

  Cooper stared at Woods then backed away, shaking his head. ‘You’re serious aren’t you? Jesus. You son of a bitch. You goddamn son of a bitch. You know what I’m telling you is the truth, but you’re not going to do anything about it because of some reforms?’

  ‘Coop, listen…’

  ‘Shut up! I can’t believe what I’m hearing. You’re going to allow Ballard to get away with what he’s done and what’s he doing. And Parker. You’re going to allow people to die because of your goddamn gun reforms!’

  Woods’s voice cracked. ‘You hold on a minute. It’s your turn to shut up. People here will die if the reforms don’t go through. Kids. Teenagers. Dying every day from guns, and I have to stop that, I have to. You have no idea what’s it’s like to see and meet the families who’ve lost loved ones because of a bullet. And they’re looking at me to help them, to change things, to make sure that their son, their wife, their daughter, their husband didn’t just die in vain. You gotta see that.’

  ‘All I see is you exchanging one set of problems for another. I also see if you don’t do something about it, John, you’ll have a hell of a lot of people’s blood on your hands. You may be able to live with that, but I can’t.’

  114

  ‘Ladies and Gentleman, Welcome aboard flight 6531. Please pay attention to your flight attendants as we explain to you the emergency features of this aircraft. To fasten your seatbelt, place the metal tip into the buckle and tighten the strap. There are six emergency exits on board, two forward and two in the rear with two additional exits over the wing. In case of loss of cabin pressure…’

  ‘Excuse me, sir?’

  Cooper felt a tap on his shoulder as he sat listening to the air hostess. He turned round and immediately smiled, shaking his head. ‘Rosedale!’

  ‘Well what could I do, Thomas? There’s only so many times a man can watch the same movie.’

  115

  With almost thirty hours of travelling behind them, Cooper and Rosedale finally found themselves on familiar territory. Verdant rolling hillsides, mud-red rivers, impassable roads and rain which felt it would never cease. But for Cooper, this was where he knew he needed to be. This was where he was going to finish what they’d started.

  Pulling up on a mud verge with the windscreen wipers on full speed, Cooper was grateful to step out of the old green Land Rover Defender which they’d hired this time round. A leaking roof, and suspension which had all but disappeared, had made the journey from Kigali even more uncomfortable than usual. But that didn’t matter. All that did was that they were here.

  ‘You want to do the explaining, Thomas? The man seems to like you.’

  Cooper was about to answer Rosedale, but the door to the brick hut opened and Father O’Malley stood in front of him, wearing a black sou’wester which perched on, rather than fitted over, his high afro. He wore a gray waterproof coat and a checked scarf and a look of shock on his face.

  ‘Sorry, Father, we didn’t mean to give you a fright. Can we have a word?’

  ‘Thomas…! Er, it’s good to see you, and Rosedale how are ye? I can’t talk right now, I’m sorry. Just that I’m busy. I… I… I have to go and take a service.’

  ‘At this time of night?’

  Father O’Malley shrugged. ‘What can I say? The Lord never sleeps.’

  Cooper nodded, weighing up what the priest was saying. ‘Right. Okay. I gotcha.’

  O’Malley, who was clearly eager to get off, began to hurry away and waved his goodbyes.

  ‘So it’s good to see you both again. Cheerio!’

  Cooper watched the priest head out into the rainy darkness. ‘That man’s one of the worst liars I’ve ever known.’

  ‘Oh hell yeah. What he’s hiding, I don’t know, but come on before we lose him.’

  *

  Cooper and Rosedale followed and with curiosity watched Father O’Malley walk through the night. The lone shadowed figure of the priest in the darkness, silhouetted by the Congolese moon, stopping and watching and looking around at every sound.

  Cooper whispered as the thick vegetation soaked and wrapped round his legs, as they headed down into the forest. ‘Why do you think he’s keeping off the main roads?’

  ‘Seems to me our Father O’Malley is going to a lot of trouble not to be seen. And it’s just like you said, Thomas, the man’s certainly a liar. We passed the chapel he takes his services in about ten minutes ago.’

  ‘Come on, I think he’s heading for that clearing.’

  Another three hundred yards further, Father O’Malley led them to a steep hill which took them down to a track.

  ‘Look where we are.’ He gestured his head towards the refugee camp, which was on the opposite side of the road.

  ‘Jesus, Thomas, you don’t think he’s connected with Bemba, do you?’

  Cooper didn’t have time to answer before Father O’Malley disappeared behind a group of trees. Cooper followed and scrabbled down, not wanting to lose the trail of the priest. Feeling like a cobra stalking its prey he slunk along and kept his body low behind the sprawling rise of the banana plants, edging forward and past the side of a fallen tree, crawling on his hands and knees to see the priest come back into sight. He couldn’t quite make out what O’Malley was doing but there was no way he wasn’t going to find out.

  Carefully, not wanting to alert the priest to their presence, Cooper crept even nearer. He was puzzled to see Father O’Malley glancing around anxiously as he approached the Commer truck, before lifting up the blue tarpaulin, looking in.

  Turning to Rosedale, who was slightly behind him, Cooper nodded. Gave him the signal. ‘Now! Go!’

  Scrabbling to his feet, Cooper ran down the hill. Swivelling and turning as he drew his gun out at arm’s length and charged towards the truck, throwing himself quietly against it.

  Then still.

  Frozen.

  He listened.

  Strained to hear anything other than the noise of the rain hitting down on the tarpaulin and the steel of the vehicle. He crouched down. Bent his head underneath the truck to see the priest’s legs on the other side. Checking to see no-one else had joined him.

  And giving Rosedale the thumbs up, he ran round the other side. At which point he took the priest by surprise. Grabbed him by the collar of his waterproof coat and pounded him up against the truck. Gripped O’Malley’s arm and pulled it hard and twisted it behind his back, pressing him forward into the side of the truck.

  He jammed his gun into the priest’s cheek, whispering dangerously.

  ‘Don’t say a word Father, not a sound. I won’t hesitate to pull the trigger if you try to alert anyone else.’

  Father O’Malley’s body was shaking. ‘No, you don’t understand, Thomas, there is no-one else. It’s just me… it’s just me on me own.’

  ‘And I’m supposed to believe that, am I?’

  ‘It’s the truth. I swear on the good book.’

  Cooper licked his lips, tasting the rain water on them. ‘But the problem we’ve got here is you told me something before, told me you were off to take a service only it turned out to be a lie.’

  ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t know what else to say.’

 
Cooper pushed harder against the gun. ‘Maybe the truth. That’d be a good place to start.’

  ‘I can’t… I can’t.’

  ‘I think that’s where you and I will differ. I reckon you can, and once you hear the sound of the trigger on this gun being drawn back, maybe you’ll realize how much and how quick you can.’

  Rosedale leant in, pressing his face against the truck, to be in line with the priest’s. ‘I’d listen to him Father, Thomas here ain’t one to say something he don’t mean. And this boy’s mad. He’s mad as hell.’

  Father O’Malley’s eyes were wide with terror. ‘Okay… okay, but please, Thomas, put that thing down.’

  ‘I don’t think so, Father, it serves as a nice reminder… So just tell me exactly what it is you’re doing here, and why you told us you were on your way to a church when it’s clear that’s a downright lie.’

  Father O’Malley blurted out the words. ‘Bemba. It’s Bemba.’

  Cooper shook his head and looked at Rosedale. ‘I knew it. But you know you had me taken in there. You had me thinking you were a good man when all along you’ve been in on Bemba and Lemon’s sick games. Abusing the people’s trust and faith. Shame on you, Father. Shame on you… So come on, O’Malley, what was in it for you?’

  ‘No… no, you’ve got it wrong!’

  ‘Have I? I don’t think so. Tell me one good reason I shouldn’t pull this trigger.’

  ‘Because I’m telling the truth, and I can prove it.’

  ‘How.’

  ‘Just come with me, and let me show you.’

  116

  ‘Any luck?’ Maddie stood behind Levi, hoping and waiting for him to get through to Cooper and Rosedale. She hadn’t heard anything and even though she didn’t want to – really didn’t want to – she couldn’t help but worry.

  Levi shook his head. ‘No, nothing. I’m pulling a blank on both their cells and GPS phones. But that will probably change in a day or so. The weather reports for East DRC are really bad. Heavy rain. So I guess once that’s passed, it should be alright.’