Dangerous Deception - A Short Story

by Anne Patrick

  “Really? May I ask where?”

  “Berkley.” He took a drink of his coffee, his gaze never leaving hers. “Are you familiar with California, Miss Jacobs? It’s a beautiful state.”

  “I’ve been there a few times. It is beautiful. Is that where you first became interested in politics?”

  “I’ve been interested in my country’s future since I was a young boy. Seeing the monopoly of power that has allowed corruption and smuggling to thrive in Dewana makes a person want to do something about it. Surely you can understand that.”

  “Haven’t you done the same thing by using the diamond mines, you now control, to fund your movement?”

  “I suppose we are guilty of this, but it is no different than our government’s attempt to tip the balance of power by employing private security firms or mercenaries, often in exchange for lucrative contracts and mining concessions.”

  True, she thought, but didn’t say as much.

  “Besides, we are striving for a better future for our country, where as those presently in power only wish to pad their pockets.”

  She suspected he wasn’t any different. “It’s been rumored that the RFAGC receives considerable support from the Liberian government. Is this true?”

  “We have many friends who support our cause. To list just one would be biased.”

  “So President Kanneh is a supporter of your movement?”

  His expression hardened as he snuffed out his half-smoked cigar in the ashtray. “I believe I’ve already answered your question, Miss Jacobs.”

  Gwen didn’t press the issue. “What happens if Akua Chidike isn’t released?”

  He picked up his cup and slowly drank from it before answering, “They have until New Year’s Day to figure that out?”

  “So you are intending to invade Lerato again if your demands aren’t met?”

  “That’s correct. And this time we will succeed.”

  “So many people have already died, General.”

  “We are in the midst of war, Miss Jacobs; people are going to die. There are just as many starving to death because of corrupt government officials.”

  Her earlier escort appeared. Leaning over, he whispered something in the general’s ear, then left. “I’m afraid we’re going to have to stop here.”

  “Just one more question, please.”

  “Very well.”

  “If Chidike is released will the bloodshed stop?”

  “The bloodshed will stop when a legitimate, democratic government is in place,” he replied nonchalantly. As if one could simply pick up a telephone and place the order. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I really must be on my way.”

  “Thank you for your time, General.”

  He shook her hand. “My pleasure. It was delightful meeting you, Miss Jacobs.”

  Gwen gathered her backpack and deposited her notes inside. She was in the middle of the nearly deserted cafe when she spotted a Caucasian man reading a newspaper.

  Jack! Had he not stuck out like the inside of an Oreo cookie she may not have noticed. No wonder the general had called an end to their meeting so quickly.

  She paused at his table and peered over the top of the paper. “You almost cost me the most important interview of my career.”

  Jack looked up at her with an intensity she hadn’t seen before. Lowering the paper with one hand, his other grabbed her arm and jerked her into the chair next to him. “Let’s get something straight. I don’t care about your precious career. The only thing that matters to me is your safety and that of the group.”

  She met his glare straight on. “You’re hurting my arm.”

  He loosened is grip, but only slightly. “Have you some sort of death wish or something? Do you have any idea who you just met with?”

  “Of course I do.” She jerked her arm free of him. “And if I may refresh your memory, you agreed to this interview.”

  “That was before I knew you were meeting with Akua Chidike’s senior commander.”

  Her eyes narrowed on him. “How do you know that?”

  “That boss of yours isn’t the only one with powerful connections. I happen to have a few of my own, and from what I’ve gathered General Kabassa is one of the most ruthless in the entire RFAGC. It’s believed he’s personally responsible for hundreds of deaths.”

  “So is the government of Dewana, Jack. And while we’re getting things straight, you can forego the knight-in-shining-armor routine. I’ve been behind enemy lines before to get a story, and it’s not because I have a death wish. A journalist often has to place their life in danger to get the real truth.”

  “What did Kabassa tell you?”

  Gwen looked away, refusing to answer.

  Jack stood, glaring down at her. “Don’t deceive me again, Gwen, or I’ll put you on the next flight out of here.”

  Gwen stared after him, dumbfounded by his threat.

  He paused at the front door and looked back. “Are you coming or not?”

  Though tempted to tell him to buzz off, she considered the likelihood of some of Kabassa’s men hanging around and decided she’d better lick her wounds and follow Jack.

  * * * * *

  Jack peered over at Gwen as she stared out the window of the cab. Her cheeks were still red, warning him she was as mad now as she was in the cafe. He hadn’t meant to be so harsh, but seeing her with that monster had set his blood boiling. She may not have been the one to set up the interview, but she did deceive him by not being completely honest about it.

  She turned her head and caught him looking at her. “What? Why do you keep staring at me? Is there something else you’d like to add to your sermon?”

  “I’m sorry I was so hard on you, Gwen. Just keep in mind your actions here can affect the safety of our entire group.”

  She moved her lips to speak then looked away. But not before he got a glimpse of a sadness he had seen before, a deep hurt that not only came through in her expression but in her eyes. He saw it once when Robbie was talking about the country’s civil war and again yesterday at the hospital.

  The cab stopped in front of the orphanage. Gwen exited the car while he paid the driver. He had to run to catch up to her before she entered the building. “Is there something else you’re not telling me, Gwen?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t know. I just get the feeling that you have more on your agenda here than you’re telling me.”

  She shimmied out of her backpack and held it in one hand. “Look, Jack, I’m sorry about today. I should have told you about Kabassa. It won’t happen again.” She then turned and went inside.

  A nagging doubt settled in the pit of Jack’s stomach. Even worse, he had a feeling today’s events were going to have repercussions that would affect all of them.

  Chapter Seven

  Gwen stared out her bedroom window. A setting sun cast ghostly shadows across the courtyard and busy street below. In the distance, she heard an occasional burst of gunfire. She thought of the report she would be filing soon. Michael had sent her there for only one reason, the interview with General Kabassa. But if she shared with the world what the general told her he was liable to come off as a man with a genuine cause. That simply wasn’t the case. She had talked to enough ex-rebels in Kirabo to know that. The RFAGC may have the right ideology as far as pushing for accountability within the present government, but judging from his answers, they were no different. She didn’t believe for a moment he had no knowledge of the massacre. It was quite possible he was the one who ordered it.

  Just as disturbing was his answer to her final question, and why he agreed to be interviewed in the first place. She had a feeling the two were connected and that she was being used to achieve his goal.

  The sound of children laughing drew her attention to a corner of the yard where a half dozen sat on the ground tossing a ball back and forth between them. The site drew a smile to her lips.

  “I bet they would love for you to join them,” Jack said fro
m directly below her.

  Gwen shook her head. “Can’t. I have a report to file.”

  “So that’s why you skipped dinner? I was afraid you were still sore at me.”

  She smiled. How could she stay mad at this man? He was only looking out for her and the welfare of the group. She considered sharing her suspicions. There was no proof to back them, just her intuition. But what if she was right? “Is there some place where you and I can talk privately?”

  “Sure. I’ll meet you in the library.”

  “All right.”

  Gwen gathered her notes and shoved them under her pillow, then grabbed the satellite phone. After she talked to Jack, she would call Michael. All she had to do was figure out what she was going to tell him.

  The library turned out to be an extra large closet with books lining all four walls. Jack looked up from the only table in the room and motioned to one of the empty chairs. “I took the liberty of bringing you a sandwich. Call it a peace offering.”

  Gwen smiled at his gesture. She sat next to him as he slid the plate toward her. Raising the top slice of homemade bread, she found peanut butter and grape jelly. Her stomach growled in anticipation, prompting a chuckle from Jack.

  “Guess I was hungrier than I thought.”

  “So what did you want to talk to me about?” Jack asked after her first bite.

  She quickly chewed, and accepted the napkin he offered. “I think it would be a good idea if we wrapped up this trip sooner than planned.”

  “Does this have anything to do with your interview today?”

  “It has everything to do with it. Although he didn’t come right out and say it, Kanneh is backing the rebels. They’ll have enough men and firepower to take Lerato this time.”

  “You mean if the peace talks fall through.”

  “I hope I’m wrong, Jack, but I think the peace talks are just a decoy. Kabassa knows as well as we do the government is never going to let Chidike out of prison. He’s using the talks to assemble his men in key strategic points around the country, especially here in Lerato. Haven’t you noticed the gunfire seems to be getting closer to the city?”

  “Yeah, but I was hoping I was paranoid. How much time do you think we have?”

  “He said New Year’s Day.”

  “Do you believe him?”

  She shrugged her shoulder. “One thing I do know is he wants the world to think his cause is legitimate. The only reason that would matter to him is if he was planning a coup.”

  “That’s why he met with you, to gain your support.”

  She nodded as she took another bite of her sandwich.

  “Why didn’t you tell me any of this earlier?”

  “Because I was too mad.” She smiled at him. “And it took me awhile to figure out what he was doing.”

  “If you give this report you’re playing right into his hands.”

  “And I would be placing all of us in danger. Kabassa and his men aren’t the only ones responsible for the atrocities that have taken place during this civil war.”

  “Are you saying the police and military are?”

  “No, mercenaries brought in by them.”

  “The general told you that?”

  “He didn’t have to.” She took the last bite of her sandwich and pushed back the plate. “When Michael and I were in Liberia last year, we spoke to many ex-RFAGC members who saw death camps where these guys took suspected rebels and tortured them. Even mimicking abuse dealt by the RFAGC, so they would be blamed.”

  “Is that going in your report too?”

  The disappointment in his voice wore on her already active conscience. “I’m not the enemy here, Jack.”

  “True. But that information, along with what the general told you today, will only add to an already volatile situation.”

  “Don’t you think I know that?” Pushing away from the table, Gwen stood. She didn’t want any more blood on her hands, but what was she supposed to do? Either way, they could all be in danger.

  “I know someone at the embassy you could talk to.”

  “The source you mention earlier?”

  He nodded. “Craig Whittmier. I met him on my first trip here. He’s resourceful and I trust him.”

  Gwen considered his suggestion. Whether or not she filed her story on Kabassa, the government needed to be warned of the possible coup. “I guess I could stall Michael and just go with the humanitarian article for the time being. He won’t be happy, though.”

  Jack smiled at her. “I’ll talk to Tom and then phone Craig.” He stood and closed the distance between them.

  Gwen’s heart leaped in her chest at the gentle touch of his hand on her cheek. His gaze locked on her for what seemed an eternity before his lips found hers. Matching his momentum, she kissed him back with fervor. The tingling in her stomach evolved into a throb that swept away all conscious thought or reasoning.

  “I knew I wasn’t wrong about you.” The rush of his hot breath against her ear left her speechless. He then turned and left the room.

  * * * * *

  Gwen continued to think about Jack’s kiss well into the phone call she placed to Michael. It was frightening how one kiss could leave her so powerless. Yet it seemed so natural—so right.

  “What do you mean, the article’s not ready?” Michael’s angry voice shattered the image. “That’s why I sent you there, Gwen. Your interview with Kabassa is my lead story tomorrow.”

  “I know, Michael, and I’m sorry. I want to check out a couple of facts before I file it, though.” She did her best to sound convincing and hoped he bought it.

  “I spent a small fortune arranging that interview, Gwen. You know you’re the first reporter he’s ever spoken to. Hell, no one’s ever gotten an inside story like this.”

  “You’ll get your story, Michael. I just need some more time to pull it together. I’m not going at this thing half-cocked. Things here are heating up very quickly and I don’t want to give the rebels anymore ammunition that isn’t backed with facts.”

  “All right, fine. I’ll give you three more days. But if I don’t have your story by the end of the weekend, you’re done in this business, Gwen. Do you understand?”

  Gwen fell silent at his threat. Michael may be new at the helm as far as the publishing aspect of the industry, but he had enough clout with the major news agencies he could make it very tough on her to land another assignment. Journalism was all she knew. It was the only thing she was good at.

  “Did you hear me, Gwen?”

  “I heard you, Michael. I’ll get you the story.”

  Chapter Eight

  The following morning the group toured the grounds of the future orphanage and trade school. Jack listened as Robbie spoke of the organization's plans, but his gaze seldom strayed from Gwen. There seemed to be a genuine interest as she jotted down notes and took pictures of the site. He recalled the talk they had last night and her decision not to disclose her meeting with General Kabassa. He didn’t know any journalist who would pass up the opportunity for an exclusive like that. Did she give it up on account of him?

  Jack thought about their kiss. He hadn’t meant for it to happen—at least not consciously—but was glad it had. He knew now without a doubt that his feelings weren’t one-sided. Many doubts had since crept into his mind. What would happen after this trip? Would she be interested in something more tangible than a casual friendship? Was she completely over Michael Garrison?

  Her career he could deal with but he didn’t have a clue about fixing a broken heart. Until now, he was never in such a situation. Sure he had female friends, had gone on lots of dates, but he had never considered actually settling down. He shook his head at the idea. He was getting way ahead of himself here. It was just a kiss for heaven’s sake.

  The smile Gwen tossed him convinced him otherwise, though. He let out a contented sigh and smiled back. He knew great things were going to happen on this trip, but he never counted on falling in love.

  The sound
of squealing brakes drew the attention of the whole group. Jack turned around. Three police cars pulled onto the empty lot and a half dozen uniformed officers walked toward them.

  “This can’t be good,” Robbie said in the background.

  An officer much older than Jack brushed past him. “Gwen Jacobs, we need you to come with us.”

  Everyone started speaking at once, protesting the man’s request. Evelyn wrapped her hand around Gwen’s, shielding her partially with her own body.

  Gwen stood silent, her eyes wide, looking at Jack.

  He moved forward, as did the other officers. “What’s this all about?”

  “The Major wants to talk to her.” The lead officer took hold of Gwen’s right arm and ripped her away from Evelyn.

  Jack leaped forward. Officers on both sides of him prevented him from going any further. “I want to know where you’re taking her. She’s a U.S. citizen. We all are.”

  “She’s the only one of interest to us.” The lead officer stopped in front of Jack. “We’ll return her once the Major is done with her.”

  “You have no right to do this,” Robbie continued to protest. The others circled around him.

  A crowd started to gather along the edge of the lot. One officer radioed for more help while moving toward Robbie and the others with his gun drawn.

  Tears glistened in Gwen’s eyes as she looked at Jack. “I’ll be okay.”

  Jack inched forward despite the brute force tugging at his arms. “Don’t answer any of their questions until I get you an attorney or representation from the embassy.”

  Before she could answer, she was swept away and shoved into the backseat of one of the patrol cars.

  The officers' grip on Jack didn’t relax until the car had disappeared around the corner. He finally jerked free and glared at them. “Where is he taking her?”

  One of them rambled off something in Mende. Jack turned to Tom for translation.

  “To the police station for questioning,” he translated. “She’s in no danger.”

  “Yeah, like I believe that.” Jack took his cell phone from his pocket and dialed the number of his friend at the embassy. “Come on, Craig, pick up.”