by Sewell, Ron
“Three pound, sir,” said a barmaid.
Petros turned and smiled. “Sorry. Too busy talking. Here’s five, put the change in the pot.” He picked up his pint and took a good gulp and paused. “If I agree, you do what I tell you, when I tell you. I’m not offering you a choice.”
She looked straight into his eyes. “The shoe is on the other foot, Mr Kyriades. I will employ you, providing I tag along.”
There was a trace of cruelty in his smile. “Good job I booked two return tickets to Benghazi. We leave from Heathrow at two tomorrow afternoon. I’ve included the fares on your bill.”
Her face tensed as she raised her hand to strike him. “You bastard.”
He grabbed her wrist and twisted. “You do that once.”
Eva rubbed her wrist. No one could stop her. In less than a week the Fifth Reich would have the bulk of finance it needed to commence the storm which would race across Europe. “Go home, Mr Kyriades, I will meet you tomorrow at midday. Don’t be late.”
Petros hurried to Bow tube station eager to get home. On the way, he texted Bear advising of his flight number to Benghazi. Was he wrong to let her come or should he have tried harder. He shrugged, she had been determined.
***
Eva let her eyes wander around the bar until they stopped at a man staring at her. She beamed a smile certain to boil ice. Her intent obvious.
“Hi,” said the man.
She turned, ensuring her body brushed against his. “You took your time.”
”You were with your boyfriend or is he your husband?”
“My business partner and I’m not married,” she said with a slight irritation in her voice. “He’s gone home to his wife.”
“So what are we going to do?” asked the tall, smartly dressed, brown-haired man. His beard thick and dark.
She pulled a face. “I don’t do anything with strange men.”
“Peter Jones. Just call me Pete and I love the company of attractive foreign women. Fancy something stronger than lager?”
She went quiet, then another smile to tease. “Why not? A Bloody Mary with a double shot of vodka.”
Five drinks later, they tottered along a street filled with Victorian terrace houses. He pointed. “This used to be one house in the fifties. I own the garden flat.”
As he closed the door, she let go of his arm. “Where’s the bedroom?”
“First right.”
Without hesitating she walked into the bedroom and stripped.
He removed his clothes almost as quickly.
“Don’t stand there.” She moved towards him and pressed against his firm body
He ran his hands over her smooth skin, grabbed her backside, lifted and in one movement, they tumbled onto the bed.
She reached for him and found him ready.
Late in the evening she left the sleeping Peter and returned to her flat. Her alarm woke her and naked, she slid out of her bed. She felt sore but considered the two orgasms satisfactory for casual sex.
Her mobile rang, she grabbed it from the bedside cabinet. “Ya.”
“Petros Kyriades. I’m making sure you’re on time for our flight. I assume you’re packed and ready to go. Leave your mobile, laptop, or any other devices at home. You won’t be contacting anybody while we’re away.”
“You’re an insufferable bastard, Kyriades. Get lost and I’ll see you at the check-in desk.” She ended the call.
She sat on the edge of the bed, unplugged her mobile from its charger and slid it into a pocket inside her case. “Mr Kyriades,” she muttered, “you have a lot to learn.” She picked up a pay-as-you-go mobile, punched the memory button, and left a message with an answering service. “Be home in a few days. Look forward to seeing you.”
She entered the bathroom, turned on the shower and adjusted the temperature to cold. Twenty minutes later, dressed and ready to go she inspected the flat. Satisfied nothing of any importance remained, she made her way to Heathrow where she discarded the Tesco mobile into a rubbish bin prior to entering the terminal.
***
John Soames finished reading his paper and watched Eva leave. She wore little make up and her clothing was more suitable for a warmer climate than London. At a leisurely pace, she strolled to the end of the road and flagged a taxi. The moment it disappeared, he opened the main door to her flat and began his search. He smiled as he left.
***
Two hours after their plane landed, Petros and Eva strolled across the public space of Benghazi airport. Armed customs officials searched each of their bags. Petros saw many in European clothes whisked away. Once inside the main terminal, they found an empty seat, sat and waited.
Amadou arrived carrying a small duffel bag. Soon all three were seated and strapped inside the air-conditioned Cessna waiting for clearance.
“Roger,” said the pilot as he increased the power. With the brake released the craft roared along the runway, lifted, and soared into the air.
“Where exactly are we going?” asked Eva.
“The end of the world. A land filled with nothing but sand and rock.”
“And that’s where the diamonds are?” she whispered into his ear.
“Of course,” he said instinctively.
She sat back and stared out of the window. Soon she would be part of a world-changing project and the power behind Europe’s new leader.
Petros sat thinking, not enjoying the journey.
Amadou, who sat next to the pilot, turned in his seat, his dark eyes studying their faces. “Why so quiet?”
“I’m tired,” said Eva. The way Amadou stared, the air of informality disturbed her. What did he want?
“I’ll be glad when we land,” said Petros. “I hate flying, especially in small planes.”
“Safe as houses,” interrupted the pilot.
“Houses are on the ground where I prefer to be. If God wanted me to fly, I’d have been born with wings.”
“A couple of hours and you can relax,” said Amadou. “I am informed that Bear, with the assistance of Zero Zogby, has completed the necessary arrangements for travel and two nights in the desert. As I don’t know the destination, I’ve made the assumption that’s sufficient.”
“Don’t worry. I know the destination and so will you when we get there.”
Amadou laughed. “In the desert I always worry. Time has changed nothing down there. Make a mistake and you die.”
“Then we must not make any mistakes,” said Eva.
“You,” said Amadou pointing at Eva, “will need to dress correctly. You must cover your upper arms, legs, and at all times, your head. I will find you a long gown to cover your western clothes when we arrive.”
Eva narrowed her eyes. “And if I choose not to?”
“You stay in your tent. I don’t care but some of the locals might throw a few stones at you.”
“There’s Waw al Kibir. The arsehole of the world,” said the pilot.
Through the cockpit window, they could see in the distance an oasis. Numerous white buildings with flat roofs bordered the one street. Palms gave shade and the waters of a small lake glistened.
“The lake is its one saving grace. Out here water is worth more than gold.”
Petros’ hands gripped the armrests as the pilot reduced power. The Cessna banked and descended as it lined up the runway.
The wheels touched the ground with the slightest of bumps as they landed and taxied to the drop off point. “When do you want a return flight?”
“I’ll let you know,” said Petros.
They alighted from the plane, completed the paperwork, along with the standard envelope, which deftly vanished into the man’s pocket.
Outside, the ground appeared to vibrate from the heat. Petros turned and shaded his eyes against the sun when he heard a young voice. “Mr Petros,” A smile filled his face when he saw Bear, Akeem and a boy. Both men dressed in the Bedouin clothes purchased in Chad.
Bear laughed. ”These clothes and ZZ get you eve
rything you need. Come, our vehicles are not far.” Bear handed over a set of keys. “Transport for you and Eva. The rest of us travel in my car.” He noticed the expression on his friend’s face. “I’ll tell you later. For the moment follow me.”
Petros dumped their luggage in the rear, jumped into the Toyota Land Cruiser’s driver’s seat and opened the passenger door for Eva. She clambered in as he started the engine and followed Bear’s dust trail until they reached the camp. He jumped out. “Is this home?”
Bear grabbed his arm. “Walk with me and I’ll give you the guided tour.”
Akeem sauntered up to Eva. “I’m Akeem. Your accommodation is separate. Let me show you. Clean water for you to freshen up after your long journey.”
“Where are those two going?” she asked.
“If I knew I would tell you. Come.”
Eva was aware she could do nothing but follow Akeem.
A short distance away from the tent and surrounded by palms, Bear stopped. “Every bit of kit we need is in my vehicle. Yours carries the spare fuel, water, tents and shovels if we have to dig ourselves out of the sand. How far are we travelling?”
“Four-hundred kilometres, give or take. Most will be on what my map shows as a road but I’m not counting on the terrain being easy. We drive all day until we arrive at what I hope is the location of the diamonds. If I’m wrong, it’s been a wasted journey.”
“You wrong. That’ll be a first.”
Petros shrugged. “Expensive.”
“Let’s get back. ZZ has arranged a celebration feast for us tonight. Once we leave its starvation rations as far as I’m concerned.”
Petros followed Bear back to the car from where he retrieved his luggage. He pushed his way through the flap and into the tent.”
“Shoes off,” said Bear, “Or ZZ will give you a hard time. Your bed is the one in the far corner. The bathroom’s outside. When you’re ready I’ll show you.”
***
The team, bathed and refreshed, gathered in a half circle outside the men’s tent. ZZ arrived with logs, kindling and built a roaring fire. Over the white hot embers, he placed a spit on which he secured the carcass of a sheep. To one side a pot filled with rice warmed on the coals.
Petros, his team and Eva, dressed correctly, sat close enough to the fire for warmth. At sunset, ZZ served tea as the stars came out and the air chilled. For over an hour, they chatted, the smell of the meat tantalizing as it drifted on the breeze.
ZZ plunged a dagger into the carcass several times before he declared the beast cooked. With assistance from Amadou, they covered a large metal platter with rice and placed the cooked carcass on top. This they positioned in front of Petros and Bear. The others formed a semi-circle on both sides.
“In the desert this feast is usually eaten with your bare hand but as you are Europeans, we supply knives. Remember eat with your right, not the left. Please enjoy.”
Amadou and ZZ carved chunks of meat and began to eat. The others followed their example. A chunk of meat and a handful of rice until any thought of eating more vanished.
ZZ then produced a basket full of truffles the size of large potatoes and roasted them on the embers. When cooked, he wiped them free of soot and handed them to the others. More tea followed.
“That was fabulous, ZZ. Remind me to give you a bonus,” said Petros
ZZ grinned as he cleared away the leftovers.
“It’s a shame to see good food wasted,” said Petros.
“It will not be,” said Akeem. “ZZ will give it to those in the village who have not eaten today. Not everyone in Libya is privileged although we pray things will change.”
“Time for bed but first a dump,” said Bear.
“You’re certainly full of it,” said Petros.
ZZ escorted Eva to her single tent and made his bed on the sand at the entrance.
Chapter Fourteen
“Wake up, Mr Petros,” whispered ZZ as he shook his shoulder.
He stirred, opened his eyes and checked his watch. “Do you know what time it is?”
“Mr Petros, my friend in the village told me men from Germany are on their way. He’s waiting to speak to you.”
With one swift movement he swept the blankets to one side and followed ZZ. A boy of similar age and build stood at the entrance.
“Does he speak English, ZZ?”
“I do,” said the boy with indignation.
How do you know these people are coming?” said Petros.
“My father’s cell-phone woke him and he spoke for a long time. Four Germans have hired his two Land Rovers. He is to have them ready when they arrive.”
“Did he tell you the time?”
The boy shook his head. “No plane can land in the dark. We have no lights.”
“Three hours to sunrise.” Petros went into the tent returning one minute later and handed the boy an American twenty dollar note.
“Thank you.”
ZZ shouted at the boy who became instantly subservient.
“What did you say?” said Petros.
“I told him to keep silent or I’ll cut his man-hood from his puny body.”
“ZZ, wake the woman and tell her we’re leaving.” He watched as the boy scurried away shouting Eva’s name.
He entered the tent to find the others getting dressed. “Bear, we’re out of here.”
Bear, Akeem, Amadou and ZZ strolled to the Toyota with their rucksacks and dumped them in the back. In turn, they cleaned teeth and splashed warm water over their faces.
Petros made sure Eva was up and ready.
“Why are we leaving this early?” she asked.
“With an early start we can be in position to make camp in daylight and return tomorrow. The sooner we’re back the better.”
His answer appeared to satisfy her as she picked up her possessions and walked over to the other Toyota.
Petros operated his hand-held sat-nav by double-checking it with Bear’s. “Right, Bear. Lead and I’ll be on your left. If either of us become stuck, everyone digs.”
Bear saluted and ducked as Petros’ right hand struck fresh air. “Yes, boss.”
A thick cloud of dust rose into the air behind Bear’s Toyota as he drove through the camp and onto the track. With a grin, he let his gaze fall on the distant horizon. The land was bare except for the odd dead plant that somehow had grown and died in this parched land. The Toyota traversed the half road with ease at eighty kilometres per hour. On the hour, both cars stopped, checked their position and marked the map. The driving became easier as the sun peaked over the horizon casting long shadows across the landscape. Now and then, the road vanished under drifting sand.
Three hours later, they crossed a tarmacadamed road referred to on their map as the B6. Bear hit the brakes and broadsided before coming to a halt. While stopped they filled both vehicles’ diesel tanks. In the cool of the fresh morning air everyone drank their fill of water.
Petros stared at the emptiness. By midday hell’s kitchen might be cool in comparison. He glanced at the sky without a hint of cloud and muttered, “Bear, we follow this road until seven o’clock. Another hundred kilometres should do it.”
“No probs.” Bear called to the others. “Time to lift and shift. Break’s over.”
“What’s with this seven o’clock business?” said Akeem.
“19.00 degrees, line of longitude,” said Bear. “What we are searching for is due south on that line.”
“How are you aware of this?” said Amadou.
Bear chuckled. “In the war this cave was used as a fuel and water dump for a special long range desert group. The leader of those men told Petros.”
Once again, the two vehicles motored over the rugged terrain. At first, they made good time but more often than not drifting sand covered the road for five to ten kilometres. The Toyotas proved their worth as they travelled off-road on a compass course of 160 degrees.
“Akeem,” said Bear, “check our position with the sat-nav after s
eventy kilometres. If we’re close tell me.”
When half an hour elapsed, Akeem confirmed their position. “I reckon another thirty minutes.”
“Recheck in fifteen,” said Bear. “From what I can see it’s going to get bumpy.”
The rock-covered desert slowed progress as they negotiated the smaller stones and drove around the larger boulders.
“Not far now,” said Akeem after another thirty minutes
. “At least we can see the mountains,” said Bear.
“Which means they are huge,” said Amadou. “They have a greenish tint from this distance.”
The Toyota tilted at an obscene angle, bounced and continued on its course.
“Sorry about that folks.”
One uncomfortable hour later, they left the rock-strewn desert and began their climb into the low hills in front of the mountains. When the baked sand levelled out, Bear stopped the Land Cruiser. “My arse has gone to sleep. I need a walk to restore circulation.”
“I believe we are members of the same club,” said Akeem, massaging his backside. “ZZ, make the tea.”
Petros parked alongside the other vehicle, switched off the engine and jumped out.
In minutes, ZZ erected and lit the camping stove and waited for the water to boil. When ready he served the tea without milk or sugar in tin mugs. Everyone sipped the hot liquid in silence.
Petros checked their position on his sat-nav and frowned.
“You don’t seem to be happy,” said Bear.
“It’s taking much longer than we planned. We still have seventy kilometres to cover.”
Bear shielded his eyes. “Should be a straight run from here to the mountains.”
“Sea of sand,” said Petros. “The sand covers everything. But we could be lucky.” He turned. “Drink up, we’re leaving. Bear, you continue to lead. I’ll follow in your tracks. ZZ do you recognize this area?”
“No good, Mr Petros. Drive slow and easy. Reduce the pressure in the tyres. The rocks are there, concealed under the sand.”