by Kira Blakely
“Friend?”
“Remember when I said I’d heard so much about you. Surely, you don’t think Nathan was the one who told me. He never tells me anything. It’s Jack who did. He never told me you could cause trouble, though.” Edgar gives a disapproving click of his tongue. “You should have just stayed in America. At the very least, you should have stayed at your lodge and waited for Nathan to fuck you. What will he say when he finds you gone? He’ll be devastated for sure. Not that I care.”
I shudder at the word gone, but then, I realize something.
Edgar doesn’t know Nathan and I fought. He doesn’t know I accused Nathan of murdering my brother and getting involved in the trade of poached wildlife goods.
And Nathan doesn’t know I’m here.
Nathan has nothing to do with my abduction.
Or any of this.
American. Tall with brown hair from Landers Innovations.
The pieces of the puzzle fall into place.
I glare at Edgar. “You’re the one who’s dealing with the poachers, aren’t you? You’re the one who’s dabbling in the trade of rhino horns and elephant tusks.”
“Well, it is a lucrative business. And Nathan doesn’t pay me enough.”
“Nathan doesn’t know, does he?”
And to think I accused him. No wonder he looked so offended.
What have I done?
Edgar shakes his head. “Just as I feared, you know too much. You know what that means? We’ll have to kill you.”
“You promised not to hurt her,” Jack finally says.
So, he does recognize me. And he still cares about me. But why is Jack with Edgar?
“We can’t very well let her go,” Edgar says. “If this whole thing blows up, I’m not the only one who’ll suffer the consequences. Or have you forgotten we’re partners?”
Partners. So, they really are working together. But why? Why would Jack work with someone who’s trying to kill off rhinos and elephants? It doesn’t make sense.
Then again, pretending to be dead doesn’t make sense, either.
I have a feeling there’s something more complicated going on, but I don’t ask. With Edgar around, I have a feeling Jack won’t tell me anyway.
“I have an idea,” Jack says. “We’ll let her go.”
“What?” Edgar’s eyebrows crease. “Didn’t I just say—?”
“We’ll set her loose out there in the savanna,” Jack continues, glancing at me. “Tonight.”
Wait. What? Has he forgotten what animals are out there? That’s practically a death sentence.
Edgar seems to think so, too, because his thick lips curl into a grin. “I like that idea. It seems fun. Let’s do it.”
No. I look at Jack, trying to plead with him to do something, trying to understand what he’s thinking.
Unbelievable. And to think I looked up to him all these years, that I fell apart when I thought he had died.
Is it possible I never truly knew my brother?
“Your brother died a long time ago.” Edgar is the one who answers, patting Jack on the shoulder. “This man here is a ghost.”
He’s right. I don’t recognize this man.
Edgar smirks. “Sorry, princess, but there’s no one to save you now. Not your beloved brother or your precious boyfriend.”
I glare at him as I struggle against the rope around my wrist, wanting to strangle him.
He chuckles, the sound as detestable as nails scratching a chalkboard. “If I were you, I’d save my energy. It’s going to be a rough night.”
***
Hours later, the guy in tattoos gets me out of the hut, loading me on the back of a jeep. Jack is in the driver’s seat, completely ignoring me. Edgar is in the passenger seat.
The drive is quiet and long.
They’re looking for the perfect place to drop me. Meaning the place where I’m most likely to end up getting eaten.
The jeep stops, and I’m shoved off, given only a bottle of water.
I look at it. “Really?”
“You’re not going on a safari, are you?” Edgar asks. “That’s all you need.”
I frown then look at the camera the tattooed guy is still wearing around his neck like a medal.
“Can I at least have my camera back?”
Edgar touches his chin. “Hmm. Why should I?”
“It will help make her death look accidental,” Jack tells him.
Thanks, Jack.
“Fine,” Edgar says. “Give it back.”
The tattooed man frowns but obeys.
“It’s not like your camera is going to be of any use,” Edgar tells me. “Besides, I’ve removed the card.”
Not of any use? Maybe he’s right. But I still feel better with my camera.
And I’d rather die with my camera than without it.
“You should be thrilled,” Edgar goes on. “Jack here told me you love animals, so being eaten by one will be a great way for you to go.”
His every word disgusts me.
He’s right about one thing, though. I love animals. I know all about them. I’d rather deal with them than despicable humans. Who knows? I may even have a higher chance of surviving them.
Wait. Is that why Jack suggested this instead?
I try to catch his gaze, but he doesn’t look me in the eye, looking at the steering wheel as he murmurs, “Goodbye.”
Edgar is the one looking at me, a wide grin on his face. “It was nice knowing you, though sadly, this is where we part ways. Don’t worry about Nathan. I’m sure he’ll find another woman to comfort him.”
He laughs, the sound lingering in the air as the jeep drives off.
My hands clench into fists at my side.
I’m going to make that asshole pay.
But first, I must survive.
I look up. Thankfully, the moon is bright and almost full so I can make out my surroundings.
Although that also means the other animals can see me better.
Calm down, Sam. You can do this.
I take a deep breath. If I panic, I’m already dead. I have to stay calm and keep my head clear and my senses sharp.
Think, Sam.
That is my advantage — my brains. I’m the smartest creature in this savanna. If I remember all I know, if I can think clearly and quickly, I’ll be able to survive.
I will survive.
My brother believes I can. So, I will.
I look around. A wide, open space. Only a few trees dotting the landscape.
Good. I may have a better chance of surviving here than in the jungle, though I have to be wary of rhinos and hyenas because I can’t easily climb a tree.
I look to my right, hearing the sound of running water. A river.
I have to go further inland. I don’t want to run into hippos or crocodiles.
I walk slowly, quietly, carefully, keeping an eye out for snakes and for a long stick that I can use as a weapon in case a snake does come after me.
I find one, pick it up, and keep walking. I don’t run. Running will only make the predators think I’m interesting prey.
When I get tired, I rest behind a termite mound.
I’m feeling a little sleepy, but I don’t want to sleep. I don’t want to risk being bitten by a snake or eaten by a leopard.
Thankfully, I haven’t seen any of those. I see a few baboons, zebras and antelopes in the distance, but none of them seem to be interested in me.
Lucky.
Or did Jack drop me off here on purpose, knowing I would be safe?
Suddenly, my lucky streak breaks as a pair of gleaming eyes stare at me from a few feet away.
A lion.
A real lion.
I freeze.
Not on purpose, though it’s the right thing to do.
Keep very still, Sam.
The lion stares at me. I stare back.
He starts moving toward me. I stay still, holding my breath.
Please don’t eat me. Please…
&
nbsp; He stops right in front of me as I hear a vehicle approaching. He dashes off, and I turn my head. At first, I can’t see who’s in the vehicle because of the glaring headlights but when I do, I clasp my hands over my mouth in disbelief.
Chapter SEVENTEEN
Silverbacks
“Nathan!” I put my arms around him as a new wave of relief washes over me.
“Shh.” He puts a finger over his lips. “There are still predators lurking around.”
I nod.
Right. Now that Nathan is here with me, though, I feel completely safe, as if nothing can harm me.
He’s my lion, after all.
“How did you find me?” I ask curiously.
“I placed a tracking device on your camera.” He points to it. “I know you’d never go anywhere without it.”
I look at the device. So, my camera saved my life, after all.
“When it showed that you were in a remote village, I knew you were in trouble. I started looking for you.”
I’m not sure I like the idea of being tracked like some sort of animal, but hey, it just saved my life.
“Thanks,” I tell him. “You know what? You always seem to know just when and where to find me.”
Like that time in the gardens of the Marriott and outside my apartment.
“And I’m sorry for the way I acted earlier. I let my emotions get the better of me. Again.”
“You should only let that happen in bed.”
I pause. Really? He’s thinking about sex at a time like this?
“But it’s fine.”
“No, it’s not,” I say. “Your company has been dragged into some very nasty business. And it’s all Edgar’s fault.”
“I know.”
I blink. “You know?”
“Ever since we came to Africa, I’ve been hearing things. I’ve actually been investigating on my own.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me? Why did you…?”
“I realized things were getting dangerous. That’s why I said I shouldn’t have brought you. That’s why I wanted you to go back home.”
So, there is an explanation, after all.
You’re such a fool, Sam.
“Did you also find out my brother’s alive?”
“He is?” Nathan’s eyes grow wide.
So, he doesn’t know.
“I still don’t know what his reasons are for pretending to be dead or why he’s working with Edgar—”
“He’s working with Edgar?”
I nod. “But I know there are reasons. I want to find out. I want to talk to him.”
“I’ll leave him to you,” Nathan assures me. “As for Edgar, I’ll deal—”
Suddenly, Nathan stops. I do the same, turning my head as I hear a jeep approaching.
The same jeep that brought me here.
It still has the same passengers — Jack, Edgar and the tattooed guy. And it stops right in front of us as Edgar steps out.
“Did someone mention my name?”
I frown. How on earth does he know what Nathan and I were talking about?
Unless…
“Don’t tell me you put a tracking device on me as well.”
“A sophisticated one, I might add,” Edgar says. “The same one we programmed for that wildlife conservation society. I had Dave here put it under your collar earlier while you were unconscious.”
Dave. So that’s his name.
“Unconscious?” Nathan asks, his jaw clenching.
“Didn’t your girlfriend tell you Dave here knocked her out?”
Nathan’s fists clench as well. “You’ll pay for hurting her. And for dragging our company name through the mud.”
“If you live, that is,” Edgar says. “Don’t you want to know why I put a tracking device on her? It’s because I knew you’d come for her. And it’s you I want to get rid of, really.”
He gives a whistle, and Dave charges at Nathan like a gorilla.
No.
Nathan dodges just in time and fights back, throwing a fist at Dave’s jaw. Dave evades it and punches back but Nathan bends, swiping at Dave’s stomach and landing a solid hit.
Right. I forgot Nathan was in the Army.
Still, I’m worried about him as Dave is larger and seemingly stronger.
What if Nathan loses? What if he dies?
Trust me.
I’ve failed to trust Nathan twice before. I’m not going to make the same mistake.
I know he can handle Dave. I know he can. And surely, there must be something I can do, too.
Seeing the gun on Edgar’s belt, I pounce on him. I manage to get the gun and throw it away, but he grabs my shoulders after, pinning me to the ground.
“Why, you little…”
I kick him in the groin and run toward the gun. Just when I almost have it, he catches up to me, pinning me to the ground once more and placing his hands around my neck.
Shit.
“Sam!” Nathan calls out, but he must still be busy fighting off Dave because he doesn’t come to my rescue.
And I’m badly in need of rescue as my throat is getting crushed, my lungs becoming slowly deprived of oxygen. I claw at the ground at my sides and try to reach for something I can use as a weapon. I try to pry his fingers off me. But it’s no use.
Help… me…
Just then, I hear the gun being cocked. Jack has it.
“Let her go,” he orders.
Edgar obeys, getting off me. “Now, now, you’re not going to shoot me after all we’ve been through, are you?”
Jack doesn’t lower the gun. “I’m not going to do as you say anymore.”
“What do you mean?” Edgar steps toward him. “I never asked you to do anything. You’re the one who said you wanted to work with me, remember?”
I don’t believe it. Yet, the look on his face tells me it’s true.
“Jack?”
“I’m sorry, Sam. I—”
He doesn’t finish as Edgar takes advantage of his moment of weakness to try and get the gun from him. They fall to the ground, wrestling, while all I can do is watch and wonder who has the gun.
Then I hear it go off.
Bang!
Jack rolls off Edgar, clutching his belly.
“No!”
I run to his side as Nathan runs toward Edgar to get the gun from him while he is still in shock. From the corner of my eye, I see Dave unconscious.
Nathan’s safe. I’m safe.
But it doesn’t matter. Jack is dying.
“Jack.” I take his hand and press it to my cheek. “Please, don’t leave me. You’ve already left me once. Please…”
“Sam,” he whispers softly. “Listen to me. I’m… sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you.”
I shake my head. Pain? What pain?
The only pain I know is the one I’m feeling in my chest now.
“Jack…”
“You must be… wondering why I did it. It’s because of… love.”
Love?
“And hate. Gwen was killed by a rhino. I… was angry. I… loved her so much. I killed the rhino who killed her. Edgar… saw me. He threatened… to turn me in to the authorities if I didn’t work with him… so I did.”
“Oh, Jack.”
“I’m sorry. Please… forgive me.”
“I forgive you,” I tell him quickly.
“Bury me… beside Gwen, will you? Near our hut. It’s where… I belong.”
I shake my head. “Don’t leave me, Jack.”
“Like you said, I’m already dead.”
“No. I didn’t mean…”
“Shh. Don’t… cry.” He looks into my eyes, each word a gasp, a struggle as he clings to life. “You know… I never… want… to see you… cry.”
A tear trickles down his cheek, then his eyes become blank, his hand growing limp in mine.
“NO!”
I cry harder than I ever have before.
Chapter EIGHTEEN
Away from the Herd
/> It’s been two weeks since Jack died — the worst two weeks of my life.
After giving him a proper burial beside Gwen and handing over Edgar and Dave to the African authorities, Nathan and I came home.
We haven’t spent much time together, though.
I’ve been in mourning. He’s been busy with work and teaching his new VP all the ropes.
Then a few days ago, I decided to get away. You know, sometimes you just have to detach yourself from the rest of the world, to escape all the hustle and bustle and be by yourself.
You have to spend some time away from the herd.
So here I am in the mountains, camping all by myself. After surviving Africa, I’m no longer afraid.
And today, I’m going hiking to the top of the tallest peak. It’s a perfect day for it, too, with the sun shining bright and a gentle breeze blowing.
As I emerge from my tent, I’m already dressed for the climb — hooded jacket and stretchy pants. I put my shoes on and pick up my backpack then grab my climbing stick. All set.
I quickly learn it isn’t easy. I’ve never done it before in spite of loving animals and the outdoors so much. I never thought I’d do it alone, either.
Many times, I stop to catch my breath, sit down and rest my feet or take a few gulps of water. I almost trip a few times, too.
But somehow, I manage. After a few hours, I reach the top.
What they say is right. The view from the top is unlike any other.
It’s spectacular.
Standing there on top of the mountain, looking down at hills, woodlands and meadows, I feel in control of my life.
I feel like I’ve come so far.
Now, all that’s left is to decide where I’m going.
What do I want to do with my life?
Henry’s job offer still stands. Do I take it? Do I work for the Seeker?
After Africa, I’ve come to realize two things.
One, I really like taking pictures of wild animals. In spite of what happened to my brother, in spite of all the mess and the danger, I still love animals. I’d still like to capture them on camera.
Two, I love Nathan.
He’s probably the only thing I love more than I love animals or photography.
I want to be with him. I want to be by his side, to hear his laughter, to see his smile, to feel his arms around me and his lips on mine, to support his dreams and ambitions.