by DiAnn Mills
Her pistol was gone, and so was Paul’s hunting knife.
Larson took a deep breath to steady her wobbly knees. I cannot panic. Inside the medicine cabinet were her surgical instruments . . . sharp ones she could use as weapons. In the next instant, she wrapped the instruments in a clean cloth and placed them inside the insulated bag.
Thomas broke into a cry, and she picked him up, along with the bottle that had slipped from his mouth. She sat on the concrete floor and cradled him. Would Santino be able to tolerate a crying baby? He hadn’t said anything before. Think. I have to think. Jesus, help us.
Her greatest fear entered the clinic and bent down beside her. He had her rifle slung over his shoulder. He surely had her pistol and Paul’s knife as well.
“It’s as though he knows Sarah is gone.”
Larson swallowed. “Yes, Santino. I think so.”
“I need to get you out of Warkou. It’s not safe. The soldiers are dead.”
“Where would we go?”
“I have an idea—a place where Muti could not find you.” Santino leaned in closer. “If the villagers tried to hide you, Muti would kill them all. We must go quickly.”
He was right. She had no choice. Enough people had died. Larson stood. “I need ten minutes to gather up a few things.”
“Make it five, and I’ll help.”
“Thank you. I need to leave Paul a note.”
“Only if you can hide it.”
She nodded. What choice did she have?
* * *
A mixture of anxiety and dread simmered inside Paul as though a demon was stirring an evil concoction. He couldn’t fly home fast enough, and yet he must maintain safety standards.
Finally he saw Warkou in the distance as evening shadows fell upon the familiar scenery. He envisioned holding Larson, capturing her blue gaze with unspoken words of his love. Loving Thomas had been easy, and Paul looked forward to holding his son and kissing his face.
A trail of smoke snagged his attention. He peered into the distance. A fire?
Paul flew in closer. Black smoke rose from where the Hummer normally sat. What had happened? None of the villagers were in sight. He willed his heart to stay inside his chest while his stomach twisted. Larson would be there to greet him. He had to believe Santino hadn’t been part of a plot to hurt his wife and son.
Ben’s truck was parked at the other end of the village. Surely he had answers. Had there been a firefight?
After landing the plane, Paul grabbed his pistol and raced toward the clinic. He smelled rubber burning. The wails of far too many people pierced his ears. Not Larson. Not Thomas. Panic thundered throughout his body. Dear God, don’t let it be them.
“Larson. Where are you?”
A man stepped from a tukul, a man whom Paul knew well. “Larson and the baby are not here.”
“Where are they, Gabriel?”
The elderly man placed a hand on Paul’s shoulder. “Terrible explosion happened. Sarah was killed. Santino took your wife and child to safety.”
Sarah is gone? “Do you know where?”
“No. He said to tell us meant that we might be killed too.”
Paul raced toward the clinic. Ben might know where to find his family. He found his friend alone and standing in the middle of an empty clinic.
“Do you know how to find Larson and Thomas?” Paul fought to control the terror snaking its way through his senses.
“I arrived just before I heard your plane circling in for a landing. All I know is the Hummer exploded, and Sarah was killed. One of the villagers said Santino took Larson and Thomas.”
“Why would she leave with him?”
“Maybe she had no choice. My men are dead.”
“She might have left a note.” Paul opened the refrigerator and moved aside the various refrigerated medicines on the second shelf to locate a flat box containing a dozen small boxes of typhoid pills. If she’d left a message for him, it would be taped on the underside of that box. He felt the edges for a piece of paper and nearly shouted when he realized something was there for him. Carefully loosening the tape from the box, he unfolded the note.
Paul,
By now you know Sarah was killed when the Hummer exploded. I’m sure the bomb was meant for me. She had the phone with her when the Hummer went up in flames, so I have no way to contact you. Santino believes the villagers are in danger if I stay, so I’m taking Thomas and leaving with him for a place where he says we’ll be safe. I have no idea where we are going.
I love you.
Larson
Paul handed the note to Ben. While his friend read it, Paul pulled the medicine cabinet keys from the cloth drawer. “The pistol and my knife are gone,” Paul said. “I hope she has them. She kept the rifle locked in the Hummer.”
Ben swore. “If Santino was smart enough to plan all this and deceive us in the process, do you think he’d overlook where the weapons are kept?”
Paul shook his head. “I’m scared, Ben. Santino and Muti must be working together, which means my brother is in on this too.”
Ben headed for the doorway. “They had to leave a trail. Bring a couple of flashlights, and let’s find them. One of the villagers found my men’s bodies. So it’s just you and me. I have more ammo and two rifles in the truck. On the way, I’ll call Okuk for backup, but they’ll be on foot. The other truck won’t start.”
“That is probably what Santino wants us to do.”
Ben turned and frowned. “We’re smarter than he is—or his comrades.”
And we have God on our side.
* * *
Ben knew he had more sense right now than Paul did. The man was thinking with his heart—not his head. And if Ben wasn’t careful, he’d allow his own emotions to overrule his logic. Although night settled quickly around them, Santino and Larson’s trail was easy to follow. Too easy.
Three different people had gotten the best of them: Santino, Muti, and most likely that snake named Nizam. Who else walked a crooked trail?
“We’re walking into a trap,” Paul said. “I can feel it.”
“Me too. But I want to get closer before we divert our steps.”
“Do you have any idea where Santino might have taken her?”
Ben wished he did know. “No. I thought I knew Santino. He did everything he was told. Got along with the rest of the men. I’ve seen him risk his neck when we were in tight situations. I feel like a stupid fool. The man never gave a hint of betrayal.”
“Makes me wonder if there’s a reason why he lied about enrolling in school and about having a job. Do you think we’ve made a mistake, and he’s really taking care of Larson and Thomas?”
“There’s only one way to find out, and that is to find them.”
Already Ben felt the strains of his illness and fatigue. But he’d help Paul find Larson if he died trying.
CHAPTER 31
Larson sat on a fallen log with Thomas in her arms. The thought of a snake crawling up beside her had crossed her mind more than once, but she already had one deadly reptile keeping her company. She had no idea where Santino had led them in the dark, but she thought it was northeast. The night sounds rising around her created a cacophony that pounded in her ears as though preying animals stalked closer. But she was not nearly as afraid of them as she was of Santino.
“I’m going to scout around.” He adjusted the rifle slung over his shoulder—the one he’d stolen from her. “If someone is trailing us, then I want to know who. Please rest as much as you can.”
“I need a weapon while you’re gone.”
“Yes, you do.” He reached inside his shirt and pulled out her 9mm and laid it beside her. “I wish all of this wasn’t necessary, but I couldn’t risk your life.”
She wanted to ask him why he’d stolen her pistol, but angering him made no sense. Just when she wanted to believe he was not a traitor, something else happened. At the present, she was all right. Whatever his plans, surely she’d learn them soon.
&n
bsp; “I’d like to think Paul is following us.” She stared up into his face in hopes of seeing a hint of his true character. Truth meant more to her at this point than speculation. “He’ll have learned what happened and hurried after us.”
“He might have been caught in a firefight. But we’ve walked several miles, and I haven’t heard gunfire.”
She hadn’t either. That was good. Or was she lying to herself? Were her husband and Ben walking into a trap?
“If not for the animals, I’d douse the fire.” Santino sighed. “I’m not sure what is worse, the two-legged or four-legged predators.”
If only I could believe you. “How will I know if you find Paul?” She would not tell Santino that Ben might be with her husband.
“I’ll shout out to you. Otherwise, get free of this clearing.”
She nodded and glanced at her sleeping Thomas. The insulated bag held four full bottles and her surgical instruments. She wouldn’t hesitate to defend herself and her son.
Moments later, Santino disappeared, and she seized the opportunity to check the pistol. Empty. No surprise. She was so tired, sick with worry, and in desperate need to relieve herself. She touched her slightly expanding stomach. Her clothes were starting to feel a bit snug. Would she and her family live beyond the next few hours?
The small fire provided some light and kept the lions and hyenas away. Santino had piled a few branches beside her to dry out and feed the flames. Why did he continue in his attentiveness? Did he enjoy his ruse? Again she wondered if Santino was insane.
Paul, I need you.
You only need Me.
The voice of God whispered, and for the first time since the whole ordeal had begun—the Hummer exploding, Sarah’s death—she sensed an unexplainable peace. She rocked the sleeping Thomas in her arms. The brightly colored scarf holding him against her back while they walked was now wrapped around his tiny body.
The evening had brought cooler temperatures, but the air around her seemed to stifle her breathing. Or perhaps her own emotions threatened to cut off her air supply. She heard a rustling in the trees and caught her breath. Wrapping her fingers tighter around the empty pistol and clutching Thomas close to her breast, she peered in the direction of the sound. The fire had dimmed, but it still cast enough light to silhouette her features. Then again, a lion or hyena didn’t need light to find its prey.
The figure of a man slipped into her view on the left.
* * *
Paul hesitated to call out to Larson until he was certain she and Thomas were alone. Why had Santino disappeared and deserted them? Paul shoved aside his fear of walking into a trap.
She aimed her pistol straight at him. “Don’t move, or you’re a dead man.”
“Habibti, it’s me and Ben.”
Her arm fell limp at her side. She stood from a log with Thomas in her arms and made her way toward him. “Oh, Paul. I thought I’d never see you again.”
He gathered her up into his arms. “I’m here now. How are you?” In the shadows he searched her face to make sure she wasn’t hurt.
“I’m fine, and Thomas is sleeping.” She inhaled deeply and leaned into his embrace. “We have to get away while Santino is out scouting around.”
“Then he has betrayed us.”
“Yes, I have proof. And Sarah knew too.”
“Is he alone?”
“I haven’t seen or heard anyone else.”
“Has he indicated his intentions?”
“Only his commitment to our safety. Every word from his mouth, every breath, professes his concern for me.”
“I don’t understand him, but all indications prove his treachery.”
Ben stepped into the clearing. “I hope we’re wrong. But I think the truth is about to surface. What went on this afternoon with the Hummer—”
“And Sarah.” She nearly choked on the words, and Paul tightened his hold on her.
“I’m sorry, Larson.” Exhaustion tipped Ben’s words. “I complained about her, but she was a strong woman who did have my respect.”
“Someone went to a lot of trouble to blow up the Hummer with the idea I’d be the one to open the door. Now that I’ve escaped, I doubt they’re finished with me—or us.”
Paul fought the fury threading its way through his body. “Let’s get you out of here.”
“Home?” she said.
“Not yet.” Paul kissed her forehead, and she shivered. “Ben’s men won’t be there until sunrise. A skirmish has their attention.” No doubt another diversion for Santino’s benefit. He glanced at his friend. “Where do we go?”
“I have a truck hidden about a mile from the village.” Ben turned to Paul. “You could take her to Yar to stay with Daruka and David. She’d be safe until this is over.”
“Sounds like a good plan.” Paul glanced toward the fire and spotted the insulated baby bag. He lifted it to his shoulder.
“I have a better one.” Santino stepped into the clearing with a rifle aimed at them.
“What kind of a plan?” Ben moved toward the young man.
“Don’t come any closer, Colonel Alier. You’re surrounded.”
Paul glanced about, making a thoughtful appraisal of the situation. He sensed there were others behind them, but those suspicions could be his own fears.
“I think you’re lying.” Ben sneered. “Seems to be your strongest trait.”
The brush crunched under the boots of several men with rifles as they emerged from the shadows. Definitely not SPLA.
“As I said, drop your guns.” Santino waved his rifle. “I won’t hesitate to shoot any of you—the baby first, then the good doctor.”
Paul and Ben slowly bent and laid their weapons on the ground. One of Santino’s men snatched up Larson’s pistol from near the log where she’d sat.
“Is this what you really want?” Paul stood between Santino and Larson. “Is whatever you were promised worth betraying those who befriended and cared for you?”
Santino laughed. “I’ve done this before, and I’ll do it again. Get walking.”
“Where are we going?” Ben asked.
“Back to Warkou, where someone is waiting to see all of you.”
“Muti or Nizam?” Paul clenched his fists. Does Santino know Ben’s men are on their way to the village?
“Both.” Santino motioned with the rifle. “I have done what I set out to do. I have all four of you to deliver to Nizam. I’m a rich man.”
Paul felt Larson’s body trembling against his. “You blew up the Hummer and killed Sarah?” she asked.
“She got in my way. But you already know the bomb was for you.”
Paul took a step forward, but Larson stopped him. “Don’t give him an excuse to shoot you,” she whispered.
The sound of her voice helped, but he couldn’t stop the throbbing desire to wrap his hands around Santino’s murderous throat. They had trusted him, when all the while he’d been plotting their deaths.
“Let’s go.” Santino’s voice edged above the night sounds. “And in case either of you men have any heroic thoughts, the baby and Larson will go ahead of you to ensure your good behavior.”
Paul had no reason to doubt him. He’d already seen what Santino could do. One of the men grabbed Larson from Paul’s grasp. It took all of his strength not to turn and fight. But Santino had meant what he said.
* * *
Ben tromped over the narrow path that led back to Warkou. Santino kept them at a fast pace. Whatever awaited them must occur before the sun rose. No one was permitted to talk, but the silence provided an opportunity for him and Paul to figure out how to get out of this mess. Their captors needed to be delayed, but how? Familiar landscapes came and went, every step bringing them closer to the village.
He swung a glance to check on Paul. No sooner had his head turned than one of Santino’s men knocked him to the ground and kicked his side. He moaned, not from the sharp jab to his ribs but from the pain in his back.
“Keep your eyes ahead,�
� the man said in Arabic.
“Can I help him?” Paul said.
A moment later Paul reached down to pull him to his feet. A good friend was hard to find, and Ben realized Paul would go to his grave helping others. He deserved Larson—tough as it was to admit.
Daruka and David.
Ben wanted to live for his wife and son. During the short while he’d been married to Daruka, a trace of love had started to grow in him. Lately he’d recognized the warmth spreading throughout him whenever he saw her or heard her voice. She loved him completely, and although guilt assaulted him for the way he couldn’t return her love with the same fervor, he did care for her very much. She’d raised their son with the same enthusiasm and vitality for life with which she woke each morning and greeted the day. David had learned much from her guidance and gentle ways. He looked like Ben, but he possessed his mother’s heart. And now she was carrying another child.
The desire for life filled Ben with the strength to fight off the pain and outthink the jackal who held them captive. More so, he was ready to give his life for those he loved. Cancer was gaining ground on his numbered days. Let him die a hero’s death for things which had purpose—his family, his friends, his country.
Miles from the captives, Rhino Battalion was battling more opposition. Once the firefight was over, they’d move toward Warkou. Okuk led them. His orders were to surround the village and be prepared in case Paul’s meeting with Nizam turned out to be a trap. Santino had taken Ben’s and Paul’s phones and turned them off, making it impossible for Okuk to call for verification or an update. But Okuk was a smart man. Perhaps he’d figure it all out.
From the direction of voices and the rustlings around them, Ben had counted six men besides Santino. Even with their hands free, Paul and Ben had no weapons. If Larson hadn’t been with them, Ben would have initiated a diversion so Paul could get away. But Santino had threatened to kill Larson and the baby first, and he’d keep his word.
CHAPTER 32
Larson watched Santino transform into a man she’d never seen. He issued orders and knew each of his men by name. Those beneath him did not hesitate to follow his leading. What had happened to the young man who’d professed his alliance to southern Sudan and wished to obtain a college education? This stranger before her had scrubbed the clinic and filed patient records. He’d even fed Thomas and affectionately treated Sarah as an aunt. Now he’d killed and was ready to kill again. Was this what money and power did to a man?