The African Diamond Trilogy Box Set

by Christopher Lowery

  The crowd around them stepped back to make a circle and started chanting, ‘Rape, rape, Razza’s gonna rape the bitch.’

  Leo measured the man’s height as he came forward to grab him again. Just over six foot, jawline at five two, coming forward slightly crouched. Hit at five exactly. He took one step back, spun and reverse-kicked him in the jaw with his heel. Razza went down on his back like a felled tree. He sat up groggily, shaking his head from side to side, holding his jaw and looking at Leo through dazed eyes.

  He spat out a broken tooth and a mouthful of blood. ‘Man. That’s some kinda kick ya’ got there,’ he managed to mumble. ‘Guess we won’t be fuckin’ for a while.’

  Leo stood under a shower head and rinsed the soap off his body, and Oskar came to stand beside him in front of the crowd. ‘Anyone else want a fuck?’ he shouted. They moved away and started chattering amongst themselves, looking back at Leo and the man on the floor.

  One of the guards walked over. ‘Back to your cells, you two,’ he yelled, wielding his baton on their bare backs and shoulders.

  Razza climbed slowly to his feet. ‘See ya’ later, bitch,’ he slurred. ‘Don’t forget, keep that ass for Razza. He’s ya’ man.’

  Oskar handed Leo his shirt and pulled him away ‘Great show,’ he said, ‘but maybe a little provocative?’

  ‘Better than getting screwed by that gorilla.’

  Walking back to the cell, Leo remembered Hatim’s warning: ‘Assert your authority quickly, but don’t get into fights.’ I’m going to have to watch my back every minute now, he realised. Fastest gun in the West and all that.

  Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  Most of the programming staff at XPC were in on Saturday, exhorted by Shen and Tom to ensure they could meet the deadline. Ed Muire was one of them, and right now he was having a coffee alone with his CEO. He’d been pleasantly surprised when Tom had invited him in to discuss the Leo Stewart conundrum. After sleeping on the problem, he found it hard to argue with Lynne’s feminine instinct, and he was even more surprised at Tom’s opening remark.

  ‘What do you think are the chances of what happened to Scotty and Leo being a coincidence? Both working on vital development work for XPC, and in three months, one’s dead, the other’s in prison.’ Tom repeated virtually word-for-word Billy Chillicott’s remark of the previous night.

  ‘If you agree that Angela’s story is bullshit, then the only logical conclusion is that they’re connected. Someone wanted them out of the equation and that means they want to jeopardise our launch.’

  ‘You think it’s sabotage, don’t you?’

  ‘I don’t know, but if it is, we have to make sure we screw their plan, whoever they are. Let’s assume that Leo’s stuck in Bur Dubai for a while, poor guy. The last thing he wants to hear is that all the work he did in sorting our problems out was wasted. And we don’t want to look as if we can’t finish the job without him, because we can. We’ve got to get the design work and final testing done by the end of the month. Then it’s up to Shanghai to get the products launched in time.’

  ‘I was going to warn them yesterday that we may not meet the deadline.’ Tom grimaced, ‘I can tell you they would not have been happy, not happy at all. But then Shen told me that Sharif’s confident he can incorporate Leo’s final requirements without any problems. So, all I’ve said to Shanghai and a few of the senior staff is that Leo’s a bit burned out and he’s taking a few days off. That’s hopefully quelled any dangerous rumours, at least for the moment. I’m praying Shen’s right, what do you think?’

  ‘I think he’s right, and I’m going to test the shit out of it to make sure the firmware’s a thousand per cent. So I think we can do it, but speaking of Shen…’ He paused, unsure how to share his concerns with the CEO.

  ‘Go ahead, say what you want. We’re in enough trouble as it is, I don’t want it to get worse because you felt you couldn’t tell me something.’

  ‘Well, I don’t want to tell tales or spread rumours, but I think Angela da Sousa and Elodie, Shen’s girlfriend, are in a relationship.’ Tom looked sceptically at him, and he went on to describe the scene on Wednesday night at Club 27.

  ‘Ed, I’ve known Shen and Elodie for three years and I’ve never seen any sign of unusual activities, especially sexual. He seems absolutely devoted to her. But even if there was something, so what? Their private life’s got nothing to do with us. I don’t even understand why you’ve brought this up.’

  ‘Don’t you think it’s a coincidence too many, that Leo got jailed by a good friend of Shen and his partner? I mean, what are the odds? First Scotty, now Leo, and Shen’s partner’s girlfriend is in the mix. The only common link I can see is Shen.’

  ‘I think you’re jumping to conclusions and not being fair to Shen. He doesn’t have the most likeable personality, but he’s been with XPC since the beginning. He’s devoted to it and works a lot harder than you might imagine, looking after a lot of stuff I don’t have time for. His marketing network is world-class and he protects us from any static from Shanghai. You might as well accuse Daniel, his family’s company is one of our biggest competitors, but that doesn’t mean he’s come here to harm our business. If someone is trying to sabotage XPC, and we don’t have any proof of that, you’ve picked the wrong guy to accuse. It’s partly Shen’s baby, he’d never do anything like that.’

  Leo hadn’t informed Ed about Sharif’s testing of the S470 cell and the effect it had, or he would have made a more convincing argument. His theory was all conjecture, and he was too well aware of it. He decided to back off. ‘OK, sorry, Tom, maybe I was barking up the wrong tree. I’ll drop the subject and hope you’re right. Let’s concentrate on finishing the job and delivering it on time, then it’s out of our hands.’

  Connor was relieved to hear this. He couldn’t afford to have another upset at this juncture. ‘Great, Hatim and I’ll concentrate on trying to help Leo. Now, I’m going to confide something to you, and I want you to keep it to yourself and let me know if anything transpires.’

  He recounted his conversation with General Chillicott, watching Ed’s reaction to see if he showed any knowledge of the relationship. ‘Did Leo ever mention his meeting in San Diego, or anything else about this?’

  ‘Nothing. He never said a word. A top brass in Homeland Security wanting to talk to him? Did he say what it was about?’

  ‘He kept his cards close to his chest. I told him about the rape charge, and he also thought it was probably connected to Scotty’s death.’

  Ed digested this for a moment. A US general wanted to talk to Leo, and he thinks the two events are connected. What the hell is going on here? ‘So why are you telling me?’ he asked, puzzled at the confidential disclosure.

  ‘He’s concerned about Leo, said he feels guilty for encouraging him to take the job, so I gave him your number. I figured he might be able to help, but maybe I’m grasping at straws.’

  After Ed left his office, the CEO sat for a while, staring out the window at the terrace and pool, thinking of the simple, underpaid Asian cleaner whose only job it was to look after them. Suddenly he was feeling the weight of his responsibilities like a ton on his shoulders. Like an embattled man, he was surrounded by events beyond his control. Please God, don’t let anything else go wrong. Enough is enough. He pulled himself together and went down to the canteen for a coffee. Tom Connor was wondering if he could cope with the strain of holding things together until July 31st.

  O. R. Tambo International Airport,

  Johannesburg, South Africa

  ‘Listen Marius. If you’re right about the reason for this accusation against Leo, it means there are some big interests involved, and that means a lot of money. We both know that lots of money equals lots of danger, right?’ Coetzee nodded. ‘So, could you just try not to get shot this time? Please come back in one piece, because as unlikely as it might seem, I love you very much and so does Abby.’

  Coetzee kissed her fondly. ‘Don’t worry, I haven’t forgot
ten how to take care of myself, despite you trying to fatten me up and swapping my knife and pistol for a wireless computer mouse.’

  Karen watched him carry his overnight bag into the airport, a tear running down her cheek. She still remembered what it felt like to know he was going into a danger zone, but he was a lot older now and she was worried.

  Bur Dubai Police Station

  ‘You’re not in here for fighting, are you?’ Oskar was sitting on one of the bunks with Leo. The other three occupants had been taken away by the guards for some reason.

  ‘What makes you think that?’

  ‘You fight too good, too accurate. You hit that maniac exactly where and how you wanted, a professional job. So, I don’t think you got involved in a street fight and hurt somebody by accident.’

  ‘You’re right, it wasn’t that. But I don’t want to talk about it, it’s like, a kind of personal thing.’

  ‘No problem, you’ll tell me eventually. We all have to get it off our chest in the end.’ He lapsed into silence and left Leo to his thoughts.

  Hatim had been that morning for a few minutes, but he’d been unable to sneak a phone into the prison. He’d confirmed that Tom had spoken to his mother and assured her that everything possible was being done. He lied and said she’d taken it ‘as well as could be expected’.

  ‘Is she coming down? I don’t want her to come down and see me here. They probably wouldn’t let her in if she did come, so there’s no point.’ He thought for a moment. ‘I want you to ask Ed Muire, he works with me, to call my aunt Jenny, and make sure my mother’s OK. Jenny’s her sister, so I’m sure she’ll know what’s happening. She’s the most resourceful person I know, and she’ll work out something, I’m sure she will. I don’t remember her number, but her company’s called Bishop Private Equity, it’s in London. Will you do that for me?’

  ‘I’ve met Ed. I’ll find Jenny’s number and call him as soon as I get my phone back.’

  ‘Oh, and another thing. Tell him to watch out for Shen.’

  The lawyer looked startled. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

  ‘Never mind, please just tell him what I said.’

  ‘Alright, I don’t understand, but I’ll pass on the messages. Meanwhile, remember to stay out of trouble. You’re doing fine for the moment.’

  ‘Thanks, Hatim. I’ll try.’ Leo said nothing about his new ‘boyfriend’, Razza. It might make the lawyer worry unnecessarily. He’d worry for both of them.

  Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  ‘Hi Angela, chérie. How are you?’ Elodie Delacroix was calling from the apartment she and Shen shared in Jumeirah Beach. It was midday on Saturday, 10 July, two days after the evening of the ‘rape’. He was eavesdropping on an extension in the bedroom.

  She listened for a moment. ‘I can imagine. Especially the medical examination, it must have been awful. But it’s over now and everything’s going fine, so don’t worry. He’s in prison and they’ve refused bail, so there’s no way you can get into trouble. You should just relax and take it easy.’

  Angela spoke again.

  ‘You poor girl, I didn’t know you’d done that. It was a clever idea but it must have hurt like hell. I promise to take the pain away when I see you.’

  This time she listened for longer, ‘I know, you’re quite right. We have to arrange that straight away, so you can see we stick to our promises. Listen darling, the CEO, Tom Connor, has asked Shen to talk to you, so we should do that to keep up appearances and we can make the arrangements at the same time. Why don’t you come over this evening, and I’ll make us some martinis. We can have a drink, chill out and get things settled, it’ll make you feel a lot better. Great, come at eight.’

  Shen came back into the living room as she put down the phone. ‘She sounds nervous.’

  ‘Don’t worry, she’ll be fine. $20,000 cures a lot of nerves. As long as she keeps it up until you get the package to Shanghai, we’re OK. Afterwards it doesn’t matter what happens.’ She kissed him. ‘Five years’ work about to pay off, we should be celebrating, not worrying.’

  THIRTY

  Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  Saturday, 10 July 2017

  ‘Jenny Bishop, I know, that’s Leo’s aunt Jenny. OK, I’ve got it.’ Ed Muire looked at his watch. It was four in the afternoon Dubai time, midday in London. Hatim Ackerman had just related Leo’s request and given him Jenny’s number. He listened again. ‘Don’t worry, I don’t need any warnings, I’ve been keeping my eye on Shen for some time. I’ll watch out alright, and so should he.’

  He rang off then called Jenny’s number, and was immediately put through to her office. A pleasant English voice said, ‘Jenny here, how are you Ed?’

  He managed to supress his astonishment that she knew his name, and answered, ‘Not too bad, Jenny, but we’re all really shook up about Leo. I’m so sorry for his mother and you, and the rest of his family.’

  ‘Actually, we’re the only family he’s got, so it’s up to us to get him out of that Dubai prison. I’m assuming that’s why you’re calling?’

  ‘Absolutely. Our lawyer gave me the number with instructions to call right away. Are you up-to-date on Leo’s situation?’

  ‘Unless something has changed since yesterday. Has it?’

  Ed liked her direct style. ‘I wish, but the answer’s no. He’s remanded in Bur Dubai awaiting trial, and we don’t know when that will be.’

  ‘Right, Ed. I was hoping you’d call me and I’m pleased you did, because I’ve got a job for you. Are you willing to help me?’

  ‘Ask away. I’m itching to do something useful.’

  ‘This evening, at twenty past six, a man called Marius Coetzee will arrive in Dubai on an Emirates flight from Johannesburg. He’s a very trustworthy friend of ours and if anyone can get Leo freed, he can. Please pick him up at the airport and take him wherever he wants to go, and give him any help he needs. At the moment, that’s the best possible action you can take to help Leo. Will you do it?’

  Ed was noting down the details. ‘What’s the flight number, and how will I recognise Mr Coetzee?’

  Jenny gave him the number, and added, ‘Look for a man with a slight limp and built like a brick chimney. That’ll be him. Thank you, Ed. It’s very reassuring to know Leo has a friend like you down there. Between us and Marius, I’m sure we can get my nephew out of trouble. I’m sorry, but I have to go into a meeting now, so good luck.’ She rang off.

  Ed looked at his mobile in amazement. ‘Bloody hell, what a breath of fresh air!’ he said out loud.

  London, England

  ‘We’ll get the documentation prepared on Monday and courier it over to you for signature. Thank you, Ms Bishop, it’s going to be a pleasure to do business with you.’ The young couple shook hands with Jenny and Bill Redman, and went to the door. ‘And we really appreciate you meeting us on a Saturday, it’s most unusual, but very efficient.’

  Bill closed the door and turned to her. ‘Well done, Jenny. Another feather in your cap. Weekend shopping, you could call it.’

  She laughed. ‘Any day is a good day to buy into a business like that. With some ruthless cost-cutting and our financial expertise, we should turn it around within six months.’

  With Bill’s help, Jenny had just agreed to acquire a thirty per cent holding in her seventh business venture, an independent book publisher, based in Cambridge, not far from where she lived. The firm had a solid list of successful authors, but too much money was being spent on promoting lost causes, authors who hadn’t and most likely wouldn’t make it. Although she’d never said anything to Emma, she’d always been envious of her sister’s involvement in the book-writing and publishing world, and now she would have a chance to show what she could do.

  Jenny should have been a happy woman, but her mood was overshadowed by worry over the plight of her nephew. ‘Can I ask you something, Bill? I need your help,’ she said.

  ‘Ask away. As long as it’s nothing illegal, I’ll do my best.�
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  ‘Does BIP have a subsidiary in Dubai?’

  ‘Not a direct Dubai subsidiary, but effectively the same thing, BIP Bank Middle East Ltd. It’s a Jersey, Channel Islands subsidiary that was set up years ago, long before my time, and it has offices all over the Middle East. You can’t actually own a bank over there, but everybody does the same thing and it works fine. Why do you need one?’

  ‘It’s just for a one-off transaction. I need to be able to give someone cash or a negotiable instrument.’

  ‘Sounds mysterious. Do you want to tell me about it?’

  ‘Maybe later. It’s a family matter, and the fewer people who know about it the better.’ She saw his slightly peeved expression, but didn’t expand on her explanation. Some secrets are better left untold, she reminded herself, momentarily thinking about the multimillion-dollar cache of diamonds under her control in the vault at Ramseyer, Haldemann’s security building in Geneva. If he knew about that, he’d certainly question the Bishop family’s honesty.

  She took his hand. ‘Don’t worry darling. It’s nothing crooked, just a bit sensitive.’

  ‘When do you need this to be done?’

  ‘It came out of the blue, but it could be as early as tomorrow, that’s why I’m asking you now.’

  ‘That’s a bit short notice. Sunday’s a working day there, but they’re four hours ahead of us, so I’d have to find a contact today to set it up. We don’t need an account or anything like that, just a guarantee of some kind. I’ll have to work out a way to authorise the payment from London and take it from your accounts here. Is it a large amount?’

  ‘I doubt it would exceed 50,000. Dollars, that is.’

  ‘I suppose you know the name of the person who’ll be collecting the money. Can you tell me that at least?’

  ‘His name is Marius Coetzee, and he’s a close friend from Joburg. He’ll have his ID credentials with him. He just needs to know where to go and who to ask for.’