Black Mamba

by Tierney James

  “Is she always such a pain in the ass?” Handsome mused.

  Chase cringed at Tessa when she tried to adjust her hold on him. “You have no idea.”

  She pushed out her lips as if trying to mask amusement when they moved past her. “Both of you shut up.”

  The medical clinic had limited resources for serious injuries. Dr. Girard stabilized Moremi, but he needed surgery. And Handsome received word from Peter at the camp that they’d caught a break.

  “A plane is diverting here, Dr. Girard.” He couldn’t bring himself to call him Father in this place. He feared danger would rob him of the one person who truly loved him. If the wrong people found out he was the owner of the Kifaru diamond, the whole village might suffer. “We were expecting some important people from Gaborone at the end of the week. They moved up their arrival to today.”

  “God is good.” The doctor covered Moremi with a dingy sheet. “Now you, Captain Hunter.” The doctor patted an empty examining table then shooed everyone else out the door. Tessa and Handsome remained. “You, too, young lady.” The doctor pointed to her then the door.

  “I’m not leaving him.” She spread her legs out enough to take a stubborn pose before she crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I’m not squeamish, Dr. Girard.”

  Handsome turned his head toward the door when Sam and Carter burst into laughter.

  “We’ll wait here in case you need us,” Carter managed to say through gasps of amusement.

  Sam pursed her lips together and narrowed her eyes with a loud “humph” that sounded a great deal like mocking. Dr. Girard had already attended to Sam’s injury.

  Tessa ignored them and took Chase’s bloody hand. His eyes lifted to meet hers, and Handsome witnessed some kind of connection between the two. It faded quickly when they pulled away from each other.

  “Let’s have a look,” the doctor mumbled as he cut Chase’s shirt away.

  Once the bloody clothing had been tossed aside, the doctor examined the entry wound. Chase flinched ever so slightly. Handsome chuckled, drawing an angry expression from the man.

  “Tessa?” Chase switched his focus to his champion. “You need to leave. Remember Afghanistan when I got shot up? You didn’t handle that very well.”

  “I was surprised to see you is all,” she said, fanning herself. “Is it hot in here?”

  Everyone turned and noticed her ashen-colored face. She pushed her hair back then wiped her brow. Her rapid blinking and rolling of her shoulders indicated distress.

  “Get her out of here,” Dr. Girard demanded, looking to his son.

  “Carter.” Handsome grabbed Tessa by the arm, who appeared to be a little wobbly. The man hurried into the room with Sam at his side. They slipped their arms around her and tugged. This time, all her stubbornness evaporated.

  “Okay. I’ll leave,” she said through a cough. “I’ll be right outside, Chase, if you need me.” She tried to push helpful hands away unsuccessfully.

  “Good to know. Sam—” Chase moaned as the doctor examined his wound.

  “I’ll take care of her,” she complained. “I’m getting used to having a pain in my neck all the time.”

  Without missing a beat, Tessa looked up at Carter. “Are you going to let her talk to you like that?” He burst into laughter.

  “Always the comedian,” Sam said as they disappeared back out into the hall.

  “Thanks, Dr. Girard.” Chase slid off the table and accepted one of the doctor’s tee shirts to wear. “Glad it wasn’t something serious.”

  “It looked worse than it was. I thought for sure more than one bullet had lodged in there, but it went through without nicking anything important. You’re a lucky man. Since you’ve a number of scars, you understand how stitches work and that they’ll be more aggravating than the wound. However, do rest today, maybe tomorrow.” He handed him a baggie of pills. “The white ones are nothing more than Tylenol, and the pink ones are an antibiotic. Take all of them. I gather you’ve had a tetanus shot in the last year or so?”

  “Six months ago.” Chase pulled the shirt over his head. “How many months of the year do you work here?”

  “Maybe six. I do have a practice in Florida and although I’m officially retired from it, I need to keep an eye on things. Always good to keep sharp and see what the younger doctors are doing these days.”

  “Who takes care of this while you’re gone?”

  “I have an arrangement with Doctors Without Borders and several medical mission groups. I’m here two months and then back to the States for two. Soon I will be here full-time.”

  Chase took the bottle of water the doctor offered to him and drank deep. “Does that depend on whether Handsome takes over the country with his diamond?”

  The doctor busied himself with organizing a cart of supplies. “My Louis is not trying to take over the country.”

  “Could have fooled me. He seems pretty determined to see a regime change in Botswana.”

  “That is only wishful thinking. There are always people who would prefer a different leader. The United States is a prime example of that. My Louis only wants the best for these people.”

  “His people, it seems.”

  Dr. Girard whirled around with panic flooding his eyes. “You must never say that out loud. No one here must ever know who his real father was or what treasure—”

  An aide knocked on the door and entered in a state of agitation. “Dr. Girard, the plane has landed. We have Moremi ready to go.”

  “Very good. Thank you.”

  “Doctor.” The aide’s eyes widened. “The plane belongs to President Baboloki.”

  “B-Baboloki,” the doctor stammered. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. Yes. Come see. The president is here.” He motioned for them to follow and hurried out the door.

  “Where is Louis?” The doctor rushed into the hall.

  “He went to help with Moremi,” Sam spoke in her usual apathetic tone. “What’s going on? The whole compound acts like we’re about to be stampeded by a herd of elephants.”

  Chase nodded to Carter. “We need to get him inside. Now.” They were already out the door when he remembered Tessa. “Where is she?”

  “With Handsome. She wanted to check on Moremi and say a prayer over him.” Sam gave a disapproving eye roll.

  “That woman and her higher power will be the death of me.”

  “I think we’re too late.” Carter halted on the bottom step as Handsome and several other men carried the stretcher out across the dusty lawn with Tessa tagging along, holding Moremi’s hand.

  Dr. Girard bounded down the stairs and raced toward the men carrying the stretcher just as President Baboloki strutted into the compound with his entourage. He stopped to survey his surroundings before letting his eyes fall on the approaching Americans.

  Carter nudged Handsome away and took his place, whispering who the guests entering the compound were. Dr. Girard joined them to check Moremi’s vital signs.

  Handsome refused to leave his father’s side. “This must be stressful for you. It is time I met the man who changed both our destinies,” he whispered to Carter.

  “President Baboloki.” Dr. Girard stepped aside and let the men make their way toward the seaplane. “Thank you so much for sharing your plane with this man. With your generous offer, he will have a chance to survive.”

  President Baboloki arched an eyebrow when his eyes fell on the tall black man before him whose face masked any emotions. “But, of course. My people come first.”

  Chase pulled Tessa to his side. “Mr. President. We meet again. I didn’t expect to see you so soon. Such a pleasure.” But the president appeared unhappy to see him.

  “I did not expect to encounter you, either, Captain Hunter.” Chase wondered why his hand gripped more tightly than necessary. “I heard there were other casualties.”

  “Only a flesh wound. I was lucky.” Chase smirked.

  “Yes.” Baboloki frowned. “I think you were.” He ushe
red the rest of his group forward. “I understand you will provide boats to take us to our camp?”

  “I have a boat ready, Mr. President.” Handsome’s voice gave Chase a chill. Did he maybe have a fever? The man he’d met in North Africa years ago, glared at the president.

  “Very good.” Baboloki turned and motioned several people forward, one, a woman a little younger than Dr. Girard.

  With bowed head, the woman crossed her hands in front of her and stopped behind the president. She appeared thin and frail next to the stout leader. Her simple yellow dress of Kenta cloth reminded Chase of a wildflower. Her gray hair closely cropped around her face, revealed delicate features, still beautiful for a woman of her age.

  The doctor stepped forward. “Welcome, President Baboloki. I’m Dr. Girard. I run this clinic.”

  At that moment, the woman jerked her head up and stared wide-eyed at the doctor. He, too, appeared spellbound. She extended her hand toward him.

  “I am Keeya.”

  They clasped hands while staring into one another’s eyes.

  Handsome moved next to his father in a protective stance.

  The woman’s eyes darted to him then staggered back as her hand covered her mouth.

  “My—”

  Before she could say another word, Keeya’s eyes rolled back in her head. Her knees buckled, and Handsome rushed to catch her. Lifting her up into his arms, he glanced at his father who appeared stunned.

  “Dr. Girard?” Handsome questioned when his father laid his hand on his heart.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Even before Handsome laid Keeya down on an examining table, her eyes fluttered open and searched the room while others moved in and out. Chase followed Handsome into the clinic while Tessa walked beside the doctor who lowered his head to listen to the shorter President Baboloki explain Keeya’s condition.

  “She has been losing weight. Her appetite seems to be nonexistent of late.”

  “And who is she, President Baboloki?” Dr. Girard slowed his steps.

  “Keeya is my companion, friend, and helps with my son. She has been a part of my family for many years.” His voice showed concern. “Please see that she has what is needed. If I need to send her back to Gaborone, I will do so straightaway.”

  “It could be nothing. I will check her out.” The doctor motioned for one of the aides to step forward. “Take the president to the dining area along with his people and serve some refreshments.” The aide nodded and extended his arm toward another area of the compound. When he moved away, Dr. Girard halted and rubbed his face with his hand. “Dear God in Heaven,” he whispered.

  Tessa rubbed the doctor’s arm. “What is it? Are you okay?”

  “No. I am not.”

  Sam returned to inform them Moremi was on the plane about to leave. The doctor ignored the announcement and continued to stare at his newest patient.

  He moved to Keeya’s side to stare down at a woman who batted her eyelashes and stared with confusion at the doctor. Chase stood back experiencing a sense of protection toward the doctor. In spite of his misgivings toward Handsome, the fact this unselfish doctor took a black child to be his own, without considering how it would affect his own life or career, led Chase to realize maybe there really were more good people in the world than he’d once believed. Tessa had been the first one, followed by Dr. Girard.

  “Chase, you need to sit down. You’re as pale as me. Come on. Let me get you something to eat.” Tessa stood in front of him and laid a gentle hand on his arm that managed to distract him for a few seconds.

  “I’ll be there in a minute. Go ahead. I want to make sure everything is okay here.” He laid his hand on hers then rubbed her fingers tenderly. “Go on. Make sure Sam and Carter are with you. I don’t trust the president. He seemed a little too surprised to see us.”

  “You think he was behind the ambush?”

  “I wouldn’t put it past him.” He took a chance and stared into her blue eyes. That familiar pain in his chest forced him to stand up straighter instead of leaning against the wall. Rubbing the spot might alarm her. “His head of security, Dage I think his name is, was eyeing you like a piece of meat. Be careful.”

  “When we get back to camp, I’m putting you to bed,” she declared only to turn scarlet. “I mean…”

  Chase chuckled. “I know what you meant. But let me have my moment, will ya?” He led her out the door. “I’ll watch you until you get to the dining area.” He lifted a hand toward Carter who shaded his eyes then waved. “Tessa?”

  “Yes?”

  He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Thanks for being at my side in there. I’m glad you’re not squeamish,” he mocked.

  She surprised him by laying a soft hand on his cheek then rushed down the steps.

  Handsome lumbered past him in the doorway and announced his plans. “I’m going to make sure the boats are ready. Peter is sending a second one, so we’ll head out in an hour or so. The president probably will want to get back before dark. The camp will be in chaos with the president arriving sooner than expected.”

  “Are you going to be able to handle this?” Chase grabbed his arm.

  “I’m not going to kill him, if that’s what you are concerned about. I want him to be afraid like my people were on the day he slaughtered them along with my parents. If it hadn’t been for that good man in there, all hope would be lost. I’m not going to jeopardize everything he’s sacrificed, for my own chance at revenge.”

  “There may be hope for you yet, Handsome.”

  Dr. Girard took the woman’s hand in his and bent close to speak to her.

  Chase waved Handsome off. “Go on. I’ll wait here to make sure things are okay. I don’t like that guy Dage who protects Baboloki. Be sharp.”

  Handsome pursed his lips then continued down the stairs.

  Returning to the examining room, Chase stood in the doorway in order to see anyone approaching from the hall or outside. He didn’t like those kinds of surprises. He heard the woman whimper when he stepped back into the hall to listen to them.

  “Dr. Girard,” she said kissing his hand. “Dear Dr. Girard.”

  Chase’s body tensed as a story unfolded before his eyes.

  “I believed you were dead,” the doctor spoke softly, with a catch in his voice. “I’m so sorry. We were told everyone died, Keeya. I’m mortified I trusted them. I beg your forgiveness.”

  “Was that my son, good doctor?” She grabbed his hand with both of hers.

  “Yes. He resembles his father but also you.”

  As she struggled to sit up, the doctor slipped an arm behind her back to assist. “I thought he was killed with his father. John snatched him away soon after his birth and said he would try and find you. I was told everyone died, including my husband and the innocent tourists at the camp.”

  Dr. Girard’s eyes took on a faraway look as he explained what had happened so long ago. Chase listened, mesmerized.

  Laughter floated into the darkness along with the tinkling of silverware against china, and glasses lifted in toasts as stars emerged to form the Southern Cross. Roasted pork simmered with pearl onions and creamy potatoes surrounded by sliced red tomatoes satisfied appetites until the bread pudding arrived with more champagne.

  “Join us, John!” one Australian invited as he pointed with his glass to an empty chair. “Tell us more stories.”

  The guide glanced at the white camp director, Clive, who frowned and gave a small head shake. “I think I will clear these dishes and call it a night. My wife is expecting a baby any day. I hate to leave her too long.” John offered a wide, almost mischievous smile.

  “A baby! How marvelous,” a middle-aged Englishwoman said as she pushed her gray-streaked hair away from her face. “Do you have names picked out, John?”

  “Yes. But, after meeting all of you, I think, perhaps, I should add a few more to the list.”

  Laughter burst forth, adding another layer of relaxation to the gathering. Dr. Girard could
n’t help but ponder about how well John was treated when tourists weren’t around. Congratulations were offered and in return, the guide promised to keep them informed of any good news concerning his family then he slipped away.

  Dr. Girard leaned back in his chair and listened to the conversation continue.

  “John is full of such incredible stories and information, Clive. Was he educated at a university?” The Australian slipped a beefy arm onto the back of his wife’s chair.

  Clive drained his glass and stood to hunt for another bottle. “Yes. His father and grandfather came from the village nearby and rose through the ranks of government in the early days. They were instrumental in the creation of our democracy. Their hard work pulled in the surrounding tribes. It was a tough go at first, but, today, we are a stable country. John was given the opportunity for an education in engineering. After graduation, he decided to come home and marry his childhood sweetheart.”

  “I’ve read the Autonomy Party is trying to change things. What is it all about?” interjected Dr. Girard.

  “Yes, it’s all rubbish, of course. They fear the minority of whites who occupy the Workers’ Party have too much control over the minerals industry and don’t pay enough taxes that would shore up schools and medical services in rural areas like here.”

  The guests nodded as if they understood.

  “Can you imagine getting a doctor to come here? Or teachers?” Clive asked.

  “I’m a doctor, and I’d gladly donate my time to help these people several weeks of the year. I’m sure mission groups from countries like the United States would love serving time in such a stable country.” Dr. Girard covered his glass when the director tried to refill it.

  “Do-gooders come and go, but they mostly do more damage than good.”

  “How so?” The doctor took another nibble of his bread pudding.

  “They put ideas into the heads of these people. The natives begin to think they can have a better life. Next thing you know, they are poaching the black rhino to have enough money to send their kids away to school or buy a satellite system to watch CNN. Then they will want highways to drain the Okavango. The tourists bring in lots of money that filters to the villages. These people need to work, not dream about impossible things unavailable in this part of the world for another fifty years.”