The breeze blew his hair across his forehead. “I’m not an investigator, and therefore I have no proof,” he said with casual dignity.
“Kash denies poaching.”
“He would. I’ve learned from a good authority that the Tanzanian police are just waiting to nab the team of Smith and Browning on their return to Tanga. We shall soon know how deeply Hallet is involved in this nasty business.”
Sable looked at him, masking her worry, knowing he studied her response as he filled his pipe and lit it, the breeze tossing the smoke away from his face. “A pity a good safari guide like Hallet had to become involved. Zenobia tells me he grew up on Kenyatta, working closely with your father in wildlife management.”
“Yes…he did, and Seth, too. They left to begin their own safari business out of Nairobi. If Kash is involved in poaching, he bluntly denies it.”
Vince bit on the end of his pipe and stared into the deepening darkness. “I understand he blames me for the death of his brother. A rather bizarre notion, I would say. I never met Seth.”
She turned to face him curiously. “Why would he think so, Vince? As you say, it is odd. And Kash isn’t impetuous—he keeps things to himself. If either of the two Hallet men were hot-blooded, it was Seth. He’d feel strongly about things and would sometimes rush in to try to make them right.”
“Perhaps,” Vince said, removing his pipe from between his teeth, “you should ask him why. You might get a straight answer.”
Surprised, she searched his face. He was casual enough. “Are you serious?”
“Why not? I’d like to know, and I’m sure you would, too. Any bright young woman would want to know why an old flame accuses her fiance of arranging his brother’s death.”
His caustic words were troubling on more accounts than one. “Arranged his death? Don’t be silly, Vince! He doesn’t think that. Why…why, he couldn’t. Why should he?”
“Yes, why should he? I leave that for you to decide. Better yet, ask him. Quiz, probe him for answers, find out—for my sake, if you will.”
“Well yes, of course I could ask, but isn’t it making too much of a rather wild suspicion? Maybe it’s wiser not to feed the fire.”
“My very point, dear. This methodical and unemotional young friend of yours from the past now appears determined enough to go to any extreme to win you back. All’s fair in love and war, as they say, but accusing a romantic opponent of eliminating one’s brother?” His pipe had gone out, and he struck a match to light it again.
Sable watched the tiny flame dance in the darkness and felt a chill flare up into her heart.
“That sort of behavior may demand psychiatric care,” Vince said quietly.
Sable’s eyes swerved to his. Her throat pinched. Absurd, she wanted to say. Ridiculous…but Kash had accused Vince, both to her and to Zenobia. He believed it, or he’d never have claimed anything so dreadful.
“I’ll ask him,” she said quietly. “If I see him again.”
“You’ll see him again. We both will, and that’s what bothers me.”
She drew in a breath. “There’s no reason for either of us to be in close contact with Kash Hallet. We’ll be going to Samburu soon, and he’s going with the Smith and Browning hunters back to Tanga. If, as you say, he’s involved in poaching, then the authorities will take action.”
She wondered why he made no comment on her statement and simply smoked his pipe, one hand in his pocket as he gazed off, drinking in the gathering darkness and the sounds of wildlife stirring on their cautious trek to the water hole to drink.
“We’d better go indoors,” she said. “Gran spotted a leopard yesterday. And dinner will be getting cold. Jomo will be upset.”
She started to walk back toward the lodge, the windows aglow with golden light, when his voice intercepted her. “Sable, I behaved like a fool this afternoon. My main reason for coming back to see you was to apologize.”
She stopped and turned, expectantly, seeing his serious expression. “I’m glad you said that, Vince.”
He smiled crookedly, knocked out his pipe, and stepped on the tobacco, grinding it into cold ashes. Placing the pipe in his pocket, he walked up and stood in front of her, both hands taking hold of her shoulders. “I apologize, not because I trust Kash Hallet where you’re concerned, but because I was wrong to not trust you. My one defense, I suppose, is what I’ve learned about him—he’s volatile. You know him well enough to know I speak the truth. That’s why I brought up his absurd accusation against me. It shows his mental state. He’s wild and reckless inside, as much an embodiment of old Africa as the spear-carrying Maasai.”
Volatile? If anyone could be accused of volatility, it was Vince. The shock of that discovery today on the road had jolted Sable into wanting to back off from an engagement until she saw him perform in more testing circumstances. Right now, she admitted he was behaving the respectable, intelligent man she’d known in Toronto, but there was more to him than she’d realized.
“I accept your apology,” she said quietly. “I should hate for you to think I’m the kind of woman who would say she was seriously considering an engagement to you while still attracted to an old flame who suddenly returns. The truth is, Vince, I haven’t made up my mind about anything yet. I know I’ve learned to respect you. Your friendship and assistance in Toronto was badly needed by me. But—”
“But you’re over needing a crutch now?”
“I didn’t say that’s all you were. That speaks rather pitifully of us both, doesn’t it? Love, marriage, friendship, commitment—it must all be there for a relationship to work. And faith in the Lord, too; perhaps above all, faith in shared Christian values.”
“I thought we had all that.”
“So did I.”
His gaze was prying, but she didn’t look away. She had to be fair to him, to herself.
“You’re saying you no longer think so?”
“I don’t know…about a lot of things. What happened today has upset me.”
“That’s to be expected,” he commented dryly.
“Not just seeing Kash again—because I prefer to stay away from him, too. I’ve discovered something about myself, about you, and Kash. And I think it’s wise to postpone an engagement until I know what God wants me to do. Right now I want to be with Kate and with my father at Samburu.”
“I see,” Vince said coolly. “Suddenly everything must be placed on hold until after Samburu.”
Sable refused to relent. “Yes. It’s wiser this way, for all of us.”
“I would not be a gentleman if I argued, would I?”
She remained silent.
“Then, we agree to wait, to see where the road may lead us. And I admit I, too, am quite taken up with the need to get on with what we’re here for.”
It was this dedication she respected about him, and she smiled. “I knew you’d see it for the best. The supplies will arrive from Mombasa soon, but Mckibber told me we’re having trouble hiring a safari guide. I thought it was already arranged.”
“It was.” He frowned. “Arrangements were made weeks ago with a respected agency working out of Tanzania.”
“Tanzania?” she repeated curiously, thinking of Seth. “I would have thought Nairobi.”
He shrugged indifferently. “I didn’t make the original plans. Skyler did.”
This was the first she’d heard of her father’s involvement.
“They promised us their best guide and he was paid in full, but he backed out at the final moment. Blamed the danger of the bush country and rebel fighting. The government isn’t anxious to have travelers in the area now. The drought’s also caused a hardship.”
“All the more reason to get in there. I don’t see how the guide can change his mind if he was already paid!”
“He’s returned the money. Don’t worry. We’ll get there, even if we go alone with Mckibber.”
“Mckibber says he’s too old for the rigors.”
“No matter. I’ll find someone. We’
ve got to reach your father and learn about the elephants.”
Sable studied his troubled face, thinking that the postponement of their engagement had gone surprisingly well. Both of them had spoken as calmly as two people deciding on buying a new stove. She reminded herself it was this solidity that had first attracted her to him. Yet, after seeing Kash again, she wasn’t as certain.
“Gran mentioned your need to see my father. Can you tell me what it’s about?”
Vince shook his head thoughtfully. “It must wait until I see him. I hope you’ll understand my decision and not feel I’m thinking less of you for keeping it to myself.”
She wondered that he couldn’t share, or wouldn’t, but smiled. “I won’t pry. Maybe I’m just too tired now to be overly curious.”
“What I can tell you is there’s more than one reason why we must get through to locate him.”
“The threat of cholera? Yes, Kate would know of that.”
“I’m not speaking only of the needs of the refugees from the war in Somalia, but of Skyler. We’re concerned about him.”
She believed Vince was sincere from the tense expression on his face. “Concerned…but why? And what do you mean when you say ‘we’?”
“Dr. Katherine Walsh. She’s been working closely with him until recently. When he disappeared into the bush again, she was obliged to return to her uncle’s work at Lake Rudolf.”
Sable remembered what Kash had told her about Katherine Walsh. “It was you who hired her, wasn’t it?”
He looked at her, unblinking. “Yes, she’s always been a close colleague. She’s dependable and well educated. You’ll like Katherine.”
Katherine. “Why is she concerned about my father?”
“It’s not just Dr. Walsh, but others at the camp, myself included. Sable, you won’t like to hear this, but your father’s been behaving strangely since your mother’s death. Perhaps he didn’t take the necessary time to grieve. He’s been going off alone into the wilderness for weeks at a time, claiming he can ‘talk’ to the elephants. He’s growing into a recluse. The last time Dr. Walsh saw him she hardly recognized him. His hair had grown, he had a beard, and he had little to say to anyone at the camp. The last word I’ve received from Samburu was that he’d been gone for three weeks and no one could find him. He has a way with the elephants when the rest of us can’t get close. However, no one’s heard from him recently. I’ve been calling to the Samburu lodge frequently to see if there’s any news. I’m expecting a call back within a few days, before the wildlife conference.”
The news did little to settle her growing anxiety about getting there with the supplies. Could something have happened to him? Could the rebels have captured him, or even killed him?
“I’m sorry to worry you,” he said quietly. “I haven’t mentioned this yet to Kate. I think it best if you didn’t either until I hear again from Dr. Walsh. Kate has already lost Jim. The possibility of something happening to your father will adversely affect her work. I don’t want to sound cold,” Vince went on, “but you know how much we’ll need her medical skills. Katherine Walsh’s expertise is in natural science, as is mine. We can treat the ill, but Kate is the medical expert. And, of course, we desperately need you.”
Sable wondered. “Yes, of course…. When will you hear again from Dr. Walsh? You say she’s now at Rudolf?”
“Yes, Dr. Willard’s her uncle. Now, Sable, let’s not jump to assuming the worst conclusions about Skyler. It’s more likely he’s out in the wilderness tracking a particular elephant—one named Ahmed[*]. The beast has the biggest tusks we’ve yet discovered—almost two hundred pounds apiece. Skyler claims he can communicate with the bull.”
Sable was disturbed by his suggestions. Her father was a sensible man. While he cared about the elephants in the Marsabit region, he was no kook who believed he could communicate with Ahmed. Something was wrong, but she hesitated to let Vince know of her doubts.
“Yes, I’m sure that’s what it is….” she said. “He’s depressed over my mother’s death. They were very close. Did Gran mention the letter from my father arriving? Unfortunately, Gran misplaced it, so I haven’t seen it yet—but perhaps it holds the information we need.”
His black eyes sparkled in the moonlight. “Did she say when she received it?”
“No, but I gathered from the way she spoke that it arrived just before I did.”
“That’s hardly possible. I heard from Dr. Walsh two weeks ago, and she hadn’t heard from Skyler in a month. Unless …”
She looked at him cautiously. “Unless what?”
“Unless he’ll fool us all by showing up at the wildlife conference after all. A surprise may be in keeping with his new quirks.”
Sable tensed. “Vince, I wish you wouldn’t speak about my father that way. He’s not unbalanced!”
He rushed to soothe her. “Sable, I’m terribly sorry. How thoughtless of me. Please understand I didn’t intend anything personal.”
She drew in a breath. “Yes, you’re right. I suppose everything has been a little too much to deal with all in one day. What I want is a guide with dependable men to bring in our supplies—and now, a hot meal and a good night’s rest. I’m exhausted.”
“Yes, dear, you have a right to be. Come along.” He smiled, looking relaxed for the first time. “I’ll make sure your plate is heaped high. And Zenobia can see that you sleep like a log. Tomorrow I’ll bring you out to the camp to see Kate. She’s anxious to give you a tour of the medical work before we all move on to Samburu. I know how much interest you both have in the Maasai tribe.”
Vince walked her toward the porch as the bright Kenya moon shone golden above the acacia trees. “As for a guide, there’s a chance of finding a good team in Nairobi. I’ll be going there before the conference to see what can be done on short notice.”
Thinking about seeing her sister and visiting the Maasai brought to mind the missing funds for the wells. Sable considered bringing the matter up now, but there’d already been more than enough to discuss for one night. It could wait. She would speak to Kate first.
Could she believe the concerns that Vince raised about her father’s mental well-being? Even Zenobia had voiced her worry. Why hadn’t Kash? He seemed to think her father was of sound mind and body. What reason would Kash have to think differently than the others?
Next time she saw Kash, she would ask him.
*The historical elephant Ahmed was given Presidential protection by Jomo Kenyatta when hunters vowed to take its tusks. Ahmed lived a full life and is preserved in the Nairobi Museum.
Eight
The next morning when Sable came down dressed for her drive with Vince to visit Kate at the camp, Zenobia met her at the dining table, where scrambled eggs and beef waited.
“Vince isn’t here, but he’s left you a note.”
“Gone? Where?”
“He had to leave for Nairobi while it was yet dark. A call came late after you went to bed last night.”
“Nothing serious, I hope.”
Zenobia sighed as she buttered her toast. “The conferees are arriving a day ahead of schedule. And Vince will be the speaker, since Skyler isn’t going to be here. And, oh yes—I’ve spent hours looking for Skyler’s letter and can’t find it anywhere!” She passed the coffee urn to Sable. “I’m so mad at myself,” she scolded. “It’s a tragedy, dear. I really am getting old and senile! But I won’t give up. I’ll keep looking. And oh! Before I forget—Kash called, too, from Kajaido. He asked me to give you a message. Kate’s asking for you to come today.”
Sable was surprised. “When did he see Kate?”
Zenobia shrugged, adding sugar to her coffee. “He’s been seeing a lot of your sister.”
Sable looked across the table at her. “Oh?”
“Anyway, Kash made it clear I was to tell you to drive out there this morning. He’ll meet you at the camp.”
Sable took a sip of her strong black coffee.
“By the way, he said not to
take the rented jeep—there’s something wrong with it. And he wouldn’t want to fish you both out of the mud again, whatever that means. He said to take my Land Rover. And to think I won’t have it to drive. I intended to take the dogs and go out to see Patches this afternoon. I want to make sure the boys do a good job feeding her. She’s likely to prove difficult at first.”
“You can still see Patches. We’ll stop on the way. Why not come with me to visit Kate? By now she’ll be dying to see you and gorge on some of your chocolate chip cookies.”
“You take the cookies for me, dear, and the Land Rover. I’m going to tear my office upside down to find that letter while you’re gone. I know it’s there somewhere. I’ll have Jomo run out this afternoon in one of the other cars to see Patches. Can you find the Amboseli camp? It’s a good twenty miles from here.”
“I’ll find it. I’ve a load of Bibles, too, I brought from Mombasa. I wish I could have brought the bicycles. The truck bringing the supplies should arrive soon, maybe today. I wonder if any of the professors will be going with Vince and us to Samburu?”
“The itinerary doesn’t include that. There’ll be the lectures, the slides, then visits to the reserves and a trip out to Kajaido to see firsthand how the Maasai cattle ranchers are doing with the stationary ranching experiment. A few of them seem to be doing well, but I find it highly unlikely the majority of them will ever break with their nomadic lifestyle.”
“Some of the conservationists may change their minds about visiting Samburu when they learn Father isn’t there,” Sable mused. “They’ll wonder what it is that he has found more important than the work there.”
“If Vince and Mckibber don’t come up with a guide, I don’t see how the supplies can be brought in,” said Zenobia, looking worried. “On the news this morning mention was made of another UN peacekeeper shot at Mogadishu. Authorities are advising everyone to stay out of the NFD area. As for your father coming to the conference, I don’t think he will. Not as long as he’s worried about that elephant herd.”
“The last giant-tusked elephant herd in the NFD,” said Sable. “They’ve got to be protected from poachers!”
Endangered Page 10
