CATRINA’S AFRICAN ADVENTURE ( Catrina Series Part II )

by J. Willbanks, Susan

  After soaking for what seems like hours, Cat removes the headphones and steps out of the tub onto the comfortable bath mat. Taking the soft and fresh-smelling bath towel from the off the sink, she blots the remaining water from her now relaxed limbs as she sheaths herself in its luxurious softness. She reaches for a smaller towel for her long hair, wrapping it up in turban-like fashion atop her head. Cat hears a strange grouping of sounds coming from the living area of the hotel room and decides to quietly see what is going on. Had it been Patrick, he would’ve just let her know that he had come back.

  As Cat cautiously opens the door from the bathroom to the outer sitting area, she can hear unfamiliar voices and things being tossed about the room. She quickly backs into the bathroom, locks the door, and throws on her clothes. Their rooms are on the first floor and that makes it a bit easier for her to shimmy out the bathroom window and onto the walkway below it.

  Moving quickly through the pool area and into the main lobby of the hotel, she notices the door to her right has the concierge insignia and bursts into the office where she finds Patrick in conversation, making his arrangements for their stay and outbound trips. Both men look up at her, surprised by her bold entrance through the doors.

  “Well, hello Cat. You missed me so much you had to burst into the room, wet hair and all?” Patrick says playfully.

  “No! Patrick, people are trashing our room. I left through the bathroom window to come and find you. I don’t think they had any idea I was there. As I got out of the bathtub, I heard strange noises and knew if it had been you, you would have simply told me you’d come back. Seems everywhere we go, we can’t just have a normal day. I think you’d better come with me back to the room and bring hotel security along.”

  Patrick reaches for Catrina and holds her close to him, positioning her on his lap. “Cat, let me introduce Barnaby. He isn’t just the local hotel concierge, he’s also an agent for Interpol and has been undercover here for the last two years.”

  “What?” Cat says angrily. “You really did take me on a mission for our honeymoon? Patrick Ahearn, I might never forgive you.” She pouts and crosses her arms over her chest. “When Robert called here, I thought it was quite the coincidence that he was in Africa on an assignment at the very same time we happened to be here on our honeymoon. Now I’m sure it wasn’t any kind of coincidence at all. It was planned for the very beginning.”

  “Now Cat, don’t get all in a huff,” Patrick tries to soothe her, putting his arm around her waist. “Yes, we are on an assignment, and yes, he is here and we’re working together. By the way, what did he call for?”

  “Who?” she asks, looking at Patrick confused. “Oh, Robert. He called to tell you he was available and here in the . . . ummm, what did he call it? Oh yes, the DRC. And he said you had his cell number and to call him if you needed to. Oh, and he said that he ran into a friend of yours—what was his name?—umm, Reed. Reed something.”

  “Reed Simons?”

  “Yes, that’s it, Reed Simons. He’s also there in the DRC with Robert and said to say hello. Patrick, I’m not too keen on another round of theatrics and FBI hijinks on my honeymoon. This was not what I signed up for. We were supposed to have some of our own time together.”

  “I’m sorry. Really I am. But Cat, listen to me. We’re on our honeymoon and will be doing all the things we talked about doing, and it will still be romantic and wonderful. I promise you it will be a not-to-be-forgotten experience. I just have to watch Robert’s back. I always have and this is no different. If it were reversed, he’d do the same for me and you know it.”

  Cat looks at the concierge. “Umm, Barnaby is it? Pleasure to meet you. I’m not always such a basket case, unless of course there are thugs in my room and my husband forgets to mention that he is on an assignment, and . . . ” Cat takes an exaggerated deep breath.

  “Cat, it will be fine.” - “I’ll have Barnaby arrange for us to move to a new room, and we’ll be leaving in the morning for the Serengeti migration camp anyway. I’ll stay with you from now on and I’ll fill you in on what is happening. Right now we need to go back to the room the see what they might have been searching for and what condition they left it in. Barnaby will handle the security for us. Come on, let’s go.”

  Patrick takes Cat’s hand and the two of them head toward their room. Once they arrive, Patrick opens the door and finds the room in total disarray. Furniture upended, drawers tossed on the floor, and both of their suitcases dumped in the bedroom.

  “Wow, you must have just gotten out of here in time, Cat. I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you about the mission, but I really thought it was limited to the DRC and Robert. I’m not sure how we fit into this just yet, and if I had at least told you, then you would have been prepared for or looking for unusual activities. I’m relived you got out safely and unharmed. I don’t know what I would do if anything ever happened to you, Cat. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I’ll bring you up to speed on the three-hour ride out to the migration camp. In the meantime, I need to call Robert and find out what he’s working on, what he knows about Reed’s involvement in this, and how we are now involved somehow.”

  Chapter Three

  After ending his call to Cat, Robert decides to talk to a few of the local informants and try to get a grasp on who is in charge of the local gem market in Kisangani. He also intends to speak more directly to Reed regarding his involvement in the local marketplace and what he is up to in the African Congo.

  After he speaks to his informants and walks around Kisangani’s open-air marketplace, Robert heads back to the hotel in hopes of finding Reed and getting some information from him that might be helpful to both Interpol and the FBI. When Robert arrives, he finds that Reed is not in his room, so he goes to the bar to get a drink and wait in the lobby area for his friend to return.

  A short time later while Robert is on his second drink of the evening, Reed comes sauntering into the hotel.

  “Reed, hey there, my friend,” Robert says. “You have a minute to talk?”

  “You’re just the man I was hoping to see here this evening, Robert. I have more than a minute and have a lot that I think we can discuss regarding your current situation here in the Congo.”

  “Really, you don’t say. Well, why don’t we get some dinner and have a drink and a bit of conversation together then?”

  “Sounds great to me, Robert. Lead the way.”

  The two of them go to the dining room to find a quiet table, with Robert very curious as to what Reed wants to talk about. As soon as they order their food and another drink, he gets down to business.

  “Okay, Reed, what do you think we need to discuss? You obviously have something in particular in mind.”

  “Yes, I do, Robert. You mentioned you were here regarding the gem trade going in and out of the African Congo. I happen to have some information that might be of use to you and the boys at Interpol. I’ve been involved with an organization here that is the primary exporter of gems out of this region. But I need protection if I am going to help you. These boys don’t play nicely when you talk about them to outsiders, if you get my drift. Many a person has gone missing here when they’re no longer seen as useful participants in this business.”

  “I’ll contact my superiors and see if they’ll arrange for witness protection to take you in and relocate you after this gets settled. I can also call Patrick and see if he’s willing to come and play bodyguard for a few days. He’s in Tanzania not too far from here. But I wouldn’t know anything about the protection for a few days. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear from them, and I’ll call Patrick in the morning.”

  “That sounds pretty good then, Robert. As soon as you hear, let me know, and in the meantime I have a piece I’d like to leave in your temporary safe-keeping. I don’t want it known that I have this particular piece; it’s my financial insurance after I leave this continent. I’ll bring it to your room at midnight tonight.”

  “You’re not giving me something
I can get fired over, are you, Reed?”

  “It’s just a rock, my friend, but it’s an important rock. You’ll see it when I come by later on. Let’s eat. The food’s getting cold.”

  “A rock, hmm? Just a rock? I know I’m going to regret this, Reed. I like what I do for a living and don’t plan on walking away any time soon, okay? Let’s not get me fired.”

  “I’m not going to get you fired. Maybe I’ll give you part of my retirement fund and you can relax for a while.”

  “I don’t want any part of your retirement fund, Reed. I don’t know how you got it and don’t want to either.”

  Reed lets out a hearty laugh. “Well, then I won’t tell you how I got it. You sure are paranoid these days, Robert. What happened to the carefree and throw-caution-to-the-wind guy I used to know, Mr. Adventure?”

  “I am not paranoid. I’m still interested in a good adventure, Reed. Just not interested in losing my means of income because of getting involved with some less-than-reputable organization.”

  “Yeah, I hear ya. These guys aren’t exactly on the Fortune 500 list of companies, after all. But I do have some information, as I told you, and it’ll help you and the boys at Interpol. When you’ve gotten clearance for me to stay safe, I can talk to you.”

  “Yes, Reed. I’ll call Patrick now to see if he can come here and keep an eye on you till we get your new identity and get you out of the country safely. But I have to tell you, I will need to call in a few favors for this and I do hope that the information you have is worth that. Not that I’m doubting you, I just need to find out about the recent disappearances of people and the illegal export of emeralds and diamonds out of this area. Like how they are transporting them and where I might find the bodies of those that are missing. I have a list I need you to look at—later on, that is. I really shouldn’t talk to you until Patrick gets here and can keep you safely under surveillance. I know you could get into a bind if you’re seen talking to me here, at least at the moment. Maybe we should cut our conversation short now, and I’ll let you know as soon as Patrick arrives here in the DCR.”

  “Yeah, sure. I’ll eat and be gone before you know it. I am coming to you room later to leave my rock, remember? If you want, I’ll look at that list then, Robert. Let’s enjoy our dinner and the rest of your evening.”

  “Reed, I really appreciate your help here. I know it could cost you for helping me, and I want you to know it means a lot to me. I’ll do all I can to keep you safe and out of the loop. I’m in a new room, the number is 2237.”

  “It’s time for me to retire anyway, Robert. I’d be getting out with or without you, but it sure makes it a bit easier to do it with your help and your safety net in place. I should be the one thanking you, after all. Okay, well, I’m finished. See you later on tonight.”

  Reed leaves the table and Robert orders his desert, feeling a bit apprehensive about not having adequate backup at the moment. Robert wonders if Reed will be safe until Patrick and Catrina arrive. He is also very curious about the so-called “rock” that Reed is going to drop off with him tonight.

  Finishing up his meal, he notices a very attractive woman with long dark hair sitting at the bar. Robert feels as though he has met her or seen her somewhere before, and that it was not while he was in Africa. She looks a bit out of place actually. She’s dressed to kill in a lavender dress and heels and is wearing stunning jewelry. But Robert cannot put his finger on how he knows her or why.

  She seems to notice him too. She smiles when he looks her way.

  Robert decides that nothing ventured equals nothing gained and calls over the waiter.

  “Would you please offer the lady a drink and put it on my tab, thank you.”

  The waiter leaves and goes to the bar.

  “The gentleman would like to offer you a drink, miss. Shall I get you something?”

  “Yes, thank you. A gin and tonic will do fine.”

  When her drink arrives, she lifts her glass in Robert’s direction. He then motions for her to join him at his table, and she gets up and goes over to sit down.

  “Thank you for the drink. I’m Lorelei, and I appreciate the kindness.”

  “Good evening, Lorelei. My name is Robert, and thank you for joining me. Company seems so much better than sitting alone in the evening with such a lovely view. I’m pleased to meet you, although I can’t help but wonder if we’ve met somewhere before.” He gives a slight chuckle. “I realize how that sounds, but I really do feel as though we have met before.”

  “You are very astute, Robert. We have actually, it was a little over a year ago, I believe, in San Francisco. I was purchasing a rather exquisite necklace, the Duchess’ Diamonds. You were there at the time, although I’m not sure in what capacity. You were very quiet and stayed in the background.”

  “Ah yes, I remember now. Lorelei Domani. It’s a pleasure to see you again, Lorelei. What brings you to Africa, particularly to Kisangani?”

  “I’m a collector of fine jewels, as you might have guessed, and one of my many buyers has told me of a rather large emerald that may be for sale here in the near future. I wanted to see it and make an offer. If it’s as I’ve been told, it will make a nice addition to my gems. What about you, Robert? What has brought you here to this charming and beautiful place?”

  “We seem to run in the same circles, Lorelei. I’m here as well for the emerald and precious gem trade, but I have not heard of any particularly large stones for sale. I would be interested in seeing such a gem, although I fear that my finances would prohibit me from participating in the biding of such a rare find. When will you be viewing this stone?”

  “I’m not sure. The current owner has been very discrete as to its whereabouts, but I have been told that it will be available one day this week. Would you care to join me? It would be my pleasure to have you there. It’s not every day that one meets a handsome and charming gentleman in the heart of the African rain forest, Robert. Are you staying here at the hotel?”

  “Yes, as a matter a fact I am staying here at the hotel for the next month at least. And I would indeed be delighted to accompany you when the opportunity arises to see this gemstone. I am enjoying your company as well, thank you. Tell me, what is it that you do when you are not buying beautiful gems and jewelry, Lorelei?”

  “Nothing out of the ordinary, Robert. I do a lot of charitable work around the world for various organizations, and I travel frequently. I’m sure you’ve heard of my father, Carlo Domani. I manage our family finances for philanthropic ventures; I feel that our family should give back to others in need. I help some to secure an education and some to get jobs by opening new businesses.”

  “I have indeed heard of and know the reputation of your father, Carlo. My apologies, but he is not known for his generosity and kindnesses, I’m afraid. Are these businesses you run and open affiliated with your father’s work or something of your own making, Lorelei?”

  “Everything I do is of my own making, Robert. I am given a rather generous allowance and in addition to that I am given monies for the various charitable organizations I run and provide for. All my business ventures are legitimate and legal ventures. Just because my father has the reputation of being ruthless and in, shall we say, less-than-legitimate businesses does not mean that I must follow suit. It appalls me that people cannot seem to separate me from my father, and obviously you have the same difficulty. I can never meet someone and, after having told him or her my name, garner respect even just as a woman. Everyone assumes I am my father! Well, I’m not! And I resent your implications that I am like him. One cannot choose their parents, Robert, but one certainly can chose the way they live their life!”

  “Oh, I apologize if you felt I was attacking you, Lorelei. I wasn’t, really. I find you intelligent, charming, and lovely. I’m sorry for the way the question came off. I was simply curious about what you do and if you worked for your father’s business or for yourself. I didn’t mean to offend you. In fact, if you don’t mind, I’d lik
e to make it up to you. Maybe for lunch tomorrow, my treat?”

  “I suppose that would be preferable to eating alone in my room here. Yes, thank you, I would love to have lunch with you, Robert. And I suppose I am a bit quick to jump on people where my father is concerned, but I don’t like being tied to his shenanigans and would really like to find people that I can trust on my own, which is difficult at best once they know who I am.”

  “I can certainly see that, Lorelei. You have nothing to worry about with me. I will gladly separate you from any of your family’s endeavors and see you as an entirely different person. Let’s say we meet here in the restaurant at noon. Does that work for you?”

  “Yes, Robert, noon is perfect, and I look forward to seeing you then. I must be going now to get some sleep. Thank you again for the drink and the company. I’ve enjoyed the time tonight.”