He tried not to think about his wife. It was too painful. The possibilities were too appalling. Was she okay? Had she been hurt in any way, or worse? He tried to change his mood, but there was a black fog hanging over him.
‘What are we going to do for the next forty eight hours?’ Hedge asked. He could sense Cole was feeling the weight of his despair.
‘We’re going to keep our heads down. I don’t want this Greek to know we are here in Cape Town. Not just yet anyway. I have an old friend who lives a few miles east of here, just outside a town called Stellenbosch. It’s a great wine growing region, and this guy loves his grapes. We worked together on a special operation in Central Africa, and have kept in touch ever since. He was with the French Foreign Legion.’
‘So he’s French then?’ Hedge thought it was a reasonable question.
Cole smiled. Hedge hadn’t seen him do that in a while. ‘Good guess and correct, he is French. But actually, most men who join the Legion are not French, hence the word Foreign. Technically, it’s contrary to international law to have overseas nationals in your army. They seem to have bent the rules for the French though.’
‘Strange that,’ said Hedge sarcastically.
‘Well, we do have the Ghurkha’s in the British Army,’ said Cole.
‘So, what does this Frenchman do in South Africa?’
‘He moved over here after being declared medically unfit to stay in the French army. He was badly injured by a landmine on patrol in Algeria. He was lucky to survive the incident. It was believed that he stepped onto a Blu-43 Dragontooth anti-personnel mine, similar to the sort that the US dropped into the jungle during the Vietnam War. The blast took off one of his feet, and shattered one of his kneecaps, as well as other injuries. They found his foot. It was in an olive bush about twenty feet away from the blast. They even managed to find parts of his knee bone, but it was beyond repair. Strangely though, they searched for quite a while, but they never found his testicles. They guessed that they were probably incinerated in the blast.’
‘Jesus. Poor bloke,’ Hedge said.
‘Well, he’s not poor now. He invested his compensation in vineyards, and moved down here. Last I heard, he had even opened a flying school. Be good to catch up with him.’
They found the address, hired a small car, and headed west out of Cape Town. After a few miles, they saw road signs for Stellenbosch. The town was attractive, with smart houses and well laid out gardens. There were wide tree lined suburbs, and attractive, fashionable stores in the town centre. It had a real Dutch feel to it.
Just out of town the rolling landscape was scattered with vineyards in every direction. They turned off the main road onto a long driveway. The sign ‘Chateau Latour’ was hanging from a decorative metal holder, and was gently swinging in the cool breeze.
‘Hardly a castle,’ scoffed Hedge.
‘Yes, but look at this place. It’s beautiful. Pierre never was one for settling for second best.’
The landscape was a magnificent blend of greenery, rolling away into the distance. The driveway swept down to a house, not large, but well maintained, with French style shutters on the windows and an imposing oak front door.
They parked up and banged hard on the door. There was no bell.
After knocking a second time, the door suddenly opened. Standing in front of them was a tall, ruggedly handsome man. He was well tanned, with short grey hair. He looked like he was aged in his late fifties. The man was dressed in a lightweight blue polo shirt, white shorts, and white deck shoes.
‘I hope we haven’t disturbed you in the middle of a game of tennis Latour, you old bastard.’
Pierre Latour looked at Cole. He grimaced, and was about to ask who the hell was disturbing his afternoon siesta, when recognition suddenly hit him.
‘Coll. My old friend, Coll.’
A huge smile appeared on his face. He could never pronounce Cole’s name accurately, and he had given up trying to correct him.
‘But what are you doing here? You should have told me that you were in South Africa. Come in, welcome, my old friend. It’s been what, fifteen years, maybe twenty. Come inside.’
Latour led them through the house and out onto the back patio. Cole and Latour were deep in conversation. They were shaking hands and hugging, like long lost brothers.
Hedge was admiring the view. It was an incredible sight. The gardens were laid out with flowers of every colour. The hedges surrounding the house were manicured to perfection. The fruit trees towards the far end of the Latour estate were full of bloom. He had never seen anything quite so beautiful.
That was, until his eyes caught sight of the young woman sitting in the soft chair towards the far side of the patio.
She was staring at him, and smiling.
Chapter Twenty Nine
Hedge was eventually introduced to Latour. The Frenchman’s handshake all but crushed his hand. He was powerful for his age.
‘Let me introduce my little girl, Michelle. She is the flower of my heart.’
The young woman rose from her chair and shook hands softly with first Cole, and then Hedge.
Hedge tried not to stare at her, but it was impossible. She had the most delicate complexion he had ever seen on a woman’s face. Her skin looked as soft as tissue and was pure white. She obviously kept herself out of the sun. Her long brown hair appeared as if it could have been made of silk - it looked so smooth. The light blue eyes were large and vibrant, giving her a babyish look.
Hedge guessed at her age as being maybe twenty five. He smiled at her, and then tried to look away as he was conscious that he was staring.
And then she spoke. He knew for as long as he lived he would never forget that voice.
‘Please come and zit down next to me, Meester Edge.’ The words seemed to float across to him on the wind. The tone was soft. The strong French accent was intoxicating.
Latour told Michelle to look after his young guest, and he and Cole headed off on a tour of the estate, and to sample some of its produce.
Michelle fetched Hedge a cool drink and the two of them chatted easily. Hedge had no idea how, but the next two hours passed in what seemed like a few minutes. They talked about anything and everything. She told him how wonderful her life was here in South Africa. The two of them had many friends in the local community, and she had a good part-time position at Stellenbosch University.
She was very disarming. He told her everything about his past life. How his parents had died tragically when he was young, and how everyone called him Hedge, although his real name was Tom.
‘I wish to call you Tom,’ she said.
He nodded okay. He didn’t seriously think he could refuse this girl anything.
The temperature had dropped a little, and the afternoon was fading. She pulled on a thin woollen top and suggested they go and see where the ‘old men’ were. They found Cole and Latour in the barn, an out building used to store some of the best wines. It was fitted out comfortably, with soft leather chairs and a long, low level table.
The two men were drunk. That was clear from their laughter, from the way they were both sprawled out on the chairs, and from the five empty wine bottles that sat on the table.
Latour waved Michelle away. ‘Leave us be. I don’t want any of your nagging about my health. We are talking about the old days, too much violence for your young ears. Take Mr. Hedge to the kitchen and feed him, please. Go.’
Michelle shook her head. She took Hedge’s hand and pulled him away. ‘Come Tom, let them drink themselves silly.’
She smiled across at Latour as she left. It was good to see him enjoying himself.
Hedge thought the same of Cole. He hadn’t seen him laugh like that for a while.
Hedge didn’t get anything to eat. As soon as they were back in the main house, Michelle took his hand again and pulled him close. She whispered softly in his ear. ‘They will be busy for a while.’
Hedge didn’t know how to respond, but then she leaned up and
kissed him. Her lips were soft and warm. They felt delicate and he wanted to push hard against them with his own lips, but he was worried in case he hurt her.
He broke away. ‘What about your father, he might come in.’ She laughed, a heavy, throaty sound. ‘He will be drinking for ages yet, we may not see those two for a long while. Anyway …’ she stopped talking and kissed him again.
Hedge parted his lips while they were still gently pressed against hers. ‘Yes. What?’
She kept her eyes closed, and carried on pushing her lips onto his. ‘Never mind,’ she murmured.
She pulled him along the narrow hallway and into the bedroom. The decor was distinctly feminine, with light pink walls and an assortment of cute, soft teddy bears scattered across the bed.
She brushed these off the bed and pulled him down beside her. Their lips were together again and she was pulling him close. Her tongue was inside his mouth, it felt warm and moist, and she tasted of ripe cherries.
‘Undress me,’ she whispered.
The voice was captivating him, while at the same time driving him crazy. It had been a while since he had been this close to a woman. He was very aroused. He slowly removed her clothes, marvelling at her soft, white skin as he did so. He kissed her across her stomach, and then rolled her over and ran his lips down her back. He removed her underwear to reveal her small, smooth buttocks. He couldn’t resist the creamy, white flesh and he ran his tongue down her back again, only stopping when he reached the top of her legs.
She rolled herself over onto her back, and parted her legs for him. He moved his head down and kissed her soft, sensitive area. He ran his tongue between her legs, and then pushed it inside her vagina.
She cried out softly, and begged him not to stop.
She was wet, very wet, and his tongue slid easily across her. Her hand reached down and pushed his head hard down, forcing him closer to her delicate area.
Without any warning, she jumped up onto him, pulled his trousers and underwear down, and had him in her mouth within a few seconds. Her lips were tight around him, and she pushed her head down slowly until his entire length was in her mouth, almost touching her throat.
‘Oh my god,’ Hedge groaned. ‘That is just amazing.’
She lifted her body up, smiled at him, and then slowly lowered herself onto his stiff erection. He slid inside her with ease. It was incredible. He was moving inside this beautiful girl, while at the same time cupping her warm, white breasts in his hands. She increased the rhythm a little, and leaned down to whisper in his ear.
‘I’m going to orgasm now, right now,’ she said. Her mouth flew open and she pushed hard against him for a split second. A short groan came out from deep within her throat. Finally she closed her eyes, and dropped her body onto his.
‘Lovely. That was very nice, thank you Tom.’
He kissed her, and started moving inside her again, while she remained sitting on top of him. After just a few seconds, he thrust up hard inside her, and she felt him shudder a few times, and then relax.
She kissed him one more time, and then jumped off the bed. ‘I’m going for a shower,’ she announced. ‘Then it’s time for food.’
They were both tucking into a large beef and tomato sandwich in the kitchen, when the two men staggered back into the house.
Cole was laughing still. His cheeks looked red, as did his eyes.
Latour slapped Hedge playfully on the back. ‘Well, we have decided what you guys are doing tomorrow. We’re driving over to my airstrip, and I’m taking you two up for a free fall parachute jump.’ His words came out a little slurred.
Cole laughed and stuck both his thumbs up in the air.
Hedge looked horrified. ‘I’m not doing that. I’m terrified of heights at the best of times. You two can go. I’ll watch.’
Latour looked round at him. He seemed offended, but was smiling as he replied. ‘Well hang on a minute young man. I’m not taking no for an answer. You can’t refuse me. Not after I let you into my home, offer you my hospitality, and allow you to fuck my beautiful young wife.’
Hedge’s mouth dropped open. He looked across at Michelle. She held up both her hands innocently as if to say ‘well he has got a point’.
Chapter Thirty
Hedge was worried, very worried. He was trying to hold onto the bag that Cole had asked him to carry to the waiting plane, but it was heavy. Cole had explained to him when he had first picked the bag up, that it was a heavy duty two-man parachute, with an attached reserve. That’s why it weighs so much.
‘How the hell was I supposed to know. I thought she was his daughter. She must be thirty years younger than him.’
‘Not quite,’ said Cole. ‘Anyway, I don’t hear you complaining about it too much.’
‘Latour must be mad as hell with me.’
‘No he isn’t, not at all. Maybe it’s you feeling bad. Maybe you feel a bit used.’ Cole chuckled to himself. ‘Latour is no fool. He understands his wife’s needs better than anyone. He will do anything to keep her happy.’
‘Well, I’m not complaining,’ said Hedge. ‘It just wasn’t what I thought it was.’
‘Nothing ever is my friend. Nothing ever is.’
Cole pushed Hedge up through the small door at the side of the plane, before following him in.
Hedge sat nervously on the floor of the plane. There were no seats. The aircraft had been adapted to cater for group parachute jumps. He looked around at his fellow passengers. Most of them were chatting quietly between themselves.
There were twelve people on board in total, including the pilot. Apart from him, the only other person not jumping today was a burly, dark skinned man, who everyone called simply Zip. Of the ten jumpers, there were nine men and one woman. She sat next to Hedge, and looked just as terrified as he felt.
‘Have you done a jump before,’ she said anxiously.
Hedge swallowed, trying to hide his fear. ‘No I haven’t. I’m just glad we are going “tandem”, as I’m not sure I could handle it on my own. I think I’d probably pass out.’
She laughed. It was a nervous laugh though.
Cole had explained on the way to the airfield that they would do a tandem jump. This meant that he, as an experienced parachutist, would be controlling the descent. Hedge would be strapped to the front of Cole so they would come down together.
‘So do I have a parachute as well,’ Hedge had asked. He wasn’t quite sure how this would work.
‘No. We share a parachute. It will be on my back, and I will decide when to release the chute. We are strapped securely together, so effectively we are just one load.’
‘Do I need to do anything then?’
‘Not really,’ said Cole. ‘Just listen out for any instructions from me. You may need to adjust your arms and legs as we drop. We will be falling from around twelve thousand feet. The first half a minute or so will be free fall. Then when I’m ready, I’ll release the chute. Does that sound like fun or what?’
Hedge didn’t think it sounded like fun at all. He would rather be watching from down below, with his feet firmly on the ground. He really didn’t want to do this, but seemingly he had no choice.
The plane had taken off and was heading up to the required altitude. Zip was moving carefully around the cabin, holding on to anything he could find to steady himself while giving out final instructions to the parachutists. He had a loud, booming voice, and he knelt down close to Cole as he gave out his commands.
‘You guys are going out last. The pilot will give us a green light when we get to our jump position. I’m just going to do a final check on your equipment. Can you both turn and face the door.’
Cole pushed Hedge round about forty five degrees. It wasn’t easy to manoeuvre as they were strapped together tightly. Hedge sat in front of Cole. It was an awkward position as the harness was designed for comfort while in mid air. It wasn’t suited to having its wearers sitting on the floor together.
‘Move your arse round a bit further,’ Co
le shouted at him. He was trying to make himself heard above the noise of the aircraft engine.
‘It’s not easy doing that with you hanging on my backside,’ Hedge replied.
Zip was behind them now. He pulled open the top of the parachute pack and tested a few of the cords leading to the main chute. Cole could feel him fumbling about, but couldn’t see what he was doing.
‘All good here,’ Zip said. ‘You guys are ready to go. Just keep a look out for the green light.’
The passengers all sat quietly. They were lost in their own thoughts, most of them staring intently at the large bulb just above the doorway to the small cockpit of the plane. Then the green light came on, and Zip moved forward and opened the exit door on the side of the plane.
The air outside rushed in and took their breath away. The first pair of jumpers moved towards the doorway. A few seconds later they were gone. Then two by two, the other pairs of tandem skydivers left the plane.
‘It’s us now,’ Cole shouted. ‘Start edging towards the door.’
Hedge was still seated, and slowly they moved their way towards the open door.
‘Hang your feet over the edge and sit still for a second.’
Hedge did as he was told. The only problem was that he could now see outside the aircraft. He leant forward a fraction and looked down. There, twelve thousand feet below him was the surface of the earth. He felt sick, and tried to pull back a little from the doorway. He couldn’t move far though as Cole was seated just behind him, strapped tightly together with the harness.
He took one more peek at the open space in front of him. Some of the other tandem jumpers were clearly visible in the sky below the plane. From where he sat, the earth below looked a long way off. It had the appearance of a patchwork quilt, fields and woods of various shapes and a multitude of colours.
‘Here we go,’ shouted Cole.
Chapter Thirty One
Then they were in the air, hurtling down towards the ground at well over a hundred miles an hour. Cole gripped Hedge’s arms and pulled them out so that they could both adopt the classic skydiver’s position. Cole had explained that they would probably fall for about thirty seconds before he would deploy the parachute. This would then give them a few minutes to descend more sedately down to earth. The typical rate of descent with the chute deployed drops to around twenty miles an hour.
The Terminate Code: A gripping, page-turning, action adventure revenge thriller, with a fast pace, and a terrifying twist in its tail ! (Hedge & Cole Book 2) Page 12
