by Clare Revell
Liam looked at Jacqui. “Up to you. I’m just the sidekick. The Dr. Watson to your Holmes, the Spock to your Kirk, the Patrick Starr to your SpongeBob, the Rudolph—”
“All right, OK, enough. I get it.”
“So, what do you think, love? I know you don’t want that creep anywhere near you, but I promise if he touches you at all, he’ll regret it.”
“I guess they wouldn’t ask if they didn’t really need us.”
Her palm was warm and he looked down, slowly moving his thumb across the back of her hand. “It’s ironic, isn’t it? I’ve been asking God for months for this chance, and the minute I stop asking and hand it over to Him to deal with, He gives it to me on a plate. Bit like John the Baptist’s head, only slightly less messy.”
“So it’s a yes?” Patrick asked.
“You don’t actually want his head on a platter, do you?” Liam glanced at him.
“No. Thanks for the offer, bro, but no. We’d rather lock him up and throw away the key.”
“We’ll talk it over, pray it through, and get back to you.”
“I can’t give you any longer. The taxi’s coming for you in less than an hour.”
Liam took a deep breath. Lord, show me what to do. I can’t let her go alone and as much as I want to go out there… He paused, a sudden sense that he was doing the right thing flooding him. All right, but You have to come, too. I’m not doing this without You by my side.
“Maybe you get to be Samson after all.” Jacqui squeezed his hand.
“Only if you be Delilah.” Liam nodded. “However, I don’t want their fates. We get to live happily ever after. Don’t want from here to Endarra turning into from here to eternity.”
“We’ll make Samson and Delilah your code names.” Patrick handed Jacqui the phone. “Make the call and put it on speaker phone. But don’t let him arrange the flights. We’ll do that.”
Jacqui nodded. Her hands shaking, she dialed Vince’s number.
“Devlin.”
“Hi, Vince. It’s Jacqui.”
“Jacqui, baby, how are you? I was worried after the fire last night. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Listen, Liam and I were talking, and we could both do with a break.”
“I assume that means you decided to take the job. That’s great, hon. The old team together again.”
“No. Actually it means that Liam and I will both come out, and you can show us what needs doing. Then I’ll make an informed decision.”
“I’ll book you a flight. It’ll be wonderful to spend some time alone with you.”
“Liam and I will book our own flights.” She looked at Patrick as he scrawled a note and handed it to her. She read it and nodded her understanding. “We’re going to a couple of places first and figured we’d add Endarra on to the end of our trip.”
“And what if I don’t want Liam to come?”
“Then I don’t come. Liam is part of my life, and he’s agreed to fit this into our holiday. So it’s both of us, or neither.”
Vince’s voice tightened. “Fine. When will you arrive?”
“I’ll let you know when we’ve booked the flight. Speak to you then.” She hung up and looked at Liam. “All right. Let’s go learn how to be spies.”
Liam reached over and kissed her. “Only so long as I can be the spy that loved you.”
She shook her head. “Your jokes get worse.” She looked at Patrick. “Can you drop me off so I can pack?”
Patrick nodded. “Of course.”
Jacqui stood and kissed Liam. “I’ll see you in an hour.”
16
Jacqui and Liam exited the plane and headed into immigration and customs hand in hand. Jacqui felt woefully unprepared despite the training she’d been given. Vince had arranged to pick them up, and she made the most of the last few moments alone with Liam. She handed over her passport and tried not to squirm as the officer fixed his steel gaze on her.
“What is the reason for your visit?”
“Vacation.” She took a deep breath, hoping she hadn’t changed too much from her photograph as he compared the two
“Where are you staying?”
“The Matumaini mission.”
“Are you with the Horatio Corporation?”
She nodded.
The officer handed back her papers and waved her though with no more checks. Strange…let’s just hope Liam finds it as easy.
Jacqui stood to one side.
Liam collected his bags and was escorted away from the queue and into a side room.
Now what? How did she get through and Liam didn’t? Was he the random fifth passenger they did extra checks on, or was it something more sinister? Perhaps Vince’s hand was in all this. He didn’t want Liam here; maybe he’d had a red flag put against his name to deny him entry to the country. She knew how deep Vince’s fingers went and just what he was capable of.
She sat down on a chair and closed her eyes, praying hard. Right now there was only One person who could get Liam out of this mess and fortunately she had His number. Lord, please intervene here. I need him. Don’t let them refuse him entry. He didn’t pack the gun, despite Patrick giving him one, he left it at home. Jacqui was still praying ten minutes later when someone sat in the chair beside her.
“Wake up,” said a very familiar Irish lilt. “We have places to go and people to see.”
“Liam…are you all right? I was so worried.”
“You’re not the only one. My name must have flagged something. They unpacked my bags and asked a dozen questions and then some. But once I mentioned I was here with the Horatio Corporation, they backed right off.”
“I guess Vince has his uses after all. Though it was probably Vince who flagged your name in the first place.”
“Yeah, more than likely. He probably wanted to be sure I was unarmed. So, are we going to go face our friend Vince?” He pulled out his mobile phone. “At least there’s coverage here.” He tapped quickly and sent a short concise text message. He hadn’t even put the phone away before, he got a reply. He deleted the message then leaned over to whisper in Jacqui’s ear, pretending to kiss her on the neck.
“All righty. He knows we’re here and wants me to report in again in six hours. Assuming we’re there, then. And the new cook apparently goes by the name Rhubarb, or Dennis if you want his real name. If we want to get a message to Patrick, other than by normal means, we ask for chicken and sage dumplings when we go to eat.”
“All very cloak and dagger, isn’t it?” Jacqui murmured back, tracing a kiss against his jaw.
“I can see it now. ‘What did you do during the summer holiday, Sir?’ ‘I worked for MI5 as a spy. My name is Page, Liam Page, Agent Double Oh Eight Point Five, with a license to panic. You think they’d believe me if I told them?” He continued whispering.
“Nope. However, when we get home you could write a book entitled My Life as a Spy by The Head of the English Department. It could be a required exam reading in years to come.” Her voice was as soft as the kiss she landed on his mouth.
“Yeah, right. All joking aside, this may get dangerous. However, God is on our side.” He sobered and gripped her hand. “All right. Better go before he wonders where we are.”
Jacqui stood with him and added her bags to his trolley. She let Liam lead her through the double doors to where Vince stood. The hair on the back of her neck rose as she got closer to him.
Vince shook Liam’s hand, dropping it quickly, and then pulled Jacqui into a hug. “How was your flight? There was no need for you to fly commercial. I could have sent the company jet for you and saved you both the air fare.”
Jacqui twisted free, her skin crawling. “The flight was fine, thank you. Like I explained on the phone, we’re on holiday so it’s not a problem us doing it. Besides, the airline food is an adventure in itself.” And a commercial flight means there’s an official record of us entering the country.
“I’ve got transport waiting outside. It’ll take us to the comp
ound.”
Grateful for Liam’s firm grip on her hand, Jacqui followed Vince out of the air-conditioned airport into the bright sunlight. The heat hit her like a blast furnace, taking her breath away. She pulled her shades over her eyes and tugged her hat down further.
Vince’s driver slung the bags into the boot before opening the door to for Jacqui and Liam. Vince got in the other side of Jacqui.
The Land Rover bounced over the potholes and uneven surfaces.
Jacqui slid her hand into Liam’s. He was pale, and she wasn’t sure if he was car sick or just overwhelmed with memories. “Are you all right?”
He shook his head. “No. I feel sick.” He grabbed the door as the truck leaped over a hump in the road.
“Stop the truck,” Jacqui said as the last of the color drained from Liam’s face. The truck squealed to a halt in a spray of gravel.
Liam flung the door open and staggered out and over to the side of the road.
Jacqui gave him a few minutes, then slid out of the truck and went over to him. “Liam?”
He wiped his hand over his mouth and straightened up. “I’m all right.”
“Are you sure?”
He took a deep breath. “Yeah.”
Jacqui handed him a bottle of water. “Drink some of this. It’ll help.”
“Thanks, love.”
She watched him as he took a long drink of the water. Is he going to manage this? Is the bravado for my benefit or simply a way to hide his true feelings from everyone? “Is it much further?”
“I’m not sure. I only drove it the once. They flew us out.”
“We need to go.” Vince yelled from the car, his glare as dark as Liam was pale. “Or we won’t make it by dark.”
“We’re coming.” Taking hold of Liam’s hand, she led him back over to the Rover.
****
It was dark when they arrived. Two overhead lights illuminated the sign over the huge gates and several more lit the compound behind it. Barbed wire fences disappeared into the night. Armed guards stood in the tower by the gate.
“Are you keeping something in or something out?” Jacqui looked at Vince.
“Out,” came the stern reply. “The local wildlife isn’t tame by any stretch of the imagination. You’ll find the accommodation here basic to say the least. The showers and latrines are unisex, mainly as there are no women here. Except you that is. There is a dining hut and dorms. But I have set aside a room for each of you in what used to be staff quarters here. Most of the complex is in ruins. We are still working on clearing it.”
The truck stopped and Vince leapt out. “I’ll show you to your rooms. Someone will fetch you when it’s time to eat.”
Jacqui could see Liam’s distaste at the thought of dinner. She turned back to Vince. “Actually, I might give dinner a miss tonight. It’s been a long day and I’m shattered. I might just hit the hay and sleep until morning.”
“Sounds like an excellent plan.” Liam was quick to agree.
Vince scowled, but nodded. “Very well.” Vince beckoned one of the men over. “This is Simeon. He will show you to your rooms. His English is basic but adequate. He says what he needs in as few words as possible.”
Liam gripped her hand tightly as Jacqui followed Simeon across the compound.
Vince was apparently offended, as he delegated the task rather than taking them himself. Good job Simeon is wearing a white shirt else we wouldn’t see him. The man was armed, even inside the fence. Surely they were safe in here.
Simeon pointed out the buildings as they passed, explaining their uses. “Meal hut. A gong sounds and tells you when it’s time to eat. New cook, but he very good. Shower hut. Hot water only last three minutes per person. Wash quickly.”
Liam frowned. “Only three minutes of hot water? I might have to go and find the river and bathe there.”
Simeon’s head flew back and forth sharply. “You stay away from river. Many crocodiles—eat you for lunch.”
Liam sighed and looked at Jacqui. “I guess that rules out pooh sticks then.”
She pulled a sad face. “I guess so. We’ll have to find something else to do instead.”
“Latrines…” Simeon ignored them and pointed to another building. He looked at Jacqui. “I arrange one with sign on for just you, memsahib.”
“No, please don’t. Its fine just the way it is.”
Simeon nodded as his feet clattered up wooden steps and down the verandah.
Laughter echoed from one of the other rooms.
“Keep the screens closed, keep mosquito out. You have, uh, how you say, quynyne?”
“Quinine?” Liam asked.
“Yes, little white tablet?” He smiled as they both nodded. “Good. You need them. Take often.” He pushed open two doors. “This one your room, memsahib. Try not leaving your room alone after dark. Not safe.” He shot her another beaming smile and left.
Jacqui looked at Liam, to find a matching grin on his face. “What?”
“Think someone likes you.”
“Yeah, you.” She eased her shoulders. “I could do with a shower.”
Liam nodded. “I’ll come with you. I don’t really want you wandering around alone in the dark. Though honestly, with those lights and armed guards, it probably is safe—but there’s more than the wildlife to worry about. I’ll protect you from the vipers.”
“That’s very gallant of you. You sure it has nothing to do with the showers being unisex?”
“Nothing at all.” Liam’s laugh echoed on the wooden verandah. “I just don’t want to have to mount a search party to come find you when you get lost.”
“When? Don’t you mean if I get lost?”
“I never say anything I don’t mean, memsahib.” He imitated the young man’s admiring tone.
“Don’t you start. I’ll just unpack my towel and stuff.”
Liam put a hand on her arm and frowned.
“What is it?”
“Humor me. Swap rooms, but don’t tell anyone. If I remember rightly, there’s door leading to a back verandah. We can go in and out unseen through them.”
“This is getting stranger by the second.”
“Yes, but it might keep us safe.” He went through his door.
Jacqui went into her room, jumping as she realized Liam was already there. “How did you…?” She broke off as he pointed silently to the door between the two rooms. “Ah…”
“This is even better than going out the back and back in again. If you leave this one unlocked I can be in here in a flash.”
She smiled and went through the door into the other room. A quick glance to her left showed another door in that wall too. She locked it and looked at it. “It’ll be fairly easy to break it down. It looks pretty flimsy. I’ll move something heavy in front of it as well. Maybe the chest of drawers.”
“I’ll do it now for you.”
“That’s very gallant of you.”
He pretended to tip his hat. “Oh, to be sure, to be sure, Miss Jacqui.”
Glancing around the rest of the room, she took in the simple furniture. As well as the set of drawers which Liam was manhandling across the room, there was a bed, and nightstand—simple but livable for the few days she would be here. A mosquito net hung over the bed and despite the darkness and open window, the heat was stifling. She put her bag on the floor by the bed and pulled out a towel, wash stuff and change of clothes. Three minutes was ample time, no matter what Liam said.
The shower block was busy and Jacqui got more than one appreciative stare as she entered. She ignored the scantily clad men—who made no effort to cover themselves—and headed to the bank of cubicles. She was relieved to find each stall had a lockable door and enough room to dry and dress. Turning on the water, she stood under it, fully dressed, letting the water soak in to her clothes as it heated up.
Stripping off, Jacqui made the most of her three minutes of hot water. A smile crossed her face as she heard Liam singing over the sound of the water. Just as the
hot water ran out, she finished rinsing her hair. She hopped out of the shower letting the cold water rinse her clothes. She dried and dressed quickly and then wrung out her things, before wrapping them in her towel. Opening the door she found Liam standing in front of it. “That’s better. Feel half human again now.”
He smiled at her. “Me too. I might feel fully human after a few hours’ sleep.” He yawned. “I’m about ready to sleep now.” He slid his hand into hers, and they headed out into the night. The sounds of the jungle filled the air as they walked. “I’ll knock for you about eight. That way we can start the day in prayer.”
“That sounds good to me.” Jacqui paused outside the door to her room and kissed his cheek. “Good night.”
“Don’t I get a proper kiss?” Liam wrapped his arms around her and lowered his voice. “We’re being watched. Better stick to going in the proper doors and using the connecting one to switch. And it doesn’t hurt to emphasize the fact that you’re my girl, Jacqui Dorne. Mine, and no one else’s.”
“Any excuse,” she murmured as he kissed her. She closed her eyes, letting the scent of shampoo and shower gel fill her senses. His hands ran over her arms, sending shivers of pleasure through her, pulling her close as he deepened the kiss. Her head spun with the sensations filling her.
As he broke the kiss, she stood still, content to be in his arms a little longer. “There’s no one else’s girl I’d rather be. Just like you’re my man.”
“Now that sounds good. Are you going to stand by me, then?”
“To the end. Are you all right? Being here again, I mean?”
“Yeah,” he replied after a while, his voice taut with grief and emotion. “I’m not denying it’s hard, much harder than I thought it would be. Sally and I…we’d sit on the verandah at night, listening to the jungle sounds, a little like we are now. She’d sing hymns and I’d read.”
“I can sing if you want.”
“No, it’s fine, thank you. I’ve heard you sing.” He kissed her gently. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.” She went into the room, knowing he’d stand there until she locked the door, then she headed into the other room. She smiled as he came in and locked the door behind him. “Goodnight. Again.”
