by Rula Sinara
“No, I hope not. I like studying war, but wouldn’t want to fight in one. I like history. All sorts. It’s easy for me because most of the things we learn in school, I already know about from books and documentaries. Language is a close second.”
“Taking after your big sis, huh?” She gave him a wink, and a goofy smile that could only be Philip’s took over his face.
“You mean you’re passing on the title of Family Geek? Sweet. It’ll make it so much easier to please Dad.”
“I’m so not a geek. Which one of you gave me that title?” She grabbed the pillow out from behind her back and threw it at him.
“You assume it’s only one of us? You have three brothers. Wake up.”
“Fine. I surrender and you can have my title. For the record, though, Dad told me he thought you were smart. You have nothing to worry about.”
“I’m not worried about grades. I just hate that, whenever the subject of what I want to be or what I want to study in college comes up, he always lists careers he thinks I should pursue. One time I mustered up the nerve to mention that I kind of like the idea of teaching history and you should have seen the expression on his face. He launched into this explanation of why all his suggestions were better.”
And here she thought she was the only one who had to deal with their dad’s constant disapproval.
“I’m sorry about that, Philip. Don’t let it get to you. Do what makes you happy.” Her dad’s reaction earlier pinched at her chest. He’d never shared the details of what he’d gone through as a marine. Probably because he wanted to protect them from it all. Or maybe because the memories were painful enough without having to describe them. She felt awful for saying the wrong thing to him and triggering that reaction earlier.
Maddie cocked her head and tucked her hair behind her ear.
“You know, Philip, I’m only now realizing that the way he is sometimes...it isn’t about me—or us. It’s about him. It really helps to know that.”
“I wish you didn’t live so far away.”
She hated that he felt lonely, despite being surrounded by family. But she understood the hollow feeling wasn’t about having everyone around. It was about being understood and accepted. That made it tough on a teen with a dad like theirs.
“Come visit me. The last time you all came to the States was to see Grandpa Eric and Grandma Nina. And last time we all went sightseeing in Philly as a family, you couldn’t have been more than nine or ten and I wasn’t even living there. You’d be in history heaven. I’d take you on a personal tour.”
“That would be kind of cool.”
“If you ever need to talk or vent or whatever, you know where I am. We could hang out via computer pixels. Just not at three in the morning my time.”
“Sounds good.”
She got up and demanded a hug. Fourteen had to be one of the toughest ages. Not quite a kid but not yet a grown man—and mood swings to boot. She really wished Ryan wouldn’t tease him so much, but Ryan was going through his cocky stage. Even worse, he’d be off to college soon and poor Philip wouldn’t have any siblings around. No buffer when it came to their parents. Her brain went into rapid-fire mode. He needed a friend. Someone to boost his confidence.
“I have an idea.” It was perfect. Exactly what Philip needed, but it would be great for all of them and she was sure Hope would be on board. Her mom would recall how, before the family moved to Kenya, a less permanent but similar arrangement had helped them all heal. “Let’s go.”
“Where?”
“I’m getting you a present.” There would be less resistance from her dad if it was a gift. At least there would be if his heart really was in the right place, as her mom insisted. This would be good for Ben, too.
“But Jamal is off tonight and he took his car. Mom always needs hers available in case there’s a medical emergency and Dad never lets anyone take his. He thinks drivers around here are nuts.”
“We don’t need a car. We can walk.”
“We’re in a neighborhood. There aren’t any stores around here. Look, you really don’t have to buy me anything.”
“I want to, and it’s just down the street. I saw a sign up at that pink house and it said ‘free.’ I’m getting you a gift, not buying one.”
His eyes widened and lips parted. He’d seen the sign, too. Maddie felt like she’d swallowed a jar of jumping beans. This was perfect. She knew first hand just how much this would help him. And who knew...maybe it would help soften her dad’s rough edges a bit. She did a crazy dance and put her finger to her mouth to shush him.
“If we run into anyone on the way out, we’re simply going for a walk. Got it?”
“Got it.” His voice squeaked and there was more color in his cheeks than she’d seen in a long time.
“This, little brother, is how we geeks put the word special in special ops. Mission Furball starts now. We are getting you a puppy.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
HAKI LOADED THE half-empty box of supplies onto his jeep. Ten goats dewormed and one treated for mastitis and he felt like he’d moved a mountain. It wasn’t much in the grand scheme of things, but it meant something to him. He felt good. He felt free, even if he was using his day off to help the herdsman. It was only a small part of his dream, but it was something. The rest—the house and clinic on the hill—wasn’t going to happen. Not because Pippa had never been behind it. He simply didn’t have it in him anymore.
After sharing that spot with Maddie, the idea of living there alone or with anyone else was ruined. That tree, the rocks he’d helped her climb and every drop of rain that filled the river below would remind him of her and the few minutes they’d spent there together. But he’d still try to help out as many farmers as he could, whenever he could. This was his project, not Busara’s, so he needed to use his spare time and cover the cost of supplies himself.
“Ashe oleng.” The herdsman held his staff in one hand and put his other hand to his chest in gratitude.
“Meti inya mali,” Haki replied. He was being honest. It really was no problem to do something that felt right. Something he knew to be right.
He finished loading his jeep and began the drive back to Busara. It was the longest hour of his day. His mind kept wandering, like a parched animal in search of water. He needed to shut Maddie out. They weren’t meant to be. That was the bottom line, and it was no longer just about putting Pippa first. Maddie wasn’t meant for life off the grid; she’d invested too much of herself into becoming a lawyer and advancing her career, which would wither out here. She’d made her priorities clear. She’d achieved what she’d come out here to do and then she’d left without a word. She’d won. Whatever had passed between them had been nothing more than a vacation fling...without the fling. It was over. He needed to move on.
He rounded the bend for Busara and could already see Pippa’s hair. She was in the grassy area on the outskirts of camp, playing with the orphans as they frolicked in the brush under supervision of their keepers. She looked in his direction and waved.
He pulled up and jumped out just as Mosi swung down from his favorite tree and scurried toward him. The little guy chattered and held out his hand.
“No treats, my friend. My pockets are empty.” Haki patted his khakis to make his point clear.
“Hey. Where’ve you been all morning?” There was a bounce in Pippa’s step and her face lit up the way it used to. It bothered him that she seemed relieved that Maddie was gone.
“About an hour from here. The Ngoro homestead.”
“Oh. Okay.”
He knew she’d figure out sooner or later that he was going to spend more of his free time helping the tribal farmers with their veterinary needs. It wasn’t nearly as much as he’d dreamed of doing, but at least it was something. And yes, it would take away from the time he usually spent w
ith Pippa—maybe he was avoiding her a little—but he needed to do this. He’d always put her first. He didn’t regret that, but honestly, he was tired of putting this idea of serving the farmers on the backburner. He needed to stop worrying so much about pleasing her.
Maybe he was bitter or had lost his sense of honor and selflessness, but darn it, she was right. She’d said she could take care of herself and that he didn’t have to rescue her or hunt her down all the time. Fine. If they were destined to get married, as the Laibon predicted, then Haki sure as heck wasn’t going to spend the rest of his life walking on eggshells around her. She fell in step with him as he headed toward the house to wash up.
“I sort of thought we could spend your day off together like we always used to. Maybe splurge and go eat at Hodari Lodge or visit Mugi, Kesi and Tessa,” Pippa said. He knew she’d only left Mac out because he flew his chopper to Busara pretty often.
“I don’t think we have enough of the day left, and I promised Huru and Noah a long hike. You know...a guy thing,” he added before she could invite herself.
She looked away and stuffed her hands in her back pockets. The guys had never left her out before. Well, maybe once or twice, but only when she was under the weather or had other plans. Taking kids on hikes was Pippa’s thing. She loved doing it. That was why she volunteered to help out at Camp Jamba Walker so much. But Haki really needed to spend more time alone or at least not with women. Not forever...just long enough to straighten his head out and regain perspective.
“They’re fifteen and sixteen now. Boys that age aren’t kids anymore. They need time with their peers. Guy talk.” He hoped that would soften the blow.
“Haki. Are we okay? Just answer me that. Because you don’t seem okay, and I’m not sure what to make of it.”
“We’re fine.”
“Fine is a bad word. Fine is just adequate. Mediocre. We were more than that before. Weren’t we? We were planning to get married, for goodness sake.”
He stopped in his tracks and hung his head. Had they been only fine all along? Or did it seem that way now that he could compare their relationship to his connection with Maddie? Did this mean he’d be making that comparison forever? That wouldn’t be fair to either Pippa or himself. He scrubbed his face with both hands.
“I don’t mean to worry you. If you start analyzing my every word and movement, we’ll both go nuts. We’ll be okay.” Oh, man. That sounded worse than fine. He took a deep breath. “But I don’t think we should rush a wedding. The time needs to be right. We need to agree on where we want to live. Our future plans. I mean, we’ve never even discussed how many children we’d have.”
“Six. I really want a big family.”
“Whoa. Apparently, you want a really big family. I was only giving examples of how unprepared we are. I know you love children, but I think I feel a heart attack coming on. Are you planning to turn this place into a city?” He swiped the sweat at the back of his neck.
“I don’t see why we have to wait. Vows aren’t about timing. They’re about the couple.”
He looked down at his worn boots.
Vows aren’t about timing. They’re about the couple.
A lump caught in his throat.
“Haki, are you ready?” Huru called out from the porch. Saved from answering by a question that was almost too on-the-nose. Noah was right behind him. Both carried stuffed backpacks and Huru set a third one down for Haki. His mom must have packed them enough food for three days, rather than three hours.
“I’m ready if you are.” He jogged up the steps and picked up his rations. “We’ll see you later,” he called to Pippa, pushing Noah and Huru along a little faster than necessary. He sure hoped neither one planned to ask his advice on girls.
Pippa stood there with her arms limp at her sides. The fire in her eyes had dimmed and even her hair darkened as a wispy, rogue cloud passed between her and the sun. She was hurt. Disappointed. She’d never forgive him.
She lifted her hand and blew him a kiss.
A kiss he didn’t deserve.
* * *
MADDIE REMOVED HER headset and waited for the blades of Mac’s helicopter to stop spinning, though the butterflies in her stomach kept fluttering in circles. A part of her couldn’t believe she was at Busara again. She wouldn’t overstay her welcome this time, but she needed to see Haki and share the research she’d uncovered. She needed to see things through.
In chess, the queen is powerful.
Adrenaline coursed through her. A queen ruling her hive. The sting of a bee. It was incredible. The study was amazing. The results, more than promising.
“Thanks so much, Uncle Mac. I’m sorry that I called you so late in the day. I plan on having the firm reimburse you for every flight. Just email me the invoices and consider it done.”
“No worries. I don’t usually charge family.”
“This is work-related, and trust me, they can afford to pay you. Don’t forget to include tonight. You’re having to stay over because of me.” The sun was about to set and the winds were supposed to pick up after dark. It was safer for him to fly out in the morning. Technically, the case was over, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. As far as she was concerned, her job wasn’t done. If Mr. Levy didn’t want her to go above and beyond, then maybe he was better off working with someone like Patrick.
“Okay. I won’t argue,” Mac said, as they walked down the path that led from the grassy clearing where he tended to “park” his chopper.
The baby elephants were already getting put to bed and the general buzz of camp had hushed to the rhythmic chirp of cicadas in search of mates.
Noah emerged from behind the old mess tent, where a chicken coop kept the camp’s flock safe from night prowlers. He carried a woven basket full of eggs and picked up his pace when he saw them.
“Cool. I didn’t know you guys were coming over.”
“Last-minute plans. I ran into Jack at Hodari Lodge and gave him a heads-up, but you know how great your dad is with messages,” Mac said.
“No big deal. We didn’t think we’d be seeing you again, Maddie. Come on in. Everyone will be excited.”
She wasn’t so sure Pippa or Haki would be happy she was here, but that didn’t matter. She’d come back for one reason only. Tomorrow, she’d return to Nairobi, spend several more days with her brothers and the new pup, then leave for the US.
“Where is everyone?” Maddie asked. “It’s not usually this quiet until after dark.”
“We took a hike today and just got back thirty minutes ago. Pippa is in the shower. She was walking backward to get a photo of Etana before Ahron tucked her in for the night and she tripped and landed on her rump in a pile of dung. Huru’s in the other bathroom. Everyone else is in the kitchen except for Haki. I saw him go that way.” He pointed toward the lookout platform.
Maddie set her bag on the porch and took out her laptop. This was it.
“I’ll be right back. I have some information I need to show him that could help the Masai and elephants, both.”
“If you find him, tell him dinner is almost ready. First come, first serve. If we finish all the stew, he’ll be stuck eating eggs.”
“I’ll be sure to warn him, though fresh eggs sound good to me.”
She hurried down the path to the lookout. Every branch, shrub and pebble threatened her with the memory of Haki’s hands against her skin when she’d gotten stuck on the ladder. She tightened her hold on the computer as a reminder of why she was here. Stick to business. She could see him sitting on the platform gazing westward. Pools of creamy gold and rusty orange bled across the sky as the sun fell and cracked against the horizon. The death of a day. But with every death came the birth of something new. Tomorrow would be a fresh start for all of them.
He turned abruptly before she called out his name.
; “Maddie? What are you doing here? I thought you were in Nairobi. What happened?”
He started to get up but she held up a finger as she trotted to the ladder.
“Stay where you are. I have something you need to see.”
She noticed that the broken rung had been fixed.
“Take this.” She held up her laptop. He reached down and took it from her.
“Are you sure you want to climb up here again? You got into a bit of trouble last time.”
“The view is worth it. So is the research I need to show you.”
She cleared the top of the ladder and settled down next to him, trying to ignore the warmth of his presence and the brush of his arm. She was here to make things right, not complicate them more. The last glimmer of light transformed the sky into strands of banded agate. She angled her laptop screen to avoid the reflection and pulled up the bookmarked page. The title alone said it all, but he reached over and scrolled through the article.
“Here’s another.” She opened a site with similar information and studied his face as he read it. He was close enough for her to press her lips to the corner of his mouth and trail her fingertips along his brow. He smelled of citrus and wind and something warm and sedating. She wished with all her soul that she could nestle her face against his shoulder and sit here with him until dawn.
She squeezed her eyes and cleared her throat. This wasn’t meant to be, Maddie. You need to let it go. Be strong.
“Beehives,” she said, grasping for reality. “I—I was researching solutions. We could possibly solve the problem with a beehive fence. Haki, it’s worth a try. It makes so much sense. I also have a pdf on here that goes into more detail regarding the actual research. This zoologist at Oxford, a Dr. King, first came up with the idea to help save elephants. Pachyderms are afraid of having the tips of their trunks or the softer skin around their eyes stung by bees. They can sense—or hear—when bees are around, and they avoid them like the plague. So, what this scientist proposed and what seems to be working is erecting fence posts with hives attached to them. Not only do they deter elephants who might otherwise invade the crops, but the Masai can also be trained in beekeeping, and the honey can become a source of income. Everyone benefits.”
