Elephant Song - Smith Wilbur - Страница 103

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Daniel looked around for Kajo and picked him out at last.

He was climbing the cliff face half a mile away, and it was clear from his manner that he was agitated.  He was searching for them, stopping every few minutes to shout through cupped hands and peer about him anxiously.

Daniel ducked back out of sight and snapped at Bonny.  Nobody must know that we shot that footage.  It's dynamite.  Gotcha!  she agreed.

Give me the tape.  I'll take care of it, in case they want to check what you've filmed.

Bonny ejected the tape from the camera and handed it over.

He wrapped it in a jersey and stuffed it into the bottom of his rucksack.  All right, let's get out of here before Kajo finds us.

He must never guess that we saw what we saw.  Bonny gathered up her equipment swiftly and followed Daniel as he cut inland away from the remains of the village and the lakeshore.  Within minutes they were into the tall grass and scrub of the savannah.

Daniel circled back through the elephant grass and scrub until he reached the lakeshore again near the mouth of the bay, opposite Fish Eagle Island.  They scrambled down the cliff to the beach and Daniel paused to let Bonny catch her breath.  I don't understand how they let a film crew loose in the area on the very day they were going to wipe out the village, she gasped.  Typical African screw-up, Daniel told her.

Somebody forgot to tell somebody else.  The last coup attempt they made in Zambia, one of the conspirators broke into the radio station and announced the revolution while all his co-conspirators were still in barracks eating breakfast.  He had the wrong day.

It was supposed to be the following Sunday.  AWA.  Are you ready to go on?

Bonny stood up.  AWAF she asked.  Africa Wins Again, Daniel smiled grimly.  Let's go!  Assuming a casual manner they set off side by side along the firm damp sand at the edge of the water.

They could see the beached Zodiac in the distance, but the demolished village was still hidden by the bulge of the cliff face.

They had not covered more than two hundred yards before Kajo hailed them from the cliff top.  They stopped and looked up at him, waving as though they had only just noticed him for the first time.  He's peeing in his pants, Bonny murmured.  He doesn't know if we witnessed the raid or not.

Kajo came pelting down the cliff path, slipping and sliding on the steep places.  He was out of breath when he reached the beach and confronted them.

Where have you been?  he demanded.  Out at the point, Daniel told him.

We filmed the casino site.  Now we are going down to film the hotel site at the river mouth, where the fishing village is-'No!  No!  Kajo grabbed Daniel's arm.  That is enough.  No more filming.  We must go back to the boat.  it is finished for today.  Daniel shrugged off his hand and argued with him for a while.  Then finally, with a show of reluctance, he allowed himself to be led towards the Zodiac and ferried aboard the gunboat.

As soon as he reached the bridge, Kajo held a whispered discussion with the ship's captain and they both looked to the head of the bay.

There were still streamers of smoke from the burning fishing boats drifting out over the water.  The ship's captain looked worried and gave orders to get under way in unnecessarily loud and agitated tones.

Before Daniel could prevent her, Bonny walked to the stern rail and aimed the Sony camera back towards the shore.  Captain Kajo scrambled down the bridge Ladder and ran down the deck shouting.  No!  Wait!  You must not film that!  Why not?  It's only a bush fire, isn't it?  No!

Yes It's a bush fire, but it's classified material.  A top secret bush fire?  Bonny teased him, but she obediently lowered the camera.

As soon as they were alone Daniel scolded her.  Don't get too damned clever.  That little joke could have backfired on us.  On the contrary, I convinced Kajo that we are innocent, she argued.  When are you going to let me have my tape back?  I'll keep it, he answered.  Kajo's still suspicious.  My bet is that when we reach Kahali, he'll check your equipment.

It was after dark when the gunboat tied up at its berth.

During the transfer of Bonny's video equipment from the vessel to the army Landrover on the wharf, the aluminium.  case that contained her tapes disappeared.  Although she screamed at Kajo, and shook her finger in his face and threatened to report his inefficiency to President Taffari, Kajo just kept on smiling blandly.  Don't worry, Miss Mahon.

It will turn up.  I give you my personal guarantee.  Kajo arrived at the guest house the following morning, all smiles and apologies, carrying the missing case.  All present and correct, Miss Mahon.  One of those stupid Uhali porters mislaid it.  Please accept my heartfelt apologies. You can be damned certain they scanned every tape in the box, Daniel assured her when Kajo had gone.  He tapped the buttoned pocket of his bush jacket.

I'm going to get this tape of the raid down to Mike at the British embassy.  It's the only safe place for it.  Are you coming?  I have an engagement.  She looked defiant.

If you're going to visit your new boy friend, just be careful.

That's my advice to you.  You've seen his style.  Ephrem is an honorable guy!

knew anything about that raid.  Believe what you want, but don't tell anybody about this tape.  Not even Tug Harrison.

Bonny froze and stared at him.  She had gone very pale.

What are you talking about?  she demanded.  Come on, Bonny, give me some credit.  I checked that phone call you made from the Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi.  Of course you're reporting to Tug Harrison.  How much is he paying you to spy on me?  You're crazy.  She tried to brazen her way out of it.

Yes, I probably am.  I fell for you, didn't I?  But you'll be crazy if you tell Tug about this tape.  He left her staring after him and he drove down the hill towards the British embassy.  The grounds of the embassy were walled and the gates were guarded by soldiers of President Taffari's personal bodyguard in camouflage uniforms and maroon berets.

Michael Hargreave came out of his office to greet Daniel.  Morning, Sir Mickey.

Danny boy!  I spoke to Wendy last night.  She sends you her love.

"When is she arriving?  Not for another few weeks, more's the pity Her mother is unwell, so Wendy has to go home first instead of coming directly from Lusaka.  .

Still chatting, he led Daniel into his office" but as soon as he closed the door his manner changed.  News for you, Danny.  The Chinaman has arrived.  Landed this morning in BOSS's executive jet.  My information is he came from Taiwan via Nairobi.  Moved into BOSS headquarters in Lake House immediately to take over as head of the syndicate, and Taffari is throwing one of his bashes for him on Friday evening.  Expect you'll get an invitation from Government House.  That should be interesting.  Daniel smiled grimly.  I'm looking forward to seeing that gentleman again.  That may be sooner than you think.

Michael Hargreave glanced at his wristwatch.  Have to leave you, dear boy.  Making a luncheon speech to the assembled Rotarians of Ubomo, would you believe?

Those files I promised you are all with my secretary.  She'll give you a room to work in.  Have a peep at them, then give them back to her.  No notes nor photostats, please, Danny.  Eyes only.

Thanks, Mike; you're a hero.  But one other favour, please?  Fire away.

Anything to please.  Hargreave family motto, don't you know?  Will you keep an envelope in your personal safe for me, Mike?  Michael locked the sealed envelope containing the Fish Eagle Bay tape into his strong room, then shook hands and excused himself.

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