Fugitive

“Look at those dumb bastards,” he muttered.

De

AS THEY NEARED Baptisteville, clusters of huts constructed from mud and tin started to appear at uneven intervals. Occasionally, De

De

Throngs of people crowded the sidewalks but it was rare to spot a white face. Horns honked and beggars supported by wooden staffs limped by. The traffic moved and the car drove out of the business district onto a sea-cliff drive. In the distance, at the top of the cliff was the fifteen-story Batanga Palace hotel, a stark, modern edifice that was the tallest building in the city.

“I’m going to tell you the facts of life,” Charlie said as the hotel driveway came into view. “In Batanga everyone is a spy. You can’t trust a soul. The average Batangan will sell his mother to the secret police for a few dollars. So, you don’t talk to anyone about anything. Not the bellboy or the desk clerk, not anyone.

“Now, we’ve been followed since we left the airport. No, don’t turn around. You won’t be able to pick them out. When we pull up to the hotel, act natural. You’re going to want to hang on to your suitcase, but that would be like waving a big sign that says, ‘I’ve got something hidden in here.’ So you let the bell man take the suitcase up to your room. Then you take the money out and put it in that flight bag you’re carrying. After you do that, have a shower, which is the first thing a white man who hasn’t been in Africa before would do when he got to his hotel. But keep your flight bag with you in the bathroom. As soon as you’re changed, go down to the bar. Bring your flight bag with you. If you leave it in your room it’s going to be searched.”

“Are you going to meet me?”

“No. I’m out of here as soon as I drop you off. Now listen up. A big, bald white man will contact you. His name is Evers. You give him the money. He’s going to fly us out of here, tonight.”

“Tonight! But I just got here.”

“And you’re just going to leave. Evers is a mercenary. He’s got a plane coming in on a bush airstrip a few miles outside the city. As soon as you give him the money he’ll contact his partner and we’ll all meet up at the strip.”

“Is Evers going to take me there?”

“Hell, no. You don’t want Baptiste’s men seeing you two together. All he’s taking is the money.”

“Then how will I get there?” De

“Ask the doorman at the hotel where the nightlife is, then have the doorman get you a taxi.”

“Should I bring my suitcase?”

“Are you stupid? Who brings a suitcase to a bar? No, you don’t bring your suitcase. You leave it in your room so no one thinks you’re skipping out.”

“Hey, back off, Charlie. I’m new to this cloak-and-dagger stuff.”

“You’d better be a fast learner because one stupid move could cost you your life. Now pay attention. As soon as you’re away from the hotel, tell the driver you’ve changed your mind and want to see an old friend. Give him these directions,” Charlie said, slipping De

“I don’t know about this,” De

“You have two choices. Do what I just told you and get out of this hellhole tonight, or use your return ticket to fly out tomorrow. The problem with choice number two is that you’ll have to be in Batanga in the morning, by which time President Baptiste will know that I’ve flown the coop.

“Now ask yourself, who is the last person with whom I was seen and who do you think will be questioned about where I’ve gone? While the secret police are adjusting the voltage to the electrodes attached to your testicles, I’ll be flying to freedom and you’ll be wondering why you aren’t with me.”

“Attaching electrodes! They can’t do that, can they? I’m an American citizen.”

“You think Baptiste gives a shit? When he finds out I’ve escaped, he’s going to want to hurt someone, and you’re going to be the only one here.”

CHAPTER 6

The shower felt great. The cold water washed away the fatigue of travel and the layer of sweat that had caked his body ever since De

After he changed into fresh clothes, De

“That’s an interesting drink you have there. What is it?” she asked.

“It’s a piña colada.”

“You like that drink?” she asked.

“Yes, I do. It’s good.”

“Is it sweet?”

“A little.”

He felt a sudden pressure on his left knee and the heat rose in his cheeks when he realized it was caused by the woman’s hand.

“I can be good too and I’m sweeter than your drink. Do you want to taste me?”

Sweat formed on De