“Because the other half of the time, I do remember, too clearly.”
“Is it so hard to let the past die? Maybe Chad wants that, too. Maybe he just doesn’t know how to ask or how to bring it about. This safari will be good for both of you. Maybe it will heal the scars you both carry.”
“Perhaps, but I’m afraid to trust him again. I’m afraid if I turn my back, he’ll stick another knife into it.”
Leigh knew it took a strong and confident man to admit he had fears and doubts. “Why not wait and see what happens?”
~*~
They reached the river around three the following afternoon. Natives with boats awaited them as scheduled. The day was hot and humid. Clouds drifted across the tropical sky. The bearers put down their burdens, and the group gathered around their guide.
Leigh eyed the river, dark blue this time. Verdant grass and bushes lined much of its bank. The water looked so appealing, until she sighted huge gray bodies and long, slender ones in it. Crocodiles were swimming leisurely. Hippopotamuses were eating on the bottom and surfacing for air when needed.
Louisa screamed as one large creature broke the surface and snorted to clear his nostrils, sending misty sprays into the hot air. Cynthia giggled and nudged her friend. The redhead frowned. She looked as if she’d gotten little sleep and was miserable.
Leigh hadn’t either, but felt wonderful. As the men worked, she looked around the area. Tracks near the water were deep from the animals’ heavy weight. Several beasts yawned, displaying large mouths and long teeth. Many were submerged to the point that only heads and spines showed. In other areas, she noted merely protruding eyes and tiny ears. As she swatted at flies and mosquitoes, Jace and the others joined her.
“Hippos fear nothing and no one,” Jace informed them, “not even each other. They can break an animal’s back with one bite, even a large and strong animal. They fight brutally over mates and favorite resting spots. They can be dangerous to unwary boats, because they can remain underwater for ten minutes and walk as easily on the bottom as you walk on land. You watch for swirls, gurgles, and bubbles.”
Cynthia’s brown eyes were large with fear. “I don’t like this part, Chad. You said we’d be perfectly safe.”
“You’ll be fine. Jace knows this area and these creatures. He won’t let any of us get injured. Isn’t that right, old friend?”
“If you all do as you’re told, there’s little danger involved. Sit still in the boats. Don’t scream or shout. Even if one gets close, don’t panic and shoot. They’ll challenge us for entering their territory, but they won’t bother us if you obey me.”
Supplies and weapons were loaded. Jace assigned Chad and Louisa to one craft of rowers and supplies, Reid and Cynthia to another, and Leigh to ride with him and Johi. Remaining supplies and men filled other boats. They all pushed off and the adventure began.
The hippos snorted and dove, then surfaced here and there to do so again. Several times, big ones seemed to head for one boat or another. It was intimidating, but everyone obeyed Jace’s orders.
Leigh watched animals who were unaffected by their presence. A mother played contentedly with her calf, allowing the baby to climb upon her back and slide into the water over and over as if a child in a pond. She noticed a bull elephant grazing dreamily on narcotic wild hemp. Ox-peckers and tickbirds feasted atop bulging hippo frames. A gazelle drank here, a lion there, and a rhino farther along. Downriver, a crocodile was pulling a zebra kill into the water to “store and soften” it at the muddy bottom, Jace told her.
After they departed the congested location, the boats moved swifter on the calm surface. Jace pointed to deer like creatures with tan hides, uplifted horns, and long necks. Their large, black-streaked ears and stubby tails flicked constantly at insects. “Gerenuk. They’re very shy. They dine on thorn trees and other plants. They avoid the perils you just witnessed because they don’t need to drink water.”
Leigh watched the creatures browse until she lost sight of them. She enjoyed listening to Jace. She had an advantage over the others by riding in his boat. She focused her attention on him, but pretended to be staring at the scenery ahead. His allure and potent appeal were undeniable. His green eyes were squinted against the bright sun and dazzling reflections on the water. His hat partially shaded them, and its band was soaked from sweat. He had shaved last night before visiting her, so a stubbly shadow now darkened his strong jawline. She wished she were curled in his arms.
Much as he was tempted, Jace dared not glance at Leigh. He knew she was watching him, and that perception stimulated him from head to foot. The desert heat was cool compared to the flames she sparked in him. The brilliance of the sun and sparkling water couldn’t compete with her radiance. The sweetest of honey in the baobab tree boxes would taste sour compared to her kisses and flesh. The wildness of this territory couldn’t match her untamed spirit when making love to him. No sky or water could be as blue as her eyes. He yearned to have her all to himself. And if his secret plan worked, he would.
It was nearly dark when the boats were dragged ashore at their campsite. They would live, hunt, and short-trek from the location for a week or more. Jace said their length of stay would be determined by how much they were enjoying themselves and by how successful their hunts were. Everyone was glad to have a temporarily, at least, camp.
A fire and lanterns were lit, but the sky was still aflame with multiple colors. Jace pointed past a waterhole. “That’s Kilimanjaro. It’s far off, but the land is flat and it’s very high. Nothing is as peaceful and moving as a Serengeti sunset.”
Leigh gazed at the snow-capped peak silhouetted against the sinking sun that seemed to be dying in a colorful blaze of glory. The horizon was breathtaking in muted golds, fiery pinks, vivid rose, soft lavender, and many shades of blue. Long, flat clouds of deep purple hung over the mountain. Several thorn-trees and acacias stood like dark skeletons in leafy hats before it. Grasses and wildflowers edged the mucky pond’s bank, giving off contrasting smells. Crickets and frogs sang joyously. It was a stirring and tranquil scene. Again, she wished she were enjoying it in the embrace of her lover.
“When will we walk there?” Reid inquired.
“We can’t. That’s Tanzania, and it belongs to the Germans. We can’t cross the border without a permit. If we do, it means trouble. There wasn’t time to secure one after I took this job so hastily. Sorry.”
“You all hear our leader; no one creates a problem.”
Jace glanced at the dark-haired man and said, “Glad to see you minding so well, old friend. Thanks, Chad,” he added for Leigh’s sake.
Chad looked surprised and grinned. “I’m starved.”
The supplies sent ahead were ready, as was dinner. The china, crystal, silver, and gramophone had been unpacked after their arrival. The cloth-covered tables looked lovely and lanterns sent off soft glows. The meal smelled wonderful. Chad selected “Swan Lake” and cranked the handle on the gramophone. Beautiful strains of music came forth. All smiled and were seated.
They were served roasted impala and native dishes:ugali,a maize and meal porridge that formed stiff mounds with flat tops and a sprinkle of nuts;irio,a mixture of mashed beans, peas, and potatoes; andsukuma wiki,something like southern greens.
Leigh thought theugalilooked like Texas buttes with rocks scattered atop. The easy-to-cut impala was unique, with neither a domesticated stock taste nor a wild game one. She liked theiriowith its mildly spiced blend, but she did not care for thesukuma wiki,which was a little “bitey,” as her father used to say. The others drank wine with their meal, but Leigh enjoyed hot tea with hers. The group was quiet for a time as they feasted on the delicious fare. For dessert they were served fried plantains that tasted like wild bananas.