Cargo: A Leine Basso Thriller by Berkom D.V

Author:Berkom, D.V. [Berkom, D.V.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Duct Tape Press
Published: 2015-08-01T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 23

SEVERAL HOURS LATER, Derek pulled off-road and parked in the shade of an acacia tree. Leine helped him haul out a camp table and two chairs, and put water on to boil. When the water was hot enough, he reconstituted a couple of freeze-dried dinners in their pouches. Leine chose the beef stew and stood up to eat, enjoying the reprieve from the Rover.

Leine had been fascinated throughout the drive. They’d passed herds of zebra, impala, and buffalo and had to wait for a family of elephants to cross the road in front of them. Giraffe sightings became almost routine, and they’d spotted a pride of lions. Leine marveled at the diversity of wildlife, wishing Santa was there to see it all.

After lunch, Derek pulled out a cigar and offered it to Leine. She shook her head. He shrugged and lit the end with a waterproof match.

“We’re getting close to the region where Wang likes to set up camp,” he said, a cloud of smoke encircling his head.

“I assume we’re talking about a large area?”

Derek nodded. “Yeh, it’s large, all right. A few thousand kilometers.”

“A few thousand,” Leine repeated, unsure she’d heard correctly. “Then we’ll need a plan. I’d rather not waste time driving without some idea how to find the place.” Leine didn’t like winging it, not when there were lives at stake. Improvisation had its place. Just not at the beginning of an operation.

“Don’t worry so much. I’ve got a plan,” Derek assured her.

“Were you going to let me in on it, or do I have to guess as we go along?” Her cheeks grew warm, a sure sign her blood pressure was on the rise. Calm down, Leine. Derek just approaches problems from a different angle than you do. She inhaled deeply and waited.

“Ja, ja. See,” he leaned forward and picked a twig off the ground. “Here’s Wang’s natural habitat.” He drew a rough rectangle in the dirt. “And here,” he tapped the upper left quadrant, “is where he likes to be. The wildlife is abundant, and the few park rangers who patrol the area are known to accept bribes.” Derek leaned back. “So, all we really have to do is find a willing ranger and pay him more than Wang.”

“Fine. Say we find the camp. How do we get inside without Wang’s knowledge? He knows us both. I assume it’s billed as the ultimate experience, right? Where servants are at your beck and call, no request too outrageous? Won’t they alert Wang if we’re recognized?”

“We won’t have to worry. Wang hates the rainy season. He only visits in early fall and occasionally in December. Bangkok’s more his style, although he has been known to come out looking for trophies, so in theory, anything’s possible. I thought we’d pose as a married couple looking for an ‘authentic’ experience. The ranger will contact the camp for us. The trick is finding the right ranger. Not all of them are corrupt, although in that area they are more often than not.

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