Pearl Moon (Run and Hide Thrillers Book 4) by JJ Marsh

Author:JJ Marsh [Marsh, JJ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9783906256191
Publisher: Prewett Bielmann Ltd.
Published: 2022-12-18T16:00:00+00:00

11

The first sign that something was not normal happened before anyone was awake. Someone left a cardboard box of coconuts, mangoes, pineapples, bananas and yams on the communal dining table. It was waiting for Iris when she stumbled out of bed to light the fire. The fruits were fresh, not like the normal dregs they got from the market, yet there was no explanation as to their provenance. Wherever it came from, fresh fruit was fresh fruit. Iris lit the fire, still disconcerted from last night’s vision at the airport. When the blaze was sufficiently independent she collected Susie, who was already up, dressed and ready for action. They took the box across to the farmhouse, Iris assuming Mafalda would have some kind of explanation.

She didn’t. Mafalda was amazed by the generous delivery and Jennifer immediately grabbed three bananas to help with Faith’s recovery. While Mafalda took Susie into the office for orientation, Iris sat by Faith’s camp bed. The patient was conscious and looked far more aware of her surroundings than the previous day. She understood Iris’s questions up and even voiced one of her own.

“Cantopreto?” she whispered. “Any good?”

“Too early to say,” Iris shrugged. “The good thing is, he listened and he wants a written report. When you’re fit again, we can work on that together. But for now, you just concentrate on getting better.”

Faith managed a faint smile and heaved herself onto her elbows when Jennifer returned with some mashed banana.

“S-S-Susie is nice,” Jennifer whispered.

“She is,” agreed Iris. “She reminds me of Mrs Doubtfire.”

Jennifer and Faith gave her a blank look.

“Never mind.” Another cultural reference that fell short of its mark.

Mafalda beckoned Iris into the kitchen. “I’ve checked all of this for toxins. Plus Susie and I ate a piece of everything. It’s fine. Why don’t we save it for lunch? A big fruity rice dish with cold goat meat leftover, what do you think?”

“That would be a crowd pleaser. The kids love fruit. When you think it came from?”

Mafalda shrugged. “Quite often when we have trouble with the local men, some of their women find a way of making amends. Is the fire lit?”

“Yes, I should go back and tend it, then collect the eggs as Jennifer is busy.”

“Thank you. Take coffees for you and Susie and I’ll come over with some xima. Faith is recovering far faster than I expected. She’ll be on her feet by the end of the week. Until then, I hope I can count on you two for all the donkey work.”

“Of course you can.” Susie poured two cups of coffee and headed to the door. “I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Mafalda gave an approving smile and the door closed behind the new volunteer. “She seems perfect. Oh, Iris, did you go somewhere else before the airport?”

There was no point in lying. “Yes. I needed a break. I’ll replace the gasoline.”

Mafalda’s gaze searched her eyes. “I understand the fact you need to get away sometimes. It is risky to go out on the streets on your own, but I know you can take care of yourself.

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