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Chapter Forty Seven
 
 
 

Sky had hoped the supply  planes she asked Bern to send would stop the conflicts that were happening day to day in many parts of the area.  The people were in need of substance, not promises and everyone seemed to be paying because of this.  A patrol that had been sent out several days earlier did not return and when Natimka sent a scouting party they found what was left of the men.  The site had been ravished, leaving nothing behind.  After this, Natimka had issued strict orders that no one was to leave without an armed escort and only for certain reasons.

Tara had recuperated from her injury and was not a person to take sitting still for long.  She kept up on what was happening in the area by way of Brad.  The man was a wealth of information and happily shared all he knew with the woman.  To anyone that happened to see the two together it was obvious they were more than pilot and passenger.

"Tell me Brad, have you any news about the necklace?"  Tara fondly applied makeup at the same time keeping one eye on the man.

He  lit a cigarette, took a puff then replied,  "Nothing.  The thing has vanished."

"Someone has it, question would be just who.  We know angelic Richmond doesn’t, because if she had, it would be back in the President’s hands.  Things like that just don’t vanish."

"Maybe Richmond knows more than she is willing to part with."

Tara shook her head.  "No.  The woman hasn’t a clue.  Keep your eyes and ears open, the sooner we find the necklace the sooner we can leave this God forsaken place."

Brad leaned against the door, his eyes taking the woman in.  She was beautiful and cunning.  "You know, maybe a trip out of this area for a while would do you good."

Tara stopped what she was doing, stood and stared at the man.  "You do what I tell you.  I know what I need and it is this necklace.  Now get out of here."

He raised a hand in defeat, a look of frustration crossed his face.  "All right, have it your way."

"I always do."  Tara remarked as she walked to the door, opened it adding,  "Get out there and do what I ask."

The man reached toward the ashtray and put out the cigarette, before he stomped out of the room.

Tara stared at the ashtray and the smouldering pieces.  "Have to remember, he has a temper,"  she muttered.
 
 

Several cargo planes had brought supplies to the area and things seemed to be getting better.  No one mentioned it but to Skylar it was obvious things would be a whole lot better if the necklace was found and returned to its rightful place.

She had been doing her own sleuthing and with each day bits and pieces were gathered.  It was finding the time to put these together that was difficult.  Villagers arrived in droves, some in vehicles that ran as if they had seen their last good days.  While others came on foot, carts pulled by a horse, a cow, some even tried donkeys as a way of travel.  The days started early and went until the sun set, everyone pitched in and did their best to help in anyway they could.

Skylar was surprised with each passing day, Tara Coltrane appeared to be a changed woman.  She pitched in whenever needed and didn’t even put up a fuss.  So unlike the woman she recalled.  Still to this day, Skylar wondered just what the woman was up to.  She had been busy with the supplies and the distribution but not so busy as to forget the things Tara had done in the past.  She kept her ear to what was being said and paid one of the native women to keep tabs on Tara.  It cost but what she might learn in the process may cost a whole lot less if she was prepared.

Seeing the happy faces was refreshing, at least the people would have something to tide them over.  Hopefully the President would soon get things back in order.  It was late afternoon when Mako and his people arrived at the encampment.  Skylar was happy to see the man and hoped that he would now see she did not speak with a forked tongue.  The man was skeptical and now he could see for himself her word was good.

Skylar just finished checking the last load that was brought from the plane.  After speaking with several of the people that were helping she turned to finish making sure the supplies were in order.  With each passing day, her hopes were to bring the people back together in peace.  The second she saw the man, Sky beamed.  Mako, tall, and regal gazed at her, awe in his eyes.

"Good to see you again Mako.  As I promised, the supplies are here.  Make sure your people get what they need."

"It is a good thing you do Skylar.  We thank you."

"No need to thank me.  I am glad I have been able to help."

"Must go."   Mako’s eyes showed signs of fear as he backed away.

Sky was trying to figure out why the man’s demeanor changed when she heard footsteps coming up behind.  Turning she stared into the face of Natimka.

"You never mentioned you knew Mako?"    Emerald green eyes, surveyed the man looking for some sort of acknowledgment.

Natimka, dusted his trousers before replying,  "I don’t.  He like so many have been trained to know who holds the power."

"And that would be you?"  Sky was quite surprised by the man’s statement.

"If one does not show these people who is boss they will run over you.  I know this area, I know the people.  You come from far away and think you have a grasp of how these people work, you don’t."

Sky was staring at this man, his words echoing in her head and for the first time felt a chill.  "You are right, I wasn’t born here, I do come from far away, still I feel I know what is happening, how these people feel and what they need."

"They need to listen and do what they are told."   The man’s eyes grew dark, his demeanor spelled trouble as he reached out to grasp Sky’s shoulders.

Quickly  stepping back, Sky replied,   "You are tired Natimka.  If I were you, I would take a break.  The sun has really gotten to you this day."

The man stopped, shook his head before saying,  "I apologize Miss.  You are right, it has been a long day,  a hard day and I have been ‘going round the clock’ as you might say.  I will take a break."   The man saluted her, turned on his heels and stepped off.

Sky watched him until he disappeared from view, walking to a crate she sat, sighed and mumbled,  "This heat is getting to everyone it seems."

"Hey there, look like you could use a rest."

Skylar glanced toward the entrance to see Tara Coltrane heading her direction.   Standing she waited till the woman approached.  "Looks like the leg is well again."

Tara smiled, gazed around then matter of factly replied,  "Yup.  All better.  Thanks to you.  You know Skylar Richmond you do need to recharge, even batteries run out of power.  And you my Love are not a battery."

"Cripes sake Coltrane, would you stop with the ‘my Love’ talk.   I do not have a Love, I do not need a Love and if I did it would not be you."

"Oooooo . . . someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.  Or did you even go to bed?"  Tara’s expression was definitely mischievous.

"For your information, some of us really work."  Sky was trying to watch the men hand out supplies.

"I have been doing my part.  Tell me, what do you want me to do and I will."

Realizing the woman meant what she was saying, Skylar’s expression softened.  "You have and I apologize for snapping.  I was thinking of something else, and you just happened to walk in at this time."

"Want to share?"   Tara asked stepping closer.

"It is nothing now that I think about it. The long days, the added work, the heat, so many things.  I think I will go lay down and rest."

Tara bit at her lower lip for a second before she offered,  "I would be happy to give you a slow, healing massage."

"Bet you would.  Thank you, but no thanks.  You could help pass out the remaining supplies though."

She knew that Skylar would say no but one never knows for sure until they ask and in so far as Skylar Richmond, Tara was no where near through in her attempts to get the woman to see her in a different light.
 

Sky hadn’t realized how tired she was, but the second she fell back on the bed, sleep over took the woman.   As darkness gently cascaded upon the land, sounds of African wildlife penetrated the silence that had taken the compound.  Few people were out and about, to anyone gazing upon the area it looked like another peaceful night.

Against the shadows, in the still of the night, several forms hid behind tents slowly making their way closer to the ammunition building.   The two guards on duty were quickly taken out.  Shadowy forms made their way into the building at the same time several headed in another direction.

Sky felt the hand over her mouth, quickly trying to shake the cobwebs from her head she reached out to grab the hand.  It was at this time she felt the sting in her neck, then darkness surrounded her.
 
 

Muffled sounds played in her psyche as she realized it was not a dream, it happened.  Opening her eyes Skylar tried to see where she was, what had happened and all she could feel was slight burning in her neck.  Attempting to reach up and feel the area, she realized her wrists were bound.  Attempting to see more clearly she gazed at her wrists and the rope that was attached to a near by wall.  What happened? Where was she?  How did this happen and who did this?  Thoughts were running rampant as she tried to pull free of her ties.

The sound of approaching footsteps pulled her attention from the rope that was tethered to the wall.  Sitting up she leaned against the coolness of the boards and readied for what was to come.   Orders were being given out, several voices were heard.  While trying to figure out what was being said, the door flew open.  A tall, figure stood in the opening, he wore, boots, camouflage clothing and a knit mask over his face.  This person was well built, the holstered knife at his right hip, and the .45 sitting at ready on the other hip was reason to know whoever this was meant business.

He turned and yelled an order to one of the men then walked into the room and shut the door.  Immediately he stared toward her.  "Good I see you have wakened."

She watched him walk toward a wooden table and take out a map.  After opening it he studied the parchment before rolling it up.   Walking toward Skylar and stopping within a few feet of her he asked,  "How do you feel?"

"Like I’ve been hit with a bulldozer.  Who are you?  Why am I here?"

"All things will become clearer to you soon."

"I demand to know who is behind this!"

"Soon."  He walked back to the table, grasped a wooden chair and brought it back.  Sitting, his dark eyes slowly traveled the woman.   "You will make a good trade."

"Damn you!  My company will not take this.  If you want money, they will pay.  If not money, I am not up for anyone’s entertainment.  Let me go, if you don’t you will be sorry."

He leaned back in the chair, as deep laughter echoed the room.   "I am the one sitting here with no ties.  You are bound like one ready to go to market.  Big words from one so - -"

The opening of the door stopped the man in mid-sentence.  Sky looked past the man to the one that was now entering the room.  The way he walked, the way he dressed there was something familiar about this one.  The man that had been sitting immediately stood at attention.

"How is the prisoner?"  The new arrival asked, all the time his eyes darting back and forth.

"She demands to be released."

"Go.  I need to question the prisoner.  Make sure things are being prepared."

As the man dashed from the room, Sky set her sight on the man that was walking toward her.  "I asked him and since it seems you are the boss, tell me, why am I here?"

He stopped, gazed down, and replied,  "You have been a thorn in my side.  People are paying too much attention to all your good deeds.  Peace is becoming imminent and I can’t have that."

The more she gazed at this man, the more she heard him speak it was obvious at some time she had come in contact with him.   "You wear a mask too.  Are you afraid to show your face?"

His right foot shot out sending the wooden chair across the room at the same time a mirthless bark of laughter sent chills up and down her spine.  "Soon all you will be concentrating on will be staying alive.  Who I am is not important."

"You’re wrong.  Who you are makes all the difference . . . Natimka."

The man placed his hands on his hips, tipped his head to the right before asking,  "How?"

"You are the only person I have seen in this country that is so diligent in how the uniform looks.  I felt I knew you when you walked into the room.  I am sure now.  Want to tell me what this is all about?  I thought we had formed a friendship."

The man reached up and removed the knit mask.  "You are too smart for your own good woman.  I did what I had to do in order to see just how much you know.  To always be aware of what you were doing.  When the President requested you to come to dinner, unescorted, I felt that the two of you would be sharing information.   Don’t look so shocked, I know you have been trying to find out what happened to the necklace."

"At least you are exposed now.  Untie me and I will do what I can to see the president does not cause you any . . . "

"Quiet!  The president is an old fool and soon he will be out of office."

"It’s you.  The militants, the unrest, you have caused all of this."  For the first time Sky was beginning to see this man clearly.

"That’s right.  Everything was going as I planned until you and your goodwill missions.  Then poking your nose in where it is not wanted.  It became obvious to me, something had to go and it had to be you."

"You can’t just kidnap a person and think that no one will look for them.  I have people that care, people that will not stop until I am found."

"That is nice.  Perhaps they will share a tear at your funeral.  Not even a sign of fear in those green eyes do I see.  Where you are going, perhaps death would be preferable."

"Never get away with this.  If you are not going to kill me then what?"

"You will be sold as a slave to traders that deal in this."

She tugged at the ties and pulled at the rope, hoping to tear it from the wall.  "My people will still find me.  And I can guarantee I will not go easily nor will I be a slave to anyone."

"You will have no choice.  The clothing you are wearing will turn up in a wrecked jeep, the body burned beyond recognition but just enough information left to identify the body as Skylar Richmond.  You see, no one will be coming to look for you, ever."

Doing her best to ignore the man’s words, she asked tightly,  "You have it, don’t you?  The necklace?"

He nodded.  "Yes.  The people will follow me when they see how weak the President is and I will rule."

"You live in a dream.  No one in their right mind would want you as president."

"OWH!   Stop that you’re hurting me!"   The sound of people and loud voices were nearing the front door.  A woman who was very upset screaming threats caused the man to turn and gaze in the direction at the same time Skylar cringed.  Somehow, someway they had caught, Tara.  And from the sounds of it the woman was not in an obliging mood.

The second the door opened and the woman was forced into the room, Sky raised an eyebrow and mouthed,  "How?"

Tara stopped struggling the second she caught a glimpse of Skylar.  "All right, who is responsible for this?  Does someone want to tell me what is going on?"

Natimka pointed to a place near Skylar and said,  "Tie her up near her friend.  They can take the trip together."

Tara was ranting and raving, she kicked at the wall, and tugged at the rope to no avail.  She looked like a steam engine that was about to explode.  Skylar looked at her and sighed,  "Might as well sit.  Wall is not going anywhere and you will just end up hurting your ankle or foot."

"Listen to your friend.  It will do you no good to struggle."  Natimka looked toward Tara then Skylar before adding,  "You have a little time left.  Use it well.  It will be the last time the two of you ever see each other."   With those words he and the men that brought Tara into the room, left and closed the door.

Sky shook her head in amazement and muttered,  "How did they happen to kidnap you?"

Tara was sitting, both feet up against the wall as she pulled at the rope that was not giving an inch.  She stopped long enough to turn to the woman.  "I was in the wrong place."

"Like?"  Green eyes met Tara’s as the woman turned away.

"I was in your room."

"Gods woman!   Why?"

"Looking for information."  Tara’s lips were twitching and it was obvious she was uncomfortable.

Sky smiled and this seemed to infuriate the woman even more.  "Same old Tara, always snooping where she has no business.  Tell me, did you find anything important?"

"Your well-hidden briefcase.  And all the information you have been gathering.  So yes, I was well on my way to figuring this out."

"Then it is your bad fortune to be in this predicament.   Nothing in the books to tell you how to get out of this one."

"Tell me Wonder Woman, how did you happen to end up here?  I didn’t think anyone could get the jump on the great Skylar Richmond."

"For your information I was sleeping.  An anesthetic was injected into my neck and that’s all I recall.  There was little time for fight."

"Mmm . . . seems the man knew he didn’t stand a chance in hand to hand combat.  We have to get out of here, Richmond."

"I agree.  I have an idea."

Tara smiled then looked at her boot.  "The knife."

Sky nodded.  "You still have it?"

"Yes, they were too busy trying to subdue me to look in my boots.  If I can scoot my way toward you, do you think you can reach in and get the knife?"

"I will try.  The way you have been pounding at the wall with your feet, should have loosened it.  Let’s give it a go.  I want out of here as much as you do."

continued . . .