BAMAKO - Aribert Raphael (red queen ebook TXT) 📗

instigate any arrest nor will she make any comments that could be construed as allegations. Do you understand what I am saying?”
“Yes, of course. I was intending to do that anyway.”
“As for you, Mr. Flaubert, I’ll ask only one thing. Please, get Ms Kartz out of Senegal as soon as possible.”
“Yes, that is my intention. We all know, although Ms Kartz won’t admit it, she is in danger until this affair is cleared up. Nonetheless, she has a duty toward the courts and also a responsibility toward my company and its shareholders,” James said, while getting to his feet and beginning to pace the floor under the astonished gaze of the ambassador. Talya knew James. He liked to pace the floor peering down at his feet when faced with a quandary. It seemed that the solution of the problem was written on his shoes.
“As you are aware, I’m sure,” James went on, not looking at his interlocutor, “Ms Kartz will have to come back for the trial that’s sure to follow these events, in a few months time. In the meantime, there are now two projects on our West African table, which, she will oversee either from Bamako or Dakar, where ever her presence is required.” Where was my friend, Stanley Baron, to call a meeting of the Board now, to sanction that decision?
Talya looked at Hassan. He was smiling, grinning even. If he had not being sitting in the ambassador’s office, he probably would have jump for joy, literally.
“Quite,” Sir Gillian nodded, “but my point is that she is in danger right now. At this very minute and until the police get off their duff, we have a responsibility. We, and I, in particular, have the responsibility to see Ms Kartz safely out of here…” Are we going to go through this again—with guards, and escorts shadowing me…?
“Sir Gillian,” Talya cut-in, “with all due respect for what you’re trying to do, I don’t need protection at this time. I may be in danger, although I don’t think so, because the person I suspect, as I explained, acted on an impulse. He has no intention, in my opinion, to attack me openly or covertly at this time. He is convinced Mr. Rasheed will be blamed for the murder of Richard Gillman as we all were, only two days ago.”
“Madame Kartz, Talya, please? Do not endanger yourself needlessly,” Hassan said with all the restraint he could muster, although his frustration was obvious. “You’ve done it in Bamako by accepting a ride, which could have landed you in the worst of troubles. His Excellency is right. You should heed his counsel and, this time; accept the protection he offers graciously.” Hassan’s concern was blatant. James and Sir Gillian smiled at his vehemence.
“I guess if there is no other way…”
“There isn’t,” the ambassador interrupted, “and I can assure you, you won’t know we are there. I’ll give instruction to that effect before you leave this building.”
“Okay then,” James said from the window near which he was standing. “But, I’m sorry, Sir Gillian, didn’t you say you may be able to assist Talya in proving her allegations in some way?”
“Oh, of course, I did,” Sir Gillian replied, replacing his spectacles atop his nose. “What I have here, is a police report from the Nouakchott Police Authority.” Hassan and Talya exchange a glance. Hassan smiled and shook his head.
“Does it relate to Richard’s activity in Mauritania?” Talya questioned.
“Yes, it does.”
“Can we see it?” James asked from behind Talya now.
“Yes, of course. I don’t think you will be surprised at its content, though,” Sir Gillian said, handing the report to James.
After a few moments, James showed it to Talya. What she read only confirmed what she suspected all along. Hassan read it over her shoulder.
Talya handed the paper back to the ambassador. “Is the police in Dakar in possession of the document?”
“Oh yes, they’re the ones who’ve sent it to me. However, I don’t think they have reached the same conclusion as you did. I’m sure they haven’t made the connection between the people involved—at least from what the commissioner told me this morning.”
“Thank you for your help,” Talya said. “I think, and after tomorrow morning, it will be up to the commissioner to gather evidence. As far as I am concerned, I believe I have completed my mission and I’ve done what you wanted.”
“That you have, Ms Kartz.” Sir Gillian smiled. “And I’ll look forward to seeing you back in Dakar in the months to come.”
Hassan looked puzzled.
“We thank you for the time you have taken out of your schedule to see us,” James said, extending a hand for the ambassador to shake. “You can expect to hear from us tomorrow after the meeting and perhaps we could get together informally when this is all over?”
“I’d like that very much indeed.” They shook hands. “You’ll have to come to my house one-day and visit with my wife. She would love to meet you, Ms Kartz, and you, Maitre.”
99
When they arrived at the hotel, Samir was waiting for them in the atrium. He came toward them, a worried look in his eyes.
“Talya, Hassan, may I talk to you for a moment?”
“What are you doing here, waiting for us?” Hassan’s jealous intolerance was plain for all to hear.
“I’ve had a troublesome day.” He turned to Talya. “I need to tell you what happened.”
“Yes, of course,” she said, “but before you do, I’d like you to meet James Flaubert, the President of Carmine. James, this is Captain Samir Shaykh Sahab, the man who brought Hassan and Mr. Fade to Dakar, and who saved Mrs. McLean and Mr. Savoi from their fate.”
Salaaming to James, Samir said, “Monsieur Flaubert, it is a great honour indeed to meet you. As a humble traveller of the desert, I wish for Allah to watch over you in all your endeavours.”
“I am the one who is honoured by your presence, Captain. You have watched over Ms Kartz and Maitre Sangor, and you have saved the lives of two people. And for that, none of us will ever be able to repay you.”
“Allah will repay me, if he sees fit.”
Even in his faded jeans and T-shirt, this man has the presence of a prince, Talya remarked silently.
“Let’s sit down,” Hassan said, indicating a sofa beside the baobab. “What is so urgent or troublesome that you had to wait for us to return?”
“It is simple,” Samir began. “The police questioned everyone today, as you know. I had no choice but to tell them what I saw in Sabodala. Whether they’re going to do something about it or whether they understand the implications of the three adits being dug under the village, I don’t know. Yet, I felt it was important to let you know that the authorities are now fully informed of the discovery.”
“Thank you,” Talya said, looking at the man with renewed interest. “I’m sure the authorities will take the appropriate measures to see to the safety of the villagers.”
Samir was much better educated than he led on. There was a mystery about him, which was almost enticing. “Oh, by the way, have you seen Johan today?” Talya asked as an afterthought.
“Yes. We had breakfast together and then he said he was going to visit some friends in town or something. He wanted to meet us for dinner tonight. He should be back shortly, I imagine.”
“What about Monsieur Fade and Madame McLean, did you see them this afternoon?” Hassan asked.
“No, not this afternoon,” Samir replied, looking at Hassan with a trace of annoyance in his voice. What is that all about? “I saw them a few minutes ago when they came back from the market. I think Monsieur Fade is in his room now. I told them I was waiting for you.”
“All right then, would you have dinner with us tonight?” Talya offered while looking at James, seeking his approval.
“Yes, of course, Captain,” James said. “If you could, it would be an honour to have you join us at our table.”
“Then, I accept. I’ll be there at seven o’clock if that is a suitable time for you?”
James rose from the sofa. “Excellent. Now if you’ll excuse us?”
From the Atrium, James, Hassan and Talya went up to their respective rooms, leaving Samir to look after them as they stepped into the elevator.
When Talya closed the door behind her, she kicked her shoes off and slumped onto the sofa. She was tired. She didn’t know how she was going to face the next day, let alone tonight. She had an hour to herself before James, Hassan, Samir and she were due to meet at the terrace restaurant for a drink.
She had worn a white blouse with cotton trousers during the day and now, looking at the meagre choice of clothing hanging in the wardrobe, she had only one alternative, the black ensemble. Oh well, Hassan chose it, he’ll have to see me wearing it again.
100
When Hassan stepped off the elevator, he went to Mohammed’s room instead of his.
Mohammed opened the door distractedly. Obviously, he didn’t expect to see Hassan standing in the embrasure.
“My Friend! What are you doing here? Samir told me you were out with Talya and Monsieur Flaubert. I didn’t expect to see you till tomorrow morning.”
“May I come in?” Hassan’s attitude was hesitant.
“Sure, sure come in. Rheza is gone to have a rest before dinner. We’ve had a long day. First at the police station and then shopping…” They went to the terrace and sat down.
“Monsieur Flaubert knows about me and Talya … I’m sure of it,” Hassan said an anxious look in his eyes.
“Well, wasn’t it to be expected? He knows Talya and he must have noticed her behaviour when she’s around you.”
“I know, but he said he needed to ‘clear a few things.’ And he wants to discuss this with me tonight.”
“Aha, and you didn’t like that I bet?”
“No, not at all, and I didn’t know what this is all about.”
“Let me tell you something. Monsieur Flaubert is probably a man who cares for Talya and what happens to her. He’s simply going to tell you stop your pussy-footing around and acting like a jerk.”
“Yes well, but I’m afraid to say the wrong thing.”
“What ‘wrong thing’?”
“If he brings it up I would have to tell him that a union between us is not possible.”
“Allah, have mercy on this man,” Mohammed said, lifting his eyes to the heavens.
“But that’s the truth, Mohammed. How could we ever contemplate marriage? We live worlds apart. We’ve been brought up believing in different Gods. How could we ever be happy together?”
“It may be the truth, the way you understand it today, but what you’re proposing to say is not the truth in itself. I agree you’re living different lives, and you have been brought up with different creeds. But how could these things prevent you from being happy together?”
“It’s what Talya told me. She said that we would need to adapt our ways before considering marriage. I can’t remember her exact words, but in essence that’s what she meant.”
“And what did you say to that?”
“Well, I told her that I needed her support