As I waited in line at the ATM, my eyes were drawn to a scrappy handwritten sign posted on the wall next to the machine: “Coffins with wreaths. Special price at the hardware. Post office will deliver.”
I heard Jon’s voice right behind me. “Enjoying the many perks of our bustling metropolis?”
I turned around to see Jon and Nigel approaching. “How did it go?” I asked Jon.
“Good.” He pushed air down from his waist with his hands, trying to calm himself down. He spoke with a hushed voice. “Judge says I can file the case next week.” He beamed. “I think we’ve actually got him by the bloody bollocks.”
“What happens after the case gets filed?” I asked, wondering how many questions would get asked about the origin of the photos, knowing that they were taken under illegal circumstances.
“They set a date for the trial and set bail.”
“That’s great to hear.” I maintained a cool air, while inside, I was thrilled by the news. “Hello, Nigel. How’s it going?”
“Right.” He nodded and tipped his cap. “Better now with the thought of leaving town tonight.”
“Oh?” I was surprised he hadn’t mentioned that the day before.
“Heading to Vic Falls. Flying over just now. Back on Sunday.”
“Sounds nice.” I tried to think back to any possible mention of a trip that I might have missed.
Jon’s eyes lit up. “It’s that pigeon, isn’t it?”
“Nope. Just needed some time away.”
Jon pointed to the sign next to the ATM and nudged me. “Booming new business, these coffins. Geldenhuis reckons three a day minimum, and the toll is rising. Some say HIV is witchcraft. Others say it’s ‘white man’s magic.’ ”
I suddenly realized why the hardware store was making so many coffins.
“Some powers that be say a shower and a bar of soap would protect you from it. Or better yet, try beetroot and garlic. Wonderful! The witch doctors are raking it in while some still don’t believe it’s real.”
“They don’t?”
“When the grim reaper could knock on your door tomorrow because of a failed crop, two years of illness seems like a lifetime. And the hospital will finish you. Katima Hospital is a place one is admitted to but never leaves.”
“Any news on Bernie?”
Jon shook his head. “One or two more days, tops.”
“I’m really sorry to hear that. Dr. Geldenhuis told me how bad the problem was. So did Father Sebuku.”
“This place will break your heart if you let it get to you,” Jon said.
“You mean if you’re human?” I asked.
“One could look at it that way, I suppose.”
Nigel looked at his watch. “Hey, listen, Jon. I have another meeting with Induna Munali on Monday and meant to ask: Did you pick a date for the elephant count? I was hoping to get the game guards involved as spotters outside the protected areas.”
“Didn’t you hear that we’re out a plane? Bloody learner pilot forgot to put the landing gear down on Mpacha this morning. We’re fresh out of wings. And Geldenhuis’s plane is tied up. Pretty ironic, hey? The only airplane we can find to count elephants may be owned by the bloody elephant tooth fairy from hell.”
Nigel scratched his forehead. “Will you come right with another plane?”
I was next in line and stepped up to punch in my PIN. “When do you need the wings?”
I turned around to Jon’s suspicious stare, then shrugged and went back to my transaction.
“Best before month’s end,” said Jon.
I turned and put a roll of bills in my pocket. “I’m sure we could use the WIA 182 at a good rate. You have funding to cover fuel, right?”
He squinted. “If you’ve got the wings, I’ve got the fuel.”
I nodded. “It’s at Mpacha.”
“Is it?” Jon’s eyes were spinning with excitement. “Let’s talk dates on Monday. Month’s end is going to be crazy in town this weekend. Hope you plan to avoid coming in.”
I nodded. “Looking forward to the weekend at Susuwe.”
“Maybe I’ll pop around,” Jon offered. “Have business up along the Singalamwe border. Always good to see what the lumbering sentient pachyderms have to offer on that side of the river.”
“You should.” I was surprised that I felt like I was almost blushing at the thought of Jon paying me a visit.
He leaned toward Nigel. “I should have some news when you return. Gidean, Natembo, and I have another bust planned just this side of the Zambian border. Up near your place, in fact.”
“Sorry to miss the action. Could have lent a hand.”
“Cheers, hey. We’ve got it sorted.”
As I watched Jon, I couldn’t help wanting to have a role on this secret team. There was something about his energy that pulled these guys together and gave them purpose. They had something that I hadn’t had for a very long time. I was getting tired of operating in isolation and having to hide what I knew, but I hoped it wouldn’t last too much longer. I had just pulled off a major coup and I needed to feel good about that, even if I wasn’t able to share my information yet.
Nigel smiled and tipped his cap as he said his good-byes.
Jon nodded. “See you Monday.”
I smiled, said my good-byes quickly, and left.