Max watched Kabila’s jaw joint pop in and out for what felt like an eternity.
She looked to Keeto and Tisa.
She was so happy to be doing this with friends. They gave her a strength and courage she’d never felt before. Neither one showed any sign of the panic they had to be feeling in the pit of their stomachs, because that’s exactly where Max was feeling hers.
“Who kidnapped your friends?” Kabila finally asked.
“A weasel named Yahav.”
Kabila nodded. “The evil-eyed one who works for Dr. Zimm.”
Max swallowed hard, even though her mouth was dry. “You’ve heard of Dr. Zimm?”
“I’ve met him,” said Kabila. “A very nasty man.”
Behind her, Max heard two car doors open. Charl and Isabl were climbing out of the Land Rover.
“Where did you meet Dr. Zimm?” asked Charl.
“At the mine. He is the one who advised the owners to replace me.”
“Why?” asked Isabl.
“Because I told this Dr. Zimm he was twisted and sick. He wanted me to deliver village children to him. Not for mining. No. He said needed them for certain ‘experiments.’ I may be le diable, the devil. But even I am not that evil.”
“Well,” said Max, “if Dr. Zimm is still at the mines, I guess that gives you one more reason to lead our rescue raid. Maybe you’ll have a chance to bump into him again.”
“Yes,” said Kabila, with a devilish grin. “Maybe I will. I would enjoy that. Greatly.”
“Deal?” said Max.
Kabila extended his hand.
“Deal.”
They shook on it.
“Awesome,” said Max. “Okay, my friends Tisa and Keeto will stay here to start setting up your solar panel and wind turbine. They might need a little help. Those solar panels are kind of heavy…”
“Two of my men will remain behind to offer assistance,” said Kabila. “The rest will come with us to the mine. I know exactly where to find your kidnapped friends.”
“Really?” marveled Charl. “From the satellite photos I’ve seen, the mine company complex is quite sprawling.”
“True. Many buildings. Many shafts and pits. But if Dr. Zimm and Yahav are involved, I am confident they can only be holding their hostages in one place: the laboratory building.”
“How can you be so sure?” asked Isabl.
“Easy,” said Kabila, wiping sweat from his brow. “It is the only building with central air-conditioning.” He turned to his soldiers. “Weka! Tunakwenda vita! Load up, my friends. We go to war!”