The morning brought a dank oppressive air. The village Father O’Malley had spoken about was a few miles past the refugee camp where Cooper had seen the Commer truck.
The position Rosedale had parked the Toyota in gave them a view of the tops of the brick huts, as well as the small roof of the chapel where Father O’Malley took his weekly services.
Without looking at Cooper, Rosedale said, ‘What’s the plan then? We just going to look around?’
‘Yeah, I think so. I’d really like to go and see what’s happening with this illness. O’Malley said there’s been an outbreak in the village recently, it’d be good to see it close up. Because none of this feels right.’
You’re okay about taking his word on it that it’s not contagious?’
‘I am, but I’m cool if you want to stay here.’
‘And miss dying of a hideous disease, Thomas? Never.’
*
Walking down to the village along the familiar red mudded roads of the DRC, the rain began again in earnest. Soaked through Cooper’s gray marl top.
As they neared the church, Rosedale pointed. ‘Jesus, I think that’s a person.’
They ran forward and Cooper, taking care not to slide on the treacherous path, scrabbled down to the entrance of the church. Lying face down in the mud was the body of a man wearing just an old pair of shorts. Cooper didn’t have to turn him over to know he was dead.
Huge swellings sat on the side of his neck and back. Tumours as large as apples, encrusted with blood. Purple spots disfiguring his arms and thighs. Black boils oozing pus.
‘God, the poor guy. He must’ve collapsed. Are you certain we should be here, Thomas?’
‘Look on the ground.’
Cooper pointed.
All around them were tiny dead insects. Hundreds, if not thousands. And Cooper couldn’t be certain, but he thought they looked like the ones he’d taken samples of back at the crash site. He’d also seen the same type of thing when he’d been down by the river near Zola’s hut.
‘What the hell do you think they are?’ said Rosedale. ‘There was something similar near the water plant.’
‘Why didn’t you say anything?’
‘I’m not sure, Thomas. Oh no, wait, you were trying to kill me.’
‘You’re not going to let that drop are you?’
‘Nope.’
Before Cooper could answer, the sound of a familiar voice came from one of the huts.
‘Quick!’ said Rosedale. ‘I think it’s Bemba!’ He gestured to Cooper to go round the other side of the church. Cooper quickly did but drew up when he saw two of Bemba’s men holding military Colt 4 assault rifles, only meters in front of him.
Backing away he spotted Rosedale about to run across to hide amongst the huts near the river. Cooper yanked on Rosedale’s arm. Shook his head. Pulled him back. There were more of Bemba’s men walking amongst the trees. The whole place was surrounded. They were in trouble.
Cooper nodded his head to Rosedale who ran, dipped his body down so he couldn’t be seen, and sped to the end of the church wall. Sliding up next to him, Cooper spoke in the smallest of whispers. ‘How many of them do you reckon there are?’
‘More than a dozen, and every single one of them is armed.’
Quickly, Cooper put his head round, looking at the men. ‘They’re everywhere. And if we don’t move, any minute now we’re going to get busted.’
Rosedale looked around, spotted the glassless windows of the white, breezeblock church just above him. ‘Thomas, in there!’
Cooper jumped at the window and managed easily to pull himself up on the ledge. He tucked his legs in through the window and vaulted down onto the floor below.
The roof dripped water onto the rows of mismatched plastic chairs. He pulled his hand gun from his back holster. And Rosedale did the same. Added a knife to the mix.
With caution, Cooper headed to the church door. It was slightly ajar. And not only was it thin, but also badly fitted. Bemba’s voice was clear even in the heavy pouring rain.
Cooper was still. Frozen. He knew he couldn’t make any mistakes. None of his movements could attract attention. And through the crack he could see Bemba, dressed in his usual white attire, as he talked to someone he couldn’t see.
‘I have no doubt your sister, Vanda, will be well in a few days. The spirits seem to be generous with their healing.’
‘Are you sure they’ll listen this time, Papa Bemba?’
Cooper heard the tone of derision in Bemba’s voice.
‘These doubts aren’t the words of someone who believes. Do not allow the spirit of misgivings to enter your mind. The only way to rid your sister of the evil inside her is to respect the spirits’ wishes, and in turn, they will help to exile the demons, to banish the witchcraft from the unclean.’
‘And will they accept the exchange?’
‘Now you’ve agreed to give them what was fitting, without insult, I am sure your sister will be well again. Come, there’s something that you need to do.’
Cooper felt the warmth of his own breathing as he pressed his face against the door to watch the direction Bemba and some of his men walked towards. His view was cut off by the trees, with the voices disappearing, turning into a distant murmur. He glanced at Rosedale. ‘There’s probably some men still round the back of the church. Let’s head to the hut where they came out from, go round the side…’ Cooper mouthed the last words to him. ‘You ready?’ Rosedale nodded and drew his gun against his body.
Edging out of the door, Cooper winced at the sound of the creak. Craned round the corner, looked both ways. Pulled back. Retracted his whole body at the sight of Lumumba who was standing by the far trees, looking the other way.
Then he pointed at the hut. Signalled to Rosedale. Counted down with his fingers from five to one.
Sprinting across the small open area of grassland, Cooper slammed his body against the wall of the hut with Rosedale seconds behind.
Panting, he said, ‘I think we’re okay… Listen, Rosedale, I need you to cover me. I want to go and see what’s going on inside.’
Rosedale’s expression contorted into anger. ‘What the hell do you think you’re playing at, Thomas? We’re going to get out of here, now.’
Cooper’s anger was just as forceful. He was hungry for this. And he wasn’t about to walk away. ‘Look, we’re here now. And this is a chance to find out what’s going on.’
Rosedale jabbed him hard in his chest. ‘No way, you’re crazy. You’re going to get us killed. But then, sometimes I think that’s what you want. I should’ve never trusted you. We should’ve flown back after I showed you the plane. I must be a fool to think you’re anything but insane. You should be committed, Thomas.’
Cooper moved along the wall away from Rosedale, with the rain slashing into his face. He turned. He was ready for action. Ready and wired. And hell, it felt good.
‘You going to cover me or not?’
And Rosedale felt he had no choice. He snarled at Cooper, keeping his voice low. ‘After this, Thomas, after this you son of a bitch, believe me when I say you’re on your own.’