Page 18 of Risk It All
Or maybe she didn't like my comment about having dreamed of her. If that's the case, she'll be really upset by the contents of the dream because it involved me and her naked and writhing in every sort of position imaginable.
Or maybe she's in work mode. Weareon a mission. A dangerous one at that, so perhaps she's just focused.
The stern, but bored looking immigration official stamps our paperwork and we make our way to the front of the airport.
“Henri said he'd meet us outside,” Madeleine says over her shoulder. She has long legs, and I have to move my own quickly to keep up. I push away an image of her wrapping those long legs around me. I laugh at myself for having such thoughts especially on an important, potentially dangerous mission. I'd thought I'd tamed my hormones long ago, but something about Madeleine has my mind too easily tilting toward sensual delights.
As we exit the airport, Madeleine stops abruptly and turns to me. “From now on, we stick together. Neither one should leave the other's side.”
I nod in understanding.
“Ms. Hainsworth.” A slightly built black man that can't be more than nineteen or twenty approaches us.
“Henri. How are you?” She takes his hand. “Remember, you can call me Madeleine.”
He nods. “Yes. I forgot.”
“This is Max Delecoeur.”
“How are you, Henri?” I extend my hand.
“Very fine, sir, thank you. Welcome to Nigeria.” But his face doesn't show welcome. His eyes dart from side to side, and then he leans in close to Madeleine. “I must tell you, Szacu was attacked.”
Madeleine's eyes widen in shock. “How?”
“Poachers. He got away, but he's hurt and won't be able to take you. I thought you should know before we left the airport in case you want to change your plans.”
Madeleine is quiet but I can see her mind is working.
“What's going on?” I ask.
“Our guide to the mines was attacked,” she responds.
“Bastu will take you,” Henri says.
Madeleine bites her lip and thinks for a moment. “Bastu. Is he our only option?”
Henri shrugs. “He is the only one who can who is willing to do it.”
“This Bastu is not your first choice?” I ask.
“No.” Madeleine shakes her head.
“He knows the area. Better than Szacu, even,” Henri says.
“So, what's the problem?” I ask Madeleine.
“He's young and inexperienced. He's not my first choice, but we don't have another option at this point unless we want to come back another time.”
I study Madeleine for a clue as to what she thinks is the right option. “We're here. I'd like to see it through, unless you think it's too dangerous.”
She sighs. “It's always going to be dangerous. I'm not sure coming back later will significantly change the level of danger.”
“Then let's go,” I say. This time she studies me. Our gazes hold and I understand that we're making a pact to put their lives on the line and that we need to have total trust in each other.
Finally, she nods. “Let's go.”
