The Star of Simbako Page 17

‘That’s true, but I was too ill to call them and now I’m better, it seems silly to cause them anxiety. I don’t phone them often when I’m away. They understand it’s difficult for me from some places.’

  ‘You’re a really weird person. If my mother was alive, I’d call her every day.’

  ‘I love my mother. I’d call her a lot more often if the satellite phone was working. It's hard to organise a call in the exchange. It's shut when I go to work and shut when I finish.’

  'But doesn't she miss you?'

  'We’re very British about feelings in my family. My parents are from a generation terrified of showing off. Being too emotional is taboo. You're supposed to keep your feelings to yourself. I suffer from it myself. What about your mother?’

  ‘I never knew her. She died giving birth to me because of her …’ Adanna hesitated and sighed.

  'She died giving birth to you? I'm so sorry. I didn't realise that was what you meant. ‘

  'That's okay. You can't miss what you never had. Did you see what they did to the girls in the bondo hut?’

  ‘Yes, I saw it most of it by mistake, but I fainted when they used the box cutter.’

  ‘No wonder. It’s a barbaric practice. It resulted in the death of my mother. My father wouldn’t let them cut me. He says it’s only an outdated custom to keep women from being free to enjoy their sex lives.’

  ‘He says that? Wow, he doesn’t appear radical.’

  ‘You mean he looks old and crippled? He isn’t. Especially not his mind.’

  ‘I didn’t mean that.’

  ‘It's okay. I'm his heir and he wants me to be Chief of this kingdom.’

  ‘He’s right. You’ll make a great leader.’

  ‘The sowei and the tribal elders will not allow it.’

  ‘Is it because you are a woman?’

  ‘No, it’s because I am unclean, not cut.’

  ‘But that’s ridiculous.’

  ‘I would get it done, but I’m afraid.’

  ‘But you can’t. It’s too dangerous. Remember what happened to your mother. That procedure should be carried out in a hospital.’

  ‘A hospital? I heard that people die in hospitals.’

  ‘That’s a myth. It’s caused by people waiting too long before they go to the hospital because they are afraid of going.’

  ‘So?’

  ‘They wait until it’s too late to save them and then they die in hospital.’

  ‘Oh. I never thought of it that way.’

  ‘I’ve had several minor operations. These days you get two days R & R and then you leave.’

  ‘Is it expensive?’

  ‘It’s free in Britain, but I guess that you’d have to pay a lot for an operation in Njahili’s private hospital. I saw it when we drove through town. It’s a brand-new building. Someone has to pay for it.’

  ‘How much is a lot?’

  ‘Oh, I can't guess. About ten thousand dollars? Why do you ask?’

  ‘Just curious. No wonder Fergus kept you here. He didn’t want to pay for the hospital.’

  Her face crinkled up in a cheeky smile.

  After Adanna left, Sam stayed in the hammock reading books and eating fattening snacks most of the day. She was still lounging there when Fergus got home from work. He parked the car in the shade under the tree and jumped out of the car. He had removed his shirt and his chest shone with sweat. Streaks of mud marked where he had wiped his hand across his stomach. He strode across the yard, his flanks gleaming in the sun like a stallion after a run. Sam was mesmerised. She forced a greeting.

  ‘Hi Fergus. How did it go?’

  ‘Good. I think. The bedrock has sloped downwards like you said it might.’

  ‘That’s great news. Please don’t make me stay at home any more. I’m so much better and I need to supervise the pitting as we get nearer the bottom.’

  ‘We’re building the shelter. It should be ready for you to try out tomorrow afternoon for an hour.’

  ‘Fantastic, I can’t wait to get back to work.’

  ‘What did you do today?’

  Not much but the day had got better. She searched for something neutral to say.

  ‘Um, Adanna came over and we hung out on the veranda.’

  ‘Jaysus, it scares me rigid when you two get together. There’s something febrile about it.’

  ‘Don’t be silly. We’re just catching up on the local gossip.’

  ‘What’s the latest on me?’

  Sam gulped and flapped her hands.

  ‘Oh, they say you are planning on proposing to Fatimata.’

  ‘Ha! Your sources are drunk.’ And with that he leapt up the stairs and disappeared into the house, leaving her ill with lust.

  She blamed Ned. If he hadn’t got her all worked up for nothing, she wouldn’t be drooling over the caveman.

  The news about the terrace was illuminating though. She had expected the sides of the pothole to be barren. They had pitted on the thinner end of the terrace and as they progressed the depth to the bedrock would increase, augmenting the likelihood of a bonanza. She needed to get out there and inspect the pit walls in the deeper parts of the terrace.

  To her great relief, Fergus allowed her to come to site the next afternoon. He sent Sahr to pick her up in the old jeep. She sat on the steps of the veranda feeding banana to Dembo who had taken quite a shine to her and clicked his purple tongue at her for more. Sahr pulled up in a cloud of dust and came over to see her.

  ‘You are well now?’ said Sahr. 'You worried everyone, even the doctor.’

  ‘I’m much better now.’

  ‘I’m so sorry about the voodoo. The fetish contained evil power. I should've realised it would get you.’

  Sam did not believe in malevolent forces. The mosquitos that bit her in Fona on her first night in town had caused her malaria, but there was no point saying so.

  ‘Thank you, Sahr. You saved my life by guessing I had gone to the bondo hut, so I think we are even.’

  He smiled and helped her into the front seat. Her legs wobbled and she had to pull herself into the car.

  ‘Are you sure you’re ready for work?’ he said.

  ‘There’s only one way to find out. Can you do me a favour?’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘I must call my parents. Can we stop at the exchange? The satellite phone is rubbish.’

  ‘Sure.’

  They up to the telephone exchange and Sahr made her wait in the car while he booked a call and organised a booth for her. He came outside when the connection had been made.

  ‘Your call is through,’ he said. ‘I think it’s your mother.’

  A surge of emotion hit her. Despite her phlegmatic attitude, she was still a child where her mother was concerned. She struggled up the steps and entered the booth he pointed out to her, shutting the door behind her.

  ‘Hello?’

  ‘Sam? Is that really you?’

  Hannah. Sam panicked. Should she hang up?

  Hannah’s voice quavered. ‘Please don’t hang up. I need to talk to you.’

  ‘Okay, I need to talk to you too.’

  ‘Are you alright? You sound funny.’

  ‘Just tired. I’ve had some long days in the field.’

  ‘I was so worried when you didn’t ring. You can’t imagine how sorry I am about the whole Simon thing. It’s my fault. I should’ve told you when you got back from Sierramar.’

  ‘You should. It’s a little late now. Are you still with him?’

  A long silence.

  ‘Yes.’

  Sam considered this and realised that she didn’t care anymore. Simon was history. Life was too short to waste on him. She sighed.

  ‘Don’t feel bad. The discovery that you had both betrayed me hurt me a lot, but you are my sister. That’s more important than a failed relationship, even if you are a rubbish sister. I’ve decided I deserve better than Simon. I won’t be going back.
You can have him.’

  ‘Thanks a lot.’

  ‘That’s not what I meant. Well, it is a bit. Anyway, I’m so over him.’

  ‘Is there someone else?’

  ‘Yes and no.’

  ‘What does that mean?’

  ‘One says yes and I’m not sure about the other one.’

  ‘I’ve created a monster.’ Hannah hesitated. ‘I’m such a bitch. You deserve a nicer sister. Forgive me.’

  ‘Give me time. I will.’ She changed the subject. ‘How are Mummy and Daddy?’

  ‘Both out playing golf. I’ll tell them you called. Is there something you wanted to tell them?’

  ‘Um, no, not really. I call another time. Just tell them that it’s amazing out here and I’m having lots of fun.’

  ‘I will. Thank you, Sam. I don’t deserve you.’

  True, but Sam didn't need rub it in.

  ‘Bye then.’

  ‘Bye.’

  Sam hung up. Telling her about the malaria wouldn't help. Her parents would only worry. The mature lack of rancour between herself and Hannah over Simon had surprised her but having almost died perhaps this had made her realise the difference between what’s permanent and what’s only and fly-by-night. Sisters are in the first category. Unfaithful boyfriends on the other hand …

  They arrived at the terrace where Fergus waited to greet them. Sam slid off the seat and walked a few uncertain steps. Fergus, who had been watching her, strode over to the car and, without ceremony, swept her up in his arms, knocking her hat off.

  ‘Whoa there, careful, I’m not sure I need to be carried,’ said Sam, pink with embarrassment. He smelt of mud and sweat and some pheromone which made hers dance.

  ‘I am,’ he said.

  Sahr picked up her hat and put it on her head. He saw her flushed face and winked at her.

  Oh, God he knows. Everyone knows, except Fergus, and how long would that last. They weren't the most discreet bunch of people she’d ever met.

  ‘Give me my rucksack please, Sahr.’

  Rucksack swinging from her free arm, she suffered the indignity of being carried to the terrace where everyone rushed up to greet her and help Fergus accommodate her in a newly assembled chair.

  ‘You're welcome, madam.’

  ‘We missed you.’

  ‘Are you better?’

  ‘Mr Fergus is cross with us.’

  ‘No, I’m not.’

  They all nodded. Yes, you are. Their faces accusing. Sam laughed.

  ‘Were you being naughty? I’m sure that’s why.’

  General merriment resulted with the workers giggling and poking each other, but no-one denied it.

  Formalities over Sam sat in her chair while they brought her the results of the day’s work. From her position on the terrace, she examined the latest pit. The material in the walls had been disturbed, no longer sorted into strata. Someone had been there before them. She had observed this in other pits. There was only one way of knowing how deep they had been dug before or if they had reached the bedrock where the richest gravels lay. The material they brought her had garnets and diopsides, indicating the likelihood the gravel was, or had been, diamond bearing. A frisson of excitement shivered through her.

  ‘Are you okay?'

  Fergus had picked up on the shiver and he put his hand on her shoulder. That didn't help much. His touch made her giddy.

  'Better than okay. I'm so happy to be back at work.'

  'What do you think?’ said Fergus. ‘Are we in the right place?’

  ‘Definitely. We need to keep digging.’

  ‘Excellent. Tomorrow’s another day.’

  With that, he held out his arms. She didn’t protest. Hauling herself to her feet, she allowed him to pick her up again and they headed for the vehicle. With the pretext of helping him to carry her, she put her arm around his neck and snuggled up to his chest. Perhaps she would feign weakness for a few days. It had its perks.

  Sam’s recovery picked up pace though and, before long, she had to walk from the car, being unable to pretend that she needed to be transported. Fergus had been very willing to carry on, but it would be too obvious that she enjoyed it. After all, she claimed to be a tough, liberated geologist. They spent the evenings chatting and listening to music and making notes on the days’ labours. His presence was comforting and therapeutic and she never wanted to go to bed.

  ***

  After a long day in the sun, Sam sat with Adanna in the shade in Pakuteh’s chair, while Fergus had retreated to the shade of Sam’s shelter. The women were drinking coconut water to stave off dehydration.

  ‘What was he like?’ said Sam.

  ‘Who? Pakuteh?’

  ‘Yes, I mean, what did he look like? Was he handsome?’

  ‘Oh, yes, he had the body of an athlete and the face of an angel.’

  The amusement in her voice alerted Sam to the exaggeration.

  ‘No, really, I want to know.’

  Adanna leaned back and closed her eyes.

  ‘He was skinny with bony knees. He had bulbous eyes and big lips, not an Adonis by any means, but he had an enormous heart. Everyone else avoided me because I had not been to the bondo. Pakuteh didn't care.’

  ‘He sound's nice. You must miss him.’

  ‘I used to. More than a limb. But it's become harder to remember his face.’

  ‘What was so special about him?’

  Adanna paused and a laugh rumbled in her chest. She creased up with mirth and giggled until tears ran down her cheeks. Sam stared at her in amazement. She'd never seen Adanna laugh like that before. She was mystified. Finally, the giggling died down and Adanna explained herself.

  ‘He had an enormous thingy. Almost down to his knee.’

  And she fell back on the rock, her chest heaving. Sam's mouth fell open in shock. Somehow, she'd never attributed real emotions to Adanna. Hyper-controlled, she was almost alien in her aloofness, and yet here she lay, laughing her heart out.

  ‘Down to his knee? How awful!’

  ‘The first time he showed me, I asked him where he thought it would fit.’

  She howled again, joined by Sam.

  Fergus heard the two women laughing, a joyous sound. He headed over to the trees to see what the joke was, but suddenly a worker yelped and jumped out of the pit like he had been bitten by a snake.

  ‘Everything okay?’ said Fergus, walking over.

  Tamba peered down into the hole. A strange expression appeared on his face.

  ‘It’s a body,’ he said, his tone resigned. He didn’t seem at all surprised.

  ‘A body? How on earth?’ said Fergus.

  ‘Many people died here during the civil war.’ He hesitated. ‘This man fought with the rebels.’

  ‘How do you know?’

  ‘I was here when they buried him.’

  ‘What happened?’

  ‘The night that the rebels came to Fona, Chief Sesay sent me to the terrace to fill in the excavations made by local people.’

  ‘Did they find any diamonds here?’

  ‘I believe so. You must ask the Chief. The moon was full, so we worked as fast as possible in case the rebels found us. One man acted as a lookout. A rebel came through the woods and spotted us digging. We couldn't risk him telling the others so the lookout hit him on the head. It killed him instantly. We threw him in the pit and covered him up so the rebels wouldn't find out what happened to him.’

  ‘Did you recognise him?’

  Tamba swallowed. ‘No, he was a rebel.’

  ‘Maybe he has papers on him.’

  ‘We should wait until tomorrow to remove him. It’s too late to do it today.’

  ‘Okay, let’s finish up then. Cover the pit with some logs, we don’t want a hyena to find the body and take the bones.’

  Fergus was intrigued. It was obvious Tamba knew exactly who was in the pit but he didn’t want to say. He doubted the body would still
be there in the morning, whoever it was. He avoided local politics in Fona like the plague.

  Before Fergus could alert them, Sam and Adanna emerged from the wood to see what had caused the fuss.

  ‘What’s going on?’ said Sam.

  ‘They have uncovered a body. Tamba says it's a rebel killed during the raid ten years ago,’ said Fergus.

  ‘A body?’ said Adanna. ‘Who is it?’ She turned to Tamba, who backed away, unable to look her in the eye.

  ‘Oh, my God, is it be Pakuteh?’ said Sam, brain whirring.

  Adanna pointed an accusing finger at Tamba. Her expression changed to one of fury.

  ‘You killed him? My poor husband was murdered. You bastard.’ Tears coursed down her cheeks and she tried to grab him.

  ‘Your husband? But … No, you don’t understand,’ said Tamba.

  ‘Oh, yes, I do. You hated him because I loved him and not you. You took advantage of the rebel raid to kill him.’

  ‘We killed him, but by mistake. He was sneaking around in the woods and the lookout hit him from behind. You can ask him yourself, he’s over there.’ Tamba pointed at a man standing at the edge of the group. He dropped his head when singled out. ‘We didn’t realise it was Pakuteh.’

  ‘But you let me think he had abandoned me. I have spent a decade thinking he ran away and left me. How could you?’ She was beside herself. Fergus had to hold her to prevent her attacking Tamba.

  ‘I’m s-sorry. I planned on telling you, but the assault on your father had distressed you to the edge of reason. It m-might have been too traumatic for you. I meant to tell you later, but as time went on, it seemed better to keep it a secret.’

  ‘A secret?’ said Adanna. ‘From me? Does my father know?’

  ‘No. I've never told anyone.’

  Tears coursed down Adanna’s cheeks but she was mute, her slim body trembling with fury and misery. Sam’s distress was increased by the contrast with their laughing fit only minutes before. She put her arms around Adanna but it was like hugging a fence post. Tamba stood apart, with his fists clenched and his eyes shut tight.

  When the storm had receded, Fergus offered to take Adanna to the compound.

  Tamba was left to seal off the pit with his team. He cut a lonely figure in the gathering gloom.

  Chapter XVIII

  ‘What did you say?’ said Joseph Sesay, blood draining from his face.