Chapter 96

CHAPTER 96

WE SPENT THE rest of that day burying the dead. With the help of some of the workers, we planted Abai and his minions in long rows near the rim of the mine, as a warning to any future intruders. Kira insisted on a separate plot for Lial, under a spreading limba tree at the other end of the compound, near where Vanda had buried her baby.

The next morning, we were standing next to Leo's helicopter to say our goodbyes. Harper had checked out the engine, hydraulics, and the fuselage. A few bullet holes, but no serious damage. The tank had enough fuel to get us to Mbala Airport in Zambia. We could fill up there.

We were leaving the five giants with enough cash to cover their salaries for a year, time enough to hire and train some local guards for when they moved on. They were mercenaries at heart, but they were also men of honor. I looked each of them in the eye as we shook hands. Marley. Fenwick. Harper. Blodgett. Tagaloa. I knew I could trust them. So did Kira.

Vanda brought us a sack filled with bananas and berries for the trip. I gave her a hug, then stepped back as Kira wrapped her up in her arms and whispered into her ear. Something in Swahili. Just between the two of them.

"Sure you don't want some extra muscle, Aladdin?" asked Fenwick.

"No, thanks," I said. "We need to do this alone."

"It's a family matter," added Kira. She gave each of the giants a quick hug then stepped back. "I want you all to remember who you work for now." They all nodded like obedient schoolboys. Marley turned and gave Vanda a proper salute. Vanda patted her heart with the palm of her hand.

It was time to go.

Blodgett handed me a nylon duffel wrapped in plastic. It was packed with weapons and ammo. "Happy hunting," he said.

Kira had already strapped herself into the pilot's seat. I heard the engine whine. The rotor started to turn. I tossed the duffel into the back with my own bag. I ducked under the rotor and climbed into the passenger seat from the other side. I fastened my shoulder harness as Kira flicked switches on the control panel. We both put on our headphones. She wiggled the stick and we lifted off, spraying dust and trash as we ascended. When we cleared the trees, Kira banked hard and headed east.

"Ever flown one of these before?" I asked.

Kira gave me her cocky little smile. "How hard could it be?"