Tim seemed to weigh her words for a while. Finally, he nodded. They made their way to Tree House Lodge, walking side by side, with Lee following behind.
Chapter 6
Tim confused the hell out of Maya. After his whispered apology on the beach, he was distant and his mood dark as he left her with a passionate kiss and a promise to return that night. Once he was gone, she pulled out her tablet and activated the video feed. Joss’s face came online a second later. His hair hung loose around his face, the dark strands highlighting his harsh features.
“Good work on Ilano.” Joss looked pleased. “Any info on where the weapons are shipped from?”
“No new intel, I’m afraid. I went over to Tim’s condo this morning in the hope that he’d invite me to hang around, but it didn’t work out. Did you pull up anything on Ilano?”
“His last name is Silver. Powerful businessman. Owns a small island off the coast of Mozambique, called Paradise Island, as well as huge properties all over the mainland. If the rumors are true, he has the Mozambican government in his pocket. He supplies illegal arms to Zimbabwe and has questionable ties to drug lords and mafia leaders. He’s our link to Godfrey.”
“Tim gets the weapons from Costa Rica to Ilano. Ilano sends them to Zimbabwe. Who pays for the weapons?”
“Same account that pays Tim. Our hacker has it mapped. A few more days, and we’ll have the identity of the Mexican supplier.” He wiped a hand over his face. “Godfrey’s not so easy to track.”
“So, Godfrey sponsors the weapons.”
“Exactly.”
“What’s his motive?”
“Zim is ruled by fear. The government is suppressing the rebel forces, killing everyone who speaks out. Godfrey made a huge investment in African communication companies. The last thing he wants is democracy. As long as the dictatorship rules, Godfrey can manipulate the African leaders, using them like puppets.”
Cain had already uncovered that Godfrey invested millions in communication companies around the world. His power was as big in the States as it was limited in Europe. For the time being. Looked like Godfrey was expanding elsewhere.
“He’s targeting Africa,” Maya said with surprise.
“That’s what we think. Right now, with the socio-economic problems the continent’s facing, it’s vulnerable—an easy target.”
“Tim mentioned the arms come from Mexico. Can you set up our Eye in the Sky to monitor the roads leading from the border to Puerto Viejo for trucks?”
“Our satellite will pick up any weapon cargos.”
“At least I’ll know when trucks come in. That already narrows it down.”
“There could be hundreds, but I’ll set it up and let you know. Now that we have the answers, all that remains is for you to destroy the shipment before it reaches Mozambique.”
“And then?”
“Cain wants Ilano to lead him to Godfrey. We’re working on a plan.”
“Got it.”
He gave Maya a rare smile. “Keep safe.”
It was late afternoon when Maya got back to the center from a dive with Elvin and Jake. Cesar stood on the patio, his back braced against the wall. He straightened when the small group approached.
“Hello, Cesar. Signing up for diving?” Maya said as she dropped her fins in the freshwater tank.
Cesar lifted the cylinder and BC from her back to the floor. “Tim wants to know how you are.” He looked at her through narrowed eyes, his expression guarded.
“He saw me a few hours ago. I’m sure he knows how I am.” She walked past him to rinse her regulator. When she felt him hovering at her back, she turned. “Anything else Tim wants to know?”
“He’ll pick you up for dinner tonight.” He didn’t wait for her to reply, but strode past Elvin and Jake, who moved aside with wide steps. They watched Cesar make his way down the beach.
“Wow,” Elvin said, “who’s that muscle monkey?”
“That’s Cesar,” Maya said with a sigh.
Jake shook his head. “Man, that’s just unlucky. More competition.”
“It’s not the first time I’ve seen him watching you,” Elvin said. “Are you sure he’s not a stalker?”
Maya kept her eyes trained on Cesar’s back. “No, it’s nothing like that.”
“Just let us know if he bothers you,” Elvin said. “We’ll sort him out.”
She ruffled his hair. “Thank you. That’s sweet.”
Tim arrived at the Tree House Lodge at eight that evening. Maya was ready, dressed in a black sleeveless dress with a V-neck and killer-heel boots.
He kissed her hand before pulling her into a hug. “You’re too gorgeous to take out,” he whispered in her neck. He gave her a scrutinizing look. “How are you?”
She frowned. “Why do you look so worried?”
He squeezed her hand. “I care, that’s all.” He drew her onto the landing and pulled the door shut. “Lock up. If we don’t get out of here now, I’m going to do something I have no intention of doing yet.”
“Promises, promises.” She followed him to the buggy. “Where are we going?”