Skeleton Coast (Oregon Files 4)
“I’m not sure what you—”
“If you were placing a bet what would be the odds? A hundred to one? A thousand to one? What?”
She composed herself for a second. “H. A. Ryder was the best guide in Africa at the time and he knew the desert better than anyone. I know as sure as I’m standing here that he got those men across the Kalahari. They had the stones when they reached the coast.”
“So they are on the Rove, then.”
“Yes.”
“You’re sure.”
“Positive.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
He turned to go but Sloane placed a hand on his arm to stop him. “What’s this all about? Why are you asking about the diamonds?”
“Because I’m going to promise them to someone if he helps me out.”
“You don’t know where the Rove is. It might take years to find her.”
Juan gave her a wolfish grin. “I’ve got someone who owes me a favor who’s going to find her for me.”
“Who are you giving the diamonds to and why?” Caught up by Juan’s determination Sloane had forgotten for a moment who she worked for and what had brought her to Namibia in the first place. “Wait just a second. Those stones don’t belong to you. They belong to my company.”
“According to maritime law they belong to whoever finds them. As for why I want them, come with me.”
Juan stopped first at his cabin to get an item out of his safe. When they reached the guest suite, Juan knocked and entered. Moses Ndebele was sitting on the floor in the living room talking with four of his men. All of them were heavily bandaged. Canes and crutches littered the floor like a giant version of a children’s game of pickup sticks. But none of it mattered. They were all smiling that their leader was back.
Moses made to get to his feet but Juan waved him down. “Your Doctor Huxley tells me that there is no need for me to be shopping for a new leg,” Ndebele said.
“I’m glad to hear it. I can function with one but I sure as hell wish I still had ’em both.” Juan said as they shook hands. “May I speak to you in private?”
“Of course, Captain.” He said a few words to his followers and they slowly got up from the floor and hobbled to the bedroom.
Juan waited until the door was closed before speaking.
“What are the chances of you ever overthrowing your government and returning prosperity to Zimbabwe?”
“You are a man, so we will speak as men. I have eager fighters but few weapons, and if the people rise up to support a poorly armed revolt they will be gunned down. My government is ruthless. Its leaders are willing to commit any atrocity to remain in power.”
“What would it take to topple them?”
“It is the same for any problem. Money and time.”
“I can’t do anything about the time, but what if I could fund your movement?”
“Captain, I know you are a brave and honorable man but you are talking about tens of millions of dollars.”
“Mr. Ndebele, I’m talking about hundreds of millions of dollars, actually.” Juan paused a beat to let that sink in, and then added, “And it’s yours but I’m going to need something from you in return.”
“For now I will not ask about the money,” Moses said. “Friends do not discuss such matters. What is the favor you seek?”
“I need a hundred of your best fighters,” Cabrillo told him. He then explained the situation. Ndebele listened wordlessly, although Sloane gasped when he described a hurricane laden with poison bearing down on the United States, most likely gunning for her native Florida.
“My people are willing to sacrifice themselves for their children and the future of our country,” Ndebele said when Juan had finished. “You are asking me to send them into a battle for which they reap nothing and risk all. For what you have done for me I would fight by your side anywhere you asked. But I cannot ask my men to do this thing.”
“But they are fighting for their country,” Juan countered. “By doing this you will secure the financial resources to oust your government and return Zimbabwe to the democracy you all fought for when you first gained independence. I’m not going to lie to you and say that all of them will be coming back. Because they won’t. But their sacrifice will be the rally cry for your followers. Explain to them what they will achieve and they will do it for you, for your country, and, most important, for themselves.”