A single shadow appeared up ahead. Turning my jog into a sprint, I clenched my jaw and approached the scruffy African man. His long hair was braided and his jeans torn in places.
I pointed at his muddy car. “Is that your four-wheel drive?”
The guy glowered, crossing his arms. His black eyes looked me up and down, his muscles priming for a fight.
In Africa, you didn’t approach strangers unless you had a weapon and were prepared to battle. Humanity wasn’t as civilized here, mainly because so much strife kept the country salivating for war.
“What’s it to you, white boy?” His Afrikaans accent heralded memories of playing in the dirt at our mine as a child. Of digging beside workers and chipping unwilling diamonds from ancient rock.
“I’ll pay you two thousand pounds if you’ll drive me where I need to go.”
His territorial anger faded a little, slipping into suspicious hope. “What about I just steal the money and leave you dead on the side of the road?”
I stood to my full height, even though it hurt my side. “You won’t do that.”
The man uncrossed his arms, his fists curling. “Oh, no? Why not?”
“Because in order to be paid you have to take me. I don’t have the money on me.”
“This a scam?”
“No scam.”
The guy leaned forward, his eyes narrowing for battle. “Tell me who you are.”
I smiled.
My name carried weight in England, just like it carried weight here.
However, here I was more than an heir to a billion dollar company. I was more than a lord, and master polo player, and vice president to Black Diamonds.
Here, I was life.
I was death.
I was blood and power and royalty.
“I’m a Hawk.”
And that was all it took.
The man lost his indignation, slipping into utmost respect. He turned and opened the door of his dinged-up 4WD, bowing in welcome. “It would be an honour to drive you, boss. I know where you need to go.”
Of course, he did.
Everyone here knew of our mine. They knew it was untouchable. They knew not to raid or pillage. That sort of respect went a long way in this country.
I clasped his hand in thanks. “You’ll be repaid. But I expect you to drive fast.”
“No problem.” He smiled broadly. “I know how Hawks fly.”
I curled my hands, unable to ignore the ticking time bomb in my chest.
Nila.
Glaring at my driver, I ordered, “Do whatever it takes, but I want to be atAlmasi Kipangabefore sunrise.”
Chapter Seven
