Maltese William Tusks

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.Even in shadow,however, his hair and skin glowed golden."Fancy meetingyou here," Christopher said, stepping into the sunlight.Apolloin the sacred grove, Richard thought whimsically.Christopherconspired with nature to make the day brighter, the greensgreener, and the browns browner.After the false alarm on the trail, Richard wasn't expectinghim."Yes, I imagine you're very surprised," Richard said, gladhis voice functioned on command.For a brief moment, it hadcaught in his throat."Especially since you knew we werehere."161Tusksby William Maltese"You've caught me in that lie!" Christopher admitted withmock chagrin."So, there's no use continuing the ruse.Yes, Iknew you were here.It was a case of the mountain notcoming to Muhammad, so." He shrugged his broadshoulders, letting Richard fill in the rest of the time-wornexpression."I haven't the time nor the inclination to play your gamesthis morning," Richard said, proud of his control.He derived strength from Craig beside him."I'm here tosee Victoria Falls with Captain Sylo.So if you'll excuse us.""Haven't you already seen Victoria Falls with CaptainSylo?" Christopher asked."Unless things have changed, thefalls are that way, aren't they?" He nodded in the directionfrom which Richard and Craig had come."I'm sure you know what I mean," Richard said, notamused."There's more to Victoria Falls than the falls.""In truth, I felt it best to see you while Captain Sylo wasstanding guard," Christopher said."Knowing you're afraid totalk with me alone ""I'm not afraid!" Richard interrupted; a lie."I figured you would be more comfortable with him inattendance," Christopher completed his sentence."I don't need a bodyguard or a chaperon!" Richardsnapped.Christopher smiled.He had anticipated Richard's response.Richard played mouse to Richard's cat every time they met,and Richard hated their roles.162Tusksby William Maltese"Then, maybe Craig will excuse us for a couple ofminutes?" Christopher suggested.He hadn't missed theopening."I promise not to keep you long."Richard glanced nervously at Craig for help."I could takethe slickers back to the hotel and wait for you there?" Craigproposed; no help at all! He was the sheep dog turning overhis charge to the wolf at the gate."Or maybe you'd rather putoff discussions with Mr.Van Hoon until later," Craig offeredquickly."Maybe even indefinitely." Now, that was the outRichard wanted.Craig's initial response, Richard suspected,had come from their mutual concern for wildlife.Richard wastheir hope of persuading Christopher to join their side."I suppose I can spare Mr.Van Hoon a few minutes,"Richard said reluctantly.The sun was overly warm against hisface "If you're sure you don't mind, Craig.""You're sure you don't mind, Richard?" Craig double-checked.He was chivalrous to the last, thinking of Richard'ssensibilities, though Craig wouldn't condemn Richard shouldRichard decide not to take whatever the risk."This won't take long," Richard assured, committing to thetask at hand.He wanted Christopher converted to the cause.If Richard could bring him around without compromisingRichard then, Richard owed it to the dwindling-animals ofAfrica to give it his best shot.However, he admitted that hisexcitement had nothing to do with the possible salvation ofany four-legged beast.Slickers in hand, Craig diplomatically headed up the pathtoward the hotel."I don't particularly care for that man,"Christopher said when Craig rounded a bend in the trail and163Tusksby William Maltesedisappeared.Richard was furious at Christopher'sunwarranted attack.The nerve!"I don't find your dislike surprising," Richard saidsardonically."He's all that you're not gentle, kind,courteous, caring.""You think so?" Christopher asked.He sounded doubtful.Of course, he likely was doubtful.Craig was strong, good-looking, and he stood between Christopher and what hewanted."I'm a good judge of character," Christopher said."I'm wrong sometimes, but seldom.I'd watch myself withCaptain Craig Sylo if I were you.""I can take care of myself, thank you!" Richard said; hisvoice was rife with anger."If you're here to bad-mouth Craigbehind his back, we can call our conversation quits as of thisvery moment.""I didn't come to bad-mouth Craig," Christopher said,taking Richard's arm and nudging him toward the falls."I can walk perfectly well on my own!" Richard protested,jerking his arm away."Or hadn't you noticed?"Christopher seemed to be somehow in mysteriouscommunion with Mother Nature.The mist cleared before him,baring segments of path whipped by soaking spray secondsbefore.The falls emerged, unveiled and beautiful, sunlightenmeshing in the webs of fog to add the right touch ofrainbow enchantment.They passed Devil's Cataract and moved on to the ninety-three-meter-high Main Falls.Their view of the gorge wasbreathtaking.Across the way was Livingstone Island, whereits namesake had canoed to peer over the lip of the chasm.164Tusksby William MalteseWhen Richard and Craig had passed the spot, the rumble ofthe water had been a deafening thunder.Now the roar wasmuted, blown away with the spray."I haven't been here for sixteen years," Christopher said.Richard's heart rose to his throat and stayed there [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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