Swallow on the Wing Part Three Jacob Wells eased his tired old bones into his favourite armchair, and grimaced, “Sometimes Vincent I wonder which creaks the most, this old chair of mine or my joints.” Vincent smiled. His dear leonine face inches from the inside of a book, his furry hands holding the volume closer to his eyes in the dim candlelight, to see better. Father frowned at him, “Vincent, as loath as I am to picture it, I do believe you need glasses.” “Father!” Vincent exclaimed indignantly. “Its true Vincent. You aren’t as young as you used to be. And I’m sure you hold those books a lot closer to your face now than you used to do. But the problem is, who we’d find to test your eyes. I don’t think I know of an optician who could come Below.” “Don’t fret Father. It’s just the light. I can see perfectly well. I have cat’s eyes remember?” “Hum, perhaps. Have you finished with this mornings paper?” “Yes, it’s on the table. Catherine hasn’t read it yet though, so don’t go cutting chunks out of it, until she has.” It was Father’s turn to be amused, remembering the incident Vincent referred to, not long since, when Catherine had reached for the paper, and held it up to reveal gaping holes in it, her eyes staring straight at the culprit in mock annoyance. Vincent chuckled remembering the incident himself. “All right Vincent, I promise. It’ll stay intact until Catherine has seen it. Can you just pass it to me though, I don’t think my old bones will get me out of this chair so soon.” Laying down his book, Vincent got up to pick up the newspaper, and pass it to his father, then settled himself down to read again. For some time each to his own, there was silence, until Vincent raised his head sharply at Father’s exclamation of, “Good God” and surprised asked, “What is it Father?” “Vincent your eyes are worse than I thought. You say you read this newspaper?” “That’s what I said.” ruffled Vincent replied, feeling some annoyance at the mention to his eyesight yet again. “This advert, it should have leapt out at you. It did to me. Listen. ‘ Will Devin Wells or known relative please contact the following person urgently.’ then it goes on to show...” Father shook his head, who was this person? “What Father? Tell me?” “It gives a name I’ve never heard of her before...I wonder?” Vincent stood up, leaving his place to stand behind Father, who was so obviously having difficulty reading anymore of the advertisement out to him. Placing his finger upon the advert, Vincent read to himself the part that Father had just read out, and then reaching the part he hadn’t, Vincent began to speak aloud, “Please contact Bethany Wells, Taniqua National Park, Mombassa. Father that’s in Africa isn’t it.” When Father didn’t reply, Vincent removed Father’s hand from off the rest of the advert, so that he could see it all, “Yes.” He answered his own question, now seeing the complete address, “It is.” “I don’t understand.” Father told him, with a far away look in his eyes, “Unless.” for a moment he hesitated, as Vincent waited for him to continue, when suddenly Father’s expression changed to one of annoyance, “Huh! I should have known. I bet I know what has happened here. Devin has got itchy feet again, only this time he’s forgotten he has a wife now.” Devin married? And not telling him? Vincent could not believe it. And if he were, he wouldn’t leave his wife surely? “Father, you can’t be serious. Not even Devin would be so irresponsible.” “He would. Look how he upped and left you. Anything might have happened there. A row with his wife, anything, and he’s just upped and left her, with no contact address.” “So what are you going to do? You can’t just ignore the advert.” “Oh yes I can Vincent, and so can you. This has nothing to do with us, and I think we would do well to leave alone.” They both looked up as Catherine came down the steps into the chamber, “What’s wrong?” she asked concerned as she caught sight of their faces. Without awaiting their answer she hurried over to the open newspaper, spread across the table to see for herself. “Are you going to do anything about it?” she asked wide-eyed, “Who is this woman?” “Father believes that she is Devin’s wife, and no, we aren’t going to do anything.” Vincent told her, as Father butted in, “I don’t think we should my dear, best not get involved, we don’t know what sort of hornet’s nest we might be opening up here. Perhaps Devin had a valid reason for leaving her, perhaps their marriage was a mistake. Without all the facts we can’t make a judgement.” “Exactly. And for that reason I think someone should go and see this woman.” Catherine told them. “Who?” Vincent had seen the rebellious look in her expression. “Me. I’ll go and see her.” Father was shaking his head, as Vincent told her, “No Catherine, it might not be wise, if the advert hadn’t made it obvious that Devin was missing, then we could have done something, but as it is we can’t possibly get involved. After all, Devin knows this woman better than we do, perhaps his leaving her is well grounded.” “I agree with Vincent, had the advert of read, ‘will known relatives of Devin Wells please contact...this Bethany Wells, then we could have done something. But as it is, well I believe either Devin has had itchy feet again, or he has walked out on her for some other reason. We’d best forget it Catherine, and tell those of us that live Below to do the same.” “I don’t like it.” Catherine told them, “This woman may have a genuine reason for wanting to find Devin. Is there a contact number, perhaps someone could ring her?” “I’ve already thought of that, and no there isn’t. I expect right out there, there aren’t any phones. Someone would have to write to her or go out there, and before you get any ideas in that pretty little head of yours, this is one time I am going to over-rule you Catherine... I forbid you to do anything about it.” Vincent reached for Catherine’s hand, he felt her sudden distress, it was rare that Father spoke so sharply with her these days, and he wanted her to know it was nothing personal, but when it came to Devin and his irresponsible manner, Father was probably right. He could well remember how Devin had left home at fourteen and didn’t return for twenty years. Everyone had thought he was dead, and the tunnels had been searched fruitlessly for weeks, in case he’d had an accident Below. While Vincent himself, had cried deep inside for most of that time for the brother he had lost. Father was immediately apologetic as he sensed Catherine’s mood, “I’m sorry Catherine, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, I know how you always like to help, but really this time I think we ought to leave well alone. We’ll keep an eye on the papers, see if anything else crops up, but until something happens where we can’t ignore it, if it does, then I think it best we don’t get involved.” Catherine nodded, she still disagreed. Perhaps it was woman’s intuition, she didn’t know, and perhaps it was the fact that out in Africa it looked as if she had a sister-in-law, and Catherine was happy about that and she wondered what this woman was like, and why Devin had left her. *** *** *** “Has there been nothing at all?” Beth was frantic, as Jack just returned from the city shook his head, “Not even a letter. Perhaps you should try again. A different newspaper, another state?” “I haven’t the money, that advert took all of my savings.” Beth started to cry, and Jack came to thread his arm around her shoulders, “Don’t cry honey, we’ll find him. Look Laura and I have some money, we’ll use that, and whatever it takes Beth we’ll find him. I don’t think it’s a case of him not wanting to be found, I think he needs us.” Beth choked back her tears, “Yes, we were so happy. If only I hadn’t of pushed it about his past that morning that’s what did it Jack, it pushed him over the top.” “Now honey, we’ve been through all that, it wasn’t that way at all.” “Maybe not, but I started it, Devin may have coped with the other things, if I hadn’t of caused his anguish to start with.” “Maybe, but Devin has had years to push his past firmly away, I think it was a culmination of a lot of things, and Bob’s death and the lioness eating the body was the last straw.” “He didn’t even come to say goodbye.” Beth sobbed afresh again, “And I needed him so badly.” “Hush now honey, Devin loves you, and he looked forward to this baby so much, he wouldn’t just up and leave you not like that, no honey, I think we can safely say that Devin wasn’t of his usual mind that day he drove out of here.” “That’s for sure. Its what caused it that I can’t live with. If only someone would contact us. There must be someone that still knows him.” Jack rocked her in his arms, trying to comfort her, “Is there any one, any one at all,” he began gently, “some other name that he may have mentioned. Think honey. Perhaps you could write out an ad with their name on, see if that sparks more interest. Obviously with Devin being out of the area for ten years or more, people might not remember, but someone that is still there, then that might work.” Beth brightened up, “Do you really think so?” “Yes, I think it’s a start.” “There was one name, Devin mentioned him the day he left...someone called Vincent, it seems that he and Devin were brought up as brothers...” “Well there you are, use that name, that might bring better results.” Beth bit her lip, tugging at the skin with her teeth thoughtfully, “There’s only one problem Jack.” “What?” “This Vincent, from what Devin said I believe he is deformed in some way, and lives in a place away from the majority of people, he might not get a newspaper, or he might not even be able to read.” “And if that is the case, he will have carers who will read it for him. That’s even better Beth, institutions hold a wealth of information on relatives and the like, they might not know where Devin is, but they will have records on his other relatives. Write out the ad honey, and I’ll go back to the city today and have it inserted for you.” Beth sent Jack a watery smile, “Thanks Jack, what I would have done without you I don’t know.” “Its all right honey, you and Devin, well you are family, and I want to help. Gee, I’d like to see Devin back here myself, he was a great guy to work with, really cared about the animals, you don’t get people like that all the time, look how many times he sacrificed his wages to save the hide of some dumb beast. He’s a good man. And he won’t have left here of his own violation, no matter how much he likes to wander, he loves you Beth, and he loves his job, and I aim to make sure we find him and bring him home. Whatever it takes, even if I have to hop on a plane and walk the streets of America until I find him myself.” “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” Beth smiled at him, “but thanks anyway, you’re a good sort Jack Duncan.” *** *** *** Three weeks after the first ad appeared in the New York Times, Father was reading the newspaper again, as he did every morning, but just lately with avid interest scanning all the columns. Going over it with a fine tooth pick, making certain he never missed a word, when he suddenly spluttered on his tea, and cried “Good God!” Instantly Catherine and Vincent were at his side, and Catherine read aloud, as Father remained incapable, “ Would Vincent Wells...” Catherine gasped, and read on wide-eyed, “Please contact Bethany Wells, of The Lodge, Taniqua National Park, Mombassa. Of up-most urgency.” Catherine felt herself shaking, and had to lean against Vincent for support, as her eyes wide with fear searched his, “Someone knows about you Vincent.” she whispered, “But I can’t imagine that Devin ever would...” she could not finish, how well did she know Devin anyway? Only from what Vincent and Father had told her, and they were of varying opinions. Vincent was shaking his head, “He wouldn’t, no I can’t believe that, he just wouldn’t.” Father stood up, and exploded, “He must have! At least he’s obviously said something. She knows your name goddamit! Now what are we to do?” “Well, that’s one thing that is for sure now.” Catherine told them both, “Now we are involved, in fact Father, more importantly, now I am involved, and this time nothing you can say will stop me. I’m going over there to see this woman.” Vincent was about to argue, but he’d seen that set jaw on Catherine before, he knew it was futile to disagree, besides, this time he knew she was right, there simply was nothing less they could do. “I forbid you...” Father was spluttering again, “Vincent you have got to stop her.” knowing this time Catherine would not listen to him personally. But Vincent was shaking his head, “If I could Father I would go. This time Catherine has my backing, I believe she should go. Simply this has got to be sorted. And it may be worse than we think, perhaps we have done wrong in ignoring it this far. The woman really may need our help.” “I agree with Vincent, Father. Ever since the first advert, if it was the first, I have had it on my mind, I didn’t like having to ignore it. Now I am happy to look into this. I’ll leave this afternoon.” “Then as Vincent so obviously won’t talk sense into you, I will step in as your doctor Catherine. I won’t let you go in your condition. Its preposterous, anything could happen to you.” “Nonsense Father, and you’re not my GP Also I am only four months, and why it doesn’t even show yet. I won’t do anything I ought not, I have had babies before you know.” Catherine smiled, trying to take some of the edge off her words. Eventually Father relented, “All right, I know when I’m beaten, but Catherine just promise me, you’ll keep in touch, and don’t do anything without consulting us first.” Catherine leaned over and kissed Father’s cheek, “I promise Father, I know the rules.” *** *** *** Bethany had just got her daughter to sleep, when the sound of whirling overhead distracted her, and she went outside to see better. Jack was there, his hand held to his brow scanning the sky, as a light aircraft circled the area of savannah in which lay the compound. “What is it Jack do you know?” Beth called out. “I don’t know. Certainly its not the doc, the plane is different, might be some supplies, but then I haven’t ordered any, and they generally come in by jeep anyway. I don’t know Beth, but I think we’re soon gonna find out, the plane is coming in to land.” “Will you go out to them. Do you think its news about Devin?” “I hope so honey. Look get Laura to sit with the young ‘un and come out to the plane with me.” Beth needed no second telling, and Laura was only too willing to oblige, and within minutes, Beth found herself walking towards the aircraft at Jack’s side. Catherine couldn’t believe the heat. As the aircraft doors were slid open, it was the first thing that hit her. Second was the flies, they were everywhere, third was the dust. Already her shoes were covered, and that was before she had alighted from the plane. Beth reached her side as the pilot held out his hand to help her down, and the first sight Catherine had of her sister-in-law was one she would never forget. She was so pretty, and those blue eyes! Catherine knew those eyes, Beth had Vincent eyes. Immediately she warmed to her. And Beth liked Catherine on sight, whomever this woman was, she was simply beautiful, and Beth hoped she had brought some news. A smile that lit up her eyes, welcomed Catherine, and holding out a hand, she shook Beth’s and then Jack’s hands, before she told them, “I’m Catherine Wells, I’m here to see Bethany Wells.” Beth’s face beamed, “I’m Bethany Wells. Thank you so much for coming. Please won’t you come to my home.” Tears coursed down Beth’s dust stained cheeks, leaving long trails against the skin, and Catherine found her own eyes pricking, as she followed Beth in, with the pilot passing Jack Catherine’s luggage, before taking off again. A shiver ran through Catherine as Beth held open the compound gate and waited for Jack, before closing it again after him, “Is this necessary.” Catherine asked, nodding towards the high fencing. “Absolutely.” Jack told her, “We are vulnerable humans living in the middle of wild animals. The fence has to be so high, and the barbed wire has to be around the top, hungry lions are our greatest threat.” “And Devin lived here?” Catherine asked, amazed. Beth’s heart lifted, this woman knew Devin. “You know Devin personally?” She exclaimed happily, her eyes lighting up. Even though the name was the same, she wondered if Catherine might be a distant relative perhaps. “Oh yes, I know Devin,” Catherine laughed. Leaving Beth only to wonder at the way Catherine had said that. What secrets did this woman know that she didn’t? They reached the lodge, and the door was opened from the inside, as Laura stood aside to allow them in. Jack put down Catherine’s bags, and then taking his wife’s arm, he told Beth, “If you need us, you only have to call.” he ushered Laura out of the door, with a parting word, “Nice meeting you Mrs. Wells, I take it, it is Misses?” Catherine nodded, “Yes,” she told them all, “Vincent is my husband.” “Can I offer you a drink,” suddenly nervous, when she found herself and Catherine alone, Beth asked. There were so many questions she needed to say, she just didn’t know where to begin. Catherine nodded, “That would be wonderful, something deliciously cool would be lovely.” “I have just the thing. Home made lemonade. Laura makes it. That’s Jack’s wife, you know the black woman who was here when you arrived. She was minding Claudia while I came out to meet you.” “Claudia?” “Yes, my daughter, she’s over there, sleeping in that cot.” “May I?” Catherine beckoned, indicating that she would like to see the child. “Please do. She’s Devin’s child.” Catherine tilted her head to one side, a gesture she had picked up from Vincent, “Really? How old is she?” Beth’s face grew sad, “He’s never seen her, she was born the day he disappeared. She’s almost three months old.” Catherine walked across to the cot, her heart went out to this fatherless child, with her rosy cheeks, and bonny blonde hair. “I can’t understand why Devin would do that.” Catherine told Beth sincerely, taking the glass of lemonade offered to her. Beth stood at her side looking down at the baby, “Neither can I, he wanted this child so much.” Suddenly tears coursed down Beth’s cheeks, and Catherine instantly, set aside the drink to put her arms around Beth’s shoulders, “Tell me about it?” Catherine asked gently, “Tell me all you know.” Beth beckoned for Catherine to sit down at the table, where she poured herself a glass of lemonade from the jug, and covered the jug with cling-film, “ You’d best drink that quickly.” She motioned for Catherine to pick up her glass, “The flies will have it if you don’t. They don’t need a second telling.” Catherine smiled, shooing away a few flies that were already homing in on the sweet smelling liquid. She put it to her lips, and drank thirstily, it was good. Glass empty she put it down onto the table, where Beth’s soon followed it. “I’ve known Devin for over four years.” Beth told Catherine, “We met in the mountains, where he lived with Charles. When Charles died...” Catherine gasped, “Charles is dead?” “You knew Charles?” “Oh yes, Devin brought him Below, when he kidnapped him from the circus.” “Below? What’s Below?” Catherine shook her head, “Forget I said that. Please continue the story.” Beth frowned, more secrets then? She went on, “We came to live out here for a while. Devin got a job as a ranger, right here with Jack. We had to look after abandoned lion cubs, and other creatures. Devin was really good at that job. He loved it. But Devin has itchy feet...” Beth laughed at the memory, and Catherine laughed along with her remembering Father’s words, as Beth continued, “And so as soon as we could, we went back to America to the mountains, and then to California by the sea. But as silly as it sounds I missed this place, and Devin returned as much for me as for himself, and got his old job back, and that’s where we have been these past months.” “How long?” “We married almost a year ago, as soon as I thought I might be pregnant,” Beth smiled, “Devin wouldn’t even wait to see if the test was positive, he told me he’d always wanted to marry me, and he hoped I was pregnant. We came out here after we were married. Before that we lived in the city for a time.” “Tell me about the day Devin left?” Beth took a deep breath, and told Catherine everything about that fateful day, pouring herself and Catherine a fresh glass of lemonade in clean glasses many times throughout, as the dust found its way into her throat, as was often with long conversations on the savannah. When she had finished, Catherine asked, “So you think Devin might have been coming to see Vincent?” “Yes. At least that’s the only thing I can think of. His employers contacted the airport, and found he had made a reservation on a flight to New York. Isn’t that where Vincent is?” “Yes. Did you ask how long the ticket was valid for. I mean do you know when he intended to return?” Beth shook her head, “No, would that kind of information be available?” “Oh yes if you know how to obtain it.” Catherine smiled mischievously, “ He might have purchased a period return, it could give some indication. Would you like me to make enquiries?” Beth shook her head, “I think you’ll find that type of information is classified” “Yes, but I have a way I could find out. I don’t suppose you have a telephone?” “No, that’s what makes all this so difficult. We have a radio, we can get through to the nearest village, and from there they relay messages to the city office, where there is a telephone.” “How far is the city by road?” “Sixty five kilometres. But the jeep is out. Devin took it, and the only other one we have is unreliable for that distance.” “Hasn’t anyone found the jeep?” Beth shook her head. “No, Devin’s employers believe it may have been stolen. With his disappearance not being reported for forty-eight hours, no one was on the look out for it soon enough. Until the insurance pays out, we can’t have another out here.” “How much are they?” “In dollars or shillings?” Beth asked. “Dollars.” “Let’s work it out. There’s a hundred cents to a shilling.” “And a hundred cents to a dollar. That’s one shilling to one dollar. Pretty much the same really. How many dollars would a jeep cost?” “Now you’ve got me, about, and I’m really guessing here, we talking new or old?” “Anything reliable.” Catherine laughed. “Out here, over this terrain, has to be new then.” Beth laughed along, the first time she had really laughed in ages. Then growing serious Beth shook her head, “I’m not really the person to ask, Jack could help. But why are we having this conversation anyway? How will it help?” “I could buy one.” Beth stared at her, “You could! But why would you want to do that?” “Are you kidding? A young baby, no-way of getting out of here if the need be, you need a jeep.” “I know that, but we’ve got by before.” “Then let me buy one because Devin took the last one. That was irresponsible of him, even if he didn’t know what he was doing, he should have at least realised that.” Beth nodded, “Yes, he should.” it was the first time Catherine had seen annoyance on Beth’s face when she spoke of Devin. “Okay tell you what, let’s hire one. While I’m here, and up until the company getting the insurance, we’ll hire one, and then it can go back when you no longer need it.” Beth was agreeable, “Okay, then I’ll radio a message through now, at least that way I will feel as though I am doing something.” “How long will it take to arrive?” “A couple of days, maybe a week.” “Then let me make the call, that’s way too long.” Beth showed Catherine how to use the radio, and after a few minutes it crackled and spat into life, “Go ahead caller you’re coming through.” A man’s sleepy voice told her. Business like Catherine told him, “Good Morning. My name is Catherine Chandler, I work for the District Attorney’s office in New York.” The response was immediate, and Beth was impressed, “How can I help you Ms. Chandler.” The sleepy voice, no longer sleepy sounded bright and full of interest. “I need to hire a jeep for the duration of my stay at Taniqua National Park, and as soon as possible please.” “Yes of course Ms. Chandler, I’ll see that they get one out to you today, are you staying at The Lodge?” He could see by the light on his control box that she was calling from there. “Yes that is correct. And I shall be going to the city the moment it arrives, so I will bring back the driver.” “Right, leave that with me, I’ll get in touch with the hire firm straight away. I’ll call back if I need any further details.” Catherine clicked off the radio, rewarded by Beth’s whoop of joy, “That was great. I’ve never known them get off their sleepy backsides like that in my life. Wow, do you really work for the D.A’s office?” Catherine burst into laughter, “Not anymore, but they don’t know that. That’s why I had to use my maiden name.” Beth’s eyes grew wide, “Suppose they check?” “Then they’ll find that I do work there. Joe, that is my ex-boss will verify it. He’ll know I am on with something and need some power behind me, don’t worry he won’t let me down.” “Gee that must be some guy.” “I was a good worker, and he owes me.” Catherine laughed, whatever would Joe make of this, she wondered, if they were to contact him, Catherine in Mombassa? She could just imagine his face! “Well now while we wait for the jeep, I guess you will want to hear my side of the story, what I can tell you. Some of it is...” Catherine grimaced, and Beth added, “I know don’t tell me, its a secret right?” Catherine smiled, “Yes. Did Devin tell you that?” “Yes he did. He told me there were things from his past that he had no right to tell. That the secrets were not his to give.” “That’s about the face of it. Still there are some things I can tell you. About myself, how Vincent and I met, those sort of things, would you like to hear it. I will keep back some things of course, so the tale might appear bitty, but it’ll fill you in a little.” “Yes, I’d really like that. Here have some more lemonade. Talking is thirsty work out here.” *** *** *** Driving back to the city later that afternoon, Catherine and Beth could only wonder at what they might discover. Laura had agreed to look after Claudia, and with a stranger in the car, neither Beth nor Catherine felt much like conversation, until finally Catherine dropped the jeep’s driver off at the hire firm. From there he took her signed papers into the office, and the cash for a deposit on the vehicle. Driving away again, Beth directed her towards the airport. Finding a parking space wasn’t too difficult, and soon they were striding towards the Customer Services Department, while Catherine hunted in her bag for her old D.A. documents, that had come in handy more times than she could remember. She couldn’t thank Joe enough for allowing her to keep hold of them. Knocking at the door they waited, Beth nervously, Catherine quietly confident, and as soon as the door was opened they walked in together, and Catherine showed her badge as she began, “My name is Catherine Chandler. I’m here on legal business from the D.A.’s office in New York. I should like some information please.” The response was immediate, Beth was impressed all over again, “Yes of course Ms. Chandler, how can we help?” “On the 4th September a passenger came through here, by the name of Devin Wells, taking a flight to New York City, the information I require is which type of ticket he purchased, was it period, or what?” “Do you have his passport number?” Catherine shook her head, and looked at Beth who shook hers too. “Don’t worry that’s not important. I could have done it faster that’s all, on the computer. No matter, the 4th September you say, any idea as to the time of the flight?” “It would be in the afternoon, that’s all I know.” Beth told him. “And you are?” He asked. “That’s not important.” Catherine told him, “She’s helping with my enquiries.” Catherine did not want him knowing Beth was related to Devin. It might hinder proceedings. The chap nodded, “Okay, give me a few minutes huh? I’ll go check the files.” Beth waited nervously, she didn’t speak, couldn’t speak. The sooner they were out of there the better, as far as she was concerned. After what seemed an age he returned with a file in his hand, “Devin Wells, you say. Yes his name is here, caught the five o’clock to New Jersey, on the 4th September. The ticket was a single.” “A single! What, you mean one way!” Beth couldn’t help exclaiming. The chap looked at her curiously, and turned his attention to Catherine, “May I see that badge again Miss.” Catherine fumbled for it in her bag, her hands shaking, and passed it to him, trying not to let him see how nervous she suddenly felt. He examined it, then took it through to a colleague in another office, leaving the door ajar so he could keep an eye on Catherine and Beth. They could hear him speaking but not the content of his words, and when he came back to them another man came with him. “Would you step this way please.” the second man bade them, holding open the door to his office. “I need to verify the information you have presented.” Catherine spoke with as much authority as she could muster, “Of course. I was surprised when you didn’t the first time.” The second man shot the first a look she couldn’t fathom, and picked up the telephone to dial the number shown on her badge. Catherine found she had her fingers crossed beneath the table, as she waited. Beth’s face was ashen, her eyes wide with fear. “Hello, is that the District Attorney’s office in New York”, as the call was answered with the words, “Joe Maxwell.” and then “Yes, what can I do for you.” “Good afternoon Mr. Maxwell, I am calling from Mombassa International Airport, I have a woman sat in front of me name of Chandler, who tells me she is working on D.A. business, and I would like you to verify this please.” Joe’s head was spinning. He smiled broadly, he hadn’t sent anyone out to Africa, and there was only one person he knew of that still held a badge for undercover work of her own, “That would beCatherine Chandler I take it.” He told the official from the airport. Taken aback, the official replied, “Yes. I’m sorry to trouble you Mr. Maxwell, but I had to check.” “That’s okay any time.” Joe put down the receiver. Cathy in Mombassa, whatever was that girl up to this time! “Well it seems as if you are telling the truth. I’m sorry about that Ms. Chandler, but I just had to check, you know passenger confidentiality and all that?” “Yes I understand, and thank you for your time. May we go now?” “But of course.” he pushed back his chair, and came round to take Catherine’s like a real gentleman, before helping Beth up too. “If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.” “I won’t and thank you.” Catherine and Beth left the office, and once outside leaned against the wall, sighing with relief. “I’ve never been so scared.” Beth told her wide-eyed, “I was having visions of them throwing us into jail and throwing away the key. Someday I’d like to thank that boss of yours.” “He’s a great guy Beth, never lets me down.” “Not like Devin huh?” something in her tone made Catherine look at her sharply, as Beth went on, “He bought a single ticket Catherine, you know what that means?” Before Catherine could answer Beth went on, “He wasn’t intending to come back.” as the threatened tears fell, Catherine hugged her, and replied,“ “We don’t know that, Beth perhaps he couldn’t afford the return fare.” “Do you really think so?” Beth asked hopeful again. Catherine nodded. “Do you know how much money he may have had on him?” “Maybe. The office would know if they’d tell us.” Catherine waved her badge under Beth’s nose, “Of course they’ll tell us. But this time I think you should wait in the jeep, its best they don’t see you.” Beth’s mind was racing by the time Catherine returned with the information she had sought, plus she had made enquiries about the cost of the air fare during September, when she came to get into the jeep alongside Beth it was with good news. “Well”, she told her, drawing her legs into the vehicle, “Devin definitely didn’t have enough for the return air fare. But wait, not only that, but apparently when he made the reservation he told the clerk that he hoped his doctor would loan him enough to return home with.” “She remembered that? And why would he think he’d get cash from his doctor?” Catherine smiled, “Devin’s GP is a friend of the family, and has lent him money before. And as to the clerk at the ticket office, she remembers Devin spinning her, what she thought was a yarn, about his wife about to have a baby. And of his need to get to New York and back within twenty four hours, and under the circumstances could she let him have a return ticket for the same price as a single.” “I bet she feels terrible now to know it wasn’t a yarn.” “Yes, and concerned too, to know he is missing. She booked him on a flight to New Jersey, the only seat available, and suggested he got a cab from there to New York. Apparently he showed her his empty pockets and said what with, and told her he would hitch a ride to New York. Now Beth we are getting somewhere.” “But he never arrived there?” wide-eyed Beth told her. “No, but we know he did get to New Jersey, and that’s where we will have to start looking. Can you come back with me?” Beth’s face lit up, “Just you try and stop me. To be continued in Part Four.