Chapter 19
A new master for the teacher
"Come on, let's walk back to the embassy," Bill encouraged his mentor.
"Far safer to get a taxi," Nathanial advised.
The new chap would soon learn not to take chances. He was still enthralled with the appointment, as it was his first assignment overseas. The alcohol was fuelling Bill's bravado, and affecting Nathanial's better judgement.
"It's a great night to take in the sounds and smells of a foreign land. Call it research, Nathanial," Bill laughed.
It was a quiet and pleasant evening. They moved among a throng of people, hardly noticed among foreign businessmen who were out and about in town, drinking coffee at a street corner, or just taking in the sights. The next block was much quieter, when they strolled along a tree lined boulevard near the embassy.
"There you are, safe and sound," Bill announced, as they walked toward a sentry guarding the gated compound. They stopped to show their Id to the marine.
At that moment a flash of bright light lit the dusk. A wave of hot air, as though a jet engine had suddenly turned their way, blasted them from their feet. All three were slammed against the wall, quicker than thought could process what was happening. Shards of metal from a parked vehicle studded the wall, breaking their bodies into tatters of red flesh. The wall gave way under the blast, covering what was left of them in broken bricks. Dust swirled onward into the supposedly secure compound.
A marine officer stepped around the corner of the embassy building, on his way to inspect the reported vehicle. He was knocked from his feet and concussed, but relatively unhurt. The dust was settling, blanketing the courtyard in muffled silence. Windows along the facade were cracked, not broken, having been designed to withstand a blast.
Poor soft human bodies hadn't been so well designed. The three men knew nothing of the explosion, and never would.
***
"Roger. I've got some bad news, are you sitting down? Are you alone?" Roger's father asked.
Roger was feeling pleased with himself until his father phoned. The serious tone of voice left him feeling apprehensive.
"What is it, what's wrong?" Roger replied, from concern for himself.
"Where's Nathanial's wife and daughter?" he asked.
Roger's hands shook. He was in trouble. What did his father know about them, that had him calling so early in the morning, sounding grave.
"They're, err, in bed," Roger lied. He couldn't tell his father the two women were tethered in the stables.
"Listen to me carefully. Something's happened to Nathanial. He's been killed. Sorry to tell you like this. You're going to have to look after them longer than you thought. No! Listen to me. The authorities are keeping it quiet. They contacted me as I'm his best friend and a contact. It doesn't matter why," he smoothly added.
"What happened? You said killed!" Roger yelped into the phone, sounding distraught.
"Calm down, Roger. Nathanial and Bill were on government business. Look, don't concern yourself with what they were doing. I need you to keep calm and look after the two women. A week, maybe longer. Can you do that?" he requested, making it sound like an order.
"Yea, OK. What do I tell them?" Roger asked. He took a deep breath to calm himself.
"Nothing, not yet. I'll keep in touch. The important thing is to keep them away from the press, and prevent them from making a fuss. Can you do that?" he firmly asked for confirmation.
"Sure. I'll tell them he's away longer than planned," Roger suggested.
"OK. He told me you were looking after them while he was away. You just need to carry on awhile longer. Nathanial mentioned Rachael. Is she still there?" he asked.
"Yea, how did you know?" Roger asked.
"She's Bill's wife. He was worried about Bill finding out. He was introducing Bill to his contacts. You had better keep her in the dark too. I know it's a lot to ask. Just do your best, son," he sympathised.
"OK. I will. Don't worry, I'll look after them. There won't be a problem, I promise," Roger stated, trying to sound confident.
After some small talk the phone went dead.
The time difference in London meant his father was up and busy. As a banker he was involved with financing government business, but Roger hadn't realised it involved dangerous situations. Shit! He hadn't asked if his father was in trouble. A bomb outside a middle east embassy was mentioned. A coincidence his father said. What the hell was going on?
He sat motionless on the edge of the bed wondering what to do. It no longer seemed fun to be looking after three attractive women. He looked at the bedside clock. It was early, though the pony-girls would soon have to be fed and watered.