Trouble In Trinidad

by William Manchee

Chapter 9

The iron gate began to retract, allowing the black Mercedes to enter the Prime Minister's driveway. The driver pulled the car through the gate and into the garage. The Prime Minister and his family got out and walked to the side door. Anamica, the Prime Minister's personal secretary fumbled around in her purse until she finally found the key to the inside door. She opened it and they all went inside. Anamica went straight for the Prime Minister's office to check for messages. The red light on the answering machine was blinking, so she hit the play button. The Prime Minister, who had followed her to his office, stood at the door to listen before going to bed.
"Beep. . . Beep. . . Beep. Ahmad. Sharad here. Sorry to call you so late, but we've just been informed by the U.S. Embassy that Kevin Wells arrived in Trinidad today! We have no explanation as to why he came early. We're looking for him right now, but have yet to find him. He's not at any of the hotels in the city. We've checked them all. We're in the process of calling hospitals and the city jail. I'm afraid a kidnaping can't be ruled out."
The Prime Minister smashed his fist against the doorjamb.
“Damn it! How could this happen! Who made the arrangements for Mr. Wells? I want an explanation, now!"
Anamica leaped into action.
"I'll call the director of the travel office immediately," she assured him.
A minute later, there was a knock at the door. A servant answered it and escorted a slim, medium height male into the house.
"Ahmad, I'm glad you're back," Sharad said. "Did you get my message?"
"I'm afraid so," the Prime Minister replied. "How could this happen? This is pitiful. We invite a national hero to our country and he gets kidnaped. Can you imagine how the leaders of the PNM will be howling when they hear about this? They couldn't be responsible, could they?"
"I seriously doubt it. It would be suicide for their party if they were behind it. Besides, it goes against all the principles they espouse. No, I believe it's the work of the NDC."
"You're probably right. Those lunatics would do anything to embarrass me."
"So what do want me to do now? We've checked all the hotels, hospitals and police stations. He's nowhere to be found."
"Are you sure he really is in Port of Spain?"
"Yes, we've got his customs declaration and the customs agent has identified him from a picture we showed him."
"Damn it! How could this happen? Someone's going to pay for this!" the Prime Minister screamed. "What did you tell the U.S. Embassy when they advised you he was in Trinidad?"
"I told them there must have been a change in plans and I was sure he was with you. I told them I would find out for sure and let them know."
"If you tell them the truth, they'll inform his parents and then it will all be over. My God! Something like this could bring down our government."
"I have news, sir," Anamica said as she walked in.
"What is it?"
"One of our guards has advised me that a young American, matching the description of Mr. Wells, stopped by here earlier tonight, but they thought he was just a tourist. So they sent him away."
"Oh! How idiotic! Bring me the guard!"
"One more thing, sir."
"What?"
"I have made a determination as to why Mr. Wells came to Trinidad a day early."
"Tell me. Don't dilly dally, woman."
"Someone canceled the travel reservations that we had made for Mr. Wells. I can only surmise they sent him an alternative itinerary, with the appropriate airline tickets. He would have no reason to suspect that he was being deceived."
"Damn it! Don't we have any security in the travel office? See if you can find out who canceled those reservations, but first bring me the guard."
"Yes, sir."
"We've got to find him before morning, Sharad. If we don't, we'll look like we're incompetent. Oh God! Can you believe this rotten turn of events?"
"No, it's very unsettling."
"I was so certain that, with a quick arrest and trial of Ray Mohammed, the people of Trinidad would rally behind the UNC and finally make us the majority party. But now, my plan may destroy us!"
"Don't panic, Ahmad. We've been through worse situations than this. We'll figure something out."
Anamica entered with the guard.
"Here is Mr. Jain, the guard I spoke to you about."
"Good. What is this about the young American coming by here tonight?"
"Yes, sir. He came by around six-thirty. I checked the guest log and it did not show that anyone was expected."
"What did he tell you?"
"He said he was supposed to stay with you tonight. I told him you would not be in all evening, so he should come back in the morning."
"Mr. Jain, do you read the newspaper or pay the least bit of attention as to what is going on in our country? Didn't you recognize that this was Kevin Wells, the man who saved my life?"
"I'm so sorry, sir. It just didn't register, I guess. I'm totally humiliated. Please forgive me."
"No–I can't be surrounded by idiots. You are relieved of your duty. Report to your commander for further orders."
"Yes, sir."
Mr. Jain left and Anamica followed to begin the task of determining who had canceled Kevin's reservations. The Prime Minister walked over to an overstuffed chair and collapsed.
"I need a drink. Somebody get me a drink! Forget the drink, bring me the bloody bottle! Bring one for Sharad too."
"No, thank you, Ahmad. I must go and direct the search for Mr. Wells. Forget the bottle, you should go to bed. No matter what fortune lies before us, you can bet you will need all of your strength to deal with it tomorrow. Go to bed, Ahmad, go to bed."
Sharad Mishratt and Ahmad Shah had been close friends since secondary school. They had struggled together to make it to the top of the UNC. They worked ten long years for their party, until it finally took power. Just a year ago, Ahmad had unexpectedly been chosen as Prime Minister when the elected Prime Minister became ill. He immediately appointed Sharad his attorney general and he quickly became his most trusted confidant.
"I will. Don't worry, Sharad. I'll be all right. I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night, Ahmad."
A servant brought Ahmad a bottle of rum. Ahmad unscrewed the cap, took one swig and then another. After a few minutes of reflection, he went to bed. Anila was waiting for him anxiously.
"Have they found Kevin?" Anila asked.
"No, but they will. They have to. Otherwise, we're lost. Our coalition with the UAR isn't strong enough to withstand such a scandal."
"I'm so worried, Ahmad. Kiran and Deviane are quite upset too. They were so much looking forward to entertaining this Kevin boy."
"They won't be disappointed. Sharad will find him. He's never let me down before."
Ahmad lay back in his bed. Anila came over and put her head on his shoulder. He began to stroke her long black hair. Anila was a beautiful woman, a beauty queen who had gone to work for BWIA as a flight attendant. He had met her while traveling and fell in love with her immediately. She didn't respond to him at first, as he wasn't the handsomest of men, but his persistence finally won her over. One night, her flight took her to Caracas. Ahmad managed to be there while she had an overnight layover. When she got to her hotel room, it was filled with twelve dozen roses. In one of the arrangements, there was a card from Ahmad asking Anila to dinner. She accepted. From that day forward, she began to take this young suitor seriously. A year later, they were married and Anila had been very happy ever since.
Anila was very outgoing and loved society. She was the perfect politician's wife, always on top of every social event and involved in every charity imaginable. Many said she was as much responsible for Ahmad becoming Prime Minister as he was himself. Now, Ahmad was scaring her with this talk of the government's downfall. She knew it would happen one day, but it was too soon, there was so much she had yet to do.
"It isn't fair," she began to sob, as she contemplated her world falling apart.
"Go to sleep, Anila. Don't cry. Sharad will find him. I know he will."

Chapter 10

Kevin's mind went into a tailspin. What is Obatala up to? Did he lure me here to kill me? But why did he take me to the prime minister’s residence? That doesn’t make any sense. Wait a minute, of course, he must have known the guard would chase me away. He knew there were no hotel rooms at the Hilton. It was all a scheme to gain my trust so I wouldn’t resist.
"Oh, shit. I'm a dead man! Oh, God, I can't believe this."
Kevin fell back onto the bed and stared at the ceiling. He remembered seeing a telephone in the living room. Perhaps he could sneak in there and make a phone call. Then he realized he wouldn't know who to call. Obviously, they didn't have 911. He wouldn't know how to explain where he was anyway. Besides, several of the kids must sleep in the living room. It would be rather difficult to get in there and make a phone call without being detected.
Kevin finally decided to push the bureau in front of the door, so no one could get in during the night without waking him up. After he had done that, he searched the room for weapons. All he could find was a cricket bat so he placed it on the bed next to him. He was determined to stay awake all night, but he was so tired he started to doze off almost immediately. His head fell to the side momentarily, until he caught himself and straightened up. He rubbed his eyes and then stretched, trying to stay awake. Suddenly, he heard someone walking in the hallway in front of his room. He got up and grabbed the cricket bat, ready to do combat.
His eyes were glued on the doorknob, but it didn't move. He finally decided no one was coming in, so he sat back down on the bed. He looked at the window and suddenly realized he was a sitting duck for a gunman looking in from the outside. Quickly, he rolled off the bed onto the floor. He pulled off the bedspread and laid it out to sleep on. Then he took a pillow and laid back, wondering if he'd make it through the night. He finally succumbed to his exhaustion and fell asleep.
The next morning, Kevin woke up with a headache and a sharp pain in his back. He looked around the room momentarily disoriented. Then the memory of his perilous predicament started to come back. He sat up quickly and looked around. The bureau was still in front of the door, so it was apparent to him that no one had tried to enter during the night.
After considerable deliberation, Kevin decided he had no choice but to let Obatala play his cards. If he had wanted to kill him, he could have already done it. Besides, if he were going to kill him, he certainly wouldn't do it in front of his wife and children. After putting the bureau back in its place and straightening the room, Kevin opened the door.
The aroma of sizzling bacon was in the air. Kevin walked cautiously out of the bedroom, down a short hallway and into the kitchen. Cetawayo was in the process of cooking breakfast. She smiled at Kevin when she saw him.
"Did you sleep well, Mr. Kevin?"
"Pretty well," he said forcing a smile. He scanned the room quickly.
"Good. I understand you've got a big day ahead."
"I don't know. I'm not so sure anymore. I may go back to Texas if the Prime Minister doesn't get his act together."
"Come, sit down. Are you hungry?"
He nodded. "Yes, famished."
Kevin sat down and Cetawayo set a plate in front of him. As he started to eat, Obatala walked in the room. Kevin looked up. Okay, now what? Do I confront you or play dumb? What in the hell do you want with me?
“Ah ha, you’re up,” Obatala noted.
"Yes. Good morning," Kevin said.
Obatala smiled broadly. "Yes, isn't it. How do you feel? Did you get a good night’s sleep?"
"Pretty good."
“How is your breakfast?”
Kevin looked at Cetawayo and smiled. “Very good. I wasn’t expecting an American breakfast.”
“Well, Cetawayo wanted you to feel at home.”
Kevin’s head began to throb. He rubbed his temples.
“Are you okay?” Obatala asked.
Kevin looked up. "I guess,” he said, taking a deep breath. “Listen, you don’t have to pretend anymore. . . . I saw the picture of your brother in his room. I know who he is. So, obviously, my being here isn't by chance, is it?"
Obatala looked anxiously at Cetawayo. She turned and walked back to the sink. He took a deep breath and looked back at Kevin. “Okay,” he said as he sat down next to him. He began in a low voice. "I want to apologize for tricking you into coming to my house, but I had no choice. I had to talk to you before you met with the police."
"Why?"
"It's my brother, Ray Mohammed. I know you're here to identify him as the person who shot you and tried to kill the Prime Minister."
"How did you know that?"
"The government is not very good at keeping secrets, I'm afraid. There was a story about you coming here two weeks ago. I checked with some friends in the Attorney General's office and they told me it was true."
"So, what was so important that you had to kidnap me? Why didn't you just write me a letter?"
"My brother is a good man. He has a great wife and wonderful children."
"So wonderful he tried to assassinate the Prime Minister, not to mention shooting me in the back."
"You don't understand. I'm not sure how it happened, but somehow Ray got involved with the NDC. It's a radical party that thrives on anti-American propaganda. Its leaders are ruthless scoundrels that would just as soon slit your throat as shake your hand."
"Yeah, I've heard of them."
"They don't believe in democracy. They have no morality. They will do what ever it takes to take over the government so they can create a dictatorship. Ray fell for their propaganda that several big U.S. companies controlled Trinidad and that the Caribbean Free Trade Agreement would only help increase America's stronghold on the Trinidad economy. He was brainwashed into thinking that by killing the Prime Minister, he would be saving the country from American imperialism. My brother is very impressionable and very naive. He was chosen for the job because he was an expert marksman in the Trinidad army."
"So you think, by bringing me here and telling me all this, that I'd feel sorry for Ray and his family and fail to recognize him when I saw him in the lineup?"
"Something like that."
"Well, despite everything that has happened, I like you, Obatala. You seem like a decent man and you've got a good wife and nice kids, but I can't lie to the police to protect your brother. It wouldn’t be right. I feel bad that he has ruined his life for a bunch of hoodlums, but there’s nothing I can do about that."
"Please, Kevin. The Prime Minister wasn't killed. You've recovered from your injuries. Now you are a quite famous lad. Would it hurt to let Ray go? He just made a mistake. Please give him a chance."
"You're asking me to commit perjury and risk going to prison myself? Why should I do that? It would be stupid on my part."
"You don't have to lie, just tell them you're not sure if he's the one. No one can fault you if your memory is not perfect."
"Stop the lying!" Cetawayo screamed. "Why don't you just tell Kevin the truth?"
Kevin looked at Cetawayo.
"If you don't tell him, I will. . . . I'm so sorry, Kevin, to have to tell you this. Obatala was sent to pick you up and to take you to Ray, so he and his friends could kill you. He only went along with it because he knew if he didn't pick you up, someone else would. He figured he could hide you here. He knew Ray wouldn't kill you in front of me and the children."
Kevin just looked at Obatala. Then he shook his head, pushed out his chair and stood up.
"I think it's time you took me to the American Embassy. I'm sorry about your brother. I really am, but he's a grown man and he's responsible for his actions. I appreciate the fact that you protected me from him, but do you really want him to get away with what he's done? I don't think you do."
"Are you going to turn me in for kidnaping you?"
Kevin smiled and replied, "What do you mean? You took me into your home when I couldn't find lodging. You fed me and entertained me. That's hardly kidnaping. I am curious though–how you managed to get me here a day early."
"It was simple. Anyone can call the airlines and cancel reservations."
"Right."
"Well, I called the airlines and canceled your reservations. Then I bought you a new ticket for a day earlier. Do you remember getting the new tickets in the mail?"
"Yeah, there was a letter from the Attorney General saying the dates of the trip had been altered slightly, and that these were my new tickets."
"See how easy it was? I just made up a letterhead and signed the Attorney General's name."
"That's incredible."
"I just wish I could have stopped Ray from going to Dallas. I tried, but he wouldn't listen. His heart is so full of hatred. I worry about his children."
"Luckily, they'll have you to raise them. They may be better off without your brother."
Obatala didn't respond, but only hung his head. Kevin left the room to get his luggage. Before he left, he thanked Cetawayo for her hospitality and said goodbye to the children. It took about twenty minutes for Obatala to get through rush hour traffic and make it to the American Embassy. Obatala dropped Kevin off a block away and drove away. Kevin walked down the street and into the embassy, hoping his second day in Trinidad would be a vast improvement over his first. If it wasn't, he vowed to be on the next plane back to America.

Chapter 11

Kevin saw a receptionist seated just inside the doorway. He paused a second to look at the beautiful interior of the building, then proceeded to her station. She looked up and smiled at him.
"Hi, I'm Kevin Wells. I'm having some trouble making connections with the Prime Minister. I wonder if you could help me out?"
"Did you say Kevin Wells?"
"Yes."
"Oh, thank God! Everyone's been looking for you. I've already had three calls in the last hour. Sit down. Let me tell the Ambassador you're here. Oh, what a relief."
The receptionist punched four digits on her telephone and waited.
"Sir, he's here. Kevin Wells is sitting right here. He just walked in," the receptionist smiled gleefully at Kevin. "He's coming up to get you. Where in God's name have you been? Everyone has been worried sick about you."
Kevin looked to the left when he heard the floor creak as the Ambassador walked briskly into the reception area. He was a tall, heavyset man with gray hair and a round face. He was flanked by two aides, and Sharad Mishratt.
"Mr. Wells. I am so relieved to see you. There's been a nationwide search for you. We feared you had been kidnaped."
"Kidnaped? Oh, no."
"Well, where have you been?"
"When I arrived yesterday, no one was there to meet me so I got a cab and went to the Prime Minister's house. They told me to come back in the morning. I had the cab driver take me somewhere to eat."
"We heard the guard turned you away last night. He's already been demoted for such stupidity."
"Demoted? Oh, that wasn't necessary."
"So where did you stay? We checked all the hotels."
"All the hotels were full, so the cab driver took pity on me and let me crash at his place."
"You've got to be joking? Who was this cab driver?"
"Gee, I don't know. He had some African name. I never did quite catch it."
"This is unbelievable. If the wrong people had found out you were out there alone, you could have been killed."
"Killed? Who would want to kill me?"
"Well, I'm afraid the FBI didn't come totally clean with you, Kevin. I think you have a right to know though, since it's your life on the line here."
"Know what?"
"There are a lot of people here in Trinidad, who would like to see you dead. You see, there's a new anti-American political party that's got everybody stirred up over the Caribbean Free Trade Agreement. It's believed they were responsible for the attack on the Prime Minister's life. You're the only one who can prove the connection, so they would like you dead."
"Oh wonderful! No one ever told me my life would be in danger! My parents would never have let me come if they had known that."
"If you would like, I'll put you on the next plane back to Miami."
Kevin thought for a brief moment of Kiran and how close he was to being with her. He didn’t feel scared anymore–now that he was at the embassy. I can’t leave without getting to know Kiran. What if she is the woman I’ve be looking for all these years?
"Well, the government can protect me, can't they?" he heard himself say.
Sharad spoke up. "Absolutely, Mr. Wells. Our government will take the utmost precaution to see that you're safe at all times."
"Forgive me, Kevin," the Ambassador said. "This is Sharad Mishratt, Trinidad's Attorney General. He's been up all night supervising the search for you."
The Attorney General bowed slightly and continued. "The Prime Minister has instructed me to tell you, so you will feel completely safe, that he will have his two daughters, Kiran and Deviane, travel with you at all times."
Kevin's eyes lit up. At all times? "What are we waiting for then? Let's go."
The Attorney General smiled triumphantly and motioned for one of his men to take Kevin's luggage. Kevin followed them outside to several black Mercedes parked on the side of the embassy grounds. Kevin got in the back seat of one of the cars with the Attorney General, and they were off.
The three cars drove north, in the direction of the Prime Minister's residence. They traveled out of downtown, past Queen's Park. After fifteen minutes or so, they arrived at the Prime Minister's home. The steel gates opened and the car drove into the garage. Kevin was excited, as he knew he was close to seeing Kiran. It wouldn't be long now until they were together.
"Come on in, Kevin,” Sharad said. “The Prime Minister is waiting for you in his office."
Kevin followed Sharad through the kitchen, down a hallway and into the Prime Minister's office. The Prime Minister jumped to his feet as Kevin walked in.
"Oh, my God! Mr. Wells, you don't know how happy I am to see you. We had feared the worst. Are you okay?"
"Sure, I'm fine."
"I heard a taxi driver kept you last night?"
"Yes, he and his family were very nice."
"You must tell me who he is, so I can thank him personally for keeping you safe."
"Well, I'd like to, but I don't remember his name. It was a kind of a different name. I just don't remember it."
"Well, could you point out where he lives?"
Kevin laughed.
"Are you kidding? I don’t know Trinidad at all and he went on so many different streets. There's no way I could ever find it again."
"Well, that's a shame. I should have liked to reward him." The Prime Minister thought for a second and then said, "Well, Sharad, we won't be needing you until Monday, so you may go. Thank you for working so hard to find Mr. Wells. Go home and go to bed."
"Thank you. I'll do that."
Sharad shook Kevin's hand, nodded to the Prime Minister and then left.
"We've planned a full weekend for you here in Trinidad, Mr. Wells. My daughters will accompany you around Port of Spain. I think they are even going to take you to the beach. You do like to swim, don't you?"
"Oh yes, absolutely. As a matter of fact, I'm on the swim team at my high school."
"Are you? Then I won't need to send along a lifeguard, I guess? Ha! Ha!"
"No, I wouldn't think so."
"What's your event? Is that what you call it? I followed the swim team a little at Harvard, when I was there in the late sixties."
"Breast stroke mainly, but I do a little diving too."
"Oh, I bet the girls would like to see you dive. Maybe you can put on a little exhibition for us at the pool, before you leave?"
"Sure, if you'd like."
"Fine. You must be tired. Why don't I have someone take your bags to the guestroom so you can get settled and take a nap before lunch? I think the girls have something arranged for this afternoon."
Kevin smiled and replied, "Thank you. I'm looking forward to seeing your wife and daughters."
"Good then, lunch will be at twelve-thirty. See you then."
"Great."
The Prime Minister pushed a button on his desk. Before long, a servant came and showed Kevin to his room. He deposited his luggage next to the bed and looked around. It was a spacious room, ornately decorated in Indian decor, with a private bathroom attached. Kevin looked at his watch and noted it was ten-thirty a.m. He figured he had plenty of time until lunch, so as the Prime Minister had suggested, he lay down for a nap. Not wanting to be late for lunch, he set the alarm on his watch for noon. Kevin didn't realize how tired he was until his head hit the pillow. He fell asleep immediately.
As he drifted from his conscious state he found himself back in Dallas at the convention center. He looked into the orchestra pit. There was Ray Mohammed staring at him. He ducked out of the side door. Then he saw the laser dot on the Prime Minister’s head. He started running, dodging the Secret Service Agent he lifted his arms and yelled for the Prime Minister to get down. Then he felt the sting of the bullet and the excruciating pain in his lung. He couldn’t breathe, he began to gasp for air. When he opened his eyes he looked up and saw Ray Mohammed ready to plunge a knife into his heart. “No! Don’t do it! Please. . . . .” Beep! . . . Beep! . . . Beep!
Kevin sat up, shaking and breathing heavily. After shutting off his watch, he looked around the strange room. He shook his head and breathed a sign of relief. It was only a dream. Looking down at his watch, he confirmed it was noon. He hustled out of bed and headed for the shower. The pressure wasn't nearly as strong as it was back home, so he made it a little hotter than usual. As the steaming water ran over his body, his head began to clear and his thoughts turned to seeing Kiran. Then a sudden sinking feeling overcame him. What if she doesn’t like me? Even if she does like me, what if she doesn't love me the way I love her?
When he was finished with his shower, he quickly dressed and headed downstairs to the dining room. On the way he heard a strange kind of singing coming from a door slightly ajar. He peered inside. A cute young girl, about his age, was seated at a desk watching a small TV set. Kevin didn't recognize her but figured it must be Kiran's sister. Curious as to what she was watching he coughed. She jumped.
"Hello," Kevin said. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
The girl smiled and stood up. "Kevin. Hi. . . . I can call you Kevin, can't I?" she asked.
"Of course, you must be–?"
"Deviane," she advised. "I'm so glad you finally got here. We were worried sick about you yesterday. Everyone thought the NDC had kidnaped you."
"I'm sorry I caused everyone so much concern. . . . What are you listening to?“
”It’s that maggot, Malcolm Mann. He’s having a big rally at King George V Park.”
“Oh, who’s Malcolm Mann?”
“He’s the leader of the National Defense Coalition.”
“Oh, the NDC.”
“Right. I don’t know how he put a political party together so fast. It seems to have sprung up overnight–right about the time Daddy announced he would be spearheading the drive for a Caribbean Free Trade Agreement.”
“You’re interested in politics, I take it?’‘
“Not by choice, but since the assassination attempt, I’m very interested in my father’s enemies.”
“I can imagine. So, what do you know about this Malcolm Mann guy?”
“He’s a leftist fanatic, an admitted Cuban sympathizer and a no good hoodlum. Everyone knows he’s into organized crime, gambling and drug dealing. The problem is he’s a great orator and he knows how to manipulate a crowd.”
Yelling and screaming came from the small TV set. Kevin and Deviane looked at it. Deviane bent over and turned up the sound.
“What kind of music is that?” Kevin asked.
“Calypso. It’s our traditional music played by a pan band.”
The music stopped. Malcolm Mann’s voice echoed over the PA system. Kevin and Deviane listened intently.

"Friends and fellow patriots. Thank you for coming tonight!" Malcolm said.
He held his hand up to his ear and screamed.
"Ahmad...! Ahmad...! Are you watching this? Do you see the people pouring out into the streets?"
As the crowd screamed its approval, he continued.
“This is what the people of Trinidad think of your free trade agreement. . . . Rubbish! Do you think the people are stupid, Ahmad? Do you think they don't understand why America is pushing free trade in the Caribbean? Ha! We know about the American imperialistic snake, Ahmad. Don't we friends?"
Many in the crowd yelled, "Yes!"
"Would America give a damn about Trinidad if it were not for the oil under Cocos Bay?"
"No!" the crowd yelled in unison.
"My friends, do you think America is the great democracy of the world? Well, it's a lie! The people of America are but pawns of the big Wall Street Business Cartel. They are brainless couch potatoes who have pawned their minds for giant screen TVs, the Internet, Rolex watches and fancy clothes. The American people are so many billions of dollars in debt to the Cartel that they have become zombies, working two jobs in order to be able to pay Citibank its twenty-one percent interest. Did you know the average American has credit card debt of over twenty-five thousand U.S. Dollars? That's over a quarter million Trinidad dollars! . . . Is this what you want for Trinidad?"
"No!" The members of the crowd shouted.
"Citizens of Trinidad, watch out for the American imperialist snake. It comes in the night and feeds on your crops, steals from your storehouses and beguiles your children. Because you don’t see or hear it, you don't fear it, but beware; if you let it, one day it will strangle our Trinidad!"
"Death to the imperialistic snake!" someone yelled.
"As you know, we have formed the NDC to protect Trinidad from foreign intrusion. We are dedicated to preserving our traditions, our culture and our true democracy. I say true democracy, because we don't want American styled democracy here in Trinidad. Did you know that in America more than half the people never vote? It's because the people there have come to realize that voting is futile. It doesn't matter if the Republicans or the Democrats are elected, they both do the bidding of the Cartel.
"Do you know what will happen if you open the door to the crocodiles of Wall Street? They will consume our small businesses and what they don't want they will spit into our bankruptcy courts. They have mountains of capital to work with and their magicians of Madison Avenue will lure our people into believing that only American products are worth having. We won't have a shadow of a chance to compete with them. If we allow free trade, our nation will soon fall, not to tanks and stealth bombers, but to the American imperialistic snake. Take heed, Ahmad. Trinidad is not going to sell out to the devil of the North! The NDC will not allow it!"
The crowd jumped up yelling and screaming.
"Listen to the people, Ahmad. They don't want America's fast food, football or their loose women. Isn't that right, comrades? Do you want the Big Mac?"
"No!" the crowd yelled.
"Would you like your children to grow up like Ken and Barbie?"
"Nooo!..."
"How about Madonna? Do you want her to be a role model for your daughters?"
"Nooo!..."
"Should we be spending the Sabbath watching American football instead of talking to God?"
"Nooo! ..."
"You are right. I thought not. Listen my friends, I have written a little Calypso song to our beloved Prime Minister. It's the least I could do as a memorial to him, since his government will soon be falling like rocks in an earthquake. It's called; Oh Ahmad, You Have Sold Your Soul, and here is how it goes."
The band started playing and Malcolm began to sing.

Oh Ahmad, now you've sold your soul,
Just to bring to Trinidad, the damn Super Bowl.
Why did you bow down with your nose upon the floor?
You should have just said; No! Do not come ashore.

Why did you forsake, our beloved Trinidad?
The people are quite shocked, and very, very mad!
We're just a little island in the Caribbean lake,
Why did you feed us to the imperialistic snake?

Oh, Ahmad, now you've sold your soul,
Just to bring to Trinidad, the damn Super Bowl,
Why did you bow down with your nose upon the floor,
You should have said; No! Do not come ashore.

To get yourself elected you pledged equality,
Freedom of the press, the end of mediocrity,
Now we know, however, your promises were but a ruse,
To make you Prime Minister, an office you now abuse.

Oh, Ahmad, now you've sold your soul,
Just to bring to Trinidad, the damn Super Bowl,
Why did you bow down with your nose upon the floor,
You should have just said; No! Do not come ashore.

A hundred years we've prayed, for this wondrous day,
The Lord would give us, the hope of Cocos Bay,
Oh, Ahmad, it's time to stop the charade,
The citizens of Trinidad, don't want free trade!

"No Free Trade!" the crowd screamed as they came to their feet.
"No Free Trade! No Free Trade! No Free Trade!"
Malcolm stopped and took a bow as the crowd roared its approval. The master of ceremonies came to the microphone.
"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen."
"No Free Trade!" the crowd continued. "No Free Trade! No Free Trade! No Free Trade!"
"Thank you, thank you. . . . Ahmad, are you listening?" the master of ceremonies said. "Citizens of Trinidad, Malcolm Mann. Malcolm Mann, a great patriot. Wasn't he fantastic?”

Deviane turned off the radio. “What a bastard. I’d like to riddle his body with bullets.”
“You think he sent Ray Mohammed to kill your father?”
“Obviously. . . . He’s the reason you got a bullet in your back.”
Kevin shook his head. "Bastard."
Deviane smiled. "So, how is your back?"
“Fine. I've fully recovered, I think. . . . I’ve never heard someone sing a speech before. Is that normal?”
“Yes, it is a tradition of some of the political parties in Trinidad to voice their concerns in Calypso.”
“Hmmm. That’s very interesting. So you have to have a good voice to go into politics in this country?”
Deviane laughed. “It helps, but not everyone campaigns that way. Daddy doesn’t.”
“Interesting. I guess I’ve got a lot to learn about your country.”
"I know, it must seem strange to you. . . . So, I’ve been dying to ask you–How did it feel to be on Leno? I couldn't believe you kissed that slut, Uma Thurman. Did you know she posed for Playboy?"
"Yes, I heard that, but I wouldn't exactly call her a slut."
"Any woman who would expose her body to every male pervert in the world is a slut. She makes money off her body, just like a whore. She's a disgrace to every decent woman in the world."
Kevin gave Deviane a startled look. After a thoughtful moment he replied, "I guess that's true. Since I'm a man, I would tolerate a woman showing off her body more than a woman would, but you're right. She sold her body for money and fame. I'm afraid there's no morality in America anymore. Everything is about money and profit. If it sells, then that makes it okay."
"I'm afraid it's not just in America. It's all over the world, including Trinidad. It's pretty sad. I wish there was something we could do about it."
"Me too, but I'm afraid it would be like trying to swim up a river–we’d soon tire and probably drown."
"I suppose," Deviane replied.
Kevin gave Deviane a pensive look. He asked, "You couldn't be too much younger than your sister, could you?"
"We're thirteen months apart."
"So you're what, seventeen?"
"Good guess, actually, next month I'll be eighteen."
"So, Kiran is already nineteen?"
"That's right, she just had a birthday. How old are you?"
"I'm eighteen. I should be graduating from high school in a few months, but I've missed so many days of school, I'll probably end up going to summer school."
"Do you regret what you did?"
Kevin hesitated and then replied, "No, not really. Actually, it's been kind of exciting."
Deviane smiled warmly. "You're lucky you didn't get killed. I don’t think I would have been so brave."
"Well, if I had time to think about it, I might not have been so brave myself."
They both laughed. Hearing conversation in the hallway, Kevin and Deviane got up and stepped outside. Kiran and her mother, Anila, were walking down the stairway. Deviane took Kevin’s hand and said, “Come on. It’s time to eat.”
They hustled down the stairway and entered the dining room. Kiran smiled at seeing Kevin but her smile quickly faded at seeing Deviane holding his hand. Kevin saw the disapproving look and immediately let go of it. The two sisters glared at one another.
"Kevin, come here I want to give you a hug," Anila said.
Kevin did as he was told and put his arms loosely around Anila. She hugged him tightly, kissed him on the cheek and then began to cry.
"Oh, Kevin, if it wasn’t for you, my Ahmad would be dead. You don't know how many times I've thanked God for bringing you into our lives."
"Well, I'm just glad I was there at the right time."
"It was so brave what you did. I told Father Souza to say a special prayer for you at Mass tomorrow. You are Catholic, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Good. I hope you will come to Mass with us."
"I'd be honored."
Anila put her hand on Kiran's arm.
"I see you've met Deviane and you know Kiran, of course."
"Yes, we met briefly. Hi, Kiran."
"Hello, Kevin. How are you feeling?"
"Fine. I've fully recovered, I think."
"Good. We've been so worried about you, and then you disappeared last night."
"Well, I'm sorry I had everybody so concerned. I actually had an interesting evening. I stayed in a house about the size of your garage. There were two families living there, with six children."
"Oh, how dreadful," Kiran said. "I don't know how you could have stood it. I would have died."
"It wasn't so bad. It was clean and everyone treated me like I was part of the family."
"You don't have to be rich to be happy," Deviane interjected.
"Speak for yourself," Kiran laughed.
"Okay, girls. Let's not get into one of your silly arguments. I'm sure Kevin isn’t interested in listening to you two squabble. Now, everybody sit down, your father should be here soon. Then, we'll eat."
"So where are we taking Kevin today, Mother?" Deviane asked.
"Well, I thought we'd go to the Royal Botanical Gardens and the National Museum."
"What about the beach? I thought we were going to the beach," Kiran said.
"Not today, darling, we don't have time today. Tomorrow, you girls can take Kevin up to Blanchisseuse Bay, after Mass."
"That's so far away. Why don't we just go to Maracas Bay?" Kiran asked.
"It's not so crowded there. It will be safer," Anila replied.
"Yes, lets go to Blanchisseuse Bay, so I can show Kevin the caves," Deviane said.
"I don't know if you should go in the caves. That might be too dangerous, honey."
"You've never been in them, Mother. How can you say they're dangerous?"
"It's dark in the caves, the ground is very rough and there are deep pits and crevices. You could fall and get hurt, even killed."
"They're not so dangerous. I've been in them a dozen times. Sometimes without a torch."
"Well, if I’d have known it, I wouldn't have allowed it," Anila replied.
"That's why I didn't tell you," Deviane laughed.
"Oh, you're so terrible, Deviane. What am I going to do with you?"
"Nothing. Just let me take Kevin in the caves."
"No, we'll save the caves for another time," Anila said. "Anyway, if we were to take Kevin to a cave, we should go to the Aripo caves. They are much larger and more beautiful."
"Oh yes. Can we do that, Mother?" Deviane asked.
"I don't know, it's up to Kevin."
"Kevin, wouldn't you rather go shopping at the mall than go to a stupid cave?" Kiran asked.
Kevin hesitated and then laughed.
"Actually, the caves kind of sound interesting, but I'd like go to the mall too. I need to pick up some souvenirs to take back home."
Deviane smiled and gave Kiran a gleeful look.
When the Prime Minister arrived and they were all seated, Anila motioned for everyone to be quiet, while she said grace.
"Bless us, our Lord, for these, our gifts we are about to receive from your bounty. And thank you, Lord, for delivering Kevin into our lives, and bringing him safely to our table. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen."
"Amen. Let's eat, I'm starving," the Prime Minister said. "Kevin, do you like Indian food?"
"Oh yes, I love it. There's a good Indian restaurant in Dallas called the India Palace. I go there with my mom and dad all the time."
"Well you’re in for a real treat, Kevin,” Anila said. “We have a wonderful Indian cook. He’ll fix you anything you want."
“Great, I’m looking forward to it.”
“So, tell us about yourself, Kevin,” the Prime Minister said. “We want to know all about you.”
Kevin shrugged. “Well, I’m a biology major at Plano High School. I’m on the debate team and I’m in ROTC.”
“Excellent, a military man. Do you plan to have a career in the armed forces?”
“No, I just want to serve my country for a few years.”
“Ah ha! It must be politics then. I was on the debate team at Harvard. It prepared me well for my political career.”
“Maybe, I really haven’t decided yet.”
“Well, you need to make up your mind, Kevin, so you can prepare yourself for your chosen profession. When I was your age I knew I wanted to be Prime Minister and I spent every waking hour preparing myself for the day that I would get that opportunity.”
Anila looked at the Prime Minister, and said, "Ahmad, you hardly know Kevin. You shouldn't be lecturing him. He's our guest."
"He saved my life, Anila. Kevin, you don't mind if I treat you like part of the family, do you?"
"No, not at all,” Kevin replied. “I’ll gladly listen to any advice you have for me.”
“You just made your first mistake, Kevin,” Kiran said. “Before long Daddy will be running your life.”
The Prime Minister half smiled and said, “Ah! Did you hear that Kevin? Such disrespect from my own flesh and blood. Would your father let you get away with something like that?”
Kevin smiled. “Probably, he’s pretty easy going.”
The Prime Minister stood up and shook his head. He said, “Well, I’m going to turn these ladies over to you Kevin. I’ve had enough of them for one day. Good luck.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Kevin said as the Prime Minister left the room.

After lunch Anila, Kiran, Deviane and three bodyguards accompanied Kevin to the Royal Botanical Gardens. To reach the gardens, it was necessary to climb a steep hill.
When they reached the top, they stopped and looked down at the spectacular display which included a waterfall, babbling brook, twisting walkways, gigantic trees, bushy shrubs, finely manicured hedges and thousands of brightly colored flowers.
"Wow! Look at that," Kevin said.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Anila sighed.
"I guess so," Kevin said and then smiled at Kiran.
She returned the smile and then turned to look down into the garden again. Kevin gazed at her soft elegant face and thought back to his dreams about her. She belonged here, surrounded by nature's splendor. He wondered how he was going to capture her heart in the short time he could be with her. After they had walked a little way down into the gardens, they came upon several benches.
"Let's sit a spell," Anila said. "I'll have one of our security men get us a Coke® or some lemonade."
Anila sat down and Kiran took a seat on another bench.
"Fine," Kevin said and then sat next to Kiran.
Deviane hesitated and then sat next to her mother.
"Where do you go to school, Kiran?" Kevin asked.
"We go to a private Catholic school in town. It's run by a Jesuit order."
"How long until you graduate?"
"Actually, I've already graduated."
"Oh, really? So what are you going to do now?"
"I'd like to go to college in the United States."
"Do you know what college you want to go to?"
"Not yet. Maybe Harvard or Stanford."
"You have to have good grades to get into colleges like that."
"Well, one of the benefits of being a Prime Minister's daughter is you can get unlimited access to tutors."
"Oh, really. Have they helped you a lot?"
She smiled wryly. "Uh huh. They're a big help– Particularly when they get the exam questions ahead of time."
"Oh, I guess so," Kevin laughed. "So, what will you study?"
"I don't know. Liberal arts, I guess."
"Hmm."
"What are your plans after you graduate?" Kiran asked.
"I haven't decided if I want to go to law school or medical school. I kind of like politics, so the law would be the best way to go if I wanted to become a politician. Realistically, my political philosophy is not very popular these days, so politics may be out of the question."
"I’d love to marry a politician. I want to be just like my mother. She has the perfect life."
"Really?"
Kiran’s eyes began to sparkle. "Yes, she knows everyone and they all adore her. She gets to go to all the good parties and social events, of course. Oh, and you should see her clothes."
"Doesn't she get tired of being in the limelight all the time?"
"No,” Kiran replied. “She loves it. She likes reading about herself in the newspaper."
"Yeah, I guess it is kind of neat to pick up a newspaper and see your picture."
"That's right. You know how that feels now, don't you?" Kiran said.
"Yeah."
"Not only does everyone respect and admire my mother, but she's a big help to my father too. She knows everyone of any importance to Trinidad. She knows how to get them to do what she wants."
"Yes, I can imagine. Your mother is quite a woman. I really like her."
"She likes you a lot, too."
"I hope so. You know, maybe you and I will end up going to the same school."
Kiran turned quickly and smiled at Kevin.
"That would be nice. It would be great to have someone I knew there. If you give me your address before you go, I'll write you when I know for sure where I'm going."
"Okay. I'm not sure I could get into Harvard or Stanford. The competition to get into those schools is pretty tough."
"I bet you can."
"Here are your drinks," a security guard interrupted. He handed Kiran and Kevin a drink and then turned to walk away.
"Thank you," Kevin said.
Kiran took a sip and then looked up at Kevin.
"You're going to love Blanchisseuse Bay. It's where lovers go to be alone. Sometimes, if you walk along the shore, you'll stumble across them making love."
"You're kidding?"
"No, it's so funny when that happens."

Kevin suddenly imagined Kiran and himself naked on the beach. The warm tropical sun beating down on them as they made love on a blanket of pure white sand. Kiran moaned quietly as Kevin rocked back and forth to the beat of the pounding surf. Suddenly, a wave splashed over them, but they paid it no mind. Kevin lifted himself up slightly and gazed at Kiran's luscious pale breasts. He leaned down and kissed a nipple and then began caressing it with his tongue. She opened her eyes and beckoned him to bring her joy. He thrust himself, harder and harder, deeper and deeper until he felt the tension in her body melt away as she reached a blissful climax.

Kevin sighed, "Oh, God!"
"What did you say?" Kiran asked.
"Huh?” Kevin said as he was jerked back to reality. “Oh. . . . Nothing."
"Okay, kids," Anila said. "It's getting late, let's go see the National Museum now."
Kevin started to get up, but realized there was a distinct bulge in his pants. Deviane noticed his plight and giggled. Kevin blushed, sat down and took another sip of his drink. After a moment, he was able to get up and continue on. Anila and Kiran looked at Deviane, wondering what was so funny.
When they arrived at the National Museum, Kiran and Deviane took Kevin, arm in arm, to the Cazabon exhibit. Anila excused herself to go talk to a friend, who managed the museum. Kevin felt exhilarated with two beautiful women pampering him. For a moment, he thought he was dreaming again, but a sudden twinge from the wound in his back convinced him he was quite conscious.
Kevin had fully recovered from the gunshot wound, but every once in awhile, he felt a sharp pain. The doctors told him that this was a normal part of the healing process and not to worry about it. Nevertheless, it was painful. When it occurred, he would usually close his eyes and let out an audible groan. Although he managed to restrain himself from groaning this time, Deviane felt the sudden tension in his body.
"Kevin, are you all right?"
"Yeah, it's nothing. Just a little lingering pain from the gunshot wound."
"Do you want to sit down?"
"No, it's fine."
Kiran seemed oblivious to Kevin and Deviane's conversation. She had her mind on a handsome young man, who was standing in front of a statue. Kevin noticed her gazing at the lad. He wondered who he was and why she was so interested in him. Deviane pulled on his arm to remind him she was talking to him.
"That's Roger Harvey, the British ambassador's son. He loves Kiran."
"What?" Kevin said.
"He does not," Kiran protested. "We just went to a
dance together, that's all."
"Uh huh," Deviane chuckled.
Kevin felt a jolt of jealousy as he watched Kiran and Roger smiling and flirting with each other. Deviane seemed pleased and pulled Kevin away from Kiran.
"Go ahead, Kiran. Go see your friend. I'll take Kevin to the Pre-Columbian Exhibit. We'll meet you there later."
Kevin started to protest and then thought it would be impolite, so he reluctantly followed Deviane down some stairs, into another part of the museum.
"Did you know Columbus discovered Trinidad, just as he did America?"
"Oh really? He was a busy guy."
Deviane smiled and continued.
"It happened six years after he discovered America. You've had six flags over Texas, right?"
Kevin suddenly quit thinking about Kiran.
"What?" he asked.
"Didn't you have six flags over Texas?"
"Right."
"Well we've only had four flags over Trinidad. I bet you can't guess which ones they were?"
"Hmm. Well, I would say Britain, France and Spain, but I'm clueless on the fourth."
"The Dutch flag, silly."
"Oh. Are you a history buff or something?"
"No, I used to give a tour here."
"Did you really?"
"I worked here last summer. It was kind of fun."
"I always wanted to work at Yellowstone. I love the Rocky Mountains."
"Oh, I'd love to see the Rocky Mountains. The highest mountain we have here is Mt. Aripo. It's only three thousand feet high."
"Oh, man. How would you like to go to the top of a fourteen thousand foot mountain?"
"Can you breathe that high up?"
"Yeah, the air is a little thin, but you get used to it."
"I'd really love to do that sometime."
"Well, talk your dad into letting you and Kiran come visit me. I'll take you to Colorado. You'd love it."
"Would you really?"
"Of course. It would give me an excuse to go myself. If you come in the winter, I'll teach both of you how to ski."
As Kevin and Deviane entered the Pre-Columbian Exhibit, they saw that Kiran was already there, waiting patiently.
"Where have you two been? I've been waiting here five minutes."
"Kevin just invited me to Texas. He's going to take me to Colorado and teach me how to ski."
"You're invited too, Kiran." Kevin added.
Kiran stiffened and replied.
"I would never go skiing, it's too dangerous. I don't do things if there is a strong probability of injury."
"Well, that's okay. A lot of people just come to see the beauty of the mountains in the winter. You can sit by a big fire, drink coffee and relax during the day. At night, they have lots of parties. It's really a beautiful place."
"Hmm. That could be fun, perhaps."
As the threesome were about finished viewing the many exhibits contained in the museum, Anila rejoined them.
"I'm sorry I took so long. I hadn't seen my friend for some time. She insisted I have a cup of tea," Anila said.
"That's okay, Mother. You timed it perfectly," Kiran said.
"Well, good. I'm hungry. What do you say we go home and have dinner?"
"You got my vote," Kevin said. "I'm starving."

That night, the Prime Minister was unable to have dinner at home with the family. When he arrived home later that evening, he asked Kevin to join him in his office for a cup of tea. Kevin was curious as to why the Prime Minister wanted to speak with him alone. He figured it was something to do with the lineup on Monday, but he wasn't sure. He wondered if he had done something wrong. He feared the Prime Minister had noticed his keen interest in Kiran and was going to warn him to leave her alone. He was a little scared as he entered the Prime Minister's office.
"Kevin, come in. Sit down."
"Good evening, sir."
"I'm sorry I missed you at dinner. I trust you had a good day?"
"Oh, yes."
"Did my family take good care of you?"
"Absolutely, they pampered me all day. It was wonderful."
"Good. Well, I called you up here to discuss some serious business. As you know, Sharad will be here Monday morning. He will take you to the prosecutor's office to view a lineup."
"Right."
"In the last few weeks, we've learned that this new NDC party was, most likely, behind the assassination attempt."
"That's what the Ambassador told me."
"Yes, and Ray Mohammed is the number two man in the NDC."
"The number two man?"
"Yes. So if he is indicted, we will have good cause to put an end to the NDC."
"Well, I hope it all works out."
"It's all up to you, Kevin. The NDC is full of rats and scoundrels. We must put a stop to them!"
"If he's the one I saw in Dallas, then I'm sure I'll recognize him."
"What I'm saying is, if you're not so sure, it’s all right. Go ahead and ID him. We know for sure he’s the one."
"You want me to lie?"
"No. No. Of course not, but if there is a little doubt in your mind, I wouldn't worry about it. This man is evil and his party is evil. You would be doing Trinidad a favor if you helped put him behind bars."
Kevin was silent. An uneasy feeling came over him. For the first time, he wondered what would happen if he couldn't identify the assassin. He'd be a hero if he did, but if he couldn't do it, he could kiss Kiran goodbye.
"If he looks like his photograph, I'm sure I'll recognize him."
"Fine. I'm glad we have an understanding."
Kevin squirmed in his chair. He suddenly thought of Obatala and Ray's innocent children. What would become of them? He wouldn't identify Ray unless he was positive he was the assassin. But what if preserving his integrity meant sacrificing the only woman he might ever love?
"I couldn't lie, sir. I'm sure you wouldn't want that. I'm just saying I would be really shocked if Ray Mohammed wasn't the assassin. I wouldn't worry about Monday."
"Of course, I wasn't suggesting–"
"No, of course not."
"So, Anila tells me you've got an eye for Kiran."
Kevin began to blush.
"Is it that obvious?"
"Well, it wasn't to me, but my wife has a keen sense about those things."
"I do like her a lot, but let me assure–"
"No, it's not necessary. I trust you implicitly. After all, you saved my life, and now you're going to save Trinidad. What better son-in-law could a father ever want for his daughter? If you want Kiran, she's yours. I'll arrange everything."
Kevin suddenly felt faint. Had he been standing, he would have surely fallen over. Suddenly, his dream had become a reality, but instead of joy, he felt like he'd been hit by an Amtrak train. This isn't the way he wanted to have Kiran. He wanted her to fall in love with him and give him her unconditional love and devotion. If the marriage were arranged, he wouldn't know if she truly loved him. This wouldn’t be the perfect marriage that he had so desperately sought.
"But, I'm not sure Kiran even likes me, let alone would want to marry me."
"Well, you needn’t concern yourself about that. She will trust my judgment. If you want her, she’s yours."

Chapter 12

The next morning, Kevin didn't want to get out of bed. He was confused and scared about what was happening to him. He loved Kiran, at least he thought he did. He desperately wanted to make her his wife, but he didn't want her as a reward for saving Ahmad or, God forbid, payment for bearing false witness. He wondered if Kiran knew what was going on.
Did she know that she was being used by her father for his political advantage? If she did know, would that knowledge turn her affections away from him? If he took her to be his bride, would she always wonder about his love?
Kevin was sick. He almost wished he hadn't come to Trinidad.
He put on a pair of jeans over his swimsuit and threw on a Super Bowl XXX T-shirt his father had bought in Phoenix when he went to the Super Bowl. Kevin wished his father was there now to give him some advice. Finally, he decided to confront Kiran and find out how she felt about him. He had to know. If she didn't have a strong interest in him, then he’d have to forget her and continue his search. Fate had not given him much time to win her love. His destiny may have already been sealed.
The Prime Minister sent a half dozen security police with Kevin and his daughters. He didn't expect any trouble, but he wasn't about to take any chances. The small motorcade left Port of Spain and headed north on Saddle Road. The narrow highway wound its way up and over the coastal mountains. This part of Trinidad was a tropical rain forest, abounding in vegetation and wildlife. At the summit of the pass, there was a lookout that provided an incredible view of northwest Trinidad. Deviane insisted the motorcade stop to take a look. As they drove up, they saw a half dozen black men selling coconuts and various other tropical fruits. Another man held a small stringed instrument resembling a ukulele.
"Come on, Kevin," Deviane said. "This will be fun.”
“Have you heard any Calypso yet?" Kiran asked.
“Well, just what Deviane was watching on TV the night I first got here.”
Kiran gave Deviane a dirty look. Deviane ignored her and got out of the car. Kevin followed her and they were immediately surrounded by the men. Kevin was a little tense at first, but seeing Kiran and Deviane quite at ease made him feel better. The middle aged vocalist directed his attention at Kevin.
"Welcome to Trinidad, have you heard the music of our land yet? The Calypso?"
"No, not yet," Kevin said as he looked at Kiran and Deviane, who were laughing.
"Well then, I will sing you a song about yourself and also reveal to you a glimpse of the future," the vocalist promised and then began singing;
You're a wise young man from far away,
Most certainly the USA,
You love your country with all your soul,
You live in Phoenix and you like to bowl.
Kevin and Deviane began to laugh. Kiran smiled. The other men were dancing to the music with great rhythm. The security police were watching and looking around for anything out of the ordinary. The Calypso singer continued;

With bright blue eyes, a pretty smile,
Ladies, yes, they do beguile,
Love abounds you as we speak,
now's not the time to be meek.

If innocence is the lure,
Are you sure that she is pure?
The road ahead is fraught with peril,
It all began with a long black barrel.

As you pray to the Lord above,
You should look for peace and love,
By your side your lover lies,
Yet you fail to hear her cries.

Now, if you liked this Calypso song,
Then it certainly would not be wrong,
To do something not so rash,
Like leaving this poor soul, a little cash!

Everyone laughed and gave the performers a round of applause. Kevin pulled out his wallet and handed the man a five dollar bill. He took the money, bowed and waved as Kevin and the girls got back in their cars to continue the drive to Blanchisseuse Bay. Kevin was intrigued by the song and asked one of the security guards for a piece of paper and a pencil so he could write it down before he forgot it.
"That was really good. I'm glad we stopped," Kevin said. "What did you think, Kiran?"
"It was cute."
"Do you believe that he could see into the future?"
"No, that's impossible."
"I believe some people have that gift," Deviane said.
"Yeah, how did he know it all started with a long black barrel?"
"It was just a coincidence," Kiran said. "If he's so perceptive, why did he think you lived in Phoenix."
"True, he's obviously not a football fan. I guess the people of Trinidad don't follow the Cowboys," Kevin said.
"No, but there are a lot of NBA fans here," Deviane said.
"Cricket and soccer are the most popular sports."
"Soccer is getting popular in the United States. I played a lot of soccer when I was younger."
"So did I," Deviane said. "I love soccer."
"Do you like any sports, Kiran?" Kevin asked.
Kiran thought a moment and then replied.
"Croquet is fun."
"Hmm. I played that a couple times, with my dad, when I was really young. You might like horseshoes. That's big in certain parts of West Texas. Then there is buffalo chip throwing and watermelon seed spitting."
Kiran looked at Kevin and frowned.
"That's disgusting!"
"Yeah, I guess it is. Actually, I've never done either of them."
"I'm glad. I assumed you were civilized."
Kevin laughed.
"The people in Texas are a little crazy sometimes. Hey, we do have something in common. Isn't that an armadillo going across the road?"
"Uh huh," Deviane replied. "We've got lots of them here."
"Really? I thought only Texas had armadillos. See, you learn something new everyday."
Around eleven-thirty a.m., the motorcade arrived at Blanchisseuse Bay. As promised, the beach was beautiful and deserted. The temperature was a balmy eighty-two degrees. There was a light breeze from the north and the sky was clear. Deviane bolted out of the car, ran down to the water and started splashing around in it. Kevin watched her with great interest, but stayed back to help unload the trunk. Kiran grabbed her large beach purse and walked gingerly through the sand to the edge of the water. She looked around for the best spot and then began laying out a blanket. Kevin finally joined her with the picnic basket.
"Isn't it wonderful out here?" Kiran said.
"Yeah, it is," Kevin replied as he pulled off his shirt.
Kiran took an approving look at Kevin's wide shoulders and hard stomach. Then she kicked off her shoes, untied the straps on her cotton dress and let it drop to the ground. Kevin felt a surge of excitement as he saw her exquisite body, covered only by a modest yellow bikini.
"You want to go for a swim?" he smiled and asked.
"No, I don't like to swim that much, I just like to lay out."
"Oh. How about a walk on the beach then?"
"Sure, that would be fine."
Kevin took Kiran's hand and began walking with her down the beach. Deviane walked by and said, "Come back soon, I'm hungry."
Kevin didn't respond as his mind was on Kiran. For the first time, he was enjoying the warmth of her soft, slender hand. As they strolled down the beach, he looked over at her and spoke.
"You know, Kiran, after you kissed me in the hospital the day we met, I haven't been able to keep my mind off you."
Kiran glanced over at Kevin to catch the expression on his face. "Really? I'm surprised a simple kiss would have such an effect on you. You must have had a dozen girls by now, if what I've seen on television is true."
"Some guys, most guys take what they can get, but I'm not that way. Is it true that I was the first man you ever kissed?"
Kiran laughed. "Well, I should be honest with you. That's my father's fantasy. I've kissed before."
Kevin was disappointed by this revelation but then he thought a moment and replied, "That was kind of hard to believe. I'm not so surprised. So how did my kiss compare to the ones before me?"
Kiran smiled. "It was interesting, but you held back."
"True, I was in a state of shock with the President there, and then your appearance was such a total surprise."
"Shall we try again?"
Kevin’s eyes lit up like a fuse on a firecracker. He nodded. Kiran turned and put her arms on his shoulders. He slid his hands behind her back and pulled her body to his. They kissed, tenderly at first, feeling each other’s breath, rubbing their lips together tentatively, until a sudden rush of passion exploded within them. With their lips firmly locked, their tongues frolicked joyfully as they pressed their bodies ever so close. They felt so exhilarated that neither could bear to bring the kiss to its inevitable conclusion. Finally Kiran pulled away. They stared at each other silently for a moment, both breathing heavily.
"Well, you get an A-plus. That was much better than the last time," Kiran said. “Wow!”
Kevin took a deep breath. "That was incredible. I've never experienced anything like that before."
"I'm glad you liked it. It will make our marriage better if there's passion between us," Kiran laughed.
Kevin swallowed. "Our marriage?"
"Isn't that what you want? Didn't you ask my father for my hand?"
"Well, yes. Kind of."
"Then you've got your wish. I will marry you."
"You will?"
"Yes. On one condition."
"What's that?"
"I want to live in America. My father will try to convince you to live in Trinidad, but I want you to take me back to Texas."
"That's it?"
"Well, I want you to be a politician, not a doctor. I want so much to be like my mother, the wife of an important government official. Don't you think I'd make a good first lady?"
"First lady?” Kevin laughed. “That’s kind of a long shot, don’t you think?”
“Oh, you’re too modest, Kevin. The Ambassador said you could be President of the United States someday.”
“He said that? Huh. . . . Well, if it's that important to you, I'll give politics a try. But, I may not be successful. Politics is very competitive in America."
"You will be successful, I just know it."
Kevin took a deep breath, trying to figure out if Kiran was for real. This should have been the happiest moment in his life, but he felt sick inside. He suddenly remembered something his father had said to him once–Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it.
His mind was racing as he continued to walk down the beach. He couldn't believe Kiran had consented to become his wife. It had all happened so fast, he was in a state of shock. After a few minutes of contemplation, however, the anticipation of marrying Kiran and spending the rest of his life with her dispelled all the anxiety he had been feeling. He knew he was a very lucky man. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. This is what I wanted and now I've got it! Thank you, God.
He turned and smiled at Kiran. "You've made me the happiest man alive, Kiran. I'll be a good husband, I promise!"
Kiran smiled and laughed. "I know. That's why I agreed to marry you. I'm going to enjoy being your wife. But, we need more practice kissing, don't you think?"
Kevin smiled gleefully, opened up his arms and embraced Kiran. They kissed passionately for several minutes, until Kiran finally broke away and spoke.
"Umm. You're getting better and better each time. We could do this all afternoon, but, I’m afraid we better get back. Deviane won't eat without us and she'll be complaining all afternoon if we don't return soon. Besides, I think we've given the security police enough of a show for one day."
Kevin smiled and reluctantly let go of Kiran. She turned and started walking back to where Deviane was waiting. Kevin followed her a few paces behind, still in a state of shock. When they finally made it back, Deviane was taking in some sun. She too, had on a bikini and looked quite exquisite. Kevin suddenly felt embarrassed to look at her, now that he had made a commitment to Kiran. He turned, looked out to sea and took a deep breath of the salty air.
Kiran slipped her dress on and said, "I'm going to go to the ladies' room, Kevin. I'll be right back. We can eat then."
He turned around and smiled. "Sure."
Kiran left and headed for the bathhouse which was situated about two hundred yards down the beach. Kevin watched her lovingly as she walked away.
"Kevin, will you rub some suntan lotion on my back? I can't reach it," Deviane said.
“Huh?” Kevin said as he turned and made eye contact with Deviane.
“Suntan lotion. I don’t want to get a burn.”
Kevin hesitated as he felt a flurry of guilt come over him. He didn't know what to do. He didn't want to offend Deviane, but he didn't want to betray Kiran either.
Deviane turned over and smiled.
"She won't mind. Come on. I can't reach my back or I’d do it myself."
Kevin shrugged and picked up the bottle of suntan lotion. He watched her as she unbuttoned the top to her bikini. He poured some lotion on his hand and began to rub it gently on her back. As he stroked her smooth, silky skin, he felt an excitement that shocked and embarrassed him. Suddenly Deviane turned over exposing her naked breasts. Kevin quickly turned away.
“Deviane!”
"Oops!" She laughed. “I’m sorry, I forgot I had unbuttoned it. Jesus, you must think I’m terrible. Please forgive me.”
“It’s okay, I just don’t want Kiran to get the wrong idea. You won’t mention this to her will you?”
“No, of course not.”
"She just agreed to marry me. I really love her and I don’t want anything to come between us."
"Marry you? No! You can't be serious.”
Kevin frowned. “Yes, quite serious.”
“But, she doesn't love you."
"How would you know whether she loved me or not?"
“She’s my sister. Believe me, I know. . . . I bet she made you promise to take her to America, didn’t she?"
“Well, she did mention that, but that’s no big deal. I wouldn’t want to live in Trinidad anyway. . . . No offense to your fine country, but–”
“What else does she want?”
"Just that I be a politician rather than a doctor."
"See, she doesn’t care about what you want—just about herself. She’s always been that way. If she loved you, she'd marry you without condition. You could live anywhere you like, and she wouldn't care what career you chose, as long as you were together."
"I don’t care. I love her. So I’ll do whatever it takes to make her happy."
"You just think you love her. She doesn't love you, I promise. She didn't tell you she loved you, did she?"
"Well, not exactly."
"Kiran is very honest. She won't lie to you. She may evade your questions, but she won't lie. If she loves you, she'll tell you so. You should ask her if she loves you."
"I'm not going to play games with her. She wouldn't marry me if she didn't love me."
"Oh, Kevin, you’re so naive. I'm not saying she won't be faithful to you, I'm sure she will, but you two don't have anything in common. You'll be living together, but your minds will be apart. You won't be happy.”
Kevin stared at Deviane, not knowing what to say to her. He was stunned by her opposition to the marriage and her apparent interest in him. It’s probably just gratitude for saving her father’s life. Why else would she care about me? I can’t let her distract me from Kiran. I’ve searched too long for the right woman to let anything get in my way.
“Deviane, I’m in love with Kiran and I’m going to marry her. I’m sorry you’re against it, but I’m sure it will be a wonderful marriage.”
When Kiran returned, they opened the picnic basket and began to consume the fare that had been provided them. Kevin felt badly knowing Deviane was so dead set against their marriage. After lunch, the three sunbathers sat and enjoyed the warm sunshine. A cool breeze coming in from the ocean made it quite pleasant. After a while, Deviane got up and looked toward the ocean.
"Let's take a swim."
Kevin got up eagerly and replied, "That sounds like fun."
Kiran looked at them.
"You two go ahead. I don't like to swim in the ocean. The salt hurts my eyes and it will take me a week to get my hair clean again."
Deviane smiled and started running toward the water. Kevin wanted to swim, but he didn’t want to leave Kiran alone. He decided not to go. He watched her run toward the beach.
“Aren’t you going, Kevin?” Kiran said. “She shouldn’t be out there alone.”
Kevin knew she was right. He nodded to Kiran and started running after Deviane. When she reached the water she ran out as far as she could and then collapsed into the surf. Kevin quickly caught up to her and started swimming and playing in the water around her. Before long, they were having a water fight and laughing and giggling like a couple of children. Kiran seemed oblivious to what was going on. Her mind was obviously occupied by something of greater importance. When the two swimmers got tired, they returned and sat on the blanket next to Kiran to dry.
"How was the water?" Kiran asked.
"Very pleasant, you should have come with us," Kevin said.
"I was thinking about our wedding. I would like to have it at the Royal Botanical Gardens. It is so beautiful there."
Kevin felt an unpleasant sensation in the pit of his stomach. He was worried. What would his parents say when he told them he was getting married. It seemed so strange to have Kiran talking about their wedding. He hardly knew her. He twisted his neck slowly to release the tension that was rapidly working its way into a headache.
"That would be nice, as long as it didn't rain," Deviane said.
"True, that would be a worry, but if we have it during the dry season, we should be okay."
"When is the dry season?" Kevin asked.
"In January, usually," Kiran replied.
"A January wedding, hmm. That will be okay, I guess. We’ll have to wait a year before we start college. After the wedding, we'll have eight months before the term begins. Wait until I tell my parents that they've got to come to Trinidad to see us get married. Oh, God, won't they be surprised."
"How will you support me?" Kiran asked.
"What?” Kevin said suddenly realizing he hadn’t even thought of that minor detail.
“How will we live?”
“Ah. . . . Well, unfortunately I'm not rich. I'm sure my parents will pay for my college. Do you think your parents will pay for yours?"
"Yes, of course."
"Good. Then all I'll have to do is get a part time job, so we'll have money for rent and food, right? If we come up short, I can always get a student loan."
"We shouldn't borrow, I wouldn't like being in debt."
"I agree. We'll just live on whatever we can scrape up. It will be fun."
Kiran looked over at Deviane.
"Deviane, will you be my maid of honor?"
Deviane looked like she had been stung by a jelly fish. She looked away, then back at Kiran without saying a word. Then she got up, put on a T-shirt and slipped on some sandals. Kiran watched her, waiting for a response. After she regained her composure, she turned back and smiled.
"If you actually do get married, I'll be your maid of honor,” she said and then looked at Kevin. Their eyes met. . . . “And when I get married, will you be mine, . . . no matter who I marry?"
Kevin gasped under his breath. He turned away and took a deep breath.
Kiran looked at him and frowned, "Of course, Deviane. Even if you marry some peasant, I’ll be there at your side."
"Good, then it's settled."
Kevin shook his head, then turned to Kiran and said, “Kiran, let's take another walk on the beach. I want to see the caves."
Kiran looked down the beach to where Kevin wanted to go.
"Okay, but we're not going in them."
"I know, I just want to see where they are."
"I'll take you, Kevin," Deviane said.
"No, I'll take him," Kiran snapped. "Come on, Kevin."
"You better put on some shoes, it's very rocky by the caves," Deviane advised. "Some of the rocks are razor sharp too. I've cut my feet on them before."
"Oh, really? I guess I'll put on my sneakers then," Kevin said. "Where are your shoes, Kiran?"
"In my bag, will you get them for me?"
"Sure," Kevin said and then went over to the beach bag. He pulled out Kiran's sandals and handed them to her. After Kiran put them on, she got up and they began walking down the beach, hand in hand.
"I feel like I'm dreaming," Kevin said.
"What do you mean?" Kiran asked.
"When I came here I wasn't– I didn't–"
"What?"
"I was hoping to spend some time with you, so you would get to know me. You know, so you might fall in love with me. Realistically, I didn't think it would happen, but I was determined to try. I'm so amazed that it happened so fast."
"They don't have arranged marriages in America, do they?"
"Huh?"
"Arranged marriages. Your parents don't pick your wife, do they?"
"No."
"Well, we don't have arranged marriages exactly, but parents play an important role in deciding whom their children will marry."
"Really?"
"Yes, they choose a spouse for you, but you can reject their choice if it doesn't feel right."
"Is that so?"
"Uh huh."
"You mean, your father decided you should marry me?"
"Yes. He said it would be a good marriage and that I should seriously consider it. I thought about it and I think he's right. It will be good for us to be married."
"But what about love? Do you love me?"
"I hardly know you, Kevin. I like you a lot. I feel good when I'm with you. I love kissing you, but I'm not exactly sure what love is."
"I love you."
"How do you know?"
"I can just feel it. From the moment I first saw you, I just knew you were the woman I wanted to be with the rest of my life."
Kiran laughed.
"I'm glad you love me. I'm sure I'll grow to love you too. Maybe I do love you, but don't realize it. God, Kevin, I don't know. It doesn't matter, my mother didn't love Daddy at first, but she does now."
Kevin stopped, sat down and stared out into the ocean. Kiran sat next to him and put her arm around him.
"Do you still want to marry me?" Kiran asked.
Kevin looked at Kiran and sighed.
"Oh, God, yes! I love you. I just want you to love me as much as I love you."
Kiran put her head on Kevin's shoulder.
"It will come, I'm sure it will come. Don't worry," she whispered.

After Kevin and Kiran left, Deviane laid back and took a long, frustrated breath. She grabbed a book and started thumbing through it. A minute later, she threw down the book and looked around for one of the security guards. She wanted to know the time. She scanned the beach, but no one was around. That’s odd. She stood up and put her hand above her eyes to shield them from the glare. In the distance, she could see the three cars that had brought them to the beach, but there were no security guards to be seen. A sudden chill darted down her spine. She could sense that something was wrong.
Then she heard it–the chilling sound of a helicopter gun ship. She whipped her head around toward the sound and saw it. Soldiers were dropping off the chopper and sliding to the ground on ropes.
She started running down the beach to warn Kiran and Kevin when the helicopter opened fire and the first of the three government cars exploded. The jolt knocked her to the ground. As she was trying to get up, two more explosions rocked the beach. After a second, she looked up, only to see flaming debris falling to the ground. Panic-stricken, she began to run. Suddenly, three soldiers came out of nowhere and started chasing her. She shrieked in terror.
Kevin and Kiran were standing, trying to figure out what was happening. Alarmed at seeing three men chasing Deviane, Kevin took off to help her. As he approached, he realized her pursuers were carrying guns. When she reached him, he grabbed her hand and started running with her. As they approached Kiran he yelled.
"Run, Kiran, run!"
Kiran started running along the beach as fast as she could. The men chasing them were tall, lean and obviously in good shape. They began to get closer and closer. Suddenly, several more men came at them from the main road.
"Up ahead! The caves!" Deviane yelled. "Follow me and we can lose them in the darkness."
Kevin was starting to tire and Kiran was already lagging behind. Only Deviane seemed to be up to the physical challenge confronting them. As they got to the entrance of the cave, she directed them to hold her hand. She would lead them safely through the cool darkness. Kevin and Kiran followed Deviane blindly into the depths of the earth. They could see nothing. The ground was rocky and they often stumbled.
“Watch out for the stalactites hanging from the cave’s ceiling. Hit one of those and it could knock you out.”
“I don’t know how I’m supposed to see them,” Kiran complained.
After a while, Deviane stopped.
“Why are we stopping?”
"We're safe here for awhile," she said.
"Good." Kevin said. "But how are we going to get out of here?"
"I don’t know.”
“What?”
“I know these caves pretty well, but I’ve never been this far back without a flashlight. One of the games we used to play was ‘bat eyes.’ We'd shut off our flashlights and see how far we could get without light.”
"Wasn’t that a little dangerous?” Kevin queried.
“I guess it was, but we always turned on our flashlights way before we got to the bottomless pit.”
“The bottomless pit? . . . Oh, Jesus, where is that?”
“I think it’s just ahead.”
“How do we get around it?”
“There’s a narrow path around its perimeter.”
“Oh God, Deviane. Why did you take us in here?” Kiran said.
“What choice did I have?”
“Can we get by it?” Kevin asked.
“Yes, just take my hand and stay close to the wall to your left.”
They all got up and started to creep along the wall of the cave. Deviane led the way with Kiran in the middle. About half way across Kiran slipped on a wet rock and fell toward the pit.
“Ah!” Kiran screamed as she tried to grab hold of Kevin for dear life. Kevin grabbed her arm and jerked her back toward him.
“I’ve got you, Kiran, relax,” Kevin said. “Don’t make any sudden moves.”
Kiran began to cry. “Get us out of here Deviane. I don’t like it in here.”
“I will. It’s not too much farther. Just quit crying. It’s not going to help.”
After they had made it around the bottomless pit safely, they stopped to rest.
"Who were those men?" Kevin asked.
"I don't know," Deviane said.
"Did they kill our security police?" Kiran asked.
"I'm afraid so," Deviane said.
"Don't you think they'll go find some flashlights and be back here to get us?" Kevin asked.
"Right, but we'll be long gone by that time.”
"Where are we going?"
"After we rest a minute, we'll sneak out the back entrance to the cave and hide in the forest until someone comes looking for us."
"What do you think they want with us, Deviane?" Kiran asked.
"I don't know for sure. I suppose it could be a ransom."
"Or it could be political," Kevin added. "They may be after me, to keep me from identifying Ray Mohammed. It wouldn't be the first time they tried."
"What do you mean?" Deviane asked.
"I didn't tell anyone before, but the reason I was missing on my first day in Trinidad was I had been kidnaped."
"What?" Kiran said. "You were kidnaped? What do you mean? Why didn't you say something?"
"The kidnapper was actually trying to save me from the NDC. They had intended to kill me. In fact, if it weren't for him, I'd be dead right now. He was such a good person, I didn't want him to get into trouble. So I kept my mouth shut about it."
"I can't believe this," Kiran said. "That means, if they find us, they'll kill us!"
"Maybe not. If they wanted us dead, they could have killed us on the beach." Kevin replied. "No, I think they want us as hostages."
Suddenly there were voices in the distance and flashes of light. Deviane jumped up and said,"It's time to go. Just hold my hand and we'll be out of here in just a minute."
Kevin grabbed Deviane's hand with one hand and Kiran's with the other. They made their way through the darkness slowly, until they could see a light in the distance and finally emerged into the forest. The sudden blast of sunlight blinded them. They shielded their eyes with their hands until they had adjusted to the light.
"Follow me," Deviane said and then turned, hiking toward the foothills.
Kevin and Kiran walked hand in hand behind Deviane. It wasn't easy walking through the rugged rain forest, particularly for the girls, who were in sandals. Before long, Kiran began to complain.
"Slow down, Deviane. My feet are killing me."
Deviane stopped to give Kiran a chance to adjust her sandals. After a minute, she started walking again. She led them inland, along a small stream, for several miles. It was beautiful country. Had the circumstances been different, it would have been a pleasant hike. They continued on until they came to a small clearing overlooking a waterfall. It appeared to be a popular camping site, judging from the scattered remnants of many campfires. The three weary travelers stopped to rest and discuss how they were going to avoid capture.
"It's getting late. Before long, it's going to be dark. We better start thinking of how we're going to protect ourselves tonight," Kevin said.
"We're going to have to sleep in the forest?" Kiran asked.
"Unless someone rescues us real soon, I'm afraid so."
"What about the animals?" Kiran asked.
"I don't know. What kind of animals are out here?"
"Oilbirds and armadillos, mostly," Deviane replied. "Maybe some agoutis and deer. Nothing too threatening."
"Good, I'll make us a lean-to for protection from the rain," Kevin said. "You two gather some leaves or something soft for us to sleep on. Later on, I'll make a fire."
"How are you going to do that?" Kiran asked. "We don't have any matches."
"Luckily, I was a Boy Scout. If I can find the right kind of rock, I can strike it against my pocket knife and get a spark. Otherwise, I'll have to use a bow and a stick, which is much harder. It might take a while, but I'll have a fire started eventually."
"I'll get us some coconuts to eat," Deviane said.
"Where?" Kevin asked.
"There are coconut trees everywhere. I'll just look around. Maybe I can find some on the ground."
After an hour of hard work, the three campers had built a pretty credible shelter. Kiran was lying on a bed of leaves, watching Kevin trying to make a fire. Deviane was sitting on a big rock at the edge of the stream eating some coconut. Kevin had prepared a pile of dry, shredded leaves and built a frame made of sticks and branches around it. He had found a suitable rock in the river. He struck the rock again and again against the edge of his knife. Sparks began to fly into the dry leaves but nothing happened.
“Usually I have some charred cloth. Unbleached muslin works the best. A few strikes and the cloth begins to smolder. Then I wrap some frayed jute rope around it and in a few seconds I have a fire,” Kevin said.
“Well, we don’t have any charred cloth or jute rope,” Deviane noted.
“I can use one of these charred logs from a previous campfire in place of the charred cloth, but I need something to replace the jute rope.” He thought for a moment, then looked around. He stopped and focused on Kiran who was running her fingers through her hair.
She said, “I wish I had a brush. My hair is a mess.”
“That’s it,” Kevin said. “I’ll need some of your hair.”
“My hair. Are you crazy?”
He laughed. “No, it will replace the jute rope.”
“Why my hair. Use Deviane’s.”
“I need yours. Deviane went swimming. Her hair is damp plus I bet yours is full of hair spray. It will very flammable.”
“Oh, Jesus,” Kiran said, throwing up her hands in disgust. “Okay, do what you have to do.”
Kevin got up, took his knife and trimmed two inches from Kiran’s hair. He wadded it together, put some charred bark in the center and began striking the rock against the back of the knife’s steel blade. Sparks flew everywhere and soon one began to smolder in the charred bark. He pressed Kiran’s hair around the smoldering bark and blew into it. Suddenly the hair burst into flames. He dropped the flaming hair into the pile of leaves and, before long, had a blazing fire. He got up and took a bow.
"What did I tell you? Am I good or what?"
"That was brilliant, Kevin," Deviane said. "Good job."
"A match would have been much simpler," Kiran laughed.
"Hey, I didn't know we were going camping or I would have brought some."
"This is kind of fun," Deviane said. "We should do this more often."
"I'm game," Kevin said.
"I prefer dinner and the theater, thank you," Kiran noted.
"I wonder if Daddy is out looking for us?" Deviane asked.
"Of course he is," Kiran said. "He's probably got a thousand men out searching for us right now. Tomorrow we'll try to find a telephone so we can call him. There has to be someone living out here, somewhere.”
"We'll have to be careful," Kevin said. "The NDC unit may still be out there looking for us. I imagine they're pretty pissed off that we got away."
"Do you think it's safe for us to sleep tonight? What if they're looking for us right now?" Deviane asked.
"You're right," Kevin replied. "We'll take turns sleeping. Someone needs to be awake at all times. You two go to sleep now. I'll wake Deviane at midnight and Kiran can take over at four. If you hear anything at all, wake up whoever's sleeping."
"Do you think it's wise to keep a fire going?" Deviane asked.
"Hmm. You're right. I thought it would keep the animals away, but we probably should douse it. It could lead the NDC to us. Damn, I'm not used to being stalked."
"What are we going to do if they come? We don't have any weapons," Kiran noted.
"We'll have to run," Kevin replied. "We can't let them catch us. If they killed our security police, they won't hesitate to kill us, too."
As Kevin was about to throw water on the fire, the skies opened up and it started to pour down rain. The girls immediately scrambled under the lean-to, with Kevin close behind.
"Wonderful," Kevin said. "This is all we need."