Page 48 - Archangel

like those in mobile phones. Apparently EMI is often the mouthpiece and
broker for the Chinese who are buying up half the African continent from
crooked elected and tribal leaders.”
Skye responded, “Copy. I need to know what they do. Where they do
it. Who owns it. Who runs it. And why the hell they would be supporting
Interahamwe butchers fueling genocide in or near Rwanda.”
“I’ll try and run something down. Should I revert to this number, an e
mail, what?”, Dane asked.
MacIain considered and then suggested, “E mail via the address you
have on file, and I’ll pick it up when I depart.”
Dane quipped, “You mean, IF you can depart? Watch your ‘6’, Skye.
It won’t do to have the family’s ‘do gooder’ dying alone in an African
backwater, no matter how many lives you’re saving. I’d rather put a sword
in your hands, kill you myself and send you to Valhalla like a good Norse
Gael. You’ve been in seven wars over two decades! Usually unarmed, you
dumb ass.” Breathing deeply, Dane said, “Okay, I’m finished and feel
much better.”
MacIain retorted, “That’s rich, coming from a retired SEAL with over 20
missions, working for God knows who in the shadows. Oh yeah – part of
the ninth-ranked sniper team on the planet in his spare time, with a two
mile shot through stop sign-sized target to his credit.”
“Well, the whole blessed family would disown me if I let the
humanitarian among us come to a violent end,” Dane shared soberly.
“Especially after the disappearance in Bukavu of that Irish aid worker, Dr.
Liam Kelly. And don’t give me some bullshit justification that it won’t
happen to you.”
Lightening the mood, Skye laughed and said, “I heard that! Anything
you can dig up would help that cause, Dane. I owe you one, for what, the
15th time?”
“21st, but who’s counting Cousin?” Dane bantered. “Just remember to put
in a good word with that God of yours who protects you with His own
spiritual SEAL team. Tell Him not to forget the well-meaning pagan who
bailed out His wayward favorite – again.”
As Dane’s genuine love and Southern accent evaporated into static,
Collins, Kenyatta, and Ngetti came flying down the path. “Jesus, Mary and
Joseph! “ intoned Sean, bent over breathlessly with hands on his knees.
“We thought you’d wandered into the shallows in some medicated bliss.”
Ensuring the small satellite phone remained concealed, Skye rose
gingerly and joked Isa, “At least I wobbled downhill.” Changing the

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