Diamond Legacy Read online

  Katomi beamed approval at her. “Proud to make your acquaintance.”

  He looked proud, though probably because he had mastered the English greeting. Matt had worked hard to teach him enough to give him an advantage over other tribal leaders.

  “What is dentist?” Katomi asked Miranda.

  She pointed to her teeth. “I fix animal teeth.”

  The chief snorted. “The lion? The cheetah? You fix fang?”

  “People and animals need proper dental care for good health,” Miranda defended.

  Katomi’s expression clearly said he thought her crazy, and Matt couldn’t stop grinning. This was the most fun he’d had in ages.

  Grabbing one of Miranda’s arms, the chief twisted it this way and that, searching for who knew what. He didn’t find it, so he grabbed the other and did the same.

  “What are you doing?” She cast a worried glance at Matt, and he just shrugged. He wasn’t about to stop the hilarity going on here.

  “No marks.” Katomi released her. “Woman who tangle with lion gets bit.”

  Matt laughed out loud.

  “We have medicine that makes them sleep before I do my job,” Miranda tried to explain.

  Clearly skeptical, Katomi looked to Matt for confirmation.

  “It’s true,” Matt said, relenting.

  The chief glanced back at Miranda with a new measure of respect. “Brave woman. Good match for young Matthew.”

  Miranda sputtered in protest, but the chief only grunted.

  “Time for karamu,” the chief said. Extending his hand to Matt, Katomi invited the traditional handshake and Matt obliged. “Eat hearty, young Matthew.”

  “Live well, old friend,” he responded.

  After he left, Miranda turned an exasperated gaze his direction. “He certainly has some fanciful notions.”

  “You get used to it.”

  “What did he mean by saying I’m good medicine for you?”

  “Pay no attention.” The good humor of seconds ago began to slip away. “Katomi’s a born matchmaker. It’s a wonder Zuli held out as long as she did before getting married.”

  He hoped Miranda bought the explanation. He wasn’t about to tell her that Katomi claimed Matt had never healed from the pain of his past. He wouldn’t dispute it. Was Miranda good medicine? One glance at her refreshing smile gave him the answer.

  Absolutely.

  But the best medicine would be justice with a capital J.

  “What is karamu?” she asked.

  “Something like the champagne wedding toast, only there’s a feast involved.”

  And if his plan was to work, Miranda needed the key ingredient. He spied a basket of liquor-filled gourds nearby and snagged two.

  He presented her with one, and she pulled the carved wooden stopper from the gourd, sniffed, and wrinkled her nose. “What is this stuff?”

  “Mampoer. Its liquor brewed from native fruits and a little strong.” Actually it was more like a sledgehammer, but she said she liked surprises. He wouldn’t dream of spoiling this one.

  “Bakka!” The crowd shouted out.

  Gourds were raised, and Matt lifted his with an encouraging nod to Miranda. “They’re toasting the groom.”

  She followed suit. When he took a long swig from his gourd, so did she.

  Only he cut his short to watch her reaction. Her eyes flew open wide. She began frantically waving her hand at her lips as she swallowed the liquor, and then gasped for air.

  He grinned. He wanted to feel bad, knew well the burn mampoer trailed from lips to gullet. He always welcomed it, but then, he was prepared.

  “Heavens above!” She wiped at the tears pooling in her eyes. “People drink this stuff?”

  “Believe it or not, some actually enjoy it. But it may be an acquired taste.” He just couldn’t seem to stop grinning. “You’ll get used to it by the time the night’s over.”

  Dismay stared back at him. “We have to drink more?”

  “We’ve only just begun.” He laughed at the horror that crossed her face. “Don’t worry, the first drink is always the worst. Next time won’t be so bad.”

  “Zuli!” The crowd yelled.

  Matt lifted his gourd in challenge and drank.

  She did, too, though hers was more a sip. Even then she swallowed with a grimace. By the time the fourth toast came and went, he was proud to note she could swallow without any reaction at all. Except a developing case of the giggles, that was.

  The drum’s tempo increased, signaling a wave of dancers to enter the ring. They kept pace with the beat, each dancing forward to toss wood on the bonfire. As sparks shot to the sky, they lifted their arms to the moon and called out prayers of prosperity and good fortune.

  Miranda shot a suspicious glance at the wood he had deposited on the ground by their feet.

  He knew what she was thinking when she quirked that eyebrow. “They bless the union by feeding the flames.” He shrugged. “Bakwena culture sees marriage as a union of two families, not just man and wife. A chieftain’s daughter is a major alignment and cause for great rejoicing. The celebration will last well into the night.”

  He picked up the wood and handed a chunk to Miranda. “You brave enough to try it?”

  With a stubborn lift of her chin she accepted the wood and the challenge. “Are you agile enough to keep up with me?”

  “Try me, sweetheart.”

  He placed a hand to the small of her back and together they jumped in line. They moved through the circle with the crowd, and when their turn came, she sashayed her way forward to toss her wood on the flames.

  Matt’s eyes were drawn to the delicate sway of her hips. Like each dancer before her, she tossed in the wood and sparks flew high. When she stretched her arms to the moon, her back gently arched, and her ruffled shirt lifted to reveal a trim, tanned waist. Firelight played across her soft belly, and he stopped short, his heart thudding. His eyes greedily followed the ruffle upward across the soft swell of her breasts, to the sultry curve of her neck and free-flowing hair.

  If not for a shove from behind, he would’ve started drooling.

  Playing his part, he tossed wood on the fire and dropped back into the moving circle beside Miranda. She was laughing, her eyes bright with merriment as she clapped her hands and stomped her feet in rhythm with the drums. She never missed a step. Even when the tempo picked up, and the circle moved faster.

  Cries and shouts of elation built all around them. The night beyond the ring of firelight disappeared as drums sang a beat of celebration and passion. Miranda spun around, laughing up at him in delight, and her smile left him slightly dazed. It was beckoning, teasing, and the promise her lips held drove his imagination wild.

  Intending to take her up on that unspoken invitation, he reached out for her but was cut off when the drums suddenly silenced.

  Miranda was breathing hard and laughing harder when Matt slid an arm about her waist. He cursed the fact they were surrounded by people and would give a week’s salary to get her alone. His hold tightened around her, but she spun out of his arms to face him, then began walking backward.

  “How incredibly wonderful!” Her eyes sparkled and excitement flushed her cheeks pink. “How invigorating!”

  Her skin had a fine sheen of moisture from their exertion, and the rapid rise and fall of her chest fired his already inflamed nerves. He had an overwhelming desire to kiss her. More than that, he wanted to dribble mampoer into that belly button of hers and lick every drop from—

  “I had no idea you were so light on your feet!” She twirled back around when they reached the spot they’d left their drinks and grabbed hers. This time she took a thirsty swig without so much as a blink.

  He had news for her. Surprise was mutual. He’d no idea she could move like that. Sexy didn’t begin to describe it. He needed to cool down and gather his wits.

  “Oh, my.” Her hand rubbed her forehead. “Suddenly, I’m a
bit light-headed.”

  “When did you eat last?”

  “Um, it’s been a while since lunch.”

  Not good. Tribal hooch on an empty stomach was a recipe for disaster. He wanted her chatty, not comatose. “Lucky for you it’s dinner time.” He waved his arm toward the lavish banquet spread out for the revelers to enjoy. “Karamu awaits.”

  Torches framed several rough wooden tables in a semi-circle. They were laden with sizzling meats and roasted vegetables, a variety of desserts and a mouth-watering aroma that beckoned.

  “There’s so much,” Miranda exclaimed. “Where do we start?”

  Matt pulled a pumpkin fritter from the stack and handed it to her. “Formality here in the bush is slim. Food isn’t served. You dig right in at the table.”

  She hesitated and glanced down the length of the banquet. Others were sampling as they stood, confirming his claim.

  “When in Rome…” With a shrug, she took a bite and closed her eyes on a sigh.

  “Like it?”

  “Heaven,” she mumbled around another mouthful.

  “Try this,” he said and selected a small slice of roasted cassava to pop into her mouth. Her groan of delight raised his heat level another notch. If this kept up, it was going to be a long, hot night.

  But what the hell, things had been too cold for too long, anyhow. In fact, he couldn’t remember a time he’d enjoyed a woman’s company more. He shouldn’t, knew better with everything involved, but for some reason he didn’t care. He was having too much fun helping her experiment with the different foods.

  She didn’t like the taste of wildebeest, but then he didn’t either. The braai she loved, along with the accompanying spicy relish, chakalaka. There were meatballs made from tomato, onion, and minced beef, succulent steamed manioc and plantain, fire-grilled squash and sweet potato. He followed it up with several desserts and washed it all down with village brew.

  “Satisfied?” he asked as Miranda licked the last crumbs from her fingers.

  “Mmm.” She gave a soft little hiccup. “I can’t remember a meal I enjoyed more.”

  He agreed completely.

  “Matthew!” Bakka slapped him on the back with gusto. “Happy to see my childhood brother.”

  Matt grabbed his friend’s hand for a shake, then pulled him into a hug. “We are older good buddy, but haven’t changed much since the days we learned to track the Kalahari.”

  Bakka’s grin stretched wide. “You still cannot find elephant trail on clear day.”

  “Maybe not, but I can outfox you any day of the week!”

  They shared a good-natured laugh, and Matt pulled Miranda up beside him. “Meet Miranda Parrish, a fearless animal doctor visiting Katanga in Gaborone. She’s even brave enough to venture out with me after dark.”

  “Yes, well, he promised me dinner,” Miranda said. “I could hardly refuse. Congratulations on your wedding.”

  “Zuli and I glad to share day with many family and friends.” Bakka fairly beamed with pride in his new status, and his eyes strayed to where his wife held court with the women of the tribe.

  A tiny stab of envy pierced Matt’s armor. Tonight his life-long friend found not only happiness but cemented a well-earned standing in his tribe. Bakka cherished honor and would make a good husband and father.

  A few moments later, they parted company.

  “Tell me,” Miranda asked, “how is it so many here speak English?”

  He led her back to the feast so they could replenish their gourds with more hooch. “It’s a necessary second language for those working outside the village. The old ways still prevail, but needless to say, a steady source of income makes life easier. Katomi’s village is close to Molepolole. His tribe’s survival depends on blending old ways with new.”

  “That’s sad in a way.”

  “Maybe, but Africa is slowly changing. There are still countless places with little modern influence, but here, younger village members are going to school, and Katomi’s community will prosper because of it.”

  Miranda held the gourds as Matt lifted a heavy canteen of liquor and filled them. “Bakka and Zuli,” she asked, “they work outside the village?”

  He set the canteen back on the table and replaced the stoppers on the gourds. “Bakka is a diamond cutter and good, too. Zuli polishes the stones and cleans the facility.”

  Miranda took a thirsty sip of her mampoer, then gave him a playful grin. “This stuff is growing on me.” She held up her gourd and sloshed the contents. “I could get used to it.”

  “It’s an excellent cure for the blues. Until you have too much, that is. Then it pounds in your head worse than a jackhammer.”

  “Sounds like words of experience.”

  “Me? Nah.” He winked at her. “Strictly hearsay.”

  She responded with a disbelieving roll of her eyes. “I’ve one question.”

  “Just one?” He quirked a brow. “Are you ill?”

  “Funny.” She pushed her hair off her shoulder and looked around them. “Where does a girl go to…ahhh…take care of nature’s call?”

  He grinned and swept his hand out to the darkness beyond the bonfire’s light. “Anywhere you like, though I’d suggest beyond that far rock outcropping.”

  She glanced in the direction he pointed and shrugged. Then handed over her mampoer. “Hold this please. I’ll be right back.”

  “Oh no, you don’t. I’m coming with you.”

  “You most certainly are not!”

  “I most certainly am. A tipsy zoo dentist would be a tasty bedtime snack for a lion.”

  “I’m not tasty!” She tilted her head and frowned. “Wait a minute. I mean I’m not tipsy. I’m a trained professional. I can handle myself in the wild.”

  “I’m sure you can, but I’m still coming with you.”

  “Fine.” She gave him a defiant glare. “But you’re keeping your distance.”

  “Whatever you say.”

  She marched off, and he sighed.

  With a shake of his head, he caught up to her and grabbed her shoulder, changing her direction. “It’s this way.”

  “Oh.” She squinted at the darkness. “Maybe you should lead the way.”

  “Excellent suggestion.”

  They left behind the noise of the wedding party and crossed to the backside of the lakebed where a mix of towering boulders and rocky platforms jutted up from the sand. He led Miranda around behind where the darkness grew more solitary. Ambient moonlight reflected off the bleached gray stones, illuminating the grounds enough for a quick search.

  They were alone. No man or beast disturbed their privacy.

  Satisfied, he turned to Miranda. “Don’t move from this spot and call me when you’re through. I’ll be right around that outcropping.”

  “Yessir.”

  He didn’t feel reassured by that silly grin of hers. Leaving her alone, even for a minute, made him nervous. “Make it fast. The lions are restless.”

  He headed out into the desert to quickly take care of his own business, then returned to the rock and waited. He had to admit he was impressed with her. Most women he knew wouldn’t eat with their fingers, drink harsh tribal liquor, or pee in the wilderness. Yet she did, and more importantly, she handled it with aplomb. She had seemed to truly enjoy each experience. From the wedding dance to karamu, she had soaked it up like a sponge.

  Where was she? Had it been five minutes? “Miranda?”

  No response. Modesty be hanged. He was going to check up on her. He’d only taken three steps when she rounded the giant rock all smiles and laughter.

  “All done and still in one piece! Not even a nibble.”

  He exhaled on a twinge of relief.

  “Were you worried about me?”

  “Come on,” he said a tad gruffly, “I want to show you something.”

  “What? Out here?” Her eyes grew round in mock dismay. “In the dark and dangerous wilderness?”<
br />
  “It’s your lucky night,” he said as he lifted their gourds from a rock shelf. “I’m on familiar ground.”

  He handed over her drink and dropped his arm about her waist. He steered her back the way they’d come until they reached an open crevice in a sentinel boulder. “Up there.” He pointed through the rock.

  She glanced up, then back to her skirt and sandals. “Umm, I’m not exactly dressed for the occasion.”

  “Don’t be a girl. Come on, I’ll help you up.”

  She sputtered and began to protest, but he lifted her up onto the first small boulder, then gave her derriere a small shove.

  He got a disgruntled squawk for the effort and laughed as he climbed up beside her. “It gets easier from here.”

  They threaded through a maze of high boulders, one or two small animal lairs, and intrepid plants whose roots dug into sand-filled crevices. Suddenly, it opened up to a huge flat rock that sat above the edge of the Kalahari like a stage. He aimed straight to the center and sat, patting a spot beside him.

  It was all the invitation she needed. She settled next to him and lifted her gourd for a drink, sighing once her thirst was quenched. “My, this stuff’s good. I’m going to miss it when I go back home.”

  A sharp bite of disappointment speared him. He didn’t want to think of her going home or anywhere else and drank deep to numb the disturbing notion. Right now, she was with him, and that was all that mattered.

  A warm night breeze carried the distant beat of drums, along with the muffled noise and laughter of the wedding party. But from this side of the outcropping, they were alone in the darkness.

  “So, this is what you wanted me to see?” She softly hiccupped. “It’s a lovely spot.”

  “Look up, Miranda.”

  She did and gasped in astonishment. “Oh, my! I’ve never seen so many stars!”

  “Amazing, isn’t it? I used to come here as a child and try to count them all.”

  Leaning back on both hands, she aimed her gaze heavenward. “It makes my head spin.”

  He looked at her askance. “Are you sure it’s not Katomi’s liquor? It sneaks up on you.”

  “Maybe.” She sat forward with a soft laugh and brushed sand off her hands. “Do you realize how lucky we are?”