Fugitive by Phillip Margolin Read Free Book Online Page A

skipping out.
    Hey, back off, Charlie. I' m new to this cloak-and-dagger stuff.
    You'd better be a fast learner because one stupid move could cost you your life. Now pay attention. As soon as you' re away from the hotel, tell the driver you've changed your mind and want to see an old friend. Give him these directions, Charlie said, slipping Dennis a piece of paper. This will take you to the expatriate compound so it will look like you' re visiting a white friend. When you get to the gate of the compound tell the driver to go two more miles. If he balks, slip him five dollars. He'll take you to the moon for that kind of tip. Watch the odometer. Just before it hits two miles, you'll see a dirt road off to the right. Take it a mile in and we'll be there.
    I don't know about this, Dennis said nervously.
    You have two choices. Do what I just told you and get out of this hellhole tonight, or use your return ticket to fly out tomorrow. The problem with choice number two is that you'll have to be in Batanga in the morning, by which time President Baptiste will know that I've flown the coop.
    Now ask yourself, who is the last person with whom I was seen and who do you think will be questioned about where I've gone? While the secret police are adjusting the voltage to the electrodes attached to your testicles, I'll be flying to freedom and you'll be wondering why you aren't with me.
    Attaching electrodes! They can't do that, can they? I' m an American citizen.
    You think Baptiste gives a shit? When he finds out I've escaped, he's going to want to hurt someone, and you' re going to be the only one here.

Chapter 6
    T he shower felt great. The cold water washed away the fatigue of travel and the layer of sweat that had caked his body ever since Dennis had stepped out of the plane into the African sun. The mere fact that he was in Africa was astonishing to someone who had never been farther than the East Coast of the United States. As Dennis toweled off, he thought about everything that had happened since he'd landed in Batanga. The events of the past hour both scared him to death and exhilarated him. The exhilarating part involved mercenaries, secret police, and the possibility of a thrilling escape in the night. The scary part involved the possibility that the escape would be thwarted by the secret police and he would end up with electrodes attached to his testicles. Dennis was terrified of being tortured, but he was more frightened of losing the most important story and the greatest professional opportunity of his life.
    After he changed into fresh clothes, Dennis carried his money-filled flight bag to the bar, which was packed with expatriates and wealthy Batangans. Charlie had told him to order a pi+-a colada, which would identify him to Evers as the person with the cash. Dennis found a table and put his flight bag between his feet so he could touch it. He was halfway through his drink when a gorgeous black woman in a short red dress sat next to him.
    That's an interesting drink you have there. What is it? she asked.
    It's a pi+-a colada.
    You like that drink? she asked.
    Yes, I do. It's good.
    Is it sweet?
    A little.
    He felt a sudden pressure on his left knee and the heat rose in his cheeks when he realized it was caused by the woman's hand.
    I can be good too and I' m sweeter than your drink. Do you want to taste me?
    Sweat formed on Dennis's brow, even though the hotel was heavily air-conditioned. He had very little sexual experience and a situation like this had never before presented itself. Every nerve in his body was urging him to answer in the affirmative and whisk this stunning woman up to his room. Then he remembered his Pulitzer Prize and why he was in the bar.
    If I wasn't meeting someone I'd gladly accept your offer. Maybe another night.
    Rebecca leaned in close and lowered her voice. Mr. Evers wants you to go to the garden by the pool after you finish your drink. Take the path that leads to the hut bar.
    Dennis started