Africa Calls.

Chapter 17.
                                                                           

 

Van Piet and Patel had known each other and worked together for more years than they cared to remember.
Both hoped this was the one. The last big one that would see them through their remaining years in comfort.
Van Piet, a ruddy looking man, with a shock of curly reddish blond hair stood twice as tall over Patel, who was small and wiry, but with a very cunning mind. As ruthless as any hunter could be.
Van Piet over the years had built up a nice nest egg, and this last job would be the icing on the cake.
Patel, he knew was from money anyway. He just enjoyed the thrill and adventure of it all. Having said that, he happily pocketed his share of any bounty each time. Patels wife and daughter were expensive, and he loved fast cars. His wife thought he was away on conference trips to do with his import export business. Well, he was in a way in that trade, he helped export animals to very private zoos. Van Piet on the other hand was single. He loved the woman, and maybe would settle down one of these years. Now, might be the time Patel thought, as he glanced across at his old mate, as they both quietly crept out of their hiding place.

The leopard had left her cubs to go hunting. Thankfully it would not have to be killed unnecessarily, making this catch a little easier.
Patel signaled with his radio to Samson who was waiting with the truck not far off.
They had already got the cages ready for the cubs.This was going to be a quick in and out capture job, or so they hoped, but with animals you could never be too sure.
They climbed round the rocks to the cave entrance, flashlights at the ready.
Van Piet also carried his tranquiliser gun and checked all was in order, and the spare darts ready in his top pocket.
A quick shot would enable them to get the cubs and get out before the female came back.
Tabu was on lookout for them, and would warn them of any danger.
It was too early for tourist buses to be about so all was quiet.
The leopard had chosen her cave well. The entrance was well concealed with boulders that had fallen down over the years only leaving a small entrance into the cave.
As the crept in, listening as they moved, the strong smell of feline urine hit their nostrils. Careful as to where they put their feet they made their way in.
The light from the torch flashed off the rocks as they went on, bones and bits of skin crunched underfoot.
From somewhere further back in the cave  they heard a snarling.

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I have been working some more around the eyes and the face. Feel as if I will be seeing stripes soon. You no sooner fill on one area then another looks like it needs touching up. Still some more work to be done on the eyes. Have to make sure they are correctly focused.
Join me again for next weeks update.