Black clouds were milling up over the mountain and the occasional flash of lightening streaked the sky. The rains were a few hours off yet, but time was closing in.
He narrowly missed hitting a warthog that shot across the road in front of him. He swore as he slowed down slightly, still feeling a little shaky, but he had to protect the precious cargo in the back of the lorry.
The land in front of him became clearer, he was coming up to the edge of the strip. He stopped and got out and listened, then clambered up onto the hood and with the binoculars around his neck swept the area.
All looked quiet. A dark speck appeared in the sky and the drone of a plane broke the silence. Picking up the radio and setting it to the planes frequency, he confirmed he was waiting. He watched it getting nearer and banking off to approach the runway.
Getting back into the lorry, he drove slowly forward, keeping a watch out on the area around. There was still a prickle of something not right. He was getting too old for this, when he was younger the adrenalin would be pumping and he would be on a high where danger was, but now, 'let's get this over with and paid' he thought to himself. He pulled the lorry over under a tree and got out and stood to the side.
The plane landed and the steps started coming down. A uniformed hostess walked down and stood to one side. Standing at the top, slightly in the shadow of the cabin door, a man could just be seen.
The Arab slowly came down the steps. White cloth billowed around him as a slight breeze plucked at his gown. He slowly descended followed by two men in overalls.
Van Piet waved and called out. The men in overalls walked quickly over to him, and he pointed to the lorry and instructed them. Both men acknowledged him and went to the back of the lorry and lifted up the tarpaulin.
A snarling and spitting could be heard.
One of the men after looking in, looked sideways towards the other and nodded his head. Something was said in a arabic between them. Both nodded at Van Piet in respect and hauled themselves up into the back and started to shift the cages.
The Arab walked across. " Greetings, my friend, I hope you have excelled yourself this time. My children are very excited at the prospect of this new addition to our family. I have spent a lot of money on their new enclosure. They will be happier than living in the wild out here." "Greetings Hassan, I hope your flight was comfortable, I know you will like this little beauty, even if like a woman, she was trouble" laughed Van Piet shaking hands with Amir.
Hassan walked to one of the cages. Looking down at the female, who was snarling and whipping her tail against the side of the crate. "Ssh my little princess, you are safe now."
He turned to another man who unnoticed had walked over, "See to any drugs they might need for the trip, and to their comfort and and safety. If any harm befalls them on the flight I will have your head, now let's get them onto the plane. I do not want to hang around here. Swatting a fly from his face with a handkerchief he beckoned to the cabin hostess. She went quickly up into the plane and reappeared with a small suitcase. Quickly walking over she handed it to the him with a bow of the head. He unlocked it and showed Van Piet the contents. Van Piet smiled, relieved it was all over, he had the money. Taking the case, he thanked Hassan and closed the lid and locked it.
"I would offer us a celebration drink on your outstanding work, but I feel this time it is better we are both on the move.I was sorry to hear about your partner Patel, he was a good man, but not always to be trusted I felt." With that he watched the two cages being loaded onto the aircraft.
Suddenly all hell broke loose.
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My next picture is a fun one. I used to love the 'Moomins' when I was younger. I shall enjoy doing this, no fur for a change!
Hope you are all enjoying following my blog.
Catch up again next week.
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