“Couldn’t sleep,” she said. “But you should be. I hope I didn’t make too much noise.”
“Nah.” He padded over to the fridge and pulled out a wrapped sandwich. He held it up for her to see, then unwrapped it. “I tell you, I’m spoiled. Made and waiting for me.”
“A sandwich at this hour?”
“Peanut butter and honey. My go-to late-night snack. You want one? It’ll help you sleep. I can’t sleep if I’m hungry.”
“No, thanks. I ate so much at dinner. Hunger isn’t my problem.”
As much as he’d eaten, she couldn’t imagine why he’d be hungry, but then again, his work was quite physical.
“You look great, Mads.” He took a bite. “Tired, but great. They treating you well at that firm? Good health-care coverage? They’re not bumming off their worst cases on you, are they?”
So much for the warm fuzzies.
“I’m happy there, Dad, and yes, I’m covered. I did read the fine print when I signed on with them. It’s a habit they teach in law school.” The kettle began whistling and she hurried to turn off the stove so it wouldn’t wake anyone.
“I don’t doubt it. Good habit, too. So is carrying pepper spray, or better yet, not leaving work alone after dark.”
“Dad, I’m twenty-six. I can take care of myself. You don’t have to worry.”
“You work in Philadelphia. Big cities have crime problems. Predators lurk in parking lots after dark. If you leave the building every night at the same time, they’ll catch on to your pattern.”
“I know. You went over every safety tactic when I left for college, and I haven’t forgotten the self-defense moves you taught me, either. Luckily, I haven’t had to use them. Do you want a mug of tea with that?” she asked as she poured water on some loose chamomile, dried from the garden.
“No, I’ll grab some milk in a sec.”
“I’ll get it for you.”
“Thanks. Did you hear that Chad got promoted? Lance corporal.”
“Mom didn’t mention that. Just that he was okay.”
“Yep. He’s okay. More than okay. He’s working his way up.”
“That’s good.” Chad had always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. No doubt he’d command a unit someday. Obviously, their dad was proud.
“Ryan and Philip are both at the top of their classes, too. Smart boys.”
“It’s so good to see them. I can’t get over how tall they are.”
“So what’s this case you’re here for? If I have any contacts who can help, let me know.”
He had to ask. She set a glass of milk next to him, then cradled her mug of tea as she sat down. Might as well put it out there and deal with the backlash.
“I’ll be stopping by our sister office tomorrow to meet with the barristers, but I’ll also need to spend time in some of the villages. I’m thinking of staying at Busara or Camp Jamba Walker and taking day trips to talk to the village elders and leaders. I’ll be looking into the hardships some of the farmers are experiencing and getting testimony in their defense.”
“Defense of what?” Ben took his last bite of sandwich and brushed the crumbs off his hands.
“A proposal was submitted that calls for harsher punishments against Masai farmers who kill elephants. We intend to have it thrown out.”
His brow furrowed and he cocked his head.
“On what grounds?”
“On the grounds that they’re already enduring hardship and the fines proposed are beyond anything they could afford. The prison terms would prevent families from being able to keep up with their farms or generate income to feed their children and survive.”
“What are you doing, Mads?” He got up, shaking his head, and dumped the last sip of his milk in the sink. “Of all cases, why would you take this on?”
“What do you mean? Why would I fight for human rights? That seems like a no-brainer to me.”
“What about animal rights? You know what goes on out there. Half of your family works to fight poaching. You lived here. You know this. That proposal is needed to discourage native tribes from aiding and abetting. Busara is about elephant rescue. You plan to stay there and expect them to take you around so you can fight this?”
“This isn’t about poachers. We’re not trying to encourage elephant killing. You know I wouldn’t do that. This is about protecting the only land the tribes have left. It’s about protecting their livelihood.”
Ben pinched the bridge of his nose, then rubbed the back of his neck. This was going about as well as she’d expected. Every ounce of confidence she’d been mustering up for tomorrow sank to her feet. Why did conversations with him always leave her feeling confused and plain bad? She put down her steaming mug and gathered her laptop. Even if she didn’t sleep, lying in bed and staring at the ceiling would be better than arguing.
“Maddie, you need to tell them you can’t work on this case.”
“I can’t do that and you don’t get to make that call. My future depends on me helping to win this. This is what I do.”
“What about conflict of interest?”
“I don’t understand. There’s no conflict of interest, especially not if we win.” The only conflict is between the two of us right now.
“Maddie. I’ve personally seen that proposal, and I support it. It was submitted by a wildlife advocacy group and has the backing of Busara and other rescue groups around the national parks. I have no doubt it’ll get passed.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because Haki helped put it together. He, of all men, won’t stand by and watch you tear it apart.”
MADDIE ARRANGED IT so she could fly out west to Camp Busara with Pippa, Jack and Mac midday, after reporting to the law office that morning. Her dad had promised to stay out of it and not call Haki with a briefing. She wanted the chance to talk to him in person. If he’d worked on the proposal, then all she had to do was get through to him. Haki was a listener. He’d hear her out.
The aerial view of Busara, nestled on a plateau with the river valley to one side and grasslands to the other, was nothing short of spectacular. A lone acacia tree shaded a small observation platform Dr. Bekker used when watching the herds passing through the valley. Lush groves of wild fruit trees flanked the camp, giving it the appearance of an oasis. She could even spot several keepers in rimmed hats leading the baby elephants in their care out for some sun and socializing. A cloud of dust trailed along the road beneath Mac’s helicopter and turned into the camp ahead.
“Haki just got back,” Pippa said into the mic of her headpiece. She pointed at the man shielding his eyes and looking up.
A flutter of excitement mixed with apprehension swirled in Maddie’s stomach. She nodded to let Pippa know she saw him.
Mac began his descent into a clearing just far enough from the camp to keep the draft from kicking up a dirt storm. She waited for the all clear, then removed her headgear, hoisted her backpack onto one shoulder and managed to climb out of the chopper without stumbling. Pippa grabbed her hand and tugged her at a jogging pace toward the jeep.
“Look who’s here, Haki!” She ran to his side, then stretched out her arms and