Africa

Chapter One

Plunging into the cold waters off the Eastern End of Long Island, Kam looked over at his clients, Bill Simpson and his wife Nancy. Looking through his goggles, he gave them a thumbs up and waited for confirmation before proceeding.

Having spent nearly every waking moment of his life in the water, Kam Jordan was at home. Former Olympian turned scuba diving instructor, he had carved out a new life for himself, taking rich people out to dive sights off the shores of East Hampton. It was not a bad way to earn a living.

Oxygen bubbles spilled out of their regulators and danced to the surface as they made their decent into the diverse underwater habitat, which was teeming with life.

Using nonverbal cues, Kam gave instruction to his clients and pointed out a school of nurse sharks that were swimming beneath them. They all looked down in awe, floating effortlessly, marveling at the privileged sight.

They had been at it for over an hour before they decided to return to the surface. Their heads breached the water and Kam pulled up his goggles and removed his regulator. He had a huge smile on his face.

What did you guys think? he asked somewhat rhetorically. He could see the joy on his clients' faces.

That was incredible! Bill said, looking over at Nancy.

Absolutely amazing, she confirmed. When can we do it again?

I have time this week if you would like to book another session.

We'll have to check our schedules and get back to you, Bill said.

Bill was first to climb onto the platform that extended off the back of his sixty-foot yacht. He then helped Nancy. Kam looked out at the calm waters. In nearly every direction, as far as the eye could see, was water. No land in sight. It was a breathtaking view and he just wanted to take a moment to appreciate it before heading back.

You coming? Bill asked extending a hand and a friendly smile. Or if you want, we could leave you out here and you could swim back.

Bill, that's not funny, Nancy said. Don't even joke about that.

What? I was just... Come on, let me help you up.

Once everyone was aboard, they began their journey back to shore. Riding high atop a multi-million-dollar vessel with the sun shining and wind in his hair, Kam was living the good life.

That was quite the experience, Bill said, pouring a glass of whiskey.

Yeah, it's not every day we see nurse sharks, Kam said. There must have been over a dozen of them.

Yeah, we got lucky. Whiskey?

No, thank you.

This is what it's all about, huh? Bill said, taking a sip. Whoever said money can't buy happiness?

Bill, don't talk about money, Nancy said.

Yours is a life that's truly blessed my friend, Kam said, quoting a line from his favourite movie.

The Count of Monte Cristo, Bill pointed out, recognizing the line. One of my favourite movies.

Mine too, it's a classic.

So how did you get into scuba diving? Bill asked.

"I'm not sure what it was, but I've always been drawn to the water. From an early age, I begged my parents to put me in swimming lessons, and then I'd spend nearly every waking second in the pool.

As I grew older, I started swimming competitively. Took it as far as I could go.

Olympics, right?

Yes, sir.

That's incredible, Nancy asked. Did you medal?

Yes, ma'am. I won gold in all three of my events.

Congratulations, Bill said with delight. I don't think I've ever met a gold medalist before, let alone a three-time champion. Cheers to that, he said raising his glass.

Yeah, I mean, it seems like a lifetime ago, honestly. I had some sponsors, did some appearances, tried to make ends meet, but as you know, there's not a lot of money in my sport. I started thinking more long term and how I would support myself. That's when I started looking into what options were available to me. I could either be a swimming coach, or I could teach in some other capacity. So I became a certified scuba diving instructor and never looked back.

Good for you.

The Olympics only come around every four years, right? Nancy asked.

Yes, ma'am.

So are you going to compete in the next Olympics?

Probably not. I've sort of moved on with my life. To become the best at something requires a lot of sacrifice and discipline. I couldn't really have a social life. I'm 24 and I've never had a girlfriend. I just sort of want to focus on something else, you know?

I respect that, Bill replied. It sounds like you've had a storied life, especially at such a young age. Cheers to that.

I guess so, but I don't really think about it. To be completely honest with you two, I'm so worried about what I don't have, how I compare to others, and what the future will have in store for me that I often lose sight of how blessed I am. I live a pretty good life so I can't complain. But I'll tell you what, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want the finer things in life as well.... the boat, the beautiful wife, the nice house, the family. One day, I would love to sit on a yacht of my own, eating mangoes with my family while watching the sun set. The older I get, the more I lose hope of that ever becoming a reality.

I can't give you a family per se, but I can give you the yacht, great company, and some mangoes, so you you're not that far off from living that dream life of yours, Bill said with a laugh.

Thanks, Mr. Simpson. I appreciate that.

Please, call me Bill.

There's a saying, Bill said, It goes: 'The second best day in a rich person's life is when they buy a yacht, and the best day is when they sell it,' Bill said with a chuckle.

Kam smiled.

Sometimes I envy having a simple life, Bill said, casting a gaze over the horizon and losing himself in his thoughts. Kam let him have his moment and didn't respond. 

You know, Kam. You seem like a bright guy with a lot going for you. I'm sure whatever you set your mind to, you will be successful... whatever that means for you. You can also have a great life without all the money. I know it's cliché to say, but money doesn't buy happiness. True happiness comes from within. Let me tell you, I know plenty of wealthy people who are miserable. One person I know is on wife number three, has had two heart attacks, works around the clock, never takes time off, constantly under stress. I promise you, you are happier than he is. Trust me, I wouldn't envy the rich.

Would you trade all your wealth for happiness? Kam asked.

In a second, Bill said without missing a beat. He looked at Kam with reassuring nod and a sincere smile.

Cheers to that, Kam said.

I like you, Kam, Bill said. I like your vibe. We had a really good dive today.

I hope the first of many, Kam replied.

Absolutely.

The large yacht pulled into the harbour and slowly manoeuvred into position, snugging right up to the dock. One by one, they hopped off the boat.

Here, let me get that for you? Bill said, taking the tanks off the boat.

Thanks, Kam replied. I should be able to take it from here.

Thanks again, Bill said giving Kam a handshake.

Kam reached out and shook his hand. He felt a folded up note in the palm of Bill's hand.

Thank you, Kam said, accepting the money. I look forward to our next dive.

We'll be in contact soon, Bill said with a wink and a smile.

Bill and Nancy walked away leaving Kam on the dock with the scuba gear. Kam opened his palm and saw a folded up hundred dollar bill. Kam looked up just as Bill turned to him and said, Hey, just a word of advice, true happiness is found in sharing experiences with someone you love. Don't neglect that part of your life for too long.

I'm working on it, Kam laughed. I appreciate the advice.

Take care, Bill said with a sincere smile before walking down the long dock.

Kam stood with the equipment for a moment, surrounded by enormous yachts. While he dreamed of one day becoming as wealthy as some of his clients, he wasn't exactly sure what path would take him there. Until an opportunity presented itself, he chose to focus on what was in his control, finding someone to share his life with.

Chapter Two

The old Jeep was out of place in the opulent neighbourhood. Kam sat in the driver seat, around the corner from the largest palatial mansion in the Southampton village – home of Jack Bennet – a billionaire real estate tycoon from New York. But Kam wasn't waiting for Mr. Bennet, he had a date with his daughter, Cara. The romance was new, and for good reason it was kept secret from her father. Jack envisioned someone from a similar class dating his daughter and would surely not approve of a lowly scuba diving instructor.

Cara emerged from around the corner wearing a sundress and adorning an ear to ear smile. For her, the forbidden nature of the romance was exhilarating and undoubtedly made her more drawn to Kam. The moment Kam saw her, his face lit up. He hopped out of the Jeep and met her halfway. Her cute dimples and long blonde hair made Kam's heart flutter.

Wow, you look stunning, he said, taking her in.

You don't look so bad yourself, she said, throwing her arms around him.

Having only met a few short weeks ago, they hadn't really gone beyond making out. The sexual tension had been building.

Walking back to the vehicle, Kam opened the passenger door for Cara and helped her climb in.

Such a gentlemen, she said.

I try.

Kam walked around his side of the vehicle and got in.

So where to? Cara asked.

I know it's not fancy, but I was thinking I would take you to a little fish and chip spot I like to go to.

Sounds like fun.

The two drove off, passing by the mega mansion in which she lived. She looked at it for a second before looking over at Kam with her gorgeous smile. She placed her hand on his and then never looked back. One of the most intoxicating qualities about Cara was her effortless ability to live in the moment and not allow life's distractions to invade. She came from privilege, but wanted to use her position to help others.

Pulling up to a small standalone restaurant, Kam found a spot and parked. It was a Friday night so the place was packed with youths. There were picnic tables that overlook the water, which were surrounded by seagulls looking for scraps, and loud music filled the air.

Have you been here before? Kam asked, turning off the engine.

No, I don't think I have, Cara said with her quintessential smile. She looked slightly out of place.

You're going to love it.

Exiting the vehicle, they approached the order window.

Welcome to Fish and Chicks.

Kam and Cara stood back before greeting the cashier as they needed a few minutes to look over the menu. Cara wasn't sure what to order so left it up to Kam. She seemed more interested in getting acquainted with her surroundings. She wasn't expecting to run into anyone she knew, but scanned the crowd of faces just in case. The majority of the kids seemed to be of high school age, which were a few years younger than her. Some of the boys were looking at her in a flirtatious way, while many of the girls were glaring with judgmental eyes.

Kam placed an order and walked over to an empty picnic table. Passing through the group of kids, Cara looked down to avoid uncomfortable eye contact. They squeezed in, finding a seat at the end of one of the tables. The kids were talking and being loud, which caused Cara to become withdrawn and reserved.

You okay? Kam asked.

Yup, Cara responded with a half-hearted smile.

You know what, let's take it to go. This isn't the right vibe for a date.

No, it's okay, I'm fine.

Wait right here, Kam said, getting up from the table, leaving Cara by herself for only a moment. She quickly took out her phone and occupied herself by scrolling through Instagram.

Okay, I'm back, Kam said.

What did you do?

I told the lady that we're taking it to go.

You didn't have to do that.

It's okay, I can sense you're uncomfortable. I'm very perceptive, you know.

I appreciate that, but I'm fine, really. Sometimes it's good to get outside of your comfort zone.

I agree.

Hey man... is that your girl? some knucklehead asked in a confrontational tone.

Kam ignored him at first. It was a bit of a tricky question to answer since they hadn't made anything official.

Hey, I'm talking to you, the kid said again, feeling confident from alcohol as well as his posse, who stood behind him.

Leave them alone, one of the girls from the group said.

Shut up, Jules, he snapped back. Nobody's talking to you.

This comment really got under Kam's skin. If there was one thing he despised, it was a bully. He turned around and said, Hey, man why don't you show a little respect.

Shut the hell up.

Kam turned back to Cara and said, You still want to stay here?

I'm good to leave.

Alright, let's go.

Lucky guy, the knucklehead said in passing as Kam and Cara stood up from the table. A girl like that can do a lot better than you.

Kam didn't respond. Holding Cara's hand, he led her toward the cashier where they waited for their order. Once it was up, they got back in their vehicle, and drove off.

I'm so sorry, Kam said.

Why are you apologizing? You did nothing wrong, Cara said. I think you handled it well. Walking away is usually the best option.

Yeah, I'm not that macho guy that's going to allow my ego to flare up and punch some dumb high-school kid in the face. That doesn't solve anything.

That is honestly so refreshing. I love that about you.

Kam looked over at Cara and smiled.

Feel free to get started on those fries, Kam said.

I can wait. Where are you taking us?

A little spot I know. Same view. Same seagulls. No annoying kids.

The pier?

Yeah, Kam laughed.

Well, you know what we can do? Cara said coyly.

What's that?

We can go on my dad's boat. The staff have all gone home so we should be all alone. It has a deck and a pool.

Yeah, and a helicopter.

I know, it's a little much, but you know insecure rich men, they always have to show-off how big their toys are.

Kam parked in his usual spot and the two walked toward the largest super yacht in the harbour. Everyone knew of Cara's father's boat. At two-hundred feet, it was a spectacle. Kam walked past it every day, but had never been inside. He had always wanted to take a tour, but did not have the opportunity until now.

Approaching the rear of the vessel, they stepped onto the back and ascended the large staircase leading up to the main deck. At the top of the stairs was a security keypad, which Cara punched in a code. Kam looked around nervously as if they were trespassing.

You okay? Cara asked.

Yup, Kam replied nervously.

"Now you're looking a little outside your comfort zone," Cara joked.

Your father has a lot of power and influence. Where I come from, that's something to fear. A man like that, especially one who has a vendetta, can ruin a person's life with a snap of his finger.

Relax, my dad isn't going to do anything.

The comment did nothing to calm his nerves. A large set of motion-activated sliding glass doors opened, allowing them to enter. Cara quickly ran around to small room, opened a hidden compartment, and dialed in another code.

Hey, where did you go? Kam asked.

I deactivated the second alarm, she said. The first alarm may become compromised from someone looking with a set of binoculars or a zoom lens. So there's a secondary, silent alarm hidden behind a secret wall panel.

High security.

When you spend over a hundred-million dollars on something that you leave floating in the ocean, you need two alarms.

Any security guards?

Yes, but they have all gone home for the evening. Don't worry, we can eat our dinner in peace.

Hopefully it's not too soggy.

If it is, we can always find something to eat on the boat. There are three kitchens and several food storage... whatever they're called.

Fridges? Kam asked.

Kind of, but these are the kind you can walk into.

Yeah, I don't know what those are called either.

Cara led Kam through the ship to the upper deck. From there, they sat at an exquisite table made of imported rare wood, polished with lacquer, and enjoyed the sunset. Laid out in front of them were two grease-soaked, recycled cardboard to-go boxes. Inside were deep fried cod on a bed of soggy fries.

You know, looking out at this ocean reminds me of something I heard once, Kam said in between bites. Apparently, there's this prophet who could predict the future, some Bulgarian woman named Baba Vanga.

Baba Vanga? Cara repeated.

Yeah, have you heard of her?

No, Cara said with a skeptical look on her face.

She had all sorts of crazy predictions that have either come true, or have been really close to coming true.

"Really,