Chapter 20

Blowfish Restaurant, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town.

Luigi did not expect Mai-Loan to be in or near Cape Town. His last information gave her location as being in Gauteng. This information was partially right, as Mai-Loan was involved with the airfreight business that operated out of Wonderboom airport in Pretoria, Gauteng. But she lives and raises her cattle in Northwest Province. Lambert Field in Northwest Province is the main hub of the airfreight business, and just a cat spit distance from the town of Brits. She could have been in either of the two places, but he never expected to see her here in Cape Town.

Mai-Loan sat relaxed and at ease. She was the epitome of silent coiled iMamba snake, ready to pounce on her unsuspecting pray, but her outer calm did not portray this.

Her left hand was resting lightly on the table before her. The metallic blue nail polish on her fingers, glowing dull in the ambient light of the restaurant, and was very close to the two-shot over and under point forty-four magnum derringer pistol. That weapon was strapped in its holster on the inside of her left thigh. She did not trust Luigi. He came to kill her, and his word was not enough. She did not believe him, and his invitation for a face to face pow-wow could have been just to draw the Angels out.

From where she sat on the side of the table she had a clear shot at Luigi, sitting at the end of the table. If he made a threatening move, it would be his last. A point forty-four hollow nose bullet at close range does make a huge mess.

Luigi had this creepy feeling that he was cornered. Call it second nature or intuition, but at the back of his mind he knew that the Dark Angel would have come prepared. Noticing the easy way she sat, her whole ‘in-charge’ body language told him that he needs to be cautious. This woman, as beautiful as she is, is dangerous.

She was a woman not to be taken lightly. She was a professional, like him. She looked directly at him, not blinking her eyes. Motionless, as if to dare him to make the first move. What a woman! One could see Robert Campbell in her. Yes, his lifelong friend. This Dark Angel had all of Robert’s characteristics, but the exotic beauty of her Vietnamese mother.

At that moment Luigi got the confirmation that he will not fulfill his contract. This woman’s eyes, he will never forget. Dark and black as hell, yet sensual and alive.

Luigi was the first to break eye contact with Mai-Loan, and he turned to Ash.

“What a privilege to meet you all. I have heard rumours of your existence, but never believed it to be true. Especially you, Miss Dark Angel. You look like a young version of your mother, but with your father’s determination and sharp mind.”

“Shall we order?” Ash asked.

“Yes, I find it in order, and please, this is on me. I invited you, therefore I pay,” Luigi offered.

“Thank you, Mister Morelli, but I don’t mind paying for my crew,” Ash replied.

“No, I would like to treat you.”

“Very well then, Mister Morelli, we will be honoured.”

“Good. I hear this place has a superb Pasta Frutti Di Mare. I will have that,” Luigi said and sat back in his chair, keeping his hands on the table.

“Hmm ... Mixed seafood of mussels, clams, shrimps, scallops, and squid, in a creamy white wine and garlic sauce with a hint of tomato, served on linguine and garnished with gremolata. Excellent choice, Mister Morelli,” Mai-Loan replied. “If you are a pasta type of person...”

“I see you know your pasta, Miss Mai-Loan,” Luigi remarked, clearly bowled over by her response.

“No. I just read what was written on the menu.” she sarcastically replied.

Ash gave her the evil eye from across the table. “I say we bury the hatchet, shall we, Mai, Luigi?”

“It depends on how our guest behaves himself. He did come here to South Africa to kill me, did he not?”

“But to my credit, I did tell your farther about my contract and that I did not intend to go through with it,” Luigi defended.

“Blowing the whistle, and then shooting the duck as she flies up is about the same, don’t you agree, Mister Morelli?”

“Mai-Loan ... I don’t intend to go through with the contract. When I was contacted for the mission, I already knew who the Dark Angel was. I know and share your values, and I know your father and mother. I rather saw this an opportunity to help out the right side of the fence, and those that share the same ideals and values as myself. Please ... let’s be on the same side and look out for one another.” Luigi replied.

“What do you intend to do if the ones that put out the clip on the Dark Angel find out you are double-crossing them?” I asked.

“I have my plans. What if the Dark Angel keeps eluding me? It might take time to find her. And if the contract givers are out of the equation, then I have no means to collect my fee. If I can’t collect my fee, what is the use of executing the contract?” Luigi replied.

Mai-Loan looked down at the table, making up her mind about whether to believe Luigi or not. It was Darya that intervened.

“Sister Mai, if he as much as looks in your direction, he’ll regret the day he was born. I’ll make him die slowly, painfully, and in agony...” Darya hissed, then turned to Luigi, challenging him. “Do I make myself clear, Mister Morelli.”

“Perfectly!” Luigi conceded. “I envy you, to have such friends, Mister Windsor. I will not stand in your way, but even help where I am able to help, but not out in the open, for reasons you would understand... Concordato?”

“Concordato ... Lo e i miei amici saremo d’accordo... ” Ash responded in Italian. I did not know Ash spoke Italian! I must ask him sometime about it.

“Grazie!” Luigi thanked Ash and switched back to English. “Let us get something to eat, and then discuss business. And may I suggest a Pinot Grigio wine to go with the meal?”

“That sounds fine, Luigi. You’re the host, so order away,” Ash replied.

Mai-Loan jumped in, “I’ll go for a Sauvignon Blanc. Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc, a 2013 if they have it, and uncork it here at the table” she chose, causing both Nadia and Darya to look at her with question marks on their faces.

“I’m sure nobody gave the staff an instruction to poison you, Mai...” Ash remarked.

“In present company I’m just a little cautious. That’s why I’m going for the Hot Lava Rock Salmon.” Mai-Loan replied. “I’ll cook my own food here at the table!”

Luigi lowered his head, still with his hands on the table, but I caught a glimpse of a tear running down his cheek. Fake or not, it did look like Luigi was sincere in his attempt to win us over.

The meal was served, and Mai-Loan did order her original choice of food. This was noted in silence by us in the group. Luigi, if he noticed, also kept quiet.

The meal proceeded with light-hearted banter between the Angels and TC’s group. Luigi was a little quiet in the beginning, but joined in later.

When the table was cleared at the end of the meal, Ash broached the subject of the get-together.

“Yes,” Luigi began. “Two of those that were invited for the contract have opted not to join in. That leaves only Bianchi, Russo, and me. Bianchi went to work in the meantime and hired the support and firepower from a local gang called the Young Dixie Boys.”

“Yeah, I know about the Dixie Boys,” Ash stated.

“You know about their involvement?”

“Yes.”

“How? They only joined the party late last night!”

“Are you sure, Luigi?”

“Yes. They arrived just as I was leaving. Bianchi wanted me to first help with the three targets here in Cape Town, but I persuaded him to let me go and look for...” Luigi looked over at Mai-Loan, and then continued. “ ... the Dark Angel and the other three Angels.”

“Well, you found me...” Mai-Loan replied. “AND, I also found you.”

“Yeah, and like the dog that ever keeps chasing the bus, and then someday catches it, I don’t know what to do with you, now that I caught you...”

“Oh really? I thought you wanted to kill me...”

“Mai-Loan, I will never do that. When I was offered the contract on you, I took it, knowing that if I did not, someone else would take it. By taking the contract, I placed my own life and reputation in jeopardy, just to save the daughter of an old friend...”

“So ... you went to my ... father?”

“Yes, knowing that he would know what to do.”

“Why did you not come straight to me?” Ash asked.

“The Foundation is like the A-Team, you don’t find them, they find you!”

“So, you went to Charley?”

“The one I knew and trusted.”

“That’s good enough for me,” Ash replied.

“And me...” Mai-Loan conceded.

“Truce?”

“Yeah...” Mai-Loan sighed. “Why the hell not!”

“Thank you...” Luigi softly replied.

“So, Luigi, are the three no-goods still in Ravensmead?” I asked.

“Yes. Well, if nothing changes, they will hole up there.”

“Something did change...” I said.

“What?” Luigi asked.

“Two of the Dixie Boys attacked Roxy, thinking she was Miss Darya here.”

“Oh ... Thunder-sticks! Is she okay?”

“So far yes. A few scratches and bruises. But that’s not what I would say about the two Dixie Boys. One was arrested and one is resting at ambient temperature.” Ash replied.

“That will have an impact on Bianchi’s plans,” Luigi said and then continued. “But they were not supposed to hit Miss Darya until tomorrow! And then Bianchi would have done it himself. How, I don’t know. He always works alone and in the dark.”

“Initiative by the two dumb dudes that were supposed to watch for me,” Darya replied.

“They should be happy that it was Roxy, and not you, Darya. Else they would both now be residing in the Maitland State fridge for stiffs!” Nadia smirked.

“That’s one of the reasons I’m still alive. I know what I am doing, and trust my fellow Angels...”

“Oh, come on, Darya! We Rangers love you too, and we also look out for you.”

“Thank you, Brother, TC!” Darya chuckled. “Now, what do we do with the scum in Ravensmead?”

“You should send in the exterminator!” Luigi advised.

“That’s me...” I replied. “I have the right poison to exterminate cockroaches...”

“You will not take exception if I keep a low profile?” Luigi asked.

“Nope! That’s why you are going to a place where I can keep an eye on you. No offence, but it’s safer for both of us.”

“I have no objection to that.”

“Good, then let’s get back to where we are supposed to be.” Ash said and got up from the table. Luigi signalled the waiter to pay for the meal. We all followed Ash and got up. Only Mai-Loan stayed seated.

After everyone got up and made to leave, Ash suggested all wait on Mai-Loan and Luigi, so the gang went up to the bar. Soft drinks were ordered all around.

At the table, Luigi took care of the bill, then turned to Mai-Loan.

“I thought you would leave with the others.”

“No. I have things on my mind.”

“If I could help, just say so.”

“You went to see my father?

“Yes, I did.”

“How did you know where he was?”

“We do keep contact with one another.”

“So, have you known my dad for a long time?”

“For about forty odd years. We met in Nam. We were together with the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. We both were involved with Operation Babylift.”

“You and my dad helped to evacuate two thousand five hundred orphans from my home country?”

“Yes. And I was your dad’s co-pilot when we evacuated by helicopter more people during operation Frequent Wind.”

“I did not know you were a pilot, Luigi? You flew Huey helicopters with my dad?”

“One of my skills ... But that’s one of the reasons I want to do like your dad did: retire. My eyes are not what they used to be. I can’t fly anymore.”

“There’s a Huey here in Cape Town. They take people for flips in it...”

“Oh, that sounds like a plan.”

“How’s my mother and father?”

“Charley ... ah, Bert, is in good health and perky as always. I did not speak with your mother, but I do believe she is well. She was relaxing by the pool on the ship.”

“You know my father’s true identity ... Well, if you two met in Nam and worked together, then I suppose you will know his real name.”

“Yes. At first, we were only code names and call signs, but we came a long way. From before he met your mother.”

“Where did he meet my mother?

“During an operation in the south of Vietnam. But I’ll let them tell you about it. I think it was love at first sight.”

“Then you must be who you say you are, and your intentions must be true.”

“I assure you, I am true and mean you and the Angels no harm.”

“Thank you.”

“Pleasure ... Shall we start over?”

“Mai-Loan ... pleased to meet you, Luigi.” And Mai-Loan held out her right hand.

“I have the privilege to meet you ... finally...” Luigi said as he took Mai-Loan’s hand in his.

“Okay, soft peddling over. Let’s join the others, before I start to cry...”

“The Dark Angel cries?”

“Sometimes, yes...”

“Then you’re like me. I am human too. And when this is over, you should show me how to raise cattle.”

“Are you retiring for real?”

“You got know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away ... and ... know when to run! My time has come. Let me quit ... while I’m still ahead.” Luigi sighed.

“I’ll show you cattle farming...” And Mai-Loan smiled. For Luigi, it was like the sun just came up. What an extraordinary daughter Bert has. She’s like this hard lava rock outside, but after you penetrate that shell, she’s soft centred. Just like her mother, the ex-MI6, (now the SIS) field agent.

On the drive back to Newlands, Darya and Mai-Loan joined Luigi in his rented car. The rest of us piled into the two SUVs, TC driving the Jeep and I had the privilege to drive the Nissan.

The chatter was relaxed, and the planned mission was not discussed. That would only come later.

It was on the M5 motorway towards Muizenberg that a beep sound emitted from Ash’s cell phone. He took it out of his shirt pocket and glanced at the screen.

“Shit, shit, shit!” Ash exclaimed.

“What now?” I asked.

“Bianchi has made his move ... Look!” And Ash turned his cell phone screen towards me. His hands shaking. For a moment I took my eyes off the road and glanced at what was on the screen.

It took me only a second to realise what I was seeing. The inside of the main lounge at the Newlands house was revealed in full colour video images. One of the figures I recognised as that of the Bianchi scumbag.

There were five other characters brandishing handguns in the lounge. Angie, Roxy and three of the TC Rangers were lying on the floor of the lounge, their hands tied behind their backs.

“What the...”

“He elected to hit the house!”

“Where are the others? Where are the rest of the Rangers, John, Jenny and Bobs?”

“I don’t know! I’ll video search the rest of the house,” Ash replied.

“You have a video alarm system in the house?”

“Yes. Every room, nook and cranny, every door and window are monitored.”

“Even the bathrooms and bedrooms?” I asked, thinking of last night and Bobbie snuggling naked with me.

“Yeah, and the attic, basement and hideaways...”

“Kinky!”

“It’s not kinky! It’s security! Besides, only the living areas are under constant surveillance. The rest only on demand. I need to activate that part first.”