Free Frederick Ramsay_Botswana Mystery 02 by Reapers Page B

important in the wilds of the north that requires the attention of the rising star from the DIS.”
    Modise let the not-so-subtle sarcasm slide. He did not want a match with this man. He needed his cooperation, as much as he wished it were not so.
    “Superintendent Mwambe, so good to see you again. I am here on behalf of the director and the H. E., the president, as it happens. There will be a heightened presence of police and security needed for the games in South Africa this June, you see.”
    “Heightened? I do not understand that word, Modise. The station here is able to meet any requirements and has always done so. After all the games are being played hundreds of kilometers away in South Africa. How can that affect us up here?”
    “As you know from your years of experience, we have a long border and it is easily penetrated. The people coming to these games will spill over into this country. They will have money to spend and appetites that can create trouble.” Mwambe started to say something but Modise held up his hand. “Furthermore, the Mowana Lodge will be receiving the personage of the American Secretary of State, and the other lodges will house many officials from the Middle East and elsewhere. There will be the usual security problems which will add to your duties here, and of course, there is always the threat of an assassination to consider.”
    Mwambe’s jaw went slack. It was too much. He started to say so.
    “Superintendent Mwambe, you will need some help here, I am sure. I am authorized to assign some auxiliary officers from other jurisdictions to you when the time comes and the BDF will increase their surveillance of the border. We will also be working closely with the local game ranger stations and—”
    “I am thinking that will be a large mistake,” Mwambe muttered. “That Sanderson woman was promoted over several men who were much better qualified for the position. She is not suited to the task. Her people may not be so anxious to follow her lead, you see. I think you should have her sent down to look to other duties.”
    “I understand your thoughts on this, but that will not be acceptable. And since you bring up her name, I understand she turned a murder over to you. What can you tell me about that?”
    “She says murder, but she is a game ranger, not a skilled policeman. It is not murder until a complete investigation is completed.”
    “If it is not a murder, Superintendent, what then? Surely you are not thinking suicide.” Modise knew that Mwambe was, in fact, leaning in that direction. “It is an absurd notion, of course. Why would someone drive all the way down from the Congo, enter the park by a surreptitious entry in the middle of the night, and then shoot himself. No, it is most likely he went to meet someone and that someone betrayed him, don’t you agree?” At the mention of a possible meeting, Modise noted that Mwambe became visibly uncomfortable.
    “A full investigation will tell us what we need to know about this business.”
    “Yes, of course. May I see the vehicle? Oh yes, and the medical report, if you will.”
    Mwambe’s expression became thunderous. Modise knew he was treading in where he needn’t, but he also knew that Mwambe might very well let this business slip out of his hands. His instinct told him it might be important well beyond another murder and that it might, like a crocodile who lurks just below the river’s surface, rise up to bite them later.
    “Modise, it is not necessary for you to investigate. I am in the process of doing so, and this station is fully competent in the procedures to be followed.”
    “I am sure you will do a fine job, Superintendent. I have every confidence in you, but I have a secondary purpose in mind. I need to inspect the vehicle and read the report. Please allow me this small thing.”
    Mwambe sorted through the stack of reports on his desk and all but threw one folder at Modise. “The vehicle is in the impound portion