

_THE LOSERS REWARD_

### Kale Cronkite

Copyright 2014 Kyle Cronkite

Published by Kyle Cronkite at Smashwords

ISBN-978-1311104205

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedication:

The book is dedicated to my immediate family who on many occasions urged me to write about the world of international trade.

The characters, companies and the so-called government agencies in the respective countries, as well as the mentioned mines and the various situations, are fictional and are products of my imagination. No living or deceased persons are characterized in the novel.

The Author

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Epilogue

About the author

Chapter 1

Jake De Villiers raised his left shoulder and felt a flash of pain streaking down the side of his body. The yellowish sodium streetlights glared down as he was lying on a cold wet pavement under a freeway overpass, somewhere on the southeastern side of Johannesburg.

Some five hours earlier Jake forcibly met a dubious character named Jeremiah in a sleazy and dimly lit bar just off End Street in Johannesburg. The bar reeked of stale smoke and a broken neon sign, supposedly advertising some alcoholic beverage, flickered intermittently in the darkened haze above the bar counter. The tables, chairs and even the bar counter seemed reminiscent of a time lost in history. In a corner a woman, with a cigarette dangling from her lips, played a dilapidated old honky-tonk piano... the sounds of which drowned away in the noisy and rowdy behaviour of unruly barroom regulars.

Jeremiah, wearing an oversized dark suit, a panama hat, dark glasses, and pair of neat 'white side walled' brogues, mumbled "Whiskey, Jake.... "

Jake declined cautiously, and said, "...maybe a coke... in a can... please!"

Jeremiah smiled and replied, "Ah... you do not trust me, but it's OK... I will ask the barman for a coke... in a can," got up and walked to the bar counter.

Moments later, he returned with a coke and said, "... you can open it yourself ... and enjoy," sitting down and fiddling with his own drink.

Jeremiah's cell phone appeared to have ringed, because he took it out of his inside coat pocket and pressed the receiver to his left ear. Jake notices him shaking his head, and replacing the cell phone in his coat inside pocket again.

"Jake I just had a call from an associate of mine and he mentioned that you had important discussions earlier today about some business dealings with China. He has some suggestions for you to consider about this business. It would be in your interests to give him some consideration."

Jake immediately realized that this was the reason for him being 'detained' in the dimly lit barroom and cautiously responded, "Jeremiah, the matter is finalized and I have no influence or control over it. I cannot just discuss the matter with any outsider... it is a confidential matter. I suggest you call a taxi so that I can return to my hotel."

Jeremiah responded, "Patience Jake, my associate will not hold you up very long... he should be here in maybe another half an hour and he will elaborate. Maybe it is in your interest to give him some consideration... I think you will understand... yes?"

Jake De Villiers, a commodity broker and mining equipment manufacturer's representative had that very morning 'seemingly' completed an agreement for the supply of half-a-million tons of copper plate to China by the Yellow Mountain Copper Mine near Messina in the Northern Province. This was to be for shipment to several Chinese ports, mostly in Southern China.

During the negotiations, Mr Wang from the Chinese Metals Commission amazingly accepted the commodity agreement with Yellow Mountain Mine without any major alterations.

In a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy, Zach Zulu, the Chairman of the Chamber of Mines signed the letter of intent (LOI) with the Chinese Metals Commission, thanked everybody present emotionally, and repeated his "xié-xie" probably fifty times... reciting this paraphrase endlessly.

At that juncture, Jake accepted that 'everything seemed fairly straight forward; the ore has to be extracted, milled to certain specs and processed into plates or cathodes.'

Jake stayed on at the Chamber of Mine's offices for a small celebration after the Chinese officials left.

Some forty-five minutes into the celebration Zach Zulu told Jake, "we have a small hitch in the agreement and it is simply that an adjustment must be made to the Letter of Intent. Developing countries like South Africa, considers it socially prudent that at least part of the copper plate exports be beneficiated before export to China or, wherever."

Zack elaborated on the issue and said, "Jake... it is 'maybe' required that at least some of the copper plates be processed into copper wire or copper pipes, before it gets exported, in other words... also export wire or pipes etc."

Jake thought to himself, "Zack suddenly does not sound his usual jovial self, and the situation must have become critical. His tone suddenly became more emotional, especially when he emphasized that it was a very 'seri-ousss' situation... labouring the s-sounds and almost hissing the latter part of the word."

In an almost tearful voice Zack continued, "It is considered to be part of this country's heritage, almost the family silver's... that's under consideration. The labour unions nowadays have enormous influence with the working folk, and even with the not-working part of the population, the unemployed. The Government, consequently and somewhat belatedly, emphasizing the fact, now insists that at least a portion of the shipment be beneficiated... before the shipment to China."

After the celebrations, and the disconcerting comments from Zulu, Jake decided to take a taxi to return to his hotel in Parktown, Johannesburg. Although Jake had a small farm North West of Johannesburg, he preferred staying over in a hotel in Johannesburg when his business required after hours attendances.

As the taxi drove off, Jake immediately realized that they were not driving back to his hotel, but were in fact driving in an opposite direction. He immediately objected to the taxi driver, saying, "where are you going, mate... this isn't the way to the hotel?"

The taxi driver drove for another two hundred meters... stopped the taxi in a quiet side street and said, "Mister, there's a car behind us... please get into that car... and you will not be in any danger."

Jake noticed two characters approaching him while standing on the sidewalk... one of which was a brogue-wearing character with the Panama hat and over sized dark suit.

"My name is Jeremiah, Jake... can you please come with us..., and you will not be harmed, if you cooperate... thank you!"

Jake, realizing the complexities of his current situation, hesitantly agreed to the request and accompanied Jeremiah and another unknown accomplice to the dimly lit bar in the basement of a building just off End Street, in Johannesburg.

After probably half an hour, he noticed a scantily clad waitress hastily saying or motioning something to Jeremiah. A brief interchange followed... Jeremiah got up and said to Jake, "Unfortunately my associate cannot make the appointment... he is, how shall I put it, prevented from coming here. We have to leave now Jake."

Two of Jeremiah's 'associates' flanked Jake and steered him into a backroom, and his last recollection was a flashing pain at the back of his head.

o o o O O O o o o

Jake again raised himself on one arm trying to come erect, when he faintly noticed the blue flashing lights of an approaching vehicle.

The police vehicle screeched to a halt some meters from where Jake was lying and a police officer approached and asked, "Are you Mr Jake De Villiers...?"

Jake replied, "Yes... I am... and thank you for stopping... my situation is fairly desperate."

"Mr De Villiers, I am Sergeant Ntuli from the Jeppe Police... are you OK?... Shall we call for an ambulance?"

"No I don't think so... just help me upright please... I have a hell of an head ache... also a little dizzy but I'll be ready in a moment."

"If you feel OK, would you please accompany us to the Jeppe Police Station for a brief discussion? We will then take you to your hotel or arrange for medical attention, if required. We apologize for what has happened to you this evening, but you may just be able to assist us in the matter."

The police vehicle drove through the wet, evening Johannesburg streets to the Jeppe Police Station. On arriving, Sergeant Ntuli took Jake to his office and offered him a mug of hot coffee.

The police officer placed a small voice recorder between them and said, "I hope you agree that we record our discussion Mr De Villiers, for our records. I am from the Criminal Intelligence Section and earlier today, one of our officers noticed that when you left the Chinese Embassy, a vehicle driven by a known character in the Johannesburg underworld apparently followed your taxi. This officer was unfortunately on foot and could therefore not follow your taxi, but through other means we established that you had been transferred from the taxi to another vehicle."

"This character who followed you... known as Jeremiah, has a number of regular haunts in Johannesburg and we therefore started searching for you, by way of elimination... visiting his known or regular haunts in succession. The third bar we searched we found some evidence of you having being there. Do you have any idea why you were detained by Jeremiah?"

"Well," Jake replied, "he said that an associate wishes to discuss my earlier dealings at the Chinese Embassy. He also said that his associate wishes to make some suggestions about this transaction and I told him that it is finalized... also that I cannot just discuss this matter with anybody. The matter is confidential. Apart from that, he offered me a whisky, which I declined and said that I rather wanted a coke, which he brought to me. Before leaving, he said that he'd see me again sometime. I was taken to the bar with the specific purpose of discussing the Chinese copper exports... at this juncture I am uncertain of the why's and how's. By the way, just before he left, a waitress motioned or said something to him. He then got up and left the bar, I think somewhat hurriedly. I was then force-marched by two unknown gentlemen into a backroom and that's the last I remember."

"Mr De Villiers," Sergeant Ntuli replied, "thanks you for your information. Do you wish to lay a charge of assault against this Jeremiah person? He will be detained, but you will, of course, be required to give evidence before a magistrate."

Replying, Jake said, "As much as I hate intimidation tactics, I think this Jeremiah character is a pawn in a much larger operation. At this time I think it much more expedient that I return to my hotel and make contact with the supplying mine to ensure that the logistics are in place for the exports to start."

"Thank you Sergeant; here is my business card with my contact details, if you wish to make any further contact with me. Also, thank you very much for your intervention... and also please thank you officer at the Embassy for being so observant, I will certainly write a letter of commendation to your Commissioner about your and this officer's action today."

"Thank you Mr De Villiers, we will in any event detain Jeremiah and question him for a couple of hours... rattle his cage as they say... and try and obtain some information. I doubt, however, if we will be successful. This will, I think, deter him for a while, from his questionable activities. We have some surveillance near your hotel, but I do not think you will be harassed... here is my business card; if should require any further assistance. I will now arrange that one of our unmarked vehicles take you back to your hotel."

# Chapter 2

The Cessna 182 laboured through the foothills of the Blue Mountains in the Northern Province, almost battling to gain sufficient height during the humid late morning.

"Maybe we should have taken the twin engine Beechcraft Baron, and then we could have climbed over the mountains earlier, now we have to traverse the mountains searching for a pass to cross, Mr Burgess," the pilot remarked.

Tony replied, "You are being paid well, Louis, you do the flying and I'll do the thinking, OK." The pilot then merely nodded his head in response. Tony Burgess was a minor lawyer in Johannesburg acting mostly for traffic offences, third party claims, and pro-deo criminal matters.

"Had they been flying a more powerful aircraft and crossed the mountains as suggested by the pilot, the Air Traffic Control's radar stations in Polokwane would have identified them? It would also have been necessary to explain their whereabouts, and reasons for being in the area without filing a flight plan... which would have totally defeated the purpose of the trip," Tony considered.

They were flying to an airfield or small airstrip not often used on the northern side of the mining area.

It was high up in the mountainous areas and fairly close to one of Yellow Mountain Copper Mine's southern ventilation shafts. The Yellow Mountain Copper Mine is located in the Blue Mountain range. A Power Utility Company originally built the airstrip as a halfway storage depot when extending the high voltage long distance power grid to service the Yellow Mountain operation.

The Yellow Mountain operation, the Power Utility, and the regional telephone services use the strip intermittently. Pilots have also learned that it is wise to fly low over the airstrip, not only inspect the landing facilities, but also to possibly scare of any wild animals, before attempting to land.

As the Cessna came to a halt, Tony noticed a dilapidated old Toyota pick-up standing under some bushes near the edge of the airstrip. He motioned to the pilot to taxi across in that direction and saw the figure of Pete Jefferies straddling next to the vehicle. After alighting from the aircraft, Tony handed Pete Jefferies a small parcel and an envelope. Pete replied, "Thanks mate" and temporarily disappeared behind the pick-up truck.

After a couple of minutes Pete returned and motioned to Tony to join him... out of view of the pilot and said, "The explosives are fine; how did you get it past the security checkpoint at the Rand Airport in Germiston?"

Tony replied, "I have my problems Pete, and you have yours. Now you must use the 'means' sparingly. The ore shaft suffered minor damage and it is probably repaired. We were hoping for a delay of at least a couple of weeks, not three to four hours; what happened? You are paid you well, and we expect better results!"

Pete replied, "Tony, those ore shafts were blasted from almost solid bedrock, and to cause any real damage would maybe require a massive explosive power... more than we could pilfer from the YMCM storage facilities. We used another diversionary tactic and that was to load some scrap sections of angle beams in the ore skip and then overloaded it with ore from the topside."

"A jolt or jerk by the hoist operator then allowed the ore load to shift inside the skip and to slam against the angle beams and then against the side of the skip, unbalancing the motion of the skip which then slid off the guard rails or tracks against the side of the shaft. We were lucky mate; the skip hit some loose rocks that unhitched a minor fault reef half way down the ore shaft. We know this because water is seeping through... running down the shaft from that particular spot. It has been on the maintenance schedules to be plugged for some time now... so the mine management is not aware of any 'intentional' accident."

Tony realized that Pete's efforts fell seriously short of expectations, especially those of Jeff Cooper, and said, "In simple terms my friend, let me tell you a little story. The people who pay us, and the money was good you must agree... they want the mining process to be slowed down, not just for a few hours but at least for a couple of weeks, so my friend, I am going to give you another chance."

"If you fail again, you will become food for the vultures in the mountains. Believe me Pete, they do not play around, if you take money from them, they expect results... make it happen in the next week, do you comprehend mate."

Pete Jefferies grinned at Tony and replied, "Do not threaten me Tony, but before we fight... I will again try; I hear our ore volumes are down seriously, so maybe I can cause a different type of diversion, but have patience and I will talk with you, in maybe two or three days, cheers."

o o o O O O o o o

The Yellow Mountain Copper Mine has been in operation for almost fifty years and although high quality ore is extracted, rising costs and declining international prices over the years resulted in deteriorating returns for the owners.

The geological substructure of the mine contains many loosely fitting pieces, almost like a three dimensional jigsaw puzzle. It tends to shift causing structural changes deep underground and as it now happens, in closer proximity to the mines deeper workings and underground tunnels.

Ginger Larson, the Mine Manager, was in the mine's computerized control centre and speaking to his nephew, Trevor Larson, one of the Section Managers on the mine, some 300 meters below about a strange accident that had occurred in one of the ore shafts.

The mine has four of the vertical ore shafts that transport mined ore in massive skips or cages; hoisting vertically upwards to the primary mill in a cavernous area.

"Trevor, give me a report on the situation," Ginger asks, "when do you think the shaft will be reopened, I see on the monitors that the ore is backing up in the primary holding area in level three and very soon the stopes will be blocked. This is a crisis, Trevor, terminate the drilling and blasting."

"Ginger," Trevor replies, "I have two riggers and a back-up team already in place installing counter struts... they tell me that a rock movement dislodged one of the guide rails that retains the 'skips' (upward and downward) movement in place (almost like vertical moving railway tracks)."

"We'll hoist some hydraulic rams up to that level in the next hour or two and then knock the dislocated rock back in place... and do a cement job. This should hold until we build a cage around the area in the next week or so. The skips should be running again in about three to five hours' time. The damaged rails will be replaced. Ginger, I do not think we should stop the drilling, our ore volumes are already low this month, and I think our storage area can take the flow."

"I trust your judgment Trevor... keep me posted on developments, I do not like surprises, as you know, cheers for now," Ginger responded.

o o o O O O o o o

In downtown Johannesburg, Tony Burgess, lately a local City councillor and labour lawyer sat slumped at his desk.

He noticed the very distinct and enticing cleavage of Marianne, his new secretary, as she came into his office. It was an unusual hot day in Johannesburg and his ceiling fan made grinding noises, almost losing the battle against the heavy humidity and high temperature, which was close to thirty-five degrees Celsius. Tony was not very busy and his practice could not afford the privilege of a secretary, but as a City Councillor, he was now entitled to certain status symbols, hence the appointment of Marianne.

Marianne purposefully bent over his desk and said, "Tony darling, I am employed to work and not to be stared at. Now I know that I am supposed to be your secretary, but I see no secretary work and at school as I remember you always, were either picking your nose or fiddling in your pants pockets. The girls always wondered whether there was anything worthwhile to fiddle with."

"Maybe I should give you a pepper shaker and a tweezer and if it sneezes... then grab it with the tweezer. Maybe I should also give you a magnifying glass, and it may just help you to find it... ha ha ha!"

Tony replied, "Darling, you always had an annoying sense of humour, but be patient, and soon you will see that there will be certain important developments, and Tony Burgess may one day become a very important person, even noticed by the newspapers."

He knew that Marianne's father, Graham, the Secretary of the local branch of the Metal Workers Union, had enormous influence in Government and the only way for Tony to gain access to Graham, and was by way of Marianne... hence her appointment.

Her post was temporary because as it was still to be approved by the Mayor's office. From then on, the position would be permanent... in any event as long as Tony remained a public official. Marianne was recently divorced from her husband and when Tony heard this, he conveniently offered her the position as his secretary.

Just then the telephone in Tony's office started ringing and Marianne answered it, saying "this is Tony Burgess's office... would you like to talk with 'little' Tony?"

Tony felt his anger rising on hearing Marianne's comments, but he realized that he should keep his patience in check, as he would be rewarded in the near future, if all goes according to plan. He picked up the receiver and said, "Tony here, can I help?"

It was Jeff Cooper from Copper Traders, and after exchanging polite courtesies said, "Tony, it is good that we can talk again so quickly and I possibly have some good news. The De Villiers's copper deal with Yellow Mountain is most probably cancelled and you made good on your promise to whisper this idea to the right listeners... you will be rewarded."

"The Government, I hear, wants some beneficiation done to the plates before being exported to China. This may delay finalization of the export contract which will also allow us to make representations to the Chinese Government on the processing plant that we have available for installation in South Africa, near Yellow Mountain."

Cooper laughed, cleared his throat, and continued, "As discussed my friend, we accept the processing plant is old... but it is priced right and if we play our cards correctly the Chinese will pay for it without costing the locals a cent. The Chinese also have the know-how and technology to make it work... as they are interested in investing South Africa or maybe in another country in South Africa to ensure a continued supply of certain crucial raw materials, such as copper. You my friend can now start the ball rolling your side."

Tony listened intently to Cooper's ramblings and then said, "Jeff, first things first, thank you for the news but I am still not hearing the important part of the transaction, do you get my drift, my friend."

At that point, Jeff interjected and said, "Tony you will get your dollars, be patient. I am in the process of opening a foreign non-resident account for you in Dubai, with the HSBC. The minimum amount is twenty thousand dollars US, but before I can proceed I need to see some more positive action on your side!"

Tony then tried to interject, "Jeff, but...," when Cooper immediately responded, and said, "You keep quiet my friend, I'm doing the talking. You have made a couple of noises at the mine and this has presented some results, but it is not enough. Also I hear there has been some disruption at our project... it is so small; I think nobody is really concerned."

"We have so far honoured our side of the transaction, and what's more important, we also understand that De Villiers is aware of this and they are busy with counter strategies. Time is of the essence my friend; remember the early bird gets the worm. What is critically important, and I think this should serve as a motivation for you, my management does not like failures, and the disruption at our mutual project is to say the least, an embarrassment to our capabilities."

"Also I do not know what your switchboard girl was referring to when she asked whether I would like to speak with 'little' Tony, but please believe me my friend, little Tony may become 'sorely' departed Tony, if this project is not properly finalized to the satisfaction of all concerned. I do not think that I have to spell out the consequences more clearly, do I?"

Tony could feel the sweat forming on his forehead and on the palms of his hands, on hearing the veiled threat..., as he knew the capabilities of people like Jeff and his cronies.

He responded, "Jeff, lets remain friends and keep the objective in mind... I know what to do, but it may take a couple of days. Where can I contact you?"

Jeff replied, "I will phone you tomorrow evening and we will take it from there."

o o o O O O o o o

Around six, that evening Tony's secretary, Marianne, left the office and took a bus to her downtown apartment in Mayfair, small but elegantly furnished with the assistance of her father, Graham.

After her divorce, Graham knew that his daughter would need assistance, whether it was financial or emotional or of whatever nature and vowed to himself to keep an eye on her. Tony then approached Marianne and offered her the position as his secretary. Unbeknown to Tony, however, Marianne discussed this employment offer with Graham. He knew that Tony was now a public or city official and for this reason demanded some respect, but on the other hand he also knew Tony from his daughter's school days as a person who could never look any person directly in their eyes. Although he never really had any reason to distrust Tony, it worried him that Marianne and her friends always made fun of Tony, but he could never figure out why!

On arriving home that evening Marianne phoned her father, "Hi Daddy, my first day and only one telephone call... some guy called Jeff phoned and all I could hear was Tony saying that he does not hear the important part of the transaction, and then he seemed to get all sweaty around the face and temples."

"When he left the office later he briefly touched my hand, and I could feel it being sweaty as well. I am worried daddy, I joked with him in the office, but when he left he was as pale as bed linen, I hope he has not involved something underhanded. He also said to me earlier this morning that he is busy with something big and that everybody may just also notice him."

Graham knew his daughter meant well in her comments on Tony but he also knew she needed to be more polite. So Graham said, "Marianne, I don't think it wise to joke with Tony, he's a councillor now and give him some respect and just maybe you should also suggest to him that he call on me sometime... because he is now a public official."

# Chapter 3

It is early morning and the traffic in metropolitan Sandton, just north of Johannesburg, is as bad as ever as Jake winds his way to his office. Several thoughts crossed his mind and he mumbles to himself, "somebody is trying to wreck the copper deal with Yellow Mountain... and we'll have to act bloody fast if we want to remain in the driving seat in this matter!"

On arriving at the office, Julie, his PA, prepared his morning tea and offered a plate of freshly baked scones. "Morning Jake, couldn't resist them at Luigi's Coffee Shop this morning... welcome back, there's a heap of emails and messages in your folder.

Jake replied, "Thanks Julie, is Nic in yet... I think we need to have a quick meeting so please get the team together."

Nic Jooste, a commodity trader well versed in trading with both South African companies as well as with Far Eastern trading houses, was already at his post half five that morning as the six hour time difference among South Africa and the far East, sometimes require early involvement.

Julie rallied the team in De Villiers Metal's Boardroom. Present, apart from Jake and Julie, were James Johnson and Nic Jooste, both commodity traders.

Jake said, "Hi there everybody, I had a very harrowing experience last night. After the reception at the Chamber of Mines, I took a taxi back to my hotel in Parktown. The taxi driver, however, only drove a couple of hundred yards, stopped his taxi and told me that I was to get into another car that was following us. I got out of the taxi and two people, from the car that was following us, asked me to accompany them, saying that I would be unhurt, if I cooperate. So in a nutshell guys, I was somewhat forcibly detained by some character in a dimly lit basement bar somewhere off End Street ... apparently for the purpose of somebody wanting to get in on the Yellow Mountain copper deal. After maybe forty to fifty minutes, some character named Jeremiah said that his associate could not make it and I was literally frog marched off to a storeroom. I woke up some time later on a pavement in End Street near the freeway onramp. Apart from a hell of a headache and a very sore shoulder, here I am, and we need to consider our options. The character who detained me, a so-called Jeremiah, said that his associate wanted to make some recommendations about this. I told him it's finalized and also that it's of a confidential nature that could not just be discussed with anybody."

Gasps were heard from around the boardroom table and Jake continued, "this must please remain absolutely confidential... the police fortunately rescued me. But fact is somebody is in the process of trying their utmost to wreck the copper deal to China, I think... under the 'probable' pretences of wanting part of the raw plate exports turned into pipes or wire or brass taps... chop-chop."

"The implementation of such a beneficiation venture could literally take years to materialize ... setting up factories, training people. I consider that someone who has a conflicting agenda of a sort is probably behind this effort. In any event, shipment of the copper exports is scheduled for fairly soon."

Annie, one of De Villiers Metal's secretaries stuck her head in the boardroom, and said "there's an urgent international telephone call from Jason in Shanghai for you Jake... can I patch it through to the Boardroom?"

Jake nodded to Annie, lifted the receiver and politely said "Hi Jason, somehow thought I would be hearing from you, what's up?"

The frown on Jake's face probably startled all around the boardroom table, "what happened?... Thanks for giving me an advance warning, I owe you, mate."

Jake replaced the telephone receiver and said, "Jason is a freelance financial reporter. He briefly told me that there is an unconfirmed rumour that some group is about to sell a processing plant to the Chinese Government for installation somewhere in the Northern part of South Africa. This processing plant is presently unused, and is located somewhere on the Black Sea, maybe somewhere in the Ukraine."

"Before we break Boss," James said, "I spoke to Alvirez Miranda in Southern China round six this morning and strangely enough, he also confirmed what you're now saying. He asked me whether I know a company called Copper Traders which is apparently operating somewhere in Southern Africa. He also said that one of these plants, assumed somewhere on the Black Sea... probably in Ukraine as you just said, is destined for installation somewhere in South Africa. This connection may just be a coincidence, or is my imagination in overdrive, eh boss."

"I also hear that the Copper Traders representatives are cavorting around China in a customized Boeing 707, with what is thought to be a Vietnam registration, probably trying to make inroads in our copper deal... nothing further boss!"

"Yes I agree James, it's too much of a coincidence, but not unexpected," Jake quipped, "I also know that the Yellow Mountain Copper Mine does have a small bottleneck problem somewhere in their process, but I also understood this to be of minor consequence to any possible export contracts. James will you get on your blower and find out who Copper Traders are, or anything about them."

"Nic will you get hold of Anna, your ex-wife... you mentioned the other day that she is still be in Johannesburg... and see if she can put some light on the source. You said that she is now married to some local politician and your comments about his liberal past may just be our entrée into finding if there is any truth in the possible new investment venture. Having a ready-made Chinese buyer for the melted ore will certainly enhance the funding side."

"Sure thing Jake, will call her pronto!" Nic reacted.

"Jake, I really thought you with China were all tied up?" Julie enquired.

"Exactly Jules," Jake replied, "just shows you... never count your chickens too soon eh! Somebody wants to derail the matter notwithstanding the fact that the two countries signed an agreement of intention that may now grind to a halt.... I think we will also have to contact the Chinese Trade Office in Pretoria... maybe they can shed more light on the subject!"

"Oh Jules," Jake commented, "please locate Mr Zach Zulu from the Chamber of Mines... I think I should at least inform him of the latest developments, not that he doesn't already know... although you may have trouble in contacting him, I think. He may not want to talk with me at this time, but I think it is crucial that we at least communicate. Sometime later, I will also appreciate if you would set up an appointment for me at the Chinese Trade Office in Pretoria... they may have answers for us!"

"Will do" Julie responded and returned to her workstation.

After several unsuccessful attempts to reach Mr Zach Zulu directly, Julie phoned an old friend in Johannesburg, Alistair Bates... that operates a clearing and forwarding company." Alistair darling, Julie here, how are you and how's Jennifer?"

Alistair seemed delighted with Julie's call and replied, "Everything is A for OK Jules, just worried about the thunder storms. It means that everything needs to be shuttered-up; you know my family is terrified of thunder and lighting. Pity I could not do the same to mum-in-law... I am nasty and I know you hate this, but it is always my signature joke this time of year. What can I do you for Jules, within reason of course... no foreign invasions; it's against local Government regulations."

"Come on Alistair, you love Aunt Gladys", Julie teased, "you know it, I know it, and anyway what's that concoction of jelly, custard and rum and whatever else that you and she regularly makes? Absolutely revolting stuff, but it somehow makes the two of you serenade well into the night, and may I add much to the displeasure of your neighbours. Is the old German couple still next door? "

Alistair replied, "Yes, bless her soul, she had a hip replacement earlier this year, but she seems fine now; lovely old darling, there's really no bad feelings between us. She regularly asks after you and I will tell her you send your eternal love."

"Thanks Alistair, you're a darling, I have a favour to ask, and I need to make contact with a Mr Zach Zulu from the Chamber of Mines and once on the line... to patch him through to Jake. There's been some sort of hiccup in one of our deals, and this guy may be playing the invisible card... and I need to get hold of him pronto."

Alistair then asked Julie to hold on and within nothing, more than a couple of seconds had Mr Zulu on the other end of the line.

"Mr Zulu, Julie here from Jake De Villiers's office, please does not hang up; Jake urgently needs to talk with you, could you hold for a second while I connect you?"

Julie then patched the call through to Jake on his mobile phone.

"Zach, Jake here... I'm sorry we had to phone you this way, but I urgently need some information to enable us to make progress in this matter."

Zach Zulu replied, "Jake my friend, my apologies... instructions from the powers above in Johannesburg, and simply, I was told to tune down my contact with you temporarily. But I think we can briefly talk."

Jake continued, "Do you know a company called Copper Traders,... I think operating from somewhere in the Middle East, I also understand their sales execs are in China right this moment, in Beijing I think.

I also understand that they have their own transport, a Boeing 707 with Vietnamese registration, which is probably the reason they can fly anywhere in China, probably using Chinese pilots. I also hear this company is selling a copper smelter, inclusive of a crusher plant, probably somewhat aged and over-used, but with the required maintenance; it could probably do the job."

"Jake... you know what I know," Zach Zulu replied, "Probably you know even more, yes, I heard the name Copper Traders mentioned, more details I do not know. But I must ask you that we terminate our conversation at this point... I will try and explain later... enjoy your day!"

At that point, the telephone line went dead, but Jake knew he had the confirmation of what he already knew!

o o o O O O o o o

Nic Jooste, a commodity trader in Jake's company chatted for at least thirty minutes with his ex-wife Anna, enquiring about her relatives and many of their old friends.

Anna, now married to Tony Burgess, finally said, "Nic, what is it you want... because I can read you like a book and it is not for nothing that you phone me and enquire about half of Johannesburg's population!"

He replied, "Well Anna, you are always the bright one, and yeah I guess... there is something important I want to ask you. Your husband, Tony, is now a respected politician and I simply want to know if you possibly heard him speak anything about selling copper to China. He does have good friends in the labour movements, and I know there is some concern about world pricing and the downsizing in the mines. The effect would be devastating to the rural peoples."

Nic knew that the welfare of the unemployed masses was a sensitive issue with Anna and her family, and the mere mention of this issue would probably entice Anna to divulge information, that she would normally not do.

"Nic you old fox, as well as I know you... you unfortunately know my weaker spots and right now you are taking a mean advantage of me. Yes... I will tell you something; I have not heard a lot, but I did hear Tony talk to a person he called a mad Russian; something about a plant that is going to be built and which will provide employment to at least a couple of hundred people."

"I can also tell you that he employed Marianne, Graham's daughter, as his secretary and I think the only reason, apart from Marianne's big boobs, is that Tony wants to find common ground with her father, Graham, who is the big shot in the Metal Workers Union. I think that he is doing good Nic. He changed from the Tony we all knew in school days. I do not think anything I told you can undermine his good intentions and it was nice talking with you, look after yourself Nic."

o o o O O O o o o

Later that evening Jake was sitting in his study on his small farm North West of Johannesburg, contemplating the happenings of the past couple of days, when his wife, Sandra brought him a cup of tea. "You look troubled darling, I know you don't like to talk shop at home, but if there's a legal angle, maybe I can offer some advice... I know you're involved in the Far East and South Africa... and I'm a good listener, and at your beck and call."

Jake got up, smiled and took his lovely wife in his arms and gently kissed her on her lips. Holding her more tightly he started caressing her upper back, motioning towards the big leather sofa on one side of his study. Sandra immediately reacted in a teasing tone and said, "Darling you're certainly not interested in discussing business and frankly, neither was I... but Naomi and Jimmy are on the patio outside, and she's already telling me that I have that lovely blushed peach look, now that you're home. She told Jimmy this morning that he must surely get some advice from the old man on how to inspire her in the same way that you are supposedly inspiring me, and she then winked at me.

She raised her eyebrows and said, 'Wow, mummy dear, that what dreams are made of... I love you both'."

# Chapter 4

Julie, Jake's PA, arranged an appointment with the Chinese Trade Office in Pretoria for late morning and as Jake arrived at the sprawling complex, he noticed that it was actually almost like a small city, with living quarters, entertainment facilities and modern office block within a confined and fenced off area... covering several street blocks.

A charming Chinese woman, but with very limited English language capabilities served tea. When he thanked her with the words, "xié-xie" (thank you in Mandarin and pronounced 'she-she'), she responded spontaneously and bowed her head, said something, probably complimentary in Chinese, and left.

Mr Yang, the Chinese Trade Representative and two colleagues entered the small conference room, respectfully bowed to Jake, and politely prepared for the visiting or business card hand-over ceremony. Visiting cards are handed to guests in both hands before briefly bowing your head and then handing the card to your guest.

Mr Yang proceeded with the card ceremony and Jake reciprocated the custom, by offering his business card to Mr Yang and then to his colleagues.

Jake had also long since learned that a person's position, as is described on correspondence and business cards is extremely important to the Chinese.

This was probably more so with Chinese Government officials... and he had business cards printed in gold embossed style, depicting him as the President and Chief Operating Officer of De Villiers Metals, with the Chinese translation on the reverse side of card. This was factually correct, as he was the managing member of De Villiers Metals (actually the only member or shareholder).

Mr Yang then said something to his colleagues in Chinese and smiled at Jake. "Mr De Villiers, please accept our most cordial welcome to our Embassy. We have not met before, but I understand that you have negotiated the export of very important minerals to the China, for this I thank you graciously."

"I also see from our records that you have just returned from China and Hong Kong and that you negotiated a supply agreement with the Government in South Africa for the supply of much needed raw materials. China is not favoured with a random supply of many raw materials and consequently it has become necessary to source these materials from all corners of the world."

"In this instance you have provided a valuable service to my Government and my country, and again we would like to express our gracious appreciation."

Mr Yang briefly paused, looked at some documents that one of his colleagues gave him, and continued, "Before I ask you to discuss the purpose of your visit to our embassy, I have some good news for you. According to our Visa Section, you have undertaken more than twenty visits to China and to Hong Kong and as far as the records are concerned, the visits all related to the supply of scarcely regarded raw materials."

"You have also shown your company and yourself to be a respectable and reliable facilitator of commodities. I have recommended to our Ambassador that your travel Visa be upgraded to a higher level which effectively will mean that you can enter and leave China for eight years, without the cumbersome procedure of applying for travel documents every time you visit China."

"In addition, Mr De Villiers you may now also make use of the Government lounge facilities at Chinese airports, which will also include preferential bookings on China Air and the other domestic airline carriers in China. Please send your passport to the Visa section of the Embassy for the necessary endorsements and you may now discuss whatever matter you deem important."

Jake was somewhat overwhelmed by this reception, but maintaining his pose, bowed his head and said, "Mr Yang, gentlemen... thank you for the great privilege of doing business with your country and for the honour you bestowed on me. I will certainly respect the integrity of the special Visa, and I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial association."

"During last week I had the privilege of attending the signature of a Letter of Intent for the supply of five hundred thousand tons of high quality ore to be sourced..."

"We know the details of the shipment, Mr De Villiers" Mr Yang commented.

"However, Gentlemen, fairly soon after signature, "Jake continued," the Trade Official advised and told me that the Government now insists that a certain extent of beneficiation must take place in South Africa, before shipment to China."

"This situation is not insurmountable, but it could probably take many months to resolve, and truth of the matter is also further, that there are possibly insufficient facilities in South Africa to entertain this requirement immediately."

"Mr Yang, I have prepared a memorandum for your attention, setting out what I have related to you and will keep you updated of any developments as far as I am involved in this matter. Thank you for allowing me the time to discuss these matters."

"Thank you Mr De Villiers for the information and the discussion, and please keep us advised of any further developments," Mr Yang responded.

Jake responded, "Certainly Mr Yang, I will do so."

The parties courteously greeted one another, bade farewell and Jake returned to his office in Northern Johannesburg... being somehow amazed by the reception at the Chinese Trade Offices.

He was delighted with the benefit of now having VIP entry into China without the unnecessary red tape of filling out reams of forms, and standing in long queues and then having to wait the customary seven to ten days before any Chinese travel authorization.

Now the only limitation, he thought, would be the availability of a seat on a Chinese bound aircraft, if, and when, the need arose.

Back in the Range Rover, Jake bent forward and pressed a button on the car's phone system installed in the dashboard array. Julie answered, "Hi Jake... how was the reception at the Chinese Trade Office?"

Jake replied "... cork the champagne Julie; I'm now elevated to VIP status and can enter China for eight years without applying for a Visa every time I go there. Please arrange that my passport be sent over to the Chinese Embassy for the necessary endorsement."

"Try if you can get me on a Chinese bound flight say in a week's time. This should give the Chinese Embassy sufficient time to make the important endorsements. I'll be back in office about three pm... I'm going over to watch Naomi practice for gymkhana, by for now," and he rang off.

o o o O O O o o o

The competitive spirit of his daughter, Naomi always amazed Jake.

'Goes after you Jake', is what his wife, Sandra always says... but Jake knew that Sandra, lawyer and managing partner in her late father's law firm, also enjoys winning. 'Maybe Naomi's got it from both sides'.

Jake considers... 'in any event she and Molly seem to utterly enjoy each other's company.'

At that moment, Naomi was spearing articles on the ground from horseback; the more articles you spear, the higher points you score. The manoeuvre requires absolute coordination and a perfect balance between horse and rider, with a near perfect hand-to-eye coordination by the rider while holding the spear in one hand and the horse's reins in the other hand.

He then noticed that she had in fact speared all four items, which meant that in a competition, she would have attained full points for this event.

Jake did not notice what seemed to be a 'battered' old beige coloured Land Rover, with two occupants parked on the opposite embankment and close to the holding stables,... keenly watching the proceedings.

At one point, the passenger got out of the vehicle and approached some workers standing close by, and after a short discussion, handed something to the workers and returned to the vehicle.

Jim Wilson, the grounds man at the Gymkhana Club, noticed this and thought it strange, because he had never seen either of the passengers, or for that matter, the old Land Rover, before. He also noticed that the Land Rover had no rear license plate, and thought this to be odd. Even more strange', he thought, was the fact that the 'passenger' was dressed in what looked like a polo sweater and leather coat... and it was a sweltering hot day! Everybody else was lightly dressed. The old Land Rover then drove off.

Jim then took a hurried stroll over to Phineas, a worker who has been with the club for many years, and enquired about the discussion.

Phineas replied, "Nkosi, he asked us where Miss De Villiers is, and what her horse's name is. We politely told and showed him, and he gave us a one hundred Rand note, after which he then left." ('Nkosi' is the name most of the workers use to address Jim.)

Jim knew something was amiss and unhitched his mobile radio transceiver and placing it against his left ear, pressed the ptt (push-to-talk) button and said, "Johan, do you read me, over."

"Johan here, Jim, go ahead."

Johan Adams was the assistant grounds man and, lately, also the security controller, having been in the Metropolitan Mounted Police Services for many years.

"Did you notice the battered old beige Landy?" Jim continued, "With one the occupants wearing what appeared to be a leather coat... I saw this person stroll over to Phineas and some of the other workers near the opposite embankment and talk to them. He asked about one contestant, Naomi De Villiers and her horse."

Johan then replied, "Yeah Jim, in fact we had them on the close circuit surveillance and noticed them drive off, I've also alerted VIP Security... as one of their patrol vehicles was fortunately near the main gates, and asked them to check it out. I'll keep you up-to-date when I hear from them, over."

"Thanks Johan, out," Jim replied.

Naomi came finished the round and trotted over to where Jake was parked. She dismounted, gave Jake a hug and a kiss on the cheek and said, "Well daddy darling, not bad for a little girl, eh... are you proud of me?"

Jake responded, "Of course, darling, I'm always proud of you... I'm off to the office now, will see you tonight."

"Bye Daddy" Naomi responded, and then took Molly's reigns and strolled in the direction of the stables.

Naomi and Sandra decided to stable Molly at the club grounds until the gymkhana competition was over as the daily travel between their farm and the club grounds seem to irritate Molly.

She never liked travelling in a confined horse trailer, and they had known Jim Wilson and his assistants for several years now. They brought feeds, blankets, and grooming materials temporarily to the club stables.

o o o O O O o o o

Sometime after 3 am the following morning, the phone rang and Sandra shook Jake to get him awake. "Jake, please answer the phone, I'm scared of what to expect... I've never had good news at this unholy hour of the morning."

Jake muttered some unintelligible sound and opened his eyes... also realizing that the call probably does not relate to any business dealings. Lifting himself up on one elbow, he reached over, picked up the telephone receiver, and said, "Yes, can I help?"

"Jake... Jim Wilson, sorry for this untimely call, but I thought it best to call you. Something happened to your daughter's filly. She's suffering some slight abdominal discomfort, colic I think... and Dr Chetty our vet is already with her, examining her and trying to find out what's going on."

"She's restless and unsettled and sweating... Jake I'm sorry, doesn't look good. I know you guys use another vet and if you like I'll call him."

Jake replied, "Just a moment Jim... just getting my bearings old man, and by the way thanks for the call and your quick response with Molly... poor Naomi's going to be devastated. I think, I should pop over for a look, see you in a while."

"What has happened Jake?" Sandra asked in a concerned tone of voice and continued, "... something about Molly... God no, I hope nothing happens to that horse. I'm getting dressed and going with you Jake, I'll quickly call Miriam and Jonas and ask them to come to sleep in the house, so that Naomi won't be alone."

Jake replied, "Don't think it's such a good idea, darling, sounds bad, Molly's unsettled and sweating, and I think somehow you and Naomi should be together... because she will have to be told... sometime soon. The longer we wait, the more upset she's going to be if she hears we did not tell her immediately."

Just then, a rapid knocking sound on their bedroom door and Naomi stuck her head inside the bedroom and said, "Mom, Dad what's wrong, I heard the phone ring and heard Dad talking to somebody... then I distinctly heard Dad say, 'Molly'. What's wrong, please tell me," and tears started forming in Naomi's eyes.

She started sobbing uncontrollably. Jake put his arms around Naomi, hugged her tightly against himself, and said, "Darling I'm going to the gymkhana stables now, and I think you should stay here, I promise I'll call."

"No-ways, Daddy I'm going with you, I'll only be a couple of seconds, just a track suit is fine for now, get some water on my face and a brush through my hair, see you now", remarked Naomi in a broken, almost tearful voice.

Jake, Sandra, and Naomi arrived at the club stables just as Dr Chetty; the veterinary surgeon finished examining not only Molly, but also two other horses. As they entered the stables, Molly was bucking, and Naomi rushed over to her, hugging Molly's head.

Dr Chetty then said that he had given her a pain killer and that the filly needs resting for a couple of days, "She's probably taken something in, not only your filly, but the ponies in the adjoining enclosures, as well."

"I looked at their feeds but nothing seems strange and the medicines and other treatments are all locked away. I have taken some blood samples that will be tested in the morning. By then I should have an inkling of what has happened. I think Molly should probably be taken back to your farm; I'll phone you in the late morning to check her progress."

Jake replied, "Thanks Dr Chetty."

At first, they wanted to leave Molly at the Club's stables until late morning. If she settles then they would consider taking her back to the farm.

Naomi, however, said, "No ways, Daddy, Molly's going home with us and I'll ride in the trailer with her."

Jake didn't like the idea and said, "darling, it's dangerous and against the law, however, I suppose it's still early and there's bound to be very little traffic on the roads and I figure we should arrive at home before the morning traffic rush starts, OK let's go. You are right, Molly will probably be more at ease if you are with her. "

Jake hitched the horse trailer to his Range Rover and surprisingly, Molly could not wait to be loaded. Naomi also hopped onboard the horse trailer and sat on a small bunk in the front of the trailer, clutching Molly's reigns.

Back at their farm, Sandra remarked to Jake, "You know darling. I am worried about this incident... I do not think it is as innocent as it seems. I mean, three ponies in adjacent stalls cannot just get sick without a reason. On the other hand, I also hate speculation without a proper cause, but I also think we should err on the side of caution and arrange some extra security here at the farm, at least for a couple of weeks."

Jake knew his wife had an amazing intuition, bordering on the miraculous sometimes, and immediately agreed, "Yes of course, darling, strangely enough Johan suggested just before we left the club stables this morning that we ask VIP Security to monitor the farm for a couple of days."

"He suggested that we get one of their vehicles to patrol the roads, sort of on a high visibility exercise, as he called it. I will phone Johan and get him to organize it. I'll also be more at ease if I know we have extra eyes watching."

Round midday Jim Wilson phoned Jake, and after exchanging pleasantries, said, "Jake, the VIP Security crowd told us this morning that they'd followed the Landy to a small holding somewhere south of Johannesburg, in the Klipriver area. This was after that character enquired about Naomi and her horse during the trials yesterday afternoon."

"I gather that they could establish that the plot belongs to an ex-police officer, ex-mercenary that nowadays operates as a private detective... a bloke by the name of Peter Rowling. His setup on the plot looks more like a scrap yard full of rusted trucks and earthmoving equipment. He also has a small boxing gymnasium there, mostly for the local talent in the area. They will place this character under some sort of surveillance and keep us posted."

"Thanks Jim, I appreciate your call" Jake responded, and Jim rang off.

o o o O O O o o o

# Chapter 5

Sitting at his makeshift desk in a large farm shed-cum-workshop, at a small holding in the Klipriver area due south of Johannesburg, Peter Rowling looked up at two of his men standing in front of him, and asked them, "OK gents, what did you find out?"

His namesake and brother-in-law, Peter Basson, replies, "Well Peter, the workers showed us the horse and the girl. Some security crowd followed us and I phoned Vince Barnes. He is the ex-jockey that you said, can 'fix' the horse."

"I gave him the lowdown on the phone and he said he knew the stables and that he still has a contact there that owes him. All I know is that he said he'll take care of it and he'll phone you when the job's done and collect his fee later."

Rowland responded, "I hope this went off well, because we only have one chance, and we are being paid well. I hope, he hasn't killed the flippin horse... he was only supposed to frighten it or something, so that somebody gets a message I think... who knows what."

"That was what I was asked to do by Jeff Cooper, nicknamed the mad Russian. He was our company sergeant major in my mercenary unit up in the Congo some years' back... miserable bastard. In any case, he saved my bacon a couple of times so I maybe owed him. Believe me people; he is the sort of character you do not want to know. Screw up, and believe me he'll screw you up."

"... but let me tell you a little story about this Jeff character." Rowland continued, "Four of us, including him, were boxed up in a horseshoe bend in a ravine up in Central Africa."

"We were 'reconning' the area for possible rebel hold-ups or machine gun nests and never realized we walked into a trap. On our one side there was the raging river torrent and the other side we had an almost vertical cliff side, with the undergrowth so thick, you need to be baboon to traverse the growth."

"As we approached some rocks by the side of the river, we encountered some rebel gun fire, fortunately not very accurate. We had a few clips of ammo left when we encountered some rebels earlier and wasted most of the rounds in the ensuing fire fight... but Jeff decided to continue and finish the reconnaissance. Among us, we probably had twenty rounds left... ".

Peter Basson interjected, "Twenty rounds and staked up against the side of a cliff, how many got out alive...?"

"For shit's sake, give me a chance to finish my story, arse hole... actually we all made it, but let me finish my story."

Rowland continued, "We fell back into the undergrowth and Jeff told us to immerse ourselves under the water with as much branches and vegetation as camouflage, and let the torrent sweep us round the bend... supposedly out of harm's way. He gave me his last two ammo clips of his side arm and said that all he needs is his knife! We then slipped into the river and were swept away... thinking this was probably our last trip."

"And you made it, without anybody drowning?" Basson quipped.

"If you keep your traps shut and let me continue, then you'll hear the whole story," responded Rowland.

He continued, "Almost drowning, the torrent swept us down river for probably a couple of hundred meters where we were washed up on some rocky outcrop. Save to say we made it... with probably litres of waters inside each of our guts ... but we managed to survive!"

"A day later we reached our base and that same evening Jeff also arrived back, none the worse for the wear, except for a few gashes on his arms and legs. He told us he crawled up the side of the cliff and took out two rebels, when he noticed there were maybe six or seven more rebels. They apparently also noticed him at the same time and started charging at him."

"He later said the element of surprise was his greatest ally... as was the narrow path way as they could only get to him one-by-one. He said, he took out two more rebels and jumped into the river torrent. This is Jeff guys, don't mess with him!"

Just then, the phone rang.

Rowland picked up the receiver and said "Rowland here."

"Peter, Vince Barnes here, your pony's got an upset stomach mate;... nothing too serious, but should be out of action for a week or two. I figure the girl will probably withdraw from the gymkhana, because it takes place next weekend."

"The entrants are all usually listed under the participants listings on the Club's website on the internet and these lists should appear from tomorrow. I will come to collect my 'consulting' fee if her name is not listed ... Bye for now," and Vince rang off, before Rowland could reply.

o o o O O O o o o

Every Monday morning Jake holds a stock-n-trade meeting with his traders at his office in Johannesburg. Present at the meeting were the usual team, Jake and Julie, Nic and James.

"Hi everybody, hope you all had a lovely weekend," Jake quipped, "tragedy hit us at home as Naomi's horse got sick so she's out of the gymkhana... she's devastated! I even offered to get her another pony but in a gymkhana, the horse and rider must absolutely understand each other and she said it would not work. Let us see what is on the menu today. Nic did you talk with Anna in Johannesburg and I hope there's some news?"

"Yes", Nic replied, "it seems that Tony,... Anna's husband, and who is also now a local city counsellor, talked to some Russian character about a new plant that is going to be built South Africa; up north somewhere and which will apparently employ a couple of hundred workers."

"She said that she does not think this to be confidential as it will help unemployment. Not much more Jake, but the reference to the Russian is interesting;... and I wonder whether there isn't some tie up with the Copper Sales group."

"What I also do not fully comprehend at this time is why the Chinese are considering the purchase of a processing plant that is to be erected somewhere South Africa. The plant or process consists of milling the ores, then processing the ore through processes of leaching and acid treatment and then electrolytic processing to produce copper cathodes. A lot of beneficiation is already done to the mined ore before it become copper plates."

"Thanks Nic," Jake commented, "supplying large volumes of commodities does have its downside sometimes. For Yellow Mountain I heard there were some processing problems."

"Getting the ore body out from underground up to the point of shipment of the plates can present exciting challenges to the mine's management. As they went deeper underground they apparently found unstable geological formations which could affect production and extractable ore volumes."

"If you upset the feedstock or input flow of production, it's not only going to affect the final output, but will also impact on the cost and revenue side, and probably also of critical importance, it will affect supply times and available volumes to be exported. Yellow Mountain is already in a pressure situation as their sales are probably done forward. Any hold-up and they have problems. This is the worrying aspect of the Copper Traders connection and I am concerned as to why they at this very time want to construct additional process facilities. Yellow Mountain's problem is underground, not above the ground," Jake concluded.

Nic then also added to this theory, "Anna told me that some Russian is involved with her husband, Tony Burgess. He, Tony that is, is a small time lawyer, acting mostly in insurance claims and for small time criminals in pro deo matters, where the Courts appoint him if the accused persons cannot pay for their own defence. Now, somebody probably set him up to be a Government representative and we have to find out why. Maybe we should try to talk with him!"

"You're absolutely right Nic," Jake responded, "Tony Burgess can probably give us the answer we are looking for, maybe not outright... but at least point us in the right direction. Also did you not tell me that Tony's secretary is the daughter of a trade unionist in Johannesburg?"

"I also think these are pieces of a puzzle, my friends... complicated maybe! Nic I suggest another telephone call to find out if we can see Mr Tony, at his leisure, of course."

"Jules, please also organize us a couple gift boxes of Cabernet Sauvignon, also in fine Oak, as you did last year... as a gift for our Mr Tony and whoever."

"I will also give Jonathan Hayes a call, he's in Government in Cape Town, and he can possibly also give us some interesting information. Nic, I think you must also pack your bags; and Julie, please make the usual travel arrangements for us!"

o o o O O O o o o

The two-hour flight arrived at the Cape Town airport from Johannesburg at midday. Jake and Nic took a taxi to the Royal Hotel in downtown Cape Town and checked into the hotel.

On seeing Jonathan, Jake said, "Jonathan my friend, it is good to see you again, let me introduce you to my colleague Nic." Jonathan Hayes is a trade lawyer attached to the International Relations Section of the Department of Economic Affairs in Cape Town.

Jonathan replied, "Nic, my pleasure, and it is also a pleasure to see you again Jake, it is a pity we see each other so seldom... you must bring your lovely wife to Cape Town when you come again, and then I will like to show you more about our lovely wine lands. Please let us go to the lounge area where it is more private."

Jonathan moved to a set of secluded sofas in the far-off corner of the Royal Hotel's sumptuous lounge and ordered suitable refreshments.

"Jake," Jonathan continued, "I think you are here primarily for some matter about copper mining and investments, if I understood your secretary correctly?"

"Jonathan," Jake confirmed, "At this time my involvement is primarily with some exports from the Yellow Mountain Copper Mine up north to China."

"A letter of intent or a LOI was signed with the Chinese. This LOI was for the supply of five hundred thousand tons of copper plate. However, a couple of hours after signature Mr Zach Zulu from the Chamber of Mines advised me that a slight alteration to the letter of intent is required; as a certain amount of beneficiation is now required take place South Africa before export of the to China."

"He seemed to be very emotional and spoke about it being local family silver, so Jonathan, at this point can you maybe give me some indication what happened... or is this a major change of policy by the Government?"

"Well Jake, not really in a 'regulated' sense, I think," Jonathan replied, "there is an influential movement in this direction; although I have not seen any official Government policy documents that would show that this is the official line."

"There is some political pressure from some quarters and I do know certain politicians have expressed this requirement, so maybe this is where the idea came from! What I however, know is that the Yellow Mountain mine is now days considered a marginal mine, in other words my friend, they are mining deeper and their shareholders are concerned over the rising costs of extraction."

"They are also in the process of major maintenance projects and are also possibly upgrading certain of their primary workings, which I think probably includes their ore shafts, as well as part of their processing or beneficiation plants. Yellow Mountain also has a few shareholders and they don't always see eye-to-eye on all issues."

Jonathan then took a breather, smiled and continued, "Interestingly though, one of the minor shareholders in Yellow Mountain is, what you might call, an offspring of the Metal Workers Union."

"The Union members have on occasion stated that an intense program of beneficiation of the copper plates is required. You must understand that a process of electrolysis converts the basic or raw copper sludge into copper plates... but this is not sufficient beneficiation. The bigger profits are made in the downstream production of cables or tubes or pipes."

"I can possibly agree with that sort of thinking, Jonathan," Jake interjected.

"Well Jake", Jonathan continued, "The mining and extraction side only hardly breaks even with its costs, and consequently the general feeling is that by exporting a raw form of , they are exporting untold opportunities of labour and other added values that could have enhanced the local economy and of course, the big political issue, my friend, the question of unemployment."

"There is that buzzword, the multiplier effect' around now days. This in effect means that an investment in further processing of copper plates into copper cable or copper tubes will have the effect that labour is utilised in greater numbers. It also uses more local utilities, more taxes, which all comes from the higher income potential of the copper cable or copper tubes."

Jake commented, "But Jonathan there are enormous benefits, but it requires some long term planning, do you not agree?"

Jonathan replied, "Yes I agree Jake. They say the 'multiplier effect' or the economic benefit of such a downstream production is enormous."

"I am not an economist, but I understand conservatively, and you must also understand and appreciate that this maybe speculation, but it is said that for every one Rand that is invested in downstream production, the surrounding economy will benefit by as much as four to five Rand. A complicated argument, my friend, but as you will appreciate, such arguments are music to the ears of the trade unionists and behind the scenes' Government officials. Also we will be voting in about a year's time, so maybe somewhere, somebody is thinking ahead."

"So you think there's an ulterior motive somewhere, notwithstanding some excellent long term benefits, maybe?" Jake responded.

"Jake, now I must say both yes, and no," responded Jonathan laughingly, "... this may sound very confusing to you, but the 'yes' part probably relates to somebody or some group having a different agenda or interest, and only time will divulge the full truth here."

"The 'no' part of course speaks for itself, as I have just tried to explain. The long-term benefits of the multiplier effect on downstream production are endless. And, as you know, there have been ups and downs in the international price of the last couple of years, and I also sometimes think that producing countries are held at ransom by the big buyers in the world."

"This is maybe not intentionally undertaken, but if demand for the wire or other products decrease, they simply downsize their buying, and in the mean time, the mines must continue... so it's a trade-off among the producing countries and the big producers."

"Who says the trade in these products appear to be fair; if demand decreases, the orders decrease, then the mines also decrease employment, and where must those workers get money to feed their families. On the face of it... this is the basics of supply and demand, but just maybe somebody is giving consideration to bring these supply and demand factors closer to home."

"So Jake, my friend, this is, to coin one of your sayings, 'this is how the cookie crumbles', but I can tell you that even I am starting to believe that there are many more merits in these arguments, than what we considered up to now."

"It is true Jonathan," Jake agreed, "there are many benefits in downstream production, but you must understand there are also downsides, such as production, marketing, finance and a host of other challenges; But I agree in theory... there are as many possible benefits."

"You must also understand that I don't really have a problem with the concept... it's all good and fine, but my problem is simply... why was the requirement not raised initially when we negotiated the copper transaction? I get the feeling that we were hijacked by certain opportunists who may or may not have the interests at heart of those they are supposedly trying to represent."

"Jonathan, maybe I am using you as a sound board, but believe me there are ways to accommodate these situations."

"Jonathan," Nic enquired, "do you per chance know a Johannesburg lawyer by the name of Tony Burgess, he seems to be a City Counsellor, and I also believe he has connections with the Metals Trade Unions?"

"Yes Nic," Jonathan responded, "I know a little of this gentleman, not too much, you comprehend... there was a meeting on regional development and possible Government incentives and he made a speech there."

"He said that some Middle Eastern investment company is interested in investing in local industry and that hundreds of job opportunities may be created, if the project is successfully negotiated. He is a City Counsellor and I think that maybe he knows something that we do not know. He may have influenced certain officials in the Minerals Department... in any event Nic, why do you ask?"

"Well Jonathan, "Jake quipped, "confidentially let me tell you, Tony Burgess is married to Nic's ex-wife, Anna, but as Nic will tell you, there is no hard feelings and he is still good friends with his ex-wife, but I think let Nic tell you what he knows."

Nic continued, "Jonathan, we know that a company in the Middle East, maybe I think from Dubai... called Copper Traders went to China and is trying to sell a processing plant to Chinese interests for local installation."

"This appears to be an old plant that's not being used somewhere in one of the old Soviet Republics. We think it may be somewhere on the Black Sea... maybe Ukraine, nobody is sure. As far as we can gather, this company is now trying to persuade the Chinese to buy this plant and have it re-installed in one of the producing countries in Southern Africa."

"We also know that a certain Russian gentleman is involved and that he has been in contact with Tony Burgess. We know no more!"

"Jonathan, on the face of it, this transaction appears to be suspect", Jake interjected, "... what concerns me is that if an old plant is erected somewhere in Southern Africa, for argument's sake, it does not actually mean that downstream beneficiation will take place."

"What's more, the mine will probably relinquish some control of its output, or at least part of it. Your argument about the multiplier effect will be non-existent, and I think there are possibly more downsides, than benefits."

"On the other hand... if this is a marginal mine and there is concern about its continued viability, there may be merit in this sort of operation. At this time, however, there are probably more suppliers in the world than there are buyers or buying countries, and the Chinese Government is the largest buyer of raw copper sheets in the world, so one cannot just ignore this type of transaction, but I am saying this must be done with extreme care."

"Also, a very careful due diligence investigation must be undertaken to make sure that the proposed benefits meet the long term expectations."

Jonathan replied, "Do you think there are any underhanded issues present? I cannot influence any official thinking, but I can definitely whisper something in the ear of a responsible official. I also understand that your interests may be prejudiced in this matter, so I need to be very sure of my facts before I get involved, I hope you comprehend my friend."

"Jonathan," Jake responded, "I think I have developed a very favourable relationship with the producers, including Yellow Mountain, and with the big buyers in the world, such as China. There is no question about this and you are welcome to make contact with a person like Ginger Larson, the Mine Manager at Yellow Mountain."

"Also I can tell you confidentially... the Chinese Government afforded me unhindered entrance into China for eight years. Jonathan, at the present I do not think it advisable that any information about our discussions be made public here in Cape Town. Let us talk with a few people and then we can have another meeting, if need be. We will then give you an update of the prevailing situation. From the outside looking in... it may seem that our interests may be somewhat prejudiced, but I think this is only temporary."

"Jake and Nic," Jonathan replied, "I have enjoyed this discussion tremendously and your ideas are worthy of much higher level consideration than only with me, but I respect your request for confidentiality and will look forward to a further discussion on this topic soon... if you deem it necessary. If I hear something along these lines in the next few days, I will call you here at the Royal Hotel. Please enjoy your stay and I wish you a pleasant stay in our lovely city... gentlemen!"

# Chapter 6

Early next morning Nic phoned Anna, his ex-wife and said, "Anna, you sound younger every time I speak with you, how are you?"

Anna laughed and replied, "Nic yes... where are you phoning from?"

Nic replied, "... in Johannesburg Anna... so please excuse me talking hastily. I will call you another day and then we can reminisce about the good times, but for now my darling, can you give me Tony's contact number, I would like to speak with him. Of course I will tell him I got the number from you, unless you advise me not to."

Anna replied, "Well Nic, you also knew him some years back, and I suppose it will do no harm if you tell him I gave you the number, and Marianne is his secretary. She is Graham's daughter; he is a big man in the Metal Industry Union, bye Nic."

Jake then told Nic that a brief introductory meeting with Tony is required at this time.

Jake commented, "I think our friend Tony may just be part of our enemies. Nic, you know what they say about enemies, 'keep your friends close, but your enemies closer, he he he... and I also think that during the meeting with Tony we appear very casual, almost ignorant or blasé, maybe you should start the meeting by saying he has good relationship with the unions."

"Let's not say anything about the Copper Traders connection."

Tony's office in downtown Johannesburg was in a dreary back street in a rundown old building, but when he saw Nic he smiled and said, "Nic my friend, it's been a long time... you know Anna and I are now married. She never said anything bad about you... never could understand why your ways split, but then you were always the wandering spirit... never could sit down long enough and maybe this was the cause of the demise of your relationship. It's good to see you again, and I'm also pleased to meet your friend."

Nic introduced Jake. Tony then called Marianne, dressed in a low cut and sensual dress.

"Marianne this is Jake De Villiers and Nic Jooste, Anna's ex-husband and an old friend of mine; we knew each other at school although Nic was my senior by a couple of years."

"Don't look so surprised Marianne, the fact that Anna and Nic are divorced is sad, but it is to my benefit. Can we have some tea, Marianne?... So Nic, Anna phoned me and told me about your visit, what can I do for you?"

Nic replied, "I told Jake I have an old friend and acquaintance that I was always interested in helping people. I think Anna told me once that you are doing legal work for the less privileged, and for some Union members. Jake and I are commodity brokers and facilitate buyers and sellers, you know Tony... we bring them together. So it is always advisable that we keep on talking to not only them, but also to important people in the community like yourself."

"Maybe we can learn of developments, I am sure that when you are helping members of the unions, you sometime hear about developments on the mines, however small... this maybe important."

"I am not asking for your client privilege information, as you call it. I am merely saying that the more people we talk to that are involved in commodities, the better we are equipped in our business, and I hope you comprehend my friend."

Nic cleared his throat and continued, "I remember once in Brazil, the taxi driver in a mining town told me that his brother was a mechanic on the big trucks on the mines. They were having problems with the electric traction systems, which meant trucks could not work and consequently, that the ore could not be taken to the crushers. No statement was ever made public, but it was said that the output of the mine was down and everybody thought it was a mining problem, but in fact it was merely of a technical nature, a temporary hitch which was then sorted out quickly."

"Interesting observation Nic," Tony commented.

"So Tony," Nic continued, "we talk with you; we talk with taxi drivers; with the mine sales offices; we even try to talk with the Department of Mines... by doing it this way, we consider that we can offer buyers and sellers a good service."

"So Tony, we are not asking for privileged information, but as you are a Local Government official, maybe you can direct us to an official in the Metal Union or maybe somebody in Government... so we can also talk to them to gain a good idea of future developments in the industry."

"Also, we have a small gift we wish to give you. It is a box that contains some excellent 'cabernet' wines, which we hope you will enjoy."

Nic and Jake noticed that Tony Burgess was continuously staring at the wrapped package that Nic carried into Tony's office. Before Nic finished his sentence, Tony stepped around his desk towards a side table where Nic had placed the package.

"Nic, Jake, greatly appreciated my friends, South African red wines are excellent... maybe the climate! Let us take a break in our discussions and look at your gift. "

Tony Burgess hastily unwrapped the package, and saw that it was a wooden box containing two bottles of cabernet red wine, and said "This gift will be enjoyed my friends and kept for very special occasions."

Jake and Nic immediately noticed a change in Tony Burgess's attitude and although not hostile, it was 'friendly but formal'.

Tony's smile brightened up, "Nic and Jake, maybe I think it was a good idea to come and talk with me, because I have excellent contacts in the unions and the Government and also with the mines. It is true there will be developments and maybe I can tell you a few things."

At that moment Marianne came into Tony's office with the tea... displaying the very distinct and enticing cleavage.

Smiling at Nic she said, "Nic, you probably do not remember me because I was also at school with Tony, but some years his junior... I cannot remember you, but I think there was a girl called Catherine Jooste, maybe a year or two ahead of me... was she possibly related to you?"

Nic replied, "Marianne, yes she is my cousin... this is a small world to think that you knew her. She is married a New Zealander and lives in Auckland. She has, I think three boys..., but I do not have that much contact with her, regretfully. She is also a beautiful girl, long black hair and big lively eyes, almost like you."

Marianne replied, "thank you Nic, it is a nice complement because I always liked her, Tony shall I play momma and pour the tea... Jake and Nic do you take some milk and sugar?"

Tony at that point was more concerned with the labels on the cabernet red wine bottles and took the box containing the wines, and placed it behind his desk. Sitting down and looking at Marianne he said, "Marianne, I think it may be good if Jake and Nic could maybe meet Graham, they do business in the copper mining industry, so there is a mutual interest. They want to have a very general type of discussion, nothing in great detail, and maybe I should also attend this meeting."

"Can you please call Graham and say that I would like to introduce some friends and exchange ideas of mutual interest. Please call him and set up an appointment, maybe in the next day or so; would it suit you Nic?"

Nic responded, "I think it would be perfect... maybe late afternoon, and if you prefer we can have sundowners at the Royal Hotel... where Jake and I are staying."

Nic booked into a Johannesburg hotel when he transacts business after normal business hours. This was notwithstanding the fact that Nic's home is in Pretoria. Hence, both Jake and Nic booked into the Royal Hotel in Parktown Johannesburg.

Tony Burgess then responded, "Great... that sounds perfect, Marianne can you please ask Graham if we can have a small meeting at the Royal Hotel maybe this afternoon, or tomorrow afternoon, I like the idea, my friends,... Marianne please call Graham right away."

Marianne pouted her lips, smiled at Nic and said, "Will do Tony, I will phone him right away," and left Tony's office, closing the door behind her.

o o o O O O o o o

After Jake returned from breakfast the following morning, there was a knock on his hotel room door and as he opened the door, the hotel valet handed him an envelope.

He thanked the Valet courteously, gave him a tip... then quickly tore open the envelope and froze when he read the message. He quickly walked over to the dresser, picked up the telephone receiver, and dialled Nic's room number. When Nic answered the phone, he said, "Nic, we have a problem, I just received a note delivered by the hotel valet... and I think you should come to read it, urgently... please hurry."

It took Nic five minutes to reach Jake's room on the twentieth floor. He briefly knocked and when Jake opened the hotel room door he said, "Jake, what's wrong. You sounded very concerned on the phone... may I please see the message."

Jake handed Nic the message and he gasped when he read the note, "What the hell, somebody does not like us being here Jake... can you believe the arrogance!"

Jake looked at the note again and read it out loud,

"Not only horses can get sick, gents... the people around them can also get sick or even worse... who knows what!

You are treading on thin ice and maybe you and your friend should get out of our town."

Nic went to the phone, and called the Concierge's desk and enquired, "A note was delivered to Mr De Villiers's room on the twentieth floor... could you please tell me who delivered the message to the hotel?"

There was a brief silence and somebody replied to Nic, who listened intently and he then said, "Damn it, Jake, a boy delivered it... and as expected nobody in the hotel's reception knows him."

"Nic, my immediate concern is Sandra and Naomi... the reference to horses can only refer to Molly, Naomi's Pony. As you know, Molly got sick at the Gymkhana stables one morning very early and we in fact went there and fetched her. Believe me; I hate to shock Sandra with news like this."

"Nic, it is at times like this that one's loyalty and sense of purpose feels challenged,... what do I do, go back to Johannesburg and write this off, or stay and try to find out who's behind this pathetic threat... but at what cost? Do I gamble on the lives of people that I love, because you know my friend... if it happens once, it can happen again."

Nic stood with a wry smile, stared out through the hotel window at the far-off Hartebeespoort Mountains, and said, "Jake, I have another surprise for you my friend, nothing as shocking as you just received, but, nonetheless just as interesting... Marianne left a message for me on the hotel's TV system."

"I think it was while we were having breakfast, so when I got to the room and saw it, I phoned her and she said she urgently wants to see me... if possible, later this morning. She gave me her mobile's number and asked me to call her so that we can get together. She did not say anything more and rang off."

Jake responded, "Nic this is very interesting and maybe even related to my note episode, but I think I'm going to phone Johan Adams in Johannesburg... he's the Assistant grounds man at the Gymkhana Club's stables and he already arranged for some security around my farm for a while. I'll talk with him and briefly explain and ask him to get some extra security until I get back."

"Then I'll phone Sandra and try to explain, however, traumatic. Maybe Sandra and Naomi can go down to Plettenberg Bay at our seaside holiday home, until I get back."

He briefly cleared his throat and continued, "I'll wait until round six o'clock. In any case Nic, I think we have hit some sensitive areas, and it's strange but the only persons who knew us being here in the Royal Hotel was Tony Burgess and Marianne, Tony's Secretary... and of course Anna, your ex-wife."

"I think we can disregard Anna, so that leaves Tony and Marianne, although I seriously doubt that Marianne or even her father, would have anything to do with this note. So our obvious choice is Tony, we will hear later today about our meeting with Graham, or Marianne might just confirm the time. I suggest you get hold of Marianne and see what she has to say... play it safe again, and Nic, she's a lovely girl and possibly very important to our interests... treat with care, please."

Nic smiled and replied, "Sure Jake, I get the drift; don't worry, look and listen, but no touch."

"Nic, we must also contact Tony and hear what time Graham can see us. I have a few things to attend to and will talk with Sandra after eleven this morning. I'll be at the hotel, so when you're done, call me on my mobile."

"I agree Jake," Nic responded, and left.

Nic went down stairs; left the hotel, crossed the street, went into a 'Seven-Eleven' convenience store, and purchased a pay-as-you-go cell phone... and a cell number, as well as a suitable recharge voucher with sufficient airtime. Nic entered the number that Marianne gave him and waited for a response. After a couple seconds she answered, "Hi there, Marianne here."

"Marianne, Nic here, thank you for your earlier call... can we get together, maybe this morning. There is a coffee shop not too far from the Royal Hotel, Pablos Coffee Shop, do you know it?"

Marianne replied, "Sounds good Nic, yes I know it and I think it will be safe to meet there. I will explain why I asked to see you urgently... see you in about an hour... is that OK?"

A few minutes after ten Nic strolled into Pablo's Coffee Shop and noticed Marianne sitting in a far corner, partially obscured by some Palm Tree shrubbery.

Marianne responded, "Nic, hi there, and thank you for coming."

Nic bent down, kissed Marianne on the cheek and replied, "Marianne, it is my pleasure, you sounded little concerned on the phone earlier... something wrong?

"Nic, maybe or maybe not, but I thought that I should tell you. Catherine, your niece, is a good friend of mine... so I also consider you a good friend. Please, I cannot say too much... but be very careful of Tony. After you left the office, I heard him talk with somebody. I heard him say that the message 'must be delivered' to the Royal Hotel. At first, I heard him complaining. He said that he did not want to do it. Then he agreed to do it immediately. I will also phone you later today about the meeting with my father. I think this meeting will be OK, but my father is just rearranging his schedule and he will call me later to confirm... then I will call you. Now Nic, I must go to the office, maybe we can get together sometime later, if you want to!"

Nic responded, "Marianne absolutely... it will be a pleasure, but I am concerned for you also. Maybe you should be careful. Tell me, does your father know Tony very well?"

Marianne replied, "No Nic, he actually knows very little of him, I guess... but that's all I know."

"What you tell me about Tony is strange," replies Nic "... and I do not understand... he was very friendly and courteous at the office, but in any case we will talk again later... see you."

Marianne got up, kissed Nic on the cheek, gave him a gentle hug and left. Nic ordered a coffee and afterwards walked back to the Royal Hotel.

Back in his hotel room Jake phoned Johan Adams, the assistant Grounds man at the Gymkhana Club in Johannesburg and said, "Johan, my apologies for calling you at this time of the morning, I know it's early... I am in Johannesburg. Something happened and I urgently, almost desperately, need your help."

Johan then interjected, "No problems Mr De Villiers, how can I help you?"

"Johan please call me Jake, and thank you for your understanding. As I said before I am on a business trip in Johannesburg and staying at the Royal Hotel in Johannesburg. When I came back from breakfast this morning, I received a note at my room, which read, 'not only horses can get sick, senor, the people around them can also get sick, or even worse, who knows what! You are treading on thin ice and maybe you and your friend should hop on a plane and get out of our town.' I think this threat has to do with my daughter's pony getting sick at the stables, so you see Johan, this is my situation and being three hundred kilometres away from Johannesburg, and... my hands are tied. I need your help please. Now I know that the VIP Security company is patrolling the area around my farm, but I feel this may not be enough. Maybe I should ask you to arrange for full time security at the farm, at least until I get back, which would be next week."

"Jake, strange coincidence," Johan responded, "the VIP outfit called me yesterday afternoon and told me that they're actually investigating Peter Rowling, you know he is the ex-cop, now private detective operating from a small holding south of Johannesburg and it was his old Land Rover that was seen at the Club. Earlier yesterday we found one of our workers highly intoxicated at the Club and the other workers said he had suddenly come into a lot of money."

"After interrogation he admitted that a certain Vince Barnes, he was an ex-jockey with a dubious background, had forced him, or coerced him to spike the horse's feeds with something that upset them... which was also the case with your daughter's pony, obviously against payment. It appears that this Barnes' character is also associated with Peter Rowling. Through another old friend of mine, I also found out that Barnes has a list of convictions as long as his arm. He also served, jail time. I then phoned your home last night in the hope of speaking to you... and your wife answered the phone. I briefly told her the story and she then asked me to increase the security. Apart from the VIP security detail, I also took her a radio transceiver which is linked to one of our channels that are manned twenty four hours daily."

"Also Jake, John Wilson said that if the need arises, he'll go and camp on your front lawn with a shot gun. At this point I think we have the situation under control and we'll select a further course of action when you return."

Jake responded, "Johan I'm indebted to you and John, please convey my appreciation. I will phone again in a day or so. Again thanks a million and goodbye."

Around six in the evening, Jake phoned Sandra in Johannesburg and said, "Hi Sandy, everything OK? Yes darling, why, so formal... you sound concerned, is everything OK on your side?"

"Well", Jake replied, "not quite sure, I've had some drama and spoke to Johan earlier at the Club and he told me that he'd been in contact with you last night about certain developments and that you have everything under control. You gorgeous woman, I love you. I'm afraid I also have a story to tell, I received a note which contained a veiled threat of a sort, something about horses getting sick and that I should get of town."

At that point he could hear Sandra sigh on the other end of the receiver, and she reacted, "Darling please come home, it's not worth it. I prefer you alive and well...."

Jake interrupted Sandra and said, "Sandy everything is OK, I'm absolutely certain, what concerns me is you and Naomi.... I would like to suggest that you and Naomi go down to Plettenberg Bay until I get back."

He intuitively knew the reaction he would get from Sandra about that suggestion and the 'expected' reaction followed, "No ways Jake, I'm staying right here and what's more, I told Naomi about the telephone call last night, thought it advisable... and her reaction was the same as mine. We are both adamant about staying here, and certainly not stupid in doing something irresponsible... and we both agreed that wherever we go, we keep track of each other. So darling, we will hold the fort until your return!"

Sandra sounded if she was almost relishing the situation, and Jake responded, "I have all the faith in the world in you Sandy, please just be careful. I will also be cautious; in fact, I think we will be having sundowners with the person that 'seemingly' wrote the threatening note. There's been a couple of interesting developments and as it so happens, it appears that our main suspect's PA knew a cousin of Nic, and she and he are probably right now, having coffee somewhere close by. Keep well, you fabulous woman, and we will talk again soon. Love you."

"Love you always darling, look after yourself, bye for now," Sandra replied... and they rang off.

At that point, Jake's hotel room phone rang, and when he lifted the receiver, Nic responded, "Jake, your speculation is, spot on, can I come up to your room?"

Jake responded affirmatively and a few minutes later a knock on the door, and when Jake opened the door, Nic entered.

"Jake," Nic said, "you were right, Marianne told me that after we left Tony's office he had a telephone call. She said, she heard him talk with somebody... she does not know to whom... but she did hear him say something about a message that must be delivered to the Royal Hotel. At first, she heard him complaining that he did not want to do it. He then said, "I will do it quickly."

"Tony was threatened into sending the message. Marianne will phone us later today to confirm the sundowners with Graham."

"Thanks Nic, I also spoke to Sandra earlier and to Johan, he's at the Gymkhana Club in Johannesburg, and there have been some developments, as well. It appears that a worker admitted to spiking several ponies' feeds. He also divulged the name of the perpetrator, or shall I say the instigator, a dubious character by the name of Vince Barnes that also apparently paid the worker, who afterwards got highly intoxicated... probably as a result of the money paid to him by Barnes."

"Johan also told me that this character has a rap sheet as long as his arm, and has also served jail time. He also organized some extra security at the farm so that Sandra and Naomi will be safe until I return. Nic, it's almost midday so I think we should quickly strategize over this evening's sundowners."

"I think, we should obviously not say anything about the threatening note, instead I think, concentrate on the 'multiplier effect and offsets' of downstream investments. Jonathan Hayes was visibly impressed with the concept, so let us throw it at Graham and see what his reaction is and just maybe, we can 'upset the applecart', as they say. Nic, I do not have Sandra's intuitive capabilities, but somehow I think or sense some sort of 'vicious circle'."

Nic interrupted Jake and said, "Vicious circle, how do you mean?"

To which Jake relied, "We have our interests, there are the interests of Yellow Mountain, also the interests of the Chinese buyers, and the interests of Graham and the interests of Tony, and whoever he represents; and somewhere I think these interests are probably going to collide."

"Frankly, I also think there is possibly a clash of interests with Tony and his brethren, who knows;... maybe we can swing his allegiance in our favour. We still have to talk with Yellow Mountain's people, and I am concerned about the mine! When I switched on the television news earlier, there was an item on Yellow Mountain, what I could gather was that some accident had taken place, so maybe you should quickly phone the news service and do some enquiries. I have a couple of chores to attend to Nic, so can we again meet about four pm, and then we can finally decide what's on the menu for this evening."

"Absolutely Jake, I'm looking forward to tonight, see you around four pm."

Jake then decided that it was, time to speak with Ginger Larson, the Mine Manager at Yellow Mountain Copper Mine near Messina in the Northern Province and entered Ginger's mobile number on his own mobile. The phone rang and Ginger answered, "Hullo, Ginger here, can I help?"

"Ginger, my friend, it's Jake De Villiers from Johannesburg, how are you and are you free to take the call?"

"Jake," Ginger responded, "its good again to hear your voice, I always make, time for my friends, you said you will be coming to Johannesburg and I actually expected you late last week?"

Jake replied, "Ginger, yes I originally planned for last week, but a few hitches cropped up, but first things first, I am in Johannesburg and I saw a news item this morning that some accident had taken place at the mine, is it serious?"

Ginger replied, "Jake, I will be in Johannesburg tomorrow, about two pm, then we can talk. I hope you understand, but I will explain tomorrow. You said you will be staying at the Royal Hotel... so see you there and adios my friend!"

Jake responded likewise.

Nic returned to his hotel room and was about to start some work on his laptop computer and emails when his new Johannesburg mobile phone rang. He picked up the phone, acknowledged the call, and said "Hi there, can I help?"

"Nic, its Marianne here, Tony's out of the office for a while, so I can talk. Graham will be at the Royal Hotel about six O'clock, if this is OK with you... and he asked me to get a brief resume of what you want to discuss with him and Tony. He normally likes to be prepared for such occasions and he knows you are copper traders and as you know, there are many mines in this area."

"Yes it's perfect, thank you Marianne, we appreciate you assistance in getting this meeting with Graham."

"It is my pleasure, Nic," Marianne replied, "I will consider the cost and how you can repay me later; you know that I like you Nic, so think about it. Meanwhile, be a good boy here in Pietersburg, bi for now."

Nic looked at the hotel room's ceiling, sighed and thought, 'the boss's instructions, are - hands off, so I will do this but, Nic when the problem is sorted out, 'caramba senorita', then you and I will get acquainted... that's a promise!'

o o o O O O o o o

# Chapter 7

Tony Burgess returned to his office and stared at his ceiling fan that was making croaking sounds as it battled the unusual and intense humidity and searing heat in Johannesburg... and he thought to himself, 'today is going to be in the thirties, and there is very little likelihood of rain, it is unbearable!'

At that point, his mobile phone rang and when he acknowledged the call, it was the old miner Pete Jefferies, from Yellow Mountain. "Tony my friend, I think we have upset the process flow here on the mine, as you requested. I cannot talk too much and please, do not phone me on this mobile number because it belongs to a friend of Santie, my wife. They do not know I am using it. In any case, Tony, I think we have caused a disruption of possibly two to three weeks, maybe even longer. This is what you asked... is it not?"

Tony responded, "Pete, yes it sounds if you did well. There must be no mistake, are you confident that it will take Yellow Mountain two to three weeks to resume normal operations. My friend you and I only have this one opportunity, and if it does not happen, I think we will be history, you comprehend, my friend?"

Pete replied, "Tony I have family and a lot of friends on this mine and I cannot afford to get them injured or laid off. I agreed to help you when you said that the conditions on the mine will improve, and maybe more people will get jobs. I had to be very careful of how I create a work stoppage. I can tell you that I, or we, it is not important who had helped me... had temporarily dislodged the high voltage power supply to the mine! Let us say no more.

The mine is now generating its own emergency power on its generators, but these cannot supply all the requirements... also the mine gets some of its power from a secondary power line, but this is small. At least now, the workers can get out of the stopes and go to the main processing areas and there is no danger to them at this time. Now Tony, it is up to you and your friends to create more job opportunities... there are many unemployed people around the mine. You have threatened me and now I am threatening you mister... if you do not deliver on your promises, I will make get you... do you comprehend?... I am serious about this, my friend, and I also do not make idle threats, so cheers," and Pete Jefferies rang off.

Tony knew, he was now caught up in the middle of a complex web of deception where the future viability of the Yellow Mountain mine was at stake, including the livelihood of many thousands of workers.

Jeff Cooper from Traders coerced him into organizing the accidents and disruptions on the mine in the hope of persuading the mine management to accept their offer to construct an 'additional' processing plant.

Tony then persuaded Pete Jefferies that the new plant would create hundreds of new jobs for the unemployed. Tony was worried, he knew that Yellow Mountain was selling copper plates forward, in other words, the mine committed itself to deliver certain fixed quantities of three to six months in advance, for which they were probably already paid. If Yellow Mountain reneged on its contracts to deliver these large quantities, it would not only unsettle the investors in the mine, but also the international trading community and more important, the big buyers in the world... such as China.

The mine could be placed in receivership. Tony also reliably learned that Yellow Mountain's credit lines with certain local and international banks have also possibly been exhausted... or drawn up to maximum limits.

He also understood the concept of 'roll over financing', because he 'personally' already has seven credit cards... and each of the new credit cards' actually paid the previous card's immediate commitments.

The situation got so bad that his credit limits with four credit card companies have been frozen or suspended. He had in fact been drawing cash on these (now frozen) credit cards, and then re-deposited only part of the cash, back into the other cards' accounts in the process of trying to service his debt. He was hoping that a future 'business venture of a sort' might provide some solution to his endless cash flow problems.

Consequently, Jeff Cooper's arrival on the scene provided Tony with the 'much needed crucial opportunity to liquidate some of his debts... albeit with dubious means. Nonetheless, he considered... 'the situation justifies the means!'

Marianne came into Tony's office, looking enticingly sexy in a low cut blouse, and said, "Tony I heard that a mine up north had experienced some power problems, I think it was Yellow Mountain, is this not the mine that you were discussing with Nic and Jake from South Africa yesterday?"

Tony replied, "Darling, this is normal for mining operations, they are far from the big cities and they have the means to sort out their problems. Do not concern your beautiful little self with such a meagre problem." He suddenly realized that Marianne may have heard some of his discussion with Pete Jefferies about the problems at Yellow Mountain, and he quickly asked her, "When did you come into the office... I was looking for you a while ago, where were you?"

Marianne had in fact overheard some of Tony's discussion with Pete Jefferies , although she could not figure out what was being said... she realized that it was something bad because she heard the words "shark bait", and this she knew was not good! Whatever happened, she had to pretend being very ignorant and needed a diversion, "I went across the street to the chemist for some personal items, Tony, don't think you want too many details, eh... this is where I heard about the mine."

Marianne then turned around, and said, "Ooh Tony, I have something for you," and she left his office hurriedly.

In her adjacent office, she loosened another button on her blouse, lifted her boobs slightly, picked up a small carton containing a cream cake..., which she had actually bought for herself, and strolled back into Tony's office.

He looked up at her when she came into his office and it was evident that he was not sure where to look first... Marianne's more revealing cleavage, or the cake box. Marianne walked around Tony's desk, placed the small carton on the desk in front of him... and then she noticed the bulge in his pants, displaying, what she suddenly realized, was probably a lot more than merely his manly charm!

Marianne knew she was teasing Tony more than she had actually bargained for... and knew that some more quick thinking was now also necessary!

She said, "Oh no Tony, I forgot something at the Chemist, that time of the month you know... I'll be back in a while," and left his office and ran across the road to the Chemist.

o o o O O O o o o

At four O'clock in the afternoon, Jake and Nic had a brief meeting. Jake said, "I think we'll keep it simple with Graham and Tony later this afternoon. Let's briefly talk about offsets, and let them do most of the talking, do you agree, Nic?"

Nic agreed and Jake continued, "I prepared a short resume on offsets and, what I perceive the benefits to be regards both the receiving and investing entities... in South Africa and elsewhere. Would you please fax this off to Marianne, so that she could send this to Graham's office and Nic... we might as well send Tony a copy, just for protocol purposes. Oh and by the way Nic, I called Ginger Larson, the Mine Manager at Yellow Mountain and we will be seeing him tomorrow, at two pm. He was very abrupt, but I suppose it is because of the problems at the mine... in any event, it is probably pressure. We'll know tomorrow."

Just before Nic left Jake's hotel room, his local mobile phone rang and he answered, "Nic Hola, can I help?"

"It is Marianne here, Nic; can I talk with you quickly?"

"Yes Marianne, what's wrong... are you OK?"

"Nic, I am ok, but I had to leave Tony's office very hastily... but I will explain later, what I now want to tell you is that I heard him talk about Yellow Mountain Mine to someone in an exciting tone and then I also heard him say, something about 'shark bait'. Afterwards, when I went into his office he seemed annoyed and asked me where I had been, because he had been looking for me. I think this is not why he asked where I had been, he probably thinks that I may have heard something about his telephone conversation. I had to get out of his office quickly, so I told him that I had to go to the chemist, it is where I am phoning from now. Nic, be careful tonight when you meet him and Graham, cheers for now", and Marianne rang off.

"Jake," Nic responded, "that was Marianne, she heard Tony talk with somebody about Yellow Mountain and use the words, sorely departed, and she also asked us to be careful tonight."

"Nic, 'forewarned is forearmed', and let's be conscious of the situation and act accordingly. We know Mister Tony is somehow involved or compromised... the extent however, is unknown and as we decided earlier, we must let him and Graham do as much talking as possible. Maybe you should also talk with Marianne and ask her to keep a low profile... if Tony or anybody realizes that she is talking to you or even passing messages on, her life may be in danger. So Nic, let's meet in the foyer of the hotel at six pm."

When Nic left Jake's room he noticed some workers close by the elevators... and what caught his attention was that a worker held a telephone to his ear that was connected to the twentieth floor's telephone switch box...[he saw a PT telephone motif on the outside of a small service hatch].

He thought this could probably be harmless or innocent, but something kept nagging him. Some months back he saw an old Second World War movie, and in one scene, he remembered seeing a sign that was stuck up against a wall somewhere, which read, 'Loose lips sink ships'.

Nic then murmured to himself, 'We're not in a war right now, or are we, and it's possible that someone may just be trying to install an eavesdropping device,... sounds ridiculous, but it is worth a mention to Jake, and now's not the right time to go back to Jake's room, so I'll wait till six and then mention it.'

Nic pressed the 'down button' at the elevators' doors, and when an elevator arrived, he entered and pressed the 'ground floor' button.

When the elevator stopped on the ground floor, which was also in the lobby of the hotel, Nic exited the elevator and briskly walked out of the hotel and crossed the street in front of the hotel. At the 'Seven-Eleven' convenience store, Nic purchased another mobile phone, together with the necessary activation and airtime vouchers and in a nearby coffee shop, activated the new mobile phone. Nic then entered a one word text message, 'eavesdropping' and entered Jake's international mobile phone number and pressed the 'send' button.

After Nic left, Jake decided to take a quick shower and as he was about to get dressed, he heard the ringtone on his mobile, signifying a text or SMS message. He picked up the mobile, found the message, and smiled when he read the word, 'eavesdropping'.

Earlier in the afternoon, somebody from the service personnel in the hotel knocked on his room door and asked whether they could refresh his room. He courteously declined the offer, but also noticed some technicians lower down the passage and this fact completely slipped his mind.

Although he could not place or identify the mobile number, he knew Nic's capabilities and took a side bet with himself; this could only be the work of 'Mister Nic'.

Just before six pm Jake arrived at the lounge area's foyer and saw Nic talk with one of waiters.

When Nic saw Jake, he came across and said, "You have a smile on your face Jake, is it maybe that you received a text message on your mobile phone?"

"Nic, thank you very much, yes I should also have told you. Earlier this afternoon the floor's service staff wanted to freshen my room and I noticed some technicians further down the passage, busy with what looked like wiring and telephones, and the thought crossed my mind that this is one area that we have not considered yet,... that of being bugged.

I have only used my mobile, and not the hotel's phone. Well Nic it is always a pleasure to win a bet against oneself. When I received the text message, I took a side bet that it was Senor Nic, and true to form... it was Mister Nic."

Nic replied, "Jake, I purchased an extra mobile for you. The battery is partly loaded and I will give you the charger later, the mobile may even fit your own phone's charger. Maybe it is advisable to make use of this extra communication, and if, 'push comes to shove', we can communicate with text messages... hardly likely that the text messages could be intercepted. You need sophisticated scanners to be able to do this. Oh, and the mobile's number is in the telephone list, under the name of 'Jeff', hé hé hé."

Jake noticed a tall thickset man standing near the entrance to the lounge area and thought this could probably be Mr Graham. He turned to Nic and said that guy look like he's waiting for company... won't you please approach him and see if it's indeed our guest."

Nic approached the man and said, "Excuse me are you maybe Senor Graham?"

Graham replied, "Yes I am, and you must be Nic Jooste, I am pleased to meet you Sir."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Nic introduced Graham to Jake and they moved off to some comfortable sofas in the lounge area.

After seating themselves, Jake commented, "Nic do you see Tony Burgess anywhere? I think, we can remain seated here and maybe you can ask a waiter to direct him to us when he arrives."

Nic got up, approached a waiter, and after a brief discussion returned.

Jake then handed Graham a small gift box containing some red wines and said, "Mr Graham, as a small gesture of our appreciation, we would like you to try some exclusive Cabernet wines, which I think are just as good as your wines here South Africa."

"Jake" Graham said, "Please call me Graham and if I may call you Jake? Thanks for the gift... I appreciate! Yes, these Western Cape wines are famous and I will keep it for special occasions. I think our friend Tony will be late. These politicians always arrive late. It is maybe their practice, but this allows us time to get acquainted."

Jake responded, "Graham, thank you for the honour of seeing us and by all means, please call me Jake, that is how I am known to my friends, and Nic is my friend and colleague. We prefer first names, if it suits you."

"Before Tony arrives," Graham continued, "let me say this, we have a mutual interest that is of great concern to me. I know of your business dealings with Yellow Mountain Copper Mine, I have also been in contact with Ginger Larson, and he tells me that he will be having a discussion with you tomorrow. I think he may have some news for you that may not sound very good, and this may concern some problems on the mine. It is, I think, of a technical nature, but nonetheless it is disconcerting because, as you know I represent the workers, and in fact, my Union has a small interest in the mine. The interest in the mine is, as you will understand, not so much for the financial gain, but to have insight into the mine's management for purposes of the interests of the workers."

"Thank you Graham for being so straightforward with us, we appreciated this," Jake responded.

Graham then continued, "It is my pleasure, Jake, also, I am probably not very courteous and should say that you are most welcome in our lovely country. In addition, I hope that you enjoy your stay. There are interests at work, not only at Yellow Mountain, but also at some other mines here in South Africa that seems to have agendas, which are not aimed at the welfare of the workers. You trade in commodities for the benefit of the buyers and the sellers, and I do understand that although the price is the main issue, more important maybe, I think is the issue of the timely delivery of the copper plates to the buyer. It could have grave consequences for the future viability of the mine if the copper is not delivered on time. I also understand that the quality of the copper plates is also of supreme importance. Now you will probably ask why I am labouring you with this type of discussion. Well my friends, I do not think that the present happenings at Yellow Mountain are pure coincidence, I think that the situation is orchestrated for a purpose!"

"Graham," Jake enquired, "... do you have any proof or at least have any idea who may the perpetrators behind this subversive action be?... Because I must tell you that, I am shocked. You know that we have recently signed a letter of undertaking between the Chamber of Mines and the Chinese for the supply of five hundred thousand tons of high quality copper plate, and delivery is assumed to take place over a six months period."

"This, I think, is no secret. It was published in the Johannesburg financial press, so it is in the public domain, and in addition, Graham, one option in the letter of undertaking was that Yellow Mountain could exercise a futures contract in this matter. This means, that if this happens, Yellow Mountain will receive payment for the shipment in advance. The price of copper is rising in the world market, so buyers want to establish or strengthen their positions. I do know that Yellow Mountain Copper Mine is mining deeper, and have possibly experienced geological faults or an unstable sub-structure; however, you want to call it. Ginger has a very good team of engineers and miners and I think they can manage such a situation."

Graham replied, "Yes, Jake you are quite correct, I also think Ginger can manage the situation, but the mine embarked on an expensive capital expansion programme last year, and this was, I think largely to mechanize its underground operations. From a Union point of view, this is of course fatal... because you are now replacing the Union members with machines."

Jake then asked, "But Graham, what type of problems is Yellow Mountain experiencing now?... Mining companies are such big operations and they are generally equipped to handle any type of emergency, also because of the fact that they are such long distances away from the metropolitan areas."

"Yes, this is so Jake", replied Graham, "but as Ginger will explain to you, Yellow Mountain consumes a large amount of electricity that has to be supplied to the mine over hundreds of kilometres of high voltage power lines."

"Maintenance of these power lines is a very complicated operation and requires access to some of the most inhabitable areas of our country, deserts, mountains etc. The mine does have its own power back-up system of generators, but only supply emergency power and if it does happen that there is a major breakdown in the power grid, then the mine is at their mercy."

"But Graham," Nic commented, "and please excuse my ignorance... high voltage power lines rarely break down if maintained properly. This is a tried and tested system of power distribution that is used in most countries... is it maybe your opinion that somebody is intentionally causing the breakdown of the transmission of the power?"

Graham replied affirmatively, "Yes Nic, I am not an electrical specialist, but that is precisely what I think... but my friends, if my estimation is correct, our mutual acquaintance Senor Tony Burgess should be here any moment now. Maybe I would ask that we do not talk too much about my perception of the electrical problems and its possible cause."

At that moment Tony Burgess came into the Royal Hotel's lounge and noticing Jake, Nic and Graham, he walked towards them and said, "Hullo there gentlemen, Mr Graham, Jake, Nic, I hope gentlemen, you are well?,.... My apologies for being little late for our meeting, I unfortunately had matters of state to attend to, as a City Counsellor, I sometimes have urgent matters, but I am sure that you understand."

Graham, Jake and Nic then courteously greeted Tony Burgess and Jake said, "Tony, Graham what would you like to drink. Nic arranged some snacks, and let me say that we are privileged to share your company. As you know we are international commodity traders and it is also our privilege to do business with the local copper mines, and therefore it is important for us to talk with all parties, here in Polokwane and at the mines, which we hope to visit in the next couple of days."

At that point, both Jake and Nic, keenly watched Tony's reaction when Jake mentioned them going to the mine in the next day or so, hoping to see some sort of reaction. Tony merely smiled and said, "Jake you must take sufficient liquids with you when you go to Yellow Mountain, it is very hot up there at the mine, which is in the mountains."

"Tony," Jake started, "I've already thanked Graham for the honour of seeing us and I would also like to thank you for the honour. As I said before, and without wanting to make speeches, we do business internationally and for this reason, it is always necessary to talk with local officials of Governments and Trade Unions, as well as with the mining industry. We have a couple of ideas that we will share with you tonight... you are our guests so please let us hear about your thoughts on the future prospects of business dealings in these days of economic uncertainty."

The Royal Hotel's waiters then brought some snacks and Nic asked them to place these on the tables in front of the comfortable sofas.

Tony Burgess liked to hear himself talk, and more so, to impress Senor Graham. 'Now is the opportunity to express some political objectives', he thought to himself.

At that point, Graham interjected and laughingly said, "Please gentlemen, call me Graham, I do know I am the grandfather in terms of our respective ages here, but we all share a common interest... the people and mining industry here in Polokwane, so let us communicate informally, thank you."

Tony responded, "Thank you, Graham, we share a lovely country. I also share somebody that is very close to Graham. His daughter Marianne is my secretary, a very lovely and likeable woman. Let us not disappoint the Chef's here at the Royal Hotel; their snacks are world famous. "

Tony then picked up a side plate and filled it up with snacks. Graham, Jake, and Nic soon followed and helped themselves to some snacks. Nic arranged for a small side bar and a waiter stood in attendance. As Tony sat down, the waiter approached and asked each party what they would like to drink. Graham, Jake, and Nic ordered some Scotch Whiskey and Tony ordered red wine.

"Salute," Tony said and held up his glass of red wine, "Thank you Jake and Nic, and thank you Graham, for your company."

Jake, Nic and Graham also raised their glasses, and Tony continued, "The World economy is slowly starting to show signs of recovery after its recent stagnation, and unfortunately smaller countries are merely swept along by the big countries. It is like a huge river torrent, so it is maybe imperative that we also consider the future options. Our mines extract raw materials, and we are then possibly at the mercy of international markets, so I think the time has maybe come that some of these big countries invest in our mines or get involved and then maybe will we be shielded by the enormous price changes that take place."

"If some of the big countries have an interest in our mines for example sake... then it follows that they will buy from these mines, irrespective of a change in international market prices. I do not mean to insult you Jake and Nic, but we have to consider our situation because we believe that the mines here are extracting the minerals for only a small portion of what they are worth."

Graham responded, "Tony I agree, but what concerns me when you talk about foreign interest in our mines, is that it can effectively mean that they will be controlling production which will place the mines at their... which is maybe also not such a good idea. I do know and understand that foreign investment and capital is crucial to the continued wellbeing of this country."

"I also think however, there must be a type of ring fencing, in other words my friends, there must be strict rules of engagement.... I think for example, that such foreign investors in the mines must not be allowed to invest in more than, say, ten percent of the mine's shares, at the most. Also, I think such investments must not be financed South Africa, but must be some form of capital injection of long term foreign funds."

Graham took a breather and said, "The investors must also undertake not to withdraw investments for ten years or longer. Also important, I think that the nature of the investment must be cash, and then the investors must undertake to train and upgrade the local people. Too many cases are documented in the world today where old plants are being installed in third world countries. The only people that benefit from the sale of these old 'rust buckets' are the selling agents and the countries where the old scrap heap plants come from!"

Tony at that stage was well into his second plate of savouries, and already had a refill of his wine glass. When Graham mentioned 'rust buckets', Tony almost choked when he was about to take a sip from his wine glass.

Jake smiled and looked at Nic, and noticed the concerned look on Tony's face.

"Are you OK Tony?" Graham asked, and he replied, "Yes sure, Graham, something in my throat, my apologies, let me go to the cloak room quickly, I'll be back now."

Tony left the lounge and Graham smiled and looked at Jake and said, "I'm sorry Jake for spoiling your party, but it was necessary for me to have made a statement like that. I do not know if you know, but some foreign interests want to build another processing plant at Yellow Mountain. I also understand reliably that this is an old plant from somewhere in Russia... and what concerns me the most is that the investors insist that Yellow Mountain management give preference to this plant, above that of the existing processing facilities."

"This means that Yellow Mountain will relinquish absolute control of their process flow. I do not like this type of engagement, because I cannot see any benefits to Yellow Mountain."

Tony returned, looking somewhat bothered, and again apologized for having to go to the cloak rooms and sat down, hastily asking the waiter for another refill of his wine glass.

"Graham," Tony said, "but if we get the plant free, and do not have to pay one Rand for even the installation, and in addition the plant will possibly is maintained and serviced by the Chinese investors. There will also be local employment ... this is guaranteed. In addition, the Chinese will not allow the mine to perish in times of low demand. I agree that the price mechanism is still to be negotiated, but the indication at this time is that the Chinese will consider a cost plus defrayment to the mine's management. I think there are to be more benefits than limitations, and Graham, it is common knowledge that Yellow Mountain is struggling financially. This venture with the Chinese is a lifeline... so we have to be very careful before we reject this venture."

Noticing the drawn lines on Graham's face, Jake realized that Graham was slowly becoming irritated and impatient with Tony. He said, "let me play devil's advocate my friends, so to speak... if I owned Yellow Mountain, there would be two distinct situations that I would prefer, the first situation is that I would have a long term supply of good quality ore."

"This is critical in any long term operation and I think this is one blessing that Yellow Mountain has. The second situation is slightly more complicated, I would want to have a ready market for my products, given the peaks and values of raw material demand by the international markets."

Tony interrupted Jake's sentence and said, "This is exactly what I am saying Graham, this situation will be realized by the Chinese investors..."

Jake responded, "Tony, please let me finish, what I have said needs more explanation... a ready market should be defined slightly more than selling copper plates. Let me try to use an example that is the cause of much 'head crunching' in Africa. This is the issue of the beneficiation of diamonds which are mined in several parts of Africa, and in some of these countries, the proceeds of these diamonds are used to fund conflicts... and tragically very limited quantities of these diamonds are actually cut and polished in Africa."

"The rough diamonds are sent to Antwerp in Belgium or to Israel, or to other first world countries, to be finally cut and polished and fitted into jewellery. The implications of this type of offshore final beneficiation are that rough unpolished diamonds raise maybe.... well anything from a marginal one hundred dollars to two hundred and fifty dollars per carat, while cut and polished diamonds earn probably twenty to one hundred times more per carat, in some instances many times more, in a final jewellery form."

Jake then got up, refilled his drink and continued, "We understand that there is talk that the copper exports need to be beneficiated to a greater degree before being exported. Maybe what this implies... is that at least a portion of the raw copper plate exports be converted into beneficiated products."

"Copper's further beneficiation is tubes or pipes, wiring for electrical purposes, contact points in electrical switchgear and these probably have smaller earnings potential than diamonds, but copper products have a far larger industrial demand."

"Initiating such a venture could be costly and extremely capital intensive. If such venture capital is not available South Africa, you can approach the large international buyers and negotiate what is referred to as "offsets'. This means that large buyers are called upon to beneficiate a portion of the copper exports in South Africa. This is done against the privilege of obtaining long term supply agreements to ensure their usage requirements."

"So," Jake continued, "let's assume that you insist that 'offsets' of about ten percent of the value of the copper exports take place South Africa. You will create a massive economic substructure in your economy and according to the multiplier effect of the economists, it is estimated that for every one Rand that is invested, your economy will benefit by as much as four to five Rand, because the 'offset pipe producers' will be buying and hiring South Africa. They will be distributing South Africa, advertising South Africa, and more people will be involved."

"This may possibly lead to production for the overseas markets and you can then export these copper tubes and wiring instead of raw copper plates. Of crucial importance is the level of offsets which must be such a level that is beneficial to both your country and the buying country?"

Jake realized that he is also now making a speech, and decided that it is preferable to let Graham and Tony comment on these matters, and said in conclusion, "But gentlemen, I am a visitor, to your lovely country and I know that this type of developmental situation can take years to implement."

"It requires investments, not short term carryover type of financing where investors from first world countries deposit or literally park money, earning high interest rates for short periods of time. When the interest rates decrease or exchange rates go the wrong way, they then move the investments to other developing countries with higher or more preferential rates of interest. In my country all these offsets programmes are subject to due diligence investigations, annual audits, and progress reports. What is of crucial importance is that the whole development process must be transparent? So my friends, if I could add my two-pence worth of opinion, this would be it."

At that point, Tony's mobile phone rang en he excused himself.

Graham then said, "Thank you Jake, you have given me some excellent options to consider. I note that you have said nothing of the extent of control. If I read between the lines, then you are saying that the control should be local, and the foreign investors should remain investors. They would obviously enjoy a degree of influence, because at the end of the day, it is their money that is working for them."

"Thank you Jake and Nic, this has in fact been a most fruitful discussion. I will have to make friends with Tony again when he gets back... there are influences at work that I cannot tell you about, but believe me it's all in the long term interest of my country."

When Tony returned Graham said, "Tony, your arguments in many instances make very good sense, but my friend, these must be considered in the long term context. I think you and I must again get together for a further discussion. Now my good friends, I regret I must vamoose. Jake and Nic, I wish you a good stay in our country. Maybe we must break some bread again sometime. Tony, my friend, I look forward to another discussion on these important issues, Adios my friends."

Graham left and Tony said, "Jake and Nic, Graham is of the old school and maybe does not understand many of the modern concepts of business, but he is very influential. I like your concepts of, how do you call it, 'offsets'. In your estimation Jake, what would be an international norm for this type of investment?"

Jake replied, "Tony, I do not think there is an international norm simply because every country has its own unique requirements, but I think the control should remain in your country. Obviously, any international company that agrees to invest will want to have an important say in the final management of any project. The issue here is a percentage interest in the long-term viability. This may relate to downstream production, such as copper tubes or even to totally different economic activities, such as mining and agriculture."

"Remember this is a trade off, of interests; your buyers (the foreign country, such as China) want to consolidate their position and ensure an uninterrupted supply of a reasonably scarce commodity. You, on the other hand, don't just want to sell the scarce commodity, but do not have the immediate means to further beneficiate the product."

Jake briefly paused and asked for another refill of his whiskey, and continued, "You now have several options... you can sell at the best or international price at the usual delivery conditions. You can negotiate that the international buyer invests a maybe ten percent of the value of the copper exports in your economy in offsets. At least then you would have now gained an important developmental benefit for your country."

Tony commented, "Jake and Nic, as Graham said, it was a most rewarding discussion and maybe we should again get together before you go back to South Africa. I must now leave and I wish you a pleasant evening and further stay in Polokwane, cheers gentleman!"

Jake and Nic also expressed their mutual appreciation for the discussions and greeted Tony.

After their guests left, Jake said, "Nic, I seem to think that Tony was surprised or taken aback by Graham's outright rejection of the Chinese investment at Yellow Mountain. I also think that Tony may go either way. Zip your lips, the listening devices may already have been installed. If the need arises, send me a text message and we'll take a quick walk."

"However, if possible, please make contact with Marianne early in the morning, and see if there are any developments. Fortunately, Graham has taken an interesting stance... seemingly in our favour and I do not think Tony can ascribe any of this to you and me, so I think he will be reporting to his cronies that the Unions require a slightly changed approach. I am however, concerned by the problems at Yellow Mountain because it shows that the devious tentacles stretch further than we expected. What concerns me is our contract with the Chinese... but at least I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel."

Nic responded, "Jake, my only concern at this time is simply, how deep is Tony involved and probably more important, has he received any money or payment? Frankly I'm worried for Anna's sake!"

# Chapter 8

It was almost eight pm when Jake and Nic entered the Pablos Coffee Shop near the Royal Hotel for a light dinner. As they were about to order, Jake's mobile rang, and when he acknowledged the incoming call, he saw it was Graham on the other end.

"Jake, it is Graham here, my apologies for troubling you this late, but I think we must get together urgently. There have been some developments on the mine that I do not want to mention on the phone."

Jake responded, "Graham, Nic, and I are having dinner at the Pablos Coffee Shop, just around the corner from the Royal Hotel. I suggest maybe come over here, or if this is not convenient to you, please suggest somewhere else and maybe we can meet you in one hour's time."

"Thank you Jake," Graham reacted, I will see you in twenty minutes' time at Pablos," and he rang off.

Jake turned to Nic and said, "Nic that's strange, it was Graham and he's on his way here and he says there's some developments on the mine which he does not want to discuss on the phone. He will be here in twenty minutes. I suppose speculating on what he's about to tell us will be a waste of time, but we can accept that it has serious; otherwise, he would not have contacted us. I certainly hope we can be of assistance."

When he arrived at Pablos, Graham appeared distraught, "Thank you for seeing me so short after our discussion this afternoon."

Jake replied and said, "It is our pleasure Graham, you look concerned, and frankly, so am I... can we be of some assistance?"

"Well, Jake... Nic," Graham continued, "Please understand my friends, that I would not have contacted you so quickly, if you were not involved. By saying 'involved', I am not implying that you are the cause of what I am about to tell you, but you have negotiated the sale of the copper plates to China, and in that regard, you could be considered to be 'involved'. When I arrived at home after the sundowners, I received a telephone call from Ginger Larson, the Mine Manager at Yellow Mountain. He told me that when the letter of intent was signed, certain political elements in Johannesburg insisted on the further beneficiation of the copper, they wanted at least part of the export contract to consist of copper cable or pipes."

Graham continued, "The mine management then contacted the Chinese direct, without involving your company... and confirmed the sale of the copper plates to China on some forward option basis. What I could understand from Ginger was that there was some doubt about the additional beneficiation and, whether the Chinese would agree with this in the short term. Also, I am not sure of the details but I do know that a portion of the contract value has been settled as Ginger confirmed that money changed hands."

"My friends, the agreement require timely delivery; if you have been paid for something, it is only fair and reasonable that you will supply on time what has been paid for. Delivery was negotiated on a staggered basis, but crucial here is that the first shipment must take place in sixty days' time!"

Jake interrupted Graham and said, "Graham, thank you for telling us, but I heard that someone high up in the Johannesburg wants more than just the selling price, how did it change so quickly?"

"Jake," Graham explained, "as I said, it is so ... and remains so... but I think Yellow Mountain acted in some sort of self defiant way, obviously not wanting to lose such an important contract, they initiated the supply contract. I think that they feared some petty political bickering, you know for extra benefits etc, might lose them the contract in a time when the international supply exceeds the demand. I also heard that the Minerals Section of the Economic Affairs Department in Johannesburg already issued export permits sometime back, so they made a hasty decision. My friends, this is the background, but let me now tell you what my problem is and where you fit into this picture!"

Jake interjected and said, "Graham let us order some nourishments and something to drink, we may need it before you continue."

Nic called a waiter and ordered some snacks and drinks.

Graham continued, "As I explained before, the power supply to the mine transverse or cTony some of the most difficult and uninhabited mountainous areas in our country and although the power pylons are accessible, it takes, time and effort to reach some of these areas.

What has now happened is that in a particular treacherous part of the Southern Waterberg range, with high cliffs and deep ravines, a 'strange' rock fall has taken away at least several hundreds of meters of the power grid. This is what we know of. There may be damages in other areas. A visual inspection by the Electric Utility's repair team's are already under way, but this can take days or even weeks before we get a proper estimation of the extent of the damage."

"Graham," Jake interrupted, "but don't they have a back-up system... I heard that Yellow Mountain has another power grid that it is connected to, is this not sufficient?"

"Jake, yes they have their own generators, but these are only for emergency power, and as I understand, it is used to pump in fresh air and for lighting. There is also a smaller power grid that they are connected to, but the power supply here is not sufficient for the total operational requirements of both the deep mine side and the processing plant."

"They consume a massive amount of electricity and this was the reason why the high voltage transmission lines were constructed over the mountains, some years back. Now my friends, I come with the bad news... a provisional estimate has been made and it appears that the mine will be without regular power for probably eight to ten weeks at least... maybe even longer!"

"Even worse is the fact that the ore reserves, which were supposed to have been used for situations like this, have already been depleted, due to other problems on the mine. Therefore, Yellow Mountain will not be in a position to supply the Chinese with the in time. Then... there is a clause in the agreement invoking massive penalties if the delivery of the copper is not made on the stated date The issue of force majeure, you know natural disasters, are uncertain at this time, and if so, then the penalties may be revoked."

Nic responded, "Graham, you do not think this a natural disaster, do you?"

"No, Nic I do not, unfortunately," replied Graham and continued, "yesterday afternoon, the mine management received another offer from Copper Traders Minerals. Incidentally, the same company that is offering to construct the so-called 'free' Chinese controlled processing plant. It appears that they have sufficient quantities of plate available to supply the Chinese from Mexico or elsewhere."

"Now you must also understand that Copper Traders offered to build or install the refurbished processing plant if they are allowed the right to process the equivalent of at least seventy five percent of the production output in any given year. In addition, they have also insisted that they have the 'first refusal' to sell the processed copper plate processed by the Chinese controlled, plant. I understand this to mean that they have the first option to sell the processed copper at a 'yet-to-be-decided price... and these conditions for a period of at least ten years!"

The Pablo's waiters brought the food platters and drinks and Jake courteously gestured to Graham to help himself, after which Jake and Nic stocked their plates and glasses, for what seemed to Jake... was going to be a long session!

Graham continued, "This is the scenario my friends. The Yellow Mountain mine management was not very well disposed towards the Chinese refurbished plant idea or concept; and I simply think that somebody created the unfavourable circumstances to coerce Yellow Mountain in accepting their offer. My discussion with you is informal, as you will understand, and Ginger will elaborate further. My purpose was briefly to give you an update of the situation. Oh, and incidentally, Ginger will not be coming to Johannesburg tomorrow... but he will call you and explain later."

Jake had the nasty feeling throughout Graham's sketch of the situation at Yellow Mountain that he was about to be drawn into the maze of complexities around its future viability!

He replied, "Thank you Graham, for the very graphic description of the situation. I can tell you that I am already involved at a level, which I think, will even surprise you. I received a threatening note yesterday implying, I think, that my wife and daughter's lives are in danger, and that I should get out of town. My daughter's pony was dosed with some sort of drug that upset her. Consequently, she withdrew from a gymkhana competition. So Graham, it will be a privilege to help."

"I cannot give, guarantees but I have a few ideas, and let me work on them. Nic and I consider that our hotel rooms are bugged, so I am going to give you a new mobile number that Nic purchased this morning. Nobody knows this number and I would appreciate your very selective use of this mobile number. Please also give this number to Ginger and ask him not to make the number known to anybody."

After Graham departed, Jake and Nic tried to make sense of the situation at Yellow Mountain, and Jake remarked, "Nic, well as tragic as it may seem, at least we now know the situation, and I think we'll wait and have a discussion with Ginger Larson. Nic also, I suggest you phone Marianne tomorrow morning and to try to find out if there are any developments that she has heard of. I think you should also to try to impress on her that the situation is dangerous... and if Tony finds out about your communication with her, it could have grave consequences."

As Nic was about to comment on Jake's sentiments on the evenings' happenings, his mobile rang, and when he accepted the call, he saw it was Marianne, "Hi Nic, my dad phoned me and asked that I come and see him earlier this evening... and when I got there he asked me to resign from Tony's company. He said that the situation at the mine is far worse than what he thought earlier because he has been told that the power lines to Yellow Mountain had been blown up... and it was definitely not an accident!"

"He also said that he may now fear for my life because he will not be supporting Tony's suggestion that the Russian or Chinese plant be built. Therefore, Nic, I am confused. Daddy simply suggested that I phone Tony in the morning and tell him that I will not be coming in and that he must find somebody else for a secretary. He said, I must tell him that I am sick. This I am not going to do Nic, I told daddy this. I will be going into the office tomorrow and then I will decide if I am going to resign as his secretary. I have a plan and I will let you know about it later ... in the mean time please looks after yourself."

"Please be careful, Marianne, the little information that I have of the situation at the mine is that it appears to be sensitive. I would suggest that you heed your father's advice... but please phone me if you need my help! I will talk with you again soon." Nic then ended the call.

He then briefly related the discussion to Jake, who commented, "Doesn't sound good Nic, I have a horrible feeling that Marianne is going to try to find more information, and believe me... that is probably the worst thing that can happen at this time. Maybe, try to talk some sense into her, even if it means using some of your usual charm ... but please keep it simple."

Both Jake and Nic then returned to the Royal Hotel. After a quick shower, Nic decided that a further encounter with the lovely Marianne was now necessary, and he left the hotel and called a taxi.

o o o O O O o o o

Nic called Marianne from the taxi and said, "Hi Marianne, I'm in a taxi somewhere in Johannesburg and I'm lonely. Do you think you can accommodate such a request?"... to which Marianne replied, "Nic, just maybe I am telepathic, but I had somehow hoped that I would get this reaction from you darling"... and she gave Nic some directions to her apartment.

Some twenty-five minutes later Nic briefly tapped on Marianne's apartment door and smelled a delightful fragrance in the air. When she opened the door, he almost had a heart seizure, as she stood there clothed in a very scant see-through nightgown exposing her very voluptuous bodylines, with her flowing blond hair slightly brushing her shoulders. "Come in Nic, I have been longing for your company!"

She closed the door after him and led him to a comfortable couch in the lounge. Nic was speechless and followed her every move. As they sat down, she gently pulled Nic towards her, kissed him on the lips and said, "Nic you have not said a word, but you do not have to, I will say all for both of us," and then she slowly unbuttoned his shirt and started caressing and kissing his chest. Nic took Marianne in his arms and while kissing her, laid her down. He could feel the pressure in his groin area become unbearable and pressed against Marianne. She loosened his cargo pants, he felt her hands gently exploring him, drawing him closer to her, and curling her legs around his body and it was almost an hour later when Nic suddenly realized that he must have dozed off. He opened his eyes and saw that Marianne had rested his head on her lap.

When she noticed that he was awake, she said, "Did you have good rest?"... to which Nic replied, "Yes, absolutely my lovely lady."

"Marianne, I love you," said Nic "but now is maybe not the right time to talk about matters of business, but you have to be very careful. Graham did not tell you that Tony is involved with some ruthless business people from the Middle East who probably caused the problems at the Yellow Mountain mine. I think, they are trying to force the mine to allow them to build a plant there and then to control the whole mine. Your father is influential and I think they will not hesitate to harm you to try to persuade Graham to cooperate and support their devious business practices. I know this does not sound very romantic after making love to you... but I am very concerned for your safety."

Marianne responded, "Thank you Nic, I love you deeply and please trust me, I will not do anything foolish. In addition, there is something more that I have to tell you about Tony. Before I left the office this afternoon, he came into my office and gave me an envelope containing five hundred thousand Pesos in cash and said that I must buy something for myself!"

"This is strange Nic, and it is definitely not like Tony. So I think somebody must have given him some money, who knows, and then he said something very strange to me; he said that maybe he will ask me to go away somewhere quickly in a couple of days, and that I should be ready. I told him I do not understand what he is talking about, and can he explain, but he just said that I should not be concerned and he will explain later."

"Marianne, I will probably be away from Johannesburg for a couple of days, and if anything happens please phone me or send me a text message." Nic said.

As Nic was about to leave Marianne's apartment, his mobile rang showing a text message, and it read, 'your room phone only rings and we need to talk, please respond', and Nic recognized the mobile number and immediately responded, 'suggest Pablos should still be open'. Nic then tenderly kissed Marianne and again told her, "Please Marianne you must be careful, when this is over maybe we must talk about the future."

Marianne responded, "Nic nothing is going to happen to me and we will talk soon... adios, my darling."

When the taxi dropped Nic at Pablos, it was almost midnight in Johannesburg and a light rain drizzle was falling. Nic went into Pablos and noticed Jake in a far corner drinking coffee. When he saw Nic he said, "Nic, matters are developing at an astounding pace. I trust you had an enjoyable evening and sorry to have disturbed you at a very inopportune time."

Nic replied, "No Jake, you did not call untimely... I was with Marianne and let me tell you now, that I am seriously considering, coming back to South Africa after this episode is finished. She promised that she will be careful, and by the way, Tony apparently gave her five hundred thousand Pesos and told her to buy something appealing for herself, and she says this is totally out of sorts with the likes of our friend. So I think Jake, he has maybe received some payment for his evil deeds. "

Jake continued, "I telephoned Jim Wilson at the Gymkhana Club in Johannesburg earlier, and he said that the security company, you know the outfit that we asked to provide extra security at our farm, told him that they had found out that Rowland was planning some sort of activity on or around our farm. I not sure, how they found this out, maybe tapped into Rowland's phone. It appears that they alerted the Police, and Rowland's smallholding was searched."

"Apart from several stolen vehicles and other goods, they also found, some notes detailing the layout on the farm, as well as the names of our workers and a crude sort of evaluation of the security around the farm. This gets more interesting Nic; the Police also found another suspicious person on the Rowland's smallholding. He initially told them he is an Israeli diplomat and he showed them an Israeli diplomatic passport. A quick check however, found this passport to be forged or bogus... or stolen they think. When they searched his hotel room elsewhere in Johannesburg, they found four, other passports, mostly from Eastern European origin. Jim then told me that officials from the Israeli Embassy in Johannesburg interrogated this character and according to them, he admitted coming from Croatia and was working for... wait for it, and you probably guessed right, Copper Traders in Dubai. His name, for whatever that's worth is Peterovich."

Jake then continued, "Jim tells me that this Peterovich character told them his boss, a guy called Jeff Cooper, would also be visiting Johannesburg soon and is presently somewhere in South Africa. I don't think you need to have ten guesses which country in South Africa that is."

"And Nic, I also had a call from Ginger Larson and he asked that we meet him in Messina up north sometime tomorrow. He suggested that we take a charter flight, as this would keep our movements and whereabouts away from possible prying interests. He said he'd explain when we see him. So these are the reasons for our midnight meeting Nic, and it was safer to talk here than at the Royal Hotel."

# Chapter 9

The monotonous humming sound of the Cessna Centurion's supercharged engine kept wining away in Jake's ears as they headed north from Johannesburg to Messina. He and Nic would have wanted to use a regular airline, but he agreed with Ginger that it was more advisable and secretive to use a charter flight. It would probably take them the best part of three hours direct flying time. Looking at Nic, he saw that he was snoring away after his romantic antics the previous evening.

Nic had earlier organized the flight through an acquaintance from a small airfield outside Johannesburg and consequently, they were able to fly incognito, and without advertising either their identity or their destination.

Arriving at Messina airport around midday, they took a taxi to the Holiday Inn. After checking into the hotel, Jake phoned Ginger's mobile number, "Ah Mister De Villiers, it is a pleasure to talk with you again... although this time round, not under such pleasant circumstances. However, I think we must get together pronto and just maybe I may have some news that is not all that bad."

Ginger Larson had also checked into the Holiday Inn the previous evening and had suggested to Jake that they meet in the Hotel's business centre on the mezzanine floor. He also suggested that they have lunch together... and use the time productively in discussing the problems at hand.

Jake and Nic went down to the Business Centre in the hotel and the receptionist directed them to Ginger's conference room.

When Ginger saw his visitors, he got up from behind conference room's table and greeted Jake and Nic, "Mister Jake De Villiers and Mister Nic Jooste, welcome to Messina. It is hot and dry up here but in the hotel, it is manageable. I hope you had a pleasant flight and I'm sorry for suggesting that you take a charter... it is in our interests that you visit remains unknown and off the passenger lists of the regular airline flights. I have ordered some nourishment and drinks and hope you agree... and then we can start with our discussions."

"Ginger, please call me Jake and this is Nic. We prefer to use first names and, we are in your capable hands, but I can hardly contain my curiosity... you mentioned something about the news not being all that bad?"

After shaking hands with Jake and Nic, Ginger motioned towards the food dishes and suggested that they have something to eat and drink before the discussions start.

Ginger then said, "Our initial estimates of the damages was that it would probably take at least six weeks to repair the high voltage power lines, and we have now been told that temporary reparations will only take maybe three-and-half weeks, so my friends this is only part of the good news."

"Furthermore the Perdekop mine, which is about twenty kilometres to the south of Yellow Mountain, has sizeable ore stocks that we will be taking over for processing... so our position is not as desperate as it was a couple of days ago. About a year ago, we entered into discussions with Perdekop to take over some of their licensed mining areas. These are mostly those adjacent to our own workings, because it makes some sense to process ore from a central body in one centralized position, and not use two independent processing plants in close proximity to each other. Perdekop is an open pit, mine, and do not have shafts and the like.

Jake interrupted Ginger, and said, "Ginger, what about the damage at Yellow Mountain, was it intentional damage to your property and do you have an idea who may have caused this?"

"Yes, Jake", Ginger replied, "It was unfortunately blown up by somebody who knows how to handle explosives... and we have a reasonable idea who the perpetrators are. In a mining community very little happens that ultimately does not become public information."

"Now in any situation like the one we are in, there are causes and consequences; and the tragic cause of this situation is that some years back we started laying off workers due to cost saving exercises, in the hope of finding alternative employment, but many factors have prevented us from successfully re-employing or redirecting the laid-off workers. This situation created a backlash of aggression towards the mine in certain quarters and created a fertile area for dissension and possible reprisals against the mine's operations. Some weeks back we had a small accident in one of our ore shafts. A skip (a vertical moving ore body container) was intentionally wrongly loaded... it was done in such a way that a sudden jerk of the hoist's steel ropes, dislodged or unbalanced the ore in the skip, thereby damaging the guide rails."

"Now this appeared to be of a small magnitude and nobody was injured, but we realized that it was deliberately engineered, so 'once bitten twice shy' ... we expected possibly more accidents of this nature."

Ginger got up, and restocked on some further nourishment and refreshments and continued, "The technical management at Yellow Mountain then sat down and drew up a list of the most feasible methods of sabotaging the mine's operations and found eight methods where the mine would be in serious jeopardy, if applied."

"We discounted the possible methods where the loss of life and natural disasters were involved, and only considered those methods or applications that would result in residual damage to the mine's property or immediate continued viability. I can tell you that the blowing of the high voltage power lines was number two on our list."

"In fact, I can also confidentially tell you that the engineer, who suggested, damage to the power lines as the possible disruptive cause, was so accurate in his assessment that he virtually predicted the exact spot or position where the accident took place. I very nearly thought him to be a prime suspect, except he is a Canadian engineer doing his master's thesis on high voltage electric transmission capabilities."

Ginger is mobile then rang and he acknowledged the call, and briefly said to Jake and Nic, "my apologies gentlemen, I have an urgent call that I was waiting for, we will continue our discussion in a few minutes," and he continued with his discussion on his mobile in a local dialect that Nic could not understand.

After his telephone conversation had ended, he continued, "My friends, we have just established that an intentional explosion damaged the high voltage lines. One or two old mine hands apparently caused the accident. As I told you earlier, nothing remains a secret on the mine for very long. Yellow Mountain has a mobile medical clinic that tends to the health of the community, not just for the mineworkers and their families, but also for the whole community. Those that can afford, pay a small token amount, and if the community cannot afford to pay, then the service is completely free. As you can possibly understand, the people who frequent the clinic are generally the very old people and the woman with small children."

After again refilling his glass, Ginger continued, "There is an old saying here on the mine about making information known to everybody, and it goes this way, 'tell-e-phone, tell-e-gram and tell-a-woman'. During one of the clinic's visits to a small settlement to the north of the mine a couple of weeks back, an old lady made a casual remark that was overheard by a medical attendant."

"The old lady apparently said that the mine was in for a big surprise as its power is going to be disconnected. She apparently then warned another lady, who has a son working on the mine, and said that he (her son) must stay away from the mine the following week, as they may be caught underground without power. The attendant thought nothing of the statement until the power outage and mentioned it to her supervisor. This is how we came to know about the situation and what's interesting is that this particular community where this old lady comes from is very small... and only a few of the older mine hands still reside in this area."

"The younger workers on the mine prefer the mine's single and married quarters which are closer to the mine and which also has many modern amenities and entertainment facilities."

Ginger continued, "Another incident also took place a couple of days before the power outage. There is a small airfield to the south of the mine where the electric utility company drops its service men when attending to the power lines. A Utility company worker was in the area attending to some routine maintenance work and he was scheduled to meet a pick-up chopper sometime late afternoon that day... but he finished his tasks early and decided to wait near the air strip under some over-hanging rocks."

"He said that he saw a small aircraft land and someone in a dilapidated old Toyota pick-up was waiting for the aircraft. He said the men talked and then both parties left. What he also noticed was that the old Toyota pick-up displayed a faded Yellow Mountain emblem and a vehicle number."

"We checked the mine's records and found that this truck was sold as surplus material some years earlier. Fortunately, the new owner had not completely removed the mines' identification from the vehicle. So, we have the name of a person that bought this pick-up, and found that it was an old miner by name of Pete Jefferies, hailing from the same village where the medical attendants heard the story of the mine's power that was going to be disconnected."

"Unfortunately, we think Pete Jefferies also heard that either he or somebody from the village was now a suspect, and he and two other miners disappeared into the mountains. The federal police are also checking the flight records of small aircraft, and maybe we will be able to find whom Pete Jefferies met at the airstrip. The Utility worker could not remember the aircraft's identification number... he did however, say it was a high wing type aircraft, like that of a Cessna... I am confident of results very soon."

"Ginger, thank you for telling us," Jake reiterated, "but where do we fit in, you seem very confident of being able to not only handle this situation, but to manage any type of challenge that's thrown at you?"

"Thank you for your vote of confidence Jake," Ginger replied, "About a year ago, the owners of the Perdekop mine approached Yellow Mountain for a long term joint venture agreement. They knew that large capital expenditure was necessary to ensure the long term continued viability of their operation, which included buying massive walking draglines, sizeable face shovels, and big dumpers to cart the rock to the crushing plants."

"The negotiations between the two companies continued, and some weeks back we finally signed a cooperation agreement. One important clause in this agreement is that Yellow Mountain will have the option of taking over the mining or license rights designated areas close to Yellow Mountain. In addition, to process the hoisted of ore tons that has not been milled. One of the conditions precedent in this cooperation agreement was that the 'other metals' content recovered from the hoisted ore tons that has not been processed and from the designated mining areas process, such as Gold, Silver, Nickel for example sake, should revert to Perdekop for a period of three years. This should make good any transfer costs involved in Yellow Mountain taking over the present reserve ore from Perdekop."

"Does this mean you will be processing the Perdekop ore in Yellow Mountain's smelters and processing plant?" Jake asked.

"Yes', Ginger replied, "exactly, we will be building a transfer road from the Perdekop ore reserve area to our ore stock area, but this should not be a problem, and in fact, such an access road existed some ten years ago before Perdekop actually built their own processors. It will have to be strengthened because we will be using big sized dumpers and face shovels. A traffic system and lights will also have to be installed. In one area we will probably have to install electric traction assistance for a rather steep haulage."

"So my friends, I think the immediate future looks reasonable, but I am giving you this sensitive information for a good reason. We require your expertise in three specific areas; our first delivery to the Chinese is in two months' time. It is a shipment of about fifty thousand tons of copper plate in a Panamax sized ore carrier. The shipping date must be delayed by at least two months and we know that you have excellent influence with the Chinese Metals Commission!"

Jake interrupted Ginger and commented, "When the letter of intention was signed in Hong Kong we made a provision for reasonable delays, in other words, we accepted that there would be times when shipments would be delayed for reasons outside the mine or the shipping companies' control. So I would think this to be regarded as a reasonable circumstance, and it was out of your control."

"What's more, you have probably implemented control measures to prevent any future occurrences of this nature. Two months is reasonable... I am certain that the buyers would allow such a change. We will have to provide a report relating to the incidents and the measures you have taken in future to prevent such occurrence. However, Ginger, what were the terms of payment, and I understand from Graham that you elected a forward type of contract?"

Ginger replied, "Jake, we were paid ten percent in advance, or the equivalent of the price for fifty thousand tons, based on the average price for "A" grade copper per the London Metal Exchange price for the last twelve months. Actually, the Chinese offered us an amount equal to twenty five percent of the total contract, but we would then have been forced to agree to a further discounted price level."

"Future shipments will be based on the average ruling price for the three months' prior to the shipment date. So in the present circumstances, we have in fact only been paid for the next shipment assumed to be in about six weeks' time. So Jake, this is our first request that you negotiate the two month time delay, and thank you for your opinion, but we require the buyer's agreement in hard writing... notwithstanding any provisions in the supply agreement."

"Secondly Jake," Ginger continued, "we are aware that you are very favourably connected to the large equipment suppliers in the world. This is our request... we urgently require at least three two hundred to two hundred-and-fifty ton off road trucks or dumpers, more or less hardly used, and able to negotiate steeper than usual inclines, inclusive of electrical overhead trolley systems. In other words, the trucks must be fitted with trolleys where the dumpers can use overhead electrical traction assistance. Delivery times for this type of equipment are generally twelve to eighteen months, so what we are asking is a delivery time not exceeding four to six months at the outside."

Jake briefly responded, "Ginger, yes we do assist with the acquisition of this type of equipment, but you are not asking for the impossible, you are asking for a miracle my friend!" and everybody laughed.

Jake continued, "I do not think we will be able to arrange new equipment at such short notice, but I have an idea that we may just be able to arrange for some used equipment. I also know that this is generally not advisable because of the condition of used equipment, but I think a supporting maintenance team can manage this. Let Nic and I work on this and we will give you feedback. I do know of some equipment in West Africa, and maybe in Western Australia, but I need to find out what the extent of repair is required... before we can start negotiating the price. A visual inspection is also probably advisable and I may ask you to send somebody to the equipment for an evaluation. Let me get some more details and we then take it further. Yellow Mountain can fit the trolley traction system. I do not really foresee any supply problems. This is standard sort of stuff. A benefit when buying reconditioned equipment is that the sellers may allow extended payment terms, subject to what we and them agree. So Ginger, what is next on the agenda?"

Ginger continued, "Lastly we require, within about the same time frame, at least two mechanical loaders that are able to service the sizeable dump trucks on a continuous basis."

"Thirdly, and lastly if I may add Jake, we also require some financing of this equipment for at least two to three years. We expect our cash flow to be in such a position to liquidate the debt before this time, but we do not have the resources at this time. The crucial element, however, is time, as you will appreciate. Then in conclusion Jake, I understand that you mentioned something about 'offsets' to Graham and maybe we can also discuss this issue later this evening."

Ginger then gave Jake a folder containing Yellow Mountain's requirements and Jake said, "Thank you Ginger, I'll have a look at your specs later this afternoon and do some preliminary enquiries. Could we possibly meet again later this evening... maybe I should suggest that we have a working dinner, and by then we'll probably be able to give you a lowdown of possibilities, if I have something?"

Jake and Nic greeted Ginger and left. On their way to their respective hotel rooms, Jake said, "Nic, I think, phone Marianne and to try to find out if anything has happened. Now that Yellow Mountain knows who is responsible for the breakdown, it will not be long before the story spreads to Johannesburg and to the Copper Traders crowd, and I think we can expect another backlash. Don't say anything of our whereabouts... you never know if anybody's eves-dropping and at this time it is better if this remains unknown to Tony and whoever is interested."

Nic responded, "Jake, I think we should have a quick talk, I do not want to discuss anything in the corridors,"

Jake responded, "OK Nic, I can see something is troubling you, let's go to my room quickly."

Inside Jake's hotel room, Nic was about to start telling Jake his concerns when his mobile phone rang and when he noticed it was Marianne, and he accepted the call, "Hi there, it is good to hear from you... are you OK?"

Marianne responded, "Hi Nic, yes I'm fine, but I think Tony's has disappeared. Anna phoned me early this morning and said that Tony did not come home last night... and she's very concerned. I then phoned my father, and told him and he suggested we go to Tony's office to see if there's any note or inscription in his diary or on his desk pad where he may have gone."

"When we got there the office was in total chaos... somebody was definitely looking for something because all our filing cabinets were open and the files strewn all over the office floor... even my office was totally upside down. Nic I'm scared this time round, you told me to be careful and Graham told me to just stay away from Tony, so what is taking place, can you please tell me?"

Nic replied, "Marianne, I think, do not go back to the office, stay away please for your own safety. I cannot tell you too much but I think it has to do with Yellow Mountain, but this is just speculation on my side."

"Please phone Anna and tell her to pack immediately and go to her mother for a few days. I think you must also tell her to ask her brother to help her today, this is urgent. He is with the Police, and I think that she is being watched. If whoever messed up your offices is still looking for Tony, they will try to get to Anna, please phone her pronto, and I will call you later, bi darling."

Marianne responded, "OK Nic I will phone her right away.

I will again phone you, but before I ring off Nic, I see in the newspapers this morning that Yellow Mountain made a statement that says that the power outage on the mine is temporary and that production will resume in forty-eight hours, and Nic, love you and bi for now. "And she rang off.

Nic told Jake, "Marianne says Tony has disappeared and his office is in a mess, I think the Copper Traders mob is looking for him; Marianne also told me that Yellow Mountain made a statement saying that the mine will be back in production in forty eight hours. Now if the Copper Traders mob read this statement in the newspapers, and I think they saw it because everybody saw it... then all shit is loose, and this is maybe why they are looking for him. I also somehow think he's been paid and I think they want their money back, or what do you think Jake?"

Before Jake could reply, Nic's mobile phone rang again, and he saw it was Marianne and acknowledged the call and said, "Hi there! "

Marianne replied, "Nic darling me again, I've just spoken to Anna and she said that she already phoned her brother about two am this morning, and he slept here last night. She told me her brother also told her to pack her bags and to go to their mother's home. She is now busy packing her bags, but she also said her brother says this matter is far more complicated and she could be in danger, but he does not want to elaborate on the matter. In addition, Nic, I have again talked with my dad and I will not go into the office. He wants me to keep my doors locked and not even go out today, so I will do this, but please phone me later, there is something else I want to tell you, bi darling." and she rang off.

Nic briefly told Jake about Marianne's concerns and said, "Jake, should we not go back to Johannesburg, because I'm concerned for Marianne?"

Jake replied, "Nic, my friend, I understand your concerns and yes, we have to return to Johannesburg, but not immediately. We have to try to find some equipment for Yellow Mountain and this may take us a day or so. I think that we should rather stay up here in Messina, at least for the present... as only Graham and Ginger knows our whereabouts."

# Chapter 10

Jake Skyped an old acquaintance near Perth in Western Australia, Striker Williams. After retiring as Service and Maintenance Manager at a large open pit mine in Western Australia, Striker Williams formed his own company, Williams Heavy Equipment, specializing in used heavy mining and earthmoving equipment, such as off road dumpers and mechanical loaders.

Jake entered Striker's Skype number on his laptop computer and when the call was accepted, he saw Striker on the laptop screen and said, "Striker, you old pirate, how's life?"

Striker replied, "Yeah, this can only be Jake from South Africa... going great guns mate, can I sell you a couple of big dumpers. I have some bargains going, have to be quick though, the special offer lapses at five today. Jokes aside Jake, I am not complaining, making a decent living and it is always good to hear from old friends. Keeps me young, you know!"

"Absolutely Striker," Jake replied, "I need some heavy equipment, actual working stuff that can withstand some tough handling in a difficult terrain. I would say ... Two hundred and fifty ton dump trucks with strengthened bowls, with possibly electrical tram attachments. The inclines will be reasonably steep so the dumpers will be connected to overhead electrical trolley lines and in addition, at least two face shovels that can double as loaders for the dumpers, five cubic meter or larger capacity, also in working order without too much rebuilding required. There's more, but let's talk, can you provide this equipment my friend?"

Striker replied, "Jake jokes aside, I may be able to help but not exactly your specs mate, I'll tell you what... I will give you four, one hundred and eighty ton dumpers; incidentally, these have strengthened aluminium bowls and two-by-four drive electric traction in the rear wheel power-train configuration, with the usual diesel generator support. No overhead equipment but this I can arrange through an associate of mine in Spain."

"The dumpers are less than a year old and, have less than a thousand hours each on the clock... virtually new by my standards. They are beauties mate, and only come once in a lifetime. What's more, Jake, I have carte blanche and knowing that you only trade with the big boys, you can have them for one million dollars US in total, and I will throw in three front-end loaders, each with a capacity of four cubic meters. I also have an older face shovel on tracks with a capacity of about seven cubic meters. This you can also have on the house."

"The loaders Jake, however need some attention, believe me it's not scrap, but the equipment needs some refurbishing work. I can do part here, but it is up to you. Then Jake, here comes the coup de grace, give me ten percent down and the balance in two yearly payments, for everything... except whatever we do extra for you."

Jake replied, "Striker, my mate we've done this many times and I'll tell you what, let's make it five hundred thousand dollars US and you supply the equipment 'pit ready and mobile', think about it and I'll phone you again tomorrow."

Striker then replied, "Jake my mate, you're getting almost five million bucks' worth of equipment, maybe more, for only one million bucks. You drive a hard bargain, and you want me to roadworthy the stuff as well, what do you want to use it for?, To cart your family around the farm at weekends? Get real my mate... you're getting a flippin bargain, wake up pal!"

Jake knew that Striker Williams had a very quick and vile temper, but also has a good heart for business and they, both knew that the market for heavy equipment was extremely quiet... even more so, for used equipment.

"Striker I suggest you sleep on the and see what your best price is... one million is a little high, work on it my mate, I'm sure you can do better, I'll call you tomorrow, and Striker, we need the equipment in under six months' time."

Striker replied, "Jake, hold on my mate, what you call 'pit ready' and what I call 'pit ready' are two totally different concepts. When I talk about 'pit ready' the equipment shines, hell man, and the stuff would probably win a 'concourse de elegance' competition."

"So I'll make you a final offer, give me eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars US, and I'll give you the equipment as stated, pit ready basis, fob my works here near Perth in Western Australia. What's more, pay me in two yearly payments in arrears, interest at five percent cumulatively calculated. Delivery is maybe a hitch, I will tell you what Mate, and I will give you the one dumper and one loader within thirty days, ready for shipment, and then stagger the dumpers' delivery times at one dumper every two months thereafter. This goes for the remaining two loaders and the face shovel, as well. Is this acceptable, your lordship?" asked Striker and then remarked, "The offer closes in sixty minutes Jake, take it or leave it!"

Jake laughed, "Sounds perfect Striker, knew I could count on you and I'll make it three cases of Jack Daniels additionally, is that OK Mate?"

Striker interrupted, "Remember it's the twelve year old variety, don't forget!"

"Sounds better Striker, 'Caterpillar yellow' sound OK to you, and I'll throw in an extra case of twelve year old Jack Daniels. Provisionally Striker, it sounds good to me but I have to discuss it with my client... but I think it is going to be acceptable. One problem though that I am not certain of is the face shovel, I am not sure how critical this piece of equipment is. I think the face shovel should be scheduled for the second tranche of deliveries, is this possible?"

Striker replied, "Jake, I may have a problem, but I'd rather undertake to have the tracked face shovel ready for later shipment. I am not a gambling man... so let us agree on the face shovel being ready for shipment within the six months' time deadline. You know me Jake, I'm a man of my word, and you'll get the shovel even if I have to fix it myself."

Jake responded, "Striker, your son Jimmy once told me that you actually gambled your wife away on one occasion... I've often wanted to ask you about this story, what happened, doesn't sound like you, did this really happen?"

"Well Jake, yes it did actually happen. I often saw these high rollers gambling and thought one day that I should give it a try, so I merrily went along, and thought, what the hell... if I lose out, it's an experience, so what! I am not a real poker player but, on and off, we play in the office with matches or cents, and more often than not, I win these games. The good day arrived and I decided to join one of the poker schools and with a couple of thousand bucks in my pocket I pitched up for the poker game. One round after the other took place and I started winning. Before I realized it I was up by something like ten thousand bucks or so..."

"You were up ten thousand bucks, and you didn't quit, how come?" quips Jake.

"Exactly mate, let me finish..." Striker replied, "So instead of thanking the good man upstairs for my small fortune, the little devil on my shoulder whispered in my ear, 'go for it Striker, clean them up and we'll retire in the Bahamas'. Jake, take some advice from an old campaigner, this never happens. After another few games, I suddenly noticed that my reserves were seriously down, and I considered calling it a day and departing from the game."

"However, then 'mother luck' intervened and I was t with what I thought was a lifeline, I was t four of a kind, four nine's in fact, but the only problem was... I only had about one hundred bucks left in my pocket. My emotions skyrocketed, and I could almost hear the ice tumbling into the glass in the Bahamas, when I said, 'guys my reserves are low, can I sign an IOU?' The Club Captain then said all the players around the table had to agree and I thought it's A for OK, but the one arse hole at the table said, no ways Striker, we need something more tangible, and he jokingly suggested that I place Delilah, on the table."

Striker paused, and Jake saw on the Skype screen 'Striker wildly gesturing with his hands in the air' and he continued, "You know Delilah is my wife. Sadly, I thought this to be a no contest situation so I agreed and wrote a note committing her to the poker game. Well low and behold, when I showed my cards as being four of a kind, this little shit showed us his cards, and it was a Royal Hotel flush, which obviously beat my four of a kind."

"So Jake, I had gambled my wife of thirty years' away. Well Mate, to cut a long story short, I left the poker party for my home and explained my disposition to Delilah, and I can tell you I never knew this woman had the vocabulary of expletives that she uttered from the time I told her until we arrived back at the poker school. She took my seat and said that she will agree to my terms... except that she wanted a couple of games, before becoming the 'winnings'. Well Jake I am glad to say 'Lady Fortune' smiled on her that night, and she not only won herself back from the 'winnings', but she cleaned out everybody around the table, realizing a tidy fortune. It took me a couple of years to restore my conjugal rights, but gladly everything is almost back to normal these days. So my friend, never take anything for granted."

Striker again laughed and said, "Back to business my mate, I'll email you the exact product specs and the estimated delivery schedule, as well as a list of available parts in our stores for the dumpers and loaders... if your client wishes to stock with certain critical parts up front."

"This could be a wise move as break-downs would unnecessary delay production. Oh and please Jake, would your client detail the dumpers and loaders, as well as any additional parts they require in their order to us, just so there's no misunderstanding about what we have to supply. So Jake, please provide us with your clients decision urgently... so that we can get some people on the job?"

After ending the conversation with Striker, Jake then called Nic for a quick meeting in his hotel room.

When Nic arrived, he said. "I've been able to arrange some equipment from Striker in Australia at probably very reasonable terms, but you know the problem with buying used equipment is always the uncertainty or unreliability issue."

"With new equipment, you always have the factory support, and if something breaks down, the suppliers generally have emergency stock on site, or alternatively, they'll fly anything in, as, and when required. Regarding anything bought from Striker's company, I'm convinced he'll recondition the equipment and re-paint... and everything will look 'spic and span' ... but how do we plan for any possible eventuality?"

"He's very reliable Jake, you know that, but maybe we should impress on Ginger that it's a temporary situation, do you agree?" Nic interjected.

"Yes Nic, I do agree," said Jake, "but we'll have to emphasize that this is a very temporary situation and that the equipment should not be used for more than twelve to eighteen months. Although Striker will allow us to repay half after twelve months and the balance, a year later at a nominal rate of interest. Striker is giving us all the equipment for eight hundred and fifty thousand US Dollars and it is basically, four 'one eighty' ton dumpers and three sizeable front end loaders, as well as one face shovel. The dumpers all have less than one thousand hours each on the clock. The front-end loaders are old, but we will supply the equipment on a 'pit ready' basis. So what's your take on this Nic?"

Nic replied, "Jake, like you I'm always hesitant on the issue of used equipment; some operators treat their equipment with respect and continuous preventative maintenance is applied, but my question now simply is... will it be done here at Yellow Mountain or Perdekop? While we were talking to Ginger in the hotel's conference centre, I noticed some layout drawings on a side table and what scares me is the fact that this seems to be depicting a very narrow and rather limited track area with steep surrounding inclines and a reasonably deep open pit. If this is the Perdekop setup... I think they can forget about electric trolley traction and rather fit winches to literally hoist the dump trucks where the inclines are rather steep."

"Do you think the inclines are too steep?" asks Jake.

"I think" continues Nic, "even the '180' ton rigs will have difficulty in negotiating, not only the steep inclines, but also the narrow winding circle route, and at least you've got 180's, and not the larger 250 tonners. It may even be a solution to load the ore at the bottom in dragline buckets and then hoist them to a higher elevation."

"Nonetheless Jake, I suggest you offer the equipment to Ginger, but maybe we should tell him of our concerns. Money-wise the is unbeatable, and I also know Striker and if he says he'll supply 'pit ready' then you can count on him. Dust, loose rock and high temperature, and probably in this case, the very confined operating area, are the enemies in this environment. You know what Jake, and I've said this before, why doesn't somebody design a D10 size bulldozer dumper on tracks, sort of truck and trailer fashion, and simply crawl to the top with a full load, maybe even hitch a dragline bucket to a bulldozer, this should work, eh!"

Both Jake and Nic laughed at their concerns, but they knew these to be very real, and Jake said, "I think we should again have a discussion with Ginger at dinner later, and Nic, you must also please express your opinion."

Ginger arranged a private dining room and when Jake and Nic arrived they noticed that Graham was also present, as well as Trevor Larson, Ginger's brother.

Ginger welcomed all and said, "Guys, let us welcome Jake and Nic from De Villiers Metals in Johannesburg, and this is Graham, whom I think you already know. The other man present is my brother Trevor. He is one of our underground Managers and he will also be responsible for the Perdekop operation."

"Now gentlemen, what will you have to drink? Please help yourself and as you can see, we have no waiters present for obvious reasons. So once you are ready and hungry, please help yourselves to the food dishes, and I hope you are satisfied with my choice... we like it spicy here. Let us toast the future of Yellow Mountain!"

Jake and Nic then greeted everybody, helped themselves to some drinks, and joined Ginger in 'toasting' the future of Yellow Mountain.

Acknowledging Ginger's welcome, Jake said, "Ginger, Graham, Trevor... thank you for inviting Nic and me to have dinner with you, and I hope what we are about to tell you will be accepted. Gentlemen I am very curious and concerned, has the perpetrators been apprehended yet?"

Trevor immediately looked at Ginger and appeared surprised at Jake's question.

"Trevor, its OK" Ginger remarked, "Jake and Nic know of the happenings and in fact, have been intimately involved so far.... Yes Jake, developments have taken place. Pete Jefferies is gone, probably somewhere in Argentina, we think. At least one of his co-conspirators' has been apprehended and he admitted that they were responsible."

"It's a long sad story and although we have sympathy, the fact of the matter is that a crime has been committed and that very extensive damage was committed to the transmission lines, which resulted in serious damage to the mine's viability. The authorities see this in a serious light. There are also further developments, but I think Graham should continue this issue."

Graham reacted, "Jake yes, during the early hours of yesterday morning the police received a distress call from Tony Burgess. Now, we can establish he was near Conception, south of Johannesburg. Fortunately, a unit of the Police was in the area. They found Tony with a wound in his leg. He told the Police that he noticed that he was being followed and when he tried to outrun his followers they apparently tried to push him off the road."

"He said, he then landed in a ditch next to the side of the road and he jumped out of the vehicle and ran towards some trees close by. This is when he phoned the police for assistance. On arriving at the scene, the Police officers noticed a vehicle rushing away at high speed but could not identify the registration or make of the vehicle, and they decided to help Tony first before pursuing the suspicious vehicle."

"They called an ambulance and Tony was then taken to a local clinic for treatment, and as a Government official he is now under Police guard, but as far as I can establish he is not in any immediate medical type of danger."

"Fortunate for Tony," Jake remarks "that the police was in the area, but I'm interrupting you Graham, please continue..."

"The Cessna aircraft that was seen at the airstrip" Graham explained, "was apparently hired by an unknown pilot, he gave his name as Jonathan Gomez, but the company that hired out the aircraft did not make a copy of his pilot's license. They only recorded his name and no flight plan was filed."

"The pilot only commented that it would be a local trip and the Cessna was also not refuelled, but the records showed that its tanks were at least half full. One of the technicians did, however, notice that when the Cessna took off, it had two occupants inside, and it was heading in a north westerly direction, towards the Pacific Ocean."

"Graham, is Marianne OK, I am concerned for her safety?" Nic asked and Graham replied, "Yes Nic she is fine, I told her to stay away from Tony's office and I think she has heeded my advice. She has temporarily again moved in with her mother and me for a while. She told me that she is attracted to you Nic, and although this is not a subject of tonight's discussion, I hope you respect her attention."

Nic then said, "Thank you Graham yes I will certainly respect her, she is a very lovely person."

Trevor then commented, "Jake, Ginger told me that you will be trying to acquire some equipment for us, have you had any success in this regard?"

"Yes I think there's an excellent proposition that need to be considered by you," Jake responded, "There's a company near Perth in Western Australia called Williams Heavy Equipment. An old associate of mine owns it, Striker Williams... used to be maintenance and service manager at a big Iron Ore Mine north of Perth. After he retired, he started this company selling mostly heavy surface mining equipment."

"He doesn't exactly have the specs that Ginger gave me, but he suggested some alternatives that I think... might just work and more important... his terms of payment are excellent. He is offering us four 180-ton dumpers, three 'five' cubic meters front end loaders and one older 'seven' cubic meters tracked face shovel. All the equipment for a grand total of eight hundred and fifty thousand US dollars, with the payment terms being, half after twelve months and the balance after a further twelve months, at an effective interest rate of five percent pa, on the outstanding balance. The equipment will be supplied 'pit ready'. Also I can mention that the four dumpers have strengthened aluminium bowls and electric rear wheel traction, with diesel generators, and have less than a thousand hours each, on the clock. Before you make any decision, maybe Nic and I should offer some opinion on buying used heavy equipment."

Ginger replied, "Well it seems good Jake, but do you have any reservations and how much work do we have to do to get the equipment functioning?"

Jake replied, "I have no problem with the supplier Ginger, he is honest and straightforward and he offered the equipment 'pit ready', which in his specification means the equipment will be able to start operating immediately."

"The dumpers, however, do not have tram-trolley attachments for overhead electrical assistance and when Nic and I looked at the internet Satellite Earth site of what we thought to be Perdekop, we noticed a rather steep incline upwards for the dumpers and relatively small circle routes out of the pit area. I think Nic should give you some opinion of the application, Nic will you....."

"Thanks Jake," Nic said, "... the 180 dumper size have a slightly smaller axle width so this could be in your favour in the restricted incline lanes, but some of these, I think, are maybe too steep for the power trains of the loaded dumpers."

"Now I have not inspected the area but it looks as though there are two or three places where a simple steel rope winch would work better, and for maybe one hundred and fifty meters, you can winch the dumpers up to a level where they can then continue under their own power. Senors, this is only one of my concerns. More important, I think I have started at the tail end, maybe we should look at the issue of acquiring used equipment above that of new equipment."

Ginger then interjected and said, "Nic there is logic in your theory and I wish to hear your opinion, but there is a good reason we chose this alternative, please..."

"When you purchase new equipment" Nic continued, "... from original equipment manufacturers, they generally provide factory support and maintenance, and when break-downs occur, they either have emergency spares stock on-site or simply air freight the spares into your mine site. And in addition, depending on the size of your purchase, they may even place a field service technician on your site."

"Now, for used equipment, there is no factory back-up, and the issue of continued and preventative maintenance is up to you. Fortunately the four dumpers are of the same make and are considered to be a reliable type or make, also, the three loaders are of the same make, so interchange ability of spares is probably easier, than having different makes."

"Makes excellent sense, I think," comments Ginger, "but Nic... please will you continue."

# Chapter 11

"Striker Williams" Nic continued, "... also provided us a list of additional parts that they suggest you also buy; these are largely ground engaging tools that wear off quickly and filters, drive belts and some hydraulic spares. Jake will provide you with a complete spec list and prices. These will be shipped with the equipment and will be additional to the amount that Jake quoted earlier. The Williams' company also suggests that additional tires for the equipment be obtained South Africa and stocked as emergency stores."

"In short therefore, Gents, the equipment may just do the job, but it must be a short term solution, that must be replaced in at least twelve to eighteen months' time with new factory backed equipment."

"If you decide to purchase the equipment, I also suggest you send one or two technicians to the Williams' company for training. This, I think, will be a good investment, because delivery will be staggered and these technicians will be working on your company's equipment while it is being prepared and reconditioned."

Ginger was about to respond, but was interrupted by Trevor, "Ginger may I... before you reply... please, Nic, I would not employ you as a used equipment salesperson, he he he ... but your assessment is very close to our assessment. Incidentally, our intention is to replace the equipment in no more than eighteen months' time. This is a short-term solution and I would support your proposition. OK Ginger, thank you, over to you.... ."

Ginger laughed and said, "Jake and Nic I accept your proposition, I would, however, like to have the equipment inspected as you would appreciate, and therefore we will send our Technical Manager, Peter La Blanca, to the Williams' company in Australia. I would appreciate if you would make the necessary arrangements with them. Peter will also do the buying of the additional parts, he does have the authority for this, and he will also give the Williams Company our final order and sign any purchase and supply agreements, which they may require...."

"Ginger, thank you," Jake replied, "we will contact Striker Williams and tell him, it is now night time over in Australia, but we'll also arrange for Peter's visit. This will be acceptable and Striker will in fact support you sending some technicians to train on the equipment. Maybe you should also consider sending some operators, at least maybe one on the dump trucks and one on the loaders, but this is your matter and you can communicate with Williams direct on this issue."

"Good idea, Jake" commented Ginger.

Jake continued, "Ginger, then regards the Chinese, well... they like to stand on protocol and procedures and unfortunately I cannot just phone them about the two months' odd extension of the delivery schedule of the first shipment. This I will do ... I am confident that it will be acceptable. I will fly to China as soon after I arrive back in South Africa, in a few days time. I will keep you posted about any developments."

Ginger then said, "Jake can we discuss the issue of 'offsets', I understand you mentioned this to Graham and if the issue of further beneficiation becomes important with the Government in Johannesburg, then we would like to be aware of its implications and the consequences or possibilities of 'offsets'."

"Well, as I explained to Graham earlier," Jake continued, "Offsets is simply when the buyers of re-invest a portion of the export proceeds in your country. This is used to fund the local manufacture of cables or piping or any other type of product. This manufacturing effort could be done on a joint venture type of operation or any other method."

"I get the drift Jake... this is where the trade off or offset comes in."

"Exactly," Jake continued, "As I said previously, this type of developmental initiative may also take a long time to implement. It requires long-term investments. It does not require not short-term 'carry over' type of financing where investors from first world countries deposit or simply 'park' money. They would then earn high interest rates for short periods of time, and when the rates decrease or exchange rates go the wrong way, then move it to other developing countries with higher or more preferential rates of interest."

Nic commented, "Jake, maybe we should mention that a Chinese ministerial group will be visiting certain countries in the area soon, and possibly also here South Africa... and this may be the opportune time to raise this issue."

"Jake, thank you for the explanation" Ginger then commented, "... we now have an idea what offsets is about... maybe Graham can raise this and the issue about the Chinese forthcoming visit with the Minerals Department in Johannesburg. Also Jake, there is an agreement for your company's commission on the shipments, but we have not agreed on any commission on the equipment that you have negotiated... at this point shall I say that we will settle your expenses plus five percent of the value of the purchases from Williams, is this acceptable to you?"

Jake replied, "Yes, acceptable Ginger, I hope that our small contribution would favour Yellow Mountain for a long time to come."

"Jake we have another crucial issue "Ginger continued, "that has come up and for which we need your expertise, and this is simply that,... Yellow Mountain is under financial strain,... our situation is not critical in the sense that our company can be placed under receivership, but I think we are reasonably pressed for cash reserves. About a year ago, Yellow Mountain sold off, or factored part of our debtor's book to a shipping company. Now in a very competitive environment the credit worthiness of some of the debtors or buyers were not properly scrutinized."

"In some instances, the sales were made to agents, in the Middle and Far East, where the collection of outstanding amounts are virtually impossible... unless you transacted by way of letters of credit. This unfortunately was not done and some of the buyers have apparently now defaulted on their payment commitments."

"This is not unusual, Ginger, it happens sometimes," Jake comments.

Ginger continued, "Well, Yellow Mountain provided payment guarantees for the debtors' amounts advanced to it by the shipping company. Therefore, we must make good those cases where the debtors defaulted. I believe this to be substantial amount of money. However, Jake this is still not the real problem... a company in the Middle East, near Dubai purchased Yellow Mountain's debt from the shipping company. This was unbeknown to Yellow Mountain, so the situation at this time is that Yellow Mountain owes money indirectly to a Middle Eastern company that it is unable to repay at this time."

"Now my friends," Ginger said, "the Government provides, export guarantees, but these are subjected to specific provisions and trading procedures, which amongst other include that offshore sales may only be undertaken against reputable letters of credit etc."

"So, without this, Yellow Mountain is obviously horribly exposed. Then what I now call, 'adding insult to injury', it appears that the Middle Eastern company that owns these debts are somehow related to the company that is trying to shop off the 'old rust bucket' of a processing plant to Yellow Mountain. You know Jake, this crowd reminds me of an octopus, with many tentacles reaching everywhere."

"I thought something sounds horribly wrong!" commented Jake.

Ginger continued, "I agree, but I also see this as the screws being tightened, because I think the Russian crowd wants Yellow Mountain to agree with their terms, and I do not think this is going to happen! Yellow Mountain's financial manager, Carlos Sequero told us that two of these debtors owe more than one hundred million US dollars, and actually represent the major part of the debtors' book that was sold."

"Now interestingly, both these debtors are also situated in Shanghai. Jake, the purchases were probably allowed by the Chinese Government's agency regulating mineral purchases. If this is so, then maybe we could look to them to help us in clearing any misunderstanding on the payment issue. So Jake, while you are going to negotiate an extension of the delivery times, could you also try to obtain some assistance regarding the defaults by the Chinese companies, if possible?"

"Certainly Ginger, it makes, sense" Jake responded, "I've made a note, but can you provide me with copy invoices, proof of shipping and maybe also the initial orders placed by these two companies. This will help in my discussions."

"Trevor," Ginger asked, "do you know if Mkonde has already gone back to the mine? If not please ask him to prepare the necessary documents for Jake, I know he has all the documents with him."

Trevor replied, "OK, will do Ginger, I'm on it immediately."

"Jake, the concept of 'offsets' intrigues us" Ginger reacted, "and although you said that the Chinese Government will be visiting Johannesburg for possible investment discussions, we decided that if we have to wait for the Government in Johannesburg to start such a process, it would take many years to materialize. Your company has excellent references with the Chinese authorities and while you are going to have discussions with them on the issue of the late delivery, maybe you can also mention possible offsets as a possible investment, in passing."

Jake responded, "Certainly, I think that matters of his nature are generally discussed between Governments, but I suppose it would do no harm to mention its possibilities."

"Your assistance in this matter is appreciated Jake and again thank you," commented Ginger.

Jake responded, "Gentlemen, "... thank you for your hospitality, I will certainly address the issues, with the Chinese Government, and we will come back to you when we have a positive response on the issues. Nic will be staying in Johannesburg longer, but I have to get back to Johannesburg and then to Shanghai. So I bid you all a fond farewell and we will talk again."

Graham then took Nic by the arm and said, "Nic, you and I must do some talking, and maybe this is not the correct time and place. I have some business early tomorrow and maybe we should have lunch in the hotel bistro then... is this OK?"

"Certainly Graham, can we make it for say twelve thirty, if this is acceptable?" Nic responded and Graham confirmed,

"Yes, Nic it would be fine."

ooo OOO ooo

Jake and Nic left the dining room and decided to have a quick conference in Jake's room when Jake said, "Nic I suggest you remain here in Messina for a while, and help with the logistics of the order for the equipment and thereafter fly to Johannesburg and maybe clear up matters there. Nic, you are also staying behind for personal reasons... that I can appreciate, but you must decide which way you are going to go. I'd hate to lose your valuable contribution in the company... but maybe we can work out something where you operate from Johannesburg or somewhere in South Africa."

"There are a lot of mines in this part of the world and your presence here can only enhance our interests in metals' trading. Then regards Marianne, she sounds a lovely woman and I think, father-in-law wants some reassurances from you tomorrow, so be prepared. Also early tomorrow morning, please phone Striker, update him on the developments, advise him of Peter's visit, and maybe tell him that we suggested that they send some operators and technicians to help with the refurbishing of the equipment. I am sure he will agree. When you get to Johannesburg I suggest a low profile, remember we are still possibly targets."

Nic responded, "I understand Jake, I will do the necessary here in Messina, be careful and give my regards to Sandra and Naomi."

Jake bid Nic farewell, and said, "I will again take a charter back to Johannesburg tomorrow reasonably early."

When he got back to his hotel room, Nic rang Marianne.

"Hi darling, how are you?"

Nic replied, "Hi there gorgeous lady, I have been longing for you, are you OK?", and Marianne replied, "Nic darling, yes I am fine, when are you coming back to Johannesburg?... I cannot wait longer..."

Nic responded, "Well I cannot say too much, but I can tell you that I am having lunch with Graham tomorrow afternoon, and although he didn't say too much, I think he wants to talk about you and me, my angel, and...".

Marianne interrupted Nic, and said, "Yes my father did say he needs to talk with you because he is concerned for me Nic. I do not think it is a serious matter... he actually likes you and maybe he hopes for the future. He told me, before he left on a business trip, that I should be careful. So Nic, I think he hopes very much what I hope, and that is simply my darling... that you will be deciding to stay permanently in Johannesburg when you return."

"That is what I am, think at this time Marianne, but we need to get through this situation first, so please look after yourself and adios for now," Nic responded.

"Bi darling, see you soon, "Marianne replied.

During the early part of the morning, Nic phoned Striker in Perth in Western Australia and briefly updated him on developments regarding Yellow Mountain's purchases of the dump trucks and the loaders. He also confirmed the fact that Peter La Blanca would be visiting them in Australia and would give the final OK, and provides whatever contractual confirmation that Striker may require.

Nic arrived at the hotel bistro slightly before twelve thirty and was about to order a cup of coffee when Graham walked in, "Nic, I'm glad you are here early, I think it is necessary for you and me to get back to Johannesburg ASAP. Let us choose a quiet corner and then we can have a light lunch and discuss the way forward."

"Graham before we talk shop," Nic said, "may I address a personal matter as it concerns Marianne. I know the mine is your primary concern from a business point of view, but maybe I must make a confession... I feel deeply for Marianne and she has told me that she also has feelings for me. "

Graham interrupted Nic and said, "Nic I have respect for you, but as a father I am obviously concerned for the wellbeing of my daughter... she has gone through a rough time during her divorce... and now we have the situation with Tony and the mine. I do not want her experience unpleasant events again in her life. What I am simply asking you is to make a sincere commitment... either go your way or stay and support Marianne. She is a very sensible person and can make her own decisions, and I'll support her... that is all I wish to state on the matter."

"Thank you Graham" Nic replied, "Marianne and I will talk further with you in Johannesburg because what we will discuss is a matter where Marianne must also be present, but I give you an undertaking that I will be sincere in my feelings for Marianne."

Graham then asked, "Nic, what are your plans for the next couple of days?"

"Graham... I actually wanted to talk with you about going back to Johannesburg, do you think a regular flight would be acceptable, or should I try to arrange a charter flight?"

"Nic," Graham replied, "I have an old friend who operates a couple of old, but very reliable, Dakota DC3 transport aircraft. I expect him here in Messina around eight pm this evening. I will be flying back to Johannesburg with him early tomorrow, around five am. If you like, I can ask him if you can also come along."

"Perfect Graham, much obliged," Nic confirmed, "just say what time and where, and I'll be ready at four am!"

Jake arrived in Johannesburg late morning and was fortunate enough to get an early connecting flight to Cape Town.

The flight to Cape Town was as pleasant as can be expected. As the magnificent view of Cape Town's Table Mountain suddenly materialized, almost out of nowhere, Jake thought to himself, 'after spending months at sea in bygone times, the sailors of old, in sometimes terrible and atrocious conditions, saw the fair Cape as a safe haven. The question now remains... will Cape Town also his family's safe haven?"

While standing in the long rows of passengers wanting to clear through Customs and Immigration at Cape Town International Airport, Jake received a telephone call from Nic, phoning from Johannesburg. Nic updated Jake on developments and expressed his concern about the developments on the mine. He again reiterated the fact to Jake that if the benefactors of the damage caused at the mine committed such deeds in Messina, they would certainly not hesitate to replicate these elsewhere in South Africa.

Before leaving Buenos Aires for Cape Town, Jake phoned Sandra and managed to convince her and Naomi to fly to Cape Town and to meet him there for a few days R & R (rest and relaxation).

When he finally picked up his bags from the baggage carousel at Cape Town International Airport and moved to the passenger reception area, he was extremely relieved to see Sandra and Naomi waiting. He said, "I know I cannot sometimes express my emotions in the fashion you like, but always remember that I love you both very dearly and I treasure the time we spend together. Now can an old man get a kiss and a hug please?" He saw them both have tears in their eyes and they hugged and kissed him.

Sandra arranged some accommodation for them in a small boutique hotel in Fish Hoek, just outside Cape Town. On the way there Jake briefly told them of the happenings so far and said, "I am sorry about the predicament that I've placed you in... I've been in sticky situations in the past, but it's never been this bad. Were in the commodity trading business and we sell copper and other metals to large users, and it was just our luck to have crossed paths with this bunch of misfits and... ."

"Jake, you looked extremely concerned when you came out of the airport arrivals hall," Sandra remarked, "... please tell us what happened, is Nic OK?"

Jake replied, "Well, I was about to when you interrupted me, darling.... Both Nic and I are concerned for your safety. It's a long sad story, but I can tell you that up to now they have done everything in their power to disrupt the mine's operations. Nic thinks that if they commit such deeds in South Africa they could very well also try something similar here in South Africa... so darling this is really why I asked you to meet me here, at least we are temporarily away from Johannesburg."

Sandra replied, "I thought it was more than a simple 'get away" darling. It is perfectly in order, both Naomi and I were somehow hoping that we could coerce you into not coming back to Johannesburg, but instead go to some other place where we could relax. When you phoned I, or should I say we, immediately agreed about your proposal to get away from Johannesburg. Maybe I should also tell that Johan Adams was fantastic... he not only organized extra security at the farm but he also kept us abreast of the local developments."

"Daddy," Naomi interrupted, "they arrested a character by the name of Rowling, or something, and from what Johan said, he admitted to be responsible for giving Molly something at the Gymkhana stables. Johan also said that the 'big fish' unfortunately escaped, and according to the police's information he crossed the border into Botswana... but he also said that the Botswana police was alerted and they'll also be looking for him."

Then, wanting to enjoy a moment of togetherness with his family Jake said, "I think let's enjoy a couple of days here in the fairest Cape as they called it in the old days. Unfortunately, my lovely darlings, I have to go back to the Far East pretty soon. Do not fret; it is not for another couple of days at least. Meanwhile, I am in you're very capable hands!"

During their stay in Cape Town, they decided that while Jake was away in China, Sandra and Naomi would go to Sandra's sister in Knysna, some four hundred and eighty kilometres up the coast from Cape Town, until he returned.

# Chapter 12

The flights to the Far Eastern countries during early December were fairly fully booked and it was necessary for Jake to fly from Cape Town to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. He then took a connecting flight directly to the Pudong Airport near Shanghai, and estimated that it probably took him an additional ten hours to reach his destination.

He decided not to pre-arrange any accommodation in Shanghai for reasons of wanting to remain incognito. However, as he cleared the Chinese Customs and Immigration, a smartly dressed uniformed woman who introduced herself as Miss Mary met him. She informed Jake in perfect English that their VIP travel service was available, and she wished to know the name of the hotel where he was booked.

Jake responded, "Miss Mary, I'm sorry the trip was arranged at such short notice that I did not have the time to arrange accommodation, but I would like to phone the Four Seasons Hotel in the Bund area, and ask them to send their guest bus to collect me..."

Before Jake could complete his sentence, Miss Mary interrupted, "... That will not be necessary Mr De Villiers, we will do all the arrangements for you... please follow me and you can wait in the VIP lounge until we have made the necessary arrangements. Please we will also take, care of your luggage," and she led Jake to a sumptuously furnished lounge.

Jake was astounded at the treatment, but then realized that this was possibly, what the Chinese Trade Officials in Pretoria meant with his new guest privilege status when visiting China.

Another woman in the VIP lounge then enquired, "Would you like something to drink Mr De Villiers... I think, Miss Mary will be about half an hour?" Jake replied, "Yes, I would like some tea please... with milk and sugar, thank you."

An attendant brought Jake a tray with tea and some freshly baked scones after a few minutes, and said, "I hope you enjoy Sir."

About twenty minutes later Miss Mary returned, accompanied by smartly dressed Chinese man. She introduced him and said, "Mr De Villiers, this is Mr Chen, he is from the Foreign Relations Section of our Government, and he wishes to have some urgent consultations with you before we arrange for your transfer to the Four Seasons. I have made all the arrangements at the Four Seasons Hotel and I am sure that you will be satisfied. I will see you later after you have finished your consultations with Mr Chen."

Mr Chen greeted Jake, "Mr De Villiers, let me welcome you to our country," and he took out his business card and handed it to Jake, who then reciprocated the gesture.

"Thank you Mr Chen, please, is there anything I can tell you?" Jake replied.

Mr Chen smiled and said, "Mr De Villiers we have received some disturbing news from South Africa, and we are aware that you negotiated the sale of a large quantity of copper plates to our country. We understand that the mine is extensively damaged... but this is not our main concern. I think our Minerals Commission can handle this matter in separate consultations with you. What I am concerned about Mr De Villiers, is your safety... because we understand that the Police apprehended several nationals from certain Eastern European Countries. Now our Embassy in Johannesburg received an 'Aide de Memoire' or a diplomatic request from the local police commissioner, requesting that when you visit China, and we understand this visit also to be for the government... that you be accorded some VIP protection as the possibility may exist that these criminal elements may endanger your personal wellbeing."

"There is a person known as Jeff Cooper involved in the matter and we would appreciate to know whether you have any information of this person or his whereabouts?"

Jake was astounded at the development and thought to himself, 'Nic I don't know whether to thank you or kick your hind side, my friend... but thank you in any event.'

Mr Chen then looked strangely at Jake and said, "Mr De Villiers, are you alright... you are an important visitor to our country and the protection we offer is for your own best interest, I hope you do not object."

"Mr Chen excuse me," Jake reacted, "I was momentarily distracted, thank you and I accept you offer, but will you be able to help me as I need to have some urgent discussions with Mr Wang of the Metals Commission?. Some weeks' back I had some discussions with him in Hong Kong, and I think he may be the correct official to talk to."

Mr Chen replied, "Certainly Mr De Villiers, that can be arranged, but maybe you should have a rest at the Four Seasons, and then we can have a discussion late this afternoon. I am truly sorry that I am placing you under some pressure, but our authorities would like to resolve the matter soon, and apprehend the parties that are responsible for these shenanigans."

Jake smiled at Mr Chen's use of the word 'shenanigans'. He said, "absolutely Mr Chen, this person and his henchmen caused a fair amount of concern, not only to me and my colleagues, but also to the mining interests in South Africa. If I can help you in any way possible to, as you say 'resolve' the matter, it would be my pleasure."

"Mr De Villiers please rest assured that your wellbeing is our main concern and you can relax at the Four Seasons," Mr Chen responded, "we will provide the necessary surveillance, and I think your limousine is ready. Thank you for your cooperation and we will speak again later this afternoon. Is it in order if I call you around six pm?"

Jake replied, "Absolutely Mr Chen, thank you for your concern."

Miss Mary came into the VIP lounge and announced, "Mr De Villiers your limousine is waiting. I will accompany you to the Four Seasons... please can we leave?...". Jake replied, "Certainly Miss Mary, and thank you."

On arriving at the Four Seasons Hotel, the limousine drove to an executive side entrance that appeared to have a direct elevator service to the executive suites on the twentieth floor of the hotel. Miss Mary accompanied Jake in the elevator, and as they emerged from the elevator Mr Yong, the Executive Floor Manager, met them.

Miss Mary greeted Jake and said, "Mr De Villiers you are now in the capable hands of Mr Yong, I trust you will have a pleasant stay, in Shanghai and I bid you farewell, for now."

Mr Yong directed Jake to his suite and said, "Mr De Villiers welcome to our hotel, we have taken the liberty of providing some snacks and savouries for your enjoyment. There is also a bowl of fruit if you prefer this. In addition, the bar is stocked with a wide variety of liquid refreshments, please you are our honoured guest, and do not hesitate to tell me if you have any other requirements. You will not be disturbed unless you call us."

After Mr Yong closed the suite's door behind him, Jake decided that a quick shower and some fresh clothes were required... and thought, 'the snacks looked enticing and a scotch would definitely go down very well at this time'. After showering, Jake sampled some of the snacks, poured himself a scotch, and paged through the days' English edition of the China Times. He decided that it would be in order for a couple of hours of 'shut eye', before his meeting with Mr Chen at six pm.

It was almost five pm when Jake's mobile alarm went off. He got up and again decided to experience the shower in the bathroom, which appeared to shoot dozens of soothing minute streams of water at a pleasant pre-regulated temperature.

At precisely six pm the phone rang and Jake replied, "Yes, can I help?", and Mr Chen said, "Mr De Villiers, I trust you had a pleasant rest, can we meet in one of the hotel's business centre conference rooms, Mr Yong will direct you?"

"Yes Mr Chen," Jake confirmed, "I had an excellent rest and certainly, we can now have the discussion."

There was a light knock on the hotel room door and when Jake opened the door, he saw it was Mr Yong. He asked, "Mr. De Villiers can I show you where the conference room is?"

He entered the conference room and saw Mr Chen and two of his colleagues seated at the table, evidently in a deep discussion.

When they saw Jake, they got up and Mr Chen said, "Ah... Mr De Villiers welcome, I trust you had a good rest?", and Jake replied, "Yes thank you Mr Chen I did actually have an excellent rest ... but now I am ready for our discussion."

Mr Chen introduced Jake and said, "Mr De Villiers, these are my colleagues, Mr Mak and Mr Tang. They will help us in the discussions. Mr Tang is from the Criminal Investigation Section of the Shanghai Police and Mr Tang is from the Minerals Commission of our Government. You requested a discussion with Mr Wang Zhen. Unfortunately Mr Wang is out of town, so Mr Tang will help in our discussions."

Jake then responded, "Mr Chen and gentlemen, thank you for asking my cooperation, what sort of information are actually required from me?"

"Mr De Villiers," Mr Chen continued, "according to our information a company by the name of Copper Traders approached the Shanghai Municipal Government some months ago and offered to construct a complete processing plant in northern part of South Africa for the consideration of some fifty million US dollar equivalent. This plant construction would have been conditional to a Chinese company obtaining functional control of the major output and marketing of the mine's copper production."

"We are not going to concern ourselves at this time with the supporting arguments as these were clearly based on false assumptions and misleading facts. A viability study was undertaken and this was based on the condition of the plant, currently located somewhere in the Black Sea area of the Ukraine, and a final decision would have been made in the near future. Our interest at this time is simply that representations were made to our Government that was obviously, I think, based on totally false circumstances or representations."

"I have to agree on what you call false circumstances, Mr Chen, but please go on..."

Mr Chen continued, "Thank you Mr De Villiers. The whole matter has not only embarrassed our Government, but we also understand that this foreign company also coerced certain dubious or, how shall I say it, criminal characters in South Africa. They threatened and harmed not only the mine, but also certain leading individuals in South Africa."

"At this time we are therefore, compiling a record of the activities of these people and it is our objective, to bring them to justice, or at least to remove them or their interests from China. It is regarded as a serious offence in our Country to defraud the authorities, and at this time it certainly appears that this was the intention of the Copper Traders Company."

At that point, the telephone in the conference room rang and when Mr Chen answered it, he said, "Mr De Villiers, I ordered some tea and something to eat and I suggest we break for a while."

The hotel waiters poured the tea and Jake, Mr Chen and his colleagues each enjoyed the tea and food. Mr Chen then continued, "We can advise you Mr De Villiers that we have received a provisional report from Johannesburg detailing some of the activities that have taken place there in the last couple of weeks."

"What we are briefly asking you is to enlighten us, from your perspective I would say.... How did the Copper Traders Company engage in its activities in your opinion, and how was your company influenced or affected by their actions?"

Jake replied, "Mr Chen and gentlemen, De Villiers Metals, that is my company, is a commodity trading company marketing several metals, and then negotiating the sales from, and to several interests worldwide. For Yellow Mountain, we negotiated the sale of a large quantity of copper plates to China. However, we had hardly finished the sale of the when we were advised that certain interests in Johannesburg called for the sales contract with China to be either delayed or changed. Certain political interests in South Africa required the copper plates to be further beneficiated before shipment. The respective parties signed between China and the mine."

"Mr De Villiers so if I am correct the Trade Office advised you of the possible change?" Mr Chen asked.

"Yes Mr Chen that is correct," Jake replied and continued, "But then we were also told by a news reporter in Shanghai that it was common knowledge in the financial circles here in Shanghai that a Copper Traders Company was negotiating the sale of an old unused processing plant to the Chinese authorities. This plant appeared to be unused and was presently situated somewhere on the Black Sea. The terms of supply would be that the Chinese interests would pay for the plant's removal from the Black sea and its subsequent construction near the present workings. A certain local lawyer in Johannesburg suddenly became a Government official and was somehow intimately involved. The extent of which was uncertain when we received the information. I and a colleague of mine, a certain Mr Nic Jooste, had discussions with the authorities in South Africa, a Union official and might I add, also with the lawyer that we suspected of being involved somehow, a certain Mr Tony Burgess."

"While there we also learned that the mine's operations were damaged, or can I say sabotaged, and that the mine's electricity power lines were damaged to such an extent that the process of extracting the copper ore was temporarily disrupted. Just after arriving in South Africa I also received a threatening note saying that somebody could be seriously hurt if I did not leave South Africa."

"So Mr De Villiers you were also threatened?" Mr Chen enquired.

Jake replied, "Yes Mr Chen it is so. I may as well also tell you that before I left for South Africa, my daughter's horse was fed with something that upset the horse. This not serious at the time and we only later realized this to be a veiled threat...we took the necessary precautions and I am satisfied to say that no harm came to my family. This is the status quo. I may also mention, that the Copper Traders Company is apparently managed by a character referred to as the "Mad Russian"..., I also hear he is an ex-mercenary soldier, by the name of Jeff Cooper, and he can organize disruptive incidents of a fairly serious nature, I would think."

Mr Chen replied, "Thank you Mr De Villiers, your facts I think, agree with the facts received from our Embassy in South Africa. Did you ever see or meet this Jeff Cooper?"

Jake shook his head, "No fortunately not, and believe me, I have no wish for this to happen."

Mr Chen proceeded, "Mr De Villiers, it is possible that this man has many identities, and it's probably true that the name Jeff Cooper is a false identity. When this man approached us he was photographed. We also have some video footage that we would like you to scrutinize, and please tell us whether you possibly recognize either Mr Cooper or any of his associates. The quality of the footage is good and apart from these, we have our Immigration Department's records, which also include photographs. Please can you observe and tell us."

Mr Tang then got up, dimmed the lights, and pressed some keys on his laptop computer and a video was projected on the far wall in the boardroom. Mr Chen then said, "Mr De Villiers, the gentleman on the left of the screen is Mr Cooper and the person next to him is, I believe, a Mr Kraftek. Do you maybe recognize them?"

"Well I'll be a monkey's uncle" Jake uttered, "stop the video, the guy next to the person you call Cooper is in fact a person I met here in Shanghai, and he called himself 'Jason'. He's a free lance reporter for the Chinese Times."

"I can also tell you that he is the person that actually phoned one of my traders maybe two, three weeks ago, and told us that the Copper Traders crowd was flying around China in a Vietnamese registered Boeing 707, and making the offers to the Chinese Government.

"Did you know this man Mr De Villiers?" Mr Chen enquired.

"I only met him a couple of times during the course of my visits here, "Jake replied, "and he always seemed fairly jovial and very knowledgeable. I never realized this was all a setup... you're never too old to learn!"

"What about the other gentleman, Mr Cooper... have you ever seen him before?" Mr Chen also enquired.

"Mr Chen, you know there is something vaguely familiar about the Cooper character as well. Not his facial features, but the way he walks. This Cooper appears to have a limp and when this happens to a big fellow like that, you seem to notice it. I'm just trying to think, and you know... I think I know now, where I saw somebody walking in a similar sort of way."

"When your Trade Official in South Africa called me into the Embassy in Pretoria for discussions... I was sitting in the waiting room at the entrance to the Trade Office, and a person with a similar type of limp and general appearance came into the waiting room. I was then taken to the Trade Office's boardroom and did not see him again, but I can tell you there is an amazing similarity."

Mr Chen said something to his colleagues in a Chinese language and Mr Tang took out his mobile phone and made a call. He turned to Jake and said, "Mr De Villiers, you have been most helpful, maybe a lot more than you think... this I appreciate. Mr De Villiers further on in the footage there is also a person of African origin that I would like you to observe and tell us if you maybe recognize him."

Mr Mak then again set the video in motion and Jake noticed that Cooper and the so-called 'Jason' meet up with a person of African appearance and Jake gasped, "Mr Chen I have goose bumps, and I can feel my heart racing... yes unfortunately I do recognize this character. My daughter belongs to a Gymkhana Club near our farm in Johannesburg and this guy is a worker at this very same club."

"In fact during one evening when the horse got unwell and we decided to take the horse back to our own farm... he actually assisted us in loading her into our horse-trailer, and I think his name is Simon. He has an excellent way with animals. Mr Chen I am now extremely concerned, will you allow me to make an urgent telephone call to South Africa? I have to alert somebody at the stables in Johannesburg."

"Mr De Villiers, yes certainly" Mr Chen replied, "but there is something else I have to tell you. The African person's name is not Simon, but is Benjamin Setanjo and he is from, we think, Nigeria. Our information is that he was or is also a mercenary and this is where he probably met Cooper. We also understand that he is on the Interpol's list of wanted persons for drug smuggling."

Jake got up, took out his mobile phone, and dialled Jim Wilson's number in Johannesburg. When Jim answered, Jake said, "Jim... Jake here, can you hear me properly and are you free to talk?" Jim replied, "yes Jake, glad you called, you first, then I'll talk..."

"Jim," Jake continued, "I have some shocking news for you, I'm in China, in Shanghai in fact and I'm with the authorities right now, and I've just seen a surveillance video and one of the characters in the video is Simon, one of your stable hands. Now the shocking part... his name is not Simon, his real name is Benjamin Setanjo from Nigeria. He is a mercenary and is on Interpol 'wanted list' for drug smuggling. Can you get this character arrested or something, Jim... I think he's dangerous!"

Jim replied, "Well Jake, he's flown the coop, we realized something was wrong when Enoch caught him... with what we think were drugs. He pulled a gun, shot Enoch in the arm, and then disappeared. We searched his room and found three or four passports, some foreign money, and some illegal weapons as well. These are all in the Police's possession right now and there's a warrant out for his arrest."

"When the police searched his room they also found some strange names and addresses in Guangzhou and Shanghai in China. I have a copy, of these and I can forward it if you provide me with an email address... I will ask Jilly to scan it quickly and send it. I can also tell you that Rowling, he's the guy from the small holding south of Johannesburg, has also been arrested and a host of stolen property was found on his premises, stolen cars, television sets."

Jake gave Jim his email address, and furthermore said, "Jim thanks, hopefully this nightmare will be over soon, keep well." and rang off.

Mr Chen and his colleagues stopped discussing the matter when they noticed that Jake had ended his call, and Jake said, "Mr Chen, the gentleman I spoke to is Jim Wilson, he is the manager at the stables where my daughter keeps her horse. He told me that Setanjo disappeared after shooting another worker at the stables. However, they found passports, foreign money and strangely enough, some names and addresses of people in Guangzhou and Shanghai. He is emailing the details through to me right now, so if you like, I can go back to my suite, down load it, and pass it onto you. It might just be worth something."

Mr Chen said something to his colleagues, and Mr Tang said, "Mr De Villiers, may I accompany you to your suite, and download it to a memory stick of mine. This would greatly help me?"

Mr Tang copied the information onto his memory stick, and both he and Jake returned to the conference room.

"Mr De Villiers," Mr Chen concluded, "we have achieved our objective, I think. We will look at the information you have just given us and investigate further, but I have reason to believe that the matter is close to the 'resolved' status.

"Maybe I should suggest Mr De Villiers that we continue our discussions tomorrow," Mr Mak said, "because there are some issues of economic importance that we would like to discuss with you, but it may take some time?"

"Absolutely, what time would you be able to have the discussion, Mr Mak?"

Mr Mak replied, "I will arrange to meet you here at the hotel at ten am, then we can go to the Metal Commission's offices, if this is acceptable to you?"

Jake acknowledged Mr Mak's request, and greeted the officials and returned to his suite.

# Chapter 13

At ten am, the next morning Jake's phone rang and Mr Mak enquired, "Mr De Villiers good morning... are you ready to depart to the Metal's Commission Offices?"

Jake replied, "Yes Mr Mak, shall I meet you in the lobby of the hotel?" He went down to the hotel's reception area and greeted Mr Mak, "I'm ready Mr Mak," and they left for the Metal Commission's offices.

At the Metal Commission Jake was greeted by Mr Wang Zhen, "It is good to see you again Mr De Villiers. Unfortunately, the circumstances are somewhat problematic. I think, we can discuss these and come to an amicable solution, do you not think?"

Jake agreed, "Yes absolutely Mr Zhen, apart from the delivery schedule, I have some other issues that I would like to address with you, if I may?"

Mr Wang Zhen continued, "Yes Mr De Villiers, you have acted with utmost discretion in this matter and have also advised and helped our law enforcement agencies, so we are willing to listen to any suggestion that you may have," and motioned Jake and Mr Mak to his boardroom.

"Before we proceed to the economic matters," Mr Zhen commented, "Mr Chen asked that I convey a message to you... the names and addresses you made available yesterday were most interesting. The Police took several people into custody in the early hours of this morning; include some close relatives of the Nigerian suspect. I hope this is good news for you as well?"

Jake replied, "Yes absolutely Mr Zhen, these people have unnecessarily complicated the mine's trading activities, but as you say, I think we can discuss the relevant issues and I hope, come to an amicable solution."

"Mr De Villiers, before I give you the floor," Mr Zhen replied, "you are aware that a high level mission, under the leadership of a Deputy Minister of our country will be visiting, amongst other, South Africa in the next month or so. We will discuss the issue of investments that my country possibly wishes to make in that country. I'm ahead of myself, Mr De Villiers, would you please continue."

"Mr Zhen and Mr Mak," Jake continued, "thank you for allowing me this opportunity to discuss the Yellow Mountain Mine, or with you. As you already know gentlemen, certain occurrences or accidents happened at CMM recently, and these have been caused by what I simply call criminal elements, totally outside the control of the mine."

"The effects of the disruptions were initially thought to be catastrophic... and that it would take many months to restructure the output and the consequent supply of to China."

"However, notwithstanding serious damage to the main high voltage transmission lines, and certain internal ore carriage mechanisms, the Power Utility Company has almost completed repairing and rebuilding the damage caused. The ore shaft has been repaired, and power through the high voltage transmission lines will be restored within an estimated four to five weeks' time."

He then got up, took a map of the area from a folder, and placed it on a magnetic notice board. He said, "In addition, also negotiated the acquisition of additional ore reserves from an area close proximity to its own workings will in fact be taking over part of the workings of the Perdekop mine's ore reserves and ore stocks. If you take a look at this map you will notice that the Perdekop Mine is about twenty kilometres to the south of Yellow Mountain."

Both Mr Zhen and Mr Mak got up and looked at the map and then Mr Zhen enquired, "Mr De Villiers, the two mines appear to be shown in different colours, the mine is, I think, to the north and it is shown in blue, and the other mine is shown in green, is this the new Perdekop mine?"

"Yes Mr Zhen that is correct," Jake continues, "you will notice that there is also a pathway or a road shown on the map between the two mines, and this is the route that the large off road dumpers will take when collecting the ore from Perdekop Mine and transporting it to the works for processing."

Jake sat down again and continued, "The Perdekop Mine has reasonably sizeable ore stocks and these will be taken over for processing by. I can also tell you that the management of entered into discussions with Perdekop about a year ago to take over some of their licensed mining areas."

"This was mostly those adjacent to 's own workings, because it made sense to process ore from a central body in one centralized position, and not use two independent processing plants in close proximity to each other. Perdekop is an open pit mine so they apply a surface mining operation and do not have shafts and underground mining. Given what I have just told you, the management of requests the first or initial shipment date by at least say two months.

"Will the two months you request be sufficient to restart the operations and what is required to ship the copper plates to China, Mr De Villiers?" Mr Zhen enquired.

"This is what I am authorized to ask you Mr Zhen," Jake responded, "and our reasoning is simply those that I have just related to you. It is also the mine's intention of increasing the volumes of all subsequent shipments to such an extent that the total volume of, initially negotiated, will be supplied before the complete contract time period expires."

"A revised shipment schedule will be provided to the Metals Commission by. This is the first issue for your consideration, gentlemen."

Mr Zhen commented, "Mr De Villiers, you stated that you have other issues as well you wished to discuss. I respectfully suggest that you continue and discuss these, and then we will provide our comments to you... is this acceptable?"

"Certainly Mr Zhen," Jake continued, "There is talk in Johannesburg that exports need to be beneficiated to a greater degree before being exported. This implies that at least a portion of the raw copper plate exports be converted into products like tubes or pipes, wiring for electrical purposes, contact points in electrical switchgear etc and then exported in this new beneficiated format."

"The request is, therefore, that you respectfully consider beneficiating a portion of the copper plate exports in South Africa, prior to export."

"I believe you have one more issue you would like to discuss, Mr De Villiers," Mr Zhen noted.

"Yes Mr Zhen," Jake continued, "Yellow Mountain sold or factored some of their debtors, to a shipping company and some of these debtors have now defaulted. Two of probably the largest debtors are here in Shanghai and owe in excess of one hundred million US dollars."

"You will appreciate that Yellow Mountain obviously assumes responsibility for these defaults and the mine would appreciate to know if these purchases were allowed by the Government. Why was the payments stopped? I have the necessary documentary support for your information. The information is in this folder and I leave it for your kind attention," and Jake passed a folder to Mr Mak.

Mr Zhen smiled and said, "Mr De Villiers, you have addressed three issues, let us address them in the same order that you have discussed the matters. The first issue is that of the possible extension of the initial delivery or shipping date... this I think that can be resolved to our mutual benefit in a simple and amicable way. As you well know, shipments of this nature can at times be delayed for several uncontrollable reasons, and sometimes, it may also be in the interest of either of the parties to accelerate or delay the supply of the copper plate exports."

"However, in the present case, we are also experiencing a small logistical disruption... and simply stated we would appreciate it if the first shipment could be re-scheduled for at least two months later than agreed. I think the Metals Commission's request could therefore accommodate your request Mr De Villiers?"

Jake smiled, "By all means Mr Zhen, I absolutely agree. Shall I request 's management to address the matter in formal communication, or can I respectfully suggest that you refer to our discussions, and request 's agreement to the alteration of the supply agreement, as we just discussed?"

Mr Zhen replied, "Mr De Villiers, we will provide you with a formal letter of intent and request the mine's agreement. I think this will be sufficient," said Mr Zhen and continued, "the second issue is a 'sensitive' matter, but I can very confidentially advise you Mr De Villiers, that our deputy Minister will be addressing the issue of a possible investment in that country, as I explained at the outset of our meeting."

"For obvious reasons, we cannot at this time enter into official discussions on the matter, but your suggestions are 'excellent food for thought', and it may just greatly assist the possible direction of any bilateral discussions that may be undertaken between the two respective Governments."

Jake responded, "Thank you Mr Zhen, I appreciate your comments."

"The issue of debtors defaulting," continued Mr Zhen "... is obviously a matter that generally does not concern the involvement of the Government... but sometimes circumstances may dictate otherwise. Various departments in China mostly correlate imports of strategic metals and consequently we can investigate the circumstances relating to the importer now withholding payment and we can then advise you accordingly. This may take a couple of days, but I will assure you that we will investigate the matter."

Ending the discussion Jake responded, "Mr Zhen and Mr Mak, I wish to again express my appreciation for your consideration in these matters, and I look forward to your confirmation of the matters where I am involved."

"Thank you for our discussions and I will now return to my hotel, but if it's in any way possible, I would like to remain in Shanghai until you have had the opportunity to investigate the issue of the payments that were withheld. Is this possible?"

Mr Zhen replied, "Mr De Villiers. I think this could be arranged. Mr Mak will handle this matter personally and I will leave it up to you and Mr Mak to make mutual arrangements."

"Thank you Mr De Villiers, I have briefly looked at the names of the companies concerned, and this is very strange because these are very large and respected organizations," Mr Mak observed.

Mr Mak briefly conversed with Mr Zhen in a Chinese language and both seemed puzzled. Turning to Jake Mr Mak said, "Mr De Villiers, I think I can suggest that you accompany me to the one company tomorrow morning. Maybe we can immediately resolve at least part of the dispute. I will call you at nine am tomorrow morning and inform the time of the meeting."

"That will be in order Mr Mak, and thank you again for our discussion," Jake replied, and was driven back to the Four Seasons Hotel.

At nine the following morning, Jake's telephone in his hotel room rang. When he answered the phone Mr Mak said, "Mr De Villiers, we were able to get an appointment with the Chief Executive of the Shipping company and he has agreed to see you and me immediately. I took the liberty of coming to your hotel, and I am waiting for you in the reception area. I hope this is acceptable to you?"

"Give me ten minutes Mr Mak, and I will join you," Jake replied.

He went down to the reception area, met Mr Mak, and drove to the Shipping Company's headquarters. On arrival Mr. Wong, the Chairman of the Company, greeted them.

He invited them to sit down at a massive boardroom table and three other men joined them, who could not converse in English, but they nonetheless appear to welcome Mr Mak and Jake to the proceedings.

Mr Wong then proceeded in English, "Mr Mak and Mr De Villiers, welcome to our company. When I received Mr Mak's request this morning I was totally surprised... the payments of the copper shipments were withheld at the request of the shipping company that now owned the Yellow Mountain debtors."

"I also contacted the other company here in Shanghai that you have mentioned, and their circumstances are identical to those of our company. We do not understand and would appreciate it if you could enlighten us to the circumstances prevailing at this time Mr De Villiers. We were not provided with reasons for withholding the payments. We agreed, as they are the owners of the debtors' book. Our financial manager contacted their office in Singapore, and as we speak we are awaiting a reason or explanation for their decision."

At that point, a man presumed by Jake to be the company's financial manager, came into the boardroom, saying something to Mr Wong and handed him a document.

Mr Wong then said, "Gentlemen, their Singapore office advised our financial manager that their head office in Kuwait instructed them to make this request. We then asked for a confirmation of this so-called Head Office request and they forwarded a memorandum signed by a certain Mr Jeff Cooper, requesting what I have already told you. According to this document of theirs, this Mr Cooper is their regional director and executive."

Jake gasped and said, "Mr Mak fortunately you were present yesterday in our discussions and maybe you can relate to Mr Wong and his colleagues who Mr Cooper is.

"Is there something wrong Mr De Villiers?" Mr Wong asked, to which Mr Mak replied in a Chinese language, and to which several people around the table provided, comments, which Jake could not understand.

Eventually Mr Mak said to Jake, "Mr De Villiers, I have related the circumstances of this matter to Mr Wong and his colleagues and have explained that this Cooper character is sought by the Chinese and South African law enforcement agencies. They have also confirmed that the Mine supplied the copper, so you need not repay any of these amounts."

"The claim in respect of the two Chinese companies can obviously be repudiated by the Yellow Mountain Mine Company."

Jake thanked Mr Wong and his colleagues for their cooperation and he and Mr Mak returned to the Four Seasons Hotel, where Jake greeted and thanked Mr Mak for his assistance in resolving the Yellow Mountain issues thus far.

# Chapter 14

While back in South Africa, Nic accepted Graham's offer, and joined him on the early morning feeder flight from Messina to Johannesburg in a Dakota DC3 transport aircraft, which left Messina at almost half past five in the morning. The aircraft had four passenger seats immediately behind the cockpit, where Graham and Nic seated themselves.

After making two stops along the way, the Dakota DC3 landed at a small airport near Johannesburg around midday.

Graham offered Nic a ride into Johannesburg, and Nic this time round, decided to book into a small hotel on the outskirts of the city, the Hotel Lido.

When Graham stopped in front of the Lido he said, "Nic please contact me when you have any news of our requests... this is very urgent!"

Nic then phoned Marianne, and she said, "Nic darling, I hear you and Graham are back in Johannesburg. When can we meet?"

Nic replied, "How are you my gorgeous lady, I cannot wait to see you, but I think we have to be careful, things are moving at a dangerous pace so maybe we must arrange to meet at your parent's house."

"I know I would have liked it different, but for now we will just have to be patient, I think the situation will sort itself out within a couple of days. Have you heard anything about Tony, I believe he is in hospital?"

Marianne replied, "Nic, I think Tony is fine, but he is very concerned. He phoned me and told me not to go to the office, and I told him that I would rather want to end my services with him. He said that my salary would be paid into my account. I told him that Anna phoned me and told me that somebody shot at him and that he had an accident somewhere south of Johannesburg."

"He refused to tell me much of what happened, but he did say that he will be in a clinic for a day or so, and that he would then be going home. He also said that he asked Anna's brother, Victor, to take her to her mother until matters cleared up. So I think she's safe, Nic, but I am concerned for you."

Nic replied, "Marianne, I will look after myself, but I think we should arrange that I come to your parent's home so that we can talk. First you and me must talk and make some decisions about our future, and then we tell Graham and your mother. I have some matters to attend to this afternoon but I suggest that we talk, say about six pm. Will the time suit you?"

Marianne replied, "I can't wait for tonight Mister Nic Jooste. It is going to be a night to remember. I will see you around six pm tonight, darling, adios."

Nic decided to order some room service snacks and a beer from the hotel. He did this instead of going into the Lido's restaurant as he had some urgent chores to attend to. He then phoned Julie, Jake's PA, and although it was already after nine pm, Julie answered her phone and said, "Hi, Julie speaking."

Nic replied, "Julie, Nic here, sorry to trouble you so late, but I have some matters that urgently need Jake's attention and he is somewhere between Messina and Cape Town, probably still in the air, so I would appreciate it if you would tape what I'm going to say and ask him to listen. This is very urgent please."

Julie replied, "Will do Nic and hang on, you can go ahead, just tell me are you OK? I can tell you that Sandra, Jake's wife, is very concerned about some of the happenings of late. She'll be very relieved when she meets him."

Nic replied, "OK Julie, and here's Jake's message.... 'Jake I am going to ask Marianne to marry me tonight and then I think we can talk about where in South Africa I should base myself, either here in Johannesburg or in Buenos Aires. Ciao for now Julie, that's all, tell Jake I'll phone him tomorrow." Nic then rang off.

Nic phoned Anna's mother, and said, "Alice, good evening it is Nic here, I trust you are keeping well?"

Alice replied, "Nic I am concerned for my daughter, Tony is involved with things that I do not like, and I also told Anna this, but I'm sure she will want to talk with you, please hold on and I will call her."

Anna took the phone and said, "Nic, how are you... sorry I heard my mother is not very friendly with you, please excuse her, she means well. Tony... I think he is OK, he is still in the clinic and there is a police guard. I also understand that the police traced the vehicle that pushed him, off the road and they found that it's a hired vehicle."

"More important, one occupant, I think the driver maybe... was arrested because just after they tried to push Tony off the road, they were involved in an accident and this was when the driver was knocked unconscious. Unfortunately his accomplice got away, but I believe from my brother that the driver started talking, so they expect to apprehend the other party fairly early."

"I also spoke to Marianne and she told me that the two of you are very serious about a relationship, but Nic... I told her that she must get a commitment from you, and that you must settle down somewhere. If you don't, then your future with Marianne is going to be as uncertain as our time together."

Nic replied, "Anna, yes I am going to suggest that we live here in Johannesburg. This is not important, I will make a commitment, as you suggested. Thank you for telling me about Tony, and give him my regards when you talk with him. Anna, please do not say anything about my relationship with Marianne... I will explain later. Keep well Anna, and look after yourself."

Anna replied, "Will do Nic, it was lovely talking with you, adios."

After making several telephone calls, Nic went down to the car rental booth situated in the Lido Hotel's reception area and rented a 4x4 pick-up truck, and on signing the necessary rental agreement and insurance documents, also asked for a map of the area surrounding Johannesburg.

At six pm Nic arrived at Graham's home on the outskirts of Johannesburg. He announced himself on the intercom at the security gate, and when the gate opened, drove in. Marianne was waiting for Nic at the lounge door, and when he got out of the pick-up, he took her in his arms and they gently kissed... not noticing Graham and his wife standing inside the lounge door. Marianne said, "Nic, welcome to our home and let's go inside quickly, I'm afraid there's been some more developments... Anna is gone!"

Nic frowned and said, "Marianne, I spoke to her not more than maybe two hours ago and she seemed, fine to me ... what happened?"

Graham came across to Nic and introduced Marianne's mother, Dolores, and said, "Nic I'm sorry, all we know is what Alice... you know Anna's mother, told Dolores. She said that Tony phoned Anna from the clinic where he is supposed to be recuperating, and told her that he needs to speak with her."

"Alice said that Anna had a small briefcase with her when she left, and said that she would be back sometime later tonight. Alice phoned the clinic about an hour later and was told that her daughter had not arrived there. The clinic is only about twenty minutes away from their home and, she then realized that something was wrong."

Nic reacted, "What about Anna's Brother Victor, did somebody contact him?"

Graham replied, "Alice said that Victor, he is in the police force... was very upset when he heard that Anna had gone to the clinic without telling him. He said, he told her not to go anywhere, but it is too late now. Nic at this time there's nothing much I can do, except wait and hope that the police find, her."

"Maybe there's a simple explanation for her not arriving at the clinic. Victor apparently told Alice that this matter is much bigger than what they initially thought and therefore, told Anna to be very careful.

"I just hope she is safe.... " Nic responded.

"Also earlier this afternoon, "Graham continued, "there was a small delivery van parked near the telephone poles, about one hundred meters down the road. When I saw the vehicle I initially thought nothing of it, but then became suspicious when I saw two men carrying a ladder and saw them, standing it up against one of the telephone poles."

"I thought this odd, because the van did not have the telephone company's logo on its side. I then phoned my old compadre at the local police station and told him, and within minutes, a patrol car arrived in the street. The two characters then told the police officers that they were not tampering with the telephone equipment, but were placing advertisement boards on the pole."

"This unfortunately happens a lot around this area and the police then merely asked them to move on."

"Did the police get their names?" asked Nic.

"No I don't think so Nic" Graham replied and continued "The characters then drove off. I also phoned the telephone company and reported this incident to them, and they promised to send a technician to come to check the connections, but they have not arrived yet."

"So Nic, I think at this time we must simply wait. We are all sensitive to Yellow Mountain's problems and Tony's involvement and maybe our imagination is running a little wild. Let's sit down and have some tea and then we can discuss a more important matter that concern you and Marianne."

Well, Graham and Dolores,..." Nic said, "Marianne and I have expressed very deep and sincere feelings for each other, so much so that I have told Jake, he is the owner of the company I am working for, that I will be staying in South Africa and hopefully, Marianne and I can make a future together. You may not know it, but I was married to Anna before, and we divorced, not for reason of infidelity, but simply because of my continuous business travels. I have now decided that I must settle and make a commitment. We must still decide where to locate, maybe here in Johannesburg or maybe even elsewhere. We will decide on... "

Before Nic could continue, the telephone rang and Graham answered. Graham's face suddenly became, tense and strained ... and he held his bowed, head in his hands.

When he replaced the telephone receiver he said, "I'm afraid I have bad news... that was Victor, Anna's brother. Now there is no easy way to say this... but I'm afraid they found Anna's car in a ditch not far from her home, full of bullet holes."

"A brief search then resulted in the police also finding Anna's body, she had been shot at fairly close range... and the briefcase which she had when she left her mother's home was gone. Victor asked about you Nic, because they saw on her mobile phone, that she received a telephone call from you earlier this afternoon."

Nic suddenly felt a rush of emotion and felt the tears rising in his eyes, and said, "I was married to her and believe it or not, we parted as friends and even though I love you Marianne, I still have respect and admiration for her. She was a wonderful woman, and did not deserve the likes of that creep, Tony."

"My apologies for this outburst, now specially, when I am telling you about my love for your lovely daughter, but I think common sense must prevail because our adversaries are ruthless and without any conscience. Graham, I think that both your and Marianne's life are now in danger. Can I respectfully suggest that you take precautions, and Marianne I think you should tell Graham about the telephone conversations with Tony which you thought were very suspicious."

Marianne responded, "I already did Nic, I can now say that what I told you, I also told my father, in fact, before I even started working for Tony, I discussed this with Graham and we decided that I would be very careful and not get involved. If I sensed any situation I would immediately leave."

"Marianne, I think I should quickly make a phone call to South Africa, "Nic said, "... and try to warn Jake and his family. Before we came to South Africa, Jake's daughter Naomi was preparing to take part in a Gymkhana competition and somebody fed her pony something that upset the horse so much that they had to withdraw from the competition."

"When Jake and I arrived in Johannesburg a couple of days ago, he also received a threatening note, more-or-less saying that somebody will be hurt if we do not leave South Africa. We disregarded this of course, and went about our business as usual."

The gate chimes rang and Graham got up and looked at a small television monitor showing the gate area, and saw a police vehicle outside the gates. He pressed a button on a security console and the gates opened, and the police vehicle drove inside. Graham went outside, and saw that it was Victor, Anna's brother and he presented his condolences on the news of his sister. Graham followed Victor into the lounge and Nic said, "Victor, I am very sorry and saddened by this bad news. You knew Anna's and my situation but I hope you can apprehend these misfits."

Victor saw Nic and said, "Nic how are you? I am sorry to meet again under these circumstances but I have to ask you some questions, my friend. I saw that you had a telephone conversation with Anna earlier, what was it all about?"

Nic replied, "Vic, I told her that Marianne and I are serious about the future, and I also told her to be careful. She then told me to have a good future with Marianne, but she insisted that I make a commitment and stay at one place and not move around so much. That is all Vic... I wish she took my advice."

Victor continued, "We apprehended one suspect earlier and found that he is from Ukrainian origin, although we also found several passports from a number of foreign countries in his possession. These are all probably forged. Our Foreign Affairs department will check these out and advise us. We will incarcerate the suspect; I cannot tell you more at this time."

"Nic I have a special request to Graham about you. Graham, Nic and I go back a long time, we served together in the Army Special Operations. After our service, I joined the police and Nic selected international business, also I introduced Anna to Nic... what I am asking Graham, and I'll say this in front of you and your daughter... he can be a hothead and I think he is going to try to apprehend the criminals in this matter, so please control him."

"Before you go on with the history lesson, Vic has this character you apprehended, given you any names and addresses?..." asked Nic.

"No Nic," said Victor, "He has not, but let us does our job and remember; I am as distraught as you are. We have the authority and facilities to do the job and we have a good idea who the perpetrators are."

"Although he has not told us everything, Tony Burgess has already told the police a long story. Please Nic can I have you are undertaking that you will not interfere in this matter, otherwise I will arrest you for your own good. You comprehend my friend.... In addition, Graham we have placed a patrol car in the street outside, I think you will be safe. Adios Marianne, Alice, Graham and Nic, and please remember what I have said..."

Graham then accompanied Victor outside, and Nic remained seated. Marianne said, "Nic please, you will do as Victor asked, will you not? I want you alive, please tell me you will not do something stupid.... and also Nic please, I think you will stay here at least for tonight, Momma Alice suggested it to me earlier, and if you disagree, please tell her... ."

Nic looked up at Marianne and said, "Yes I promise not to do anything stupid, but I promise you that someday I will meet Mister Jeff Cooper and we will settle the matter.

Alice, Marianne's mother then said, "Nic I have prepared the spare room for you, Marianne will show you where. I have also taken out some clothes from Graham that I think you should use these until we get your luggage from your hotel. Maybe Graham should think of a plan to get your luggage sometime tonight, he has some good contacts with the local police and I'm sure they will help."

Graham came into the lounge and said, "Nic, Victor just suggested to me that maybe we should consider getting your luggage from the Lido and bringing it over here. It makes no sense that your luggage is over there and you are here most of the time. So what I'm asking, and I hope you don't object, is that you and one of Victor's colleagues quickly go to the Lido Hotel and you can check out. If it is OK with you I'll phone Victor and he'll arrange it."

Nic replied, "What can I say... Alice, Graham, you are very kind and I appreciate your hospitality.... And yes, at this time I think it would be good idea..."

Graham got up, went to the telephone, called Victor, and told him that Nic had agreed with them to check out of the hotel, and that he would be waiting for Victor's colleague.

# Chapter 15

Half an hour later a vehicle hooted at the main gates, and Graham, after checking the security monitor, pressed the button to open the gates. An unmarked vehicle drove in and parked in the driveway.

Graham went outside to meet the occupant of the vehicle, and when they entered the lounge, he introduced the man as Pedro Fernandez, an Inspector with the Crime Intelligence Section of the police.

Nic immediately recognized Pedro. He, Victor and Nic served in the Army's Special Operations before joining the police service.

Nic smiled and said, "Pedro you old pirate, it is good to see you again, and let me introduce you to Marianne and her mother Alice, this is Pedro and old friend and army compatriot of both Victor and myself. Pedro I am sorry that you have to babysit me for a while, but I promised Marianne and Victor that I would behave, I think let us go to the hotel and finish up there.... Marianne we should not be away longer than say, forty five minutes, and then we can sit down do some talking, see you all later."

Nic got up, gently kissed Marianne, and drove off with Pedro.

As they drove Pedro said, "Nic the reason I came is simply because Vic says that you know something that you are not telling us. When he drove into Graham's drive much earlier this evening he noticed the 4x4 and asked Graham whose vehicle it is... and Graham then told him you had rented the 4x4 at the Lido. Now Nic, you will not rent a 4x4 unless you have use for it, and I do not think it is for a recreational purpose. Now my friend what do you plan to do with the vehicle?"

"Ok Pedro," Nic replied, "you saved my bacon a couple of times in the army years and I suppose I owe you that much. I will level with you, and it will only take a couple of hours. When Jake and I... Jake is my boss and the owner of the company I work for, visited Messina we had discussions with the mine management, and we were told that some old worker there by the name of Pete Jefferies was involved in the problems on the mine. Incidentally he is also missing and is now sought by the police in this matter."

"Now, while we were having the discussion I noticed that Ginger Larson, he is the Mine's head honcho or big chief, had a file lying open next to him, and I noticed the details of the Pete Jefferies character was in the file. This was probably an old personnel file from the mine. Most of these forms have a space at the bottom where the name and address of the next of kin or a relative is provided for. I was sitting next to Ginger and the file was lying virtually next to me... and I could not help but notice that the next of kin's address was fairly close to Johannesburg; not too far from here, up near the Vaal River, I think."

"So how crucial is this Pete Jefferies character in this matter?" Pedro asked.

"Pedro, he is personally responsible for the accidents and the disruptions at the Yellow Mountain Copper Mine," said Nic, "and if we find him we can probably link Tony Burgess to a character by the name of Jeff Cooper, the main instigator. He paid both Pete Jefferies and Burgess to orchestrate the whole matter. When I saw the details of the farm address in his old personnel file, I knew it was a long shot, but maybe not that long, I think!

"You have a strong argument Nic Jooste, Pedro commented, "it is definitely worth following up, but let us do the job... you agree?"

Nic continued, "Yes Pedro, I agree. I think that this is the address where we will find Pete Jefferies, although Ginger... he is the mine manager, told us that he thinks Pete Jefferies skipped into Central Africa, somewhere. I do not think so... these old warriors, like Pete Jefferies , they are cunning and will choose an area near the mountains or rivers, to hide away until it's safe to return."

"The reason I want Pete Jefferies is, as I told you, to connect Tony Burgess directly to the sabotage on the mine. If this can be done, we will link Tony to both the desperados, and now the murderers of Anna."

Pedro replied," Nic that is precisely what Vic said... he knew you had some information and that you will want to investigate it. He suggested, we rather help you and maybe we can work together, I appreciate you telling me Nic, so what is your plan?"

"Pedro there is a small holding about eighty kilometres from here," Nic continued, "towards Parys near the Vaal River. Pedro you are not going to leave me behind because I want to be present when we get Pete Jefferies. I promise, I will not harm him until we get information from him, is this OK?"

Pedro replied, "I agree but let me call Vic and tell him."

Pedro then entered a number on his mobile and said, "Vic yes, we are on our way to the Lido and Nic has an address near the Vaal River, some eighty kilometres from here and he thinks that the Pete Jefferies character maybe there. Also I think... maybe it's not a bad idea to have some back-up... I agreed that Nic could be part of the operation but maybe he should quickly think of a reason for his delay in returning to Graham's house."

Pedro then looked at Nic and said, "You heard me Nic, what are you going to tell Graham and Marianne?"

Nic responded, "I will tell Graham the truth, he can tell Marianne... although I love Marianne very much Pedro... I owe it to Anna, and I must tell you that initially I did not think much of this little piece of information, until tonight. It's time we get some answers to our questions, eh senor!"

Pedro then stopped in front of the Lido Hotel and both he and Nic went inside hotel. They collected Nic's luggage, paid the bill and Nic checked out of the hotel. As they left the Lido Nic phoned Graham's home number, and Alice answered the telephone. Nic then asked to speak with Graham.

When Graham came on the line Nic said, "Graham I'm with Pedro and we will be meeting Victor in about ten minutes. We have an address of a small farm near the Vaal River, about eighty kilometres from here, and I think this is where we will find Pete Jefferies. I will explain later where I got the address, but we need to get him to prove a connection with Tony... but please explain to Marianne that I am with the police and will not endanger myself. I do not think, I should talk with her right now, because it will just upset her, but Graham I have to do this, as I at least owe it to Anna, I hope you understand. I will see you later tonight, adios."

Graham replied, "I somehow understand Nic, but please be careful and I will try to explain to Marianne."

It was almost an hour later when three police vehicles from Johannesburg arrived at an area close to the Vaal River small farm where Nic thought Pete Jefferies was probably hiding. Victor and his colleagues enlisted the help of some local law enforcement officers that knew the area well, and who were already waiting for them. Victor approached the local officers and introduced Nic and Pedro.

The local police officer was Sergeant Jo Petzer and he said, "Vic when we received your call earlier I asked one of my men to recon the area and there is definitely some activity that is more than usual. You enquired about a dark coloured Ford Explorer utility vehicle, and my men told me that there are two such vehicles parked on the farm."

"They are not absolutely certain that these are Ford Explorers, but from a distance with night vision glasses, they definitely appear to be 4x4 utility vehicles. Now Vic I suggest what we do is surround the area. You are ten men, and we are four. I, suggest we divide into three groups with one of my men forming part of each of the three groups and we then simply approach the farm. There is only one gate leading out of the farm, so one of our vehicles will cover this gate. Do you expect any resistance from the farmhouse? By the way Vic we also obtained an urgent search warrant from the local judge because some of the vehicles on the farm do not have registration plates, he he he."

Victor then replied, "Jonathan thanks for your help, ha ha ha, I think it is a good tactic and yes, if they see us, and the people inside are who we think they are, then there will be shooting. Do your men have bullet proof jackets on?"

Sergeant Jo Petzer replied, "Yes Vic, with you in the area, we don't take chances. I don't think you would be chasing chicken thieves, so Mister we are prepared, and we also have R5 assault rifles and smoking tools (smoke grenades that are shot from rifles), if required,... shall we move in, I suggest up-wind so that the dogs don't smell us?"

Sergeant Jo Petzer organized a three-prong assault or approach to the farm. He told his men to refrain from shooting unnecessarily, until or unless they met some opposition. He also told them that when they do shoot, that they make sure of their targets, and that this is not a training exercise.

He also instructed his men to shoot at the vehicles tires, should they attempt a break-out... also asked everybody to exercise radio silence, unless absolutely necessary to break the silence. He then gave the two teams on the opposite side of the farm fifteen minutes to get in place, and then all three teams moved in, closer to the farmstead.

It was decided that when the teams reached the approximate fifty meters distance from the buildings, that he would call to the occupants with a loud hailer and order them outside... clearly identifying themselves as the police.

At the pre-arranged time and supposed distance from the farmstead, Sergeant Jo Petzer switched on the loud hailer and said, "This is the police, will all occupants of the farmstead come out of the house, slowly and orderly with your hands raised. The farmstead is surrounded and we have a court order to search the premises. If you offer resistance we will act accordingly. You are given five minutes to react."

For almost two minutes, nothing happened. Then the lights inside the house, were switched off. A dark figure was seen running from the back of the house. The team covering that side apprehended the person.

The radio crackled and one of Petzer's men said, "Jo, do you read me over."

Jo replied, "I hope it's important because I ordered, radio silence, what's up?"

"Its Chris boss, we apprehended a young lady who said that they are being held captive by four strange talking men, and yes, Pete Jefferies is her uncle, and he is also in the house. She says that they are armed and when the police announced their presence with the loud hailer, they threatened to shoot them if they make a noise. Therefore, Boss, I think we have a standoff. What's the further instruction, over?"

Petzer replied, "Ask her how many people in the house, how many women and children, over."

Chris then replied, "She says Pete Jefferies , his sister and her husband as well as the girl's brother, in other words still four, apart from the perps, boss."

Petzer then turned to Vic and said, "Well Vic it's your call now. In a standoff, they can hold hostages and threaten to kill them, if we do not release them. Maybe if we act quickly, we can surprise them, what's your order now?"

Nic came up to Vic and said, "Vic, there's some trees and shrubs close by the corner of the farmstead, I suggest Pedro, myself and one of Petzer's sharpshooters move over there... everything seems, quiet there. We can then try to open a window and surprise them from inside."

Victor replied, "well this is not going to be a lasting siege, my friends, yes, but I will join you,... Jonathan take, control, if there's a fire fight, shoot in the 'smoke' grenades, but give us at least five minutes... these guys are ruthless, and I agree, time is of the essence. Pete Jefferies brought this onto himself, OK guys let's go."

Victor, Pedro and Nic as well as one of Jonathan' men moved to the shrubbery near the corner of the house.

Pedro took out an old bowie knife of his and Nic remarked, "Still have it my friend, it's been a long time since I last saw the old Bowie." Pedro smiled, and moved towards the large windows. Without too much trouble, he unhitched the window latch with the knife and moved the window upward, motioning to the others to join him.

At that point shots were fired from inside the house and a coarse sounding voice shouted, "I will kill these people if you do not withdraw... I mean what I say. Also I need to get a vehicle close to the house so that we can leave, if you obstruct our way we will also kill everybody inside, including ourselves, do you understand me..."

Victor, Pedro, Nic and the sharpshooter entered the room through the window and heard shouting noises from, what they thought were the lounge area in the centre of the house. Victor opened the passage door and saw that the passage was fortunately also in darkness. He motioned to them, and they slowly with weapons at the ready, crouched forward towards the middle of the house.

Some more shots were fired from the inside, and they also heard glass breaking and then heard a voice shouting, "I am Pete Jefferies , please let these people go, I am responsible for what happened, keep me here if you want to, or just shoot me. These people are farmers and are innocent. I am the one that you have problems with."

The remarks by Pete Jefferies appear to have caught the hostage takers by surprise and the one with the coarse voice shouted, "yes, you are the fool that thought you can take us for a ride, now you can get repaid, you miserable fool."

Victor whispered to Nic, Pedro, and the sharpshooter and said in a hushed voice, "We are going to storm into the room and at the same time throw a (light) candle to the far side of the room, so choose your targets and shoot after you established the targets."

"I think the perps are on the left side of the room and try not to hit the farmer and his wife, at the count of three, we burst in... one, two, three, let's go..."... they flung open the passage door and surprised the three bandits.

The one with the coarse voice swung round as Victor's bullet hit him, in the abdominal area and he fell down, screaming. Pedro shot the second hostage taker and Nic was on top of the third man before he had a chance to level his handgun at the police officers.

Nic then saw an old man lying in the corner. When he tried to crawl outside, he grabbed him by the back of his trousers and jerked him upright, and said, "Are you Pete Jefferies, and don't lie to me, I'm in no mood to be friendly," then grabbed him by the throat and said, "talk you piece of horse shit!"

Victor switched on the lights and called on the radio receiver, "Jonathan, there are only three men inside, so one of the perps is possibly outside. The area is secured, but please search the surrounding area. Some damage... radio for paramedics."

Jonathan replied, "Nice work Vic, and by the way we already alerted the paramedics, they're outside, and are driving in right now."

Pedro then flung himself at Nic and pulled him off Pete Jefferies , saying, "Nic, please this piece of shit is going to pay for a lot of misdeeds, don't give him cause to lay a charge against you, I know how you feel, calm down..."

Nic replied, "Ok Pedro I agree, but Pete Jefferies start talking or I might disagree with Pedro here."

Sergeant Jonathan Pescala came into the lounge area and said, "This is a crime scene and the evidence must not be disturbed. I will radio for a forensics team. Vic, we arrested the fourth suspect outside... he tried to escape through a window and is cuffed to a police vehicle. It seems three of the suspects are wounded, one seriously, I think."

He then asked, "Which of you is Pete Jefferies?"

The old man... then sitting on a chair said, "I am Pete Jefferies, please... I caused a lot of this and I'm sorry, a lawyer Tony Burgess from Johannesburg misled me. He paid me to cause damage to Yellow Mountain Mine. I will plead guilty and I will identify these criminals because they are Tony Burgess's friends. They provided the money."

Nic then asked, "Is Jeff Cooper here, tell me now?"

Pete Jefferies replied, "No Senor, I do not know... but the bastard with the coarse voice is the leader. His name is Hans Bolcher... I do not know where he is from or, if it is even his correct name. I heard them say that Cooper left South Africa two days ago... I cannot tell you more, please!"

Nic then asked in a very shaky voice, "Who killed the lady near Johannesburg tonight?"

Pete Jefferies replied, "I do not know for sure Mister... but I think it was this Bolcher character, because he said all day that anybody that double crosses them will pay for it... and that a certain party's wife was taken out earlier. He was also talking about a case full of money that they recovered from the woman. I do not know much more, gentlemen."

One of Sergeant Jo Petzer's officers then came into the room with the briefcase full of money."We found this in one room Sergeant; we have not touched it and have placed it in a plastic bag. There are also at least nine automatic weapons and these have also been sealed and bagged."

It was already late in the night and Victor looked at Pedro and said, "I think take Nic back to Graham... Jo can secure the area tonight and we'll take the perps back to Johannesburg, although they will have to appear in a local court for arraignment, but this can be done in the next day or so. Maybe I should also go back with you because suddenly I also have the urge to remove this Jeffries's head from his body."

Pedro turned around, and looked at Victor, "Vic I almost forgot about you... yes, I also think I should remove you from here, this is a very unhealthy crime scene right now. At least we have found your sister's murderers and the Tony Burgess connection!"

# Epilogue

It was almost a year to the day, after the happenings at the Vaal River that Jake, Sandra, and Naomi attended the momentous occasion. It was the christening of Anna Naomi Jooste, Nic and Marianne's baby daughter.

When the baby girl was born, she was named Anna, after the deceased ex-wife of Nic. She was also named Naomi, as a gesture of gratitude to his long time friends Jake, and his wife Sandra.

Graham was now a very proud grandfather. He was appointed as the General Secretary of a labour organization in South Africa, a position that presented enormous challenges, but one, which he was looking forward to.

The Yellow Mountain copper Mine restructured its operations and incorporated the mining activities of the Perdekop section into its own operations with a great success!

The off road dumpers that Jake and Nic had negotiated with the Williams company in Australia proved to be an excellent investment and subsequently acquired six more similar dumpers of the same make and model.

The supply contract with the Chinese was completed before expiration of the contract period, and a subsequent contract for much larger volume was in the process of being expedited. The outstanding debtors' issues were resolved and appeared to be part of Cooper's efforts to gain control of the operation.

Both the Chinese Government and the South African Government entered protracted bilateral discussions on the issue of investments and all indications were that some successful arrangement was on the cards... to establish a downstream manufacturing industry.

The Vaal River farm episode also had an interesting twist of fate.

During the ensuing court proceedings, where Cooper and several of his acquaintances, as well as Tony Burgess, were formally arraigned, and charged with several heinous crimes and misdeeds, it was found that Bolcher and Jeff Cooper were in fact one and the same person. Bolcher aka Cooper and his co-accused were subsequently found guilty of various crimes, and were sentenced to lengthy prison sentences.

However, serious flooding that occurred in South Africa some years later enabled several long-term convicts to escape from a high security detention centre near Johannesburg.

One of the escapees' was Jeff Cooper, aka Hans Bolcher. It was subsequently reported that the law enforcement authorities have not been able to apprehend Cooper or for that matter, Bolcher!

The End

About the author

This book was written under the pseudonym of Kale Cronkite...but in the real world the writer obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of South Africa part time, majoring in Accounting and Business Economics, and spent almost twenty years working in administrative and accounting functions in banking, engineering and trading companies.

On joining the Government Service, he found himself crisscrossing the continents of the world for almost twelve years undertaking forensic and anti-dumping investigations. During these travels, he concluded that there are many possible stories about the fascinating world of international trade. Millions of people crisscross the airports of the world each moment of every day and night, and each of these persons has their own singular objective ... whatever that may be.

He retired in 2005 and started a consultancy on international trade and customs issues, again traversing the world, now looking from outside to the inside ... metaphorically speaking. This is the author's third novel, in addition to countless actuality reports on trading situations all over the world!

Now that you have read this novel ... and I sincerely you enjoyed it ... please take a couple of minutes and provide a brief review at the Smashwords website!

