Safari Princess

Prologue With her favorite station blaring over the radio and the wind in her hair. She knew this road so well she could ride it with closed eyes, she knew every turn, every bend but today an uneasiness clouds the beauty before her, a slight frown creases between her eyes. Normally she handled her sports car expertly and with ease but something seems off. Then as the familiar sharp bend came, she automatically stepped on the brake but nothing happened, she panicked and tried, again and again, her knuckles turning white, sweat forming on her forehead, as she realized what was happening was too late. She couldn't slow down! Desperately fighting for control, she sees the cliff coming, feeling the car going over, all in slow motion. First, it felt like she was gliding. Everything was quiet, then the car hit the rocks and trees, the screeching deafening. The car flipped once or twice. She felt like a rag doll feeling the stings and burns of cuts on her face and lots of pain she was petrified she screamed, she knew she was going to die today. All she could do was hold on and close her eyes and pray. "No please I am too young to die! " she cried out. Then all went quiet and the world went black...... Chapter One Two months later "Are you serious?" Jane Gianni almost screamed at her friend. Hope Marie Marinelli saw the emotion wash over Jane, her best friend like a roller coaster without breaks, her mouth gaping open then shut like a fish on dry land. O Yes, first she also thought that it was just that her luck ran out as her grandma predicted, she could hear her now. "There you have it now Hope Marie your guardian angel finally went on strike, fed up with you giving him almost constant heart attacks with your extreme attitude. You have tempted fate one too many times now" But as soon as officer Hamilton came with his report, she knew her guardian angel was intact, maybe a little overworked and stressed out, but still in business. Officer Hamilton confirmed what she already knew, her brakes were deliberately cut. He asked who would want to harm her and she had no choice but to tell him what she suspected. She just told Jane the same thing and watched as her friend came to terms with it. "Jane, you have been my best friend since kindergarten. I will never lie to you" Hope replied. "You are serious, really serious?" Jane asked almost in a whisper now shaking her head. "As serious as a corpse in a morgue". Hope replied with a little laugh, Jane looked about ready to strangle her then. "Hope Marie you are going to joke now of all times" she rolled her eyes at her friend. Hope's face turned serious again, scaring Jane as her friend never took life too seriously, always joking, but now she was reserved and serious, she looked almost scared. Jane was shocked to see how badly she was injured. The doctors were afraid that Hope would not make it and now, she knew all the details she was scared for her friend's sake. "Jane you cannot tell anyone what I just told you please promise me" Hope asked looking frantically at Jane. "That you suspect your Father, Stepmother, and Stepbrother of trying to kill you, I will not tell a soul I cannot believe it. Hope they are your family; how can you be sure?" She asked with disgust and disbelief. "Remember my mom and dad divorced while I was very little and I went to live with mom. But my mom passed away when I was twelve, so I went to live with dad and his new wife who also had a son. She nodded. Now, mom left everything to me, she inherited a fortune from her father, he was loaded." Hope explained. "But I could not touch my inheritance until I was 23, it was managed by my mother's attorney Frank Morris. I got monthly interest payments from the investments he made for me as an allowance, my dad set up an account for this but guess what, my dad took the money I have never seen any of it. So, on my 23rd birthday five months ago I had a meeting with my mother's attorney, I closed that bank account my dad created essentially cutting them off, and boy was he and his wife angry. My stepbrother hated me from the get-go, he recently made threats to me because how dare I treat his mother like that, she practically raised me and I owe her". Hope explained. "Making them immediate suspects as now the well of free cash dried up" Jane put two and two together for herself. "Exactly and my Daddy dearest may have it in his head that If I die, he gets everything. But what he doesn't know is that I set up a will with Attorney Frank, all my money and assets will go to selected charities and orphanages" Hope told her. "Did you tell Jack what you are suspecting?" Jane asked, frowning. Hope almost choked on her water. Oh yes, Jack she almost forgot about Jack, her cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment as memories flooded back. "I broke up with Jack" she blurted out. Jane's head snapped to her. "You what? When did you finally see the light?" she asked while looking up to the ceiling mouthing Hallelujah under her breath, she never liked Jack Black. "Three days before the crash, I caught him and his secretary red-handed or rather knickers on the knees at his office in broad daylight". Hope answered. "O wow so while he was being a jealous prick that even tried to get between us because he was jealous of our friendship and jealous when you even dare talk to or look at our male friends, he was actually behind the door?" Jane knew Jack was not good for Hope. "You know he can also be a suspect right?" She asked. She knew he was bad to the core; his ego was bigger than The Big Apple or even the whole continent of The United States. He might think that if he cannot have Hope no one else can either. "Hope he was possessive and jealous beyond comprehension, that makes him dangerous you know that don't you?" She asked again with concern. "I know he is also on the suspect list. I already told the detective about this" Hope replied. "And so, the plot thickens," Jane muttered. "What are you going to do now," she asked worriedly, lacing her voice. Hope smiled and sat more upright. She looked Jane square in the eyes, her blue eyes twinkling. "That is why I need your help," she replied. "My help?" Jane asked "Hope I do not like the look on your face, what are you planning in that pretty head of yours," she asked almost too scared to know what her best friend was up to now. Hope scooted so she was closer and started to whisper her grand plan to Jane. They sat like that for a long time until Jane's head snapped up. "No, no, no tell me you are not serious! Hope are you joking? Please tell me you are just joking" Jane almost yelled at her friend. Hope looked at her calmly and said " I am dead serious, please keep your voice down, and please just listen" Jane gave her a look of disbelief then she sank into the chair beside her friend's hospital bed. "Hold on let me get this straight, you want to break out of the hospital?" she asked. Hope nodded. "With the police guards at your door?" "Exactly" Hope replied now with an amused smile. "Then you want to hop on a plane and go to Africa?" "Yes," Hope answered again. Jane could not believe her ears. Did hope scramble her brains or something, is she thinking straight? "Africa? Hope you are serious; did you think this through soberly?" Hope just nodded again Jane was flabbergasted "Why Africa," She asked dumbfounded. " I recently bought property there and it is the furthest place away from my family and my ex," Hope explained. "And I need to go live there for two months according to the contract agreement, it was a request from the previous owner. If I refused the deal would be off. It is a wildlife reserve and hotel the owner wanted to sell because he is too old to maintain it, he does have a son but they do not speak, for some reason, he cut his son off. I came across his advert by chance and Frank helped me with the deal. He is not only an excellent attorney but a great business partner also. So, it all comes together perfectly" Hope felt a pang as she watched her friend struggling to take in all the information. She also felt like she woke up in a bad movie, but nope this is her life. "Jane, you are my best friend. I can trust no one but you and Frank. I have to get far away from here and whoever wants me dead I need to find the answers to why they wanted to kill me and if my suspicions were to be right, I need to figure out how to deal with it. I also need time to clear my head. Please help me? It is the only way" She pleaded with Jane. "Of course, I will help you" Jane jumped up and hugged Hope carefully so as not to hurt her. Then she seriously looked at Hope and said "I will help you but you cannot travel alone, honey you are still in bad shape. "Hope hugged her friend again and cried "Thank you, you are the best. "But I have one more favour to ask." "Ask away," Jane said with a smile. "Please quit your job and come with me, I will pay you to double what you earn now. I need a friend more than anything now. I cannot do this by myself Please Jane, she asked with tears in her eyes. Jane could not resist her friend and she would have gone with her even if she did not ask. No way will she let Hope do this alone. "I will go with you" She reassured her friend. After Jane left Hope completely relaxed, and for the first time she slept without nightmares. Two weeks later. Hope was still holding her breath as Jane in a nurse outfit pushed her in a wheelchair out of the hospital at 5 am it was still dark out and loaded in her car. As they drove to the airport she constantly checked if someone followed, but luckily no one seems to have a clue yet. She knew she could not get excited or celebrate just yet. They still need to reach the airport and get on the plane and then take off to be home free. Her family and Jack had no clue as they were not allowed to visit her because of the investigation. But Hope knew they were trying to get in contact, they bombarded Frank with text messages and phone calls. He wants to make a case of harassment against them. Jane helped her get a new phone with a number that only she and Frank knew. She just has to get away especially now that the investigation is stalling as the police started working on more urgent cases. And as the detective said he needs evidence, cold hard facts not speculation or fiction. That her brakes were cut was not maybe, but to prove who did it was another story. Her life is still in grave danger, if they tried once they will try again, she was certain about that. They finally reached JFK International airport and without incident checked in, then not long after boarded the plane. As they took their seats and listened to the instructions of the flight attendants. Hope felt relieved but cautious. Soon the plane took off and as the ground got smaller, she could relax properly for the first time today. She smiled as she remembered how Jane expertly disguised herself and fooled the police and hospital staff so she could get Hope out. It was brilliant, she would pay to see the look of the guards, doctors, and nurses' faces when they realized what happened. Frank and Jane were great; she couldn't have done it without them. They planned everything with her to a T and made this possible. Without them, she doesn't know what she would have done. Frank advised her a few weeks ago to hire a private investigator to help solve the case. She is glad she listened. She received an email this morning from private detective Harris. He found out quite a bit already. Like the fact that her brother has a gambling addiction he owes some big shots big money, he has lost his company already and is about to lose his house. He also found out her Father is almost bankrupt because of his wife's overspending. But the most interesting of all was the fact that her stepmother was having affairs with multiple men. He sent her proof of that this morning, very explicit proof. Serves her father right. She and Jane had breakfast and then read, chatted, and watched movies together. This was a nineteen-hour flight. It felt like ages. Later they had lunch and then slept a while. Finally, after what felt like years, they descended on Johannesburg International airport, they landed without incident. After they got off the plane and through security they were directed where to collect their luggage. They exited the airport and found the luxury tour bus that would take them to their next destination. Hazy View. On the bus, Jane made sure Hope was comfortable, as she did on the plane. Hope felt extremely thankful to have her with her. As they drove for a while, she felt sleepy and dozed off. Jane looked at Hope concerned, this cannot be easy or comfortable for her and she could sense a sadness in Hope that previously was not there. Yes, she still made silly light-hearted jokes, but sometimes she just looked sad and scared. To find out somebody you loved and you thought loved you back is trying to kill you will be a bitter pill for anyone to swallow, to suspect it is your father is the worst blow anyone can give you. Jane struggled to believe that anyone would want to harm Hope let alone her own family. Hope was not just beautiful, she was smart, kind, funny and a true friend, she was a gentle soul-making friend easily. Jane looked through her emails, she and Frank corresponded and kept each other up to date with Hope's case and her well-being. She opens the newest email from Frank, as she reads it deep frown forms on her forehead. Then she shook her head, now all doubt that Hope's family might be involved is gone. She gently woke up Hope this can't wait, Hope looked at her groggily. "Are we there yet?" She asked. "No honey I woke you up because I received an email from Frank" Jane answered still with a frown. "What is it" Hope asked, now wide awake. "Frank and the PI found out that there is a huge life insurance policy taken out on you" Jane explained. "By who," Hope asked, her face turning white. "Hope I am sorry; it is your Father" Jane answered knowing this will devastate her friend. But they promised each other to always share information and have no secrets, they are a team. Hope looked at her friend dumbfounded, she suspected her family, but to finally start getting evidence that they may have a motive for wanting her dead is the harshest reality she is forced to face. Her head is spinning and her stomach churning. "Can I please read it" Hope asked? Jane gave her phone to Hope. Hope's face got even whiter as she read, in black and white on the email with all the details and documented proof of a life insurance policy taken out on her life. She was now worth more dead than alive to her family. They must still be thinking that they will get all her money and assets if she dies and the life insurance is a bonus, a whopping bonus at that. She gave Jane's phone back resting her head back on the seat, closing her eyes, she let the emotion run through her freely, first a deep sadness then seething anger and disgust she felt she was on a roller coaster of emotion. "What have I done wrong for my father to hate me this much?' She asked, not knowing she asked aloud. "Hope you have done nothing wrong. You don't deserve this!" Jane said angrily. "I can't believe this man is your actual father, your flesh and blood! How dare he?!" Hope can see Jane is seething. Her anger also motivates her even harder to find out the whole truth and to make the guilty pay. She is determined to find the answers once and for all. Something Jane just said makes her suddenly sit upright, it startles Jane. "Jane, maybe you have a point!" She said excitedly. "What are you talking about?" Jane asked, puzzled. "We have to do a DNA test; can you email Frank and ask if he can arrange this immediately please." She asked, looking at Jane with urgency. Jane looked at her for a few seconds not understanding at first, then it sank in. "O my gosh, yes I will email Frank now it makes sense. No real father will do this to his little girl, except if he is evil to the core" She said exasperated. Hope watched as Jane sent the email, her friend's fingers flying over the keys of the phone. She typed like the Flash, fast and furious. Hope smiled, it was great to have people on her side who she knew, loved, and cared for her. They reached their rest stop in a cute little town, where they had a great lunch. It was their first taste of South African cuisine, and the coffee was to die for, by far it was the best coffee she had ever tasted. It was delicious and the people were so friendly. She and Jane listened to the different languages of the locals and it fascinated them. It was beautiful here, she stared out her window on the bus and could not take enough pictures with her phone on the way here. When they finally got on the bus again, the guide explained they would be reaching Hazy View in about an Hour. Hope and Jane got excited, that is their destination! Hope got so excited she cannot wait to finally see Safari Dreams. And to experience the Big 5! She read all about them and other animals. To see these animals, not in a zoo cage but in real life makes her more excited than anything. She cannot wait to learn more about the wildlife here, and to start with renovations on Safari Dreams! She will transform it into a relaxing haven, a place where problems will be forgotten, a place where people can find inspiration from nature and beauty. She felt so glad she had Jane to support her with this, it is a good thing Jane is an accomplished interior designer she can make anything beautiful. Hope shared everything she wanted to do with Safari Dreams with Jane, her excitement was so infectious that even Jane got worked up. "We have to start immediately, as soon as we arrive, we must do a walk-through and make notes. We need to set up a game plan and work from there." She said excitedly. "That is a great idea, we need to study the local culture deeply and keep everything as authentically African as possible" Hope chimed in. "I agree, the hotel must compliment the wildlife and the local culture, the restaurant must only serve high-quality local dishes, as you will promote it to foreigners like ourselves it will be an experience to die for" Jane continued now on a roll. "That is a great idea!" Hope agreed. "Wait, will we be able to start as soon as possible with renovations or must we wait for the two months to be over first?" Jane asked, a bit confused. "The contract agreement is that I must live there for two months but the property is mine so to speak already, I assume I can immediately start with the renovations, I will just make sure with the previous owner and Frank, the only other conditions were that I keep the staff currently on the payroll, some of them has worked there for years. Mr. Kruger wanted to ensure their jobs and I agreed, he promised his staff was extremely loyal and that I could trust them. And that I must keep the animals and people in mind with all changes". Hope saw plenty of pictures of the Hotel and Reserve. It was breathtakingly beautiful but she did not show Jane she wanted to surprise her friend. Pictures often lie or do not do justice; she knew from her work as a journalist that all is not always what it seems. She always lived by the seeing is believing policy. To experience something first-hand is always the best. Hope couldn't stop herself from being a bit cautious. She couldn't stop herself from wondering again why the old gentlemen sold to her. She intended to find out everything she could before the deal was finally sealed. She wanted everything to be legal with no surprises, the old man was vague and would not go into details when Frank pushed for more personal information about his son. But she was not a journalist for nothing. She can dig out information like a real PI, with help sometimes of course but she can charm people to talk, without them knowing what hit them. She will uncover all secrets if any that Safari Dreams and its people keep. She will weed out the bad and keep only the good. This is just the thing to help her cope with all the bad with her family and her ex. Something to keep her mind off all the sadness and the shock. She can keep herself occupied. She intended not to only work but to enjoy and experience everything this beautiful country has to offer. As soon as they are settled in and sorted all the details out, she will begin with a game plan and make a list of all the tourist attractions and try to get to them all. She was always adventurous and this is a golden opportunity, she will not let it slip through her fingers. Even though there is enough doom and gloom in her life at the moment to make even an angel depressed, she will not let it take over her life. She is too focused and too passionate about life for that. The driver announced that they will be arriving at their destination in about thirty minutes. Hope felt excitement bubble through her again. She cannot wait to meet Mr. Kruger, the older gentleman made a good impression on her already. According to Frank his wife died years ago, he never remarried and they only had a son, the one he cut off for reasons he did not want to give, his son must be a worthless brat or something worse. She could not help to assume the worst of him. How could he leave his father to manage everything on his own? Mr. Kruger sounded nothing like her dad. He was a sweetheart; she and Frank corresponded a lot with him lately. She thought of introducing him to her grandmother, she felt they might make a great pair. Grandma Tess is her maternal grandmother and her rock, a force to be reckoned with. She was young when she had Hope's mother and was now only sixty-five, and still going like a boing. Hope got emotional as she thought of grandma Tess, she missed her but could not contact her yet. She does not know about anything and Hope wants to keep it that way to protect her. Hope smiled to herself. She got her adventurous and stubborn spirit from her grandmother. She would check Mr. Kruger out and when the time is right, she will convince grandma Tess to also come to South Africa and introduce them. The bus arrived and Hope and Jane waited their turn to get off. Soon it was their turn and they exited the bus. As they waited for their luggage Hope looked for an older man with a sign with her name on it. She was looking around still when Jane pumped her in the side. Pain shot through her as she saw stars, she groaned. "Sorry! Oh, Hope I am so sorry I forgot!" Jane frantically apologized. "It's ok" Hope reassured her a bit breathlessly. Jane did not look convinced but let it slide "Did you not say an old gentleman will pick us up?" Jane asked. "Yes, he will hold a sign with my name on it. Do you see him?" Hope looked at Jane puzzled, her friend was staring with big eyes and a gaping mouth at something, she followed her gaze. She finally saw the sign with her name in a big black letter, but the man holding the sign was anything but old. Dear lord he was gorgeous, he was very tall and very handsome! "This must be one of Mr. Kruger's workers, maybe he could not make it so he sent someone?" This was the only explanation Hope could come up with. "Well, if that is what his workers look like then we arrived in heaven. I will openly drool thank you. Just look at his muscles he looks like a Greek god. O yes Please!" Jane said, still staring. "Jane! He will hear you!" Hope giggled. She also stared at the gorgeous guy, he cannot see them but they can see him, they stared openly at him. "He looks a bit impatient, maybe we must head over and introduce ourselves". Jane suggested. Hope agreed. Without wasting another minute, they took their luggage and walked over to the angry-looking handsome Greek god in Khaki Shorts.