the soldiers executed one of his friends for hunting. A lot of people
like GenSys because they pay well, but others don’t like GenSys because
they have too much power with the government.’
‘Because of money,’ Jack said.
‘Yes, of course,’ Esteban said. ‘They pay a lot of money to the
ministers. They even pay part of the army.’
‘That’s cozy,’ Laurie commented.
‘If we were to go to Bata, would we be able to visit Cogo?’ Jack asked.
‘I suppose,’ Esteban said. ‘After the Spanish left twenty-five years
ago, the road to Cogo was abandoned and became impassable, but GenSys
has rebuilt it so the trucks can go back and forth. But you’d have to
hire a car.’
‘Is that possible?’ Jack asked.
‘If you have money, anything is possible in Equatorial Guinea,’ Esteban
said. ‘When are you planning to go? Because it’s best to go in the dry
season.’
‘When’s that?’ Jack asked.
‘February and March,’ Esteban said.
‘That’s convenient,’ Jack said. ‘Because Laurie and I are thinking of
going tomorrow night.’
‘What?’ Warren spoke for the first time since they’d arrived at
Esteban’s apartment. He’d not been privy to Jack and Lou’s conversation.
‘I thought me and Natalie were going out on the town with you guys this
weekend. I’ve already told Natalie.’
‘Ohhhh!’ Jack commented. ‘I forgot about that.’
‘Hey, man, you gotta wait ’til after Saturday night, otherwise I’m in
deep shit, you know what I’m saying. I told you how much she’s been
ragging on me to see you guys.’
In his euphoric mood Jack had another suggestion. ‘I have a better idea.
Why don’t you and Natalie come along with Laurie and me to Equatorial
Guinea? It will be our treat.’
Laurie blinked. She wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly.
‘Man, what are you talking about?’ Warren said. ‘You’re out’a your
friggin’ mind. You’re talking about Africa.’
‘Yeah, Africa,’ Jack said. ‘If Laurie and I have to go, we might as well
make it as fun as possible. In fact, Esteban, why don’t you and your
wife come, too? We’ll make it a party.’
‘Are you serious?’ Esteban asked.
Laurie’s expression was equally as incredulous.
‘Sure, I’m serious,’ Jack said. ‘The best way to visit a country is to
go with someone who used to live there. That’s no secret. But tell me,
do we all need visas?’
‘Yes, but the Equatorial Guinean Embassy is here in New York,’ Esteban
said. ‘Two pictures, twenty-five dollars, and a letter from a bank
saying you’re not poor gets you a visa.’
‘How do you get to Equatorial Guinea?’ Jack asked.
‘For Bata the easiest is through Paris,’ Esteban said. ‘From Paris there
is daily service to Douala, Cameroon. From Douala there’s daily service
to Bata. You can go through Madrid, too, but that’s only twice a week to
Malabo on Bioko.’
‘Sounds like Paris wins out,’ Jack said gaily.
‘Teodora!’ Esteban called out to his wife in the kitchen. ‘You’d better
come in here.’
‘You’re crazy, man,’ Warren said to Jack. ‘I knew it the first day you
walked out on that basketball court. But, you know something, I’m
beginning to like it.’