Chapter Seven
'There it is on your right,' Garry said suddenly.
Gaye peered through the helicopter's window. They were flying over dense jungle, and as Garry banked, the jungle abruptly terminated and she could see acres of rich green lawns, green cement paths and vast beds of flowers that would have done credit to a botanical garden. Beyond the lawns she saw the one storey house which was built in a slight curve, and from this height, seemed to her, to be at least seventy metres long. Behind the house, some two hundred metres away were numerous small bungalows with thatched roofs and white painted walls in which she supposed the staff lived.
'It's enormous!' she exclaimed. 'What an extraordinary shape! Imagine walking from one end to the other several times a day.'
'Perhaps they use skates,' Garry said. 'It's certainly big.' He circled the house again. They could see a swimming-pool, terraces, sun umbrellas and lounging chairs. 'We'd better get down. Are you nervous?'
She shook her head, smiling.
'Not a bit . . . excited. I wonder if we'll get in.'
'You've got to get us in,' Garry said.
He spotted the airfield and a hangar. As he came lower, he saw three Zulus in white drill, staring up at the helicopter.
He landed not far from them and as he slid back the door, he saw a jeep coming along the road from the house, driven by a Zulu with a white man in a grey city-suit sitting at his side.
'Here comes the welcoming committee,' he said and dropped to the ground.
Gaye handed him down the Rolleiflex camera and her camera bag, and then joined him on the runway as the jeep pulled up. Tak got out of the jeep and came towards them. Leaving
Garry, Gaye advanced to meet him.
'I am Gaye Desmond of Animal World magazine,' she said and held out her hand.
Tak regarded her, thinking she was even more lovely than her photograph. He took her hand briefly and gave her a little bow.
'I apologize for landing like this,' Gaye went on. There was something about this tall man that she instantly distrusted and disliked. 'I'm on my way to Wannock Game Reserve, and I saw this lovely house and just couldn't resist calling. If I shouldn't have, please tell me, and I will leave at once.'
'Not at all, Miss Desmond,' Tak said silkily. 'We seldom have such a beautiful visitor. Now you are here, I hope you will stay to lunch.'
'How nice of you! We would love to, Mr. . . .' She looked inquiringly at him.
'Guilio Tak.'
She turned to Garry who joined them.
'Mr. Tak, this is Garry Edwards, my pilot.'
Again Tak bowed.
'Mr. Tak has kindly invited us to lunch.'
Garry shook hands with Tak. He too didn't like the look of him.
Gaye went on, 'The house is marvellous and so isolated! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it. Have you had it long, Mr. Tak?'
'This is not my residence, Miss Desmond. It belongs to Mr. Max Kahlenberg.'
Gaye stared at him, her eyes widening.
'You mean the millionaire? The Mr. Max Kahlenberg?'
The expression in his black eyes was slightly sardonic as Tak said, 'That is correct.'
'But I have heard he is a recluse!' Gaye said. Watching her, Garry thought she was putting over the act well. 'We'd better go. We mustn't disturb him.'
'You won't do that. Mr. Kahlenberg is not a recluse. I am sure he will be pleased to meet you.'
