Vain (The Seven Deadly, #1)(19)

Why can’t you get into him then?



I took my father’s card and maxed it out. I bought all new sturdy canvas luggage because my soft leather designer bags weren’t going to cut it, obviously. Spencer took me to the store his mother visits when she goes on safari and the clerk there was exceedingly helpful, informing me what would work best in mid-Africa and what I could get away with. I only bought a few things but still took their advice to my own favorite shops. The hell I would look like a slob if I could help it.

I bought fifteen pairs of badass jeans and a lot of formfitting button-ups as well as a few knee-length riding boots to wear over my jeans. It wouldn’t define me, that fashion sense, but it would keep me safe and I had to admit I wouldn’t look like a total slob. I tried on a complete outfit for Spencer and paraded around him in the store.

“You look transformed. I’m not used to seeing you so casual.” My shoulders slumped a little in disappointment and my signature pout came to the forefront. “Oh, please,” he continued, “you look sexy as hell as if I needed to say it. Your ass is the sweetest I’ve ever seen, especially in those jeans.”

I smiled devilishly at him. “Thank you,” I told him, sashaying off, swinging my hips from side to side. His audible groan sent that secret thrill through my stomach again, but it was short-lived by that nagging sense of guilt. What is wrong with me!?

When Spencer took me home and helped me load all my purchases into my bedroom, we came across a massive pile of things resting on top of my bed along with a letter from Pembrook.

Pemmy told me to go with the impression that I wouldn’t have electricity ever, as Masego only had it sporadically and for maybe a day at that. All that translated to me when he wrote that was I wouldn’t be able to fix my hair and I had nothing but cold showers in my future. He included a huge bed net to protect me from insects at night, a massive medical kit containing things I’m fairly certain only a doctor should have a license to handle, various over-the-counter medicines as well as prescription antibiotics from Dr. Ford, which, by the way, looked like they were lifted directly from the pharmacist’s shelf. The bottles obviously held hundreds of pills. It made me nervous just looking at them.



Pemmy closed his letter telling me that he loved me like a daughter and he wished me to be careful. I didn’t know what to think of that, but I’d be lying if I told you it didn’t make me smile...just a little.





CHAPTER SIX



I woke at three in the morning shaking. Dr. Ford had told my father about Spencer’s sleepover and that had been the last night Spencer was able to stay much to my dismay. If ever I needed a warm body by my side, it was through the long nights before my departure. Nights of quiet. Nights of speeding thoughts and concocted scenarios of danger and disease.

I stood in the shower for close to half an hour, attempting to let the steam soothe my fears, but it did no good, no good at all. I stepped from the water and wrapped a towel around myself. I stood in front of the mirror and took a good hard look. I was as bare as I could make myself, no makeup with wet, stringy hair. I hated to look at myself in this state. I didn’t feel real. I felt too exposed and that made me exceedingly nervous, but I made myself look that morning. I memorized that girl. That girl was the real me. Frightened. Worthless. A terrible friend. Terrible daughter. Well educated but so limited in ideas worth having. Beautiful yet repulsive...



And finally honest.



Spencer picked me up that morning for my flight at seven in the morning. He rang me from inside the house and I met him in the foyer standing next to Pembrook, no sign of my mother or father.

“Sophie,” Pembrook smiled, “here are all your necessary papers. An emergency card, as well as cash. Keep these close to your body. You’re flying to Germany first, then Dubai, staying the night. The hotel arrangements are in your travel documents. A car has been arranged to pick you up there. From Dubai you will fly to Nairobi, Kenya, where a small plane has been chartered to take you to Kampala, Uganda. Look for a boy named Dingane to pick you up. I’ve taken the liberty of outfitting your case with a satellite phone for...”

“Emergencies?” I asked, smiling back.

Pembrook’s shoulders visibly relaxed and he wrapped his long, lanky arms around my shoulders.

“Do be careful, my dear,” he whispered against my hair before speeding off down the hall.

I sighed as I watched him make way for the kitchens. I turned to Spencer and smiled again.

He held his hand out to me and I took it. He squeezed it softly. “It’ll be okay,” he reassured, but I didn’t believe him.

I looked around me, at how empty the foyer was and felt a little disappointed that Sav and the rest of my friends hadn’t shown up. I’d texted them the night before, but I suppose there was no reason to say goodbye to someone they cared very little for.

I met Spencer’s eyes once more. “They didn’t come,” I told him matter-of-factly.

“No, they didn’t,” he stated.

“No need to dwell. I’ll just be a moment,” I told him and headed toward my father’s office.

I knocked on his door and heard a faint “enter.” I obeyed and turned the handle. Billowing cigar smoke enveloped me before dissipating behind me. The cleared smoke revealed my father, busy as usual, and on his phone.