Page 2 of Heat Force
Her gaze collided with his. “Mine too. I wanted to do something meaningful.”
A hard stare and he turned back to the perspiring man in the suit and blazer beside him. Of course, this jerk wouldn’t be interested in her reasons for being here; he was just making small talk. Hawk Anderson didn’t seem like the type to do anything unless it benefited him or his company in some way. “This is Jasper, my PR manager. He’ll filter the material through the proper channels once we’re back in New York.”
Jasper smiled, his glasses slipping down his nose. He couldn’t have looked more out of place if he’d tried. Nervous and edgy, his restless eyes kept darting toward the undergrowth as if he expected a wild animal to jump out at any moment.
“Welcome, Jasper.” Robert shook his hand, then gestured to her. “If you need any information about the medical services we offer at the sanctuary, just ask Lexi.”
She nodded. “Of course. I’m at your disposal. Anything you need.”
The PR guru removed his glasses, wiping them on a handkerchief he pulled from his blazer pocket. Lexi didn’t know people still used those. The poor guy was very much out of his comfort zone. His boss, surprisingly, looked relaxed and very much at ease despite the suit and stiff white shirt.
The film crew was introduced. Lexi tried to remember all their names. She was good with that, having grown up in a family where connections were important. There was Rex, the director of the documentary; John, the soundman; and Dan, an enthusiastic cameraman who could scarcely contain his excitement about being in Africa. “This is the most exotic location I’ve ever filmed in,” he said, eyes shining. “The jungle is just like I imagined. I can’t wait to explore.”
“I thought the same thing when I first arrived.” She smiled at his energy. Caution was necessary, however. “I’ve since learned that, while beautiful, it’s practically impenetrable and surprisingly easy to get lost in. If you do go exploring, be sure to take a guide with you. The caretakers are all locals and won’t mind showing you around. They know this part of the jungle like the back of their hands.”
“Understood.” He shot her an easy grin. “Lesson One: Don’t go wandering off alone.”
“You got it.”
She liked Dan. He was friendly, unlike Hawk, who she’d just noticed was watching their exchange even while still in conversation with Robert. She glanced pointedly at him, but instead of looking away, the corners of his mouth flickered upward before he diverted his attention back to Robert.
Frowning, she hoped Hawk Anderson wasn’t going to be a pain in her butt while he was here.
Robert was saying, “Why don’t we go up to the Lodge and have some refreshments, then I’ll give you the grand tour. Our medical center is only a fraction of the private reserve. Usalawas originally started by the local community as an eco-project, but when funding dried up, it closed. Luckily, I was able to resurrect it.” The clinic, staff quarters, canteen, and monitored animal enclosures were all in the same area, surrounding a large clearing in the jungle.
“It’s larger than I expected,” Hawk acknowledged, looking pleased. “And I believe it has many natural resources.”
Lexi narrowed her gaze. He’d better not be thinking about the mining potential. “The endangered animals are our most precious resource,” she cut in.
Robert shot her a warning glance.
Crap. He was desperate to make a good impression, and by jumping down their new benefactor’s throat, she was ruining it. Lexi shut up and didn’t say anything else.
“Of course,” Hawk agreed, quirking an eyebrow as if he was surprised she had the audacity to challenge him. Well, she wasn’t one of his minions, and out here, there were different rules. This wasn’t corporate Wall Street, the next acquisition didn’t matter. Out here, life often hung by a thread, and survival was the most important thing—for the people, the wildlife, and the sanctuary.
She forced a conciliatory smile and gestured toward the clinic. “I’d better head back. See you later.”
“Lexi, perhaps you can kick things off by giving the men a tour of the clinic once they’ve settled in?” Robert looked at her expectantly. “Then I’ll take Mr. Anderson—sorry, Hawk—and the crew to the border patrols and show them the rest of the park.”
How could she refuse? She’d promised to help out in any way she could, and the sanctuary needed this investment. Without it, they wouldn’t survive.
Besides, once the orientation was over, they’d be busy filming, hopefully miles away from her little patch of the sanctuary, and she’d be left in peace. “No problem. I’ll be here.”
Robert beamed and gestured for the men to follow him. The Lodge, as it was known by everyone at the sanctuary, was where Robert and his wife lived. It was positioned at the end of a winding dirt track, half a mile from the clearing and surrounded by dense vegetation. To her surprise, Hawk gave her a curt nod before following Robert along the track.
Until later then.
She marched back to the clinic, feeling frazzled but not sure why. Hawk Anderson was not what she’d expected, with his intense physicality and piercing blue eyes, but he did have that typical wealthy businessman vibe, too. The arrogance and disdain that came with giving orders, with having people do your bidding.
She snorted. Good luck with that out here. If anywhere had the ability to kick some humility into the self-important jackass, it was this place. The next few weeks were going to be very interesting indeed.
CHAPTER 2
The walky-talky in the clinic crackled and Robert’s staticky voice could be heard over the soft whir of the ceiling fan. “Come in, Lexi? Are you there?”
“I’m here, Robert.” She picked up the device and held it to her ear. There was no cellular reception in the jungle, so the rangers, carers and other staff relied on two-way radio handsets to communicate.
“I’ve sent Hawk and his crew down to you, but there’s been an incident in the field that requires your immediate attention.”