...The President was more than pleased with Tembo’s performance and began to reward him handsomely. The two men became close associates. In time, Chilembe saw advantage to be gained by moving Tembo into the political arena. The logical place for a man of such skill was one of the most high profile Cabinet positions. As Minister of Finance, Tembo became responsible for attracting aid money from as many sources as possible. Hundreds of millions of dollars were involved each year. So much money was flowing in that it was surely appropriate a little might find its way to the top men, who worked so diligently in the service of the people of Zungula...
Now in his early fifties, Joe Tembo was enjoying the fruits of his success. He lived alone in a beautiful replica colonial house in Area 43 of Dombe. Alone if one excluded the small army of servants, some of whom occupied quarters tucked away to the rear of the property. Tembo boasted that his swimming pool was the biggest in town. Bigger even than the American Ambassador’s. He was chauffeured in a metallic blue Jaguar car which was much more admired than the run of the mill black Mercedes allocated to Cabinet colleagues. And far more in keeping with what he thought to be his sparkling personality. He was feted wherever he went, eating at the finest tables in the private homes of those who sought his ear. His own parties were legendary. Once a month, except during the rains, he would invite dozens of guests to his home. A local jazz band was hired to play, and a DJ recruited to fill in when the musicians took their beer breaks. Booze flowed generously and of course there were girls, girls, girls, whose role needed no amplification...
Meanwhile, it is June 3rd, the Queen's official birthday, and British High Commissioner Sandy Mackelson is making a speech at the annual garden party when there is a rude and most unfortunate interruption.
Michael Wood continues his gloriously readable sad-funny novel of present-day life in a mythical African country. For earlier chapters please click on When The Crocodile Smiles in the menu on this page.
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