Bleeding Stubs

BLURB Lasso Tambong is a soldier in the CIA's secret wing embedded within the Gendarmerie Nationale du Cameroun. The story centres around a bet he makes with his boss and friend, Colonel Mvodo: If Lasso can resist the temptation to scale Section F—a deadly cliff in Koutaba marked INTERDIT—he'll soon be driving a Land Rover. But the aspiring agent’s pride gets the better of him, pushing him to defy the odds and sneak down a treacherous path to the base of the lethal ravine. Brace yourself as you follow him into the darkest depths of danger. * * * TEASER “Okay, okay. Can we have another bet, just the two of us?” “What’s on your smart mind, Mr. Colonel? I hope you’re not trying to plant Seyena in my heart. She’s way too risky if things don’t work out.” “Nothing to do with her. Since when did I become a government pimp?” “Then shoot. What do you wager about? I know you’re a man of your word.” “My side is: you will attempt to climb Section F—alone with your bare hands—within the next six months,” Mvodo said. Unable to read Lasso’s big, flat eyes underneath the bushy brows, he ran an experienced eye up and down the tall, muscular structure in front of him. Then, he spotted the weakness he was looking for: Lasso bounced, albeit slightly, on his toes. It was a quirk he displayed whenever overly full of himself. Mvodo spotted it and knew his man had swallowed the bait. And he was sure Lasso’s ego would get the better of him. “What’s your side, Agent Lasso?” Lasso winced. “Why would I put my life at risk? That’s ridiculous, but since you’re a fair loser, my side is this: I will never commit such a gaff. I bet I will NOT go down that dangerous path to Section F. That deadly ravine is for the untamed critters, not us civilised folk. What’s your stake, anyway?” “My Jeep. Against your three months’ salary.” “But that’s a government truck, sir. ” “Oh, Lasso, you leave the trouble to me. My word is my word.” “Make it two. Three is three-much.” Recognising the flatter and keenness in Lasso’s voice, Mvodo lowered one side of the ante. “That’s alright. For the brightest CIA agent in the making, let’s call it a deal: you hand me two months’ worth of your wage or own a Land Rover Jeep.” “Okay, I’m all in.”