“How do you know so much about it?” Jack asked.

“Because my cousin used to work there,” Esteban said. “But he quit when the soldiers executed one of his friends for hunting. A lot of people like GenSys because they pay well, but others don’t like GenSys because they have too much power with the government.”

“Because of money,” Jack said.

“Yes, of course,” Esteban said. “They pay a lot of money to the ministers. They even pay part of the army.”

“That’s cozy,” Laurie commented.

“If we were to go to Bata, would we be able to visit Cogo?” Jack asked.

“I suppose,” Esteban said. “After the Spanish left twenty-five years ago, the road to Cogo was abandoned and became impassable, but GenSys has rebuilt it so the trucks can go back and forth. But you’d have to hire a car.”

“Is that possible?” Jack asked.

“If you have money, anything is possible in Equatorial Guinea,” Esteban said. “When are you planning to go? Because it’s best to go in the dry season.”

“When’s that?” Jack asked.

“February and March,” Esteban said.

“That’s convenient,” Jack said. “Because Laurie and I are thinking of going tomorrow night.”

“What?” Warren spoke for the first time since they’d arrived at Esteban’s apartment. He’d not been privy to Jack and Lou’s conversation. “I thought me and Natalie were going out on the town with you guys this weekend. I’ve already told Natalie.”

“Ohhhh!” Jack commented. “I forgot about that.”

“Hey, man, you gotta wait ’til after Saturday night, otherwise I’m in deep shit, you know what I’m saying. I told you how much she’s been ragging on me to see you guys.”

In his euphoric mood Jack had another suggestion. “I have a better idea. Why don’t you and Natalie come along with Laurie and me to Equatorial Guinea? It will be our treat.”

Laurie blinked. She wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly.

“Man, what are you talking about?” Warren said. “You’re out’a your friggin’ mind. You’re talking about Africa.”

“Yeah, Africa,” Jack said. “If Laurie and I have to go, we might as well make it as fun as possible. In fact, Esteban, why don’t you and your wife come, too? We’ll make it a party.”

“Are you serious?” Esteban asked.

Laurie’s expression was equally as incredulous.

“Sure, I’m serious,” Jack said. “The best way to visit a country is to go with someone who used to live there. That’s no secret. But tell me, do we all need visas?”

“Yes, but the Equatorial Guinean Embassy is here in New York,” Esteban said. “Two pictures, twenty-five dollars, and a letter from a bank saying you’re not poor gets you a visa.”

“How do you get to Equatorial Guinea?” Jack asked.

“For Bata the easiest is through Paris,” Esteban said. “From Paris there is daily service to Douala, Cameroon. From Douala there’s daily service to Bata. You can go through Madrid, too, but that’s only twice a week to Malabo on Bioko.”

“Sounds like Paris wins out,” Jack said gaily.