The Frogman's Trail

By Andrew Kanyuka

In this electrifying espionage novel, Barney, a former CIA agent and seasoned spy, finds himself thrust into a perilous mission in Malawi, accompanied by Tesla, a brilliant African data analyst. Together, they form an unlikely alliance to combat the escalating threat posed by terrorists and drug lords. However, what initially appears to be a straightforward operation takes a treacherous turn when Barney stumbles upon a clandestine conspiracy involving an enigmatic figure known only as Frogman.

As the plot thickens, Frogman's web of influence becomes increasingly apparent. With his connections reaching into the highest echelons of society, including diplomats, terrorists, and government officials, Frogman exploits his position for personal gain. Determined to expose this nefarious mastermind, Barney and Tesla employ their unique skill sets and unwavering dedication to justice.

Armed with an unyielding resolve, Barney and Tesla embark on a race against time, navigating the treacherous landscape of international intrigue. Their mission: to dismantle the criminal network, bring down drug lords, and ensure that justice prevails. However, as they delve deeper into the heart of darkness, they soon discover that the truth they uncover is far more shocking than anything they could have ever imagined.

With heart-pounding encounters at every turn, this adrenaline-fueled thriller explores the intricate webs of power, deceit, and the pursuit of justice. Brace yourself for a gripping tale of heroes who risk everything to protect innocent lives and save society from the clutches of evil. Will Barney and Tesla succeed in their dangerous quest to expose Frogman and restore order, or will they become entangled in a web of danger from which they cannot escape? Prepare to be captivated as this electrifying narrative unfolds before your eyes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew Kanyuka
• Release date: Sep 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223143864

Andrew Kanyuka

Andrew Kanyuka, a multi-talented Malawian author, captivates readers with his boundless imagination and captivating literary works. Through his books, scripts, essays, poems, and short stories, Andrew transports readers to both familiar and fantastical worlds, igniting the senses and challenging conventional thinking. Born and raised in Malawi, he draws inspiration from his rich cultural heritage to explore themes of identity, social issues, love, and loss. Andrew's commitment to storytelling as a means of provoking thought and leaving a lasting impact is evident in his profound and introspective writings. Immerse yourself in the transformative power of Andrew Kanyuka's words and be swept away by his literary magic.

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Andrew Kanyuka

© Andrew Kanyuka 2023

The contents of this book are in the copyright of Andrew kanyuka represented. Unauthorised copying of any pages is not only illegal but also goes against the interest of the author.

Editor : Victor Chikwi

Design and layout : Bob hamilton Tsapa

ISBN : 978-99960-93-91-3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Preface.............................................................................................v

2. Prologue...........................................................................................vi

3. Chapter One

The Mark Of The Failed Engagement.....................................1

4. Chapter Two

Conflict Of Values....................................................................17

5. Chapter Three

The Shadow Of The Assassin..................................................43

6. Chapter Four

The Assignment.......................................................................59

7. Chapter Five

Victims Of Circumstances....................................................... 85

8. Chapter Six

Justice......................................................................................103

9. Chapter Seven

Echoes Of Fate........................................................................117

10. Chapter Eight

The Mysterious Encounter......................................................135.

11. Chapter Nine

Chaos Out Of Superstition.......................................................151

12. Epilogue.........................................................................................178

This Page Is Left Blank Intentionally

Preface

Frogman was a notorious individual who had become a target for both Egypt and Afghanistan due to his involvement in terrorist attacks. Diplomatic reports indicated that certain diplomats were connected to his activities. Frogman went to extreme lengths to hide his true identity, resorting to tactics such as faking his death and changing his name and nationality. In Egypt, two ministers were tragically found dead in Cairo, and a home affairs officer at the airport managed to identify the suspect, whose name is being withheld for security reasons. Similarly, in Afghanistan, the army commander was murdered three years ago, and Frogman was suspected to be behind the crime. Further investigations revealed his alleged involvement in illegal weapon trade and other criminal activities in southern Africa. Interpol is determined to locate this dangerous individual and dismantle the network of corrupt diplomats profiting from these illicit operations. Previous affiliations of Frogman include various military organizations like the United States Marine Corps, Pakistani Navy, and Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group.

As rumors swirled across the internet and news reports, panic gripped Malawi. The news spread like wildfire through local radio programs, newspapers, magazines, and blogs. However, despite the widespread discussion, there were no video footage or concrete evidence available due to diplomatic immunity.

Meanwhile, Barney Ginger, an ordinary person during the day, harbored an extraordinary secret. He possessed an immense strength and courage that emerged when faced with adversity. Barney knew that he had the power to put an end to Frogman’s attacks, and he was determined to do so. Gathering his courage, he prepared himself for the upcoming battle against this dangerous individual.

Prologue

Threads of Resilience and Friendship

In a small town nestled amidst rolling green hills, hope flickered like a fragile flame against the shadows of corruption and abuse. Under the cloak of a seemingly idyllic community, darkness lurked, tightening its grip on the innocent. But as with any tale fraught with adversity, there arose ordinary people with extraordinary strength, ready to stand against the tide of injustice.

At the heart of this story stood Barney Ginger, an unassuming young man whose life had been innocently woven into the complex tapestry of his town. Barney possessed a compassionate spirit and a contagious smile, yet these qualities belied the depths of his inner turmoil. Scarred by his encounters with corruption and abuse, he carried the pain like an invisible burden, his heart heavy with unresolved anger and sorrow.

It was on a crisp autumn day, as leaves danced in a gentle breeze, that Barney’s path intertwined with that of a peculiar stranger named Tesla. Tesla was a kindred spirit, wearied by the weight of their own experiences but never allowing despair to tarnish their belief in a better world. They recognized in Barney a reflection of their struggles, and an unspoken bond formed between them, like two puzzle pieces destined to fit perfectly together.

With each passing conversation, Barney gingerly unravelled the tangled threads of his past, laying bare the injustices he had endured. Tesla’s attentive ear offered solace, soaking up their words and turning them into a soothing balm for Barney’s wounded spirit. Through this blooming friendship, Barney discovered the transformative power of connection, that we are never truly alone in our battles.

As Barney’s story unfolded, so did the tale of corruption that had woven its dark tendrils through the town. Shadows emerged from hiding, revealing themselves as figures of authority corrupted by their desires and a thirst for power. But this time, the town would not falter in silence.

Roused by Barney’s painful revelations, the townsfolk rallied together, no longer willing to turn a blind eye. United by a collective desire for justice, they formed a formidable force against the ruling darkness, their voices joined in a symphony of resilience.

But amidst the clamour of change, Barney realized that forgiveness would be his truest weapon against the malevolent forces that had scarred his soul. Forgiveness did not imply condoning the actions of the villains, but rather releasing the shackles of anger and hurt that bound him in the past. With each step forward, Barney embraced his newfound strength, knowing that healing could only blossom in the soil of forgiveness.

As the town’s battle against corruption unfolded, the bond between Barney and Tesla grew stronger, their friendship serving as a beacon of light banishing the remnants of darkness. Together, they wove resilience into the fabric of their community, inspiring others to find strength within themselves and to lean upon the power of connection.

This tale, like life itself, is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, to the capacity for hope and resilience to rise above adversity. It implores us to remember that our past does not define us, that forgiveness can be a mighty act of liberation, and that the bonds we form with others are lifelines that offer strength and healing in our darkest hours.

And so, as the first chapter of Barney and Tesla’s journey unfolds, their intertwined stories become a testament to the power of hope, resilience, forgiveness, and the healing magic of friendship. It is a reminder that together, with hearts enmeshed as one, we can triumph over even the most insidious shadows.

This Page Is Left Blank Intentionally

Chapter One

THE MARK OF THE FAILED ENGAGEMENT

It was a bright and sunny morning in Blantyre, yet nothing shone brighter than the look of disappointment upon Tesla’s face. She had been dumped by her fiancé, Bongani, mere weeks before their wedding day. Not only had he called off their engagement, but he had also broken ties with her completely including at work. Tesla had been the envy of many of her colleagues for months as she gushed about her upcoming nuptials to Bongani, who worked on the same floor in the same company as herself. Now all that remained were awkward glances and hushed whispers when she would pass by them in the office hallways. It was as if they were silently mocking her for believing that there could ever be happiness in a fairy tale ending that never came to fruition. The days went by slowly, each one feeling like an eternity as Tesla wondered how it had all gone so terribly wrong so quickly. As much as she wanted to ignore it though, she couldn’t help but feel a stirring within herself each time someone mentioned Bongani’s name in a conversation nearby. It haunted her like an old ghost from some long-forgotten past reminding her not only of what could have been but also of that fateful day when everything changed forever. Little did Tesla know however that something far more sinister than just heartbreak was lurking around the corner something capable of taking this sorrowful chapter in her life and transforming it into something far greater and more remarkable than even she could fathom. The morning sun still shone down upon Tesla, the young woman in question, as she emerged from the alleyway near her place of work. She had been walking for hours aimlessly, ever since receiving news of her fiancé’s intention to end their engagement. Now that the details pained her no more, it was time to make her way into the office building and start the day anew. There were some advantages to being a data analyst at a large and successful corporation one of them being that Tesla had friends on hand to support her when times were tough. Tesla entered with dejected steps, feeling out of place in an arena where people seemed so put together and contented despite all manner of personal trials. She made her way slowly up to the third floor where she had been assigned for most of the month and greeted familiar faces who nodded sympathetically towards her sorrowful state. Her best friend Chisomo sat across from her desk in their usual spot she welcomed Tesla with open arms and offered gentle words of consolation as they both moved into a joint workspace area for further discussion on matters at hand. Tesla felt a wave of relief wash over her as she began to unpack all that had happened between herself and Bongani over recent weeks although disappointed that it would not be culmination desired by either party, there was comfort in knowing Chisomo was there every step of the way providing strength. As each detail spilled out Tesla started to feel significantly better about what lay ahead; it was clear from heartening conversation between them that this fresh start could bring plenty more joy than before if taken with courage and grace qualities which Tesla knew within herself ran deep enough for this occasion. By lunchtime, however, things looked far less certain; having heard through overheard gossip around the building about another female colleague whom Bongani had been seen exchanging pleasantries with recently, Tesla found herself increasingly troubled by thoughts shared amongst co-workers that could not be verified or denied outright. Unbeknownst to those around them both Chisomo and Tesla pondered what may have lain beneath these interactions further until eventually they decided nothing could be done but keep hope alive perhaps he still loved his former fiancée after all? The two eventually paused at an impasse neither having come any nearer towards understanding what exactly had taken place between them both during their fleeting months together. At this point stood Tesla and Chisomo filled with intrigue yet without resolution left longing for answers which only time could deliver whilst growing ever closer together as old alliances were strengthened through shared adversity. They were at their favourite café, discussing the latest events in their lives. Tesla knew it would take some time to process, but in the meantime, she decided to share something about him that she still held close to her heart. What I really liked about him, Tesla began, looking into her coffee cup with a wistful look upon her face, was how passionate he was in bed.

Her friend’s eyes widened and Tesla quickly followed up by saying No no, not like that! There were plenty of other things we shared a connection over! She paused for a few moments before continuing tentatively. But yes, she finally admitted, blushing slightly despite herself. He was very good there. Powerful too. Tesla continued to explain how his passion seemed almost boundless when physical intimacy arose between them; how every time felt new and exciting as if they were discovering something new together each night. Her friend listened quietly as if trying to make sense of this conversation which suddenly shifted away from talking about broken hearts and shattered dreams to one of carnal desire and unexplored depths. Tesla noticed the look of confusion on her friend’s face and said, I’m sorry if this isn’t what you wanted to hear right now. I just couldn’t help but remember what we used to have. The mood turned somber then as both women contemplated the lost love they had shared feeling no need for words in this moment of understanding between them. In silence they both assumed that all things must come to an end eventually but sometimes those endings can leave behind memories which linger long after their departure, memories which can give us strength during our darkest days and hope for brighter ones ahead. A change of scenery was exactly what she needed. Tesla decided to go for a walk in the park and clear her mind. The sun shone brightly above her head as she strolled along, taking in the sights and sounds around her. She watched as children played on the swings and people walked their dogs in the grassy meadows. It made her feel at ease and refreshed from all of the stress that had been weighing on her lately. As Tesla continued walking, she came across a small street corner stall displaying postcards from different cities around the world. One postcard caught her eye it was a picture of a tall mountain range surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hillsides, with little villages scattered among them. It looked so peaceful and inviting and just what Tesla needed right now to get away from it all. Her mind began to wander as she imagined herself exploring these new places that she had never seen before, being able to take part in new cultures and experiences without any of the stress or heartache that held her back before now this could be just what she needed. With newfound enthusiasm surging through her veins, Tesla approached the stall keeper who told her that this place on the postcard was located far away in another continent called Europe in Switzerland somewhere that would lead Tesla into an entirely new world filled with adventure and possibility.

The sky was a deep hue of twilight as the first beams of crimson broke through the horizon, signalling the start of dusk. With it came a chill that ran through the veins of every living creature, a reminder to all that something sinister lurked in its shadows. 

It was a rather peculiar sensation that coursed through Tesla as she made her way home from work, one of uneasiness and confusion. The sky had grown dark, and it filled her with an inexplicable sense of dread. Her heart leapt into her throat as the reality of her situation dawned on her. She was hungry, she had been for hours but there was no food to be found in the house.

She had been so busy all day that she had forgotten to pick up something for dinner and the thought of having to cook filled her with dread. She sighed as she thought of the ingredients that sat waiting on her kitchen shelves and reminded herself once again that cooking was not one of her natural talents. Little did she know that this night would be unlike any other in all her life?

With a resigned sigh, Tesla retrieved a pan from the kitchen cupboard and prepared to cook something with what little she had. But when she opened the door to her bedroom, Tesla found not peace and quiet, but chaos instead. Her belongings lay strewn across the floor and the window frame was splintered like matchsticks; shattered glass crunched beneath her feet. Cautiously stepping over shards of debris towards the window, Tesla saw that someone had broken in through it during her absence. A chill ran down her spine as she surveyed the mess something told her that this intruder meant business.

Tesla glanced out the window and noticed a shining object affixed to the frame. Upon closer examination, she realized it was a gold pipe, and its presence was unfamiliar to her. She had not encountered this addition previously and was curious as to its origin.

As quickly as possible, Tesla collected up all of her clothes and belongings off of the floor before heading back downstairs to finish what little cooking she could manage without food supplies. It wasn’t easy every now and then, fear crept up within her unbidden as thoughts rushed into her mind who could have done such a thing? What were they looking for? And would they return?

Tesla ate quickly before heading up to bed alone in anticipation of spending another sleepless night lying awake with these troubling questions echoing in her head.

The air was still and peaceful no birds chirped, nor did any breeze rustle the trees’ leaves. All seemed right with the world, as if it were a beautiful painting brought to life by some miraculous force.

But then, from far off came a sound that shattered this tranquil scene the sound of screaming. It carried through the night like an eerie fog, filling every corner of Kanjedza village and striking fear into its inhabitants’ hearts.

Tesla lived just off Main Street, close enough to make out what sounded like dozens of people chasing something down one of the nearby roads. She had never heard such commotion before it seemed almost supernatural in nature.

For several minutes she sat in her bedroom window listening to the screams pierce the air, until finally curiosity got the best of her and she decided to investigate what could have caused such an uproar on that otherwise placid night. She quickly threw on some clothes and headed out into the street below her home.

As Tesla turned onto Main Street, her worst fears were realized, there indeed was something or someone being chased by hundreds of people! Whatever it was ran desperately towards an open field at breakneck speed while chunks of dirt kicked up behind it as if it were being pursued by monsters rather than people!

Tesla watched this frightening spectacle unfold before her eyes for several minutes until finally she noticed two brave soul running alongside whatever creature they were all chasing, two young boys wearing nothing but an old rag clothes! Even from where Tesla stood she could tell that these boys were desperate and terrified for their lives but why? What secret were they carrying with them that so many wanted to capture?

Tesla felt compelled to find out more about these boys’ plight and as she started to run towards them both when suddenly changed from human to wolves and they disappeared around a corner in search of another hiding spot! In that moment everything around Tesla grew silent once again; all those who had been chasing them had stopped dead in