Alastair Anderson

Big Bend Alastair Anderson

Central Africa. A mining compound on the curve of a river. A young couple arrive. John is stepping up to a major opportunity in his career, taking over as mine manager. Angela has decided to join him. Big Bend is comfortable, and the people are friendly. At worst, it could be a little tedious. Nothing changes here. Jungle extends for hundreds of miles all around. They sip their drinks and watch the brown river sliding by. John has been sent to replace Yageman. Everyone is relieved at the news. Yageman built the mine from scratch, placing the first charge that blew apart the jungle. Nobody should stay in this place for as long as he has. Yageman leaves behind a profitable mine, and a secure compound. The river linking them to the coast will always flow, slowly and dependably as ever. Even a wilderness can be predictable. But then the hydro plant that powers everything is sabotaged. Without electricity, the compound quickly becomes unbearable. A young girl goes missing. Suspicions abound. Even at the best of times, keeping up appearances can be difficult. Who knows what people will do next?