by Eben Le Roux
Chapter 21
He had not been to a church service in the last five years, and tonight Collin was surprised that his father could have the world at his feet when he spoke. Mixed feelings of guilt and pride rushed through him while he listened to him. He had guilt, because of disregarding all the wisdom that was right next to him. His father was right, the knowledge he had was no more than that of a fool. All these years, he had thought his parents were interfering with the lifestyle he wanted for himself. Tonight, he had just realised what he could have been if only he had listened. It was then that he felt the vibration of the phone in his pocket. He felt anger when he saw Max’s name showing. Not concerned, he cut the call but within seconds, the vibration was back. Out of anger, he cut the call again. For the third time, the vibration came on, and he answered out of frustration.
‘Max, what in heaven’s name is wrong with you? I cannot take calls now, phone me back later.’
‘Wait . . . Collin, wait. I need you to pick me up in Dawsonville.’
‘What? Are you crazy? I am in the middle of my father’s speech. I can’t leave now, sorry.’ He cut the call, just for it to ring again. ‘Listen, Max . . .’
‘Collin please wait . . . don’t put the phone down again. Please, listen to me . . .’ Max’s desperate pleading made him listen to him. ‘There are guys chasing me. I think they want to kill me. I am hiding somewhere from them. Please come pick me up.’
‘Max, I can’t. You will have to phone someone else . . . I just can’t.’
‘Hey, Collin, I know you’re done with me, but, please, just this one favour, please . . . you owe me, man.’
‘Hey, don’t come and talk to me about who owes whom. You had your chance to come straight . . .’
‘Collin, please, I don’t want to die out here. Dawsonville is just behind the stadium where you guys are at.’
‘I know the place.’ Colin said as he was becoming concerned. ‘What street are you on?’
‘I’m hiding in a bush . . . a fence on the corner of Rickets and Bailey.’
‘You are not calling me into trouble, Max.’
‘Collin, it is quiet now. They must have left, but it would be too risky to walk home from here.’
For a moment, Collin fought against going, but the guilt of leaving a man who was once his best friend in danger overwhelmed him. ‘Stay right there. I’m coming,’ he said while still under a lot of doubt.
‘Thank you Collin! You won’t be sorry.’
If Collin had only known what was waiting for him, he would never have taken the trip.
Driving into Dawsonville, he had reason to be nervous. In front of him was a security car with flashing lights going in the same direction as his. Panic was slowly taking over, and he wondered if he should not call Ross as Max’s phone was off. Nearing Bailey Street, he slowed the car down to create distance between him and the patrol car. The car took a left turn into Rickets and he instinctively knew that this patrol had something to do with Max. Fear gripped him as he realised that Max could be in trouble with the police. Knowing he could not disappoint his father again, he put more weight on the accelerator, not worried over Max any longer. Not wanting to attract unnecessary attention, he told himself not to speed. Only the next moment, he had to put his foot full on the brake that brought his car to a screeching halt. Max had appeared in front of it, hardly able to keep his body straight. So suddenly had he appeared in the car’s headlights that Collin nearly ran him over. His car stopped just short of a metre away from where he fell in the road. Something told him to get away but seeing Max was in very bad condition, he dashed out of the car.
‘Collin, you got to help me . . .’ Max pleaded in a desperate voice and Colin could see a lot of anguish on his face.
‘Max! What in heaven’s name happened to you?’
‘They shot me.’
‘Who shot you, Max?’ He shouted out of fear when he saw how weak Max looked.
‘I need to get you some help, Max . . . You need help.’ Collin became afraid of Max dying right there on the street.
‘Get me out of here, Collin, please.’
‘I can’t, Max, I cannot move you. You need help urgently!’
Through the weakness, he forced his eyes open. ‘Collin . . .’ he said as he moved his right hand into his jacket pocket. ‘Hold on to this for me.’ He pulled out the watch and handed it to Collin. Collin spotted the reflection of the streetlight immediately on the watch, the most beautiful reflection he had ever witnessed in his life. That was the first time Collin saw any object made from so much gold and felt paralysed just by looking at it.
‘Shit, Max, you came to steal this from . . .’
‘Put it on your wrist, not in your pocket.’ Max was weak but could still see the hesitation in Collin. ‘Do it now, Collin . . . put it on your wrist...now.’ Even though Max was too frail to shout, the urgency of his words got Collin to act immediately. Hurriedly, he rolled the strap over his hand, pushed it up his arm, and made sure the jacket sleeve was covering it. The plastic bag with the paper he pushed deep into his sock, down into his shoe. Although very frightened, he shifted his attention back to Max. ‘I got to get help for you, Max . . . I don’t know what to do. I’m going to call 911.’
‘Don’t you chicken out on me, Collin.’
‘Shut up now, Max. I’m getting help for you.’ He was battling to operate his phone with the panic, as he felt nervous and scared. His mind started jumping between his two nightmares; Max with a very bad gunshot wound, and a very expensive stolen watch on his wrist. He wished for a very quick way out as he waited for somebody to answer.
While still holding the phone to his ear, he heard sirens coming from somewhere. Two police cars with an ambulance between them were rushing in their direction. He immediately dropped the call to 911, too happy to see the three vehicles. His feeling of relief suddenly turned into confusion as the police car turned into Rickets, followed by the ambulance. Realising that they did not know about Max lying in front of his car, he rushed forward to block the way of the last police car. The officer had to swerve and brake hard at the sight of his frantic behaviour.
‘There is an emergency here, mister. Better get a tow truck and get out of here,’ the police officer was yelling at him out of frustration.
‘Officer, I got a man there. He needs help. I think he has been shot.’ Colin shouted hysterically.
‘He’s been what?’ The two cops were looking at one another with some sort of confirmation. Hurriedly, they jumped from the car with guns in hand.
‘Go for cover, mister. It might get dangerous here.’
Collin looked at them with startled eyes. ‘Officer, that man is dying he needs an ambulance.’ Again, they looked at each other, this time nodding in confirmation. They charged forward towards Max from different sides of Collin’s car.
It did not take long for Collin to hear from the one cop, ‘It’s bad. I don’t think he’s going to make it.’
Those words changed the colour on Collins face. ‘Are you not calling an ambulance, Officer?’ Collin sounded like he was instructing the officer.
‘This is what I am doing now, mister.’ The police officer reached for his control radio while replying to Collin. ‘Control, control,’ he shouted into the handset. ‘We got the suspect wounded very badly. We need an ambulance urgently, repeat, wounded very badly, over.’
Collin waited for the confirmation of the ambulance being dispatched, and then he walked over to the officer.
‘Excuse me, Officer. I heard you calling that man a suspect. What is going on here, sir?’
‘Mister, we are asking the questions here, do you understand?’
It was a statement that made Collin realise the real situation he was in and he nodded in a very low tone, ‘Yes, sir’
‘You say you know this man, mister?’ The police officer turned his attention away from Max, to Collin.
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Is he a friend of yours?’
<
br /> ‘Yes . . . but not really.’
The police officer looked at Collin very suspiciously.
‘Was it coincidence for you to drive past here? I mean your friend broke into a house, and you happened to drive past just by chance?’
‘It’s not like that.’
Collin could see where the officer was taking this as he was not been given a chance to talk.
‘Was this supposed to be the getaway car?’ The officer spoke without looking at him only focusing on the car.
‘Officer, I don’t know what you are talking about. This man phoned me . . . telling me he was...’
‘Turn around, mister, and put your hands behind your back. I’m placing you under arrest.’
‘Officer, you can’t . . .’ Collin’s eyes widened with shock upon hearing the instruction. The watch, his father, and his whole family suddenly became the biggest worry of his life. His body started shaking as he started regretting the decision to come here. He thought of running away but he felt trapped. The thought of what this could do to his father was worrying and, for the first time in his life, he said a prayer aloud, ‘Please, God, do not let this happen to me.’
‘Praying is not going to help you son, I said turn around, mister.’ The officer had his hand on the butt of the gun. Just then, Collin’s phone rang.
‘Please, Officer, can I at least take this? It might be my father. Please, Officer.’
‘Your father can come visit you at the police station, boy.’
‘Take that call, Harris. It might just be one of his accomplices.’ The other officer was coming from the front of the car, joining them.
‘Okay, boy, you heard the man. Take that call . . . and be careful what you say. We could use it against you.’
Very relieved, Collin rushed his hand towards his pocket, but the man called Harris lifted his gun higher and with much more hostility. ‘I said slowly, very slowly!’ he shouted.
Collin froze when he saw the gun being aimed at his face. ‘Sorry, Officer,’ he said almost with fear. Slowly he reached for the phone, but the ringing suddenly stopped. Harris could see the disappointment on the boy’s face and did not know if he should feel sorry for him. ‘Take that phone and put it on the roof of the car,’ he instructed him.
Collin reached for his pocket, this time very slowly and just as he was about to place it down, the phone started ringing again. This time, his relief was much bigger. Turning the phone towards his ear, he could see it was Ross calling. He hurried himself into the conversation with no greeting.
‘Ross, there is big trouble here . . .’
‘Give me that phone!’ Collin clearly showed his disappointment at the instruction from the officer. He just stood horrified but still with a collected mind. With Ross shouting into the phone, he decided to carry on with the conversation, not taking his eyes off the police officer.
‘Ross, whatever you do, please do not put the phone down.’
‘Collin, what the hell is going on, and where are you? You know we all are meeting Dad in ten minutes.’
‘Ross, I’m in Dawsonville. There are cops all over the place. Max has been shot . . . He is bad, very bad. I don’t know what is going on here. Can you come to Rickets Street, please?’
It did not take long for Ross to register what Max was doing in Dawsonville. He knew he had to get there fast and decided to cut the conversation. ‘Collin, I will be there in ten minutes, maybe less. Let us hope they do not take you away. I’m coming.’ He cursed himself for forgetting about the watch as he ended the call.
‘That was my brother, Officer. He is on his way here.’
‘It could take him hours to get here, boy. Traffic from the stadium is now starting to roll out.’
‘He is coming from the stadium.’
The officer looked a bit amazed. ‘Looks like your whole family are at the stadium, boy.’
‘Yes, Officer, the man they call the Teacher . . . he is my father.’
‘What?’
‘Yes, Officer, that’s my dad.’
‘Did you hear that, Frank? He is claiming to be the Teacher’s son.’ Harris said with a sceptical smile.
‘You are not telling lies to us, boy?’ the second officer asked Collin in a sombre voice.
‘No, sir, I am not.’
An ambulance came speeding from around the corner and they shifted their attention back to Max. As he kneeled next to Max, Frank reached for the radio, requesting an update on the security guard. He stood up to report to Harris.
‘Paramedics say the guy at the house will be okay. He’ll make it, broken jaw and a big open wound on the face, looks like this guy wanted to smash his skull in.’
‘How is he doing?’ Harris pointed at Max.
‘He has lost a lot of blood, maybe too much for comfort. I don’t know what damage the bullet did on the inside, but he looks bad.’
‘Wonder what he was doing there?’ Frank left the question hanging as the ambulance stopped next to their car. By then, a group of residents had gathered on the sides of the road.
‘I think it is time to close up the scene Harris, do you have ribbon in the car?’
Collin watched them barricading off the area and he started to panic. Troubled thoughts came rushing through his mind especially how he had disappointed his father again. Adding to his nightmare, the watch felt like it was screaming from his arm. A car came to stop next to the police ribbon, and two men got out of it. By seeing their eyes flashing over the scene, Collin knew instantly that they were detectives. Behind them, he saw Ross rushing in his direction.
‘Hey, Collin, are you okay?’ Ross shouted from a distance.
‘Excuse me, sir, who are you?’ asked one of the detectives blocking Ross’ way.
‘That’s my brother over there, Officer,’ Ross said, trying to get closer to Collin.
‘I am sorry, sir. Wait outside this line. This is a crime scene, and do not talk to him, please . . . Hey, Frank, who is this boy, and what is he doing here?’ He said shifting from Ross to the police officer.
‘We consider him an accomplice. He was with the suspect when we arrived. The two of them are friends, and the coincidence is too suspicious to let him go.’
‘Is that so? What is your name boy?’ the detective asked, stepping closer to Collin.
‘Collin Johnson.’
While the detective was looking at him with a frown trying to place the name, as it sounded familiar, Harris was shouting from behind the car.
‘He is claiming to be the Teacher’s son.’
‘Teacher, what do you mean?’
‘You know, the preacher guy, tonight at the stadium?’
‘Uh-huh, is that so? Are you really his son, boy?’
Collin nodded. ‘Yes sir.’
‘So what in heaven’s name are you doing here while your father is . . . ?’
‘I was at the stadium, Detective.’
His answer got the detective somewhat confused. ‘You were at the stadium, but you are here . . . I think you have some explaining to do.’
‘Yes, Officer.’
‘Right, I’m listening.’
‘I was at the stadium when Max phoned me and . . .’
‘Who is Max? Is it that guy over there?’
‘Yes, sir, and I ignored his call twice. The third time I picked up, he told me he was being followed by some guys and scared to come out from where he was hiding. He asked me to come and fetch him. I refused, but he pleaded so much, that I thought he really needed me. As I was entering the area, I saw security vehicles driving in front of me. I knew then that Max lied to me. I realised he was in trouble with the police and needed me for an escape. I thought of driving straight out of here when he leapt out of the hedges so fast I nearly drove over him.’
‘You say he leapt out of there?’ The detective gestured towards the hedge.
‘Yes sir.’
‘Hey, Frank, did you guys check out that hedge?’
‘Not yet.’
&
nbsp; ‘Do it. That could be where that guy was hiding. We might find something in there.’ Then he turned back to Collin. ‘He did not hand you anything or say something about a stash or something?’
‘No, sir, there is my car. You can have it searched. You can search me too. All he said to me was, ‘Please, don’t let me die out here.’
‘That’s all?’
‘Yes officer.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes, sir, I swear.’
‘I believe you. Now, turn around, and hands on the roof.’
The detective’s hand searched Collin from the top to bottom, right down to his socks.
As the detective’s hands moved down his legs, Collin got a sickeningly worried feeling, so much so that he felt he was going to shake. From where Ross was standing, he was as much concerned. Looking at the police patting Collin down, he wondered if Max had the watch and, if he had, what he had done with it. The chance that Max had spoken to Colin was also possible and wondered what he had told him. A guilty conscious came forward in him for what had taken place here tonight; he should never have told anyone about that watch. Two people’s lives were in danger now with Collin being drawn into a situation that could destroy his confidence in a new beginning. He watched as the two police officers searched the bushes around the fence, with another going through Collin’s car. One of the paramedics walked closer to the detective who was still questioning Collin.
‘I need to interrupt you, sir.’
‘Yes, how is he doing?’
‘He is dead, sir.’
Collin’s whole body froze. His legs became weak at the knees, and he felt like he was going to collapse anytime. The news was too much for him as he suddenly realised what Max was to him. All the good about Max came streaming forward replacing all the bad thoughts he had minutes ago. Max always used to be there when he needed a friend, and he always could sort matters out when everything seemed to go wrong. A friend that always had a plan, no matter what the odds were, and he was never scared of or intimidated by any man. He was a tough guy, always backing up a friend who needed him. He threw his arms around in despair, as his legs folded under him. Ross, who noticed this, rushed through the police barrier. One police officer tried to stop him, but the detective interfered.
‘It’s okay. It’s his brother. I think he can do with some help.’
‘He is dead, Ross. Max is dead, man.’
Ross could see the moisture in Collin’s eyes, and his heart went out to him.
‘It is okay, Collin. It’s going to be okay.’
‘You know what, Ross. I only realised now how much I liked that man.’
‘I understand, Collin.’
‘Maybe I was the only true friend he ever had, Ross . . . Do you think I let him down, Ross?’
‘No, Collin, when a man is big enough to make choices, he should know the consequences of those choices. He chose this. It is time for your life to start afresh.’
Ross turned to face the detective. ‘Officer, are you done with him?’
The detective turned to the two police officers now approaching him. ‘What have you guys got from there?’ he asked.
‘Lots of blood in there, it looks like he had been hiding there. We found this screwdriver and a tommy bar lying there. Must be the weapon he used on the guard, other than that, nothing else.’
‘What about you, Harris?’
‘The car is clean, sir, nothing in there.’
‘Are you guys sure?’ The detective waited for them to confirm and turned to Collin and Ross.
‘Young man, I am sorry about your friend, but still we have to find the truth. Go over to that officer and give a statement. Make sure you do not lie to us as I might need you for further investigation.’
‘Thank you, Detective.’ Collin said visibly relieved, and so was Ross. Looking at his watch, Ross became disappointed that he had to leave Gina alone. Seeing that he had spent nearly an hour at the scene, he thought it was better not to phone her and would have to apologise in the morning. He really started to get worried about all the disappointments he had for Gina so far. She might just resign from this relationship for good, and that scared him. As if reading his mind, Collin’s words brought him back from his thoughts.
‘You better go to Gina. I am going to be okay.’
‘What? Leave you here alone? Never, let’s finish this, and we leave together.’
‘You don’t have to leave me alone they are all here.’
Ross looked at Collin in wonder. ‘What do you mean they are all . . . ?’ He looked across the road, and there were Ray, Gina, and Peter looking in their direction.
‘Okay, you go give the statement. I will go over to them. They must be worried by now. Are you sure you are okay. Can you handle it?’
‘Yes, of course . . . and Ross . . .’ A discreet look in Collin’s eyes got Ross becoming apprehensive.
‘What is wrong, Collin?’ The question was nearly a command, as the look on Collin’s face scared him.
‘He gave it to me.’
‘He gave what to you?’ The thought of a gun came into mind, as Ross’ eyes grew bigger.
‘The watch... he gave me the watch.’ Colin said while making sure nobody was in hearing distance.
Ross could only stare at Collin with big, rounded eyes.
‘I’m wearing it. I’m scared Ross, what if they . . . ?’
Ross recovered quickly from his own shock; as he knew he had to take control for Collin’s sake.
‘Collin, just act normally. So far, you have done well. You will have to push through this last part, OK. I know you can. There will be no more body searching. Do you want me to stay with you?’
‘No, you go. I can handle this.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes, go now, and I will see you in five minutes.’
The smile from Ross gave Collin so much confidence that it made a lot of the weight drop from him. ‘Okay Colin, I know you can do it.’
Watching Collin walk over to the police car, he decided to join the others. As he crossed the road, he had to dash out of the way of two speeding cars with two swearing words passing his lips. The cars were closely followed by a minibus branded ‘Live Entertainment TV’, which came to a stop right next to the van. Doors flew open before it was at a standstill and the team virtually flew out of the van with their equipment. A bright light came on from the roof of the bus and somebody shouted, ‘Action!’
Shannon Buoys, who looked into the camera, did not waste any time.
‘Hi, I am Shannon Buoys bringing you breaking news on Live Entertainment. We are at the scene of an attempted murder and robbery, where the preaching teacher’s son is involved. According to the police, one man is in a critical condition, and the alleged robber has been shot dead. Police have yet to confirm the involvement of the Teacher’s son and we will bring you live coverage of that. Just less than an hour ago, this same teacher was preaching gospel to a live audience of over ten thousand people. I find it very ironic that he should attend a murder and robbery scene where his own son is involved. I am walking towards the Teacher to see if I can get him to answer a few questions.’
She came to a standstill about a metre away from Peter. Ray rushed forward, with Ross coming from the other direction to protect their father. Peter could see the chaos that was going to erupt if he did not stop this immediately. He lifted both hands, one in each of their directions.
‘I will handle this. Thank you, boys,’ he said.
Both Ross and Ray stopped dead in their tracks and looked at one another, with Ray lifting his shoulders. They knew it was best not to argue with their father.
Shannon acted like an over eager student, too happy for the second chance in the same night with the same man. She was not going to let this one big chance go to waste. Holding the microphone between her and Peter, she started directing the questions at him. ‘Teacher, tell us how does it feel seeing your son being questioned by police in a matter where
someone has already been killed and another severely assaulted?’
That was the first time Peter had heard that somebody had died, and it hit him like a brick wall. Ross quickly stepped forward, and Ray followed immediately. Still in a state of shock, Peter asked from Ross, ‘Can you tell me who died here tonight?’
Ross knew not to upset this man more, for Peter was visibly shaken, and any mention of Collin’s name, connecting him to a dead man, could only make it worse.
‘Ray, please take this woman away. She is upsetting Dad.’
Peter, however, was determined to know. ‘How did my son get involved in a situation where somebody was killed?’
‘It is a friend of mine, Dad . . . he . . . tried to get hold of me. My phone was off, and he phoned Collin. He was shot, and he needed help. Collin rushed here to help him but was too late. Collin was not involved in any crime. Even the police can confirm what I am telling you now.’
This seemed to comfort Peter, for there was visible relief on his face. When he turned around, Shannon was no longer next to them. ‘Where is that reporter?’
‘Dad, please stay away from her . . .’
‘No, Ross. I have had enough of her. She is not after the story as much as she is after a scoop involving me. I need to put an end to this fault-finding behaviour of hers once and for all.’ With driven intent, he walked towards Shannon, where she was broadcasting from outside the police cordon. Her camera was set up with Max’s body as a background to her viewers.
Seeing Peter coming in her direction, she quickly turned her attention on him. ‘Teacher, lying behind me is the body of a dead man, while your son is being questioned by police. Do you want to comment on the matter that he was a friend of your son?’
Peter looked at the man’s body and did not know what to think. The sadness he felt was worse than the feeling of being a beggar out in the streets. Lecturing Shannon was no longer on his mind.
‘Lady, I think you and me, we see complete different pictures here tonight. Yes, it is sad, very sad . . . That boy was still in his early twenties, and so is my son. I do not know if I should feel happy or sad, for I feel the grief of that boy’s parents. On the other hand, I am happy for my boy not lying there next to him. For you it might be very good news footage but for me it is failure…failure of our youth.’
There was a convincing sadness inside this man, and Shannon felt as if she could cry with him. He did not look at the camera but only focused on Max’s dead body.
When he spoke again, he spoke directly to her. ‘Where did we lose it? Why is there no longer love within families? I think you should know what I am talking about: There was a time when we could feel the love of our parents, and they would share in our laughter. Today, parents are nothing but distant relatives to their own children. Those who did discarded them...they die so young...and so tragically like this. If you can still give your father a hug, don’t waste it...do it. I wish I could still get a sincere hug from my children...
Peter noticed how the enthusiasm in Shannon started to dim and knew that he must have touched a sore point in her life. He could not be wrong; he had worked with too many people in his life. What was happening with Shannon was exactly what he was on the lookout for in his students. His thoughts were confirmed as Shannon, who never had a lack of questions in situations like these, started searching for words. ‘Teacher, what is it you are feeling right now, anger? I mean...are you angry with your son for the situation your family is in?’
Her crew looked at her, confused as they expected a more aggressive Shannon while questioning one another with their eyes.
Peter started to talk again, knowing he still needs to answer her question.
‘I will never run after anybody who follows trouble, even if my son was such a person. They have the police doing that. My son came here to help an old friend he thought was in trouble, but he was misled. Investigations will confirm this. Right now, I just want to show him what fathers are for. He needs my help, and I was absent from his life for too long.’
Nobody had noticed Collin coming to stand behind them. Only when he called out to his father had they shifted their attention to him. ‘Dad!’ The voice made Peter turn around in one hurried move.
‘Son!’ he shouted nearly with excitement.
It was as if a shockwave of emotion had hit Shannon as the two men hugged in front of her.
She could see Collin crying, while Peter’s eyes were closed during the embrace. She could not stop the wetness from her eyes rolling down her cheeks.
‘Cut! Cut!’ she shouted, then hurriedly turned around. With hurried steps, she started walking to her car as her crew were watching her in disbelief.
Peter gently pushed Collin away as he said softly. ‘Give me a minute, son.’
In fast steps, he followed Shannon and caught up with her just as she wanted to open her car door.
‘Miss . . .’
‘What is it you want?’ Shannon stood against the car, not bothering to turn her head.
‘Want to talk about it?’
‘Talk about what?’ Surprise and anger were mixed in her voice.
‘I know something is wrong. You need to trust somebody.’
‘That is what I hate about you. You think you know everything, don’t you?’ She just turned her head slightly in his direction, too shy to show the tears.
‘There were so many wishes in your eyes, and those wishes, my little girl . . . they were screaming at me.’
‘I am not . . . a . . . little girl, and please, can you just leave me alone now?’
‘I’m so sorry, Miss, I should never have intruded into your life like that. I’m really sorry.’
There was real remorse behind his words, and she noted it.
‘Goodnight, Miss,’ he said as he walked away from her.
‘Teacher . . .’
Her call sounded urgent, as if scared of being left alone. He hesitated for a brief moment and walked up close to her. As she stood against the car, she had her hands clamped together against her chest.
‘Don’t be sorry, Teacher, it’s me . . . I . . .’ she started softly as if scared to speak.
‘It is OK Miss, please, you don’t have to . . .’
She carried on talking as if she did not hear him. ‘I never had a real father, never had somebody like you . . .’ She placed her two open hands on his chest against his jacket. He could not help but reach for it.
‘That wish you saw in my eyes is true. I am still wondering what it would be like to have a father, like they show in the movies . . . You know all that playing . . . all that laughter. I never had it. Thank you for these few minutes. They were good.’
Peter could not help the sadness he felt for this woman. He wiped the tear from her cheek with his right index finger. ‘Tell you what; would you like to be somebody’s daughter for one day?’ He said it with a big smile and with so much expectation that she could not help returning the smile with one of hers.
‘You must be joking. You hardly know me.’
‘That is the whole idea. I want you to step into a strange world, and you might be surprised to see life from a different angle. So what do you say? Is it on?’
‘When?’
‘Tomorrow,’ he said calmly.
‘Tomorrow?’ she asked as if he could be mistaken.
‘Yes, there is a homecoming function at my son’s house, and the whole family will be there.’
‘I’m sorry, but I will have to say no. It sounds like a private affair.’
‘As I said, you are not coming as a guest, you’ve been invited as family, and I would love to see you there. I’ve had enough disappointments in one lifetime, so please do not add to them.’
‘I will think about it.’
‘I will be expecting you.’
‘You aren’t really giving me a choice, are you?’
‘Trust me. Sometimes, the best choices rest in a father’s decision.’
‘You know, it is really tough to say
no to a person like you. I like you already, Teacher.’
‘You can arrive anytime from eleven o’clock. Lunch is served at one.’
‘I am not promising anything, but I am sure going to give it a good thought.’
‘Well, it is now all up to you. Goodnight, Miss.’
‘Goodnight Teacher and thank you very much for your concern.’
Peter waited until she started her car and watched her drove away.
The three brothers were standing just two metres away and had heard all what was said between them. He walked past them without even a pause, only saying, ‘Let us go home. It is late.’
‘What was that all about, Dad? You invited that woman to my house?’ Ray asked.
‘It might be your house, son, but it is my function, don’t you forget that. Is it a problem if I invite only one person?’ He kept on walking while they tried to keep up.
‘Bruce is not going to like this, Dad. That woman is only out to destroy you.’
‘Son, there is nothing about me that can be destroyed. I am too little to be broken into pieces. I wanted my family back, and so far, we are doing well. It is late. Let us go home and get some sleep.’
Nobody bothered to say a word and with Ross in a hurry to leave, he then excused himself.
‘Gents, I’ll walk Collin to his car, and then I will be leaving. What time is lunch tomorrow, Ray?’
‘It’s not a lunch, Ross. It’s a family reunion. Be there early, and bring Gina. You can’t be the only man there without a woman.’
‘As if I needed your permission.’ Ross chuckled.
‘Well, you have it now.’
‘Come, Collin, let’s go. One day I will get to deal with this big boy, goodnight Dad.’
‘Wait! Collin is coming with us. He cannot be left alone after what happened tonight,’ Peter said instructively.
‘I am fine, Dad. I am going to be okay,’ Collin resisted.’
‘Dad is right, Collin. You need to be around people. The real shock is still going to hit you,’ Ray added quickly.
‘I agree,’ Ross said as he held Collin by the shoulder. ‘I will walk him to his car, and then I will leave. Goodnight, everybody,’ he said as they started walking away. Once they reached Collin’s car, Ross did not waste any time.
‘I want you to give me that watch, Collin.’
‘Why, everything seems to be fine now?’
‘Fine, my arse. Those detectives are still going to question Pedro’s wife. What if she had known about it?’ ‘They sure would come back to you, and this time, you will be canned. Hand it over.’
‘What are you going to do with it? How much do you think it is worth?’
‘Collin . . . hand me the damn watch!’ Ross said impatiently, trying not to draw any suspicion from the others. ‘It is not about how much it is worth. It is about how much trouble it can cause you. Now, no more backchat, just hand it to me.’
Very reluctantly, he took the watch from his wrist and handed it to Ross who carefully wrapped it in his handkerchief. Making sure nobody was looking; he then dropped it into his jacket pocket.
‘I still want to know what you’re going to do with it, Ross.’
Ross purposely ignored the question from him.
‘What about the note? Where is the note?’
‘Which note? Oh, I’d already forgotten about it.’ He reached down into his sock and Ross had to stop him, almost shouting at him.
‘Wait, damn it, do it in the car . . . put your leg inside the car. You want people to become suspicious?’
The relief was immense when Ross took the note from Collin.
‘Not a word to anyone about this, you understand?’
‘As long as I get my share.’
‘There are not going to be shares coming from this watch, Collin. It has caused too much trouble already. In fact, I do not even know what I am going to do with it. Now go. Goodnight.’
Without waiting for Collin to say something, he pushed the door closed and walked towards his van.
He looked at Gina, not knowing what to say. His mind was inconsistent, and it made the time with her much more uncomfortable than what he imagined.
‘I am so sorry it had to turn out this way,’ he said apologetically.
‘How is Collin? Is he going to be all right?’ she asked in a concerned voice.
‘He will sleep at Ray’s place tonight. Dad wants him there.’ Ross tried hard to hide his anxiety, knowing very well that if Peter Johnson did not appear in his life again, matters could have gotten worse. What happened here tonight was to begin with his plan and his conscience was killing him, as he felt responsible for everything. So much, he wanted to use the opportunity to speak to Gina tonight as Ray was right; he never had gotten over her. Sitting next to her during Peter Johnson’s speech, he was constantly thinking of how to address this matter. Right now, he knew the conditions were not right to say what he had on his mind since he picked her up.
As if reading his mind, Gina said to him; ‘Ross it would be better if you take me home. You need some rest, and I can see you look tired.’
‘Listen, Gina . . .’ he started with a little uneasiness. ‘Will you have time for me if I asked to see you again?’
‘I will be at Ray’s place tomorrow so we should be seeing one another,’ she said as if reminding him about the event.
‘I know . . . but I want to talk to you about me . . . us. I also know you should be angry with me, and unless you have something serious going for you, I would like to explain . . .’
‘Ross, I am going to make things easy for you. There is nobody special in my life. If there was, I was not going to be with you at this hour of the night. I will agree only for the reason that I want to know why you did that to me. Look, I am not going to talk about my heartache now. Other people had more suffering here tonight.’ She did not look away from him as she spoke, and he realised she was still the same girl he had wished goodbye on the bus that day.
‘Thank you, Gina. I can only hope that you understand enough to forgive me.’
The trip to her aunt’s house was dreadful as his mind was on the watch in his pocket every second of the way. This woman next to him should never be involved with such criminal activities. He had made up his mind. Gina would only leave town with him as her boyfriend again. He needed to know what to do with the watch, and he needed to know fast.