by Martin Peltz
She paused. " Everyone is focusing on World Cup events, I am not so sure. "
" That's why I wanted you, Frankie. By the way, I believe your sister is here. " Johan knew everything; he also had a soft spot for the complex Erika.
" Ja " said Frankie, " she's fine."
Johan looked through the sea spray towards Robben Island, then turned back to her.
" Ok, see you next week. "
She left him and went for a workout at the park nearby. Finishing off, she ran slowly to the first statue; she was pleased with her fitness.
* * *
Frankie glanced at the photo exhibit of Old Green Point; and walked to the counter to collect their hamburgers.
She and Erika were having lunch at McDonalds next to the stadium, and then meeting Friedrich and some boys from the children's home.
The occasion was a youth football tournament; one of the first events for the new stadium. She went up to Erika who was looking at a display of photo's on the wall; her sister looked strained.
" During the Boer war part of Green Point was a Prisoner of War camp. " Erika said . " A section of the camp was called 'Skyview' because the Boer prisoners could only see the sky. "
There was no expression on her face as she continued: " Some of them were shipped out of the country and died in exile." Frankie felt alarmed; the exhibition highlighted a very sad time in their country's history, but it was the intensity of Erika's feelings that struck her.
They were interrupted by the arrival of Friedrich and the boys. Friedrich looked amiable and Frankie was pleased that her sister had a new friend; but she could not help notice his very sophisticated camera equipment.
The boys crowded around, eating the treats that she and Erika had brought.
The football tournament was a success, and Frankie was impressed by the large numbers of international players and spectators. She left early but the others were having a great time and not in a hurry to leave.
* * *
LATE MAY 2010
Winter was settling in and people were excited about the World Cup and other events. Erika read about the France versus South Africa Rugby Test scheduled for June twelve.
She had grown up with a rugby culture and had good memories from simpler times.
What had drawn her home was a desire to help her people; she was still working with film crews, but had time to spare and the number of farm attacks was on her mind.
The rugby match piqued her interest; she decided to use her love of barbequing, braaing , to host a fundraiser on the day of the match.
Using her contacts in the film and catering worlds, she secured a plot of land near Newlands Rugby Stadium; It seemed that building would start shortly, but for the moment it was perfect.
Erika felt free and happy; for the first time since arriving in Cape Town her life seemed to have purpose. She sent an sms to Friedrich and her other friends, and put out several notices on social media.
* * *
SAT JUNE 5
Friedrich sat on a camp chair reading; he and Erika were in the garage. She enjoyed his company because he was undemanding and most of the time he occupied himself.
Since she started with the fundraiser, she could even identify with Capetonians caught up in excitement.
The sound of vuvuzelas blasted through the streets, and many events had capitalized on the World Cup and were drawing their own crowds.
Erika stood back to admire the billboard she was working on. It was electrified , with a scrolling display, and had been made by one of her movie friends. It read:
Support our farmers, the backbone of the country.
In the corner of the garage stood braai grids and bags of charcoal; she would charge a fee for the facilities and sell meat and salad to those who had not brought their own.
She was also hoping to collect cash donations on the day; with a week to go she had already presold half of the places.
* * *
SAT 12 JUNE
Frankie knocked gently on Erika's garage door, but received no reply; her sister must have left early for the braai site. Erika had not secured the door properly; she must have been in a rush.
Frankie went in to see that everything was in order; and was about to leave when she picked up a trademark smell; she turned back.
* * *
The door to Friedrich's room was ajar, almost as if he was expecting her. She pushed cautiously inwards, holding her pistol in front, and saw his tall frame against the wall.
" You made a mistake " she said.
" I know, I know "he replied. " I was careless. "
" No" she said " You chose my sister. " She shot him twice with the silenced pistol; Friedrich falling to the floor.
* * *
The event was going well; people enjoying themselves and making an early start to their braaing.
Frankie had hoped to be discreet, but her sister sensed that all was not well. They walked to the corner." Sus, I'm so sorry. Friedrich was not what he seemed. "
Erika went white
" I've just come from his room; he made a sketch of your billboard and we think there are explosives in it. "
The new life that had been in Erika recently was gone; she knew her sister's expertise and her certainty.
Frankie was talking on her cellphone; arranging closure of the site. People would be told of a high gas reading in the atmosphere and given vouchers to a local restaurant.
Frankie ended the call with Johan and turned to her sister. Erika was gone.
* * *
De Waal Park was totally dark; even the lights across Molteno Road were not working.
Frankie had tried frantically to find her sister the whole day; and finally found photo's of the Park and next door reservoir on Erika's computer.
An emergency vehicle turned in to the the Medi Clinic, lights flashing, but she could see very little. She vaulted over the fence and almost stumbled. It seemed to be a root sticking out.
Frankie eased forward; making slow progress, but eventually finding the bandstand shown on Erika's photo's .
Her sister's voice was faint. " I am so tired sus. "
" I know " said Frankie. " It wasn't your fault. "
" So many people almost died. " The sound of the family hunting rifle seemed to come at the same time as Erika fell slowly from the raised bandstand onto the wet mud.
THE END