Chapter Nine
“Golf Romeo 6, Golf Romeo 6 to Romeo.”
“Golf Romeo 6, proceed, Romeo.” Adrian answers.
“Golf Romeo 6, I have a request for police assistance at the plantation. I have called the fire brigade as well, but police help is requested for a K-9 officer in distress, over?”
Adrian frowns.
“Is the police officer in danger, Romeo?”
“Negative. The dog is. I repeat. The dog is. I understand you are the only one in Grabouw with a dog and you are closest to the scene. I can request Sierra Whisky to try to help too, over?”
“Copied, Romeo. Any help I can get will be great. I’m out.”
Barry looks questioningly at Adrian.
“I wonder what that’s about and which K-9 it is. It doesn’t make sense.”
“Do we have any complaints for an unnatural death or a missing person in the plantation?’
“No. Not since this morn.”
“That is really weird. So, when is your next date?” Adrian asks mischievously and giggles as Barry blushes.
“Oh, come on, Engelsman! It is as plain as day that you are madly in love!”
“I can’t deny that. She is the sweetest thing. First big love since I was seventeen.”
“It’s about time, I’d say!”
“Aye, but what about you, old man?”
“No way. Much too young, too busy. Don’t want to get married until I’m at least thirty.”
“Good gracious! Why don’t ye grant yourself the pleasure of finding a winch?”
“No way. Love my space. Besides, it will have be a lady that understands police work. Someone who has a heart for a policeman. They are very scarce. You are lucky.”
“Ye are not going to remain single all your life. You are hopelessly too handsome for that and a typical ladies man. You’ll make a woman very happy.”
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t count yourself out. I still can’t believe the happiness you found. How you deserve it!”
“Ye rascal. All because you played matchmaker behind me back!”
They share a laugh, but become very serious when arriving at the scene.
It looks more serious than any other one of them initially thought. Adrian opens the back passenger’s door of the Isuzu as well as the kennel and Nero jumps out. He has grown to be a magnificent animal and is very talented, intelligent and hard working.
“Come on boy! Search! Search!”
Adrian follows Nero’s tracks closely. It appears as if there was some kind of rescue attempt that has gone wrong.
Nero finds the trapped and injured Alsatian bitch, which, despite her injuries, aggressively growls at Nero. Nero whimpers in an attempt to comfort her, but she continues growling.
Adrian kneels down by the injured Alsatian’s side.
“Hi there, beautiful.”
The bitch snaps at him, bares her teeth.
“Whoa! Adrian, I think you’re gonna have to wait for the vet on this one.”
“I don’t know, Barry. She might have severe injuries. We won’t know.”
Adrian tries to take away the rocks that trapped the bitch and she bites again in his direction.
“It’s all right. We’ll get you out of here. Good girl.”
Adrian tries to soothe her, but the growling intensifies.
“Barry, see if you can find the handler so long. I’ll try to muzzle her.”
“Stay put, old man. She is going to hurt ye badly.”
“It’s okay. I’ve got it.”
But Barry looks apprehensively at Adrian before leaving. While Adrian coaxes the bitch, he gently removes as much rocks as he can, but she had enough and sank her teeth into Adrian’s hand when he tries to muzzle her.
Adrian and the dog handler’s screams come simultaneously and the dog handler rushes to her bitch’s side.
“Rose! He is trying to help you! Calm down!”
She kneels down by Adrian’s side, takes his injured hand in hers to look at it and their eyes meet.
“You okay?”
“Yes.”
Adrian smiles bravely.
“Don’t worry about it. All in the line of duty.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“She is injured and scared.”
Barry approaches them with a clean bandage in his hands.
“Here, old man. Put this on for the time being.”
Adrian takes the bandage, bandages his hand quickly before attempting for the second time to muzzle the injured bitch.
“Calm down now. I just want to help you. It’s all right.”
Rose’s handler smiles and starts coaxing the Alsatian which is still ill tempered. Justly so, gave the extent of the injuries and distress.
With the joined effort of the fire brigade and the veterinarian they finally manage to free the bitch so that the veterinarian can assess her and treat the obvious injuries.
Adrian notices the dog handler is very emotional. She is bravely trying remaining collected, but is not really succeeding.
Adrian hands her his handkerchief and puts his hand on her shoulder.
“I’m so sorry that she has bitten you. She didn’t mean it.”
“It’s fine, really. Don’t worry about it. You been long at K-9?”
“Just over a year. Went from College to K-9 to Maitland Dog Unit.”
Adrian stares at her, wide eyed.
“How did you manage that? College is six months and if you want to go to the dog unit, then you need to go on the intense dog handler course. It’s no picnic passing that.”
“I . . .”
She bravely dries her tears.
“I was a cop where I came from. Also K-9. I think it must have counted in my application.”
“Where was that?”
“Bordeaux, France.”
Adrian whistles in amazement.
“What the heck are you doing here? Don’t you know the situation in South Africa? Don’t get me wrong, I love my country, but it has become very violent since the so-called democracy.”
“Several reasons. I needed to make a fresh start. I don’t have pleasant memories of where I came from. You? How long have you been a policeman?”
“Just about three years. Being part of the Police was the only life I ever knew.”
“Sorry, Constable Trodeaux, I’m taking Rose for treatment.”
“Please tell me she’ll be okay?”
“To be honest, I think I will have to put her down.”
“I . . . I know it sounds cruel, but please. Please see what you can do.”
“Okay, but I’m not promising anything. I’ll let you know. Either way round.”
Constable Trodeaux makes her way to her squad car and takes a seat. Her body convulses with the tears she cries.
“What’s your name?”
“I’m René . . .”
“René, I have some strong coffee in my squad car. Would you like some?”
“If you can spare, thanks.”
“Stay put.”
Adrian unleashes Nero, rubs over his head and seems to say something to him. It works, because Nero approaches René, puts his paw on her leg and licks her hand. René tries to smile through her tears and lovingly rubs him.
Adrian returns with a steaming cup of coffee in his hand.
“Here you go. Just be careful. It’s very hot still. Hope you like sweet coffee.”
“I do very much. Thanks.”
Adrian stands right next to the squad car, kneels down and carefully and comfortingly puts his arm around René’s shoulders. She rests with her head on him and cries freely, but after a while, she stops and blushes embarrassed.
“I’m sorry . . . I’m so unprofessional.”
René tries to dry her tears.
“And I’ve spoilt your handkerchief with my make-up.”
Adrian softly squeezes her shoulder.
“It’s okay. Truthfully, I would have been beyond myself if it was Nero. Rose i
s your friend, your partner. If you reacted any differently, I would have been very surprised. It’s never nice to see any animal like that.”
René carefully takes a couple of sips from the hot brew and finally begins to calm down.
“You staying here?” she asks.
“Yes. I’ve been staying here for almost eight years now. I’m staying on a farm with my parents. My dad is the station commander of Grabouw.”
René smiles.
“So, you have it easy. Probably spoilt rottenly.”
Adrian laughs.
“No ways. I’m always on the red carpet.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Okay.” Adrian giggles.
“But my dad is very strict with me. Even more than with anyone else. You know how people are. They would gossip about anything and think that you have an unfair advantage.”
“You haven’t told me your name yet,” she looks at Adrian’s name tag.
“Constable Parker?”
“I’m Adrian.”
René looks him in the eyes, drowns in the beautiful blue. She blushes, puts the thermos mug back in Adrian’s hand.
“I really appreciate you coming to Rose’s rescue. For what it was worth. Thanks for being so caring.”
“Anytime. Please do me a favor. When you arrive back at base at Maitland, please go to Group 7 Control and notify me that you have arrived safely. It’s getting dark and with the rain and mist here in the Cape, it is not a great route to travel. In particular, take care when you drive over the Sir Lowry’s Pass. It’s a very dangerous pass in this condition. Especially if you don’t know the area.”
“I’ll do. I hope your hand gets better soon.”
Just after half past seven that night, Adrian and Barry stop on the farm and unload their equipment.
Upon entering the cottage, Barry looks at Adrian, his eyes sparkle mischievously.
“Looks like Cupid has made yet another visit.”
Adrian blushes.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Engelsman. She needed support and comfort at that specific time.”
“And ye were right there.”
“I’m going to get my hand sorted. Hurts like hell.”
Barry laughs.
“Just ask your mom if she has something against the feeling of Cupid’s arrows. Too busy and too young, huh.”
Adrian playfully throws Barry with a pillow.
“One more word out of you and you’ll walk to the station tomorrow.”
“Och, don’t worry, I’ll hitch a ride with Henry.” Barry chuckles.
Adrian makes his way to the main house and knocks on the kitchen door. The smell of the waterblommetjiebredie hangs in the air.
Chrissie looks up, smiles, but her smile vanishes when she notices Adrian’s bandaged hand.
“Good gracious! I’m telling you now, tomorrow both you and Barry will buy discharge. I’m so tired of all these injuries and dramas.”
Chrissie steps closer and gently takes Adrian’s injured hand in hers, taking off the bandage.
“My son! Why didn’t you come to the hospital?”
“Well, we were on the scene until six ‘o clock, Mom. After that we went to the station to do all the paper work. I’ll consult with Dr Clarence tomorrow for the other forms. I hoped that my own personal nurse could help me in the meantime.”
Chrissie switches the stove off to a very low temperature and takes Adrian by the arm.
“Come here.”
Henry comes from the lounge, chuckles.
“One true policeman. Never free of injuries.”
“Very funny, Henry. Go on, you are missing the weather forecast.”
Henry smiles.
“Don’t worry. I’ll get all the gossip tomorrow. That’s why there is an OB.”
Adrian walks to the guests’ bathroom with Chrissie who rinses his hand under running water as hot as he can bear.
“Stay put. I’m getting my equipment.”
“The water is too hot, Mom.”
“Hang in there. You haven’t taken proper care of that hand.”
Adrian takes a seat on a chair next to the basin and winces. The bite is extremely painful.
Chrissie comes back with her kit, thoroughly cleanses the wound with a very strong antiseptic. Adrian groans softly.
“Almost done, love. If I don’t do this, you’ll get a very painful infection that will make this to look like a picnic. I have to give you a tetanus shot as well anyway. You’ll have to ask Dr Clarence for a rabies shot.”
“That’s unnecessary, Mom. It was a police dog.”
“I don’t care.”
Chrissie dries the wound area and bandages it with a clean bandage.
“Pull up your sleeve.”
Adrian obliges against his will. He hates needles. There are many things in life he can handle, but needles, snakes and spiders were not on his bravery list.
When Chrissie is done, Adrian rubs his arm.
“So, how was your day in general?”
“Really busy. I met a stunning girl today. All the way from France. She works at the Dog Unit at Maitland. It was her dog that we tried to rescue, but I don’t think the dog will actually make it.”
“Well, she’s probably very sexy because when you came here I could see you were on cloud nine.” Chrissie teases.
Adrian blushes and Chrissie laugh, and she kisses him.
“Go tell Barry supper is ready. You are working second day shift and I can see you are very tired.”
The following morning, Adrian thought it would be business as usual. The day certainly starts off the same way as usual as they are standing the parade, but then Henry arrives.
“Parade, attention!”
The shift members dutifully salute Henry who takes his time inspecting each and every member as well as their firearms. That was very unusual and intriguing, especially for Adrian. While inspecting his members, Henry greets them and only after finishing at the last member, Henry takes his position next to Lieutenant October.
“I have a very special announcement to make.” Henry starts.
“I could have held it private, but the nature of what I want to say makes me very proud and it doesn’t involve only me, but the whole Delta shift.”
Henry smiles briefly at the curious frown of every member.
“This last eighteen months was horrific for two of your members and it certainly hit very close to my home. The tribulation these members were subjected to, I’m sure, also impacted all of you because of all my members, this shift is the shift that understands the importance of unity and working together as a team. Therefore, it comes to no surprise that you all regard each other as family. That’s why I’ve decided to share this good news with all of you. I was contacted yesterday by the office of the General who informed me that both Constables Parker and Daniels will receive the silver cross for Bravery on a formal parade event in Pretoria tomorrow morning and that they will personally receive their medals from the General himself. I honestly don’t think that I need to remind either of you why these awards were awarded. But, in case you have wondered, or forgotten, both of them displayed selfless heroism in the past nine months. They saved toddlers out of a burning house and then in February, Constable Daniels were determined to apprehend suspects that were involved in a armed robbery in progress. This unfortunately led to his kidnaping and in May month, Constable Parker with the help of the Special Task Force saved his life. This wasn’t Constable Parker’s first time that he went into a hostage situation to save someone’s life. I hate to remember last year when we almost lost him while he was in Australia. This does serve to show that there are people that still care for one another and yes, SAPS management does recognize hard work and bravery. I truly hope that this will serve as a motivation to those of you that wish that you are in these Constables’ shoes tomorrow. But, I also want to say an honest, sincere thank you for all of you who work so hard every day to make this police station great. I cannot do this
on my own and I am so dependent on each and every one of you, your efforts and hard work . . .”
Henry stays silent for a long while, seems overwhelmed.
He swallows hard and recollects himself before the same familiar strict station commander come forward again.
“Okay, everyone. Sermon is over. Anything else, October?”
“No, Major. Squad! Officer on parade, dismiss!”
Having the opportunity over lunch time when everything is quiet for a while, Adrian and Barry make their way to Henry’s office.
Henry looks up at the sound of the knock on his door.
“Major? You busy?”
“It’s okay, Constables. Come in.”
“I um . . . I just wanted to come and hear about the arrangements for tomorrow.”
Henry takes his time filling his pipe, a very naughty smile playing on his face. He knows how annoyed Adrian becomes if Henry takes time to fill his pipe and light it, especially if Henry had something important to say. But Henry loves keeping Adrian in suspense, especially now.
After a while, Henry takes a pull from his pipe and looks over the rim of his glasses over the two young policemen.
“I hope your ceremonial wear still fits and that you have everything that goes with it. There is no time to go by Silverton Logistics tomorrow.”
“Should fit, Major.”
“Hmm. I hope so. Especially yours, Constable Daniels. You’re still not 100%. Still have some more weight to get on that frame of yours. Anyway, I have arranged with Lieutenant October that you may leave at four. You need to pack bloody fast. I’m leaving at five to the airport and if you are not ready, just too bad.”
“No problem, Major. But the airport is not that far from Grabouw.”
“Why do you want to go to Cape Town International for, Constable Parker? Last time I have checked, the police jet was in the hangar at the Air Wing in Cape Town.”
“Why the jet, Major?”
“Because it is a very special occasion and I couldn’t get a commercial flight on such short notice. Now, get out of here. I understand Romeo is looking for you two with some complaints.”
When Adrian and Barry disappear down the corridor, Henry sits back and smiles. There were no complaints outstanding, but clearly Adrian was very curious about the meeting tomorrow. He just had to wait and see what will happen.
Approaching the entrance at the Police Head Quarters in Pretoria, both Adrian and Barry stare wide eyed at each other. It is very clear that millions of Rands were spent to renovate and improve the appearance and the security of the Head Quarters. It certainly wasn’t like that some years earlier . . .
“I feel lost.” Barry says.
“Can ye recall this place looking like this?”
“They definitely changed it. The entrance was at the Polley’s Arcade. I’m just wondering how it looks on the inside, if it this grand.” Adrian says and Barry laughs softly.
“Probably only at the big guns’ offices.”
Henry clears his throat.
“Constables, I’m waiting. There are a lot of admin to be done before we may enter. I hope you have your appointment certificates. You are supposed to have on you at all times anyway.”
Adrian and Barry make their way to the help desk with Henry.
Henry takes out his appointment certificate, smiles briefly at the receptionist.
“Good morning. We have an appointment with the General at nine.”
The receptionist shoots Henry a double take. Was this Major serious? Why would the General bother meeting with two Constables?
“Just a minute, Major.” she says.
“Let me just confirm with his secretary. You can complete these forms so long. Can I get your names, please?”
“Please tell the secretary that Major Henry Parker from SAPS Grabouw is here to see him. She will know what it is about.”
“And the two Constables?”
“They are with me. They need to go to the meeting too.”
Henry gestures with his hand for Adrian and Barry to come and complete the forms and in a moment or two, the receptionist looks at them.
“They are waiting for you, Major. The office is on the 8th floor. Take the lifts on your right-hand side.”
She takes the forms.
“Before you go, just glance into the camera for a second each one of you. Here are your visitor cards. You can just give it to the security guard when you come back through the reception.”
When they make their way to the lifts, Henry looks at Adrian, who very nervously fidgets with his hands.
Adrian notices and stops fidgeting.
“A good thing we are wearing gloves, Major. My hands are wet. I’m so nervous.”
They enter the lifts and the lift creaks its way upwards.
“Can’t imagine why, Constable? He is just human. Like any one of us.”
“Yeah well, he is just like the big boss around here.”
They emerge from the lift after a while and make their way to the office of the General.
The General’s secretary smiles upon their entry.
“Good morning. I hope we are in time.” Henry says.
“It’s a mission getting in here.”
“No worries, Major. Your timing is perfect. They are waiting for you.”
Adrian and Barry appear puzzled.
“I don’t understand.” Adrian says.
“I was under the impression it would only be us and the General.”
“No, Constable. It’s too big an occasion. You will meet him with the other Generals now and then you will proceed to the Blue Room for the actual presentation. The journalists of PolTv and Servamus will also be present at the medal parade. Please follow me.”
They follow the secretary who knocks on the General’s door and opens it.
“General, your guests are here.”
General van der Westhuizen and his five deputies get up from their seats and a series of salutes are exchanged.
“Please, sit down. Elsie, please bring us some tea or coffee before we go.”
The secretary smiles before disappearing.
“It’s really an honor meeting you.” General van der Westhuizen starts.
“It seems that you are making it a habit to make me proud, Constable Parker.” he smiles. A naughty sparkle alights his eyes, noticing Adrian is very overwhelmed.
“When are you going to play for South Africa again?”
“I don’t know, General. I’ll see what happens this summer. Hopefully I’ll be lucky.”
“It’s got nothing to do with luck. You are so richly talented and deserve to play again.”
They each take a cup of tea when it is brought in.
“I must say that hearing of your kidnaping really shook my foundations, Constable Daniels. I really think that it was a horrific time, not only for your loved ones, but I can tell you, it broke me. Each of my members is so precious to me and I know that Task Force had all their days trying to get you out of there. It is just so extraordinary to know how determined you were catching those thugs on the scene. I understand though that you have made the most important decision over Christmas last year. I am so proud of you! Giving your life to Him that cares so much about you. I wish so much that all my policemen and policewomen would do that. That is our only chance, our only way to survive in this world. Goodness knows how you would have reacted and dealt with this trauma if it wasn’t for your faith.”
“Actually, Constable Parker has a lot to do about the fact that I’m coping so well after the kidnaping. I really don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for him. He has been there for me since College without fail. I really can’t ask for a better friend.”
General van der Westhuizen looks on his watch.
“Are you ready for the medal parade? We need to go.”
Adrian’s emotions are very hard to contain. It is a huge event, not just for Barry and himself, but also other police members and their families. W
hat was heart breaking was to see the widows and the small children, receiving the gold cross for Bravery on behalf of their deceased loved ones. Only two members were able to collect their own in person. It is the ultimate award any police member could receive. The problem was that in most cases, you would not know about it at all.
Adrian and Barry listen with intense interest to all the collection of stories of bravery that lead to those awards that ranged from anything of the police members risking their lives to save animals, complainants or their colleagues. It is great knowing that in a seemingly self centralized don’t-care-world that there are actually colleagues still caring for one another and caring to serve the public with pride.
“I want the following member to step forward, please.” General van der Westhuizen interrupts Adrian’s deep thoughts.
“Constable Daniels, please approach.”
Barry gets up, walks to the front.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I will call on this brave policeman’s colleague in a moment. These two youngsters come from Grabouw and have served only three years in SAPS so far. But, they have displayed extreme bravery on more than one occasion. In my opinion, both of them are actually worth the gold cross for Bravery and not the silver and I will tell you why. Many of you might remember the tragic note on which the cricket World Cup ended last year in March when one of the top cricketers was kidnaped by a criminal who escaped from prison. Constable Parker, who acted as the cricket side’s vice captain on that tour, never thought twice to attempt to rescue his team mate, irrespective of the fact that he was alone without any back up at that time. The result was that he himself was kidnaped and shot in the process. The short of the long are that he acted selflessly to save his team mate’s life. Only nine months later, he and his partner, Constable Daniels attended a scene where a house caught fire and they went into the house before the fire brigade arrived. They managed to save the toddlers, but when Constable Daniels went in again to search for more people inside the house, the staircase came down and it trapped him. Constable Parker entered the house despite the fire brigade’s warnings not to do that. When he found his partner, he refused to leave Constable Daniels unless they were both able to leave the house safely. Then in February this year, they attended an armed robbery complaint. Constable Daniels was determined to catch the suspects, but unfortunately, he was kidnaped in the process. It is the first time that I know that it took so long for Takies to crack a case. They seemingly gave up finding Constable Daniels, until the day that Constable Parker received a very vital clue. The Special Task Force used Constable Parker as bait to get to the hide out in order to get Constable Daniels out of there. The criminals were killed in a shoot out with the Police and Constable Parker did everything he could to protect Constable Daniels at every cost. I hate to think what I would have had to do, giving these gold crosses for Bravery to these two fine youngsters’ families. So, it gives me great pleasure to award these two young men with the gold, not the silver, cross for Bravery.”
General van der Westhuizen carefully pins the medal to Barry’s tunic. Barry bravely swallows at the lump in his throat, but the moment is very big and a lost tear slips out of his eyes.
Barry blushes embarrassed.
“I’m sorry, General.” he says softly.
“It’s just . . . I . . . I wish me parents were able to see this and I never expected this award. We were told it was the silver cross.”
“Why then? You deserve the top award! I am very proud of you. Please do me this honor. Please stay true to your steadfast faith and love in Christ. Apparently, you are passed being a Jesus freak.”
Barry smiles.
“The biggest Love of me life. I don’t look back for one second.”
“Please take care of yourself. Remain as committed as you are. You are a huge asset to the Police.”
General van der Westhuizen salutes Barry and Barry salutes back before making his way back to his chair next to Adrian.
“Constable Parker, please approach.”
Adrian gets up, proceeds to the front.
“You know, when I look at you, I see a very clear picture, true reflection of your father when he was your age. We were in College together. And if I think of what an excellent policeman he became and what you have achieved so far, I can not contain the excitement in me of what is lying ahead of you. You are going to make it huge in this organization. People will look up to you. Thank you so much for your selfless dedication and hard work. Thank you for taking care of your buddy and being there for him, but for most, saving his life in more than one way. The most of it all, for saving his life spiritually. I am really proud of you.”
General van der Westhuizen smiles at Adrian who appears speechless and overwhelmed by the moment, especially when he pins the medal to Adrian’s tunic.
“This is the biggest moment of my life . . .” Adrian only manages a whisper.
“I don’t understand . . . why the gold cross? But, thank you. Thank you so much, General. It makes it easier to go out there, knowing someone sees our efforts.” Adrian says.
“Just remember this. You are not doing your work for anyone else. Remember who is your real Commander. Always keep your eyes on Him. He loves you. He loves you so much. And believe me. He smiles and dances over you with joy. Never lose that spirit. That fire that you have. It comes from Him and it is there for a purpose.”
They exchange salutes and Adrian takes his seat next to Barry, both of them clearly overwhelmed.
The day has brought just too much excitement for both Adrian and Barry.
So much so that when boarding the jet at the Wonderboom Airport at the Air Wing in Pretoria, Barry immediately reclines his seat when sitting down. He takes off his ceremonial cap and holds it loosely in his hands in his lap after buckling up and closes his eyes.
It doesn’t take five minutes before the youngster’s soft snoring is heard and Adrian and Henry look at each other, smiling.
“Pity your mom couldn’t make it.” Henry says.
“Oh, believe me, Dad. I can’t wait to show her what we got today. That is if she was also under the impression it is the silver cross. Did you know that they changed their mind?”
“No, I didn’t. I’m serious. It came to me as a very big surprise as for you.”
Henry smiles very mischievously.
“Mom told me you have a girlfriend.”
Adrian blushes.
“She is not my girlfriend, Dad. I only met her like the day before yesterday. I don’t even have her phone number. I’m too young for this nonsense of falling in love.”
“You young people of today. I was a bit older than you when your mom and I got engaged.”
“Yeah well, times change, Dad. I have so much to do, so much I still want to achieve before I settle down. I’m not ready for commitment.”
“Don’t you like her?”
“Oh, Dad!”
“Come on, Adrian. Level with me.”
“She is kinda cute, Dad. But the only reason there might have been any chemistry was because at that time, I was a shoulder to cry on at that point of time.”
“I’m asking again. Don’t you like her?”
Adrian looks away, very embarrassed, very self conscious and Henry laughs.
“About time you fall in love, my boy. So, how does she look? What’s her name and where is she from?”
“Her name is René, Dad. She is French.”
Henry’s smile broadens.
“You have landed with the golden spoon in your mouth. They are very romantic, passionate people the French. And? How does she look? How old is she?”
“She didn’t say and I didn’t ask. Women are very sensitive to that question. I think, maybe she might be about my age, I don’t know. She’s sexy, Dad, black hair, blue eyed. And yes, I like her. Okay?”
Henry laughs again.
“Got you. You must make a plan. Surprise her. Show her your medal.”
“Ag no, Dad! I’m not
the bragging type. You know that.”
“Yeah well, she is going to see you have a medal on your uniform and she is going to ask about it. Did you give her your number?” Henry asks mischievously.
“Dad! I’m not desperate!”
“Major? Would you like to read the newspaper?” The air hostess interrupts, very much to Adrian’s relief. Henry is very much into current affairs and at least, Henry would leave Adrian alone.
For now.
“Yes, please. Can you please organize us a drink?”
“Sure. No problem.”
Henry takes up the newspaper and starts paging through it. But he secretly looks at Adrian, who is looking out of the window, totally unaware of Henry watching him.
Henry’s emotions run wild as he looks at his youngest son. He loved all his children dearly, but Adrian will always be his special child. For so many reasons. Henry has always been proud of Adrian, but today was totally beyond compare.
Henry’s eye catches an article on the sports page and he starts reading it keenly. It is about the coming cricket tour that the West Indies were to play in South Africa. At the end of the article the announcement of the cricket side reflects and as sixteen months before, Adrian’s name appeared as part of the team but also again as the vice-captain.
“Adrian?”
Henry clears his throat and stares into the expectant eyes of Adrian.
“When did you say was your cricket season to start?”
“Oh, um . . . I think I’m playing a club game next week and then the Castle series starts. Should report at Province next week sometime.”
“Well, I don’t know about that. Apparently your season starts next week for a training camp in Johannesburg and a Three-Test series with five one-day internationals.”
Adrian stares in disbelief.
“No way, Dad! You are so not serious!”
Henry hands him the newspaper and Adrian looks at it.
“But . . . it can’t be . . .” he says softly.
“You better phone Ryan when we land if you don’t want to believe the press or your old man, but I’m telling you, the world awaits you and I can’t stop to say how proud I am of you!”
Refined By His Fire Page 9