Cellphone records, email and an internet history sometimes tell a story that jolts you to a standstill. Makes you wonder how you couldn’t have known.
The worst is the anger that has no outlet. You can’t ask questions and get answers. Behind the curtain are also those things that can never be talked about. Not even to your loved ones. Ellie often wished she was one of those people who had never seen the things that are hidden behind the curtain.
“What do you think happened to Clara?” Brenda asked, changing the subject. “You say you don’t think she ran away. Then you have to ask why anyone would want to make a girl like that disappear. Who would score?”
“Too many people. I don’t have time to look into all their motives. It would take months. I have to eliminate some of them. Did you manage to find out anything from the Russian girl?”
“Not yet. I can’t just ask her what’s going on. But I’ll pay her a visit tomorrow. Just to hear how she’s doing.”
“As long as you’re careful.”
Brenda lifted her eyebrows. “I’m not the one in a neck brace. It wasn’t an accident, was it?”
Ellie raised her hands and lowered them again. “I don’t think so.”
“I heard what you told the other two this afternoon about being scared and that you don’t want to be scared the rest of your life. I wasn’t eavesdropping, but you were quite loud. Just remember, sometimes it’s fear that keeps you alive. As long as it doesn’t make you want to spend the rest of your life hiding under the bed, fear can be a lifesaver.”
“What are you scared of?”
“That I’ll forget to be scared. Arrogance is fatal. Always remember who you’re dealing with.”
Ellie’s cellphone rang. She saw it was Nick Malherbe.
“McKenna.”
“Everything okay?”
“Great.”
“May I speak to Brenda?”
“You’re not going to ask her if I’m okay, are you?”
“Just give her the phone.”
“Yes, how can I help you?” Brenda looked at Ellie. “I don’t know. She’s incoherent at times. Seems to be speaking in tongues.”
“Brenda!” Ellie aimed a cushion at her.
“No, Colonel, she’s doing fine. Nothing to worry about.”
She disconnected and handed back the phone. Ellie was still reaching to put it on the coffee table when it rang again. “What now?” she barked.
“What’s wrong with you?” Clive asked.
“Sorry, I didn’t see it was you.”
“Are you okay?”
“Never better.”
“Are you lying to me?”
Ellie handed the phone back to Brenda.
“Yes, Captain, she’s fine. I’m just about to tuck her in.”
Ellie ended the call and threw the phone on the coffee table.
“If I was a man, do you think they would have phoned?”
Brenda made the sign of the cross. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those women.”
“Which women?”
“Who hate it when a man does something for them.”
“It’s not about that. But I’m no less efficient than my male colleagues. I want to be treated the same.”
Brenda shook her head. She picked up the coffee mugs and went to the kitchen to rinse them.
“You’re not the same and you never will be. You have no idea what a man can do to you.”
“Men also risk being hurt or killed.”
“True, but women are softer targets. So, girlfriend, if a man wants to check if you’re okay, you say: ‘Thank you, God.’ And if two men are worried about you tonight, count your bloody blessings.” She stretched. “You need to get to bed.”
Ellie looked at the whiteboards, narrowing her eyes. Maybe something would jump out, like in a 3D picture. If she looked at it just the right way, she might find the hidden clue.
“You can come back to those boards tomorrow.”
Ellie got up. At the door she turned. “Thanks for staying here tonight.”
“I could have done worse.” Brenda gave her one of her rare smiles.
“Shit!” Ellie looked at her watch.
“What now?”
“My mom’s getting married tomorrow. I wanted to pop in tonight.” She leaned her head against the doorframe. “No wonder she doesn’t like me. I’m a useless daughter.”
“I must say, it’s pretty fucked up to forget your mom’s wedding.”
“Now isn’t the time to lecture me.”
“Were your parents divorced?”
“No. Why do you ask?”
“Didn’t your dad die a couple of months ago?”
“I can’t have this conversation right now. Dammit, I wonder if she’s asleep.” Ellie ran her hand through her hair. “She’ll never forgive me for this.”
“Not even if you tell her you were in a car crash?”
“It’s complicated. I can’t even begin to explain it to you.”
Brenda nodded. “Mothers and daughters usually are. With the odd exception.”
“My mom and I aren’t the exception.”
“My mom and I were.”
Ellie tried not to show her surprise.
“She was as poor as a church mouse, but a good person.”
Brenda waved her hand as if she wanted to erase the words. “Go call your mom.”
Ellie sat on her bed, staring at the phone. Then she dialled the number.
“Mom, I’m sorry I’m calling so late. I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“Why are you calling?”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t come tonight.”
“It’s fine.”
Ellie heard the stiffness in her voice and she thought she could see her mom’s lips form a thin line.
“I had a problem with my car.”
“I said it’s fine.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Is there anything I can help you with?”
“Janus’s daughters offered to help me get dressed. They’ll take me to church.”
“Mom …”
“I have to go; I’m packing. Janus is taking me away for a few days.”
“Well, then I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll come early, so we can talk about the deed of sale.”
“As you wish.”
The line went dead and Ellie sat with the silent phone in her hand. The voice talking to her from the dark wasn’t her mom’s. He was angry, but at Ellie. His great love was about to pledge her love to another man, but he couldn’t be angry with his former wife. Ellie thought she heard him say that she should have tried harder.
She got into bed and closed her eyes, but sat up again and began to type a message to Melissa.
Are you awake?
A moment later the phone rang.
“What’s wrong? Where are you?”
“I’m fine. I just forgot my mom’s getting married tomorrow.”
“Oh, sweetie, do you want me to go with you?”
“Will you?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Thanks.”
“Come to my house and we’ll go together.”
“Okay. The wedding is at four. We don’t have to stay long.”
“I’ll book out the whole day. I’m sure Antonie would like to spend some quality time with his mom and the kids. A double whammy.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Ellie typed another WhatsApp, this time to Nick.
I have a personal matter to attend to tomorrow afternoon.
The screen came to life almost immediately.
What time?
About one. I’ll get a cab. Just wanted to tell you.
I’ll pick you up at 12:45.
There’s no need.
I’m tired. I don’t feel like arguing. See you tomorrow.
She saw him go offline and turned on her side. She pulled the duvet up to her ears. She couldn’t handle all this emotion; her first priority was the case. Her mom
would never understand. It wasn’t that she didn’t care for her own people; she just wished they’d understand. She was old enough to know it didn’t work like that, but she kept hoping. She didn’t know what else to do. Her dad had always gone on about a sense of duty. Her mom had called it excuses.
Her cellphone beeped again. It was Albert.
Just want to check you’re okay. Did you find a place to sleep?
Yes, and I’m okay.
She said nothing about the accident.
Let me know if you need anything, or just want to chat.
I will, thanks.
Since when did he consider himself a good talker or listener, she wondered.
I hear you went to see Williams. Any news?
No, it’s a bit early.
Okay. Sweet dreams.
Thanks.
Ellie wondered how he would react at the sight of her body. He was a breast man. On the other hand, most men would probably be repulsed at the sight of her. In the beginning, she couldn’t look at herself in the mirror. These days it was better. She ran her hand across the flat surface, felt the scars. Maybe it was her road map. She just had to find out where it led.
CHAPTER 19
On Saturday morning there were dark bruises on Ellie’s cheek and neck, caused by the car’s airbag and seatbelt. She looked at herself in the bathroom mirror. She was going to her mother’s wedding looking like a victim of domestic violence.
She found Brenda in the kitchen, making coffee.
“I see your hand was a bit heavy with the make-up.”
“Brenda, this isn’t the best day of my life, so don’t make me say things I might regret later.”
“My love, the only way you’re going to survive a day like this is with humour. It’s not a day for too much thinking or feeling. Just let it flow. All you have to do today is keep your head above water and smile.”
“And if I can’t smile?”
“Fake it, baby, fake it till you make it.” She handed Ellie a mug. “Drink your coffee and I’ll give you a hand. I don’t have many skills, but make-up is something I’m good at. Clients don’t want to see a face like that.”
An hour later Ellie looked at herself in the mirror. Brenda had a way not only with make-up, but also with hair.
Having studied the clothes in the wardrobe, Brenda selected a green wrap dress and knee-length boots. And a green-and-maroon scarf.
When Ellie was dressed, Brenda nodded.
“Go be your mother’s daughter for an hour or two. After that you’re free to fall apart, or get drunk, or pick up a random man.”
“I don’t plan to fall apart, get drunk or pick up a man. It’ll have to wait for another day.”
A voice sounded from the passage and Ellie picked up her handbag. At the door she turned and came back to hug Brenda.
Nick was in the hallway.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t want my friend to pick me up here. The fewer people who know about this place the better.”
“All in a day’s work.” He looked at Brenda and Ellie imagined she saw more than a mere nod.
“Enjoy,” Brenda waved them off at the door. “Don’t hurt your neck.”
In the car Nick asked: “Where are we going?”
Ellie gave him the address. “My mom’s getting married today.”
“You look nice.”
“Thanks.”
She fastened the seatbelt and leaned back. They drove in silence.
Nick had to force himself not to stare at her. He’d been serious when he’d told her she looked nice. Green complimented her complexion and the colour of her hair. What he’d failed to say, however, was that he hadn’t seen anyone look so fragile in a long time. The grey eyeshadow she was wearing made her eyes appear larger. It was hard not to notice the sadness they held.
He felt as if he had drawn the short straw. Give him a day filled with thugs and dead-ends any day before having to deal with a woman with an expression like that. Fuck, the first time he hadn’t had a choice. This time, he had gone looking for her.
Despite his resolution, he looked at her from the corner of his eye. Her dress crossed over at the front. He wondered how she managed to hide the fact that she had only one breast.
When they were young, and his brother had lost at a game, he liked to say it wasn’t fair. If only his brother had known then how unfair life could be …
When they stopped in front of the house, Ellie got out and thanked Nick.
“Call me when it’s over.”
“Okay.”
“Enjoy it.”
Melissa’s hand flew to her mouth when she opened her front door. “Sweetie! What the hell happened to you?”
“An idiot ran a red light yesterday afternoon and wrote my poor car off.”
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“There was no time. Someone called an ambulance and a cute young doctor ran his hands over me and pronounced me shipshape. I have to wear the neck brace until after the weekend.”
“Where did you sleep last night?”
“A guesthouse. I’m giving Clive a hand with something, so I’ll be in the city for a few days.”
“Does the colonel who was asking after you the other day have anything to do with it?” Melissa asked, closing the door behind them.
“What colonel?”
“Malherbe. Nick Malherbe.”
“Did you tell him where to find me?”
“He said he needed to get some information from you urgently. I thought he knew you well. I’m sorry if I shouldn’t have done it.”
“It’s okay. I just wonder how he got to you.”
“He said you told him about me when you were working together.”
“Hmm … I don’t recall.”
Melissa touched Ellie’s shoulder. “Apart from the neck brace, you look lovely. Your mom is going to be so proud of her beautiful daughter.”
Ellie laughed out loud. “You can’t very well say anything else, can you?”
“Come, I’ve opened a bottle of wine.”
After Nick had dropped Ellie off, he drove to the yacht basin at the Waterfront. He was sure Enzio wasn’t hiding there; still, he wanted to take a look.
The place was almost deserted when he arrived. He found Enzio’s yacht pulled up out of the water. It seemed abandoned and there was no sign that anyone had been there recently. He climbed onto the deck but it was dusty and dirty. Some refugees wouldn’t mind hiding out here, but Enzio liked his home comforts.
Nick had just got back into the bakkie when his cellphone rang. Gabriella came on the line.
“Nicky, where are you?”
“What’s the matter?”
“There are two detectives here, asking questions about Enzio. I don’t know what to tell them.”
“I’ll be right there.”
He called Clive before he left.
“There are detectives with Gabriella Visser, asking questions about Allegretti. What’s going on? Who can it be?”
“No idea. I’ll phone Ahmed. I’ll call you back.”
Nick had just turned into the Vissers’ street when Clive called.
“He didn’t send anyone, but he’ll try to find out.”
“It’s no fucking good everyone trying to find out now. It shouldn’t be happening.”
“If it’s Greyling, don’t go in. There’s a good chance he’ll tell her who you are.”
“I’ll take the risk. I can’t tell her I’m not coming.”
Nick recognised the blue Subaru parked out front. He felt an old, familiar calm take hold of him. He first experienced it as a young cop when he was called out to a house where a man was threatening his wife and children with a firearm. The woman and children were hysterical, the wide-eyed neighbours were gathered at their gates, and when they saw Nick, they all began talking at the same time. They all claimed to have known that the neighbour was going to do something like this one day. Nick was tempted to ask why no one had done anything about
it, but he wanted to get away from the hysteria. When there was no reaction to his knock on the door, he opened it cautiously and called out. The family was in the lounge, where the man had taken them. He threatened to shoot Nick as well if he came any nearer. Nick looked at the pistol in the man’s hand and felt the prickling of fear in his neck. A moment later a strange calm descended on him and an hour later the man was arrested and the wife and kids taken away to stay with relatives. Through the years he’d had that same sensation a few more times. He once tried to explain it to his first wife, who said he was crazy.
The guard recognised him and opened the gate. He drove in and parked near the front door.
Gabriella linked her arm through his when she let him in. “Thank heavens. These people are so annoying.” She was wearing pyjama shorts and a strappy top. Her long legs were bare. Her silk dressing gown fell open at the front. She must be freezing, Nick thought.
“Why are you still in your pyjamas? Are you ill?”
“No, I was at a party last night. I was still asleep when this lot arrived.”
Albert Greyling and another man were in the lounge. Greyling didn’t seem surprised when Nick walked in. On the contrary, Nick thought he seemed pleased.
“Captain, good to see you.” Nick held out his hand. Greyling got up and motioned at the other man. “Warrant Officer Benade.”
Both men shook Nick’s hand. Nick saw their eyes turn towards Gabriella.
“How can we help you?”
“We have information that there was a shooting at Mr Allegretti’s house on Sunday evening. An employee of his is in hospital with a gunshot wound. We’d like to speak to Mr Allegretti.”
“Mr Allegretti is out of town, so he can’t be responsible for the shooting. Neither will he be able to tell you anything about it.”
“Where is he, and when did he leave?”
“He left on Sunday morning.” It was no good saying Enzio had left earlier. There were enough witnesses to put him at the club on Saturday night.
Gabriella nodded, and Nick continued: “I’m not sure where he is. He left with a friend to look at a vehicle he’s interested in buying. I’m afraid that’s all we know about his movements.” He made himself comfortable on the couch, putting his arm on the backrest behind Gabriella.
“We still want to talk to him. The shooting took place on his premises. We’re also trying to find out who called the ambulance and why the incident wasn’t reported to the nearest police station.”
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