“I called the ambulance.” Nick told them how he’d had to fetch something at Allegretti’s house that night and found Patrice. “As far as the police are concerned, a very helpful investigating officer – I don’t recall his name – came to see me the next morning. There was a woman with him.”
Albert looked at Gabriella. “When was the last time you saw your brother?”
“Captain, as I’ve said, the matter is already being investigated. Mrs Visser has already been questioned,” Nick said. “So, unless there’s something new, I suggest you get the information from your colleagues.”
For a moment Greyling and Nick eyed each other. Nick could almost see the sparks fly between them.
The two men got up. He walked them to the door.
“If there’s anything you think we should know, please contact me at this number.” Albert handed Nick a card. “And get me the names of those investigating officers.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
Greyling looked past Nick and seemed on the point of saying something, then he turned and walked to the gate without a goodbye.
Nick took out his phone. He called Clive and told him what had happened. “Call Gaba, Hendriks and Ahmed. Have them make up a story.”
“Like we don’t have enough problems already.”
Nick found Gabriella in the kitchen, making coffee.
“Did you say anything to them?”
“No, I said I don’t know anything.”
“Good. If you want to talk to someone, or if there’s anything you want to know, call me.”
“That guy asked me a strange question.”
Nick knew what was coming before he asked: “What?”
“If I think we can trust you.”
“What did you tell him?”
“Who’s to trust?”
He smiled. “I think you realise that my job is sometimes complicated. To look after your family’s interests I sometimes have to give the police information. It’s the way it works. One hand washes the other.”
“I don’t care if you’re the chief of police, as long as I don’t get this type of visit. Dammit, they woke me up for this bullshit.”
He touched her hair. “I’ll tell them to call me in future.”
She nestled against him. “Have coffee with me before you go?”
“On one condition. I want to make myself a sandwich.” He opened the fridge and took out cold cuts and cheese.
Fifteen minutes later they were facing each other across the kitchen counter. Gabriella nibbled at a piece of his sandwich. Between bites, he asked: “Any word from Enzio?”
“No.”
He watched her while he chewed.
“I can see you don’t believe me. Why would I lie to you?”
“You said you don’t trust his judgement any more and it’s better with him out of the way.”
“That doesn’t mean I would do anything to him. You know what siblings are like. One moment fighting like cat and dog, and best friends the next. Enzio and I have our differences but he’s still my brother. Where I come from … family is family.”
“What about your husband? How are things between him and Enzio?”
“They hate each other’s guts but they can’t do without each other. Firstly, they know too much about each other’s business and, secondly, their partnership is mutually beneficial.”
“Do you think Ken would do something to Enzio?”
She took a piece of tomato from his plate and ate it before she answered. “I don’t think so. He knows that if my father finds out, they’ll never close another deal this side of the border. My father may be old, but he still has a lot of influence.”
“Where do you think Enzio could be? Has he disappeared like this before, without telling anyone?”
“Not that I know of. Why don’t you ask his friends? Maybe he went away for a few days. Maybe he didn’t feel like telling anyone.”
“It still doesn’t explain why Patrice was shot. Only the two of them were home on Sunday night.”
Her eyes narrowed. For the first time since he’d met her he saw something like concern on her face. “What do you think happened to him?”
“I think someone wanted him out of the way for a while. The question is: who? Ken won’t talk to me but he might tell you.”
“You know I’m having an affair, don’t you?”
“I suspected as much.” He read the security reports that came in each day. Who went where, at what time, and so on.
“I asked Ken for a divorce but he laughed at me. It’s one of the reasons I have to keep the club going. To show my father I can be independent.”
“I need you to find out if Ken knows anything.”
“You mean you want me to have sex with my husband?”
“I’m sure you don’t have to have sex to talk to each other.”
“Yes, we do.”
Nick finished his coffee and rinsed his plate and cup. He put his hand on her shoulder. “I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to.” The fabric of her dressing gown was smooth under his hand.
“Neither do you want me to do something I want to do.” On his way to the front door she linked her arm through his again. “Thanks for coming.”
He called Nols from the bakkie. “Feel like grabbing a bite to eat tonight?”
“The kids are having a sports day at school. We’re still here. I’m joining them for supper later. I’ll put something on the braai. Don’t wait for me, I’ve got a key.”
“Give my regards to Riana and the kids. Let me know if you need a lift.”
“I’ll take a taxi. It’s easier.”
Nick sat for a moment before switching on the engine. He was ashamed of the relief he felt. Though a voice told him over and over that he’d had no other choice, his conscience had bothered him every day since Nols arrived in Cape Town.
He pulled away and a new voice began to gnaw at him. Had there really been no other choice?
He decided to drop in on Patrice. When he had spoken to the sister on duty early in the morning, there had been nothing new to report. Patrice was still in a coma.
Ellie unlocked the door of her parents’ home and pushed it open. She took a step back when a strange woman suddenly appeared, much closer than she’d expected. The woman smiled.
“I heard the car and was just about to unlock the door. Hello, you must be Eleanor. I’m Magda, Janus’s daughter. My sister and I thought we’d come early to give Rika a hand.”
Ellie shrank back when Magda enveloped her in a hug, neck brace and all. She was relieved when Melissa put out her hand
“Hi, I’m Melissa. Ellie’s friend.”
“Welcome.” The woman seemed about to swoop in for another embrace, but Melissa’s outstretched hand was in the way. She took Melissa’s hand and shook it.
“Excuse me, I have something I want to discuss with my mom,” Ellie said.
“Yes, the deed of sale. I’m the estate agent. If there’s anything you’d like to know, just ask.”
“I don’t have any questions. But there are a few matters the two of us must discuss.”
Magda nodded. “Tell you what, why don’t you take a seat, and when she comes out of the shower, the two of you can have a quick chat. I’ll call my sister. She wants to meet you.”
“Breathe, sweetie,” Melissa said softly when Magda had left the room. “You’re going to turn blue.”
Ellie obeyed.
A woman with the same honey-blonde hair but slightly shorter than Magda came in and walked straight to Ellie. She barely glanced at the neck brace before moving in to give Ellie an enthusiastic hug. This time Melissa didn’t escape.
“Hello, I’m Delia. So nice to meet you, Eleanor. We’ve been trying to find a way for all of us to meet before the wedding, but your mom said you’re very busy.”
“It’s a bit crazy at the moment,” Ellie found her voice.
“Please, sit,” Delia said. “Something to drink? The kett
le has just boiled. We were going to make tea.”
“Nothing for me, thanks,” Melissa answered, while Ellie shook her head. She had to stop herself from swearing. This was her father’s house. Who were these people, treating her like a visitor? She could make her own tea or, better still, pour herself a double whisky.
“Where’s everyone?” she heard her mom’s voice in the passage.
“Are you decent? We’ve got visitors,” Delia called out.
Rika came through the door, wearing a pretty light blue dressing gown Ellie had never seen before.
“Hello, Melissa. This is a surprise.” She kissed her. Then she looked at Ellie. “What happened to you this time?”
“A car crashed into my car yesterday afternoon.”
“Some people attract trouble like magnets.”
Ellie stepped closer and kissed her mom.
“Why didn’t you tell me last night?”
“It’s nothing serious, Mom. The doctor was just being cautious when he put the brace on.”
“Shame, you poor thing,” Magda said. “Don’t you want to lie down for a while?”
“Is there someone who can look after you?” Delia asked. “We have loads of room; you’re welcome to stay with us until you feel better.”
“I’m fine, really. If you’ll excuse us a moment …” Ellie said, taking her mom by the elbow and steering her down the passage to her bedroom, where she closed the door and very nearly locked it.
“You could have told me you had an accident. You made me look like a fool.”
“You don’t look like a fool. I thought you had enough to worry about.” They sat down at the window. Ellie reminded herself that she wanted the chairs they were sitting on, as her mom didn’t seem to want anything from the house.
“The contract seems in order. I contacted a few other agents in the area and they all agree it’s a good offer.”
“Did you think Magda would rip me off? Not everyone is a criminal, you know?”
“I just wanted to make sure you’re getting the best price.”
Rika looked around her. “I’m glad to be rid of this house. I’ve cried too many tears in here.”
“I remember some good times as well.”
“You were a child. What did you know?”
Ellie wanted to tell her mother that children aren’t blind. They’re a great deal smarter than adults give them credit for. But she could predict that the conversation would grind to a halt. Time to let it go.
“I’m glad you found someone to make you happy. I hope you’ll have a wonderful life together.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it. He’s good to me, and so are his children. Sometimes I feel as if I’ve come home for the first time in years.”
Ellie felt the stab. She studied the documents instead of replying.
“I’ll give them to Magda. I’m sure she can make all the necessary arrangements.”
“I know they’re not my own blood, but if you give them a chance, they’ll be like family to you as well. When you were young, you always wanted a sister.”
Ellie nodded and signed the documents. “Can I help you with anything?” she asked, picking up the papers.
“Those two are going to help me get dressed. Why don’t you join us?”
“I just want to pop into my old room. I’ve been looking for something I might have left there. I’ll arrange for the furniture to be fetched. There’s one or two pieces I want. I’ll sell the rest and deposit the money into your account.”
“Thanks.”
In her bedroom, Ellie sat down on the bed. Brenda had said today was not a day for feelings and thoughts, but she needed to invite them in. Go be a daughter to your mom, Brenda had said. She lay back on the bed and looked up at the ceiling, thinking of all the times she had lain exactly like this. She thought of all the thoughts and dreams that would be sold along with the house.
Rika had almost finished dressing when Ellie entered. Delia was just touching up her make-up, and checking her outfit. Ellie sat down in a chair by the window.
“What would I have done without the two of you?” Rika said, clasping her hands when she saw herself in the mirror.
The pearl-coloured suit was a perfect fit and gave her mom’s face a soft glow. If her dad could see her now. The love of his life. Another man’s bride.
“You look lovely.”
Rika turned in front of the mirror. “I feel like a million bucks.”
Ellie noticed that her mom’s hands were trembling slightly. She wondered whether she was going to have a little pick-me-up to see her through the day. Maybe she didn’t need it any more. Fortunately, it was no longer her responsibility. Perhaps that was the reason for Janus’s daughters being here. Maybe he’d told them to keep an eye on Rika. No man wants to stand at the altar with a tipsy bride by his side.
“Nice people,” Melissa said on their way to church. “A little too much warmth and sunshine for your liking, I know, but I’m sure you could get used to it.”
“My mom says I always wanted a sister when I was younger.”
“Well, seems you’re getting two.”
“Lucky me!”
Melissa laughed.
A number of cars were parked at the church. Ellie saw Janus, dapper in a dark suit and pink tie, his hair smoothed down.
When he spotted her he advanced on her with arms outstretched. “Eleanor, so lovely to see you. We were afraid you wouldn’t make it. What on earth happened to you?”
Ellie told the story of the traffic light and the other car. He put his arms around her. “I’m so sorry. You should have phoned us. At times like those one needs one’s family.”
When she didn’t reply, he greeted Melissa, but their conversation was cut short by the arrival of two young girls. One giggled and asked for “Auntie Eleanor”. When Ellie nodded, the girl pinned a corsage to her dress. “You sit in the family pew at the front,” the other one twittered.
They were escorted to the second pew from the front and waved into their seats. Three men, a woman and four children of varying ages were already seated in the front pew. One of the men turned around. “You must be Eleanor. I’m Frik, Janus’s son. This is my wife, Monique, and my two brothers-in-law.” The others waved and the children inspected her inquisitively. A little girl was sucking her thumb and gripping a baby’s blanket that had seen better days.
After a while her mom’s sister, Vera, her husband and two sons sat down next to Ellie and Melissa. The boys had grown up since she’d last seen them. She guessed they had to be in their twenties. They were each accompanied by a girl. Before she could say anything, Magda and Delia came hurrying down the aisle and took their places in the front pew, next to their husbands. The two young girls, whom Ellie assumed were Janus’s granddaughters, were hard on their heels.
Delia turned around. “You mom asked me to take her bouquet when they exchange the rings. She wasn’t sure whether you’d make it in time, but I’d be happy for you to do it. She’d love it.”
Ellie shook her head. “My hip … I injured it in yesterday’s accident. Please go ahead and do it. It’s hard for me to get up.”
Delia squeezed her hand. “You poor thing. I still think you should come home with me after the reception. You can’t struggle along on your own.”
Ellie was rescued by the wedding march. The guests got to their feet. Janus stood very straight at the altar as Rika came slowly down the aisle. Ellie noticed her hands were no longer trembling.
The pastor welcomed the wedding guests, but Ellie was hardly listening. Her thoughts were under a white stinkwood in the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens. She imagined her dad taking her hand, walking through the wet streets with her, arguing with her in front of the fire, playing with her in the waves, though he had never much liked the sea. She wondered how many things he had done for her sake over the years.
When Janus put the ring on her mother’s finger she wondered if the mark of her father’s ring had disappeared.
After the service the guests moved to a venue adjoining the parish hall, where tables had been set out and the delicious aroma of chicken pie and leg of lamb filled the air.
Someone must have let the caterer know that there was an extra guest, because when Ellie reached her seat, a place had been laid next to her for Melissa.
“We don’t have to stay long,” she said as they took their seats.
“What, and miss everything?”
A waiter came to ask whether they wanted white or red grape juice and Ellie asked for a glass of water. If she had ever regretted not having a hip flask handy it was today. She was forced to make conversation at the table, but she kept it brief.
Janus’s son toasted the bridal couple and welcomed Rika and Eleanor into their family.
“We never thought Dad would find someone to make his eyes sparkle like this again. Mom,” he looked at Rika and winked, “you’ve given him a new lease on life and for that we’ll always be grateful to you. May there be a long and happy road ahead of you.”
The food was served and Ellie pushed it around on her plate, took two bites and gave up. “We can go.”
“I’m still eating.”
“Hurry up, please.”
“Don’t you want to wait for the bride to throw her bouquet?”
“Don’t be silly.”
Melissa smiled at her. “Say a few words to your new family, I’m nearly done.”
Ellie turned stiffly to Magda, who was sitting on her other side.
“Thank you for all your trouble, but we’d better go. I can feel the pain medication wearing off. I have to lie down.”
“Please let us know if there’s anything you need. Where are you staying at the moment?”
“With friends. Thanks, I’ll let you know. We can talk about clearing out the house next week. I’d be glad if you could give me till the end of the month. I just don’t have time at the moment.”
“No problem.” They said goodbye and Ellie got up and began to take her leave of the others around the table. Every single person gave her a hug. Even the children. Didn’t their parents know better than to allow their children to hug strangers?
Endgame Page 19