“I just want to know how you are.”
“Malherbe has been looking for you.”
“I’ll call him sometime.”
“Seems their operation was a success. Apparently Allegretti has decided to cooperate. She must be a very special girl.”
“Love is a mysterious concept.”
“I don’t know if Allegretti is capable of love.”
“He must feel something for her if he’s prepared to put his life on the line.”
“Oh, and Greyling was looking for you as well. What’s with the two of you?”
“There’s no ‘the two of us’.”
“Does he know that?”
“He should, by now.”
“I hear he’s being transferred to another unit. The guys are nervous about his connection to Williams. Some of them are saying he had Reggie in his sights recently. I think it’s good that he gets away. His boundaries have got a bit blurred.”
“His boundaries have always been blurred.”
“Is the minister happy, now that you’re back in town?”
“Looks like it.”
“Maybe you should find a good man and get married.”
“Clara said the other day that only crazy guys would understand what’s going on in her mind. How likely is it that a good man would understand what’s going on in mine?”
“If he cares enough, he’ll try, but the idea is overrated anyway. Men don’t really want to know what’s going on inside women’s heads. It’s a full-time job.”
“Come visit.”
“Have you decided what you’ll do?”
“I have another week. I’ve decided to decide at the end of the week.” She laughed. “I’m waiting for a sign.”
“Oh, hell, I’d rather not ask what it’s supposed to be.”
“Clive, I have to go. Please give Ansie and the kids my love.”
“Take care of yourself.”
“You too.”
Ellie listened to her messages. Her mom wanted to know when she’d arrange for the furniture to be removed. She and Janus were back from their honeymoon and had moved into their townhouse. In a few weeks’ time they were off to a resort up north in the caravan.
Albert asked her to call him.
There was nothing from Nick Malherbe. She sat with the phone in her hand for a while. Then she sent a WhatsApp message.
I believe you’ve been looking for me.
She was already in bed that night when the reply came.
I wanted to say goodbye and thanks. No, I’m lying, I wanted to ask you to come fishing with me.
Ellie laughed. I’m not a good angler.
I’m sure I would have found something else for you to do.
Where are you?
Mozambique.
Sounds like you’re having a good time.
I’m at a beach party.
Aren’t you too old?
You’re never too old.
Enjoy your party.
I’m on my way home. Did you hear our operation was a hell of a success? If I’m not careful, I’ll end up with a chest full of medals.
Clive told me, and that Allegretti is cooperating.
Clara worked her magic.
Don’t you feel guilty for using her?
No. At least the two of them stand a chance of being together again one day.
Shouldn’t she find herself a less complicated man instead?
She wouldn’t know what to do with him.
That’s not a nice thing to say.
It’s a fact. She grew up on adrenaline. An ordinary man would bore her.
I’d like her to find someone else.
What would you like for yourself?
Ellie stared at the question. She wondered what Nick’s reaction would be if she told him she’d like someone like him.
Easy and uncomplicated.
No, you’d be just as bored.
Have you heard from Paul? She changed the subject.
He’s in seventh heaven, or his take on it.
And Gabriella?
She’s divorcing Visser. She’s decided to move into her parents’ home. Hopefully he’ll get a life sentence for the three murders. The Russians’ memories have miraculously improved. They’re going to testify against him.
I’m glad you got your man. Few people would have sacrificed so much for a case. And I’m sorry about your friend.
She saw him begin to type, stop, start again: Yes, me too.
How’s Patrice?
Much better. We brought his family to Cape Town. As soon as he’s discharged and the doctors are satisfied, he’s going back to Zimbabwe with them. I’ll miss him.
I’m glad he didn’t die.
Ellie looked at all the messages on her screen. Sometimes it was easier to talk like this. It was easier to be brave with words. Before she said something she needed to think about some more, she typed: I’m going to sleep now.
Would you have come if I’d asked?
Probably not.
Why not?
You’re dangerous and unpredictable and I don’t need that right now. Anyway, I’m still too angry.
What are you talking about?
That night in Ndabeni. I’ve never seen anyone so reckless.
More reckless than you? I know about the message to the kidnappers. You’re lucky I didn’t find you first.
Happy told me he told you. He’s petrified of you and Clive.
So your answer is no longer valid. You have no right to call me unpredictable and reckless.
You scare me and I don’t want to be scared any more. Anyway, we don’t really know each other.
Come again?
No, I’m tired. Sleep well and enjoy your holiday.
Ellie ended the call.
For some reason she could feel his hands on her tonight. She had to get some sleep.
CHAPTER 36
Ellie drove slowly out of town. It was Saturday night and the pub had been busy. Her body was unused to so much activity but she had carefully avoided stretching too much or lifting heavy objects.
She had decided she’d speak to Marius tomorrow. She didn’t know what she would say yet. She was still waiting for a sign. Maybe there was too much waiting going on.
The bandages had been removed and the swelling had gone down. She found herself in front of the mirror every day, something she seldom used to do in the past. The doctor had been right. She couldn’t see the difference. Even the ugly scars across her belly were no more than faint lines that would fade even more in time.
She was whole again. Like the broken porcelain doll her dad had glued with endless patience so that only faint cracks had remained.
She switched on her radio and wound down her window. She smelled rain. The icy air bit into her cheek.
At home she switched the kettle on and headed for her study. Then she turned on her heel. Not tonight. She switched the kettle off, poured a stiff whisky and put on some music.
She got up, raised her glass and sang along with Fun: “I know you’re trying to forget, but between the drinks and subtle things, the holes in my apologies, you know I’m trying hard to take it back … So if by the time the bar closes and you feel like falling down, I’ll carry you home. Tonight we are young, so let’s set the world on fire …”
When she heard the rain on the roof, she sang louder.
She thought she had imagined the first knock, but the second time she heard it clearly. She stopped singing and took her revolver out of her handbag. The third knock came just before she opened the door.
His hair was longer, he was suntanned and the crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes were deeper.
Ellie lowered the gun.
He put out his hand.
“Nick Malherbe.”
She hesitated for a moment before taking it. “Ellie McKenna.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I could certainly not have written Endgame on my own. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who gave me adv
ice or shared their knowledge with me. For understandable reasons, there are names I unfortunately cannot mention. Nonetheless, I would like to thank the following people:
Lieutenant Colonel Neville de Beer of the Detective Service division of the SAPS. Without his help and knowledge I could not have written this book or its predecessor. I am especially grateful for his patience – sometimes late at night – with my numerous questions. He shared not only his professional knowledge with me, but also showed me the human side of his profession. I realised anew that there are plenty of incredibly dedicated people in the South African Police and Detective Services. I salute all those who do their job in difficult circumstances and dangerous situations.
Dr Ronnie Smith, who revealed to me the intricate mechanisms of the organ. Thanks to both him and Elaine for an unforgettable evening of organ music and bread and soup at the fireside.
Gerhard Meyer and Neville Pollard, who helped with my search for a rare firearm. It resulted in an interesting conversation around another fire, this time during a braai.
A big thank-you to my faithful readers for their messages of encouragement during the past two years when I lost my mother and underwent a shoulder operation. Each and every message was sincerely appreciated.
Dr Etienne Bloemhof, my publisher.
Russell Stark, for the striking cover design.
Elsa Silke, for her excellent translation.
Angela Voges, for her thorough editing.
Sean Fraser, for his meticulous proofreading.
Susan Bloemhof, for immaculate page design.
Eben Pienaar of NB Publishers, for his excellent marketing skills.
All my dear friends, who cooked for me, offered me a bed, built fires when the winter winds were blowing, encouraged me and blessed me with their company. Their value is far above rubies.
As with all my previous books, I cannot neglect thanking my family. They held my hand, encouraged me, urged me on, cracked jokes, ate meals with me and had faith when I doubted that the book would ever be finished. Deon, Cobus, Laura, Jaco, Johann and Nicola – you are a formidable team. I am privileged to have you on my side.
Finally, I want to thank and honour my mother, who won’t be reading this one, but who over the years faithfully read all my books even though the contents were challenging at times. She was a master storyteller and the one who introduced me to the library at an early age. What a privilege to have grown up with stories.
Summary
South Africa’s dark underworld is thriving, a nest of thieves and thugs led by shady operators from across the globe. Their grip is closing on every part of society. But Lieutenant Ellie McKenna has left all of that behind, in search of a tranquil life in the countryside. Here she hopes to heal the physical and psychological scars inflicted by her last mission, as she tries to find peace after the death of her father. But when her safe harbour is breached and she is finally – inevitably – tracked down, Ellie knows she must find out who has come looking for her and why. Once more she finds herself pulled into the web of death and deceit, on the trail of kidnappers and murderers from the underworld she tried to escape. And Ellie soon realises that it is unclear whether she is player or pawn in this endgame, and uncertain whether she will survive it.
ENDGAME concludes the story that began in Wilna Adriaanse’s BLINDSIDE.
About the author
Wilna Adriaanse was born in 1958 in the Kalahari, but grew up in Worcester. Her most famous books are Met ander woorde (2006), Vier seisoene kind (2010) and Dubbelspel (2014). ’n Klein lewe (2012) was the result of her MA studies in creative writing. She currently divides her time between Botswana and the Boland
Other publications by Wilna Adriaanse, still in print
Blindside
Other titles by Wilna Adriaanse available in E-book format
Blindside
First published in 2019 by Tafelberg,
an imprint of NB Publishers,
a division of Media24 Boeke (Pty) Ltd,
40 Heerengracht,
Cape Town 8001, South Africa
www.tafelberg.com
Copyright © 2019 by Wilna Adriaanse
English translation by Elsa Silke
English translation © 2019 NB Publishers
All rights reserved.
No part of this electronic book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying and recording, or by any other information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.
Cover design by publicide
E-book design by Wouter Reinders
Available in print:
First edition in 2019
ISBN: 978-0-624-08649-9
Epub edition:
First edition in 2019
ISBN: 978-0-624-08650-5 (epub)
Mobi edition:
First edition in 2019
ISBN: 978-0-624-08651-2 (mobi)
Table of Contents
Title page
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Acknowledgements
About the book Summary
About the author
Other publications by Wilna Adriaanse, still in print
Other titles by Wilna Adriaanse available in E-book format
Imprint page
Endgame Page 37