“I wonder what she’s going to do with the baby.”
Ellie was startled out of her thoughts and looked at her mother. “Who?”
Her mom motioned at the screen. “She’s expecting a baby, but she’s not married to the father.”
Ellie looked at the actors on the screen. Was that what loneliness did to you? Was it because you could depend on them to be in your sitting room at the same time every night? Instead of a husband and daughter, who were hard to pin down?
After the soap Ellie watched the news headlines, but when she heard the word “corruption” for the third time, followed by the word “attack”, she got to her feet.
“I must go, Mom. I’ll call tomorrow.”
“All right.”
Her mom didn’t get up. Ellie bent down to kiss her cheek. She’d never been a big woman, but she seemed to have shrunk.
Ellie switched on the radio. Bonnie Tyler’s voice filled the inside of the car. She wound down the window and turned up the volume. Where have all the good men gone, and where are all the gods? Where’s the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds? She took a deep breath and sang along: “I need a hero … he’s gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fast …”
Her phone rang as she walked into the house. It was an unknown number.
“Are you all right?” It was Ibrahim Ahmed. “Have you decided to do the smart thing and give this one to someone else?”
Ellie laughed. “Unfortunately not.”
“I’ll tell him myself, but remind Greyling that if you two fuck this up, I’ll cut his balls off. He has way too much freedom with Williams.”
“I’ll tell him. But I think he knows it.”
“Write down this number and memorise it. It’s a prepaid number and off the grid. You can reach me on it if you need to.” He read out the number and she scribbled it down.
“Send me your unlisted number as soon as you’ve got it. All the best. I’d prefer it if you didn’t tell Zondi I’ve spoken to you. She’s very territorial.”
Ellie stood still for a moment after ending the call. There was a burning pain under her ribs, as if someone had touched her heart. She put on her running clothes and locked the front door. Outside, she took a few deep breaths.
CHAPTER 12
Clive called early on Tuesday morning and arranged to meet Ellie at the office in Darling Street, just around the corner from Greenmarket Square. She was there at eight sharp and found parking diagonally across the street. The office was wedged between a tattoo parlour and a small café. The streets were still relatively quiet and she watched for a while as two hobos struggled to fold and pack their bedding into a supermarket trolley. At the very top they put the cardboard that had protected them from the cold cement. The veranda was deep, with a generous overhang. It was a good place to sleep. The Cape Town climate wasn’t friendly. It had rained last night and this morning it felt more like autumn than spring.
After a while Clive pulled in behind her. He got out of his bakkie, and together they crossed the road. Clive unlocked the security gate and the glass door. A few envelopes lay on the floor. He picked them up and tossed them in the bin.
There was a big reception area, two offices, a bathroom and a kitchenette. The only windows faced the street and were fitted with blinds. The furniture was modern and looked new, but obviously hadn’t been chosen for comfort.
On the bookshelf behind the reception counter were a number of files. On closer inspection, Ellie saw they were labelled Fast Security. Zondi hadn’t joked when she’d said there was no time to waste.
She walked around the counter and was surprised to see that the files contained documents. She gave Clive an inquiring look.
“Fictional transactions and contracts. Staff files. If anyone comes snooping, he must be convinced it’s a legitimate business.” He pointed at the cabinet on the opposite wall. “Manuals about the various branches of the security industry. Make sure you have a good idea how the industry works, even though the company focuses mainly on close personal protection. The phone and internet are connected. The computers contain fictional data. Under no circumstances must you leave any trace on these computers or on your personal computer that you’ve been researching anything or anyone. A few of our men will show up at regular intervals. It must look like something is happening here. Especially in the beginning.”
She looked at the registration certificates on the wall. Photographs of “employee of the month”.
“You’ve thought of everything.”
“It’s not the first time we’ve done this.”
She turned to him. “Are the two of us okay?”
“Why wouldn’t we be?”
“I know you have doubts, but I promise I won’t be irresponsible. If I’m not coping, I’ll tell you. I understand what’s at stake.”
“Good.”
They walked through the two offices. In a cupboard in the smaller one he showed her three uniforms and bulletproof vests. All with the company’s logo. Ellie was surprised again at the speed at which everything had been arranged.
“You’ve been enrolled for an advanced driving course at Killarney tomorrow. On Thursday and Friday you’ll spend time with a close protection squad. The driving course usually takes two days but there’s no time, so we’ve arranged with the presenters to put you through the practical test tomorrow as well. I’ll give you the times and tell you where to report.”
He handed her a cellphone. “It’s prepaid. Don’t give anyone the number and don’t let on that you have another phone. It’s identical to the other one, as you can see. In case you take out the wrong one. Keep it on silent mode. Use it if you have to get hold of us and you suspect someone is listening to your calls.”
“What do you think the chances are of bugging the Allegrettis’ phones?”
“We’re considering it. If he has good security in place, it may be too dangerous. They probably sweep the house and club regularly. Possibly the cars as well. We’ll know once you’re there.”
“It’s a lot of trouble and money, and we don’t even know whether Williams will hire me.”
“It’s a risk worth taking. Some operations are stillborn, others end in a fuck-up, and others succeed. There are no guarantees.” He was quiet for a moment. “Mac, I need to warn you: Sometimes when things go wrong, it happens so fast you don’t have time to think things through. So make sure you’re sharp. I know you’re worried about your mom and you’re thinking about your dad’s case, but I need you to be focused.”
“I am focused.”
Two hours later, when they had gone through more or less everything, he locked the office and handed her the key.
“Make sure you show your face here every day, even if it’s early morning or late afternoon, so that the people in the neighbourhood get used to seeing you. Oh yes, we still have to appoint a receptionist. Someone to man the office, make it look like there’s movement here. A female constable was going to do it, but her husband was transferred and she didn’t want to stay behind. We’ll find someone else. We’ve opened a bank account, but we’ll give you cash every month as well. For expenses without a paper trail.”
“Who am I supposed to be working for?”
“A company in Joburg. The owner is Malcolm Brink.”
“Does the company actually exist?”
“On paper, yes.”
Ellie touched his arm. “Thanks. I’m glad you’re the one who’s got my back.”
He muttered under his breath. “Fuck, Mac, just don’t get reckless. I don’t want to have to tell Greyling or Ahmed something happened to you on my watch. Never mind Zondi. She’d have my balls, I’m sure.”
“I won’t. Trust me.”
“I told you the thing with your father would come in handy. As soon as someone says they can’t believe you resigned, someone else brings it up and all of a sudden everyone understands why you did it,” Albert said when he got to her place that night. As usual, they simply ignored the argu
ment they’d had on Sunday. “No one thinks it strange that you left so suddenly. We couldn’t have asked for better timing.”
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.” Ellie was at the stove, making supper.
“Just saying.”
She put the pasta and salad on the table and sat down to face him. While he dished up for himself, she sipped her whisky slowly.
“Aren’t you going to eat?”
She nodded. “In a while. You carry on.”
“I must say the new look does it for me. Not that there was anything wrong with your previous look, but you look so different, it’s quite exciting.”
“Maybe you just wanted a new girl.”
“Are you fishing for a compliment, or do you want me to confess?”
“I can’t think such deep thoughts now.”
He smiled and began to eat.
“I know we’re pressed for time, but don’t you think it will look suspicious if I resign and the very next day I have a new job?”
“You can always say they approached you some time ago, but the timing wasn’t right. It’s not as if you won the lotto and can retire. Everyone knows you have to work.”
“Does Williams know who I am?”
“I didn’t tell him to hire you.” He laughed. “Even I can be more subtle than that. I told him I know someone who has resigned and has taken a job at a small security company. I said you and the boss had an altercation and I kind of mentioned your dad. Said you have financial problems. You throw out the bait, and then you wait.”
“Did you tell him about us?”
“Not in so many words. I hinted that I’ve got my eye on you, but that we’re going through a rough patch.”
“It’s not like our relationship is a secret. He could find out easily enough that there’s more between us than you admitted to.”
“So? I won’t be the first guy to try to get a job for his girl. Don’t worry so much. I know what I’m doing.”
“What do you think our chances are?”
“The fact that I’ve accepted money gives us an advantage. They like having a hold on someone.”
When she didn’t reply, he touched her hand. “Babes, trust your instincts. You’re going to ace this job.”
“As long as you remember that Clive and I have to know about everything you’ve got. I don’t want any surprises. It’s not only our reputations that are at stake.”
“I’ll keep you up to speed as far as possible, but you have to trust me to make the right calls. You know I won’t drop you.”
They finished their meal and sat down on the sofa in the living room. He lifted her leg over his and stroked it. When the TV newscaster mentioned a big abalone haul, he groaned.
“Fuck, I swear it’s Williams’s people. Why didn’t I know about the operation?” He picked up his phone and dialled a number. “Why wasn’t I told you were putting up a roadblock? Didn’t I tell you I want to know what’s going on? I don’t care where it was. I want to know. Find out who was in charge.” He tossed the phone on the coffee table. “Imbeciles! They’re all so hungry for their five minutes of fame they don’t give a damn about any bigger investigation going on.” He began to unbutton her shirt. “Hmm … luckily I have better things to think about.”
People look forward to different things at the end of a long day. For some it’s that first drink, followed by a second, or maybe third. Sometimes a bottle or two. For others it’s playing with their kids, taking the dogs for a walk, washing the car. Whatever. Few things cleared Ellie’s head like a long run, to the point where her muscles protested and her breath came fast. When she was younger, her mom used to say it was no good trying to run away from life. For Albert it was sex. No matter how long and how hard his day had been.
“We’re going to kick ass, babes,” he said as they lay in bed later that night.
“Are you trying to convince me, or yourself?”
“Just trust me.”
“Hmm …” She closed her eyes. When she fell asleep, she dreamt about her dad. A confused dream – she was on a swing at one point, with her dad trying to tell her something. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t hear what he was saying.
CHAPTER 13
On Wednesday morning, Ellie was at the Killarney racetrack near Tableview at half past seven. With her were a young student, a housewife whose husband had given her the course for her birthday, and three men who didn’t say much. After they had registered and had coffee, the first session began. First, they had to master various techniques required to handle tricky situations on the road. Identify what amounts to reckless driving. Why accidents happen.
During their lunch break, she realised it was the first time in days that she felt she was moving forward. She liked the feeling. There were lists to make.
They finished just after four. When the others went home, she stayed behind and the instructor put her through the practical tests. She had always considered herself a good driver, but having to slam on the brakes at high speed on a wet surface made her palms sweat.
When the instructor was satisfied, he let her go and she drove to the office. She circled the block a few times before she found parking. A few items of mail lay on the floor again.
She had just put down her handbag and washed her hands when she heard the doorbell.
Two young coloured men stood on the other side of the security gate.
“We’re looking for …” one of them glanced at a piece of paper in his hand, “… Fast Security.”
“You’re at the right place.” She unlocked the safety gate. “How can I help you?”
“We’re looking for …” he glanced at the paper again, “… Ellie McKenna.”
“That’s me.” Ellie felt a shiver go down her spine.
“Do you know who Nazeem Williams is?”
“I’ve heard the name.” Albert had said it was better to stay as close to the truth as possible.
“He’s this guy’s uncle. He’d like to speak to you. We’ve been here a few times today, but there was no one.”
“I was out seeing clients and our receptionist is unwell. Why does Mr Williams want to speak to me?”
“I scheme it’s about security work.”
“He’s welcome to make an appointment.”
“That kite won’t fly. He’s hurt his foot and the doctors have told him to rest. That’s why he sent us to fetch you.”
“And how do I know you’re telling the truth?”
They looked at each other. The shorter one spoke for the first time. “Phone him!” He picked up a pen from the counter and wrote down a number.
She dialled and waited a few seconds before someone answered.
“Miss McKenna, I presume my men are there with you.”
Ellie wondered how he had known it was her on the phone, then assumed that Albert had given him her number. “Mr Williams, I understand you want to see me.”
“I hope they told you I would have liked to come myself, but I’ve sprained my ankle, so it’s a bit difficult at the moment. I’m sorry if they didn’t pass on the message properly. The kids of today are all hooligans.”
“I just wanted to make sure I understood.”
“It won’t take long. They’ll take you back when we’re done.”
He had a nice voice, Ellie thought. Quite different from how she had imagined it.
“I can use my own car.”
“You could, but I’d like to save you the trouble.”
“Fine. Give me a few minutes to lock up.”
The shorter man stayed with her while she took her handbag and locked the door. The taller one went to fetch the car. Moments later a reasonably new Volkswagen Golf GTI stopped at the kerb. The shorter man opened the back door. Ellie took a few deep breaths as the driver accelerated. Her instincts seldom failed her. If this was an ambush, it would be a pity, but as Brenda had said, life is full of risks.
They wove through the late-afternoon traffic, heading for the southern su
burbs. A rap song came through the speakers. Both front windows were rolled down and her two companions had their elbows out. Now and then one of them greeted someone they passed.
Ellie kept quiet – about the fact that they weren’t paying any heed to the speed limit, too. They came to a stop in front of a large house in Rondebosch East with enough burglar bars to make it resemble a prison.
“Home, sweet home.” The shorter one got out and opened her door.
They pressed a buzzer at the gate and a few moments later the gate clicked open. In the entrance hall her eyes took a while to adjust to the gloom. The house was neat, the furnishings excessively luxurious. Her dad would have said it was new money. They walked through a sitting room and dining room to a large living room, where a man was sitting in a big easy chair. One foot was in a brace, resting on a low bench. She recognised him from the photographs in the file. He looked slightly older than his sixty years. Two other men sat facing him.
He made a slight movement, as if to get up. “Miss McKenna,” he said, extending his hand, “I’m sorry I can’t get up.”
They shook hands while the other two men got to their feet, nodded, and retired to an adjoining room, along with her two companions.
Williams motioned at a chair facing him. “Please sit.”
There was a gigantic television screen on one wall and from the number of speakers mounted on the walls she assumed there was an impressive sound system.
Ellie sat down and waited for Williams to speak.
“I’m sorry about your daddy’s death. We met a few years ago.”
She nodded. “Thank you.” Her father had never said anything about meeting Nazeem Williams, but she decided not to ask.
“I got your number from a mutual friend. I hope you can help me. I need security for a family member. It’s a little sensitive, so I didn’t want to approach just anyone.”
“If you give me the details, I’ll see if we can help you.”
Before they could continue, a slender woman entered with a tray. Ellie guessed she was in her late fifties. She had auburn hair and wore a pencil skirt and a tight red top, which showed the roll around her middle. She put the tray on the coffee table.
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