Blindside

by Wilna Adriaanse

  “Mavis, this is Miss McKenna from the security company I told you about. She’s here to see if she can help us.”

  Ellie got up, put out her hand. “Pleased to meet you, Ma’am.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Miss. Oh, I hope you can help us. We’re sitting with such a problem.” When she had poured the tea, she offered Ellie and her husband biscuits from a plate, before sitting down herself.

  “Mavis’s niece, maybe you’ve heard of her, is a model. Clara Veldman. She’s in a relationship with a man by the name of Enzio Allegretti. You may have heard of him too.” The way Williams watched her when he said the name made her realise it would be no good denying it.

  Ellie nodded. “If I’m not mistaken, he owns a nightclub in Green Point.”

  “That’s him. Anyway, he wants our little Clara to move in with him. It’s a world she knows nothing about, Miss, and she’s very young. Of course we don’t approve, and neither does her mother, but what can we do? Today’s youngsters do as they please. Her daddy left them years ago and her mother is very concerned. She won’t rest unless she knows someone is keeping an eye on the girl. I promised to try to arrange it. We don’t have any children ourselves, so Clara and the other children in the family are like our own.”

  “What kind of service do you expect, Mr Williams?”

  “Clara’s work necessitates a lot of driving. I’d rest easier if she had a driver. As I’ve said, she’s very young and she thinks the city is a great place. When they go out at night, I want someone to look out for her and see that she gets home safely. As far as I know, there’s accommodation on the premises.”

  “Have you spoken to Mr Allegretti? He’d obviously have to agree, because it would be an invasion of his privacy. He might want to make his own arrangements to protect her.” Clive had warned her not to sound too eager.

  “That may be so, but my daddy taught me that no one looks after your interests the way you do yourself. Unfortunately I can’t do the job myself, but I can find a trustworthy person to do it for me.”

  “Everyone in our employ is trustworthy. I think you’ll be satisfied with our service.”

  “Maybe you misunderstood. I was under the impression that you would be personally involved. We’d make it worth your while, of course.”

  Ellie looked at the man in front of her and wondered whether their intelligence could be wrong. He looked no different from any normal worried father, uncle, or grandfather. For a moment she wondered if he’d had anything to do with her dad’s death. She blocked the thought before it could go any further.

  She sipped her tea. “As you probably know, I haven’t been in the business long. But some of our other staff members have been in the industry for years. They’re very experienced.”

  Williams looked at his wife. “Mavis, shouldn’t you have left already?”

  She looked at her watch. “You’ll have to excuse me, Miss. I work at a soup kitchen and night shelter and they’re expecting me.”

  “Thanks for the tea and the lovely biscuits.”

  “It’s a pleasure. I’ll leave the packet on the dining-room table. Nazeem, see that the young lady takes it along when she leaves.”

  “Thank you, Ma’am, I appreciate it. I think the last time I tasted such lovely spicy biscuits was when my grandma was still alive.”

  When his wife had left the room, Nazeem Williams’s expression changed.

  “Miss McKenna, I didn’t want to say too much in my wife’s presence, but I think you and I both know the kind of man Enzio Allegretti is. If I could have my way, Clara would never see him again, but … I’m wasting my breath. All I can hope is that she realises her mistake before it’s too late. I don’t trust him to look after her. I’m looking for someone who understands what this is about without my having to spell out the details.”

  Ellie wondered exactly what Albert had told him about her.

  “Can you give me a day or two to speak to my boss and see what we can do about the office admin? That’s my responsibility as well.”

  “She’s dead keen to move in, so I hope you won’t disappoint me. While you’re here, I’d like to introduce her to you.” He didn’t wait for her answer. “Reggie, tell Clara I want to see her.”

  Reggie must have been within hearing distance because he answered immediately. Moments later a young woman entered the room. Ellie had seen photos of her, but she was even more beautiful in the flesh. She could understand why Clara had caught Allegretti’s eye. He’d always had taste for beautiful women. What caught Ellie off-guard was Clara’s unaffected appearance and how young she looked. If Clara had been her daughter, she would have been worried too.

  Williams made the introductions. Clara sank down onto the chair opposite Ellie’s and smiled at her. “I suppose Uncle told you he doesn’t trust my new boyfriend, so I have to be looked after. I’ve told him there’s no need, they’re people just like us, but he won’t listen. I don’t know what he thinks is going to happen to me.”

  Ellie suppressed the instinct to name a few things that might happen to her if she got mixed up with Allegretti.

  “I don’t think it’s that he doesn’t trust Mr Allegretti. He probably just wants to make sure you’re safe. Mr Allegretti is a well-known person and it’s common knowledge that he’s wealthy. That often attracts unsavoury characters. Be glad you have relatives who care for you.”

  Ellie thought she sounded like a headmistress lecturing a stubborn child. The fact that she was singing Nazeem Williams’s praises made her want to laugh.

  “I don’t mind, but Enzio has people looking after him. It can’t be nice for him, knowing my family don’t trust him.”

  “I don’t owe him anything and I don’t care what’s nice for him. I promised your mother I’d look after you.” Williams’s voice was unexpectedly sharp.

  “Yes, Uncle.” Clara looked at Ellie. “Enzio will want to meet you. I can’t expect him to welcome a complete stranger into his household.”

  “Fair enough. As soon as I’ve sorted out my affairs, you can arrange a meeting. We’ll work out something that’s acceptable to both parties.”

  “When will that be?”

  “I told your uncle in a day or two.”

  Clara got to her feet. “It was nice meeting you.”

  Once they were alone again, Williams gave a loud sigh. “Raising children is no joke. They give you such a hard time.”

  Ellie wondered whether she was trapped in an absurd dream. Either the police’s information about Nazeem Williams was completely wrong, or he was one of the best actors she had ever come across.

  She took a notebook and pen from her handbag. “You mentioned just now that you’re looking for someone to drive her around and keep her company. I need a few details to do a risk assessment. I’ll have to take a look at Mr Allegretti’s home. I’ll also need to know whether Miss Veldman has any health issues, and the places she regularly visits, like hair salons, restaurants, and so on.”

  “Miss McKenna, these are not normal circumstances. I don’t think we need to do any long-term planning right now. Let’s just get the child there and see how it goes. Unfortunately it will mean that you’re going to be reasonably occupied for a week or three, but I assure you I’ll make it worth your while. Do what you have to do, but please move into that house with that child.”

  “You wouldn’t prefer a male officer?”

  He looked her squarely in the eye. “I’m looking for someone who understands the situation. I’ve been led to believe you’re that person.”

  She nodded. “Let me see what I can arrange. We’ll talk soon.” She looked at her watch and got to her feet. “I’m afraid I have another appointment.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you so long.” He called over his shoulder: “Reggie, Miss McKenna is ready to go. There’s a packet of biscuits that Auntie left for her on the dining-room table.”

  Ellie shook his hand and promised to call.

  The taller one did the driving
again. Evidently Reggie was the shorter one, who had opened the door for her. On their way back to the city she gazed through the window pensively.

  “I hear you’re a cop.”

  At first she wasn’t sure if he was talking to her, but when Reggie looked over his shoulder, she saw the inquiring look on his face.

  “I was, but I’m not any more.”

  “I think I would’ve been a damn good cop,” the taller one remarked.

  Reggie grunted. “You reckon!”

  “I have a nose for people who are up to shit.”

  “You’re young enough. Why don’t you join?” Ellie asked.

  The two looked at each other and the taller one laughed. Reggie gazed through the window.

  “Maybe one day.”

  “What do you know about the Italian?” Reggie asked, and Ellie wondered if she was imagining the brusque tone in his voice.

  “Mr Allegretti?”

  “Him, yes.”

  “I know he owns a club in Green Point.”

  “That’s all you know?”

  “Yes.”

  They wove through the traffic too fast, and Ellie was glad when they stopped at the office. They said goodbye and she watched the car speed away.

  The smells coming from the small kiosk on the corner suddenly made her mouth water. She crossed the street, ordered a chicken wrap and sat down on the steps of the museum. It was chilly, but she needed fresh air to help her think. The square was almost deserted. Here and there a stallholder was still packing up his wares. She had hardly taken the first bite when Happy sat down beside her.

  “I see we don’t know our old friends any more. But I must say, I had to take second look myself.” He pointed at her hair. “I forgot you’re a darkie now.

  “You didn’t tell me you’re part of the neighbourhood now,” he continued. “If I hadn’t noticed we have our own security company, I wouldn’t have known.” He stared at her food and she took money from her purse.

  “I want to see you buy food with it.”

  “What else would I do with it?”

  After a while he sat down beside her again. “Have you had a career change, or are you just visiting?”

  “I resigned. I’m working for the security company now.”

  “Well, then I might just live a bit longer.”

  “Does that mean you’re not going to give information to any­one else?”

  He chewed for a while before he responded. “I’ll see. That partner of yours is a difficult customer. I don’t like working for him. The two of us,” he said, pointing at her, “make a good team.” They chewed in silence for a while. “What I don’t understand is that you milked me for information about Mr Williams just the other day, and next thing you’re getting into a car with two of his men and off you go, like old buddies.” He looked at her, took another bite and chewed slowly. “I don’t stick my nose into other people’s business, but I know when something’s not right.”

  “Have you been watching me?”

  “Where would I find the time? I just happen to see what’s going on.”

  When she didn’t answer, he leaned back against the steps. “Just saying. I bust my gut to get you guys info, I put my life in danger and then you breeze in here one day and start driving around with Williams’s dogs. Tell me what I’m supposed to think.”

  Ellie looked away. If Williams was only half as sharp as Happy, their plan was doomed before they’d made a single move, and her life was probably not worth much.

  “You don’t have to know why I resigned. It’s personal. The owner of the security company offered me a job. I definitely don’t have enough money to sit around at home, and I believe I can do the work. Mr Williams approached us about a job he wants done. Apparently he likes the fact that I used to be a cop. He believes I might be better trained than the others. Satisfied?”

  He raised his hand. “No need for that tone of voice. I was just telling you what it looks like from my side.”

  “And I’m telling you my side, not that it has anything to do with you. At the moment I don’t have the luxury to decide who I want to work for. If the boss says we’re working for Williams, then I have to work for him. I’m not going to do anything illegal.”

  He rubbed his head, then looked at the food she hadn’t finished. She gave it to him.

  “Thanks. I don’t know why I’m so hungry today.”

  She sat beside him while he ate.

  “So, I scheme I don’t have to put my life at risk to get you info any more.”

  “I’m sure my ex-colleagues would appreciate your help. They pay well, don’t they?”

  He laughed. “When last did you look at the inflation rate? Everything just gets more expensive. I’m struggling to keep my head above water.”

  “A lot of people struggle.”

  “Does the job for Mr Williams have anything to do with his wife’s niece and that Italian stallion?”

  Ellie couldn’t help laughing. “Where did you get that from?”

  “I get around. I still have family in the Berg. I don’t know about you whiteys, but my people like to gossip. A lot of it is bullshit. Everyone wants to hear his own voice, whether he has something or fuck-all to say. They talk. Most of them are just parrots.” He ran his hand over his head again.

  “And what are the people saying about the niece and the Italian stallion?”

  “That Williams is pissed off about it, but I scheme … it could be an opportunity for him as well.”

  “An opportunity for what?”

  He rubbed his head again. “How should I know? Connections are a big thing these days.” He got up. “I’ve got to go. See you around.”

  She followed him with her eyes. Before she got to know him and Brenda and some of the others who kept their ears to the ground for information they could sell, they were just part of the faceless mass. Only when you looked someone like Happy in the eyes did you realise that the featurelessness was a convenient illusion. A protective mechanism. Once you noticed them as individuals, their faces could keep you awake until the early hours.

  Happy crossed the square as if he owned the place. Stopped to chat or share a joke. His clothes were too big for his skinny body. They made him look bigger than he was. According to Clive, he would kill his own mother for small change. At times Ellie had seen an expression in his eyes that had frightened her, but she had also seen a flicker that had made her believe he wouldn’t do it. He was many things, but she liked to believe that he wouldn’t take a life. Her grandma would have said he and Brenda were cut from the same cloth. They were like actors who played the roles the world wanted to see, while they made certain that no one saw what was really going on inside them.

  When she got home a while later, Ellie went to the bathroom, turned on the taps and phoned Clive from the unlisted cellphone.

  “I think Williams took the bait.”

  “What happened?”

  She told him and they talked a while. Then she got undressed, lowered herself into the bath and soaked in the hot water. She put on her pyjamas, took the whisky bottle from the cabinet and filled a glass with ice cubes. She poured whisky over the ice and noticed a slight tremor in her hands. She gulped down the first drink, poured another, and sat down on the sofa with the glass and the bottle.

  Sometime after midnight she took a pair of scissors from the drawer and began to cut off her hair, piece by piece. When she had finished, the basin was full of long, dark strands. She looked at the unfamiliar face in the mirror, then sank down to the floor. Somewhere behind her, she could still see him standing. She raked her nails in long scratches down her arms.

  Zondi and Ahmed, even Clive, had advised her to talk to someone. But what could she say? How could a child explain the relationship she had with a parent or why she’d been closer to one parent than the other? She didn’t understand it herself. It had probably happened automatically. As a teenager she had blamed it on her mom’s drinking, but today she knew it wasn’t that sim
ple. She could remember a time when her mother wasn’t drinking, yet she’d preferred to take her problems to her dad. He was the first to hear about her joys and disappointments. Her mom often accused her of putting her dad on a pedestal when, in reality, he had feet of clay.

  How could she talk about these things with a stranger? When she spoke about her father, she would also have to speak about her mother, and she didn’t want to. She didn’t want to know whether her father had had feet of clay, either. Or that he might not have been a good husband. There was nothing she could do about it. Sometimes things just are what they are.

  He had been her compass all her life. You don’t mess around with your true north, because once you lose it, you may never find your way back. And now, more than ever, she needed to know where she was going.

  CHAPTER 14

  It was early morning and Nick stood on the rocks below the apartment. A fine mist covered the ocean. He listened to the phone ringing in his ear.

  “Where the hell have you been? You were supposed to call four days ago.” Monica Blake, senior intelligence analyst with Interpol in Pretoria, was talking in her usual rapid-fire style.

  “I had nothing to report.”

  “Three years, Nicky. What have I been teaching you for three years? To call, regardless. Are you in Cape Town?”

  “Yes …”

  “How’s our good friend Allegretti?” she interrupted him. “Still the sexy archvillain?”

  “He has his problems, like all of us. He didn’t look very happy to see me and he makes sure I’m nowhere near him when he talks on the phone. I suspect he’s scared I’ll tell the old man what he’s up to.”

  “It’s no good if he doesn’t trust you. Then you may as well come back and see what we can find out via Papa.”

  “Patience, my dear Monica. You should know by now that I’m a very popular and useful man.”

  “Ah, that arrogance I love so much. How’s your girlfriend?”

  “That’s a big word. Stop teasing. She’s not happily married, she says, and only did it so that the two families could keep their secrets among themselves.”