CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 35

[KUKHOKONKE]

I ask him to sit down, trying to keep my mind calm. I'm not planning to reveal the killer just yet not before I fully understand what is going on here and what I am getting myself into. My irritation toward Josh rises sharply. Why hadn't he given me a heads-up about why he sent me here?
The old man, whom I have just learned is Mr. Motha, keeps looking at me. His eyes are sad, tired, and curious all at once. He looks like a man who wants the truth but is also scared of it. I sigh softly. I want the full story too.
"Sir… what happened to your son, if you don't mind me asking?" I ask, keeping my voice as calm as possible.
He sighs hard and leans back against the couch, like the weight of the past is pressing down on him.
"Pule died ten years ago," he begins, his voice already heavy. "He was only nineteen years old. That day, he wanted to tell me something important. Something serious."
He pauses and sighs again.
"When I came back home, I found him lying on the ground. The paramedics said it was suicide," he adds, his voice cracking slightly.
My heart sinks. I sigh softly. So this man has been searching for justice for ten years.
"I'm really sorry, sir," I say sincerely. This is painful. I swallow hard and take a sip of the whisky. I doubt I'll be able to go back to work after this meeting. I'll just call Josh and explain.
"I know you'll ask why I waited so long to get help," he continues. "I did try. I went to a healer. After he came here for two days, he disappeared. Three days later, he sent a message saying "my child killed himself and there was nothing he could do that I must move on."
He clenches his jaw.
"I believe he was paid off. Either by my wife or my brother. Those are the two people I suspect the most."
So they paid the healer off. Because Pule didn't kill himself, he was pushed. I nod slowly, my mind racing.
"Are you alone here?" I ask quietly. "Where is your family?" Walls have ears.
He nods.
"It's just me. The only person who helped me get you here is my butler. I sent him out to buy some fruit," he says, letting out a small, bitter laugh.
I laugh softly too. A sad laugh.
"I won't lie to you, sir," I say carefully. "Your life might be in danger. The person who did this is still alive and most likely still living with you."
He doesn't look shocked. Just tired.
"I'm not sure I'm fully qualified to do all of this," I admit honestly, "but I will try to help you. I want your heart to be at peace. I can feel that you've been carrying this pain alone for a very long time."
I don't even know exactly how I'll help him but I will. Because I saw it. I saw Pule being murdered.
He smiles warmly, relief washing over his face.
"Thank you," he says softly. "Anything that helps me find the truth, I will pay you any amount."
"For now, we'll talk about money later," I say. "Right now, we need a plan. I need to meet your whole family so I can be sure who did it. And please, don't tell them I'm a healer or a seer."
I shrug lightly.
"Tell them I help with insurance matters."
If they know the truth, they might target me or try to buy me off. And in my current situation, money is tempting. Very tempting.
He nods in agreement.
"Yes. We won't tell them. You'll come with Josh. You'll say you're here to ask me to donate something to the company. They won't suspect anything."
I nod.
That's better. And Josh already knows what's going on.

_

I was supposed to go to Pule's room and see how everything went down, but unfortunately the old man's butler arrived, and I had to leave. No one in that house should know about me being there, including the workers. I couldn't risk it.
But I had already asked about the man I saw in my vision, the one who pushed Pule out of the window. And I found out the truth. It was Pule's older brother. His name is Tsietsi.
So the old man is wrong. His son didn't kill himself. Or killed by his brother or wife. One son killed the other. Now the real question is why. What was Tsietsi's motive to kill his own younger brother and then stand there smiling like nothing happened?
Maybe they are all working together, the brother, the uncle, and the mother.
I will need to appease my ancestors and Ndleleni at midnight for guidance, because if this goes well, I will be paid. A lot of money. Enough to prepare for my initiation ceremony, to buy the three goats, and to build too.
I quickly send Josh a short message, then I drive into my complex.
My blood immediately starts boiling when I see a boy parked in my parking spot, leaning against his car like he owns the place. That must be Zenzele. The famous Zenzele.
I park horribly, not caring at all, and jump out of my car, heading straight toward him. He lifts his head, and his eyes widen.
"Zenzele?" I ask, pointing at him.
He looks terrified.
"I'm so sorry.." He doesn't even finish his sentence before I throw a fist at his cheek. He stumbles backward.
As I step closer, fury completely blinds me. My knees suddenly weaken, and I drop to my knees. That damn piercing sound comes back again loud, sharp, painful in my ears. I groan loudly.
Fuck this, man.
I feel someone shaking me. I sigh and slowly open my eyes. I frown.
It's Yibanathi, staring at me with worry all over her face. She's wearing a doek, a long green dress, and a scarf over her shoulders.
"Bhuti, are you okay?" she asks softly.
I look around and let out a bitter laugh, completely confused. Are we at the Zungu royal place?
I try to stand, and she helps me up. What is going on?
"Zenzele asked the workers to clean the room for you," she says. "Do you prefer the outside room or the one inside the main house? The ceremony needs to be perfect, bhuti. You promised."
Excuse me?
I raise my eyebrows. What ceremony? And why is she here?
Before I can even ask, someone calls her.
"Ndlovukazi, you are needed inside."
I blink.
She's called what?
"I'll be back, bhuti," Yibanathi says with a smile. "Just take a seat there under the tree. You'll feel calmer."
She walks away.
She's a what?
I shake my head and look around for the tree.
I spot it and walk toward it, feeling pissed, irritated, and confused all at once. There's already a bench there, with water and fruits laid out neatly. I sit down and sigh heavily.
"Yibanathi… a queen?" I mutter to myself. "You can't be serious. No. I can't believe this."
"You should believe it, Bhungane," a voice says beside me.
A woman sits next to me on the bench. I frown. I know her. I've seen her before.
"We meet again," she says calmly. Her energy is strangely peaceful.
I nod slowly.
"I know you from somewhere," I say honestly. "Please remind me."
She smiles softly.
"Look at my legs."
My eyes drop, and I gasp. I look back up at her, and she nods.
"It's you," I whisper.
"What are you doing here? Are you family?" I ask. She's the same woman I saw when Cothoza stole that monkey's paw.
"No," she says. "I'm not family. But this family stole something from me. My monkey's paw."
My brows pull together in confusion.
"Yes," she continues. "It belongs to me. And I know that if we work together, along with your ancestors and mine, we can get it back. Your nephew and your sister will be safe from the curse I put on this family."
I stare at her.
"I have no issue with your sister or her child," she adds. "My anger is with this family."
I chuckle in disbelief, grab a fruit, and start eating. Wow.
"Come on," she says. "This will help. Your sister will marry the next chief. You saw it. You heard it. Someone called her a queen."
My heart sinks.
"For her safety and your nephew's safety, we need to get that monkey's paw back. And blood will be needed. Not from your family but from Cothoza and the Zungus."
I freeze.
"How do I know you won't harm my nephew?" I ask, confused, chewing on the pear. "He's a Zungu too."
She smiles.
"Nothing will happen to Zenzele or his children," she says. "They have you. But one of the Zungus will die. Blood from them, and blood from Cothoza."
My chest tenses.
"After that," she continues, "Zenzele will get what is rightfully his. It won't be easy, but he will survive. And your sister will be by his side."
Fuck that.
"My sister is young," I snap. "She's still at school."
She stands up, still smiling, clearly amused.
"I don't make the rules," she says. "And as Bonakele once said, love is a powerful tool in this world."
She reaches for an apple. Green and juicy.
I snatch it from her hand.
"It's mine," I say firmly.
She laughs.
"See you soon," she says. "And wake up."
Suddenly, something cold splashes on my face. I gasp sharply and blink.
Yibanathi is standing over me, holding a cup, her face full of worry. I blink again, coughing.
"Bhuti, are you okay?" she asks.
Another figure steps closer.
Zenzele.
I gasp.
"Sir, can I take you to the hospital?" he asks, clearly shaken.
I scoff and sit up. I'm in my lounge.
God help me.
I rub my face. I will never find peace.
I look at them again, irritation rising fast.
Yibanathi can't be marrying this idiot.
"You'll get married," I mutter angrily.

••••

[DIAMOMD]

TK is out of danger now. Sbo is the one giving me updates, since I can't go there myself to see him. I'm afraid Konke will see another vision or something and discover the kind of people I hang out with.
Yes, we do crime here and there, but honestly, we are friends, family even. We've been through so much together for me to just dump them like this. I don't know how this is all going to work out, but it has to work out. I really hope Konke won't judge me for my past, because I meant it when I said I'm leaving crime behind. I'm focusing on my career only now, especially since I just got a promotion.
Nikky didn't come last night. She told me she was chilling with her "new family" , her words, not mine. I wasn't mad at all, because she looks genuinely happy with that good-looking madala of hers. She was even bragging about the phone and laptop I bought her. But guilt is eating me alive, knowing very well how I got those things, from stealing.
I need to come clean to her and just hope she won't get angry and dump me. I love her; her and Konke, so much. I can't lose them because of the criminal life I'm still living in the shadows.
And I'm still shocked that Konke hasn't cracked the code about me getting shot in the vision he saw. That alone tells me that everything about that attack has to do with my side hustle, not this clean job I have at the law firm.
I fetched my car yesterday, and I'm really excited to finally have my own transport. It's very important now, because I will need it a lot.
My desk phone rings. I sigh hard before picking it up.
"Good.."
"Diamond, it's me," Sno's voice says on the other side.
I feel my anger rising immediately. What does she want now?
"What do you want? I'm at work," I say rudely.
She sniffs loudly, then starts sobbing.
"I can't get hold of Nikky. She's not answering my calls or my texts," she says, crying softly.
I frown, confused.
"What did you do?" I ask. Nikky wouldn't just ignore her for nothing.
"Nothing… uhm, I didn't tell her I was meeting that demonic artist of hers," she sobs, her voice dismissive.
I scoff loudly. I haven't forgotten my mission of exposing her.
"I even went to her workplace. You know Nokuzola doesn't love me, she called security on me," she adds.
Good job, Zola. I smile to myself. I'll call her soon and give her a spin in my new car. For exposing Sno, she might be a good ally, especially since Sno's nails are deep into Hlumelo.
"So? What must I help you with?" I ask sarcastically. "Ask Nikky to call you?"
"Yes. I want to call her and tell her I'll organise something for her to meet that musician," she says.
Mxm. She's lying. She won't. She knew Nikky loved that artist, yet she met him without telling her.
"Miss, I'm really busy," I say coldly. "Deal with this issue yourself. And oh, Nikky is out of town."
I drop the call.
Nx. I hope Nikky never answers her calls again. I hate this woman.
My personal phone vibrates. A text from Sika.
My heart skips. Scared and nervous, I open it.
"TK is awake."

__

My pace is fast as I approach TK's room.
Damn his ancestors and God, they really work overtime when it comes to him. They don't play about that boy.
I push the door open without knocking and walk in.
He's already smiling, already laughing. His eyes light up the moment he sees me.
"Dee, you made it," he says, teasing like he didn't almost die.
Sbo and Tumi are already here. I walk straight to him and hug him gently, careful of the tubes and the pain he's still hiding.
"We thought we lost you," I say when I pull away. My voice cracks just a little.
He smirks, that annoying, confident smirk. "Oh, I know," he says. "What would you people have done without me?"
I laugh softly, relief mixing with anger.
"And also," he adds, "I still need to make enough money so I can marry that friend of yours," he says, chuckling.
Sbo snorts loudly. "You know she'll never look your way," Sbo says, clearly jealous, not even trying to hide it.
"Nikky thinks TK is doing criminology at Wits," Tumi adds, shaking her head.
"She doesn't need to know what kind of criminology I'm talking about," TK says, then coughs a little.
"Enough about Nikky," Sika cuts in. "She's already dating a dangerous man."
I turn and look at him, frowning.
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"What?" he shrugs. "You said it yourself. And your little boyfriend was found dead… along with his father."
My heart drops to my stomach.
"My what?" I whisper.
"Paul?" Sbo asks, turning to look at me.
Paul is dead?
"Paul is dead?" I ask, stunned. "I… I didn't know."
My hands shake as I take my phone out of my bag. I unlock it quickly, paul was arrested. I open the news and scroll, my eyes scanning frantically until I see the headline.
MASEKO FAMILY HIT WITH ANOTHER TRAGEDY AGAIN.
I gasp softly. Not much had been said, just that Paul and his father were found dead at an abandoned building. Apparently, they were involved in a human trafficking ring.
What??
I look at Sika, shaking my head.
"No… he didn't do this. Paul was arrested for kidnapping Nikky," I say, my eyes snapping back to the article.
Mnotho didn't do this? Or did he…? My mind races. He was ready to… no.
"Well," TK says casually, "I say good riddance to bad rubbish. He was dead wrong for kidnapping my girl." Ugh.
I raise my eyes and look at Sbo. He just shrugs.
"By the way, TK, you didn't tell us who shot you," Sbo says, trying to shift the topic. I'll have to ask Nikky about this… quick.
TK sighs softly.
"Just a personal beef. I'll sort it out," he says.
Sika scoffs loudly. Tumi does too.
"Don't play with us like that, you almost died, TK," Tumi says, pissed off. Really, TK is taking this lightly.
"Come on, the guy will be dealt with tonight. Don't worry about me. However…" TK looks at each of us, one by one, his tone serious now. "I found us a gig that will bring us millions," he adds firmly.
I gasp. We all look at each other, stunned.
"A gig?" Sika asks.
TK nods repeatedly.
"Is… livestock heist," TK says after a pause, looking at us again.
I chuckle in disbelief, shaking my head. He can't be serious.
"Livestock?" Sbo asks calmly.
TK nods with a smile.
"Yes, Bonsmara cattle," TK says with a grin. "Do you know how much each one goes for?"
I scroll on my phone to search, eyes widening as the price pops up. "Four?" I gasp.
"Exactly," TK laughs. "Four million each. Can you imagine the score if we pull this off?"
Sika laughs out loud.
"Four million? Impossible!" he argues, but my eyes stay glued to the screen. These cattle are expensive, very expensive.
A thrill rushes through me, my heart beating fast, my mind racing, this is a big jackpot and then Konke's voice pierces my brain.
"Don't take that job."

••••

"Thank you, Bonga, but they look expensive. You should have bought the normal jars," Nikky says, looking at Bonga.
Bonga grins.
"Well, you're selling quality products," he says, closing the boot. His eyes sparkling with pride. His dad will be gone for three whole days, three days of freedom. And yes, he'll be home alone with the serious Mtho, a thought that makes him excited.
"I know. When I come back, I need to start preparing my chillies now," Nikky says with a warm smile crossing her lips.
Bonga steps closer, careful not to crowd her too much.
"Is there anything you need? I'll get it for you, so when you come back, nothing will be hard," he says, his voice sincere. He wants to make life easier for her, this woman who somehow softened his father's heart.
Before Nikky can answer, Mnotho appears, walking toward them with a calm, gentle expression.
"Time to go, Peaches," Mnotho says gently.
Bonga wants to laugh but holds himself back. He'll have to ask his dad why he's calling Nikky "Peaches." It has to be an age thing. At least he is not calling nikky mabhebeza, he thinks and bites his lip.
Mnotho ignores Bonga's presence and opens the door for Nikky. Bonga watches as she gets in, the car door closing with a soft sound. Mnotho turns to him, eyes serious.
"I hope you won't turn my house into a casino," Mnotho whispers, quiet enough that only Bonga hears.
Bonga bursts into laughter, shaking his head.
Mnotho sucks his teeth and walks around to the driver's seat. Nikky rolls down her window, her smile bright.
"See you soon, my lovely son. Here's some money for snacks," she says, handing Bonga a ten-rand note.
Bonga takes the note and can't help himself, he laughs loudly.
"Thank you, step-mommy. And don't worry about me, I'll behave myself," he says, amusement sparkling in his eyes.
His gaze drifts to his father, who is shaking his head, a small, disapproving smile spreading on the corner of his lips.
"Have a lovely vacation! Bye!" Bonga calls out, waving happily as Mnotho starts the car. Nikky waves back, her hand graceful while his father gives only a quiet, acknowledging nod.
The car drives off, the engine fading into the street. Bonga watches them go for a minute, then looks down at the ten-rand note in his hand. He smiles softly and nods to himself.
As he thought before, as long as his dad is happy, nothing else truly matters.

.
.
.
.

Bonga finds Mtho on the lounge, stretched out and minding his own business, eating while watching TV. Bonga knows he needs to start working on that proposal he promised his dad. He knows how impulsive his father is, one day that illegal casino could burn down, just like that. So first, he needs to find a buyer, someone who won't ask too many questions, someone who won't have a problem buying an illegal casino.
He drops onto the couch and sighs heavily.
Mtho looks at him with that serious frown, the one that always feels like judgement. Bonga shakes his head slightly. No wonder this guy doesn't have a girlfriend, he thinks to himself.
"You're getting along with your Mamncane," Mtho says softly, eyes still on the TV.
Bonga frowns lightly.
"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?" he replies with a shrug.
Mtho nods slowly.
"I'm not complaining. I'm just saying Uncle looks happy. Not grumpy like he used to," Mtho says, glancing briefly at Bonga.
Bonga nods. He knows Mtho isn't lying. As soft as his dad has always been with them, he was unhappy. Always tense. Always irritated. Seeing him this carefree, this soft, this genuinely happy, it gives them joy too.
"I hope it lasts, bro. He deserves to be happy," Bonga says quietly.
Mtho pauses and places his plate on the coffee table.
"It will last as long as our family doesn't interfere. You know how judgmental they are," he says, clicking his tongue.
That familiar worry settles in Bonga's heart. He doesn't want to see his dad hurt again.
"I know, but Dad is a grown man. He'll defend his relationship with Nikky," Bonga says, forcing some hope into his voice.
Mtho nods in agreement.
"He will. He loves her. As long as my mom and your mom don't cause trouble."
That makes Bonga turn sharply to him.
"My mom?" Bonga asks, shocked, disbelief written all over his face.
Mtho nods.
"Your mother. Yes, her," he says seriously.
Bonga is confused. His mother is happily married, with kids.
"You look confused," Mtho adds, almost smug. "Or maybe you've got amnesia. Let me remind you."
Bonga scoffs and blinks.
"Your mom is always in my uncle's business. Always," Mtho says, irritation creeping into his voice. "She comes here with food and those tasteless scones, acting like you and uncle can't cook. Sometimes she comes here when things are rough in her marriage."
Bonga just stares at him, speechless.
"I'm not saying it's wrong for her to bring food once in a while," Mtho continues. "But no, she needs to learn boundaries. She is no longer my uncle's problem. She is someone else's problem now."
"Mtholephi…" Bonga starts, but Mtho raises his hand.
"I respect your mother," Mtho says firmly. "But the truth must be told. I know she'll call you or just show up unannounced, saying she brought food. And my mom does the same. It's not just your mother, both of them need to be put in their place."
Bonga just stares, stunned.
"My uncle has a woman now," Mtho continues. "They need to respect her as the woman of the house. I won't allow anyone to stress my happy uncle."
Bonga scoffs.
"As if you're not stressing him enough," he fires back.
Mtho nods, unfazed.
"I know. And I'm paying for that. But the truth still stands. If your mom or mine start trouble, we deal with them," he says calmly, picking up his plate.
Bonga gasps softly, blinking.
"Well… if Nikky turns out to be another Sthembile. God forbid, what then?" Bonga asks. The thought alone makes his skin crawl.
Mtho chuckles coldly.
"Then I guess I'll deal with her the same way I dealt with Sthembile," he says flatly.
Bonga freezes.
"What do you mean?" he asks, his voice suddenly nervous.
Mtho doesn't answer. He stays quiet, eating, eyes on his show.

••••

[NIKEZINKOSI]

I finally look at myself properly in the mirror.
Damn.
I look good. Perfect, even.
I was nervous they'd mess up the size, that the lingerie would pinch or hang wrong, but it fits me like it was made with my body in mind. Red lace, bold and wicked. The lady at the boutique said red is the colour of danger and seduction. I believe her now.
I put on deep, bloody-red lipstick, then adjust my burgundy curly bob. The woman staring back at me looks confident, wicked, fearless. The kind of woman people like to judge. A slut in the eyes of the righteous. A temptation they pretend not to crave. But seek in the shadow of death.
I slip into my red stilettos.
"Nikky…"
Mnotho's voice drifts from the bedroom, hoarse, strained, impatient.
"I'll break this chair," he warns, breath heavy. "You know I would."
I giggle softly, the sound teasing even my own ears.
He's handcuffed, only one wrist secured. The other I want free. I want it greedy. Possessive. Familiar against my skin when I get close. He's blindfolded too, which explains the yelling, the impatience, the tension sweet enough to taste.
I wanted him like this.
Helpless enough to feel it. Strong enough to want more.
Ever since I put the cuff around his wrist, he's been restless, shifting, testing his limits. And now, since he wants this "God-baked cake" so badly, I might as well serve it properly.
Wrapped in red lace.

.
.
.
.

When I walk in, he's still exactly how I left him sitting there, restrained, obedient. The blindfold is still on.
Thank God. He listened.
I move quietly across the room and switch on the vinyl player, choosing the record I got online. The soft crackle fills the space, then Keith Sweat's Nobody begins to play.
I almost chose Dance For You by Beyoncé, but no… this will do. Something from his era.
"Nikky…" he breathes out, his voice already rough.
I smile to myself.
"I'm here, baby," I say softly, dragging the words as I step closer.
I stand right in front of him now, close enough for him to feel me without seeing me. My hands lift to his face, cupping his cheeks, guiding his head up so his covered eyes face me.
"Peaches… what's going on?" he asks, swallowing hard.
His free hand finally finds me, resting on my body like he's been starving. He exhales sharply when he feels me properly, his hand sliding slowly, confidently, down to my thighs.
I lean in.
I kiss him slow, deep, not in a hurry. A kiss meant to make him forget where he is and remember exactly who he belongs to. Me.
When I pull back, we're both breathing hard.
Then I reach up and gently remove the blindfold.
He blinks once. Twice. And when his eyes finally focus on me, his breath catches.
And when his eyes finally focus on me, his breath catches.
"Nikky…" he whispers, breathless.
I step back slowly, just enough to let him see me properly. To let him take me in. All of me.
His eyes are red now, almost bloodshot. His chest rises and falls too fast. He presses a hand to it, breathing hard.
I frown immediately.
"Baby… are you okay?" I ask, moving closer. My hand reaches for his face, my touch gentle.
He looks tense. Very tense.
He shakes his head slightly.
"My chest…" he says quietly.
My heart skips a beat.
"Oh God, Mnotho," I say, panic creeping into my voice. "Are you having a panic attack?"
I turn to look for the keys, already thinking about the hospital. What have I done??
He grabs my wrist quickly.
"Just… hug me," he says softly. "I'll be fine."
Thixo.
I climb onto his lap, the chair creaking under us, and wrap my legs around him and the chair. I pull him into me, holding him tight, calming him. His face presses into my neck as his breathing slowly starts to calm.
"I'm sorry," he murmurs, letting out a small, embarrassed chuckle.
I just nod, holding him closer.
Jesus!! I'm going to kill this man one day. With my stunts.
"I'm sorry, baby," I whisper, kissing his neck, my voice shaky now. I'm nervous, my heart still racing fast.
He chuckles again, softer this time, and presses a kiss to my shoulder, slowly, reassuringly, like he's telling me he's okay without saying it outloud.
I nod slowly.
"I care about you," I say, my voice shaking.