CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 43

[MNOTHO]

Nikky is sleeping peacefully next to me. Last night, she didn't seem angry when she woke up and saw me holding her file, but I could tell she noticed that I was staring at that damn note with the manager's number. She took the file afterward, and I don't know where she put it.
I can't snoop around anymore. If she catches me, she'll be angry and I don't want that. I don't want her upset with me.
I'll just ask her nicely. I'll tell her I'm curious about the culinary school and that I want to do more research about it. That will give me easy access to that note. I won't even need my PI to dig further. I'll just call that manager myself and ask about the company's bankruptcy.
I stretch my arm and grab my phone to check the time. It's already 8 a.m. I might as well wake up and get ready for work. I won't wake Nikky, though. She slept very late, busy with her oils and sauces.
I had to wait for her and helped her a bit until she finally called it a night. Today, she'll probably be busy packing orders for her buyers.
I should take three jars and a few bottles of her sauces and drop them off at the work canteen. Yes. I need to do that.

I saw a text from Bangizwe asking if we had found the hijackers who took our truck. I couldn't answer him. I'll do it later. The insurance did pay for the damages anyway.
Truth is, I've almost forgotten about the hijacking. My life has been completely consumed by Nikky and, of course, that stupid kidnapping.
I'm still angry at Brian for letting those dogs die. They felt pain while he was busy experimenting on them. They couldn't hold on through that suffering, so they died there, on Brian's beds, in that basement.
But on the brighter side of it all, two beautiful children are alive because of their organs. Funny enough, those dogs were as healthy as oxen.
Velaphi, Richard's brother, is running for mayor. I think I should make a donation to his little campaign, put him in my pocket. He's not a threat, of course. They didn't waste time when they found Richard's and Paul's bodies. They buried them immediately. All they wanted was the inheritance, the money, and the properties those men left behind.
Thabang didn't have much anyway.
The files, the USBs, all the evidence of Richard's crimes, I locked them far away. If one of the Masekos ever comes to me, or anyone for that matter, I'll be ready. They're on my list now. Possible enemies in the future.
I can't risk Bonga or Nikky being hurt by any of them again. Donating to Velaphi's campaign is me getting closer to him. And who knows? I might gain something when he becomes mayor of that small town he's from.
I carefully slip off the bed and make my way to the bathroom.
I might as well forget about the hijacking for now and focus on getting more contracts for my company. As for Khutso's church conference, I'll donate, but I'm not attending. Nikky won't attend either. I don't even know why Bonga agreed to it. He should have just told his mother no and bought them scones and biscuits. Or let Julia be and continue baking like she always does. Clearly the church people love her baking, if they didn't, she would've stopped long ago.
"Baby, why didn't you wake me up?"
Nikky's voice is sleepy and soft as she walks in. She wraps her arms around my waist from behind, pressing her cheek against my back.
Only then do I realise I've been standing at the sink, staring at my reflection.
"You should still be sleeping," I tell her gently as I turn around to face her. "You slept very late last night."
I lift her face slightly, studying her tired eyes.
"Look at you… you need rest," I add softly, taking her hand.
She doesn't protest. She just lets me guide her back to the bedroom, trusting me completely, I like this.
Next week she'll be back at work, running around that clinic, dealing with rude patients and Pinky. She deserves this rest.
She slips back into bed and looks up at me, yawning. I smile widely.
"You see?" I whisper. "Just sleep, Peaches. I'll sort myself out."
I lean down and press a slow, gentle kiss to her forehead.
"By the way," she says quietly, her voice still filled with sleep, "when did you buy this house?"
"Hmm… I think it's been almost nine months now," I reply. I'm not even fully sure, I'd have to ask Bonga. We haven't been in Mulbarton that long.
She hums softly, raising an eyebrow.
"That's not long," she says. "Why did you change the bed then?"
I pause.
"The bed?" I ask, slightly confused.
"Yes. This bed," she says softly. "When I asked you to change it, I thought maybe you'd been sharing this house with a woman for years. You should've told me… everything here is fairly new, and no woman lived here before me," she adds, her voice carrying a hint of guilt.
I chuckle softly and sit beside her on the bed, brushing my thumb over her hand.
"Hey," I say quietly. "There was no one before you. Not here."
After Sthembile cheated and used that house with Lungani like it was theirs… after finding them together, I took all my belongings and sold that house. I wasn't going to sleep on that bed knowing what they had done on it. I couldn't.
I moved into the penthouse in Sandton with Bonga. Of course, he was with me.
Later, I realised I needed another house. A bigger one. Something closer to nature, with a calm kind of vibe. That's when we bought this place and the other one where Mtho stays.
No woman has ever stepped into this house and slept here since we bought it. No one.
Except Nikky.
This year will mark five years since I broke up with Sthembile. I avoided bringing women here because I didn't want anything that would remind Bonga of what she did. The nerve of that woman… sleeping in my bed with Lungani while my son was in the same house.
And bringing random women into your space isn't wise anyway. It complicates things. It leaves traces. It creates mess you don't need.
I frown slightly, my heart beating faster as an uncomfortable truth crosses my mind. After Sthembile, I did sleep with Lungani's wife for revenge of course and another woman I met at a conference in Cape Town.
Jesus Christ.
It was once-off. Meaningless, empty things. Things that meant nothing and left nothing behind. But still… I need to make sure that stupid once-off doesn't come back to cause problems in the future. I need to make sure those past mistakes never come knocking at my door. I won't let anything from my past touch what I have now.
I need to know where she is now. If she's married. If she's even alive.
God, a dark thought crosses my mind, it would be easier if she wasn't.
"Baby… are you hearing me?" Nikky asks softly.
I blink rapidly.
I didn't hear a word she said.
"You should have told me," she continues quietly. "Now I feel stupid… like I'm insecure or something."
She drops her gaze.
Oh no. She is none of that.
"Look at me," I say softly, holding her hands gently and firm.
She slowly lifts her eyes to mine.
"You are not insecure. You are not stupid. And you are definitely not imagining things," I say, my voice steady. "You're just a woman who wants honesty. And that's fair."
I lean closer.
"This house is clean," I say quietly. "This space is clean. I protected it. Not because I was afraid of love, but because I was tired of pain. I didn't want traces of betrayal living in my walls. I didn't want memories I'd have to explain, or ghosts that would make you doubt yourself."
I swallow, my voice lower and gentle now. "So I kept it empty and I kept it honest and clean. I didn't know who I was waiting for back then, but I knew I was waiting for something real. Something gentle. Something that wouldn't ruin the peace I was trying to rebuild."
I look at her. "And then you came. And suddenly it made sense. Why I never let anyone sleep here. Why I never filled this space with noise or bodies or temporary comfort. I was waiting, even if I didn't know it, I was waiting for you. For someone I'd want to wake up next to without shame. Someone I'd want to build a future with, not hide a past from."
My thumb brushes her cheek. "This house didn't need to be prepared for you, Nikky. It was already waiting for you."
It was waiting for her.
And without knowing it then, I was waiting for her too.
She smiles gently, her cheeks warming, almost blushing. My heart skips a beat.
I mean every word. I want to help her pick up the broken pieces, slowly, carefully, until she feels whole again. The fact that we're touching the past, just lightly, not lost in it, tells me something important. It means she's getting closer to opening up. One day, she'll tell me her story freely, without fear.
"You are the lady of this house, Peaches," I say, leaning in and placing a slow, tender kiss on her lips. "So stop worrying about the bed. If you want to change anything in this house, you can. Anything."
She giggles softly, that sound makes me feel at ease a little.
"But… I'm sorry for making you go and get this bed without asking questions," she says quietly, still smiling, a little shy too.
Good, she's smiling.
I smirk, my eyes never leaving hers.
"That's because you bully me," I tease, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
She gasps softly in shock.
"But I don't mind," I continue, kissing her other cheek, then her jaw. "You can bully me all you want. You can use me all you want, my Queen."
Her shock melts into a sweet laughter.
"Baby, you should get ready now, I don't want to hold you up," she says, giggling.
I scoff softly and nod slowly. I'll come and check up on her later. She needs to rest.
I stand up and remember that I should ask her about the file.
"Where's that file? I didn't read much about that culinary school you want to go to," I say, keeping my voice gentle instead of curious.
She stretches her arms, pulls up the cover, and rests on the pillows, gazing at me.
"I burned that file, baby," she says.
I blink rapidly.
"Why… what?" I stutter. Oh my goodness.
She nods.
"Yes, it's the past, Mnotho. I should leave it behind. If I want to look for a different school, I will. Don't worry, I don't want anything to tie me up with Sphephelo," she says warmly.
I gasp softly, shaking my head. Here goes my chance of calling and finding out about her father's company… wait a minute.
"Sphephelo?" I ask.
"Yeah, the ex-fiancé," she answers, dismissively.
Oh, she amazes me this morning. She just told me that bastard's name. I don't know if I should ask more about him, or just let it go. I decide to let it go.
"Oh, baby, before I forget, I'm going to use your bank card. I need an outfit for Friday night," she says.
I turn around and look at her.
"My friend, Snothando, is hosting us. She'll be inviting her artists and some famous people she's managing," she adds.
Snothando… She always mentions her. I wonder when I'll meet her. I've already met Diamond, and she's a person I can trust Nikky with. I need to meet this other friend.
"When am I meeting your friend?" I ask, curiously.
She shakes her head.
"Not now. She's best friends with my mom, and if she says something now, it will make it hard for you to meet my mom properly. I want to do this introduction the right way," she says.
Mmh… makes sense. But that Snothando too, She's a suspect as well.

••••

[DIAMOND]

Last night, Konke informed me about a portable safe he found from that family he's helping, uncovering the truth about their late son. He was telling me how he needs to find someone he can trust to unlock it and see what that boy wrote or left behind for his father. I told him I know someone trustworthy who will help him and that person is me. Of course, I will help him, and he doesn't know that person is me. He thinks I will bring an expert or someone, but no, it's me. If he starts asking questions, I will lie my way out as always. I will lie until he gets a vision about me telling him I'm a lawyer who does criminal activities as a side hustle.
Tonight is the night. Tumi gathered enough about Mafika and Mehluko, just lowlife kasi losers who thought they could abuse my sweet, hardworking man like that. We will steal everything, no matter how useless it is, and give it out for donation. We'll even take their little cars they drive. Mafika is with Mehluko, so I guess he's visiting him, and Mehluko has a girlfriend, we won't harm her poor girl, shame that she's dating a loser.
I'm driving to the spot to meet my boyfriend. Chris, who seems to like me now, thanks to Mnotho. I don't know what Mnotho said to him, but it worked. I'm a sweetheart at that firm, so I'm using that to my advantage, it's not even my lunchtime.
My GPS tells me I have arrived in an open land. Did I write the… oh, I spot Konke's car inside. I drive in and park next to his. I jump out of the car, the houses are gorgeous here. How did Konke even know about this spot?
He's inside the car. I knock on the window, and it slides down. His face softens when he meets my eyes, my heart skips a beat, as always, when he looks at me like this. I step aside as he hops out of his car. Isn't he supposed to be at work too? He gives me a hug.
"Thembalami," he says softly. I love that, he should always call me that.
I pull away from the hug, my chest still warm from his closeness. I don't know if we're allowed to kiss, he's fasting, and I respect that but my mind races. What will happen when his spiritual work demands more of him? Long hours, strict rituals, people seeking his guidance, will I feel left behind? Will the distance grow between us without him even meaning it? Because I love him, I really do, the pull I'm feeling is so strong, so powerful, that I know I'll break apart if something ever happens between us. I imagine him giving so much of himself to others, pouring energy, time, and care into his duties, while I stand on the sidelines, waiting for moments that are passing and few. Can our love survive that? Can I support him fully and not let my own needs grow into resentment or doubt? I know it will ask more from both of us, and I wonder if the bond we have now, strong and tender as it is, will be enough to hold us steady. Somehow, I guess we'll have to talk about it, to plan for it, to make sure that when the world calls him away, our hearts don't drift apart.

As I'm about to say something, he suddenly pulls me closer. Our lips meet in a long, deep, passionate kiss. His hands slide to my waist, pressing me against him, while mine move through his hair, tugging him closer. My breath catches as our tongues dance together, teasing and exploring, igniting a fire that leaves us both trembling. I moan softly, wanting more, and feel him shiver against me, the heat between us almost unbearable.
The kiss deepens, slow and demanding, and we pull apart, both of us panting, hearts racing, hungry for more. I sigh softly.
"Won't that get you into trouble?" I ask, still breathing hard.
He chuckles and drops a gentle kiss on my forehead.
"I'm crossing boundaries," he says jokingly. I laugh a little. I hope it won't get him into trouble, he will be stressed out by the underground gang.
He looks around.
"Where's the person? You said you'd bring someone," he asks, gazing at me.
I bite my lip softly.
"I am that person, love," I say quietly.
He frowns, raising his eyebrows.
"You?" he asks, shocked.
I nod, rapidly blinking. I hope he won't be mad or upset.
He pauses for a moment, then smiles a little.
"Okay, let's see what you have in store for me, Diamond," he says, moving to the boot. I follow him slowly, staying just behind.
We pause at the boot, and he opens it.
"Here it is," he says, pointing. I nod. Old safes are easy, unlike the new ones.
"Let me go grab my materials," I tell him and head to my car, just a small nail clipper bag with clips and hair clippers. And some few tiny materials to unlock this. I grab it and leave the door open, making my way back to him.
I place the bag inside and bend slightly, turning my head to him.
"It will take a few minutes," I say softly.
He laughs, amused, and nods.
"Who taught you this?" he asks, curiosity clear in his voice. I had known this question would come.
"We were naughty kids with Sbo," I explain softly. "We used to sneak out at night. The windows had burglar bars, so we'd use anything we could find to try and unlock doors… hairpins, paperclips, bobby pins, even thin wires lying around. Sometimes old screwdriver tips, nail files, or small tools from Uncle Bob's old toolbox. Anything that could fit into a lock and turn, we'd try it. We got pretty good at it, actually."
That's a half-truth and a half-lie. And I realise too late that I've said too much.
"Mmmh, naughty kids," he says, chuckling.
I focus on the task at hand, working gently on the safe. I wonder where the key is, I'll ask him later. For now, I try using the thicker wires, carefully guiding them inside. I lean closer, placing my ear against the metal, listening for the faint click. One try. Another. My fingers stay steady. After several attempts, there it is, a soft, satisfying click.
I close my eyes in relief.
When I look up, Konke is smiling at me.
"Is it unlocked?" he asks, leaning closer.
I lift my head, place the wires aside, and slide the safe towards him.
"Open it," I say softly.
He exhales, places his hand on the handle, and twists it. The safe opens. He gasps quietly and looks at me with wide eyes.
"You are the best," he says in awe.
I scoff softly. He reaches inside and pulls out a notebook or a journal and an old phone.
"Can you hack phones too?" he asks jokingly.
Oh, how I wish.
"No, I don't," I say with a smile.
He keeps staring at the items, still amazed.
"These things have been locked in here for ten years," he says quietly. "That old man will finally know the whole truth."
It hurts to think about, but at least justice will be served.
He opens the journal slightly, then pauses. Gently, he places both the journal and the phone back inside the safe, without closing it.
"You won't read?" I ask, curious.
He turns to me and shakes his head.
"No," he says calmly. "I want the father to be the one who opens it. I'll call him and ask him to meet me here."
My heart softens. My lover, he is kind.
"And thank you, Thembalami," he adds with a smile. "Are you sure you're not a gangster at night?" he jokes, kissing my cheek.
I almost freeze but I pull myself together. He's joking. I know that. Even though it's closer to the truth than he realises.
"Whose place is this?" I ask, quickly changing the subject.
He smiles widely and pulls me closer.
"Our place," he says proudly.
Our place?
"Really?" I ask, surprised.
He nods.
"Remember the land I told you I wanted to buy? This is it. It will be fully ours soon."
He looks so happy. So sure. I look around, the space is big, surrounded by trees, peaceful, exactly the kind of nature-filled place he wants.
I'm proud of him.
"I want to meet the old man here," he says, thinking aloud. "I'm afraid his family, or the older son, might follow him."
My stomach drops.
This place is beautiful, yes, but quiet. A quiet neighbourhood.
"Love, you can't meet him here," I say, my voice filled with worry. "Maybe at Y3. It's safer. There are people there. That son won't try anything with so many eyes watching."
I'm almost begging now.
He studies me for a moment, like he's reading straight through me.
"Are you scared they'll chop my body and bury me far away?" he jokes lightly.
I don't like that at all. I frown, my mood dropping instantly.
"Konke, I'm serious," I say firmly.
He laughs softly, then kisses my lips, slow and reassuring.
"I won't be harmed, Diamond," he says gently. "But to keep you at ease, I'll call him and meet him at Y3."
Relief washes over me.
"That's better," I whisper.
"I love you, Kukhokonke," I say, meaning it, with every fibre of my body.

.
.
.
.
.

My phone is off. I didn't go back to the flat, afraid I might find Nikky there. Last night, I was indeed working late, and I informed her. She said she would sleep at Mnotho's house because she didn't want to be lonely. I switched off my phone to avoid her calls. I've been lying to that girl far too much. She probably thinks I'm at the firm, not somewhere in a township doing this kind of work.
It's exactly 1 a.m. when we park Sika's truck next to Mehluko's gate. The street is quiet, good people are asleep. The only people who might be awake at this hour are criminals and witches.
Sika is here, of course, to drive one of the cars later. He said he wants to strip it and sell the parts at his auto shop.
The gate is normal, nothing fancy, no electric fence, no security codes.
We put on our balaclavas and gloves.
"Our work will be fast and easy," Sika whispers.
Of course.
I take out my wires, the same ones I used to unlock Konke's safe, and start working on the gate. I've been calling Konke every hour to check up on him. He told me he couldn't meet the old man earlier, there was a crisis at work but he promised to meet him tomorrow. That's good. I'll be available. I'll make sure I go to Y3 and pretend I'm opening a life cover for my aunt.
A click. Successfully unlocked.
I smirk to myself. I really do have talent.
We push the gate wide open as Tumi drives the truck inside. Once the truck is fully in, we close the gate behind us.
"They don't even have dogs?" Sika whispers, laughing softly.
I scan the place. No cameras. What a fool. I spot the cars, no garage either.
"Let's get to work, ladies," Sika says.
Unlocking the burglar gate and the front door is easy, almost boring. We leave them wide open. Tumi has a rope we will use to tie them so they won't make noise. We step into the lounge.
When we switch on the lights, we're greeted by expensive couches, a big TV, a TV stand, massive speakers, everything a show-off would buy.
"We're taking all of this," I whisper.
We move fast, careful not to make unnecessary noise. The three couches go onto the truck first, followed by the TV, speakers, and TV stand. While Tumi and Sika collect the remaining items from the lounge, I head to the kitchen.
I frown. None of this interests me.
I turn toward the bedroom instead.
The door is closed. I open it gently and I'm welcomed by loud snoring. Nx.
I step inside quietly and take out my gun. It must be Mafika. He's sleeping alone, no woman beside him. I walk closer to the bed and switch on the lamp.
His mouth hangs open, completely careless.
This fool.
I try to wake him with the gun, nudging him. He doesn't wake, just turns to the other side. I frown and punch him hard in the face.
That wakes him.
He gasps, eyes wide, confused.
"Shh," I whisper, pointing the gun at him.
He whimpers.
"You scream, I'll shoot," I say, my voice deep and cold.
He nods repeatedly.
"Get out of the bed," I command.
He does exactly as he's told, shaking like a leaf. I point toward the door and follow him out. Tumi rushes in with a rope.
He stops when she reaches him.
She ties his hands and legs quickly and pushes him down. He lands on his side, whimpering softly.
I hear a car starting outside, Sika must be moving things already.
We still need the beds, the clothes, everything.
"Go get the tape," I whisper to Tumi.
She moves fast, returning from the lounge and sealing Mafika's mouth shut. We leave him there and rush to the next bedroom.
The door opens easily.
They're fast asleep too. It feels like God Himself is on our side tonight.
We switch on the lamps.
Mehluko is holding Sne, shame, a so-called power couple.
I press the gun against Sne's cheek. She stirs slightly, but Mehluko wakes up first.
"Yee…"
Tumi shuts him up with a hard slap. Sne's eyes fly open, wide with terror, like a goat about to be slaughtered.
"Don't make a sound," Tumi says firmly.
Sne freezes.
Tumi kicks Mehluko off the bed. He crashes onto the floor, groaning. She doesn't stop, she drags him across the floor and out of the room.
I'm left alone with Sne. Shame.
I should put the gun away, but we can't risk her screaming. Not tonight.
"You move, you scream, I'll kill you," I say in that same deep voice.
She nods again and again.
I grab their phones quickly. I signal for her to get off the bed.
We need that bed too.

As Sne trembles and hops off the bed, Tumi storms back in and grips her arm tightly. I thought we were going to be nice.
"Ginger, make it fast. We need to move," Tumi says, dragging Sne out.
I almost laugh at the name Ginger. That's our secret code. I leave the gun and the phones on top of the bed and rush to the wardrobe. It's full of Sne's clothes.
I open the first drawer,bras. The second, panties.
And then… a big brown envelope, hidden underneath the panties.
I take it out and empty it onto the floor.
Pictures scatter everywhere.
Pictures of men. I frown and kneel down.
What the hell!!!
The lamps are bright. I can see clearly.
There's a picture of Mehluko with her.
And I freeze. Konke?
Smiling, holding an award.
My stomach drops. I pick it up, hands shaking.
Sne's face is covering the person standing next to Konke.
What the fuck?
I look down at the other pictures. It's the same thing. Different men.
And in every single one, her face is blocking the person beside them
Some of them have red crosses on them, oh, this crazy bitch!!
I shoot up, grabbing my gun.
She will talk.