All-out war: taste of winning
It’s been few weeks since Qhawe and his team had worked on the fight back plan and executing it. Their timing seems to be impeccable as well since politics are at the centre stage at the moment and elections not far off. The news is having a field day around certain politicians and businessmen linked to an assorted of criminal activities.“Hey guys,” Themba shouts as he comes from outside to fetch newspapers from the post. “It keeps getting better,” he puts three different newspapers on the table in the lounge room. Qhawe, Zinhle and Nothemba each one to read. “Wow, ‘Politicians compromised as election campaigning is in full swing’,, Qhawe reads the headline of his paper. “Are the citizens safe from being spied on by illegal intelligence units?, Zinhle reads hers. It has a big front page of John Smith and his brother Luke Laughmberg. “What’s yours saying honey, Qhawe asks Nothemba. “Uhmm…Wide range of corrupt activities involving business people and politicians., Nothemba reads hers.
They all look at each other with some level of pleasure. They smile in satisfaction. They had needed a taste of winning just for once. They know this isn’t over by far but who said they can’t be happy just a little. They have been playing second best to Smith from the beginning.
“okay let’s see what the news have for us,” Qhawe says as he punches the remote. He is greeted by…This security company Hawk Eye has been operating for years, servicing and providing private protection for well-known people of authority. But has since emerged from the leaked documents that company registered under Luke Laughmberg, Smith's brother is a front for a rogue intelligence unit illegally operating in the interest of business people and politicians.
They all look at each other. Zinhle changes the channel and they are greeted with The five ministers implicated in a wide range of corrupt activities in the leaked classified documents have tendered their resignations. It is believed that their action is meant to ensure that the party doesn’t suffer in the polls in few months’ time, the story that is running.
The room had gone quiet when suddenly everyone started to hug another. “Wow guys this is good news for a change. But wait there’s few more channels these stories should be running,” Nothemba says with a huge sense of pride. She changes the channel, another story is running, the minister of State Security, Hlengiwe Siba has ordered an investigation on into allegations of illegal operations by a security company, Hawk Eye. This company is alleged to have links with politicians in government and business. Leaked documents reveal a trail of wire transfer between shareholders of Hawk Eye and politicians. This has lead into some of these ministers’ resignations in the last 24 hours.
“You know what, I don’t care if it’s still in the morning. I’m getting a bottle of wine.” Zinhle says as she leaves the room. “Bring me a glass too darling.” Nothemba shouts.
“Bro we might as well pour ourselves a whiskey,” Qhawe says as he pours for him and Themba. There’s cheers in the house. They have not caught a break since this saga began. They are hoping this will buy them a little bit of time to work on their next phase.
“I'm glad Hlengiwe came through on this one hey.” Zinhle says. “Well, this does buy us a little bit of time. But it’s only just the beginning. Smith won’t be happy about this.” Themba says as he downs his drink. “Smith? Are you kidding me?” Qhawe interject, “We have moved beyond Smith. How are about, the Emperor won’t be happy about this,, he downs his drink too. They keep changing the news channels, alternatively to listen to commentators and politicians’ views on this saga. So far everything is working as planned and it feels good.
***
In the cabin someone isn't happy at all about this. The Emperor is furious over these latest developments. He knows Hlengiwe is not playing all her cards, that’s how spy craft goes. It’s a matter of time before she attacks again, now that his key pawns are taken out.
“Sir I think it’s time we go a little harder on Hlengiwe and her team and finish with them once and for all,” Smith says, ashamed at even looking at his visibly angry boss. “Don’t even think about it Smith,” Locker says as he sips his whisky in deep thought. “you, Luke, your company and others are already compromised. The state is no doubt watching you closely. Clearly, Hlengiwe made her move anticipating our possible reaction so we are not going to do that, is that clear?” Locker raises his voice.
Smith looks at Luke and everyone else in the room and he sees that no one dares to protest against the boss and then he keeps quiet. Smith goes to the window and looks outside in frustration. He realises that they may have underestimated Qhawe. It seems like ages ago now when he first met Qhawe at his office for the Dann City project. Had he just let that one go, when he turned him down, they wouldn’t be in this situation, he thinks to himself.
The room is so tense and the ministers who resigned are also in the room but this time there is no entertainment, no music, no lady with a mini skirt serving behind the counter. They are here to deliberate on a fighting strategy.
“I need you guys to lay low a bit,” Locker says as he points at the ministers and business people who have been making the news lately.
“That goes for you too Smith, we can’t afford any more slip up now. These people are smart and they have the law on their side. To think that they haven’t even involved the courts in this yet the damaged they have caused,” Locker says with a low voice. “I wish I could have such a proactive team that has resources but effective with the little it has,” he says that as he raises his voice and bangs the table.
He looks at them and stands up, “I have plan. Sit tight and wait on my instruction.” He takes up his coat and walks out the door, leaving the room with deafening silence.
***
Meanwhile Hlengiwe is at the Nkosi mansion to see Qhawe. They are sitting by the pool. Themba is also there.
“So Mr. Nkosi how does it feel to win a little?” she looks at Qhawe with a smile. Qhawe smiles back at her “Well I’ve got to say it feels God damn good. Even though we know it’s not really a victory. It’s probably a much needed breather and it gives us time to plan on our move while they are preoccupied with this,” Qhawe says as he takes a sip of a fruit juice.
“Yea Qhawe is right,” says Themba. “We just opened a can of worms with these dangerous people.” He is not as relaxed as the two. He has a worried face. “You are not wrong there Mr. Cele, we have shown them that we can get our hands dirty and have certainly shown that we are capable of taking them head on,” Hlengiwe says.
“Locker will want to wrap this up just before elections so from now on he will call on all the chips he’s got,” Hlengiwe says as she stands up. She shakes Qhawe and Themba’s hands. They walk her through the gate and watch her as her convoy drive off. They go back to sitting by the pool.
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