Double Jeopardy
Chapter 27
NQABA CELE
It's been a few day since I had my son home and it has been the best few days we've had in a while and it hasn't been the easiest either. Lwandle has been affected by this whole kidnapping thing. Milani has no idea what he put Lwandle through by kidnapping him. I'm sure the shots that were fired traumatized him. I spend as much time as I can with him and assuring him that he is safe, that no one will take him away again. Mandla called earlier telling we've got a court date and that is tomorrow. Finally I am going to get all this behind me and move on with my life. I'll be going to work as soon as the court clears me. I need to start getting myself into a routine again.
I also heard that Milani was out. She is going to await trial while she is out. I'm sure Emihle's father has everything to do with her being out.
I can't shake the unease that's settled over me since learning about Milani's release. I keep replaying her twisted smile from last time we met, the way she confidently walked away, believing she had the upper hand. My heart races at the thought of her making moves, plotting something while I'm caught up in family matters. Lwandle needs stability; he needs to know his father is in control, not a woman willing to risk everything for revenge. Mandla's voice echoing in my head, reminding me to stay focused, to not let emotions cloud judgment.
As I tuck Lwandle in for the night, I can't help but notice the shadows in his eyes, the questions he doesn't ask. They linger like ghosts, haunting our home. "Daddy, what if she comes back?" he finally whispers, sending a chill down my spine. I reassure him, telling him that he is safe, that I will protect him no matter what. I continue to tuck him in and tell him his favorite story until he falls asleep. But my resolve falters as I think of Milani. What if she tries to use him against me again?
The court date tomorrow feels like a double-edged sword. On one side, the promise of freedom and closure; on the other, the reality that Milani could still very well weave her web of deception even from outside the prison walls. If she has the kind of dirt information about me that I suspect, it would only take one misstep for everything to tumble down. I can't afford to lose everything I worked hard for because of her.
"Hold it together, Nqaba," I remind myself as I pace the floor. My phone buzzes – a text from Mandla. **"Be careful. We're in this together. Tomorrow you'll be gaining your freedom."** His words resonate as I grasp the reality: I need to make strategic choices, play the long game. Keep Milani away from Lwandle.** "I have more good news for you."** That's another text from Mandla. What other good news could he have for me. I hope Milani has signed the divorce paper. That's the only good news I need to hear right now. Another text comes through from Mandla, **"Milani signed. You are now officially single."** He has attached laughing emojis. Finally. I guess the detective was right. I wonder how the got her to sign. It doesn't matter as long as she signed the papers. I have to do something Mandla to thank him. He has been great and not once did he give up on me. Even when I could see he wanted to but he kept fighting for me.
Tomorrow will decide everything, but tonight, I pray that the truth will set us free.As I sit in the dark, my mind races with scenarios. If I confront Milani, would she admit her role? Or would she turn the tables, paint me as the villain in her tragic narrative? The thought gnaws at me. I know all too well how easily perceptions can be twisted; I've been at the mercy of others' manipulations myself.
My phone vibrates again, this time a call from Mbhele. **"Nqaba," he says cautiously,"There are murmurs that Milani's already been back in touch with some of Mnqobi's networks."** My grip tightens around the phone. **"What do you mean Mnqobi's networks?"**
"It looks like she's trying to win over some allies. She's trying to make a play, and it's dangerous. You need to be careful; that could mean any number of things,"** he warns. I can hear the concern in his voice, but I also sense a hint of fear, perhaps even guilt. He's still thinks he could have done to prevent what Milani did. He still think they should have anticipated it and not down play it.
**"Damn it. I knew we were not done with her games. What are my options?" I pause, contemplating the weight of my next words. "I should have killed her when I had the chance." I know what he is going to say. "You woud have been in jail. You wouldn't be in court tomorrow for your freedom, you would there for our sentencing. Look I was just keeping you in the loop of what's going on. You don't need to worry about it. We have this handle. Detective Nxele is coming by for a visit next week. He might pop in to see you as well. Look take care of your kid, keep him safe and we'll deal with Milani. Eddie and Sipho are still on this case. We still need to put Malusi behind bars and we are close."** we continue chatting and eventually say you goodbyes.
As I lay my head down on my pillow, I remind myself why I'm doing this: for Lwandle, to protect his future from the ghosts of our past, from his mother. It pains to feel the need to protect my child from his mother. The person that should have been showing love. That thought fuels me, and I drift into a restless sleep. The hours drag on in fitful dreams, each one a reminder of Milani with her cold smile turning into a sinister laugh.
Morning breaks, casting light into my dimly lit space, and I dress with purpose. Today feels different; it feels pivotal. I drive with determination to the courthouse, the weight of the world on my shoulders. The moment I step inside, I am met with the hushed voices of attorneys and the echo of footsteps—everyone is preparing for a showdown.
Mandla is already there, flipping through notes. "Hey don't look so nervous. Today is just a formality. Nothing will change. You are a free man. Try to relax ok." His eyes dart to the entrance cautiously as if expecting someone. He turns to look at me again; "Did you hear from Milani?" He asks me, my throat tightens with apprehension before I could utter any words. "No I haven't. She's been quiet ever since. I prefer it that way." I tell him
"Do you think she'll make an entrance. She always does. It would be stupid to do that," he asks, his gaze steely. As the minutes tick down, my heart pounds, each second echoing like a countdown. The court room feels like a pressure cooker, and the prospect of Milani unleashes a tempest within me. I hate she is making me feel. I hate that I always have to worry about her showing up.
Somehow, I feel her presence even before she walks in, that electric tension slicing through the air. She really does thrive on chaos. And now, it seems, she's ready to unleash a storm. As I prepare for whatever lies ahead, one thing becomes certain: this battle is far from over. "What is she doing here Mandla? This woman loves causing havoc in my life. I hope she won't do anything stupid."
"Don't worry about her. She is probably just here for the show. Just ignore her. We are here for you not her. I mean we were just talking about her. Just ignore her." Just then judge walk in and everything continues smoothly, with the judge officially declaring me a free man. The criminal record will be expunged and removed completely in my name. This makes me a happy man. Surprisingly Milani behaved, didn't cause any drama. She walked out of the courtroom quietly. Mandla has also filed the divorce papers, that should be finalized in a month. I have just decided that I am not going to worry about Milani. I am going to focus on my life and Lwandle. This a new chapter in our new book without Milani. Maybe I should ask Mandla to help me with a restraining order. I need to do everything I can to protect him. We went our separate ways with him telling me that he has to be another courtroom for another case. When I drove out the parking lot, I decided to drive to the mall and get a few snacks for Lwandle, some bear for me and my brother, wine for mom and brandy for my dad. We have to celebrate, don't we. These couple of months have been long and difficult.
By the time I pull up in my parent's in my parent drive way it early afternoon and look like my brother Sizwe is here and Mabutho. There's another car that I don't recognize. I park, get everything out of the car. When I walk into the house I am welcome by laughter and loud chatter. I smell smoke from outside. It looks like we are having a braai. I guess they had the same idea. I take everything outside, every is outside. Just then I notice Mandla. I guess this the other courtroom that he had to be in. Mabutho walks up to helping me carry everything, unpacking and putting the beers in the fridge outside. We sit out there chatting, laughing and just enjoying the day. I look around and I am surrounded by nothing but pure joy and peace. Nothing gives me piece like seeing my son happy.
MILANI CELE
I've been out for few days now and it hasn't been easy. I know my brother knows my plans by now but the question is, why did he get me out. I know this because he hasn't spoken to since I came out, him and Emihle. They haven't even checked up on me. Now with my plans revealed, I need to tread to carefully. I can't afford to make any more mistakes. Kidnapping Lwandle didn't work with Nqaba, but I hope my other plan will work. I have to have those shares. That bank is the only thing that will keep the money clean and pure. With bank more money gets to be cleaned. I don't what my brother's problem is but he'll thank me later. I might be taking away half of his business but he is still left with something and still get to make more money. He should be grateful I am still leaving him with something. My phone buzzes and it's a text. **"We can't to the other shareholders of the bank. If anything happens to them, their shares go to Nqaba, the will be transferred to the kid's trust immediately. When the beneficiary from the said shareholder comes of age, the share will transferred to them. All in all, the shares are a no go."** What the hell is this? When did this change. F**k, Nqaba got to them first. Sh*t!!! I seriously keep under estimating this man at every turn. "Nqaba what am I going to do with you?" I think to myself. Obviously I can't kill him which would have been easier, but after the kidnapping I can never get custody of Lwandle. To make matters even worse, the police commissioner cannot get rid of my file. Maybe I should get rid of the Detective working the case. **"I need you get me everything on Detective Mbhele and there's another detective that he works with, I think he's name is Nxele. I need everything you can find. I need it yesterday. I also need to what my brother and his wife are up to.
I take a sip of my wine, I can't afford to be reckless again. I sit down, my mind racing as I process the situation. Nqaba must have used whatever influence he has to make the shareholders agree to his plan. They must trust him do it right by them. There must be a catch. They can't just agree to something like that. I need to think. The stakes are high, and I can't let him win this time, I can't let any one win. This my game. The end will be me saying check mate. I pull out my phone, tapping on my contacts until I find an old associate, someone I can trust to help me navigate this mess. **"Get me in touch with the shareholders of my father's company. I need a meeting, and I need it soon,"** I type rapidly, my heart pounding.
Their loyalty will matter now more than ever. I need a lawyer now, someone I can trust. Ndlela has been burned, I can't use him. He's been under investigation for months now and I pray and hope that he doesn't betray me. He better make sure anything that has to do with me stays out of this investigation. Everyone thinks I am down. Let them think that. I am going to show them what power looks like. No one will see me coming.
I can't let anyone suspect that I'm already plotting my next move. If I have to play the long game, I will—after all, I have everything to lose and even more to gain. The game of life is unforgiving, and I won't allow it to be my undoing. I've lost enough already, and Nqaba will soon learn that I'm not an easy opponent to eliminate. My brother will learn that he can't plot to eliminate me and there won't be any consequences, it's a pity that his little wife will become collateral damage in all this. Maybe she doesn't have to be. She is a scientist, a damn good one after all. I can use her. But first, I need to get rid of that detective. I need to intercept this new deal that my has been busy with. He won't see me coming. It's pity Mnqobi doesn't get to see the plans come to life. At least I would have let him see, I would have let him have a taste of it all before killing him. I take my keys and drive off to Nqaba's parent's house. I know this is risky but it has to be done. I need to plant a seed of kindness. When I pull up, I see a few cars parked in the yard. They must have visitors. I park outsite the yard. I walk into the yard to the front door, but there's no answer when I knock. I've been here a few times, I know my way around. I go around the back and that's where I see everyone. They are having a braai. I walk up to where they are and Mabutho sees me first. He freezes and nudges Sizwe signaling for him to look my way. I think he just choked on his beer and that causes everyone to turn to him, that's when they all see me. My eyes land on Lwandle who quickly makes his way to his father and stands behind, clinging to his hand. That hurt a little. "What are you doing here Milani?" Mabutho questions. Nqaba looks at me like he is ready to kill me. I remember when his had nothing but love when he looked at me. I look around and I know I am not welcome here, so let me make this quick. "I'm here to apologize. Lwandle I am sorry for what I put you through." I watch as he from peaks behind his father. "I'm sorry child. Hurting you was never an intention. I got carried away with what I wanted and ended up hurting you. I am sorry. Nqaba, I've put you through the worst. I have no excuse for treating you the way I did. I am truly sorry. I have signed the divorce papers." I walk way quickly before anyone could respond. There. The seed of change has been planted.
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