That day he was particularly happy because his favourite spot had been vacated by Mr Gambu, who had appointed himself night guard for the late workers. Mr Gambu had been rushed to the hospital that morning. He didn’t know or care why the guard had gone to the hospital. He was just glad the dog wouldn’t be there to act hero.

Dressed all in black, he took out his lighter and lit his cigarette. He aimed the smoke at the moon, a huge evil smile forming on his face. He checked his watch, 00:15. He put out his cigarette, took out his knife and sharpened it on the rock he was sitting on. It shone in the moonlight. He was supposed to get three today –  Nandi, Lerato and Hope – but he knew that Nandi hadn’t gone to work.  “I’ll get her sometime,” he said to himself.

At 00:31 he put on his balaclava and disappeared into an alley. He heard the sound of heels rushing up the street. It’s showtime, he thought joyfully. The slay queen had got so comfortable with Mr Gambu being around that she had bought an expensive phone. He was hoping for some cash too, as well as the watch he had seen her wearing when she had waved at him that morning.

He took out his knife and was on stand-by for the pounce.

“Yes wena, wait right there!”

Lerato stood dead in her tracks, tears forming in her eyes. She raised both her arms in the air, turning to face the threatening voice behind her.

When she realised who it was, she ran back  and smacked him on his shoulder, exhaling heavily. “No Jabu, don’t scare me like that! What are you doing here at this time of the night!?”

“Mr Gambu told me to look out for you when he is away,” Jabu said, taking Lerato’s bag. “I didn’t mind especially because I can show you that I am the perfect boyfriend for you.”

“Will you tell Hope the same thing when you accompany her home?” Lerato asked.

“I won’t if you agree to be my girlfriend,” Jabu said.

They walked up the street giggling and chatting, not noticing the shadow that stood glued to the wall, its heart beating fast with fury as they passed.  Lerato’s watch glistened in the moonlight.