Zachariah

The four policemen take cash from the bags and hide it in their cars. The criminals look on, thinking they will let them go. It’s past midnight and the bats are flying round and round, crickets are chirping but no humans are on the street.

Backup comes after an hour. A white tape is spread on the crime scene.

“Officer Gabriel, why do these wounds look like they happened long ago?” Sergeant Mbazo asks.

“We struggled to catch them,” Gabriel answers, looking at his colleagues who have their faces on the ground.

After the criminals are taken to hospital and the ones not shot are taken to the prison, Sergeant asks for some details and all of them give the same statement, leaving out the fact that they stole money. Gabriel checks the time and it’s almost two o’clock in the morning.

“We appreciate your hard work,” Sergeant says and shakes their hands.

They go to stand by Gabriel’s car and watch as Sergeant and backup leave. They hoot their cars while Gabriel and his colleague raise their hands.

“Job well done,” he says as the last car passes by.

“I finally have money for my wife,” Sipho says.

“Wooo, you have a wife?” Zach asks.

“Yes why not?” he answers.

“I am going to extend my home,” Gabriel smiles.

The three look at Gabriel with jealousy. They have only taken a few notes but Gabriel is going to extend his home, meaning he took a lot of money.

“How much did you take?” Gideon asks.

“As much as I need,” he answers.

“It’s not fair. We should put the money together and share it,” Zachariah says.

“You are crazy. That won’t happen,” he says walking to his car. Zachariah follows him. The crew is afraid of Gabriel. He is the one who makes them lust over money and taught them about bribery. They wouldn’t refuse it because their salary is only R3000 maximum. They have to pay rent, bills and buy monthly groceries. At least none of them have wives. Only Sipho is recently married.

Zachariah stares at Gabriel while he stamps on his accelerator and drives off. Gabriel looks at the road, suddenly he feels uncomfortable and looks at Zachariah. He sees his eyes like a hungry prey.

“Do you have a problem?” he asks looking at the way.

“What if Gideon and Sipho sell us out?” he asks nervously.

“Then we all go to jail,” Gabriel shoots while he overturns.

Zachariah decides to keep the issue to himself. He hates the way Gabriel becomes angry. He is like a hungry lion which can attack anything. He falls asleep.

“Zach, you’re enjoying your sleep?” Gabriel pats him on his leg.

Zach yawns and opens his eyes and looks around as if he doesn’t know where he is.

“I will drop you home. I want to sleep then shop later,” Gabriel says.

Zachariah looks around as Gabriel drives to his home. When Zachariah sees his house the car stops. He gets out and waves to his friend. Gabriel drives to his flat in town.

***

Tell us: Do you think the cops will turn on each other?