Taku yelled as if he won a prize, rejoicing in court when Danny was given bail of R1000. He rushed to hug Danny, but before he could reach him, the police grabbed and cuffed him. There were reporters holding tape recorders and note pads, and Mr Dube with some strangers who said that Danny’s bail was too light.

The people marched out, except Detective Mambo who looked at them with an annoyed expression. He walked closer to the culprit and Danny stood firm, with Taku assuring him that everything will be OK.

“I will pay your bail. I promise we will find the real thieves,” he whispered, unaware that Detective Mambo heard him.

“He is the real thief, maybe you helped him,”

“Yes, I was with him before he came in the shop. Don’t worry, I will help you find those thieves,” he retorted sarcastically and looked at the detective.

“Don’t interfere with the law. Leave us to do our work,” Detective Mambo, more upset than ever, walked away with a sly smile at the two.

Danny was escorted by two policemen to the holding cells. Taku raced down the stairs so that he could go to the police station. Bringing along some cash from an ATM. Taku and Danny had been best friends for a long time and they looked out for one another. Taku enjoyed investigating crimes that happened in his neighbourhood. He wanted to be a detective but instead studied Tourism because his parents didn’t like the risks that comes with it.

Taku paid the bail for Danny and waited for him to be released. He overheard a man talking to another man in the far corner of the room. They weren’t facing Taku’s direction so he couldn’t see their faces.

“That boy should go to jail,”

“Don’t worry, he’s got another trial, we need stronger evidence,”

Taku realised it was Mr Dube and Detective Mambo sitting behind a desk. He walked towards them and sat down facing them.

“Sir, Danny didn’t rob your shop. I was with him, the door was slightly open. But I didn’t think it was robbed, I thought maybe you opened it,” he said sincerely.

“I told you to stop interfering in this case. Let the law take its course,” Detective Mambo shouted.

“Wait, Will you try help us find the thieves? I have lost a lot,” Mr Dube asked.

“That boy’s fingerprints are all over the place, he is the culprit!” he interrupted.

“But you said you don’t have concrete evidence?”

Taku was growing tired of the two, he walked to the counter to meet Danny. He put his hands on his shoulder and looked back to Detective Mambo and Mr Dube, who were both looking in their direction.

Taku and Danny strolled down the street. Taku bought Danny some food and they went home.

***

Tell us: Who do you think robbed the shop?