Danny’s mother didn’t bother asking where he was because she believed he slept at his friend’s. Mrs Nkomo gave them a tray with cookies and orange juice, she smiled and walked away. She preferred to sit in the sun because winter made her home cold.

Taku couldn’t wait for them to be alone. “We have to prove your innocence,” he whispered.

Mrs Nkomo fetched a chair from the dining room but the two boys looked up and smiled at her. They didn’t want her to worry so they kept his arrest a secret.

“I don’t know, what will I say at work? I know you like investigating, but this is serious. Be careful!” Danny rubbed his shoulder.

“Tell your boss the truth. I promise I will find the real culprits,” Taku said proudly.

Danny grabbed his phone but it was dead; he couldn’t charge his phone since he was being held in jail. Taku took out his phone and gave it to him.

“Use mine, call them,” he said and stood up to carry the plates in the kitchen.

Danny called the office to let them know why he didn’t come to work. The boss was not that angry because Taku had already told them. He was surprised, he didn’t want to lose his job, jobs were scarce these days. He was glad he had Taku as a friend. Danny was a Personal Assistant to the Director of Mick Constructions.

“Take your time, but know your job is waiting for you,” he spoke sincerely.

Taku walked back into the lounge wiping his hands with a towel. Danny embraced him tightly, wanting to thank him, he couldn’t live his life without Taku.

“Hey, hey, what’s this for?” he shouted irritably.

“Thanks my friend,” Danny said softly, letting him go.

“It’s nothing, but next time remember that I am not your woman, you know hugs are only for ladies,” he chuckled.

They both looked at each other and burst into laughter.

That night Danny slept peacefully in his bed. Jail wasn’t a good experience, he slept on the floor with a blanket and the floor was uncomfortable, the food tasted as if they used soap in it. He never wanted to commit a crime again, the thought of being behind bars terrified him.

Taku slept over in another bedroom, Mrs Nkomo always welcomed him as one of her own. Instead of sleeping, he was busy with his phone, asking some gangs if they knew about robbers who stole from Mr Dube’s shop.

He waited until midnight because no one could give him information. He was asleep by the time his phone rang.

Taku read the message about a gang selling things, he decided to check out what they were selling. He snuck out of the house, careful not to make noise because they would think he was a thief.

***

Tell us: Do you think Taku will be safe going to investigate by himself?