“A murderer? What do you mean dad?” she moved closer to him.

“Did I say that? It must be a slip of tongue,” he rushed his words.

“Dad, I’m your daughter. I know you. You aren’t fine.”

“I’m okay. I have to go.” He tried to stand up but she pulled him down.

“We need to talk.”

“There’s nothing for us to talk about!” he was angry all of a sudden.

“Da, please,” she said, her cheeks wet with tears.

They looked at each other then he wiped her tears.

“I’m sorry my angel. I’m sorry for being mad at you. Indeed something is not right but you should not worry. I will sort it alone.” He forced a smile.

“With that maid?” she asked.

“Not really but with Tonde.” He got a bit absent minded.

“Tonde? Who is Tonde?” she asked.

“Ooh! You know,” he breathed out heavily, “The less you know, the safer you are.” He kissed her on her forehead.

“Promise me that you won’t play detective here,” he said and stood up even before getting an answer.

“Dad,” she stood up too and faced him, “I have good and bad news,” she said.

“What’s that?”

“I have got a job. I’ll start next week.”

“Good! I admire you. What’s the bad news then?” he paid close attention.

“Mom is coming next week,” she said.

“That’s good news. Wow! I missed her.”

He tried to fake a happy face but it was clear he was disturbed.

“I have to go.” He turned avoiding the tears in his eyes.

“Dad, I love you,” she said.
“I’m sorry for being mad at you,” she finished and he left.

When Tito knocked off from work, Temwa acquainted him with everything she discussed with her father.

“He said his problem is not the pregnancy but Tonde.” She paused when she noted a troubled look in Tito’s eyes.

“Tonde?” he asked.

“Yes. You know him?” she asked.

“No. Not at all.” He shook his head.

“It’s just that the name sounds scary. Find out from your father who Tonde is and what connects them,” he said and left for his room.

Two days later, Temwa visited her father. Unfortunately, he was not home but Yvonne, the maid, was present.

“Hi my daughter,” she said with a smile.

“I’m not your daughter,” Temwa replied.

“Didn’t your father tell you that he’s marrying me?” she mocked.

Yvonne was barely eight years older than Temwa.

“Yvonne, I’m not here for that.” She cut the fight.

“Then what are you here for, baby daughter?” she continued with her mockery.

“I’m here to ask a few things and I hope you may be of help.”

“Let’s go inside then.”

They went inside the house. Temwa was feeling like a stranger in her father’s house.

“What is it that you want me to help you with?” Yvonne, the maid, gave Temwa a cup of coffee.

“Thanks,” she stirred her coffee.

“I want to know who Tonde is?”

“Ooh! So your father was all over talking nonsense, not so?” her tone raised Temwa’s suspicions.

“It’s not like that. Actually, he doesn’t know I’m here,” she convinced her.

“Baby daughter, Tonde is my only brother who got lost about four years ago. The last thing I want to hear about him is…” Her faced turned pale, “I just hope he is alive.” Tears started dropping.

“I’m sorry if my question hurt you,” Temwa showed remorse.

She could not believe that she was now caring about her when just a few minutes ago she was still angry with her.

“Yvonne, I have to go now.” She hugged her and headed to the front door.

“Baby dau,” Yvonne called her, “I’m sorry for my actions.” Temwa did not respond. She just left.

A month later, Temwa’s friend Lynn asked to see her at the restaurant where she worked. Lynn pulled her to the back of the door as she entered.

“Shhh!” whispered Lynn.

“What is it?” Temwa was getting terrified.

“Remember you said your mom has not yet come home?” Lynn asked in a whisper.

“Yes,” Temwa replied.

“Just wait,” said Lynn.

After about five minutes, she saw her mom with a strange-looking man. He wore a black leather jacket, a black cowboy’s hat and a black faded pair of jean trousers.

“What could she be plotting?” Temwa was surprised.

“I don’t know friend. It’s almost two weeks now since I first saw her here,” she replied in a whisper.

“Thanks. I will have to check on her.” She walked her to her mother’s table.

Tell us: Who do you think this mysterious man’s?