I followed him from a distance. I drove slowly. I was so curious, wanting to know what he was up to. He just came to donate and now, he wanted to spend more time with the orphans? What was he hiding behind his suit?
He drove away from town and I followed at a safe distance. I realised we had entered an industrial area. It was St Martins. I followed him. He made a left, right and then left turn. He stopped at a house which looked like a deserted place. He got out to open the gate and drove in.
My car was parked three houses away. I got out and walked to where he had
entered. Some dogs barked. I walked fast, so he didn’t notice the dogs barking at an intruder.
His home had a big garden full of long weeds. I wondered if he had a wife. How could someone stay at a place that looked like a bush, where dangerous animals would be hiding if he had all this money? The garden was overgrown and the paint on the house was old and peeling off.
A cat meowed and birds chirped in the trees. Only one light on was in the house, everything else was so quiet and confusing. I wondered if it was his home. I walked closer to the house. I looked inside but saw only darkness through the window.
I paced quietly to the window which had light. I saw the man crying, sitting on the sofa.
Why was he crying? Why does he live alone? Maybe his wife was troubling him? I thought. Just then I saw a snake which was crawling near the wall where I stood. I screamed very loudly, forgetting I was on a mission not to be seen. I hated snakes.
The lights outside shone brightly. Mr Gambo came quickly.
“What’s going on?” he shouted, holding a stick.
I looked down to where the snake was going between my legs. He made the snake get on the stick and threw it and snake away. Mr mysterious had saved my life. But I was in deeper trouble now that I was discovered.
“What are you really doing here?” he asked. I was ashamed; I just got caught spying on someone I suspected of wrongdoing. I looked down shyly. I was freaking embarrassed.
“Oh, you’re the teacher at the orphanage,” he continued.
“Yes it’s me. I am sorry… I thought…” I said, embarrassed.
“What are you doing here? You were spying me!” he spoke harshly. I thought he would beat me or smack me. But he stood there with his eyes all on me. I stood there and wished I had never followed him, he looked furious and angry. I just wished I never let curiosity lead me there.
“I am sorry, Mr Gambo, I was just suspicious.” I said calmly.
I quickly turned to run but just as I walked away, he grabbed my hand. His hands were strong and soft. He let go. I stood there not knowing what to do. What if he would call the police? And if Miss Rorr knew?
“It’s OK, can you tell me why you were suspicious?” he said gently.
“I just wanted to know you. I thought you were a bad man… the donations and your spending time with the kids.” I said quietly.
“It’s fine, can you join me for a cup of tea?” he begged.
He led me inside a very beautiful home, it didn’t match his garden. I stood there watching everything blinding my eyes.
“You have a beautiful home but…” I said, puzzled.
“But what?” he motioned for me to sit down.
“The garden’s like a bush,” I said softly.
I sat on the brown leather sofa. I looked around. Someone was cleaning inside, where was his wife? He went to make tea. He brought a tray with cups, a teapot and a plate of scones.
“Tell me your name,” he said with a smile.
“I am Mavis, Mavis Sasi,” I answered politely.
“I am Darlington,” he said sincerely.
“What made you suspect me?” he asked and coughed quietly.
“Oh, you donated a lot of money and you like kids.” I answered. “I was wondering if you had kids of your own. Kids make you smile.” I continued, checking how his eyes widened.
“I am calling the police,” he stood up angrily.
The fear of the police made my blood race fast in my veins. “Please, I can’t hurt Mrs Rorr and the orphanage.” I spoke with tears running down my cheeks.
He sat down and began to cry. What have I done wrong? What was troubling him?
***
Tell us what you think: What do you think will happen next?