After Airtime stormed out, there didn’t seem much else they could do. K8 and Sbu made sure Song was all right, and then K8 gave Sbu a lift back home.

They talked about the quiz in the car. It was obviously a scam, now that Song had told them, and they were both embarrassed that they’d fallen for it.

“I can’t believe Airtime doesn’t see it,” said K8.

Sbu could understand it, though. Fifty thousand rand was too good to be true, but it was also too good to let go of.

K8 pulled the car up outside Sbu’s house.

“Well, we’re here,” she said. “I hope your parents will let you sleep.”

They leaned towards each other. Just before their lips met, K8 looked thoughtful and said, “Unless…”

“Unless what?” said Sbu.

“Unless… you’d like one more quick adventure.”

– – –

They parked a few blocks up from St George’s Mall, and walked back down again, keeping their eyes open for the metro cops. They found their corner, but the paintings were gone, along with the easels.

“I was really hoping they’d still be here,” said K8. “Thanks for coming with me, anyway.”

She took his hand, and they started heading back.

“Pity,” said K8. “I wanted to buy one of those pictures from you.”

“I thought you didn’t have any money,” said Sbu.

“I could swap one of mine for one of yours,” she suggested.

Just as they were about to leave, Sbu spotted something behind a wheelie bin chained by a shopfront door.

“Just a second!” he said. “Look!”

He ran to the bin and rolled it aside. Someone had stacked the paintings and easels against the wall. He picked up his favourite painting, and gave it to K8.

“Here you go,” he muttered, suddenly feeling shy. “For free.”

Before she could thank him, she saw something behind him, and her smile faded.

The young metro cop was waiting for them. He was leaning against the wall, and looked amused to see them.

“I thought you’d be back,” he said.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? What should K8 and Sbu do? Talk or run? Should they have run the first time?