Junior drives at an alarming speed until they reach his house in Kempton Park. They screech into the driveway and jump from the car. He hurries her into the house, locks and secures the deadbolt. Finally, he releases a sigh of relief and leans against the door.

“Well that was an adventure,” he chuckles, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yah,” she shivers. “It feels like I am dreaming.”

“Let’s get you something warm to wear … and food? You must be hungry.” He motions for her to follow him.

“My stomach is in knots,” she confesses.

They make their way into the first room. There are plush, stuffed teddies scattered on the pink decorated bed.

“My sister visits me sometimes. She must have something that will fit you,” Junior searches through the wardrobe.

He pulls out beige joggers with a matching hoody and hands it to her.

“You can get cleaned up while I make you something to eat,” he says and leads her to the bathroom.

Liyana lets the water run hot and fills the bathtub before she dives in. She ferociously scrubs at her skin, wanting to wash the thought of the bar away. Also, she is struck by the guilt of leaving Thulisiwe and the others behind. Once she has gathered herself, she makes her way to the kitchen. She finds Junior sitting at the table, watching his phone ring.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” she asks.

“No,” he stands to dish up, ignoring another call from the private number.

He fills their plates with heaps of eggs and bacon, and their cups with strong coffee. He slides her plate across the table, along with painkillers.

“You need to get some sleep.” At her protest, Junior adds, “You are safe here.”

Liyana devours the meal and retreats to the pink bedroom to sleep. Mere moments pass before a heavy knock comes at the front door. She listens for Junior’s heavy footsteps as he goes to open it.

“Sergeant, what are you doing here?” Junior asks, a little too loud.

“What do you know about the disappearance of the girl?” the familiar voice of sergeant Mhlongo fills the house.

“What girl?” Junior asks.

“The new arrival at Beast’s Bar. You were with her last night,” Mhlongo clears his throat. “It’s very fishy. The day you skip work, she goes missing.”

“I don’t know anything about that, I was attending to a family emergency,” Junior states.

“Listen Junior …You know Beast is a very good friend of ours. He moves the drugs around and gives us a little entertainment. Don’t turn him into our enemy. Just take the girl back,” the sergeant urges.

“I can assure you, Sir, I don’t know what you are talking about,” Junior insists.

“Dalia won’t like this either, she was hoping Beast would sell the girl off before trouble arises.” The sergeant huffs. “You have until tomorrow to get the girl back to the bar.”

Mhlongo storms out of the house, slamming the door behind him. It takes all of Liyana’s courage to leave the room. When she appears in the dining room, Junior waves a recording device at her.

“Don’t worry, he is gone now,” he breathes in, visibly trying to calm his nerves. “I got his entire confession on tape. This is the last bit of evidence I need.”

Junior sneaks a peek out of the widow before he turns back to her.

“We don’t have much time. I will call a trusted friend to help you get back to your family,” he tells her. “I can’t let you call home right now, because your aunt might hear of your whereabouts.”

“I still can’t believe that she would do all this.”

“She will pay for her crimes,” he states. “Get back to bed, I will keep watch through the night.”

*****

In Ermelo that night, Dalia has the neighbours huddled in the Sithole dining room for a community meeting. She has everybody riled up with the story of Liyana’s disappearance.

“Girls have been disappearing from under our noses for years!” she tells them. “Now they have taken Liyana but we have a chance to get her back. We just need a bit of money.”

Thobile stands at her sister’s side, suspiciously staring at her. The neighbours easily absorb the story, some are already searching themselves for money.

“Thank you so much for your kindness. I will also be coughing up a lot of money to help get our Liya back,” Dalia beams, as she passes a collection basket around.

Thobile takes hold of Dalia’s arm and pulls her into the kitchen. “What did you do to my daughter?” she demands.

“Nothing!” Dalia acts appalled. “I am trying to help you. Why can’t you be grateful for once?”

Thobile curses under her breath as Dalia returns to collecting the money.

***

Tell us: What do you think about police officers like Mhlongo? What do you think about Junior now?