The flight from Gaborone to Johannesburg was short. They were barely in the air and then they were already landing. Elias was right, moving as a group was much faster. They went through security quickly and collected their bags to recheck in to their flight to London.

After collecting the bags, Fiona said, “Let’s stop so you can get the contract out before we forget.”

Elias smiled. “Yes, of course. Thanks for reminding me.”

They moved to some seats at the side and Elias began going through his suitcase. Fiona looked up – and five police officers were heading their way, fast.

“Elias Monthe? Are you Elias Monthe?” the middle police officer said.

Elias looked up and Fiona was shocked to see the always smiling, composed face morph into something else, something angry and hard, and evil. He stood quickly and made to dash for it, but he had no chance. The police officers had him on the ground and in handcuffs in seconds.

A female police officer escorted Fiona and the other two women to an office deep in the bowels of the airport.

“You’ve had a very close call you three,” she said. “But you’ll be safe now. We’ve contacted your families. You go on the next flight back to Gaborone with me. You’re going to be fine.”

The police officer explained everything. Fiona couldn’t believe what she was hearing, how close she had been to losing everything. She felt sick.

When they arrived in Gaborone, there were Claudia, Alma and Zero, nearly as she’d left them. They ran to her and grabbed her in their arms in one big hug.

“We nearly lost you,” Zero said. “I don’t know what I would have done.”

“I can’t believe how stupid I was,” Fiona said.

“No, never say that. He knew exactly how to speak to pull women in. He was an expert. It had nothing to do with you. Never blame yourself,” Claudia said.

“You’re safe, that’s all that matters,” Alma said. “And hopefully this time Elias will be put in prison where he belongs.”

Fiona smiled at these people who she loved with all of her heart. You really don’t know what you have until someone threatens to take it away, she thought.

Everything would be OK now. She would go for counselling, like she should have long ago. And who knows, maybe she’d even agree to marry Zero.

Fiona smiled at her little welcoming group and said, “Let’s go home.”

***

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