In about 2 weeks we’ll be attacking the Berets. I personally don’t favour these kind of plans. They give the opposition enough time to find out about our plan. If you get a chance, strike immediately.

After the little talk I had with Boss, I’ve been making myself scarce in the office. I’m mostly training the new recruits or on field duty. It’s less stressful.

I’m headed to my office to get something and then it’s lunch time. They’re serving my favourite today. As I pass by Mr van Rooyen’s office the door opens and I bump into someone. Someone short and getting more beautiful every time I see her.

She takes a step back and looks at me, “Why do I feel like you’re stalking me?”

“Uhh hello I’m your partner. You’re actually spending less time with me than you should be. I only see you in the morning during training,” I complain. I know I’ve been avoiding her but she’s also running away from me. Every time I meet her, she makes a quick getaway.

“That’s because I don’t want a babysitter. Plus you hate me anyway so I’ve learnt to live without you,” she folds her arms and gives me an attitude.

“Hate y… no wait. Let’s go get lunch. We can talk better while sitting,” I point to the elevator and she leads the way. I’d never hate her. I wonder where did she get this from.

The ride in the elevator is so silent that the abrupt stop startles me. As the door opens the smell of food incapacitates us.

We fetch the food and go sit at a table at the corner. It’s my table but for today, I’m willing to share it with her. She prays for the food and then looks at me right in the eyes.

“So you were saying?” she rudely asks.

I look around and notice a plastic fork I can take out my nervousness on, “Yeah… why do you say I hate you?” I ask picking it up.

“Are you seriously asking me that? On my first day here, you were so silent in the car. You never talked to me, always made jokes about me with your friends and treated me like a child. A mindless child,” she speaks, not giving me a chance to answer. I can feel the frustration in her words.

“Wow I’m…I’m sorry if I made you feel like that. Truth is… you scare me,” I look at her and her eyes widen in shock, “You scare me Shakira and I didn’t want to show it so that’s why I treated you that way,” she must be thinking I’m so dumb.

“How? Why are you scared by me? Me? Of all people Khombo?”

“Of all who don’t have nearly half the achievements you have. You look so innocent but we both know your capabilities,” I point my fork at her and she looks even more in shock.

She then chuckles a little and shouts at me, “So you were scared by that? You should be happy, I’m on your team for goodness’ sake!”

“I know Shaks, I just didn’t want to look soft. Plus you’re one of the few people who have survived what Hatari did to you that day. That’s why I did my research on you and I found out about all your skills. You’re dangerous.”

“And you’re paranoid,” she adds and we both laugh.

I continue eating and admire her beautiful dark cheeks.

“So, you and Mark huh?” I suddenly blurt out.

“I’m not dating Mark. Can everyone please stop asking me about that?” she throws her spoon into her food in a fit of rage.

“Okay okay I didn’t say anything,” I try to calm her down.

We continue eating silently but I’m frequently interrupted by Nkwe and Jaguar. They keep texting me, asking about Shakira.

Nkwe: Have you finally got yourself a girlfriend?

Me: We’re not dating.

Nkwe: Her smile 2 minutes ago spoke a different story.

Me: She’s too young.

Jaguar: And you’re too old? Come on.

Me: Grow up.

I turn my phone off and continue eating. After we eat we decide to go to firearm training together. My phone vibrates and I quickly check it. It’s a text from Jaguar.

Jaguar: You need to slow down and smell the love or else you’ll be single forever.

I ignore it but I know what he is trying to say and I can feel it.