We’ve arrived at Puo’s house and after a few minutes they come out. Boss thought it would be a great idea for me to escort Puo’s sister so that I can get to know her better.
As they come out of the house, I can see Puo, an older gentleman, a lady carrying a baby and a very beautiful young lady behind them. I was told that she was brutally attacked by Hatari but I see nothing wrong with her. She has a few bandages here and there but her beauty surpasses them. I suddenly have sweaty palms and a ball of saliva gets stuck in my throat.
She gets into the car and sits quietly at the back. She’s wearing a black vest and black cargo pants, simple but exquisite. Good, so now I’ll have to start the conversation. Although I feel comfortable being quiet like this. Without even realising, I feel angry that Hatari dared to lay his hands on her. What can such a beautiful woman do to that lichen? Why would he attack her anyway? I know she’s Puo’s sister but ever since I’ve known Hatari, he’d never stoop that low. Something’s up.
The minute we arrive at HQ she jumps out of the car and runs to see the place. I guess she was bored by the silence. I take her bags out and follow her while she holds her mother’s hand.
“Ahh home sweet home,” her father mumbles as we get off the elevator.
Home sweet home? The girl looks as surprised as me. Wait, he must b…
Boss steals my lightbulb moment as he appears making a racket, greeting Puo’s father.
“Sergeant van Rooyen. Nice to see you after all these years. Last time I saw you this lady was 7 years old,” he shouts above his lungs.
“Enough with the formalities Nathan. It’s nice to see you too. This little lady is no longer little. She’s 24 and believe me, I’ve never felt younger,” Mr van Rooyen answers and they both laugh and hug each other.
“Khombo here will show you to your rooms and tomorrow we’ll start showing you the place. For now just settle in,” Boss continues, now pointing at the shy me who tries to hide from the young lady’s gaze. Her eyes just fill me with butterflies in my stomach and I involuntarily blush.
“Alright, see you later Nate.”
“The name’s Boss now.”
They all laugh and I proceed to show them their rooms. They’re a few floors lower so we get into the elevator again. Stepping off, I can see the amazement in the young lady’s face, whom I now learned that her name’s Shakira. I love it.
Her parents and her baby brother will be sharing a room in section M number 50. Her room is in section G number 21. She doesn’t seem bothered by the fact that her room is 5 sections away from her parents’ room. Brave girl, I think to myself.
As soon as I unlock her room, she peeps in and looks at me in dissapointment. I can’t help but laugh at her. Her facial expression is the funniest I’ve ever seen. She walks in and checks out the room. I put her bags on the floor next to the bed and then look at her, just thinking that why would Hatari menace such a beautiful woman.
“Thank you very much Khombo,” she kindly says trying to get rid of me.
“Are you scared?” I ask while leaning on the wall.
“N…no. Why would I be scared?” she stammers.
“You’re being hunted down by Hatari and now you’ve joined his enemies which will make him want you more. Why would he hunt you of all the people in this country that are a threat to him? He chooses you. You’re a nobody,” I reply and immediately regret calling her a nobody. Because she is someone. Someone who I feel happy when I’m next to her.
Come on Khombo, she’s a child. She’s 6 years younger than you, I think to myself.
The attitude in her answer makes me realise that I may have pushed the wrong button, “Maybe it’s because I’m his girlfriend or maybe because my little brother double crossed him?”
“His girlfriend? Too lame. Double cross? Too normal. Many have double crossed him or at least tried. Something’s up with you and I’m going to find out,” I speak while walking away. I’m not ready to get eaten alive by her.
“Good luck!” she shouts at me while I speed off.
I want to know why she’s being hunted like this and if she won’t tell me then I’ll do my own research.