The Wall

101

“Police,” Nozipho said. “It’s the police.” She pointed down the wall at a group of people.

“Shit!” Thembinkosi said. “We need to disappear in the other direction.”

“They’ve already seen us.”

A young woman in uniform waved at them. “Over here.”

They slowly turned toward the officer behind whom the others were gathered.

“Okay. Better than being shot to pieces in the wardrobe,” Thembinkosi said.

“We weren’t shot to pieces.”

“We almost were.”

“Now we’ll just do what we’d planned all along.”

“Didn’t you get a phone call?” the officer asked once they reached her.

In a cul de sac that ended at the wall, several garbage collectors were standing around, their large truck parked a short distance behind them. As well as a mail carrier, a heavyset woman in a green smock, two boys in overalls, and a couple of people in civilian clothing. The stench of rotting garbage stood over the scene like a tent.

“Must’ve missed it,” Thembinkosi said. “Why?”

“This entire area back there is under lockdown. We’re searching for a tsotsi,” she said. “A dangerous tsotsi.”

“We heard the shooting.” Nozipho.

“Wild.” Thembinkosi.

“Yes, everyone’s heard about it.” The officer.

“Did you win?” Thembinkosi.

“Don’t they always?” Nozipho tugged at her dress and tried to smile at the officer. She was hiding the tear in the fabric with her purse.

“I think so.” The officer. “But I haven’t heard anything. You’ll need to wait here for a while, until I get further orders.”