The Wall

33

Thembinkosi watched yet another security vehicle drive up. Now there were two Polos and a brand new Toyota bakkie from which emerged four more people. Five men and two women were now standing in front of the house, all in Central Alert uniforms. The driver of the second Polo looked like he was in charge or, at least, the highest ranking among them. He was talking and gesturing, and then he shrugged quickly. Just wait. He wagged his pointer finger, too. We’ll catch him. Someone in the group nodded. Of course, boss. What else could he say?

“Well?” He heard Nozipho behind him.

He turned around. She was actually wearing the white dress with the yellow pinstripes. It fit after all. She looked great.

“It’s a little snug!” she said.

“Doesn’t matter,” he said, looking her up and down. “The sneakers look a little funny, don’t you think?”

“Hmm… Yeah, but I’m keeping my own shoes on. But if I end up having to run, this dress won’t just be snug. It’ll rip. We’re not at that point yet, though. Not yet.” She joined him at the window: “What’s going on out there?”

“Lots of people. Too many. Security.”

“Because of the… Who did you see a few minutes ago?”

“I don’t know. A young guy, uh… He was… yeah, young. I only saw him for a few seconds. And then someone was chasing him. A white guy.”

Nozipho shook her head. “We’ll just wait.”

“Until there are fewer of them out there.”

“Do you have a better idea?”

“No,” Thembinkosi said. “No!” He sniffed loudly. “Did you put on her perfume?”

“Only a little! Really, it was just a dab.”