The Wall

60

“We’ve never taken out anyone,” Nozipho said quietly. They were standing at the window and looking out at the street.

“I know,” Thembinkosi said.

“It isn’t our style.”

“I know.”

“We do what we do because we’re good at it. And not the other.”

Thembinkosi didn’t say anything.

“And when that girl tried to steal my purse… you weren’t even able to hit her. I had to do it.”

“I know. But we’ve always known that at some point it might be necessary. And as far as that girl…”

“Psst!”

Footsteps could be heard in the hallway. It was too late to slip into the wardrobe. The steps kept going. Piss splashed in the toilet.

“I need to go, too,” Nozipho said.

“As far as that girl was concerned, that was completely different. You didn’t have to hit her.”

“But I wanted to.” Flushing.

“Good. You had a right to do it, I think,” Thembinkosi said. “And here, we might not have any other choice.”

“But what should we do? Smash him over the head with something?” Steps in the hallway. High Voice was going back to the lounge.

“If necessary.”

“If so, you’ll be the one doing it.”

Outside, a police bakkie drove up, parking next to the one remaining security company Polo. Inter-vehicle communication. One man and one woman were sitting in the police vehicle.

“Shit,” Thembinkosi said.

The security car started and drove off. The police truck followed. The street was free.

“Great!” Thembinkosi said.

The couple didn’t say anything for a few moments.

“How are you going to do it?” Nozipho asked.

Thembinkosi didn’t answer.

A young man ran down the street. In the other direction.

“There he is!” Thembinkosi said. “The guy from earlier.” A guard hurried after him. “But how can he still be running around out there?” Nozipho asked.

The police vehicle trailed the guard. Flashers on. Sharp yelp of a siren.

“He’s the cause of all this mess?” Nozipho said.

“Apparently.”

“But they have to catch him eventually. He’s just one against so many.”

“True.”

“What do you think he’s done?”

“Rich people live around here. We’re not the only ones interested in that fact.”

“But the whole cavalry against one person who stole something?”

“Doesn’t make sense to me either.”

For a few seconds, it was peaceful both inside and out.

“Now’s our best chance to get out of here, Thembi. We have to do something.”

“You’re right.”

The security Polo rolled up again, stopping in the exact same spot it had been parked earlier.

“Shit!” Nozipho.

“We still have to figure out what to do. We can’t stay here.”

61

“Home invasion, burglary, attempted rape, theft, assault, anything else…?” Warrant Officer Zolani Mafu glanced to the side.

“Aggravated assault,” Police Sergeant Yolanda Baker corrected. “On top of that.”

“Aggravated assault,” Mafu repeated into the radio.

“How could anybody commit so many crimes in such a short time?” a voice crackled down the line. “Is the suspect armed?”

“No one knows.” Mafu.

“How did he commit assault and aggravated assault?”

Mafu glanced at Baker. “Beat an old man and injured his wife with a chair. Broke the leg of a security guard when he tried to hold on to him.”

“And the rape?”

“He broke into a house that belonged to the woman.”

“With his haul?”

“Apparently.” Baker looked at Mafu. He nodded.

“Then nab him. Reinforcements are on their way.”