The Wall

76

“Who else has a key?”

“No one.”

“Think.”

“There’s the management,” they heard High Voice say. “Someone there probably has a key. A copy. We rented this from them.”

“The house doesn’t belong to you?”

“No, to people who work somewhere abroad. Saudi Arabia. Or Afghanistan. The Pines’ management office handles the rental.”

“Incredible.”

“I’m just saying.”

Silence. Nobody said anything. No footsteps. Thembinkosi almost burst in the wardrobe. It was so hot. He was drenched in sweat. If only they would keep talking.

“I really don’t have it.”

“If I believed that…”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Outside, a dog began to bark.

“And when does the Czech want the money?”

“The day after tomorrow.”

“In the restaurant?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Why did you have to open a restaurant anyway? What a lousy idea.”

The dog didn’t stop.