Road to Redemption

by Michelle Dalton

  “You’re brother has a point. We can get a pretty penny for this one, and with the abalone we can wash our hands of the whole bunch and go relax in the Maldives, liefie.” He pushed the toe of his boot against a shivering Lullu who kicked back, this time hitting her target—his shin.

  “Vok!” Marnus retracted his arm to slap the child but Mina threw herself in the way, copping the blow.

  “Agh. Ever the fucking martyr.”

  “Leave them, my love.” Becky, who was now dressed in a pair of skin-tight jeans, expensive boots and blouse, turned Marnus’s head and kissed him.

  “Keep some for later when we’re done here.” He said.

  “Come. There’s gotta be booze somewhere in this house, and we need to go over the plans. You sure Ben won’t come up?”

  “No. According to Cyril, he’s lights out.” Becky nodded in Mina’s direction as the pair strode off.

  “And the guests?”

  “Last I heard, they’d fucked off to town for the night.”

  “Good …” Their voices dimmed as they walked away.

  Mina’s head spun from the slap Marnus had dealt. Her right eye was closing up from the swelling. Lullu leaned forward as if to get her attention.

  Mina placed her head against her daughter’s to reassure her she was okay when the front door opened and closed again.

  Mina and Lullu both stiffened until Rochelle’s familiar face peered around the corner, her finger on her lips.

  Rochelle tiptoed toward the pair and knelt down, pushing Mina forward and slicing off her restraints, then doing the same to Lullu before helping them get rid of their gags.

  Mina gasped for air, coughed into her hands, and gasped again.

  ‘s

  “My—my office,” Mina whispered.

  “They’re in the kitchen. Klein Piet is out front.” Rochelle whispered. “I won’t be able to get to your study. Will you be okay?”

  “And just where in the hell do you think you’re going?” a voice called out.

  The scuffling of chairs and pounding feet echoed through the house as Becky and Marnus ran in to the dining room.

  Rochelle didn’t waste time. “Run, now!” She pushed Lullu to her feet. The small girl darted past Klein Piet, who came running up behind Marnus and Becky. He reached for her daughter and Mina dove on to him.

  Lullu’s shrill scream echoed through the house and then silence. Klein Piet fought to get Mina off of him, but she managed a knee in the groin where they struggled on the floor, and then smacked his head on the cold floor tiles.

  “Enough!” a deep voice called out, and Mina rolled onto her back, her ability to draw in a clean breath worsening. Marnus grabbed Rochelle, and Becky pointed a gun to Mina’s sister-in-law’s head. Thank God Lullu had gotten away!

  “I-I sw-swear, if you killed my boet …” Becky’s weapon-loaded hand shook.

  “I think he’s just passed out.” Marnus peered past Rochelle to Piet. Her large blue eyes were wide and fear-filled.

  “Come here.” He motioned with his head for Mina to get up and walk over to him.

  “Ta-take the abalone and go. There’s no need for all of this!” Mina wheezed.

  “No, but we do love to have our fun. Saw some great work on another farm with an iron. Liefie, go find the iron.” He grinned at Becky, who nodded as she handed Marnus the revolver.

  Mina rolled over onto her hands and knees, her chest spasmed and burned.

  “Yeah, I’d planned on catching up with some extra work today.” The look of utter evil which danced in her dark brown eyes caused Mina to retch and clutch her belly.

  Ray slotted ammunition into the point two-two rifle and readied it for action.

  “Know your guns, eh?” Ben commented as he gripped two semi-automatic pistols before sliding them into their holsters on either side of his hips.

  “Didn’t know ex-crims were allowed gun licenses.” Ray slid a cap he took off Ben’s table on backward. He smiled inwardly when Ben’s nose flared and his mouth pulled askew affirming Ray’s suspicions.

  “This is South Africa, boet. Place a two hundred-rand note in the right hand and you get what you need.”

  “And what else have you paid for, Ben?” Ray stepped toward him, squaring his shoulders.

  Thomas intervened as the two bristled. “Boys. Stay focused. You two cocks can beat the snot out of each other as soon as we’ve got these fuckers cornered.” Thomas slid his pistol into his holster.

  “Okay. Give me that scope.” Thomas pointed to the item he’d removed from the rifle sitting on Ben’s desk.

  “Make sure your men and the inmates don’t come anywhere near the house,” Thomas ordered Ben, and Ray smirked inwardly. He liked seeing the bully of Redemption Farm being told what to do.

  “All inmates are in lockdown. Guards know to keep out of the way. They’re not trained for this anyway.”

  Ray snorted, and Thomas held up his hand as a warning to both men.

  “Follow me. It’s dark enough for us to make it up to the house unseen. Then stay put where I tell you to so I can re-con and get a feel of who’s who in the zoo. My people can’t be too far off if Rochelle got hold of them.”

  Thomas waved to the men, who followed him out of Ben’s office.

  Ray swallowed. He’d only ever killed a buck in his entire life, and while he used to be a pretty good shot back in the day, he hoped his aim had remained true. He had no qualms about pointing and pulling the trigger at the fuckers who had his daughter and Mina.

  The trio skulked up the stairs and ’round the side of the house when Thomas held up his hand and motioned for them to lay low as he moved, gripping the scope in his right hand.

  It wasn’t long until Thomas returned. “For fuck’s sake. That goddam woman.” He cursed under his breath.

  “What—is Mina—”

  “Mina is alive. I can’t see Lullu, but they have Rochelle! God damnit, I told her to stay in town!” Thomas cursed.

  “Okay. We have one chance at this. That conservation asshole is with Becky, and Klein Piet is laying passed out on the floor.” Thomas held up his hand to silence both Ray and Ben. “The kitchen door is open. Ben, you’ll go through there. Ray, you’re with me. Wait for our signal before you enter the house, Ben,”

  “What’s the signal?” Ben asked, his frown deepening.

  “You’ll know.”

  Ray followed Thomas as Ben took off toward the kitchen. They stopped short of the glass door leading to the dining room area off the side verandah.

  “Okay, we need to distract them. I reckon one rifle shot. Do you think you can wound Marnus?” Thomas pointed to the tallest figure. “And don’t miss boet; he’s got my wife.”

  “I’m not sure what this rifle is capable of, but I know I can distract them.” Ray steadied himself.

  No pressure then …

  Ray took aim. It wasn’t easy with the scope missing and he hoped the gun’s aim wasn’t out either.

  He kneeled, resting one elbow on his knee, exhaled, and inhaled as he squeezed the trigger.

  The shot echoed off across the night sky. Glass shattered and screams accompanied a frenzy of movement. Ray didn’t stop to investigate what the chop, chop, chop that was making its way closer.

  Gripping the rifle, he ran through the remaining glass into the dining room where a screaming Becky stood over the limp body of Ranger Marnus. Becky made to go at him. In one swift move, Ray connected the rifle’s butt to her jaw. She dropped like a brick.

  Turning toward Rochelle, Thomas and Mina, holding the rifle in one hand, Ray threw his arms around them. “Thank fuck!”

  Mina enveloped him in a trembling embrace. “Thank you,” she managed to say between hoarse sobs.

  “I’m getting her inhaler.?” Rochelle sped off in the direction of Mina’s study, not waiting for an answer.

  Thomas raced toward the wounded man. “Ray, the women are fine. Get Becky immobilised. My people are here.”

  Ray glanced at Mi
na. “Where’s Lullu?”

  “She got away. Probably hiding in the stables.”

  Ray gripped the cuffs from Thomas and restrained Becky’s hands behind her back before standing, nodding toward the man he’d shot.

  “He’s alive. Good shot,” Thomas said.

  Rochelle returned with Mina’s medication and assisted her in taking three large gulps of Ventolin.

  “I need to find my daughter.” Ray handed Thomas the rifle and ran out in to the night.

  “Wait for me!” Mina called after him when two more shots echoed off the walls of the house.

  Ray spun around and found Thomas kneeling over Ben. He was pressing both hands down on the man’s chest as a chopper flew low over the house and sirens blared outside.

  “Ben!” Mina sobbed.

  “That little shit! I thought he was unconscious.” Thomas motioned with his head toward Klein Piet who lay motionless, a rose blooming on his chest.

  “He took aim at Mina. I got him, but Ben threw himself in front of the girls.” Thomas shook his head.

  17

  Ray rolled onto his side. Early morning fingertips of warm sunshine found their way through the half-open curtains and stroked his beloved’s face.

  In the month that followed the farm attack, Ray had been exonerated from both the drug charges and the shooting incident. He’d almost finished the program at Redemption and already applied to study Marine Biology through an online university.

  Things were looking up. He and Mina were back together, and Lullu had come through the ordeal relatively unscathed, many thanks to Vestra.

  Mina groaned as she snuggled up to him. Her naked body rubbed against his.

  Ray lifted his head and looked to the bedroom door. It was still closed and locked. They’d had to do that, as Lullu had a habit of interrupting them at the most inopportune times. For reasons Ray couldn’t fathom, his daughter didn’t know how to knock—but he loved that the worst problem in his life was his kid not knocking before entering.

  “There’s only one way to wake up a sleepyhead,” he whispered as he slipped beneath the blankets and began planting kisses all over Mina’s body, starting at her collarbone, nipping the hardened buds on her breasts, and making his way down her belly and finding his favourite spot—between her legs.

  “Ray …” She moaned sleepily as her hands reached down and gripped his hair.

  He slid a finger between her lips … God, she was always so ready for him.

  Keeping the plump lips parted, he stroked her with the tip of his tongue. She groaned louder and arched her back. He drew his tongue up and down as he slid two fingers inside of her.

  “Raaay …” she mewled, and he smiled, wrapping his arms around her thighs as he made love to her with his mouth. The scent of her ecstasy drove him wild as she climaxed, her back arching, her hands pulling him up to her.

  “Taste.” His voice was hoarse as he kissed her.

  “I want more,” she murmured.

  “Of course you do, baby.” He positioned himself at her entrance and teased her with his hard, wet tip.

  “God, Ray, pleeeease.” Her eyes fluttered open, and Ray fell into their depths as he plunged deep inside of her.

  Their rhythm quickly became frantic and rough as she raised her legs up and clenched his arse.

  Ray threw back his head as she bit the skin on his collarbone, and they came.

  “Moooommy, Daaaaddy! Will you please hurry up?” Lullu called from the house to where Ray and Mina stood at the edge of the hill, looking out over the ocean. Behind them, a brand-new wooden bench decorated the once lonesome area.

  They started most mornings off standing or sitting here. A little out of respect, but mostly to remember that they lived in paradise.

  The bench, which Ray had made by hand, was for Ben. On its back was a large copper plaque. Ray had hated the man until Ben had given his life for Mina.

  In memory of Benjamin Meintjies

  Friend, protector, hero

  Ray traced his finger over the engraving, as Lullu called to them again.

  “Coming.” Mina turned and waved.

  “Don’t we only have to leave in half an hour?” Ray gave her a confused glance.

  “Oh, you still have much to learn about your daughter. Especially on a comp day.” Mina chuckled.

  It was Lullu’s vaulting competition for national colors. The girl had been almost impossible for most of the week. Ray really looked forward to spending the day with his pa, Rochelle, Thomas, and Mina’s mom—one happy family at last. But his nerves were wrecked.

  “How the hell do you cope with the stress? I don’t know if I can watch our daughter do this.” He took her hand in his.

  “Well, I’ll tell you one thing. I’m happy to be doing this with you for a change!” Mina chuckled as they walked inside, grabbed their bags and the car keys, and walked out the front door.

  “Hurry up, you two slow pokes.” Lullu hung out the back window of the large SUV that towed the horse trailer.

  They hit the road. The comp was being held at a prestigious breeding farm a few hours’ drive from Redemption.

  Lullu donned her earphones and closed her eyes. Ray gave Mina a WTF look.

  “She listens to Guns N’ Roses. Says it helps her get her mojo on.”

  Ray simply shook his head. “The Gunners, of all bands. Thank God she has good taste.”

  “So, you given any thought to my offer?” She placed a hand on his jean-clad leg as he steered the vehicle toward the main road.

  “Yeah. I can help out, but I think you have a winner in Vestra. She’ll make a great manager alongside you. I’m willing to do the hardcore shit like Ben used to, to keep the inmates in line. I don’t mean to be ungrateful and I need the money, but I can’t promise you all my time if I get accepted into my course.” He shrugged.

  “I understand. Any more news from Thomas?” She squeezed his knee, and he jumped a little. “You know I’m ticklish and I’m driving.”

  A cheeky grin was plastered across her face. “Pity the daughter is in the car today.”

  Her words elicited a memory from a few days before when she’d gone down on him while he drove them into town.

  “Aaaah, baby. Now my jeans are all tight.” He shook his head and smiled.

  “Getting back to reality here.” He removed her wondering hand from his thigh. “Yes. So, Thomas told me Cyril was a plant. They found the real Cyril shoved into an old oil drum. The fake Cyril was the one who planted the drugs to get me out of the way. He was the one who got hold of your security system and fed information to Becky and Klein Piet, who then gave it to Marnus.”

  “Fuckers!” Mina folded her arms across her chest.

  “I hope they rot.”

  “Well, Becky’s been admitted unconditionally to the psych ward of the prison. Apparently, she’s not coping well with the death of her brother. As for Cyril and Marnus, they’re locked away in some dark hole with the promise of a small window if they give Interpol the information needed to bring down the ring of smugglers.”

  A single tear snuck down Mina’s cheek and she quickly wiped it off her face. “Ben didn’t deserve to die.”

  It was Ray’s turn to put his hand on her leg. “No, he didn’t.” And he meant every word.

  It was almost nine o’clock when they pulled in to their allocated parking spot on the breeding ranch.

  Mina stretched as her feet hit the dirt.

  “I’ll be okay. See you inside.” Lullu eagerly led her horse out of the trailer and greeted the groom allocated to her. Drina pulled up behind them.

  “Hi. You ready, Lullu?” The trainer walked up to her prodigy.

  “Sure am. We’re gonna kick arse,” Lullu replied.

  “Lullu …”

  “Marie van der Westhuizen … I know. Sorry, Ma. But we are!” Lullu sassed.

  Mina and Ray walked up to her pulled her and Boesman into an embrace.

  “Good luck. We love you,” Mina said.
>
  “And are so proud of you,” Ray added

  “Okay, okay, I know.” She waved them off and winked suspiciously at Ray, who blushed and trotted off with her horse, Drina, and the groom.

  “What was that about?” she asked, but Ray only shrugged.

  “Thank goodness she’s up second. It’s the waiting that gets to you,” Mina said as they entered the large dome—an indoor arena, like those seen on television.

  “This must have cost a pretty packet,” Ray said.

  “Yup. American investors apparently,” Mina replied as they found their seats and the rest of the family.

  “Hi! I’m so glad you could all make it,” Mina greeted Derek and her ma on her right-hand side, and Rochelle and Thomas on Ray’s left.

  “Great seats, eh? Usually we’re right at the back.” Her ma pointed out.

  The first contestant walked in with a dapple-grey mare at her side. The judges gave her the go-ahead and she began. Her gymnastic moves caused everyone to suck in and hold their breaths.

  “She’ll be hard to beat,” Mina whispered to Ray when Lullu walked in with Boesman. Dressed in her new bright purple and black outfit, Lullu positioned herself to wait for the starting signal from the judges.

  Lullu worked through the routine she and Drina had practiced, with spectacular form.

  “How's she doing?” Ray whispered, his grip on her hand tightening with every move.

  “Great. I can’t believe how much she’s impr—oh my God!” Mina clapped her hand to her mouth as the crowd jumped to their feet and applauded so loudly, Mina’s eardrums thrummed.

  “She’s just pulled off the technical roll.” Mina applauded proudly when their daughter successfully completed the summersault roll off the neck of the horse and bowed to the crowd.

  Ray pushed out his chest and let off a resounding whistle. “That’s my daughter!” He turned and called out to the spectators around them, who congratulated them.

  It was a nightmare having to sit through seven more performances, knowing how well Mina had ended hers But at last, all the riders and their horses rode back into the rink and lined up.