Deadline

by Zaheera Walker

  pummelled with all her strength.

  “Hey. Hey. What is wrong with you? Are you crazy?”

  He tried to hold her steady. “Look at me. Look. At. Me.”

  She continued punching him. He must have followed her. The killer. She pleaded, “Please don’t hurt me. Let me go. Please.”

  “Stop this at once.” He shook her hard, to bring her back from the nightmare. He held her tightly. “It’s me. Look at me. It’s Shane.”

  Her eyes remained shut. Could she take the risk? Was it really Shane?

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you. You caught me off guard. I was waiting to take a shower and didn’t expect you to come in after me.” She tried to kiss away his pain; tried to make the horrible scene better. “I don’t know what got into me. You must be furious. I’ll understand if you don’t want me near you now.”

  “You’re insane, woman. Do you understand what it means to be in love?” He waited for a response, but nothing came. “I didn’t think so. Maybe you should be in your own space for a bit. Looks like you don’t want to be with me.”

  “No, Shane. Wait. I’m sorry. I love you. Don’t leave me. Please. Just feeling a bit insecure. That is all. I promise.” She dropped to the floor and grabbed his knee to stop him leaving.

  “Tell me what’s going on. If work is becoming too much, I can give you a break. Take you off that sick assignment. Anything. Just let me help you.” He held her tightly against his chest, sniffed her hair, kissed her head and hated himself for lashing out.

  “Hold me forever, Shane. I don’t feel like that shower anymore. Please turn off the tap. I’ll skip supper too. I don’t want to be away from you. Not another minute. Take me to bed. Hold me. I need you.”

  ***

  Sunlight filtered into the bedroom through the lace curtains. Its rays kissed the couple’s cheeks, announcing it was a new day.

  “Morning babe. Watched you sleeping last night. You looked like an angel. I had to ensure you were going to be all right. After your outburst yesterday, I couldn’t risk dozing off. Just in case you had another attack.”

  Her hands stretched out. She twisted her body and yawned.

  “Morning. You’re the best. What would I do without you?”

  “Uh. Haven’t figured that out yet.” He smacked her with his pillow.

  “Right now, you don’t have to worry about it, because I’m here with you for a long time.”

  They took a shower together, then ate breakfast, went out to buy groceries for the week and took a stroll through Mitchell Park. Not another word about her strange behaviour.

  ***

  Evening closed in too quickly. Shane settled in front of the TV with a bowl of salted peanuts and cans of Sprite for his comfort during the match. Manchester United and Liverpool were about to square off in a few minutes.

  “Sorry to do this to you, love. Please authorise a few things for me. No need to check it. It’s just money I’ve spent taking Smith out and a few other things. This won’t take long. Just want to get it out the way.”

  “Can’t we do this later, babe? It’s the only time I get to watch any sport.”

  “Oh come now. You can do two things at the same time. Like you do in bed.” Feriyal had a wicked streak in her. “Just sign here. Then we’re done. I won’t pester you again. In fact, I’ll watch the match with you.”

  “Okay. You win. Where do I sign?” He trusted Feriyal. There was no need to read the fine print. He had signed several documents for her. Each one had contained factual information.

  “Thank you. Told you it wouldn’t take long.” She slipped the documents into a folder. “Now about that match. Do you still want me to join you? I don’t think you’ll be pleased with me asking questions.”

  Feriyal couldn’t understand what people saw in soccer matches. It was a total waste of time to watch men chasing after a ball. “Rather you watch alone. I know you’re a diehard Man United fan and I don’t think you’ll be keen to explain the rules of the game.” She waited for his response.

  “I’ll do a bit of reading before calling it a night.” She kissed him and sashayed towards the bedroom.

  “See you in a bit, babe. Have fun. I’ll try to keep it quiet here.” He shooed her away without taking his gaze from the players marching onto Old Trafford. Glory, glory Man United!

  ***

  How could she betray him? Feriyal slumped onto the bed. Her hands trembled as she opened the file to the document granting her permission to lease a bachelor pad in Greenwood Park. It was close enough to the serial killer’s dumping ground. There was no turning back now. She closed the bedroom door and forced herself to read the self-defence notes again. It was no use. The words danced on the page, making a fool of the woman who wanted to play the heroine.

  Take control if you want to come out alive! Remember, no matter how big or strong your opponent is, you can take him down.

  Her small hands snapped the book shut. It was time to practise. She took her stance in the middle of the room, legs apart. She glanced at the digital clock on the dresser. It was midway through the first half of the game. Shane would not miss it for the world. Two deep breaths helped her relax. Her mind was clear.

  Hit hard. Hit with force. Grab; twist; pull. Punch. Stick your fingers in your attacker’s eyes. Stamp hard on his metatarsals. If he pulls back, kick him solid in the groin. Block when you can. Scream. Be in control. There is a limit to everything and everyone. Fight with everything you have.

  She lay heaving on the floor. Her eyes were shut as she replayed the movements in her mind. His body leant in, clouding her only chance of escape. Instinct forced her to grip his neck, digging her nails into soft skin. Her right knee settled on his family jewels.

  “God. Damn it. Woman! Are you trying to kill me or something?”

  She froze like an iceberg. Her blood ran cold. “Shane? What are you doing here?”

  “Well, it’s half time.” He crouched on the floor, trying to hide the pain rippling through him. “Thought I’d sneak up on you. Why did you hit me like that?” He tried to soothe the burn on his neck. It felt like needles jabbing through his soft skin. The pain inflicted on his manhood was subsiding.

  “I’m so sorry, love. Must have dozed off for a bit. When I sensed you over me, I thought my life was in danger. It’s a crazy world we live in. Guess our line of work exposes us to all the harsh elements. Forgive me. Come, let me kiss it all better.” She was playing with fire.

  “I’ll never hurt you. You know that, right? And good thing I love you, because I would have slaughtered you by now.” He found her lips making its way down his abdomen. “Mmmmm. That feels like heaven, but I’m going to hold off that pleasure for a bit. The second half is about to start now.”

  ***

  The golden bands on the horizon signalled the start of Sunday morning. Feriyal yawned and stretched to exorcise the last thread of sleep hiding in her body. She rolled over to curl up with Shane, but he was not there. The sun’s rays filtered through the curtains. She squinted to accommodate the brightness. From the corner of her eye, she saw him slipping on his track pants.

  “You’re up early. Don’t you want to snuggle with me today?” She flashed one of her doe-eye looks at him.

  “Would love to, babe. But if I don’t go into the office to finalise the Cape Town meeting report now I’ll be snowed under with work. I’ll try to do it in a flash. Will you be okay on your own?”

  “I’ll find something to do. Maybe a shopping trip or a beauty treatment. Go on. Think I could do with a bit of girl time on my own.” She shooed him out of the room. There were more important things to finalise instead of a buff and polish session at some spa. She called the estate agent to confirm she would be leasing the pad indefinitely. The deposit and first month’s rental was going to be made via electronic banking early in the new week. She saw photographs of the building inside. The agent had said it was ‘decent and well furnished. Perfect for a single, professional woman’. Tha
t was good enough. There was no time to inspect the place. Everything would be perfect once the deposit went through and the lease papers were signed.

  ***

  The start to each new week was chaotic. From diary meetings to booking adverts, everything went faster than a ticking clock.

  Feriyal wanted to be the master in her own game. It was her assignment to bring the serial killer to book and she wanted to create her own rules. She purchased a new SIM card for the cell phone Smith had given her. She destroyed the existing number. Time was running out. She had to do it now. It was the perfect opportunity to place her sex advert in the newspaper. She scribbled on a piece of paper and walked down to the sales department on the first floor.

  “Hi Steve. Haven’t seen you in a bit. Where you been hiding?”

  “Hi you too. I’ve been around. Just working harder than usual. Got my eye on the manager’s post.”

  “I’m sure you’ll get it. Anyway. I know you’re on a deadline, but am hoping you’re going to help me.”

  “What is it you need help with?”

  “Your staff must have been really busy when this lady came in. She said she couldn’t wait, but needed to place an advert. She wrote it down and left the cash with me.”

  “Okay. Let’s take a look.” He reached for the paper and gave a naughty smile. “This is an adult advert. You know the rules. The advertiser has to do this in person.”

  “Come now, Steve. She was here. I saw her. That is how I got her advert. If you want, I will call her and give you the phone to confirm everything.” She picked up the telephone and starting punching in some numbers.

  He stopped her. “Okay. Okay. I’m doing this only because I like you. Bring the paper here. I’ll input the advert from my system. It will be in just before the deadline. But please don’t let anybody know I approved such an advert without verifying the client’s details. I could lose my job. And kiss that promotion goodbye.”

  “We’ll keep this little secret between us.” She winked and blew him a kiss before going back to her workstation.

  Indira, the mistress of spice and all things nice.

  You can be my master; you can be my slave.

  I will deliver whatever you desire. Call me now.

  089 123 8765

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Feriyal kept the cell phone on vibrate mode when she was in the newsroom – just in case. There were several messages and missed calls later the next day. She listened to her voicemail, but they were from married white men who desired a romp with an Indian beauty.

  “Oh Feriyal, glad I ran into you. I arranged a reading for you at 1pm today. Are you free?”

  “Oops, almost forgot all about it. Yes, I’ll take it. Will you come with me, Charmaine? I’m a bit nervous. But not a word of this to anyone, especially Shane.”

  “Your secret is safe with me.” She finger zipped her lips. “There’s nothing to be afraid of, you’ll see. I’ll come with only if you’re comfortable with it. We must give ourselves at least fifteen minutes to get there, okay?” “That’s fine. We can drive together.”

  The cell phone buzzed as she was walking away. Was she going to answer it or listen to a message?

  “Hi...”

  “Hello. I am responding to an advert you placed in the newspaper. Are you the Mistress of Spice?”

  Feriyal swallowed hard. She could feel her heart thumping wildly in her chest. Could it be him? “I am indeed. How may I be of assistance... eh... eh?” Get with the programme, girl; that is not the way to address these sex seekers!

  “Ashveer. You can call me Ash. You have a sweet voice.” “Thank you. You’re very kind.”

  “This is the first time I am calling. I’m sure you can sense how nervous I am.”

  “Don’t be nervous. Once you get to know me, you will realise I am an easy-going person.”

  “Glad to hear that. You may think I’m crazy for calling you, because I’m married.”

  “Oh...”

  “Shew. I’m so glad I got that out of the way. Makes me feel a whole lot better. Anyway, I just need someone to talk to sometimes. I’m willing to pay for your time.” He went quiet, trying to think of what to say next.

  “Maybe when I’m a bit brave we can venture into other things – but only if you are comfortable.”

  “You seem like a true gentleman. Would you like to make an appointment to meet? Coffee maybe as an introduction?”

  “Yes. I think it would be nice to chat over coffee. I am going away on a business trip and will call you when I return. In about two weeks.”

  “I look forward to your call, Ash. You take care.” Feriyal hung up and wondered if she was wasting her time trying to lure the serial killer through an advert.

  She settled behind her desk and filtered through her emails. Nearly half were spam, a couple were potential stories and one was from her long-lost friend, Anne Jones.

  My darling Feriyal,

  I trust that you are keeping busy with your new job. Sorry I haven’t been in touch, but life has changed so much since I last saw you. My beautiful, beautiful mother passed away last month. She was 86. I chose not to attend the funeral, because I wanted to remember her life the way I knew it. It took a while for me to accept the loss and to grieve over her passing. I am doing better now. I know this may come as a surprise, but I am retiring at the end of this month. I love being a journalist, but I also want to travel, write a book and spend more time with my husband, Peter. I love him dearly and want to grow old with him.

  Remember, Feriyal, time is precious and we must do all we can to spend it with those we love. Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. Always keep that in mind.

  You take care, sweetheart, and give me a tinkle some time.

  All my love,

  Anne

  Feriyal felt a knob of guilt growing in her throat. She felt like she

  was losing her mum all over again. Anne was a colleague, but she was a mother of sorts too. She hit the ‘reply’ button.

  Dearest Anne,

  I feel a sense of shame for not keeping in touch. I am deeply sad to hear of your mother’s passing. Please accept my condolences. Your retirement is a shock. I recall the pride and passion you added to your work. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and creativity with me. All your little anecdotes... especially the one about the English court orderly and your time covering the Rhodesian war will stay with me forever. I will call you soon, but need you to know that I hope to be just like you one day. I am working on the serial killer assignment and hope to be there when he is trapped and shoved behind bars. I don’t want to go into much detail, but I am working hard to bring him down.

  That is all I can share with you for now.

  ’Til we meet again, take care. Feriyal

  “We’d better get going if we are to make the appointment.”

  “I’ll meet you in the car park, Charmaine. We can leave now. Just hope the butterflies in my stomach settle. I feel so anxious.”

  “Relax. Take a deep breath to calm down. Keep a clear mind and stay focussed.”

  A minute before 1pm, Feriyal and Charmaine were waiting in

  Bonita’s gypsy-styled reading room.

  “Welcome to my humble abode, dahlings.” She glanced at Feriyal and winked. “I believe someone is here for her first reading?”

  Feriyal went red in the face. “Yes, that’s me. Pleased to meet you, Bonita.”

  “You’re such a beautiful young lady. I am already getting good vibes coming from you. Come closer, my angel. Give me your hands.” She closed her eyes and inhaled, making her chest expand. “You look like a treasure piece. Now excuse me while I get things ready.” Bonita sipped ginger tea with honey while she brewed a pot of dark liquid. “Okay. Now drink this.” She pushed a dainty teacup towards Feriyal. “Drink as much as you can and leave a little towards the end.”

  Feriyal didn’t like tea much, but did as she was told. “Okay, I think that is as much as I can take.” She made a face, bu
t managed to gulp the last bit stuck at the back of her throat.

  “That’s fine, dahling. Swirl the cup three times. Anticlockwise. Now turn it over onto the saucer.”

  Her hands trembled, but she remembered Charmaine’s advice and remained calm. She handed the cup back to Bonita.

  “Let’s see what’s in store for you.” She looked at the tea leaves remaining in the cup and the ones that fell onto the saucer. “You’re a very special lady. It seems life hasn’t been easy for you. Someone you loved dearly is no longer with you in body. An old woman with grey hair. She is smiling and says she admires you for being so strong. She smells like roses; feels like a hug. This woman wants you to know that she is still around you in spirit and that you are very protected. Who is this?”

  “I don’t believe this. Ma! I’m very sure it is her. She passed away a few months ago. Is she fine where she is?”

  Bonita fixed her eyes on Feriyal. “Let me finish, dahling. I see dark clouds surrounding you and a warning that you need to be careful. You’re a brave woman, but this could land you in a lot of trouble.” She strained a bit to get a true reflection of the message from the leaves.

  “You are feeling a lot of sadness. You want to give up because you feel hopeless. I also see the sun card. This gives a message that you will be successful at the end, but you have to make careful decisions.” She studied the tea leaves’ pattern again. “Your life appears as a number eight. It will flow smooth and I see you being victorious. There are cameras and lots of people at this place. There is a pound sign in the cup and this could mean you will be very wealthy or you will be offered a new job. Your face will be on a magazine or newspaper. I can’t say for sure, but you will be well known. That is all I see for you now, my dahling. Do you have any questions?”

  “Wow, thank you, Bonita. There’s a lot in the reading that I can relateto. I was hoping you were going to tell me something about my love life. I am seeing someone I care deeply about. Can you tell me if things will work out between us?”

  “I haven’t seen anything about a man in the reading, but that doesn’t mean this person is not meant to be a part of your future. Right now, the reading doesn’t show anything about him. Maybe when you come back things will be different.”