“Well, the doctors say it will take a while, but they’re confident he’ll pull through.” He noted the concern on her face. “There are armed guards keeping a watch on him, so there’s nothing for you to worry about. He’s going to be put away for a long time.”
“He had a difficult life and I can’t help but feel for him.” She had flashbacks about their discussion and how he had believed she wanted to have sex with him. “I tried to earn his trust, but it wasn’t easy.” She ran her hands through her hair as if trying to brush out the memory.
Smith took pity on her. She had been through so much, but he also knew he had to work fast. “Do you think you’re strong enough for one of my officers to get a statement from you today?”
“It doesn’t have to be done straight away? Can’t we give
her another day?” Shane felt it was going to become too much for her.
“I’d rather get it out of the way. Everything from the last three days is fresh in my mind. The sooner I get it out, the faster I will heal.”
“Then it’s sorted. I’ll clear it with the hospital before I send someone to you. Have to get back to my other matters.” He shook Shane’s hand and urged Feriyal to take it easy. “It’s going to be a long road before this incident is wrapped up. You have to be in prime condition for yourself and the court case. I know it is going to be draining. At some stage, I also think you should see a counsellor. The police can arrange for you to see someone, but I think it will be wise to do it privately.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Sister Jackson was preparing to go off duty when she was called to reception. She had cautioned all staff about Feriyal’s situation and warned that no visitors except close family were allowed to see her. One man refused to back down. He wanted to know how she was doing. The police gave strict instructions that no information about her condition was to be given out. She spoke to him at length and then said she would clear it with Feriyal before granting him permission to visit her.
“There’s someone here to see you, dear. He won’t leave and wants to know if you’re okay. You worked for him a while back. Editor from the Daily Voice. Do you know him?”
“Aneel Simha? Why would he come here to see me? Did he say anything else?”
“Just that he wanted to see you. He was asking a lot of questions, but I put an end to it. There’s no need to see him if you’re not up to it. What would you like me to do?”
He was the last man she had expected to see. Why did he care to make contact after all this time?
“Yes. It’s fine, Sister. Guess it won’t hurt to see him for a short while.”
“You can come through, sir. Please don’t stay too long. She needs her rest.”
“Thank you, Sister. I just need to know she’s going to be all right.” He shut the door and turned to face her, feeling unsure of his visit. What was he going to say?
“Hello, Feriyal. You are a picture of perfect health. How are you?”
“Doing the best I can considering the circumstances. Nice to see you again.” Was it really?
“I was so worried when I heard. At some stage, we didn’t think you were going to make it back to us. Then we heard you were in hospital.”
He bent down to kiss her cheek and a few bones cracked. Blame it on old age!
“It’s good to see too. You are looking well, despite all that has happened.” It felt awkward being around him. He had been horrible to her just a few months earlier.
“What brings you here?”
“What sort of question is that? I needed to know how you were doing.”
He placed a basket of fruit on a trolley and gave her a card. “This is from everyone in the newsroom. Anne left to visit her daughter, but she asked me to give you her love.”
“That’s very kind of everyone. You really didn’t have to get me anything.”
She read the messages and ran her finger over the names. Her colleagues from a long time ago.
“We were beside ourselves with worry when we heard you were missing. I pleaded with all my cop friends to do what it took to find you. Only the best were put on this case.”
What a fantastic liar. Smith was heading the serial killer matter and he was not connected to Aneel’s sidekicks in any way. But let’s not pop his bubble of pride just yet.
“That was kind of you to offer support. Thank you. I’m back now and doing very well. Really.”
“What were you thinking when you went off with that crazed man? That was a very stupid thing. Guess you see that now.”
“When I think about it, I realise what a sticky situation I landed in. But you know when I set my mind on something I never back down.”
“Oh yes. I know your feisty streak. I always knew you were cut out to be a great journalist.” He dropped his head in shame. “About your contract back then... I’m sorry. I should have tried harder to get you a permanent position, but it was out of my hands.”
“Water under the bridge. That’s how I see it.” She glanced at her finger. It was still there. Her engagement ring. “It worked out for the best. I’m happy where I am. If you didn’t let me go, I wouldn’t have made great strides. In some strange way, I have you to thank for all the good things that have come my way.”
“Oh yes?”
“I found the courage to support my mother in her last moments. Met people who enriched my life. Bagged a great opportunity. All that would not have been possible if I was at the Voice.”
“I’m glad we ironed out the bitterness between us. Maybe when you’re better you can come around to your old office. Just to say hi.”
“Maybe. But the first thing I want to do is plan my wedding. I’m going to be Mrs Black soon.”
“What? Where are my manners? Congratulations. I’m very happy for you. Is it anyone I know?”
“Shane.” It felt like bliss just to say his name.
“Shane Black from the Chimes? When did all of this happen?”
“Right after he found out I was no longer at the Voice. Anyway, that’s where it started. So you see, I’m not upset or saddened by what happened back then.”
His Adam’s apple moved as he gulped down his guilt. “Wonderful. He is a double winner. A determined reporter on his staff and now a beautiful woman at his side.”
“Good things come to those who wait. Isn’t that what everyone says?”
She loved every minute she had to rub salt into his wounds. “When you let me go, I had nothing. My mother became ill and died. My future looked bleak, but Shane realised I had potential.” Her mood changed when she thought about the last few weeks before death had come. She fought hard to hold back the tears. “I loved my job and you took it away. You taunted me so much in those last few days. Why did you hurt me like that?”
“I’m a horrible, horrible man, Feriyal. Guess the work gets to you when you’re in the industry for so long. You tend to do silly things. It was never my intention to hurt you.” He squeezed her hand and dried her eyes with his handkerchief. “Please forgive me. I think I paid dearly when I let you go.”
“It’s okay now. Sorry. I didn’t mean to get upset like this. I just needed you to know how deeply you affected me.”
“Again, I want you to know that if I could take everything back I would.”
“I wouldn’t want that. Not now, anyway. You see, I’m happy where I am. My life and career is all good. Shane is wonderful and my colleagues are fantastic.”
“I’m pleased to hear that, Feriyal. The important thing is to get better and put this whole sorry episode behind you.” He looked sincere. “I guess the court case is next, then. You’ll be called in as a witness.”
“I know and I dread it. Smith was here earlier and he told me it could be draining.”
“Don’t be nervous. Just tell the court everything that happened. Exactly the way it did. Stick to the facts and you won’t go wrong. If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“That’s very kind of you to
offer. You know more about the courts than I do and I think it would be wise for us to chat a bit before the big day.” Maybe there was some good in him.
He shook her hand and flashed a wink… or was that a twitch in his eye? There was more he wanted, but how was he going to ask? He turned the handle on the door and then stopped. “Feriyal. I know this is not the right time to ask, but do you think you can give me an exclusive on the story?”
She could not believe it. How could he make such a request? Especially at a time like this. “Get. Out! Get out now! That is all you wanted. Your visit had an ulterior motive. I thought you cared. You’re nothing but a cold and selfish man. I never want to see you again.” She hurled the fruit basket at him. He ducked out before it hit the door and smashed to the floor.
***
“Do you think I can visit Feriyal this afternoon, Mr Black?”
“I don’t think that’s going to be possible. There’s a lot for you to do. Planning a wedding is a major job.”
“Do you mean…? Are you and Feriyal…? Oh, Mr Black! That is wonderful.” She threw her arms around him and rocked from side to side. “A double celebration. We have her back with us and now the two of you are going to tie the knot. When is the big day?”
“Haven’t decided yet, but I want it to be soon. I don’t want to get a wedding planner, because this is about family and friends. Everything must be personal. I’m hoping you can help with it.”
“You don’t have to worry about a thing. I’ll arrange it from start to finish. Can I share the good news with the staff?”
“Yes, go ahead. Organise some bubbly and a light lunch if you want. Use my personal budget. This is something to celebrate.”
“I have to tell Bonita. She’ll be over the moon. She cried so hard when I told her Feriyal was back. Lit a candle and prayed every day for her safe return. Now, I know you don’t think much about psychics, but she is all heart.”
He tried to conceal the embarrassment on his face and turned to look at the layout dummy for the next morning. “I see her in a different light now. There was a lot she told us that turned out to be true. Tell her we would like to have her at our special day.”
“She’s going to do the gypsy dance when I tell her. Now off you go and leave everything to me. I won’t go to the hospital today, but you must tell Feriyal we can’t wait for her to come home.”
***
“There’s a policeman here to see you, Miss Adam. Shall I send him through?”
“Yes, Sister. I’m expecting him.” She propped herself up against the pillows and smoothed back her hair.
“Good afternoon, Miss Adam. Sergeant Brad Wilson.” He extended his hand to her. “I’m here to get a sworn statement from you. I understand Captain Smith mentioned it earlier?”
“We don’t have to be so formal. Call me Feriyal. Is it okay if I call you Brad?”
He nodded. “I’m just going to grab this chair right here and then we can get started.”
“I must confess I don’t know what is expected of me, but I am willing to tell you everything that happened.”
“There’s nothing to it, really. After eight years with the police, I know it like the back of my hand. It’s very simple.
I’ll help you along.”
“So where should I start?”
“First, let me explain. The statement must be in your own words. You must be sore, but are you able to write? Think you’ll need assistance?”
“My hands are fine. Just my body that’s a bit bruised.” She clicked the pen and waited for him to continue.
“That’s great. Now remember everything you write has to be the truth. Nothing but. That’s the reason it’s called a sworn statement.” He giggled, hoping to lighten the mood. “State everything that happened. As much as you can remember. Try to give times; places; what was spoken between the two of you. Every bit of detail helps.”
“Okay, then. That doesn’t sound too bad.”
“At the end, you’ll sign and date it. I’ll sign as a witness and we can get one of the sisters to sign as well.”
“Okey dokey. Let’s get started.” She wiggled off the bed and planted herself firmly on the floor. “Now. Where are my slippers?” She peeked under the bed and pulled them out with her toes.
“Do you need help with that?”
“I can manage on my own. Have to get back on my feet. The easiest way for that to happen is to do things for myself.”
Some feisty woman you are. Guess that explains how the suspect was beaten up so badly.
“You’re a very strong woman. It helped to get you out of a harrowing situation.”
She flicked a rapid glance at him. “You have no idea how tough it was. It was a case of kill or be killed. I didn’t think I was going to make it back. Nobody should go through something like that.”
“Well, the important thing is you’re safe. The suspect is going to be put away for a very long time. It’s going to be hard for the victims’ families when he is sentenced. Some might feel relief; others anger. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
Her eyes flooded with sorrow. Vishen did have some kindness in him. If only someone dug a bit deeper, they would find it. “I understand the law must take its course. If only things could be a bit different.”
“Different how? He raped and strangled so many innocent women. He deserves to be punished.”
“Well, he hasn’t made an appearance in court yet, so everything is alleged at this stage.”
He clicked his tongue in irritation. “Don’t go getting all soft on him now. You and I both know he is guilty. And we don’t need a court to prove it.”
“That’s true. But instead of giving him a lengthy sentence, maybe he could be rehabilitated. Perhaps help the police get into the minds of other killers or something.”
“Don’t be insane. Serial killers can never be reformed. He might stop for a bit, but the urge to kill will always be there.” A gong echoed in the corridor. “We’d better get going. It’s now 2pm and I’ve been here for almost an hour.”
I, the undersigned, Feriyal Adam, hereby take oath and state
in English that I am a news reporter employed by the Morning Chimes, a daily newspaper publication in Durban.
On Saturday, 4 October 1997 at about 9am, I arranged to meet a man for coffee at the La Lucia Mall. I acted of my own free when I agreed to drive in his car to 101A Evergreen Villa, 97 Sandalwood Boulevard, an apartment in Greenwood Park. I would like to place on record that this was part of my assignment to lure in the serial killer. The suspect I met on the said date responded to an adult advert I placed in the newspaper. We travelled to the said address and the suspect parked in front of the building. The company I work for leased the building on my behalf. We chatted about general things and, without indicating a change of plans, he took off down the road. He said he wanted to go for a drive so that we could chat. I knew something was not right when he started questioning me about my sexual behaviour. I was too scared to jump out of the moving vehicle. At this stage, the suspect started showing signs of violent behaviour when he gripped the steering wheel and raised his voice at me. He stopped outside an old building and instructed me to go inside. I wanted to escape, but I knew I wouldn’t get very far before he caught up to me. He tied my hands and feet with rope and sealed my mouth so I could not scream. I cannot remember if he told me how he killed Indian women before or after he went to get some food. He told me he killed them to get revenge, because his father broke the family unit when he left home to be with an Indian prostitute. He gave me details about raping and strangling them before dumping the bodies in the sugarcane fields in Phoenix. He could not tell me the exact number of women he killed, but said ‘too many; I can’t remember’. He said he was giving me a bit more time before he killed me, because he found me interesting. I tried to gain his trust by offering to stand by him if he handed himself over.
It was getting dark and I asked to use the bathroom. I took my handbag with me, hop
ing I could use my cell phone to call for help. I could not find it. He had removed it and smashed it against the wall. I found some sleeping pills in my wallet and decided to crush them and slip them into a drink for him. When the pills started to work, I made a dash for the door and got into the car outside. It wouldn’t start. I raised the bonnet to see if there was anything wrong. By this time, the suspect staggered out of the room and grabbed me. A scuffle broke out between us. He hit me and I struck him with a spanner. I don’t know how many times I hit him. When he fell to the ground and lay there without moving, I thought he was dead. I managed to run towards the road, then I walked towards the beach. It was pitch-black and the lighting was very poor. I was hoping to find some fishermen who could take me to the nearest police station.
There was nobody there. After a while, I saw light streaming out from the bushes behind me. I walked towards the light and this is where I saw a couple in a car. They called the police.
F. Adam
Signature
Date: 8 October 1997
Place: Umhlanga
Time: 3:15pm
I certify that the above statement was taken by me and that the deponent has acknowledged that he/she knows and understands the contents of this statement. This statement was sworn to/affirmed before me and the deponent’s signature was placed thereon in my presence.
Commissioner of oaths: B. Wilson
Sgt B. Wilson
Feriyal’s eyes followed the tip of the pen as she read each word.
“There you go. I’m satisfied with everything.”
“Great. Now, with that out of the way, I’d better head back to the station.” He put the pen into his shirt pocket and tucked the file under his arm. “Captain Smith will keep you posted about the case. It was nice meeting you, Feriyal.
Take care of yourself.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Phoenix serial killer behind bars
Vishen Maharaj, 29, of Limestone Place, Phoenix, who is charged with twenty-one counts of rape and strangulation, attempted murder, assault and abduction, was not asked to plead before Magistrate Soma Moodley. Dressed in the standard prisoner’s uniform and nursing injuries sustained on the night of his arrest, Maharaj bowed his head and listened to his attorney, Siva Govender, telling the court ‘it would be in the best interest of everyone if he remained behind bars’. The court heard he was not a flight risk and detectives confirmed he lived with his mother.
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