TPO, 2020
Zander opened the door and Christos surged into his jeep. His handkerchief became wet. Zander gave him some pills and water. He took them promptly. He closed his eyes, trying to control his breaths.
“When I was chosen to be your bodyguard, I was nervous. You told me this…” Zander said, “Rule number one is, don’t sweat the small stuff. Rule number two is, it’s all small stuff.”
Christos chuckled. “If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun.”
Zander smiled. “We will solve this.”
“Who do you think might’ve taken the files?”
“What about Nailah?”
“She’s dead.”
“We didn’t see her body, Christos.”
“The car exploded.”
“We could’ve—”
“The receptionist said an old woman, too old with a cane. Nailah wouldn’t be that old.”
“I know but—”
“Did you confirm Rayhan’s death?”
Zander sighed. “I didn’t get close to see the body but I saw them burying him.”
“He’s the only one apart from us who knew about the files.”
“What if Latricia and Saleem took the files before us?”
Christos smiled. “While we were very busy finding the cards, someone was busy finding an alternative way to open that locker. Trust me, that someone is not them. Latricia and Saleem are as terrified as we are.”
“Are we at a dead end?”
“Tell the pilots to fuel the jet. We’re heading to Mbeya.”
“What? Why? Do you think Rayhan is alive?”
“I don’t have time to think now, Zander. Whether he’s dead or alive, we’re going to find out soon.”
**********
Leo opened the van’s door allowing SJ and Patrice to enter. They were on their cleaning suits. SJ took off her cap and threw it hard.
“If the locker was empty, who has the files then?” SJ said.
“Things are becoming more intricate, Lat.”
“Please don’t call me that.”
“The situation is getting shoddier.”
“How could someone open the locker without the keys?”
People forge keys. Leo wanted to say that but he kept his mouth shut.
SJ switched on her phone. “If Christos doesn’t have the files, we’re safe for now.”
“Yes, for now. But if we don’t clear our names, we’ll never be free.”
“We’ve to find out who took the files.”
“It’s—”
SJ’s phone rang. She accepted. Leo couldn’t hear what the other side said.
“I’m sorry, I was doing an important job.” She said. She listened. Then she replied. “What? Who…?” She stood. Her brows knitted in a frown. “Okay, give me some time.” She hung up.
“What’s up?” Patrice said.
“Leo, you need to go to the school, TST.”
Leo chuckled. “Tell me I’m not hearing well.”
SJ grabbed Leo’s shirt. “My daughter has been poisoned and the detectives think you can help them find out who did it.”