chapter 2

The Zone

Kamo and Ronald

The Zone looked busy as always and Kamo looked around to check if there are familiar faces until she saw Ronald coming towards her. She really looked beautiful and all eyes were on her and that made Ronald feel good to be joined by the most beautiful lady in the room.

You look lovely, that was Ronald

Thank you, Kamo responded. Have you been waiting long?

No, even if I had to wait for another two hours, I was going to do it for you.

Flattery will not get you anywhere Ron. Do you mind calling if I call you Ron?

Ron….hhhhhh sound lovely, my mom calls me Roni, my friends calls me Ron, I guess I won’t mind you calling me Ron.

I have booked a private lounge where we can sit and enjoy dinner without people starring at us.

Are you scarred of people? Kamo asked that looking straight into Ronald’s eyes?

No I am not scarred, but I would like us to have an uninterrupted dinner. 

What do you mean having an uninterrupted dinner?

Since you came in here all eyes are on us and I don’t feel comfortable when people look at me like that.

Kamo laughed and said to Ronald.  Relax; I have a confession to make. Many people that are starring at us is because they know me. I am a regular here; I come each week with my friends. Maybe they are surprised that today I am here with a friend of opposite sex.

Ronald looked disappointed. Why didn’t you tell me that you knew this place? I would have chosen another place?

Don’t worry, The Zone according to me is one of the places that you cannot outlive, I did not want to disappoint you and besides, I love their food.

If you say so, I am a bit relieved but I was going to feel good if I have taken you to a place that you have never been. That’s Ronald holding Kamo’s hand walking towards the private lounge.

You have Ron, you have booked a private lounge which I have never been to as when I come here with my friends we go the public area, eat and dance to the music.

The mood in the private lounge was different, the place was well lit, smooth music that goes with the night, and each couple had a private space where they sit uninterrupted.

Wow, Ron this is lovely, I can’t believe that the Zone had a place like this? I have been coming here since it opened and I didn’t know that they have such a lovely place like where we are now. Come on how did you know about this?

To tell you the truth Kamo, I did not know either. It is my first time at the Zone, I had a chat with one of my friend asking him of an area where I can sit comfortable enjoying dinner with a friend and he recommends this place. I called them and said to them I want to book a private table and all were fully booked but they said there is a private lounge if I want to sit in a space where I don’t get interruptions and I booked it.

That sound expensive, do you want me to help pay my share? I would not mind you know?

Kamo, don’t worry, I invited you and I would not have booked this place if I cannot afford it. Relax and let’s order some wine while we are thinking of what to eat. You know I can’t believe that I am having dinner with you.

Why is that Ron?

Ronald laughed and said to Kamo, do you remember the day at the airport, you were so angry and I said to myself this woman is beautiful even when she is angry and I wouldn’t mind to go out with her.

Wow…wait a minute, don’t get ahead of yourself Ron, we are not here on a date but just to enjoy dinner and talk like people. And what makes you think I will be interested in dating you?

First you agree that I drive you to your work the day you lost your luggage at the airport. Secondly, when I dropped you at your offices, you turned back and look if I was looking at you which I was looking at you, thirdly, the day that I called you asking you to join me to this dinner your voice sounded so happy that I called. Fourthly, you agreed to go out with me. Do you want me to continue counting further why I think you are going to date me?

Hold your horses Ron, all that you have said does not count to anything. Let’s just say you were lucky that when you ask I was also in a space when I needed break from work. I am not looking forward dating anyone at the moment and I will propose that we order food, wine and dine and talk about general topics as we start this friendship.

Come on Kamo, do you want to tell me that you don’t have a little kind of feeling that you have towards me? To tell you the truth, since that day at the airport all I think of is you, your smile and the smell of your perfume. I have seen beautiful girls in my life but not as beautiful as you.

Ron, you look like a good young man and you don’t want to get mixed up in my world. It is very complicated.

What is very complicated when a man loves a woman and would like to spend the rest of his life with? What is complicated in that?

Ron, I am not who you think I am, I have so many baggage that you wouldn’t like to know about and if you know, you would not want anything to do with me. Kamo said that and Ron noticed pain in her eyes.

Kamo, all of us have pasts and that we can’t change. But that does not mean when you meet someone you like you must stop living because of your past. I believe past paves way for the future to happen. I don’t believe your past can be so bad that prevents you from getting into a relationship or at least try?

You know what Ron, let’s leave this discussion for another day.  Tonight I just want to enjoy good food and good music to take a break from my work. Ron, why did you choose to work at the airport anyway?

I wanted to be a pilot and I couldn’t make the cut since my height was not what they were looking for, years I am tall but not tall enough to be a pilot and my science was not that good when I matriculated. Instead of me giving up I applied for aeronautical engineering and graduated on top of my class and find myself working at the airport. I started at the bottom as a trainee until now, where I am the head of airport security not like security guards, but security systems that are operational and sometimes I helped when customers have problems like the day I met you. Is not actual my job, I helped whenever I can. There you heard about me. Anything else?

It sound interesting, a wanna bee pilot ended up being an aeronautical engineer/ head of security. Not bad at all, at least you still see planes every day. Kamo said that jokingly and laughed.

Yeah you are quite right, I see them every day and I ride them each time I have a break, I like to travel and since I don’t pay full amount, I invest in visiting lovely places , sleep in good hotels and enjoy food, you should join me sometime.

Join you someday? Kamo asked thinking that Ronald might have made some mistake. What about your girlfriend or wife? What are you going to tell her?

Girlfriend or wife? Wow, if I had any of such I wouldn’t be here with you tonight. I am a very principled person and when I get into a relationship I don’t mix things. I put my whole into that relationship.

Sound interesting. Kamo was getting moved by the music they were playing in the background. Why are you single? I mean a handsome young man like you should have someone by his side.

Let’s just say, I was unlikely when it comes to love and I hope you are going to end that, you seem to me like a woman who can make any man’s heart beat faster than it should be lie what I am going through especially now.

Kamo laughed so louder where Ronald felt a bit uncomfortable. You know what Ron, you are such a smart young man and I can see where you are going. Remember I told you earlier relationship is off limit for now, I just need to enjoy spending this time with you. Listen to the beautiful music they are playing. I feel like dancing.

Ok ok….. I won’t say anything about relationships tonight for the sake of us enjoying dinner and each other (Ronald hold his mouth). I am sorry I did not mean it like that. Do you feel like dancing Kamo?

Yes I would love to dance, another reason that makes me love this place is their music. Oh…..

Ronald hold Kamo’s voice and lead her to the dance floor, it was only the two of them. Ronald hold Kamo closer to him and they started to move side by side in sync with the music. At that moment Kamo was smelling the lovey cologne on Ronald’s body and it felt so good. He is a man but surely he smells nice and she could feel his heart beat next to her. This man is fine, she didn’t realised that she said that loudly.

What did you say Kamo? Ronald asked as he did not hear clearly?

I was saying this song is lovely, she was a bit embarrassed of what she just said.

Well, I am loving that I am dancing with the most beautiful woman in the whole world. You know Kamo you will forgive me but what I am feeling right now is out of this world. I feel like kissing you all over, I feel like laying you in this table and make love to you, I feel like my body can explode. I am so in love with you woman and is tough that I don’t think I will be able to get you out of my mind. Your smell, your touch, your looks, look at you Kamo, you are such a precious jewel.

Kamo’s body was so hot and she could feel that she wanted this man. She hasn’t heard sex in a while and she has not ever had such a feeling about a man like what Ron is doing to her. Could this be the real love they talk about? She has dated men in different classes but this young man has such an effect on her and she does not want to lose control of herself over a man, she knows that better. Ron please stop, you are making me to lose myself. Kamo said.

I want you to lose yourself over me. I want you to feel safe on my arms.  I want you to admit that you are feeling the same way as I do. I want you to give us a chance to try this thing. I am in love with you Kamogelo Mmusi. I fell in love with you that day at the airport and I have never felt like this in my life. Please say you will give us a chance.

Kamo was feeling so helpless and she did not know what to do. Her knees were shaking and she could feel that she wanted Ronald. Likely at the private lounge there was a bedroom adjourning where they were seated. 

Ronald took Kamo’s hand and led her to the bedroom. He started kissing her all over and Kamo fell her blood running through. She felt so hot, she felt helpless. Ronald was taking his time preparing the beautiful woman with him. He had mastered the art of fore play and the rewards that comes with it. He is not one of those men who just want to penetrate a woman without first allowing the woman’s body to be at sync with what he is feeling. 

He took off Kamo’s dress and underneath she was not wearing any panty which was to Ronald’ surprise but he did not care. He kissed her all over and he could feel his manhood eager to penetrate Kamo but he wanted her to be ready. Kamo was lying in bed so helpless whispering to Ronald that she want him to take her. She unzipped Ronald’s pants and she put her hand on Ronald’s penis. Wow the guy was gifted, he looked beautiful in there and that made her want him more and she was so wet ready for him.

Ronald finally got in and wow, it was so smooth and he felt something he had never heard before. Just the thought of him inside this woman made the pleasure so unbearable. Their bodies moved together sideways and he was making love to her slowly as he wanted to enjoy every pleasure with her.

Kamo on the other side was feeling out of this world. Where have this guy been. She said to herself. She has dated men before but not like this. This man knows how to really make love to a woman. She felt like she was on another planet. He was not only gifted but he also knows how to make use of his body. Ronald did not want to put all his weight on her, so hold her closer put her on top of him and the two of them joined each other in a duet and they could feel that the pleasure was out of this world. They enjoy each other until both of them come at the same time and lay helpless in bed.

They lie side by side with no one saying anything.

Los Angels

Norah 

It has been six months Norah started with the internship and it seems as she has been learning a lot of things. She was also making friends with many people although some they were befriending her because of her parents. Her mentor was happy with her progress and she was assisting in different productions. Norah’s parents were happy that Norah was settling in nicely and that she was determined to make a name for herself.

It is Tuesday morning and Hollywood is busy as always. Norah is seen with a group of friends some started with her on the Internship programme, others she got to know them from various movies that she helped with as a Production assistant. She has done well on the first six month and she was getting booked in more and more films to assist and that made her feel good. Although Norah had everything she wanted, famous parents, good education, now she is working in Hollywood, there was something like a void in her life. She felt that she was ready to have a boyfriend but there was no one who had approached her before. All her friends were dating and the last boyfriend she had was while she was at university and the guy cheated with her best friend. Since then she lost faith in men and she did not want to get hurt anymore hence she stayed single for years.

Norah, how come I don’t see you hanging with some of us after work? Every time when we knock off you rush to go home. It was Janice who have become Norah’s closest friend.

Well, I don’t like to be in company of large group, I like my space. Norah responded her eyes on a guy who recently joined the Internship programme.

What’s wrong being in company of a group, there is me and other guys that you have known for how long? Six months, you should be comfortable with all of us. Norah, what are you not telling me? How are you going to get a boyfriend if all you do is come to work and go home? You need to go out there you will never know who you can meet.

I am not looking for a boyfriend at the moment and besides, I don’t fancy anyone on our group. Don’t get me wrong there are couple of hunks but they are just not in to me.

What type of guys are you looking for and how did you know someone is good for you if you don’t even try?

Look who is talking? Not so long ago you came crying to me because the greatest player Dwayne has dumped you for the new intern. I don’t have anything against Dwayne but I warned you that he looks like a player which he is.

Yes Norah I came crying to you but that time has passed, I am dating someone now, and Janice looked at the young intern that Norah was looking at.

No…get out of here, you want to tell me you and Charlie are an item? Since when and how come are you only telling me now?

Well it’s something that happened recently and I did not want to say anything before I was sure of it and yes now I am very sure of it.

What do you mean now you are very sure of it? Norah asked her friend.

We have gone out in a couple of dates and last night we spend a night together at his loft, wow the guy is good you know.

No way, you want to tell me that you slept with Charlie? Norah didn’t realised that she had asked a question where people could even here her. At that moment Charlie walked towards them and Norah’s heart started to beat so fast. She couldn’t tell her friends that she has hots for her boyfriend and she did not know that they were an item.

Hello ladies, I heard like someone calling my name, I am here now. It was Charlie giving a kiss to Janice on the cheek.

Hi baby, you know Norah my friend. 

Oh yes, I know Norah. Everybody here knows who Norah is. And by the way Norah, how come I don’t see you mingle with the crowd? If you are not helping out in studio you re by yourself unless if Janice here is with you?

Norah’s eyes was glued into the Charlie’s lips, he was well build and he spoke so confidently and was bright too. It was the kind of guy she would like to date but now he was her friend’s boyfriend.

I do go out with my friends you know, I mean the ones that I used to hang out at university. Each week we meet at our favourite spot and catch on all the gossips discussing our careers, frustrations with our bosses and life in general.

Sound interesting baby. Charlie was looking at Janice but not convinced at what Norah was saying. Maybe we should join Norah with her friends next time they go out. Who knows it might be fun and maybe we will get to know another side of Norah better. I will have to invite my boy Dennis, he digs you Norah. 

Who is Dennis? You mean that guy who talks too much and all over the place? No ways eeeeeee……not my kinda guy. I will pass.

Oh…so you have preference Norah, what kinda guy do you fancy? Someone like me? Charlie’s arm was resting nicely on Janice shoulder.

Norah felt embarrassed, she cannot admit to Charlie that she likes him especially now that he is dating her friend. You know what Charlie; I think you are too full of yourself. Forgive me my friend; let me leave you with your boyfriend. I want to go and check on my mom. I am riding with her today since I have taken my car to the workshop.

Bye Norah, I will text you later. That was Janice and she couldn’t understand why Charlies’s words have made Norah so uncomfortable and angry. She will have to dig out the truth from Norah.

Norah walked towards studio 8, she knew her mother was finished with the movie she was shooting and it was the first movie she was shooting without her husband who was directing it.

She quickly started at the ladies to pull herself together as she was a bit disturbed by Charlie’s presence and she did not want her friend to see that she has hots to her boyfriend. Norah freshened up and apply a powder on her face and head to her mother’s dressing room.

Knock knock….it was her getting inside the room. Her mother was busy changing into her clothes when Norah walked in. Norah’s mom quickly dismissed the lady who was helping her as she needed to discuss something with her.

Norah I am worried about you my love. How come I don’t see you mingle with other young people your age? You don’t have a boyfriend and you like spending time with me and your dad than go out there and have some fun. How are you going to find yourself a boyfriend if you don’t go out?

Ma… I thought I told you not to talk about this anymore. I am going to date when I am ready; beside the type of guy that I wanted is taken. Norah looked disappointed and hurt when she says that.

 So, there is someone that you are interested in? That’s a good start. What do you mean he is taken? Is he married?

He is not married ma, is just that he is dating someone and that someone is a close friend of me.

Well, if he is not married he is available. Where on earth are you going to find a man just single waiting for you? If you like him, tell him.

No ma….Janice is my best friend I would not want her to go through what I went through while at university.

Oh poor kid, you are still hung out at what Penny did to you? You need to let go of the past and go and tell Charlie how you feel. Janice will get another boyfriend; beside she is a popular girl it won’t take time before she gets another boyfriend.

Ma…..I can’t believe that out of all people you are giving me such a bad advice, Norah was shocked that her mother was really saying that.

C’mon Norah, stop being a saint, where are you going to find a man waiting specifically for you? Tell me this, between a stone that has not been discovered and the one that is discovered polished and stored in display, which one will attract people? The one in display because people sees it every day and they can also see the worth of it. It is the same with Charlie, he is there. You see him every day and makes your heart beat fast am I right?

How do you know that I feel this way?

Norah, I am your mother, I was once young and I remember when I met your father it was love on first sight.

Since you are speaking of dad, where is he anyway? I think he can give me better advice than you. Norah was walking towards the kitchen to make a cup of tea for her and mother.

It is Tuesday baby girl, you father has a lecture to third year film students; he will be home after eight.

Of course, I forgot. Maybe I should join him sometimes when he goes to varsity.

Join him and do what, be his student. You are now in Hollywood, all the shit he is teaching students in class you are experiencing them on set. You know what, I think is should throw a party and invite your friends that are on internship, maybe Charlie will also come and other interesting people that you might like.

A party what for? I don’t need you to help me to get a guy; I will get my man when the time is right. Anyway let’s forget about Charlie, he belongs to Janice and let’s close this conversation. Norah was feeling a bit annoyed by what her mother was trying to do. She put the two cups of tea and switch on the TV to watch news update. There was a lot happening in the world, with US going through Presidential campaign and Africa being on the spotlight about all the rebels who were terrorising the communities and attacking innocent people. She felt like leaders were not doing enough to help African people. She had read once that rebels were financed by the West who wanted countries to be ungovernable and occupy all the resources that should make Africa a rich country. Anyway, in two years’ time she will be going back to Morocco. Her parents have two more pictures to stare on then they go back home. His father has already met with Moroccan minister of Arts who want him to develop Morocco Film Industry which he agreed. Maybe there is something that she can do to address some of challenges the continent is facing through film. She has learned the power of visuals and they can do to change or destroy the world.

Harare

Knowledge Mutemba

It’s been seven month since knowledge went to South Africa celebrating her friend’s birthday. Things were looking good at the tobacco firm where she just started working. She was thinking of her friend on what she will be up to in London. She thought, for someone like her London she just see on TV, she will never be able to go there. Yes she is still young and has landed a good job but she has lot of responsibility to waste money on trips. She was still deep in thought when she hear a knock at the door, it was Fortunate her colleague.

Hawu, Knowledge, why are you not answering your phone, I have been calling and calling with no answer?

I am sorry Fortch……that’s how Knowledge calls her colleague. I was busy looking at these figures, the CFO wants me to present to the board next time and some of this numbers are not adding up.

Wow, presenting to the board that is a good move girl, well leave those numbers for now and let’s go and have lunch. Some of us need to eat you know?

I did not realise that it is lunch time already. You are right, it does not help me to crack my skull on something that I cannot change. Numbers you add up or you don’t, this girl is going to eat. Speaking of lunch, where are we going to eat today?

Let’s go to Mangi’s place, I heard she sell Sadza with Pilchards Stew and Vegetables and is something to die for. And you know I love Sadza, it’s good to eat not these foreign dishes that we have to close our eyes to eat them.

C’mon Fortch, is not that bad, anyway let’s go to Mangi’s place, I am starving.

Knowledge and Fortunate were crossing the road when a car out of nowhere came speeding and nearly hit them. Look where you are going Benzi, it was the driver of the car

Benzi, did that guy call us benzi, who does he think he is? Benzi means fool in Shona and the two ladies felt violated.

Well don’t worry, I know that guy, he is a friend of Freddy the one who works with us. We should teach him a lesson when he comes to the office.

You mean that Freddy, no wonder that guy is like that, is just  like Freddy to have a friend like that guy who just called us benzi.

There was a long queue at Mangi’s place. Probably the place is taking many people out of business. The ladies were not worried to wait on the queue especially for the food they were about to eat, it was worth it. While they were on the line, Knowledge’s phone rang, when she checked it was international. She started panicking, she was supposed to have sent an email to an international client about the next stock and she hasn’t. She just prays that the client did not call her boss before he calls her.

Hello, Knowledge speaking, it was her answering the phone.

The voice on the other end repeated after her, hello, Knowledge speaking. Knowledge how on earth has you become boring especially when you answer the phone.

Who am I speaking too? Knowledge was trying to establish who the person is calling.

It’s me girl, Miranda your friend from tertiary. Oh don’t tell me you have forgotten all about me, it will be sad.

Oh my God Miranda, I did not expect your call. It has been how many months, seven since we last saw each other. How are you and how is London treating you?

I am good but I miss home, and I miss my friends especially you, which brings me back to the nature of this call.

Ok Miranda, how are things and what do I owe this call?

Well friend, I am calling to let you know that I will be flying in to Harare next week. The reason for my call is for you to prepare yourself and some talents because we will be partying every day when I come.

Partying? Knowledge was really surprised that her friend has not lost her old habits of partying. She cannot be able to partying, she has lots of work to go through and she feels like she has outgrown parties.

I cannot wait to see you Miranda; I will introduce you to another friend that you will like.

If it is a boy, I would not mind, bye friend. Miranda hung up and Knowledge was stull puzzled by Miranda’s call. She cannot just call to let me know she is coming to party. There is more to this story.

Is that the Miranda who was your bestie and roomie in varsity? It was Fortunate asking.

Yep the one and only Miranda.

Knowledge, you don’t look excited for someone who is your friend and haven’t seen in a while.

It is not that Fortch, is just that I am worried her being here it will distract me from concentrating at work and there is a lot on my plate, I don’t have time for parties. And I think there is more to her story, given her reputation.

Oh….. you are still thinking of what went down in Cape Town right? It has been a while now. Besides she is your friend and you know that she is wild. Just try to accommodate her for the days she will be here and if it will make you feel at ease, I will join you.

That would help, but you don’t know Miranda, she is pain, I tolerated her because she used to help me with many things which I could not afford since I was poor and she likes me the way I was. I love her as a friend but I think she might be in trouble. I guess I will have to wait until she arrives then I will get my answer.

They were next in line, and they ordered their food, went and sit down at the table waiting for their food. It was worth walking to Mangi’s Place. The food was divine and Knowledge could see that her colleague was enjoying her food.

Mmmmm, you know what Knowledge, it was Fortunate speaking to her colleague, I think we should throw a welcome party for Miranda, invite few guys from work and some of your former varsity mates. What do you think?

What? A party? No way…is .although something that Miranda would love but I don’t think is a good idea. Don’t get me wrong, I love hanging out with my friend but party would not work. Try something else although Miranda is gonna love you for this.

Knowledge, you must live and stop hung up on the past. Cape Town happened and now is gone. I thought you guys are tight. A bit of fun won’t hurt anyone. Besides, maybe your friend needs some cheering up. You don’t have to worry about arrangements….Ms Fortch is here to see to it that all arrangements are done. All you need to tell me is what your friend is like, what she loves to eat, drink and music and all is done. Also give me contact numbers for all the people you would like to invite. I am telling you, your friend is going to love you for this. Maybe this will work to close the Cape Town chapter.

You know what Fortunate, since you are so persistence, go and organise that party but make sure you organise it on Friday after work. I cannot do a Saturday party as I might struggle to wake up on Sunday. You just don’t know what you are opening yourself into. And you are right, Miranda will love it and she will love you that you came with an idea of throwing her party.

Look at the time, we need to go back.  I still have to finalise that financial document and if I want to be at that party next Friday I better complete the document otherwise The Horse will make me work on weekends. The horse is the Chief Financial Officer at the Benson. That’s how everyone else calls him. The name came because of his love for horses.

The two ladies walk back to their office and Knowledge picked up where she left off bit she was struggling to understand the balance sheet. Something is not making sense here. She was thinking and immediately she had an idea that it’s better she asked from the Company Secretary to give her all the company financial statements for the past ten years. There was lot of funds which was not accounted for and she was sure that funds were not being used properly or someone did not record the true state of Benson finances. Luckily she is good friend with Company Secretary, it won’t be difficult to get those records although is going to cause her a lot of time to get through ten years records. Knowledge dialled the number to the Company secretary and she explained to her what she is looking for and the lady on the other line said she should not worried as she will get the records by end of the day.

I will have to work even at night to be able to finish all this work as it is not an easy task. Anywhere is not like I will be going to someone when I get home. She suddenly thought of Cape Town, the good time she had until that moment when Miranda walked in on her with Sizwe while they were holding each other. Miranda so upset where she insulted her in front of everyone. Miranda also went to shame Knowledge about how poor she is and being an opportunist. Fortunate did not know that Sizwe and Miranda were on a relationship.

She was still thinking of Sizwe when a mail came in.  It was from the company secretary and she was happy that it did not take long before she received the documents. She started to compare year by year for the last ten years, even month by month.

I need to be patient working on this. What I might uncover might not look good to some top people and she will have to find ways to deal with it.

Her door open and in walked the CFO. Knowledge was startled when he sees him inside her office.

I knocked and there was no answer, so I let myself in. how are you keeping up Knowledge? The CFO asked. You look like a beautiful young woman with a whole future ahead of you and we would not want you to lose all of it, won’t you say Knowledge.

Sir, I am not sure if I am following you.

Let me simplify for you, those documents you ordered, leave them as they are if you know what I mean.

When she started she was told about the Horse and what he is capable of.  She was confused that the company CFO does not want anyone to find out how the financial documents are not up to date.

Sir, I don’t want to cause trouble but I picked up some irregularities and since you asked me to prepare a document for next week board meeting, I thought I should look at all the financial records of the company for the last ten years sir. I did not realise that some documents are classified.

Sir, you asked me to prepare a financial document for the meeting that is taking place next week and you don’t want me to look at the previous year’s records, if you don’t mind me asking sir, how am I supposed to compile that document if I don’t have information? Knowledge was feeling a bit irritated. She did not like the man standing in front of her but she does not have any choice as the man also own half of the company.

Hold your mouth young lady that is no way to talk to me. If you still want to continue working here, you will stop looking at those records. And about the financial report that I asked you to do, please don’t bother as I have asked David to do it. You can continue doing what you normally do and insure the company books are up to date. Do we understand each other?

Yes sir. Knowledge looked a bit pissed but the job at the Benson meant a lot to her and her family, she cannot afford to lose it.

Thank you. It was the Horse leaving the office.  And Knowledge, don’t work so hard, it will kill you. The Horse closed the door and Knowledge was fuming. 

She had lot of questions about the CFO. Why does he not want her to look at those financial records? What is he hiding? Does it have something to do with accounts that she picked up while working on financial statements that seems to link bank to the CFO? She vowed to get at the bottom of that but not now since The Horse will be keeping a close eye on her. She will let the dust to settle and start investigating later. It will not take long time to find out, she has a friend who works with Zimbabwean Revenue Service, and she will ask a favour from him.

Oh my God, look at the time, is almost six o’clock.  Knowledge switch off her laptop bag and put it inside her laptop bag, close her office and go to the parking lot.  On her way out she realised the CFO is not yet gone and is unlike him as he leaves early on Friday. She did not care much, all she was thinking off was to go home and have a nice bath then go out with her friends. It was a long week, a little partying will do.

As she was busy reversing, she noticed the CFO also going to his car and he wave a hand towards her and she waved back. There was something she does not understand with him but she will not let him intimidate her if that’s what he is trying to do. She got on the road and off she go.

Knowledge’s House

Knowledge stays in a lovely suburb just outside of Harare. She moved in two years after she started working to be closer to work. She still go and visit her family in the village during the weekend or holiday if she does not have plans with her friends. She shares a three bed room with her two older sisters who are working in town as hawkers. She though since she has a better job, it will not be good for them to rent somewhere else. Knowledge and her sisters get along and they are proud to have a younger sister like her.

When she arrived at home she finds her sister Regina cooking.

Evening sis, I can smell your cooking from outside. What are you cooking for us tonight?

Evening, Knowledge. Where is your phone? You know we have been so worried; we were calling you since four o’clock with no answer. 

Calling me, my phone is right here with me. Knowledge took out her phone from her hand bag and realised is off. Aggh the battery is gone no wonder you could not reach me. Where is Betina?

Betina went home, hence I was calling you. We received a call from Dad, mom is in hospital. She slipped and sprain her foot when she was working in the fields.

Is she okay? Which hospital is she admitted to? Knowledge was now restless. She is very close to her mom and she does not want to hear anything about her.

Dad said she will be okay, I guess we will here from Betina, she will be visiting her at eight o’clock which will be the visiting hours. Sit down I will run a bath for you. Regina still treats Knowledge as a kid and she does not want to see her younger sister doing any house hold chores.

Finish cooking, I will run the bath myself. Knowledge went upstairs and closed the door behind. She was worried about her mom. She put her phone on the charger and went and run bath. She sat on the bath for almost an hour soaking her body. She felt better wen and get dressed and when she went down stairs, Regina was setting the table.

She went and dish food and sits down at the table. She hardly touched her food and then she heard the landline ringing. She went to answer the phone and it was her friend who was letting her know that she is on her way to come and pick her up as they were going out together. She cancelled her friend and tells her that she is not well and hanged up the phone.

Why did you lie to you friend? Go out, it will do you good. Worrying about mom won’t help you. Don’t worry, Betina will call as soon as she arrives in hospital. It was knowledge sister trying to cheer her up.

That’s okay. She left the food and went to her room and throw herself on her bed.