I pull my shoulder back and then whip my arm forward with all my might, flinging the rings out over the dam. They barely make a splash before disappearing below the water’s surface.

Dusting my hands off as Da used to when he’d just accomplished a necessary but difficult task, I turn to Jezebel. “It’s time for Mama to have some fun,” I say. Back at the house, Zodwa is waiting outside for me with Mandla in her arms. “Can you look after him for a few hours?” I ask her. “I need to go out.” She looks concerned but nods without asking any questions, which is one of the many things I appreciate about her. “Don’t forget to give him his antibiotics later, okay?”

I’m long overdue for blowing off some steam.

CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT

Zodwa

10 October 1995

Verdriet, Magaliesburg, South Africa

Ruth has been away for hours. She didn’t tell Zodwa where she was going but before she left, she styled her hair and reapplied her makeup, changing into a tight dress that showed off her cleavage, which she paired with those towering high heels she liked to wear. Zodwa couldn’t imagine how Ruth could drive in them.

“Bye, my handsome boy,” she said, cupping Mandla’s face and kissing it.

There was a crazed air to Ruth, something manic in the way she moved, and Zodwa was tempted to ask her if she was okay. But she was aware that doing so would be crossing a line. She was Ruth’s employee, not her friend. Mandla kicked up a fuss as Ruth was leaving, holding out his arms and calling for her. “Mama!”

“Mama will be home soon!” Ruth called as she blew a kiss and closed the door behind her.

And now it’s almost 9:00 p.m. and Ruth still isn’t back. Mandla’s sleeping in his room and Zodwa herself is tired. She’s just considering phoning Riaan to speak to Delilah when Jezebel starts barking frantically at the door. Zodwa peers outside. Ruth’s car is parked just beyond the electric gate. The driver’s door is open and the headlights are on, but no one is inside.

That’s when Zodwa thinks she hears a splash.

She checks on Mandla, who’s still asleep despite the dog’s barking, and draws his door closed before calling Jezebel and going outside. She locks the door behind her and sets off at a run for the fence, shielding her eyes against the glare of the headlights. Once through the gate, she double-checks the car to make sure Ruth isn’t in it. She’s not.

Has she been hijacked?