Lindi looked at her watch. It was still only seven thirty but the deserted streets made it feel much later. Back in London, people were only just getting home from a day at work. ‘It’s not too late. How far is Malelane? Couldn’t we go there?’

‘Well, I was thinking about it. It’s fifty, maybe sixty klicks from here. About an hour’s drive.’

‘If we set off now …’

‘I don’t think that’s a good idea, especially after those jokers turning up just now. I think we need to be separate. Anyway, if we turn up together it might – how do you say it? – freak this guy out. He’s nervous enough already. If I can persuade him, I’ll bring him back and we can meet very early tomorrow somewhere around here. If not, I’ll find out what he knows.’

‘I’d rather come with you.’

‘I understand. But this way is better. Let me speak to Patel. We need to get you back to your guesthouse quietly.’

They walked over to Raja’s Wholesalers. Sanjit Patel, dressed in a pair of dark blue, sharply pressed trousers and a light blue shirt with a button-down collar, saw them coming and started walking to meet them outside the shop. He was on his phone. He shook hands with Lindi while still talking. They listened in to one side of the conversation.

‘Okay, chief. No problem. I’ll send someone around now, now … Eh? … Of course, man. Only the best for you … No, don’t worry. That’s what friends are for … Okay, chief. I’ll see you soon.’

‘Let me guess, that was Morotse,’ Father Petro said, then, turning to Lindi, ‘He runs the premier’s office here. Hey, I forgot. This is Lindi Seaton from London, this is Sanjit Patel. He is … the mover and shaker of Nelspruit.’

‘So pleased to meet you.’ He held out his hand again. ‘Father Petro is teasing me all of the time.’

‘Patel, you have your car?’

‘It’s behind the shop.’

‘Good, good. Listen, I’ve got a couple of things to do and sister here will be on her own. How about you take her home, give her some of Mrs Patel’s famous biryani? I’ll call by later.’

‘Sure, sure, it will be my pleasure.’ He turned towards the counter at the back of the shop. ‘Jacob! Call madam, tell her I’m bringing a guest home. Jacob! Where the hell is that fellow? Hold on, I’m coming just now.’

‘What’s going on?’ Lindi half whispered, as Patel walked away.