‘Photos are being processed as we speak. You will not believe your eyes,’ the Chief Superintendent said. ‘Brought you some rainbow trout. It is in the fridge in the canteen,’ he went on as he patted his pockets until he retrieved a piece of paper. He continued, ‘My wife says she recently found this recipe for a lemon sauce that goes very well with trout.’ He handed the folded piece of paper to Moloi, who received it with obvious gratitude. ‘Ah yes! I was to remember to tell you to tell Loveness that she needs to zest the lemon before she squeezes it. The sauce needs both the zest and the juice.’

‘As you know, sir, I am the one who cooks the fish at home,’ Moloi said as he put the recipe in his overcoat pocket. ‘Please thank Mrs Griffiths for me.’

Joseth was sure that Moloi cooked the fish and more besides in his home. He was probably married to a woman who had long-hooked him through the nose and led him whichever way she wanted him to go. He seemed to be just the sort of man a woman could and would take advantage of.

‘And the Assistant Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner: how did they fare, sir?’ Moloi asked.

‘Returned home green with envy, which is as it should be,’ the Chief Superintendent said with a hearty chuckle.

Joseth had had enough of this camaraderie and pleasantness and so he cleared his throat, loudly, reminding the Chief Superintendent of his presence.

‘Ah yes!’ Chief Superintendent Griffiths exclaimed. ‘Moloi, these gentlemen are with the SIU, and they would like a word with you.’

Moloi did not move from the door but simply nodded at Joseth and Rutherford. He looked at them expectantly, like an eager dog that had just performed a trick. He probably thought that they were here to praise him, and was completely unaware of the humiliation they had in store for him. Moloi was about to learn that not all his superiors were like the Chief Superintendent, and Joseth was champing at the bit to teach him this lesson.

‘Please take a seat,’ Chief Superintendent Griffiths said, gesturing towards the only empty chair in the room.

As Moloi made his way to the seat, the Chief Superintendent explained to Joseth and Rutherford, ‘Moloi has been Acting Chief Superintendent while I have been away. Has done a better job of running things than I ever have, by all accounts.’

Unimpressed, Rutherford said, as soon as Moloi sat down, ‘We understand that a few days ago you and your men went to a village that abuts the Matopos National Park.’

‘You understand correctly,’ Moloi replied.

‘Why?’ Rutherford said.

‘Why what?’

‘Why did you go to the village?’