Authors: Ony Bond
Rose watched him walk to his car, wave and drive off. Her parents were home. She handed her mother her parcel. That earned her a hug.
“Dad, I got something for you as well.”
He liked his presents and hugged her. She pulled a chair and joined them at the table. Then she narrated the experience with Joel.
“Glad that martial arts guy was there,” her mother said. “Hope you thanked him.”
She nodded. “Sure, thought a hot burger and drink was in place.”
“He deserved it,” her dad said.
“Who’s this knight?” her mother asked.
“Dad works with him in the electrical department.”
“James? He never told me he knows karate.”
“No, Dad. It was Godfree.”
“That black refugee?” he thundered.
“Yes, Dad.”
His hands clenched as his face turned red. “You bought him food?”
“You should have heard the names Joel called me. I needed this guy.”
“Who’s Godfree?” Mrs Clarke asked.
“A refugee at the factory,” Frank fumed. “Remember your sister. That cheat isn’t a hero. Can’t you see he followed you, planned with Joel to appear the hero and win your favours? He’s a trickster. Such a person lured your sister. They’re experts at it. You must stop talking to him.”
“He came to buy tools for his allotment.”
“Enough! You want to suffer the same fate as Loyce?”
“It’s absurd to think he wanted to hurt me!” Her voice raised. “Thought you’d appreciate he stood for your daughter against a rude bully. You don’t care he called me a prostitute and more? My sister had that horrible experience, but Godfree’s not a rapist and never knew that bully. I really thought you’d appreciate what he did, even thank him on Monday at the factory.”
“I will not! He planned it, tricked you, hasn’t he? Made you think he’s a saint. I know these tricksters.”
“You’re acting like a bigot, Dad.”
“For trying to protect my daughter?”
Mrs Clarke spoke. “Hold it everyone! No need for this. Frank, that guy helped our girl. Wasn’t it decent of him?”
He stood, his breathing rugged. “I’m knackered with these refugees lying their way past out borders, thinking they can get everything free.”
“He did help your daughter.”
“It’s fabricated. Joel and him are friends.”
“Dad, Godfree doesn’t even know him,” Rose said.
“You’re just too naive to see he wants you. Don’t talk to him again.”
“Free hasn’t violated any girls.”
“I suppose he also bared his back, showed you his scars and talked of the torture he suffered, huh? He did that with James so he’d tell us. He doesn’t fool me at all. You fell for it.”
“That’s insulting, Dad. He came to the boot-fare to buy stuff. Your world has shrunk to one of suspicion and xenophobia. Godfree isn’t what you think.”
“Anything else I should know? Did you sit in the car and hold hands?”
“Can’t I choose my friends? I am over twenty-one.”
Frank sneered. “Don’t tell me you are friends now? I forbid it. It’s true that rat’s after you.”
“He isn’t a rat!” Rose jumped to her feet.
Mrs Clarke got between them. “Frank, there’s no need for such language. I don’t think that boy deserves that after what he did for Rose.”
He shook his head. “You can’t see it either. He’s fooled both of you. What’s next? Inviting him for tea?”
He walked up the stairs to his bedroom and banged the door.
“What’s just the matter with him?” Rose asked.
She explained dad and her had been nasty to Godfree at work. Now she was realizing after talking to Godfree some of these refugees couldn’t help being here. They had been caught in political turmoil and had to leave. The rapist in Loyce’s case was imprisoned, and deported to his country of origin. That did not reverse her sister’s horror. But should Godfree be blamed for that? Failing to appreciate what he had done was not the answer. Had her parents not taught their children to be civil?
“I agree, Rose.” She held her hand. “Let’s go for a drive.”
Mrs Clarke found a spot and parked.
“You got to understand your dad’s still upset, Rose. Loyce’s incident shook him.”
“Mom, he’s using it to hate every refugee.”
Mrs Clarke exhaled, glanced at her feet. “Rose… there’s something you should know. I don’t know how to say this.”
“What’s wrong, mom?”
“Your sister lied about being violated.”
“What?”
Betsy confided Loyce had lied in court. She had a secret affair with Charlie, who was in love with her, and proposed marriage. But she was afraid of her family. Loyce went to a pub, got drunk and cheated on Charlie, who caught her and ended the affair. That tore Loyce apart. She wanted him to take her back. He refused. Angry and humiliated, she called him one night, lied her car had broken down. Charlie came. Loyce initiated the sex and then screamed rape. People rushed to the scene. He pleaded she called him, was his girlfriend. Charlie was arrested. The judge didn’t believe him. Everyone believed her word against that of a low-paid factory refugee.
“Betsy told you this?” Rose shook her head.
Her mom nodded. Guilt raked Betsy. Loyce’s depression was due to remorse. Mrs Clarke asked Loyce who admitted to the affair with Charlie and how scared she was of the family. Charlie hurt her when he rejected her so she planned revenge.
“Does Dad know?”
He did. Both her and Loyce told him. But he still refused to believe her.
“Nobody told me.”
“Loyce and your dad begged me never to tell you or anyone else in the family. He still believes your sister’s original version of events.”
“Why did you tell me now?”
“I wanted you to understand. He’s already hurt by what he thinks was Loyce’s ordeal. You’re his favourite child. Can’t you see he’s scared you’ll face the same fate? Already thinks you like him.”
Rose countered her. Her sister lied, got a guy imprisoned and sent back to the country he escaped. Her parents knew the truth. How could they sleep after this?
Her mother glanced at the trees. Rose opened the door, left and stood a distance. Her mother followed and asked. Did she think it was easy to learn her daughter sent a man to prison on a false allegation? Charlie wasn’t the only victim here. If this was known what would it do to the family? Mrs Clarke headed a successful award-winning grammar school and played a role in that success. Rose was a brilliant daughter with a PhD. Her brothers had respectable jobs. Did Rose expect the papers and news to smear the family name? They didn’t want Rose to know, or it would tear her apart.
“An innocent man was jailed, mom. What mattered to everyone was protecting the family name. Did you try to find Charlie after the deportation? Maybe give him money? Help him? That was the least you could do. Suppose I fall in love with another refugee? You expect me to accuse him too?”
Her mother looked bewildered. “You like Godfree?”
“I’m starting to. It had to take stepping back and starting to see someone as human.”
“I should have caught it from the way you stood for him against your dad.”
“Don’t expect me to stop and cry rape too.”
Her mother smiled. “What’s it with my girls and refugees? Is he handsome?”
“Thought you’d scream at me.”
“You haven’t replied. I’m waiting.”
“Wait until I bring him home.”
“Let me know when you’re ready so I make sure your dad’s rifle isn’t loaded and hide the bullets.”
“He’s a fine guy and I started to really like him. Are you going to tell Dad?”
“Tell me more about this guy.”
***
Loyce was in her room watching a movie on her tablet. She glanced up and smiled.
“What’re you watching, sis?”
“A romantic film. It’s this spoilt and rich heiress who’s lost in the wild and meets this rugged handsome cowboy.”
“I can guess what happens next. You’ll finish it later. Why don’t you and me go for a drive? I’ll get you some Nandos treat.”
Her face glowed. “You mean that?”
“We haven’t had sister time together for a while. Come on.”
That drew her older sister from her room. Loyce was shorter with brown hair and had her mother’s features unlike her green eyed and blonde sibling. They bought the food, drove to a quiet spot and had the meal.
“Rose, what’s on your mind? I can tell something’s troubling you.”
“You trapped Charlie, lied, got him imprisoned and deported. Are you proud of yourself?”
Her sister gasped, turned white. “Who told you? Mom?”
“Yes. Why did you lie?”
Rose narrated what had occurred at the boot-fare. “Dad’s afraid I might like Free.”
“I never meant to hurt Charlie. Loved him.”
She burst into explanations about how she had made a terrible mistake. Rose’s face was stony as she watched her cry.
“Hard to think you did.”
“I was just so ashamed, Rose, and didn’t want you to know. Betsy blew the whistle.”
“Where’s Charlie now? Are you in touch with him?”
Loyce had found out where he was. He had made his way to Botswana where he worked at a service station. She had asked for forgiveness. Her letters were returned unopened. Charlie had not even bothered to open them.
“Do you expect him to forgive you after what you did? You didn’t love him enough to face your family and stand with him.”
Loyce cried again. “I don’t know what to do. It’s tearing me apart. I want his forgiveness. I got his number and called him. He told me he never wants me to call him again, said I was a prostitute. What shall I do? I cheated. You don’t know how much I’ve wanted to tell you. Never wanted my sister to turn against me.”
“What you did was callous, Loyce.”
“Don’t walk away from me, Rose.” She held her sister's arm. “You like Godfree?”
“Yes, we’re going to the seaside together tomorrow.”
“He asked you out?”
“Yeah. Don’t go telling Mom and Dad now.”
“Ok, will leave that to you. Hey sis.”
“Yes.”
“Don’t make the mistake I did. I liked a guy, betrayed him, didn’t realize what I had until it was too late.”
“I don’t intend to.”
Time to leave for the allotment. As he headed for the door the bell rang. A pregnant black woman stood in the yard. He recognized her.
“Good morning. May I help you?”
“May I see you? I’m looking for someone. May I come inside?”
He let her enter, offered her a seat. She thanked him.
“I’m Mrs Mago. I believe you knew my husband as Moto, and he visited you on Thursday night.”
“Yes. Did he send you?”
No, she understood her spouse wanted forgiveness for his past, wasn’t happy about things he did. Yesterday he left for the night shift but hadn’t returned home. Her calls to his mobile went unanswered. She wondered whether Godfree knew where he was.
He shook his head, a frown on his face. “No. He hasn’t been back here since Thursday. Does he drink, stay away sometimes?”
She said he was faithful, always came straight home from work. His absence didn’t make sense.
“Mrs Mago, did he tell you what happened here?”
“All he said was you were angry and told him to leave. That was understandable as he had treated you badly. What did my husband do?”
“He never told you?”
“Not in depth. Only that he was employed by the government to deal with opposition political party members.”
He told her husband was the best to explain but since she had asked he would enlighten her. She urged him on. Briefly he narrated the rally, his torture and Aaron’s murder. Moto wasn’t popular, did horrible things. Enough for Godfree to consider knifing or making him sit on a red-hot stove when he came here. Couldn’t, because of her and that unborn child she carried. In addition, facing his demons and coming to apologize played a role. Forgiving Moto wasn’t easy. It would take time. Her husband never returned to this place after Thursday.
Mrs Moto wept, shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry for how he hurt you.”
“Let me show you my house. That way you’ll be sure before you leave he isn’t locked in my basement.”
“It’s alright. I don’t believe he is here. You didn’t hurt him when he was here alone with you. Where is he? That’s why the disappearance doesn’t make sense.”
“I’m sure you will see him soon.”
“But why isn’t he answering his phone then? Something’s wrong.”
“Would you mind a drink or tea?”
“If it’s not a bother.”
“Not at all.”
“Tea will be fine, thank you.”
He realized he bore no animosity towards this woman. She seemed at ease with him, believed as she sipped tea after talking to him he couldn’t have hurt her husband. Godfree asked if this was her first pregnancy. No, she already had a ten-year-old daughter whom her husband adopted from an earlier relationship.
“Go to the police. They should help.”
She said one thing stopped her. Her husband withdrew cash from the ATM machine last evening.”
Godfree’s frown deepened. “He needed cash for something then. Doesn’t that look like he planned to leave?”
“He never mentioned that. Maybe he drove somewhere to hide from people that knew him in his past. I don’t want to endanger him in case they’re looking for him.”
“Has anybody called, or been to your house searching for him?”
“No.”
“If he was in danger wouldn’t he at least let you know since he knows you would worry at his silence?”
“It might be a good idea to go to the police if he does not get in touch soon enough.”
“You think something bad happened to him?”
He shook his head. “Let’s hope for the best.”
“I shall wait for a bit. If he doesn’t call, I’ll take your advice and visit the police.” She rose to her feet and held out her hand. “Thanks for the tea. You’ve been a great help.”
“I wish you better luck, ma’am. Hope he gets in touch soon.”
She smiled and departed, left him with a frown and unanswered questions. Where was Moto? Had something bad happened to him? Was he in hiding from people he tortured? If so why didn’t he alert his wife? That woman didn’t see him as a monster, but a good man who had given her a home. Had Moto met that person abducting girls - that blonde abductor? No, the latter only kidnapped girls. Had someone with revenge on his mind finally got to him and kidnapped him? Suppose he was having an affair? That’s why he needed cash. To drive far. Soon he would be in touch with the wife, lie he had to hide for a while from his enemies. She would believe him. But if he didn’t turn up and the wife reported to the police, then Godfree would be a suspect.
Moto had been here in this house. No, Godfree couldn’t be suspected. He had an alibi. His wife knew her husband had come home on Thursday and James had seen him leave.
Godfree drove to the allotment. When he arrived he texted Rose, asked if she was okay. Minutes later his phone buzzed. The call said Green-eyed Rose. That brought a smile to his lips.
“Hello, Free. Was thinking of you. You at your garden yet?”
“Yes, just started on the shed.”
“Hope I’m not disturbing?”
“You’re more important than a shed.”
They talked for a while. She sounded down, mentioned she had thought her dad would appreciate him after what had happened at the boot-fare. Godfree comforted her - it was not easy for Frank with what had happened to his older daughter at the hands of a refugee. Accepting Godfree would be a huge step.
“I miss you. Come over now.”
He gave her directions. In fifteen minutes she was at the gate. He unlocked it. They worked together as she handed him tools. When they rested he produced drinks from his cooler box.
“I needed you around, girl. See what we’ve achieved so far. You came up with some brilliant ideas on this shed.”
“That elderly couple, David and Lucy who came over to greet me like you. They seemed curious like everyone else.”
He revealed the mystery. They had introduced him to their single grand-daughter months ago. Matchmaking. But although she was not bad-looking she liked partying and smoked. They had just not clicked.
“What about that red-head at allotment forty, who isn’t happy to see me? The one in jeans slacks?”
“That’s Anna. She’s a single mother, and divorced with a five-year-old daughter, and looking for a dad for her child. She’s shown she’s available, but I haven’t encouraged any relationship.”
“I won’t allow you here alone after today. Everyone must know you’re now taken.”
“Moto’s wife came to see me today.”
“The spouse of that torturer?”
“Yes.”
“What did she want?”
“He has been missing since yesterday. Hasn’t been home from work. She is worried.”
“It’s possible he ran out on the wife. Or he’s hiding from some guys seeking revenge.”
“The wife was worried.”
“That man hurt people. He isn’t your problem, Free.”
“He might be having an affair and run from the wife. Or somebody who was looking finally up with him. A man like that had enemies.”
“Are you afraid you’ll be a suspect if he’s found with a slit throat? You aren’t a murderer, or you’d have killed him that night he visited. Who’s calling?” She checked her phone, frowned. “James? Did you give him my number?”
“No. He hasn’t called me. What does he want?”
“Don’t know. Strange. Let me find out.” She pressed reply and increased the volume. “Hello, James. Didn’t know you had my number.”
“I do. Enjoying the day?”
“Yeah. You?”
“Took a drive. The weather’s great. Rose, are you free for a film tonight? How about the cinema?”
“I’m not much into films.”
“How about a meal then? I know some good restaurants. It’s a date.”
“A date? You serious, James?”
“I like you a lot, thought you knew. Why don’t we take our friendship to the next level?”
“Like boyfriend and girlfriend?”
“Exactly. I’m sure you know I like you.”
“It wouldn’t work, James.”
“Let’s give it a try. We’ll be friends for now. I’m not in a hurry.”
“I’m not looking for a boyfriend. You know that. Got to go now.”
James’ tone was cheerful. “Give me a chance, Rose. I understand what you went through with the last guy. We’ll take this slow. Don’t be in haste. I won’t hurt you like he did.”
“It won’t happen, James. Got to go now.” She ended the call, glanced at Godfree. “Did you hear that? What made him think I’d be interested? And bubbling with confidence too. I talk to him at work only because he works with my dad and isn’t the only person I talk to. Looks like he mistook it for interest. How do I make a person know I’m not interested? Scratch his face or stamp on his foot?”
He looked perplexed. “What he up to? He has a strong dislike of blondes, even warned me to stay away from you yesterday.”
“Had you indicated you liked me?”
“No.” Godfree went through his conversation with James. “I felt a blonde girl hurt him in the past. He doesn’t trust you but yet he’s asking for a date. What he up to?”
“Outside the fact I don’t love him, I’m puzzled too. If he feels that way about me why doesn’t he pick a brunette? Can’t put my finger on it. He’s your friend, so why didn’t you take his advice about me? He won’t like you when he knows about us.”
“Your dad doesn’t like me. You didn’t listen to him either. Someone gave James your number and told him to call to stop us being friends.”
“Who?”
“Your dad.”
“It makes sense now. He thinks his girl might start liking the guy he doesn’t, so calls his friend James to move on me and make sure he takes me to make sure I don’t get close to you.”
“Right. You acted protective over me, got him worried.”
She nodded. “It’s understandable as we used to be both against you. Now you’ve suddenly become a hero. We have a battle on our hands.”
“What happens when he knows you’re my girlfriend?”
“That’s his problem because I’m not walking away. And we’re still going to the sea tomorrow.”
“And if he asks where you’re going?”
“Then I’ll tell him I’m having a day out with my boyfriend.”
“It’ll be too early, Rose.”
“Agree, but one of these days he’ll have to be told.”
“Never thought I’ll have to fight over a girl with James.”