Chapter 14: A Toast is in Order

…continued from 23 May 2026...

“Elaine, if the man who holds your rent cheque commands you to do something, and you know that the same man will have no compunction about removing your head from your body if you did not conform to his wishes, if you knew this, what would you do about his request?”

Now Elaine’s mouth was agape, she felt the tiny hairs on her back stand erect. 

“I assure you that no one will be harmed or threatened with violence in any way,” Johan added. 

“Money talks on the Cape Flats, just like anywhere else in the world.”

“Forgive me for having to be vague, but I am very serious about making this dream a reality and I assure you that it can be done. All I need to know from you is if you will be our leader, will you accept the donation?” 

“And what do you want from me in return?” Elaine’s tone had an edge of hostility. 

“Only for you to liberate our people from their misery, that is all Ms Pecker.

Elaine knew that no matter his promises, there was no way to avoid violence and bloodshed when dealing with the gangs. She also knew that the key to controlling anything on the Cape Flats was indeed to control the gangs. How Johan would do that was a mystery, but she realised and understood that she did not have to know, she had only to trust this man. Trust him with her very political life. The money involved was huge, if there was corruption or illegality the other parties would sniff it out and use it to destroy her, and of-course Johan. That Johan was aware of this was not in doubt. So, it stood to reason that he was willing to put his head on the block for the cause. She took heart in this knowledge. Suddenly she realised that this would be her only chance at making a real change. She would never ever be offered this opportunity again. And the risk of the deal going bad was worth it when weighed against the opportunity for it to succeed. She suddenly knew she had no choice. 

“I accept your offer,” she smiled confidently, while inside her emotions were a wash of turmoil. 

They toasted their agreement.  

“After tonight Ms Pecker, you and I will never speak personally again, all the funding and communication necessary will be done through intermediaries,” he smiled.

Johan felt strong. He sensed Elaine’s vigour and realised he had backed the right horse. He knew that they would create eternity together. 

He got up and said, “Please excuse me, I have another meeting to attend. My driver is waiting to take you wherever you need to go Ms Pecker. The next time we meet, I will be congratulating you as the Premier of the Western Cape Province,” his smile was matter of fact, like there was no disputing his statement, whatsoever!

Whitey Parker was pissed off! The situation in Saldanha was getting out of control; actually, it was way out of control. His patience had worn thin and he was spoiling for a fight. The fact that he would have to take out the Nigerians filled him with relish. He lay back in his bed idly staring at the television. Instead of focusing on the images on the screen, his thoughts turned to strategy, the strategy of how to eliminate Jamal. He knew that Jamal was well-connected and that to take him out would bring down some heat on him, but he did not care. He was not afraid, this was his turf, and no arrogant Nigerian would stand in his way. Besides he could always count on the Chinese or the Colombians if the Nigerian supply dried up.

He heard the shower running and pictured Themba standing naked in the shower. The water bouncing off his polished ebony skin, soapy and wet. His hand strayed down to his tracksuit pants and slipped inside his crotch.

Continued tomorrow 24 May 2026, before 12pm