BEING A WIFE OF A PRISONER

Chapter 5

AKHONA

Sleep on it? I’ve been tossing and turning since I laid my head on this floor. My mind refuses to shut down. If I really take up on his offer what guarantees me that he will protect me for ever? What if agree then he starts mistreating my sister? Apart from my 4 children Aza is the only family member I have. The bars of the cell open.

Warden: Mafikizolo the boss wants to have a word with you.

I raise my head and find his eyes on me.

Me: Me?

Warden: You’re the only Mafikizolo here.

I pick up my jumpsuit that I was using as a pillow and slip it on then follow him. Boss? Who the hell is actually this man?

Me: Where are going?

Warden: Keep your head down and do as they told you. In here you don’t ask questions but do as they told you unless you see the order as shit then you don’t do it.

I swallow hard and nod. I frown seeing the bars of one cell widely open in particular.

Warden: As per your request bozza yam.

The boss smiles and jumps to his feet.

Sandile: Welcome to my little heaven. Join the party and be merry. Let me introduce you to the crew.

He turns to other inmates in front of us.

Sandile: Boys this our new member. His the most valuable person in my life. When he says just you only ask one question, how high. Protect him with you lives. No life is much important than his in all of you. You’re the shield, protecting from harms way. Take him as your deputy president. Should he get any scar while in your custody consider yourself dead or do yourself a favour and kill yourself before I get to you.

He runs his eyes around the room.

Sandile: Verstaan jy? {Do you understand?}

Inmates: Ja baas. {Yes boss}.

Sandile: Glad we understood each other.

He turns to me and hands me a cup.

Sandile: Take a sit and make yourself at home.

I cautiously take my sit next.

Inmate: Heita.

Me: Sho.

Inmate: Cigar?

My eyes bulge out. Aren’t we suppose to be in jail? And why do they get to have this freedom while others don’t? A box of ham and cheese pizza is shoved in my hand.

Sandile: Eat and tell me more about your sister.

Me: Who are you?

He smirks.

Sandile: All in due time my brother, all in due time.

I hungrily pick up the first slice and shove it in my mouth.

Sandile: There’s need to rush eating. Nobody will take it away from you. Take your time and absorb the flavours in my mouth. Let your taste buds get used to that because this is how your life will be starting for today. Why live like any normal person when you have a brother in law like me?

I nervously chuckle. The man is really selling me a dream and I must give it to him his really good. I’m slowly falling on his trap.

Me: How will I know if my sister will be taken care of?

Sandile: She will be Mrs Dlamini. Anyone who doesn’t know that surname then he/she has been living under a rock. This is my turf and we run this country.