The Happy Lights in your Window

Chapter 5

Dorrie May aged 19

Dorrie removes another empty tray from the display of the small bakery where she works. ''Drakes Bakes'' is the only bakery in the vicinity. Drake saunters into the kitchen area, in his typical slow lazy walk. "Good job as usual ", he smiles patronizingly at her. He comes to her and plants a sloppy kiss on her sweaty forehead. She sees Kas at the door, gesturing at her to come out. She removes her gloves and turns to Drake, "I'll be back in a few", Drake looks at Kas standing outside. "I tell you, what an odd pair the two of you are. It's like David and Goliath have become friends ". 

He guffaws at his own joke. She ignores him and heads out, taking a muffin for Kas. That's coming out of your pay, "yells Drake. "What pay?", she mutters under her breath and goes to Kas. "What's up little Man"? she asks tossing him the muffin. She has already wrapped it in tissue knowing the kid will not eat it but take it home. They have played this scene dozens of times.

They sit side by side, Dorrie looming over him with her impressive 6 feet tall stature at 19 years old, weighing almost 90 kilos. Kas who at five feet and less than forty kilos looks cheerful and undaunted. "Dor, I need your help on an urgent matter", he says pocketing the muffin.

She looks surprised. Kas has never asked her for help. Not even for free food from the bakery which is coveted by all the kids in their shanty area. Kas, her odd little only dearest friend.

He gives her a briefing the on "The Strange Events at House Bernard" as he has titled his yet to be written book. She listens impassively to the details. "Kas", she says. "You better back off, Zander and his boys can be dangerous. If Zander finds out you know his secret, you never know what he might do".

Kas looks at her earnestly, putting his hand in her much larger one. "I just want to know your thoughts. I just want to write this book. It's going to best a bestseller Dor. I am just using his life as the storyline that's all?" "What about Ryan Bernard", she asks. "That man owns this part of the town. Just focus on your studies and getting out of this hellhole ".

Kas gets up, smiling at her "This bestseller is my ticket out ". You'll see. Just think on all the stuff I told you and tell me what you make of it. thanks for the muffin. ". Kas hugs her and rushes off. Drake is waiting for her in the bakery. "C'mon girl, we have work to do", he tells her. Drake, her 50-year-old husband.

Kas

He sighs as he looks out of the doorway of his one room house. It's been months and he hasn't made any inroads in the Zaza Zone. Zander has been overseas for a long holiday, he found out. Nothing on Kevin and Jackson neither. He hasn't even seen Mr. Bernard around.

Kaya comes in prancing with a drawing in her hand. It's a cheerful mutant tree colored brightly with crayons with a child drawn next to the tree. "Happy birthday Kas" she sings, hopping around him and present the drawing to him with a flourish. "It's amazing "Kas laughs hugging her ", but why a tree?? "Because I love trees and I love you. You are my favorite tree ", she giggles.

15 years old. He feels as if he has been around for much, much longer. "C'mon, let's go to Drake's ", he says, "Dor will have special goodies for us today". He gently flings the squealing Kaya on his back and heads down the street. Dor sees him and nods. She goes to the back of the bakery and comes out with a small package in the bakery paper bag. '

"Hope that not your birthday cake", whispers Kaya in his ear from her strategic piggy back position. Ï hope not" he whispers back dramatically. "Here you go", Dor comes out dropping the packet in his open hand. "Happy Birthday" Drake booms carrying a couple of small pastries in a Box. He puts his hand around Dor's waist in a show of ownership. "Thanks, Mr. Drake" Kas replies politely. "Hey what's with the Mr. How many times must I tell you we are brothers. You can call me Drake. You are my Dorrie's little friend! 

"Dor sighs "Drake, go on. I will be in soon". Drake scowls. "Please honey", she persists. His face softens at the endearment and he goes in with a pat on Kaya's head. "I've collected information for you over the last few weeks "Dor tells him. "I think you will find it interesting. Ryan Bernard lives in a flat in town. He makes sure he's here for every birthday, festive occasion, every single occasion. Otherwise, nothing. He and the Madam almost always communicate through the servants in private but socially they are always together like the perfect couple. And they've been this way for years!" 

She stops talking. Kas gapes at her in shock. He can't recall when he saw Dor so animated. "Dor", he says in a firm but soft voice", You are amazing. I love you. you are the most intelligent girl I know ". Dor looks away embarrassed hiding a small smile. It's always been this way with her and Kas. He always looks at her as if she is someone special. And it's been this way since they met four years ago.