Battles in the shadows

THE END OF THE "PASSION" KILLER

Two months had passed since the discovery and authentication of the incriminating photographs against Patrick. Lorato's parents finally got the closure they needed when their ex-son in law was sentenced to life imprisonment. The judgment cannot bring their daughter back but after over ten years, justice was served. They smiled as Laura walked towards them after all the members of the Press was gone.

"Rremogolo (Grandpa), Mmemogolo (Grandma)." She greeted them with hugs.

"Lauretta, realeboga ngwanake (Thank you my child.)" Said the  distraught Grandmother.

"Realeboga (we are thankful.)" Grandpa said in a shaky voice.

Raw pan pierced Laura's heart at their grief...the unjust way their child died would forever haunt the family. How did love turn into hatred? She held unto them and promised to visit when she could. As she waved goodbye to them, she felt her heart grow heavier.

"Lord, how will they ever overcome this pain? They don't deserve this."

Brandon hugged her and whispered,

"They will get through it love. We won't cease to pray for them."

"Brand, my heart aches for them. I miss Mama and I am sorry I couldn't save her." She wailed sorrowfully.

"It is not your fault Lauretta. Stop blaming yourself. We will get through this alright."

She wiped her tears and rested her head on his shoulder. That is one major battle won. She sighed as she wondered about how many more battles were left before she is made whole.

***********

Her blood boiled over as she saw the grief stricken parents of Lorato. Poor Lorato; poor parents. This should not end this way. Quickly she drove ahead of the Prisoner transport vehicle in her 2010 Toyota Corolla with tinted windows and made her plans ready in her mind. Patrick should never get away with any of his madness. As the gate of the Prison opened, she got her weapons ready. Still inside her own vehicle, she positioned herself, attached the suppressor to the short gun she held. As Patrick was taken out of the Prisoner transport vehicle, she smiled brightly and made her move. She wined the window of her side down and watched her target. 

Patrick was handcuffed both hands and feet and wore an orange jumpsuit meant for prisoners. He looked tired and sad. It only aggravated his new monitoring agent. As he turned around to walk into his new life, he felt a sharp pain hit his back. The Prison officers were taken by surprise and began shouting for everyone to get down and take cover. Patrick fell down with a loud thud with blood flowing down his back.

Lady Vengeance drove off and laughed as she saw some of the officers trying to get into one of their cars to chase after her.

"Good luck boys." She said with a bright smile. "That fool's stay in prison will never be peaceful nor convenient. You will continue to pay for the rest of your life Patrick."

**********

Lauretta did not know what to do with the news of the attack on Patrick. She felt happy and also scared because the police might start suspecting her or her grandparents. As she ate dinner with her parents and Brandon that night, she felt deep in her soul that something big was about to happen but she was not sure what to do but pray. 

"Laura, are you okay?" Phillip who had joined them for dinner ask in concern.

Laura rolled her eyes and did not reply. Thanks to the good for nothing Patrick, her nightmares were coming back with a bang; especially those with Phillip inside. One day, she prayed he gets what he deserved. She vehemently prayed that his end comes soon and a terrible one too. Maybe even more terrible than Patrick who might be forever paralyzed. Fire of hatred burned in her soul. No. Phillip will never get away with what he did to her. Never.

"My generous boss gave me a week leave of absence. I will be going away to Maun to refresh my mind." Laura finally spoke.

"That is a good idea. Should I come with you?" Latoya Rakwela asked.

"No Mum. I want to be alone." She replied softly.

"Are you sure?" Joel Rakwela asked.

"Yes Papa. I'm sure."

Her one year anniversary with Brandon was just in few months. She wants to be in good spirit and heart for the occasion. Things were falling into place and maybe, the time has come for her to finally enjoy life.