Battles in the shadows

UNEXPECTED GUESTS

The one week away gave Laura the self-counselling she wanted as well as time alone with God. Her phone was switched off the entire week although there were times when she wanted to call her mother and Brandon because she misses them. But she stood her ground and did not make any contact with anybody. She took out her phone as she drove pass the KIA motors company and switched it back on. Home was not too far away. Home. Yes, home.

It was just about four in the evening when she got home. She opened the gate with her own copy of the keys, drove inside, came out and unlocked the front door. She found that nobody was home...obviously. She took her small luggage to he room and knelt down to thank God for the safe journey back home. She was at this when she felt a presence around her...a bad one. She slowly turned around to find a figure in black clothing  and a masked face carrying a short gun pointed at her. Laura screamed and the intruder walked closer to her.

"Miss me? No? Yes? How was the trip darling?" It was a woman.

"Who are you?" Laura yelled angrily. 

"Me? You could call me the "watchman" darling. I have been monitoring you since day one. I am your guardian; your friend and even your enemy."

"Why me?"

"Well...Isn't love just such a terrible thing."

"What do you want?"

"Don't you want us to work together?" The lady asked cheerily.

Laura shook  her head from side to side in the negative.

"Oh well. I don't blame you. I will be back my love. Hang in there." She blew a kiss and just as she silently came, she left. 

Immediately Laura busted into tears and with shaky hands picked up her phone and dialed Brandon's number.

"Welcome back Lauretta. How was your trip?"

"Brandon...Someone just left. Someone followed me here and she had a gun." Laura was totally petrified.

"What? Are you hurt? Dear are you alone in the house? I am coming over!"

"Please come."

***********

Brandon sat next to Latoya as Laura finally drifted off to sleep later that night. The latter had cried and screamed when they arrived. She told them what happened and could not stop crying. The Police were called; they came and left after taking her statement but he peace had been disturbed again.

"Ma, do you think it might be someone she knows? Watchman? That sounds like someone fighting on her behalf."

"I  know Brandon. This child deserves some peace of mind. I don't know what is happening anymore." Latoya replied sadly.

"First it was Phillip, then my husband, even Patrick Moloi got shot and now Laura. What is happening? I just can't understand any of this."

"The only thing you all have in common is Laura...the lady was civil to her but brutal to everyone else. The watchman. She has bee watching over Laura but why hurting Phillip and Dad? Patrick's case is apparent...he caused her trauma ad killed two women."

"This is really strange but Phillip really had a hard time adjusting to Laura and I suspect he bullied her for some time. I never verified my fears but if it is true, then this Guardian is fighting on her behalf but who could it be?"

THREE WEEKS LATER

Brandon entered the Rakwela's household with a visitor. The visitor was welcomed by Joel and Latoya.

"Where is Lauretta?"

"I will go up and call her." Latoya said and left the men behind.

Meanwhile, Laura was in a deep conversation with Preston on the phone.

"How did you know she was following me?"

"I saw her lingering around your house several times so I did a little investigation. She was pregnant when she was a teen just after completing high school."

"Thank you Preston. Love you."

"That's gross but I love you too."

Latoya knocked once and entered her daughter's room.

"Darling, I have got a surprise for you!" She said in excitement.

"Really? Did you buy another car or are you going on a much overdue second honeymoon with Papa?"

"Much better than those. Let's go." Latoya grabbed her hand and they rushed down the stairs to see the guest.

"My darling."

"GrandPa Holmes. How are you? We have been missing you so much." Laura said and hugged him.

"I miss you too dear. This lover boy has been on my neck."

"Whatever about?" Laura eyed Brandon quizzically.

"Men talk dear. Come on, we've got to catch up."

They sat down and begin re-telling tales that the other missed. Brandon watched the exchange and gave thanks to God. The old Laura would never have done this and she was certainly very hurt and bitter but this new Laura...he prays she remains for good.