Deep Connections: Shanakay's Story

Chapter 11

It was late in the night when Khadeen and Melissa decided that they would head back to David's house to investigate whether or not Shanakay was there. Scaling walls and learning to fight were all curtesy of Khadeen's father instilling the importance of being versatile because they were girls and at any point they could be attacked. Melissa had taken it further by ensuring that they had proper training in an institution so they could hone their skills. Khadeen smiled to herself, her dad was right because here they were putting these skills to good use. The time on her watch read 10 pm and she pulled down her black ski mask and climbed after Melissa on the rope they had thrown on the wall, thankfully it only had wires at the top and wasn't electric. Jamaicans weren't known for having electrical fences but instead found creative ways to keep people out like bad dogs, broken glass bottles or wire at the top of the walls. Khadeen and Melissa carefully maneuvered through the wires, ensuring that they were not caught or their clothes ripped.  They both wore black to blend in the night, it wouldn't do well to wear bright colors and they were sure if they were to be spotted by anyone people would only alert the police thinking they were burglars. Melissa pointed out the security cameras so Khadeen would be careful, Khadeen was slightly clumsy. Melissa remarked she was a walking accident waiting to happen but she knew if she said it out loud Khadeen would only get in her feelings. Melissa swung a hook attached a rope and carefully threw it on the roof. She sighed in relief when it latched itself to the edge of the roof and she tugged it a little to ensure it was secure and could hold their weight. She made a face to Khadeen to signal that she would climb up and check it out then discus when she came back down. She proceeded to slowly climb the rope before stopping at a window and looking through. Melissa almost lost her balance when her eyes fell on Shanakay curled up in bed with David. Settling herself before she fell, she quickly started climbing down when she heard the sound of Khadeen's whistle which indicated that they had been discovered. She quickened her pace and patted Khadeen's back before they rushed off. Climbing the fence again took some effort but with adrenaline running high they successfully made it over with Khadeen only earning a scratch on her thigh. The bodyguard ran to the gate and remarked,

"Damn, they got away," he shouted angrily.

Melissa looked at Khadeen that had her leg up on the dashboard dressing it, "Man that was a close one. Suppose we were really caught. We'd be done for."

Khadeen looked at her, "Look how me tear up me one good black pants."

Melissa rolled her eyes at her, "Anyways you drive because after what I saw tonight I don't think I can drive."

Confused, Khadeen looked over to her, "What do you mean? What did you see?"

"Well my friend, Shanakay is nowhere near dead or kidnapped in fact I'd say she is just fine."

Khadeen looked at her with even more confused expression, "What do you mean?"

"I mean she was in bed with David Francis. Our dear friend, well I'm sure she doesn't want any rescuing."

"What? I ... I can't believe this, but her mom is worried sick, we must talk to her."

"I agree but how?" Melissa replied as she removed her shoes, "we can't go near that place without being discovered by whoever guards that place."

There was silence as both contemplated how they would reach their friend eventually.

****************

In the morning Melissa sat on her porch looking out when she saw a car pull up. She wondered who it was so she got up and tried to see who was in the car. The door opened and two men came out and proceeded to knock on the gate. Melissa cautiously walked towards them. Calmly she asked,

"Can I help you gentlemen?"
They merely laughed and handed her a piece of paper and walked away. She was puzzled and then she read the note. It read,

'I know what you did last night and if you come here again I will kill your friend. Remember I know where you both live.'

She felt her heart skip a few beats and all she could do was hold onto the railing to steady herself. It dawned on her that the person could or would kill Khadeen if they went there again. She wondered if this was the work of David. She ran inside the house and shook Khadeen awake.  Khadeen rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she became aware of her surroundings. When Melissa's rattled face came into focus Khadeen asked,

"What is it? What's wrong?"

Melissa showed her the note and Khadeen covered her mouth in shock.

"Is this for real?" She asked.

"Come on Khadeen maybe we shouldn't meddle."

"How could you say that? Shanakay is our best friend, she is like a sister."

"Look I'm sorry it's just that I'm scared, that's all." Melissa replied. For the first time in her life Melissa was actually scared. So scared she was she decided that they should let it go but Khadeen wasn't going to have any of that. She looked at Melissa, confidence beaming off her in fumes and smiled, "It'll all be okay."

"I hope you're right because I'm not ready to die and neither are you," replied Melissa.