Battles in the shadows

"FINALITY"

There was no day that passes that Laura didn't miss Brandon in their home. She lived alone and rarely went out of the house. Eventually as the New Year vibe came and passed, she knew going back to work was not even an option. By the end of January, she got some courage and went to see her superior and hand in her resignation letter.

As she walked through the halls of her former place of work, a place she loved with her whole heart but now must part with because of the upcoming trial and following turbulent months that would come. She ignored the curious eyes of her colleagues and walked straight into the office for her appointment.

Her boss embraced her warmly as the door closed behind them. They sat down afterwards and began to discuss the way forward.

"I respect your decision Lauretta. It will be asking too much for you to come back to work after all that happened. You don't want us to extend your leave?"

"Thank you for the offer but if this place is truly meant for me, I will re-apply again and a door will surely be opened. I miss my husband and with the trial coming up, knowing the possible outcomes, I don't think I could stand coming to work and be stared at and questions thrown at me..." her voice trailed off.

"I will give you an extended leave but your post will not be vacant. You have worked hard during your time with us and giving us the right to share what happened when the time comes is more than enough. Go and take the holiday you need and come back refreshed and transformed."

Laura dropped the letter on the table and said her goodbyes.

She left as quickly as she came to hide back in the comfort of her house.

There were no traces of the Watchman Organization. It was as if all Mama Joe said were nothing but lies. The trial was set to begin in the second week of February and Laura's heart was aching even more with Brandon still in England. His grandfather was getting better and promised to come back by the end of February. He was caught between being available for his distraught wife and his invalid and only surviving relative. At the end of the day, a decision should be made on how to handle the dilemma before him

********

Each passing day gave new nerve wrecking experience of its own as they drew near to the trial date. The new development was that the only witness was Laura herself and the doctor that used to perform the abortions was found dead three months prior to the murder of Vincent Moabe. He hung himself but a message was left behind which the police did not think was connected to the case at the time and it happened at the heart of Maun, several kilometers away from Gaborone. An office card with the name "The Watchman" was found on his clinic office desk. The card had no contact or office address but had Ezekiel 3 imprinted on with a cursive in a large font size. This came to Superintendent Tlhware's attention just after the burial of Mama Joe.

Another new found information was that Mompati Rakwela was not guilty of concealing the rape as he was not aware about it. This was the statement he gave when he finally regained his consciousness and strong enough to discuss about the case. He pleaded "not guilty" as an accessory to rape because he never once caught his son in the act but suspected he was abusive physically and emotionally towards his sister contrary to his belief that he was a good big brother. Never once did Phillip confess to rape and in fact, the gradual change of Phillip was initiated by his father who put his feet down and vowed that no child of his was going to be playing the jealousy card against another family member. Phillip also affirmed his father's statement, leaving almost no room for doubt. Mama Joe who laid the claim was now gone forever and there was not a single evidence to proof otherwise.

February ended and the trial began at the Gaborone High Court at the Central Business District (CBD). Phillip was recovering well from the gunshot wound and he pleaded "guilty" to the charges of rape, assault and forceful abortion contrary to sections 142 (subsections 1 and 2), 246 and 160 (subsection 1) of the Botswana Penal Code.

The legal issue concerning Mompati's case was whether or not he was guilty of concealing the offence of rape, assault and abortion. To the end of the first trial, his plead remained the same. He was allowed to go home but Phillip was not granted bail.

It hurt Laura to testify against her brother and each question asked about her experience seemed to be exposing her shame and the trauma of days gone by but she stood her ground and told the truth. The piercing gaze of her mother, the traumatic and sad countenance of her birth mother sobbing uncontrollably comforted by her mother and the unforgiving stares of Phillip's wife Karabo didn't faze her. At the end of it all, the court was adjourned and a date set for the judgment, two weeks' time.

Preston got his friend out of the court room and straight into the ladies. Laura found herself purging like a child suffering from a terrible bout of vomiting. It went on for almost two minutes and she finally got up to clean up. She wearily walked to the wash basin to rinse her mouth and face. The deathly combination of lacking appetite and the disgusting show of her past for all to see in the court room finished her off. Life seem to be fighting to exit her body as she slowly fell down and passed out.

Preston was waiting outside and was now joined by Mingie. Ten minutes had passed and Laura was still in the ladies' room.

"I will go check on her." She rushed out just as almost immediately as she rushed in to call for help.

David who was still around rushed in with Preston and helped to carry Laura out to get fresh air. The many days of being snobbish to her meals or going on an unconscious hunger strike kicked in along with the other stress factors with vengeance.

"Lauretta! Lauretta!" Koketso who was now in crutches tried to get there as quickly as she could.

"Let's get her to a hospital right away!" Preston ordered and with the help of David and a police officer, Laura was taken out and straight into her Preston's car.

"I will drive her to Gaborone Private Hospital. Get your family home David as you know your Dad is still recovering?"

David didn't object and Preston left with a sobbing Mingie to the hospital to get help for Laura. The day ended with drama in the end.