Of Wolves and Oranges

Chapter 4: Elizabeth

Once Ford had left, I buy a water and a packet of Lays from the shop. Then I sit in my car and review the directions Owen had sent me to his house. He suggested I take a back road through the plantations to get to Zini. It's a little slower than the highway but a lot prettier and I can bypass the tolls. So, I program it into my Garmin and head off.

He was right, the road is stunning, it winds through plantations of gum and pine trees and I open my window to inhale the woody scent. It reminds me of Ford, I miss his quiet rumbling voice, speaking to me through my phone. Even with his rough chubby exterior, he is attractive. Not male model lines and angles but big, hairy and soft around the centre. I muse to myself, wondering if there are dimples under his big beard. The vibrations of the car stimulate my core and I imagine his big hands on my body, stroking my curves, cupping my breasts, and I feel a warmth pool between my legs. I shake my head to clear it, this is not conducive to safe driving. But then I laugh, thinking of Ford is anything but safe. Suddenly there is a bang and my car swerves as I struggle to get it under control. I yank on the steering wheel and brake as I pull off onto the side of the road.

There is silence when I kill the engine. I haven't seen a car on this road in the last ten minutes and now all I can hear is birdsong, deep in the dark rustling trees. I look out of my window and see my front tyre is shredded but looking back up the road I can see nothing which could have caused it. I'm about to climb out and see if I'll be able to change it with my spare tyre, when I remember Ford's words. Silly, over protective man, I sigh to myself. But fine, he knows the area, and I dial his number.

He picks up on the first ring. "Golf. Whats wrong?"

"Oh, hi Ford, sorry to be a pest, but you know you said I should call you if something happened. Well, I had a blow out."

He swears, "Where are you? How far did you get down the N2?"

I sigh, "Well, you see, I wasn't really going to Durban. Im on the district road to Zini."

"Fok. Ok, Elizabeth, I want you to listen to me very carefully. You are in danger. I want you to lock all your doors. Close your windows. And do not open for anyone. There is a gang of hijackers working this area and this is their MO. Max and I are on our way and sending the police as well. But I want you to keep me on the line."