Of Wolves and Oranges

Chapter 5: Jaco

Jaco

I hear the click of the doors as Golf locks the car and the whirr of the window closing. Her breathing is erratic and her voice is higher as she replies.

"Ford, Im really sorry I lied to you. I just..."

"I know Golfie, I wouldnt want you telling any old stranger on the road where you were going to. And Im assuming you're not a waitress."
"No, Im a doctor doing my community service in Ingwavuma."

I need to keep her talking before she freaks out completely. "I thought you were a bright one. Can I introduce you to my big brother, Max. He's just getting off the phone with the police."

Max rumbles, "Elizabeth Burnes."

"Um, hi, Max. I'm sorry to impose on you like this."

He glances at me as I run a red robot.

"No problem, wee Beastie. I dont think I could stop my brother if I tried."

She laughs nervously, "Really, Max. You're going to start quoting Burnes at me? What does a big Afrikaans farmer know about Burns?"

"Small, crafty, cowering, timerous, little beast, O, what a panic in your little breast." He quotes.

I thump his arm, no-one is talking about my Golfs breast.

"Not bad, Max."

"One day you can try some Ingrid Jonkers for me." He replies.

Silence follows and then she says in a small voice.

"Guys, a white Mercedes has just pulled over and a guy in a black suit is getting out. He looks friendly -ish. His gold tooth flashes when he smiles..."

We both shout. "Stay in the car." But can only hear her talking to him.

"Hi. Yeah, my tyre burst. No, Im fine, thanks. My friends are on the way to help me."

"No, sorry, my window doesn't wind down. I'm not going to get out of the car. Thanks for offering. Theyll be here soon."

"Guys, there this now a black truck pulling up behind me." She whispers. Her breathe hitches, "I'm parked in. There is another guy climbing out of the Mercedes. Shit, he's got a gun."

"Oh, my word, he's got a gun and hes standing in front of the car pointing it at me."

In the background we hear a male voice "Get out of the fucking car, bitch."

A car's engine revs and then then is a smash and a male scream.

"Oh, no, I think I crushed his legs." A volley of a gun fire smatters in the background. "There's another man behind the car and he just shot out the back windscreen."

The car revs again followed by another crash and a groan.

The sound of smashing glass and a voice now closer says.

"Thats enough, girlie, youre going to pay for that. Get out or Ill drag you out."

"No! Get your hands off me!"

Followed by a crack and a whimper.