RAW Deception (Round 2 in the RAW Instinct Series)

Chapter 6

Listen to the Music: Chester See - A Life of Regrets

Friday.

Canton's Cottage.

Drakensberg.

Angelica arrived around midday. Raw welcomed her with open arms and invited her in. She had not changed one bit. Still had her hair in a high bun, still wore long sarongs, and still called everyone "darling". Resounding through the air, Raw heard a sound not unlike the pounding of a punching bag.

"Edward's punching bags," Raw said, smiling.

"I can hear that, darling. Shall we surprise him?" She asked.

"He loves surprises."

He took her hand and led her down the path to the round, thatched roof bungalow they had transformed into a small gym; kitted it out with a pair of walkers, rowing and cycling machines, benches, barbells and mirrors.

Edward wasn't alone. Two young boys, not much older than twelve or thirteen were with him in the middle of punching at the bags. Edward saw her in the reflection of the mirror. "I knew you'd come," he said, turning and gleefully reaching for her.

"Oh, I'm so happy to be here. There's no joy in the big city now that you two aren't there. Just no excitement."

"We've brought the excitement to this place."

"Okay, guys. That's it," Edward clapped loudly. "We're finished training for the day. Go shower and I'll see you Monday afternoon," Edward said in fluent Zulu.

As the teenagers ran off to the outdoor showers, Edward hugged Angelica tightly. "It's good to see you."

"I've forgotten just how lovely this place is," she said.

"We're having a braai tonight around the fire-pit. It's going to be a huge bonfire. Lots of wine and lots of amazing company," Raw said, guiding her up the steps to the main house.

Gregory sat on the front patio with his back to them, staring out over the forest of pine trees and beyond into the national park.

"Angelica, I'd like to introduce you to my dad," Raw said eagerly.

Gregory stood up and turned to face her.

"Hello, Angelica."

"Gregory?"

"It's been a long time."

"Well, this is embarrassing, I didn't expect you to be here."

"Surprise, surprise."

Edward frowned. "You know each other?"

The tension in the distance between them grew second by second.

"Not very well. Your mom spoke about him and showed me photos."

"Greg?"

"I found him to tell him Sue had passed away. But, he was on his way to Afghanistan. He couldn't attend the funeral."

Edward shook his head and stepped back, frowning. "I...I don't understand."

"What's wrong, darling?"

"You knew where to find my dad and you never said anything, in all those years?"

"I didn't think it was important, Ed. I didn't think you'd be interested in seeing him." Angelica said, reaching for his hand. Edward stepped away and collided into Raw.

Raw whispered in Edward's ear. "Babe, take it easy."

"You knew and you assumed on my behalf?"