Chapter 14

Wolvenkopft Manor, Constantia, Cape Town.

Ash finished his second Glenfiddich and stood up. “You know, Dusty, I have this theory that there’s not much difference between a red head and a blond. So, the two of us better go see what the two rascals are up to.”

“You think they are up to no good?”

“Trust me. I know Angie.”

“Maybe they are just discussing wardrobe accessories and shoes.” I mused.

Ash looked at me with a grin on his face. “You’re ever the lawyer, always see the good in people, never the bad or the ugly.”

“I do see the bad and the ugly, but only when I’m paid to see it in somebody else, not my paying client...”

“There you go! You’re always the lawyer and taking the side of your client, even if your client is Vladimir Putin.”

“I don’t do Russians, unless they are blond, leggy, and wear short dresses. But I prefer Afrikaans and English-speaking tomboy girls that can ride a horse just as good as an aircraft,” I chuckled.

“See! You’ll consider a Russian client.”

“Oh, brother ... I said I prefer them to speak my language. After the ootchie-ootchie is over, you still need to talk to them!”

“Skazhem, advokat vnutri vas, A muzhchina?” Ash fired in Russian, raising his left eyebrow. (Say the lawyer in you, what about the man?)

“Khodimo podyvymosya, de divchata...” I retorted. (Let’s go see where the girls are.)

“Huh?” Ash asked, bewildered.

“That was Ukrainian. While Ukrainian and Russian are distinct linguistically, there’s an important asymmetry to be aware of: even though most Russians don’t know or understand Ukrainian because it’s a different language, most Ukrainians know and understand Russian.” I chuckled as I explained to Ash, knowing that he would not understand Ukrainian.

“My, my, my. The lawyer DO understand Russian!”

“Only in self-defence! I retorted, and Ash burst out laughing.

“You will get along fine with Grumpy Charley ... He speaks Ukrainian fluently. Now, let’s go see where the girls are and what they are up to!”

The door to Angie’s study was closed, but a bright light showed from under the door. Ash knocked on the door.

“Is that you, Ash?” Angie’s voice came from the other side.

“Yeah, missing you. Can Dusty and I come in?”

“Yeah, but don’t laugh!” Angie replied and Ash opened the door, walked in and stopped short. I followed and almost bumped into him. Angie was standing barefoot on top of her desk, a dress the wrong way around on her. Andrea had a mouth full of colourful sewing pins, and was busy sticking the pins down a side seam of the dress.

“What are you two up to?” Ash asked.

“This dress is a bit too big for little old me, so Andrea offered to size the seams for me, to make the dress a better fit.” Angie replied.

“I did not know you’re a dressmaker as well Miss Louw.” Ash confessed.

“Some tips I got from my mom,” Andrea mumbled through clenched lips. I chuckled. If Andie opened her mouth, the pins she was holding between her lips would fall out and scatter on the floor.

“See! I told you these two were not planning world domination,” I remarked.

“Nearly finished!” Andie mumbled.

“It’s okay. We’ll go wait on the patio,” Ash tossed over his shoulder as he walked off. I followed, the picture of Andrea sizing a dress for Angie, looking all domestic and motherly, made me chuckle.

“I am glad the two are hitting it off,” Ash noted, “Angie makes friends easily, and it seems like Miss Louw does too.”

“Well, she had better be good to Angie, as Angie’s her geology professor.” I countered.

“Lecturer, Angie ain’t a professor yet ... Thank God!”

“But it won’t be long until she’s associated.”

“Yeah...” Ash sighed. “Red head, chilli-pepper-pip, Professor, Doctor, Angelique Adelheid Rothman-Windsor, it’s got a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”

I heard the pride in his voice and commented: “Yes it does, and you’re no slouch either, Doctor Windsor.” Only a few people knew that Ash had a Ph.D. in Aeronautical Engineering.

We reached the patio, and he dropped into a patio chair and asked: “Talking of aeronautical engineering, when do you see yourself getting current on the EC?”

“It takes time. Medical, oral exam on rules, regulations and law, then an hour or two flying...”

“So, for you, it will be only a formality. Your medical is current. Rules, regulations and law? Oh come on, mister attorney-at-law, give me another excuse! And flying? How many hours do you have on the EC?”

“Plenty.”

“Well, there you go! Go fetch your logbooks and let the girls go to Morningside. You get to grips on the EC, then when you are done, fly to Morningside. Easy as eating a pie.”

“Hey! I’m a busy guy! I need to put in an appearance at the office, get the damage to my house sorted out with the insurance, see to it that Andrea is getting on with Quad Five, her farm, AND have her complete her studies. Not to mention her PPL.”

“Excuses, excuses...”

“Oh, okay. I’ll call the people from National Airways tomorrow and schedule something...”

“I can do you one better,” Ash said and looked at me with a grin on his face. “Go do your thing with Andrea and her team, get back here. Then send Andrea, and Angie off to Morningside. Lorie is already there, and I think she would appreciate some female company.”

“Okay ... And when do I leave, or do you have plans for me as well?”

“When you get back tomorrow, your instructor will be here. You get the afternoon to go play with the EC.”

“As you wish, ye ‘onner...” I sighed, to Ash’s chuckle.

“And, Dusty, no word from you to anyone. Joe doesn’t know of my contacts in gangland...”

“My lips are sealed. But you know the drill ... For an attorney client confidentiality ... I need a retainer.”

“Dammit, Dusty! Okay, yes, here, here is ten bucks!” Ash took out his wallet and handed me a ten Rand note.

I burst out laughing: “Only kidding, Ash! You know me...”

“Asshole!”

“I’ve been called other names already. I’m used to it!”

After supper with Ash and Angie, Andrea went to her room for something. Angie and Ash disappeared, each to their own studies; Angie to prepare for an upcoming lecture, and Ash to finalise some paperwork. I found myself alone on the patio in the cool of the evening.

Somewhere in the darkness a night bird called to his mate. The moon had not risen yet. It will be along shortly, rising above the far-off Hottentots Holland Mountains to the east.

From the patio, I had an unrestricted view of the flickering lights on the Cape Flats. Bright long streaks of yellow-white light showed along the course of the M3, M4, and M5 motorways. To the north-east, just beyond the dark mass that was the lower slopes of Devils Peak, the beginnings of the N1 and N2 highways could be seen.

A flashing strobe inside a cluster of red, green and white lights descended towards runway 01 of Cape Town International. Another airliner’s journey is coming to an end.

Further out in the haze of the night, the lights of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Milnerton and Bloubergstrand were just a dull glow visible on the foothills of the Hottentots Holland, and Matroos Mountains.

Down below me and much nearer, the lights of Claremont, Wynberg, Plumstead, Meadowridge and Bergvliet blazed flickering and interspaced with dark patches between them. The dark patches were the parks and green spaces separating the suburbs this side of the railway track.

It all looked peaceful and surreal, but between those flickering lights on the eastern side of the railway tracks, bloody gang wars were playing off. Tomorrow’s news, now happening tonight.

I sighed...

“Where that sigh falls, nothing will grow...” Andrea’s sweet voice came softly to me.

“Just relaxing after the stress of the day. Are you finished with Angie’s dress?”

“Yeah,” Giggle “Uncross your legs, I need lap space.” She instructed and wiped a stray lock of hair out her face and in behind her ear.”

“This space is reserved for a pretty butter-cup girl named Andrea. Do you know her?”

Giggle. “You’re still delusional, thinking I’m pretty,” she said as she sat down on my lap and snaked her arms around my neck. Then she wiggled that sweet butt of hers for a more comfortable perch and kissed me on the cheek.

“Ah, that’s better,” She sighed. Then she sat up and looked me in the eye, “And don’t you dare repeat my words.”

“What words?”

“About where the sigh falls...”

“Oh, that! No, I won’t repeat it, and stop wiggling!”

“Why? I need to get comfortable.”

“Yeah, but it’s dangerous; awakens demons that are supposed to be asleep.”

Giggle. “What demons? I thought you only had one.” Then she burst out laughing.

“Andrea!”

“What?”

“You are being ... No never mind.”

“You heard the one of the Springbok Rugby player’s wife that divorced him?” She asked while tracing a patten with her index finger on my cheek.

“No, why would she?” I answered. I did hear the joke before but played along with her.

“She thought he had two horns!” And she giggled at her own joke.

“You are getting out of hand. I should do something about it,” I reprimanded, but inside I chuckled at her wittiness. Andrea is getting to be more and more playful with me.

“How? Spank me, Uncle Dusty?” She pouted her lips and teased me.

“Andrea, you are ... No, leave it.”

Giggle.

She laid her head on my shoulder, and it became quiet on the patio. I felt her breathing as she sat on my lap, leaning into me. Her fingers now playing with my hair.

“You should never cut your hair short. I love it either loose or in a ponytail. It looks so ... sexy...” Andrea said after a while.

“Don’t ask me why, but I just let my hair go, although I might trim it a bit when it becomes too long to manage.”

“But never shorter than it’s now. I love it like that.”

“And you, sweetness? Will you cut your hair down to say, just past your shoulders, or maybe shorter?”

“No. Maybe trim it a centimetre or two ... Just to have it straight, but never shorter. It took forever to get it to where it is now. Although it is a schlep to wash, dry and brush or comb it. Either way, this is me. What you see is what you get...” Andrea blushed.

I did not answer, but turned my head, and our lips met. The kiss was epic.

“Are you going to come tuck me in after my shower?” Ice blue eyes looked into mine with a question mark in them.

“Yeah, but ain’t you coming to snuggle with me tonight?”

“Nope. It’s getting dangerous. Like this morning, I nearly lost it.”

“Okay...”

“Just, ‘okay’, no objection?”

“Andrea, I love you. I love you a lot, but I’m not going to push you for anything. We’ll take it at your pace.”

“Thank you, Dusty. That’s why I love you ... You don’t pressure me. You just love me for who I am...”

“I think I deserve a kiss...”

I got no further. Andrea turned on my lap and then straddled me, placing both her hands on the sides of my face and kissed me. I felt a tongue searching my lips, and I obliged. The kiss lasted a long time and when we came up for air, I took a deep breath. I was nearly suffocated.

“Give me half an hour. Let me go shower and then come tuck me in,” she whispered, half out of breath too, and got up. There was a soft glow in her eyes, and a shy smile on her lips. Oh, how I love this girl!

The next morning, with breakfast over, and Cookie serving coffee, my cell phone rang. Mai-Loan.

“Hi there,” I greeted cheerfully.

“Morning, Mister De Lange,” she greeted back, and from the tone of her voice I got the impression that something was afoot.

“What’s up?”

“Roxy and I are at the office. Don’t waste your time to come in. I don’t think Du Toit will pitch for his interview.”

“Okayyyy ... Why?”

“He cleared out his office last night and left a note. There’s a filing cabinet with files that he referred to in his note. Some interesting info, like Quad Five DID take out insurance on the loan on the farm. They also cashed in on it, so the loan is paid for, and the deed is still in her father and mother’s names.”

“What else did he say in his note?”

“That he no longer sees himself as part of Quad Five. He will concentrate on his other ventures, and he expects or thinks that we should buy out his shares at market value.”

“Jeez! Looks like the card house is falling down.”

Giggle. “Yes!”

“Okay! Now what else do you and Roxy plan for the day?”

“Bringing Leah and Olivia in on the business. Those two are excited as it will be a perfect place to centralise their other property interests.”

“Wow! I did not think of it like that. Are they serious?”

“Yes, Quad Five just went international.” Giggle. “I am thinking of doing the same...”

“Good for you! And by the way, Q5 IS international ... you just are confirming it! But tell me, how is the rest of the staff shaping up?”

“I think they are a bunch of good people, despite Aldermann and his cronies treating them like slaves.”

“Then are you going to stay awhile and sort out the admin?”

“Yes, and I’m bringing in Erich Eberlin, if you don’t mind, Boss.” Giggle.

“I’m not the boss. Talk to Andrea.”

“Yeah, yeah ... I’ll bring her up to speed. She’s bright but has no experience with the corporate world ... Between you, Leah, Olivia, and me, we’ll get her going. We’ll do the same for her as we did for Lucy.”

“Thanks, Amirah,” I said, using her name she uses at Quad Five.

“Must I keep on wearing this ridiculous outfit?”

“No, you can revert back to Mai-Loan.”

“Gee, thanks! Do you know how warm this outfit is ... I’ll make you wear it sometime!” Giggle.

“Nope! Not my style!” I chuckled.

“Right, if there’s nothing else...”

“Andrea and Angie are going out to Morningside. Andrea needs to start patching up her life out there and Angie has some ideas about the farm.”

“And I have ideas about Quad Five. I’ll run them by Andrea and you as we sort out the existing mess and start moving forward. Are you going with them to Morningside?”

“I’ll follow them later. I have some other things to do, like showing face at my own office. My two-week holiday is drawing to a close, and I must also see to my flying schedule.”

“Oh yeah. You fly those big birds for kicks, spoiled brat!”

“Hey! You’re speaking to your boss.”

“Nope! Andrea’s the boss! Enjoy your running around. Bye!” And Mai-Loan disconnected before I could return something witty. As the line went dead, I could hear Mai-Loan laughing. Little rascal!

I dropped the phone back in my pocket and turned to the sea of faces with question marks, looking at me.

“Okay! Andrea, you can go dress in casual clothes and put that pair of high heel shoes away,” I said. “We’re not going in to the office.”

“Why not?” Ash questioned.

“Old Du Toit cleaned out his office and left a note about quitting and wants us to buy him out at market price. Also, he left a filing cabinet with some interesting files for Andrea, like the deed to the farm, and a note that the insurance paid the loan,” I replied.

“Joe would be interested in those...” Ash remarked and took a sip of his coffee.

“And I need that deed!” Andrea exclaimed.

“Don’t worry, little one, I’ll have Erich place it in safekeeping until we can hand it over to you.”

“That means Angie and Andrea can get an early start to going Morningside way,” Ash suggested.

Andrea reached down and took her shoes off. She got up and drained her coffee. Then she bent down, picked up the shoes and said, “Let me go change! Excuse me!”, and she left the dining room on the verge of skipping.

“Now there’s a happy girl! I wonder if it is the prospect of NOT going into the office, or the going to Morningside.”

Definitely the Morningside part,” Angie chimed in, drained her coffee and got up. “Excuse me as well. I still have a million things to go pack!”, and she fluttered out the dining room as well.

“Leave your AK!” Ash called to Angie as she went through the door.