Chapter 18

Ravensmead, Cape Flats, Cape Town.

There was a tangible tenseness in the air as Aaron and Dezz were shown into the side door of the warehouse. It was dark outside with little pools of yellow light from the overhead lights along the side of the corrugated iron structure. In contrast, the inside was flooded by bright overhead lights suspended from the high angled steel roof rafters.

Aaron had to blink for a moment, but his eyes adjusted quickly. In front of him stood the guy that visited him in the Knysna prison.

Alessandro Bianchi stood with his hands behind his back, facing them, the expression on his face a poker mask. Around him three mean thugs in street clothing stood spaced out, holding handguns. The guns were not pointing towards Aaron and Dezz, but at the ready.

“You stupid bastard...” Alessandro hissed. “You compromise the operation by coming here!”

“And where else would you suggest we should go?” Aaron fired back.

“Get on your boat and just sail out of here. Go back to Vegas and let us handle the situation.”

“Can’t do that: the fuzz attacked the boat, and it’s now in the dead dock.”

“Then get it out and disappear.”

“I need help to get it out.” Aaron replied. “They have cut the power to the boat and switched off all the systems. It’s going to take a while to get her running again.”

“Oh, so now I must muster that help too?”

“I can pay you.”

“I’m not interested in your street gang money. You’ll never rebuild the “Family” in Vegas. Your business is dead.”

“Yet I still own the Pearl Palace.”

“Aaron, you wanted my skills in getting even with those that crossed you. For that you will pay me. Not to be your bloody bodyguard and get you out of South Africa! You’re on your own, boy!”

“Then can’t we just stay here a couple of days until I can get a way out of this hell-hole? And I need a gun.”

“The fuzz are looking for you and that woman with you. I was paid for a job, and I’m going to do that job. The Five Families depend on it.”

“The Five Families? How do they figure into my contract?”

“They want in on your business. The Pearl Palace is doing good on the strip, and there’s skimming to be done.” Alessandro conceded. “You get out of here and go speak to the family bosses. Little Robert is waiting on a call from you.”

“Are you saying that you are double-crossing me?”

“No. I took your contract and your pennies. But there’re other benefits to be reaped. The Five would be better off without the Angels running loose.”

“Dammit!”

“Don’t swear!”

“So the families want the Angels gone as well?”

“That will better for us all!”

“Why did you not say something before?”

“I did not have to. Your contract gave the Five Families a window of opportunity. Besides, business is business.”

“So now New York and Midwest families are interested in my business in Vegas?”

“Come on, Aaron! The Pearl Palace is in Vegas. Get out of South Africa and go speak to your new partners. They will keep the fuzz off your tail and see to you and your floozy.”

“Dezz bristled at being called “floozy”, but wisely kept silent.

“You’ve not done the job yet!”, Aaron complained.

“Yes, and you are complicating the situation by being here. You and your floozy can stay till Tuesday and I will get you a gun, but then you and she are out of here. Do I make myself clear?”

“Okay.”

“Good. Jack and Slim can take you to a part of the warehouse that will be out of the way and out of my hair.”

“What about food and water?”

“It will be seen to that you are fed. Just don’t think it will be five star. We are a bit down on groceries and Slim ain’t that good a cook.”

“Thank you.”

“What do you need a gun for?”

“To go visit the Pienaars in Plett.”

“That’s your own fish to fry but let me give you some good advice; let the Pienaars be, just get out of South Africa. Besides, the Pienaars ain’t in Plett.”

“How do you know that?”

“My sources said the girl is out of school for a week. She finished her exam. Now maybe the Pienaars took her away on holiday. They’re not at home, and I don’t know where they are. They could be in Durban for all I care.”

“Help me get across the border then.”

“Okay, I will do this. There are some people here in Ravensmead and Phillippi that can help get you across the border to Botswana, or Zimbabwe, even Mozambique. From there you are on your own.”

“I will add the expense to your account.”

“You better do it. Now get out of my hair!” Alessandro said and turned to Luigi standing on the catwalk stairs. “Luigi, Slim, Jack, take them to the left office up on the catwalk. And, Luigi, have Jack and Slim see to it that they’re settled in.”

“I’ll do so,” Luigi responded. “Come!” And he turned to go up the steel stairs to the office on the catwalk.

After Luigi took Dezz and Aaron up to the office on the catwalk, Luigi returned back down to Alessandro. “I must leave for Gauteng,” he simply stated and sat down on a chair. Alessandro had made himself an office and a bedroom in one corner of the warehouse, near the side entrance of the building. It was his belief to always have a back door open for escape if it became too hot for him while in a tight corner. That’s a main reason he lived so long in the business he’s in.

“Why to Gauteng?”

“I have information that the Dark Angel is there.”

“I first need you here.” Alessandro replied. “Let’s get rid of the small ones first. Then we go after the big fish.”

“There are seven of them. Only three are here in and around Cape Town. That still leaves four of them. The Dark Angel is in Gauteng. Where the other three are is anyone’s guess. But you are making my search for the Dark Angel easier.”

“I thought you’re going to say more difficult. Why do you say easier?”

“By taking out the small fish, you can lure her out into the open, and she’s going to make mistakes.”

“True.” Alessandro said and took out a packet of cigarettes, took one and lit it with his lighter. “I just wish I could see her face when her comrades-in-arms fall one by one, just leaving her ... open and defenceless.”

“I never look at my targets’ faces. That way, it was only a target ... I won’t have anything to remember ... and no bad dreams.”

Alessandro blew out a cloud of smoke, but his eyes never left Luigi’s face. “I must remember that.” was his only comment.

“And never use a pistol. You’ll just waste time searching for the spent cartridge casings.” Luigi said and got up.

Alessandro silently looked at him.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll go and meditate now. Please don’t disturb me.”

“I thought you’re Italian?”

“I am.”

“Japanese meditate.”

“As do yoga practitioners,” Luigi retorted. “You should try it. It calms your soul. Helps you get rid of your demons...”

Newlands Estate. Later that afternoon.

The meeting did not go into much detail of planning the intended mission. This will come later.

The murky weather did not let up during the day and after we, Bobbie and I, arrived at the estate. The clouds closed in, blotting out the weak sun completely, and the wind changed from south-east to north-west.

“There will be rain now.” Ash commented, as he stared distantly out the window.

“Yeah, the northwester brings the rain,” I sighed, my mood just as sombre as the gloomy climate outside.

“Cheer up, old boy! Don’t let the weather cloud you up,” Ash advised. “Come, let’s go find if there’s still some Glenfiddich left.”

“When is the mission planned for?” I asked.

“Tuesday morning at 03:00, why?”

“Eight hours from the bottle to the throttle.” I chuckled.

“But you’re not flying! So, it doesn’t count.”

“Yes, it does. I need a clear head.”

“There’s plenty time, come!” Ash said and turned around. “The TC Rangers have not found my secret stash yet.”

“You should do like a friend of mine used to do. Keep the Glenfiddich bottles filled with Three Ships Whisky. Those that don’t know Glenfiddich will not taste the difference.”

“But I will!” Ash said looking over his shoulder with an expression of disgust on his face.

“And so would I, but the rest won’t. For them whisky is whiskey, is whisky...”

Chuckle. “With or without the ‘E’?”

“WITH the ‘E’! They don’t even know that difference...”

“And how would you, that likes Glenlivet, not object to a Glenfiddich?”

“Same thing. One is oak matured, and the other in steel caskets. One taste woody, and the other one has a fruity after-taste. Both single malts and from the same region. Beggars can’t be choosers if offered any one of the two.”

“I think our friendship is going to go a long way...” Ash replied and opened a door panel in the passage. “Here, here is my secret hideaway.”

“Does the professor know about it?”

“Yes! If we don’t want others to disturb us, we duck in here for a quick smooch.” Chuckle.

I just rolled my eyes and smirked. I thought that by now the cleaning staff, or Darya and Roxy would know about it too. But big was my surprise as after Ash closed the passage door behind us, and we found ourselves inside a nice roomy broom closet, he pressed against a shelf, and with a click the shelf moved away, revealing a nice cosy lounge beyond.

“So, here we are!” Ash said. “Make yourself comfortable while I get the liquid refreshments. Ice for you?”

“Yeah, thanks! Two cubes, please,” I responded and sat down in one of the deep, plush easy chairs.

I took the opportunity to recon the little hideaway while Ash filled two whisky tumblers at a little cabinet.

There were three deep easy chairs and a four-seater couch. I could only imagine what the four-seater could be used for; definitely not for Ash to sleep on if Angie was cross with him. Besides, Ash and Angie don’t live here, but in Constantia.

The walls were panelled in some kind of cork material tiles, making the room soundproof. A bright overhead chandelier was lighting up the small cozy room.

“Here you go,” and he handed me a tumbler. “I wanted to speak to you in private. That’s why we’re in here.”

“Oh. What about?”

“What are you going to do if you find DiCaprio at the warehouse?”

“I’ll do what must be done,” I replied, taking a sip of the nectar in the crystal glass tumbler.

“Take him out?”

“If all else fails...”

“Then I take it you mean as a last resort you will take him out?’

“Yes.”

“Secure him and the woman and hand them over to SAPS?”

“That’s the plan.”

“And if not?”

“He’s Italian, he knows the meaning of a nice pair of cement boots and visiting with the fishies.”

“You know he’s connected?”

“To the mob? Yes.”

“The New York and Midwest administrations won’t like that.”

“So, what do you suggest I do to please the Cosa Nostra? They will come to know this is my turf. I eat alone!”

“And just send out another clip on you?”

“Ash! Stop speaking mob. I know the meanings of the words.”

“Okay ... I underestimated your intelligence.” Ash sighed. “Just reconsider what you are about to do, for Bobbie’s sake. If you cross the Mob, they will come for you...”

“What is DiCaprio to them? He’s not even drawing any water in Vegas.”

“He owns the Pearl Palace casino, and the five families want in on the juice.”

“There you go again ... using Mob lingo! Okay, I can too.”

“What do you mean?”

“I can also play the game they do. Maybe I’ll just mock execute the families by effecting a lupara bianca.”

Ash burst out laughing. “And how will you do that? Hit DiCaprio and hide the body where it will never be found...” Ash replied while looking at me over the rim of his whisky tumbler, raising an eyebrow.”

“I said: I eat alone! I never said I’m going to have him evacuate this nice green earth. But, if push comes to shove, I’ll let him go dine with the fishies, dressed in cement boots...”

“Is that why you wanted to go it alone? Play Rambo? There’s too much firepower in there. You’ll never make it out alive.”

“A side bet on it?”

“No point! You lose, and I cannot collect.” Then he continued, “Louis, Bobbie wants you back in one piece, not scattered in ward six, seven and eight in the local hospital at the same time. That’s if you survive at all.”

“I know what I’m doing. Nadia’s got some nice toys for me to play with.”

“The silent hunter?”

“It’s a full moon outside. A Hunter’s Moon...”

“You’re dangerous. I was completely thrown by your sultry and subdued exterior projection.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome!”

Don’t tell Bobbie...”

“I won’t. Just come back to her ... unscathed!”

“I’ll survive.”

“By the way, Three Ships whisky, without the ‘E’, twenty-one years single malt cost two thousand eight hundred Rand a bottle. Nearly two and a half times more than a bottle of Glenfiddich...”

“Dammit! I was talking of the Three Ships blended whisky that retails at a hundred and sixty-nine Rand a bottle!”

Chuckle. “Come look here what I found in Charley’s old stash...” And Ash got up and went to the cabinet opened it and took out two bottles of whisky, still sealed.

I got up and followed him. Then I nearly fainted. Ash held up two bottles of whisky. One Glenlivet Winchester Collection fifty-year-old, and a Glenfiddich fifty-year-old, both at just over a half a million rand a bottle!

I said, I nearly fainted ... Ash was holding over one point two million Rand in his hands.

“Gently ... put it back ... before you drop it!” I stammered.

“I won’t drop it. I’m keeping it till if Charley comes back sometime. I’m sure he forgot about it...”

“That I doubt. One does not just leave one point two million Rand’s stuff lying around!”

In another part of the Newlands Estate house, about the same time.

The room was lit in a subdued light. The flickering flames in the fireplace licked at the wooden logs and sparkled light onto the cream-white painted walls of the room. Heat was projected into the room and two women sat side by side on a couch.

Doctor Angelique Rothman was casually dressed in a light blue long sleeved turtle-neck sailor’s jersey, warm leather sea-boots, and a body-hugging denim. It was her winter uniform, a left-over from her days at sea on the diamond mining ships of the west coast of Namibia, along the skeleton coast. Her long ginger red hair fell loose over her shoulders, and her green eyes reflected the firelight as she looked at Bobbie.

As always, Bobbie was in her Bobbie-togs of denim t-shirt and light jacket. They say young ones never feel cold. A jersey is a thing you have to put on if your mother gets cold. Bobbie did not feel the chill in the air so much.

“So, you want to look at doing a B.Sc. in physics?”

“Oh yes!” Bobbie replied enthusiastically. “I just love the way the definitions relate to the practical world.”

“It’s a tough cookie you are tackling.”

“What made you go for geology and archaeology?”

“Oh, because of my interest in diamond mining...” Then Angie leaned closer to Bobbie and whispered: “ ... and digging up ghosts of the past...”

“Did you find any? Ghosts, I mean,” Bobbie giggled.

“Nah! Nothing yet. But there’s a certain German submarine on the Skeleton Coast I need to go and dig up sometime!” Angie said and sat back against the back rest of the couch. Crossing her legs, she smiled at Bobbie.

“Are you trying to convince me to go for archaeology, Doctor?”

“Angie. Call me Angie. I’m only Doctor Rothman in the halls of academia. And no, I’m not trying to lure you away from your dream.”

“But it sounds like an adventure?”

“It is an adventure!”

“It sounds fun...”

“Bobbie, with your B.Sc. physics, you can also share in the adventure.”

“How?”

“Oh, we need chemistry, physics and other disciplines too, you know? It’s not just digging in the dirt and finding old pottery pieces. Those finds need to be analysed, dated, indexed and cleaned. That is where the chemistry comes in. To know how to use the right chemicals for the job. Physics, to know how to enter a sub at depth and to understand the composition of the materials and how to preserve them.” Angie saw the gleam in Bobbie’s blue eyes intensify.

“So, quantum mechanics is not going to serve me in going for an adventure?”

“On the contrary, Bobbie, it will serve you just fine, after you do a master’s or a Ph.D! As an M.Sc., you can work in the team, but not lead it. But even after the adventure, there’re still hours and weeks, even months of boring lab work ... But it starts off with an adventure into the unknown, the gaining of knowledge, and the warm feeling of ‘I did it’!”