on the opposite side of the road. Was I being watched? I turned and drove through my gates waiting to ensure they closed behind me, moved on, stopped at the front door, switched off my car and suddenly froze. Rachel was an emotional loose cannon and would never be able to handle this. Nothing could be revealed to her. In fact nothing could be said to anybody. Sharp focus and concentration was necessary to plan my way forward. Sophie was my priority, her safety paramount. “ Please God help me,” I prayed as I got out of the car.
Chapter 3
As soon as the Agent drove me up to the house I knew I was going to buy it.
It was a sprawling 700 square meter thatched roof house with separate staff quarters and garages. Over 1200 square meters of thatch roofing. Rachel initially was not too keen but reluctantly agreed that with her decorating skills it could become a very special family home. Now looking up at it, all I saw was a highly vulnerable home and easy terrorist target. Terrorism was a rapid developing phenomenon in a divided South Africa and I had unwittingly set up home in a tinder box.
“Control yourself Charlie,” I mumbled softly to myself. I entered the house . Rachel heard me and called out.
“Hello darling , I will be down in a minute.”
I went into the drawing room and headed straight for the drinks tray, poured out and downed a scotch but decided against a second. Alcohol was not a favourite of mine and clouded thoughts were not an option. Rachel walked in and I again realised there was absolutely no way I could explain our predicament and tell her about the events that preoccupied my mind without multiplying the problems facing us. An hysterical and out of control wife was a non starter for me. Formulation of my own plan and my own solution was the way to go. Outside help would lead to disaster.
“You do not look too good. Had a tough day?” she asked.
“Yes, there are matters that need my urgent attention and I have to be totally focused. Please understand, I will go straight to my study after supper.”
“Luckily we have nothing on tonight. Anyway it is early to bed for me. Remember we have a dinner date with your boss tomorrow.”
I flinched at the thought. Supper was dreadful. I could not eat, Rachel got annoyed, I left the table. I sat in my study, lights off, my mind racing.
“Slow down Charlie,” I demanded of myself. Suddenly I thought of the Volvo parked across the street. I could not help myself and ran down to the gate and out into the street. I looked left and right, it had definitely gone. I patiently began to take full control of my thoughts. Sleep was necessary.
It was a long night. I got up at 5 am., showered and left for the office. The one firm decision taken was to instil into Marlon and his men a feeling of trust in me. Any false move in the game about to be played could bring my whole world tumbling down. The Committee had to believe Charlie Hall was a member of their team. It was my prime survival tactic and once they had this belief I could begin the process of destruction.
It was surprising to see people up and about so early but I reached the office in record time. Maybe my morning routine needs rescheduling was a possibility that came to mind. I sat down at my desk and began to marshal my thoughts:
1 . Protect my family.
2. Trust …….. The Committee must trust me.
3. Assemble every bit of information available on their current and future plans plus what they had achieved to date.
4. Their structure ………… who were the kingpins and what companies they had infiltrated.
Suddenly a thought occurred to me.
My God, that’s it. They are not doing this for the upliftment of the impoverished black communities, it’s all about the accumulation of vast individual wealth. I must feign a weakness for the same. They will understand that. Their reactions will show the path to be taken to gain their trust, and, only then will they believe I am one of them. Implementation of a plan had begun and my confidence returned.
My next step was to arrange day and night security at home. There was an existing electric fencing system in place above all boundary walls but guard patrols were a necessity, something highly organised but as undercover as possible. No need to alarm the neighbours.
I said aloud to myself. “Yes, they are not doing this for the ANC. They want to enrich themselves. The sum of the individual wealth involved would be astronomical.”
The next move was to keep Rachel updated on the new security. I phoned and explained what was happening with immediate effect.
“What a total waste of money. What has got into you? Make sure my privacy is not invaded by your Nazi storm-troopers. They are not welcome.” She somehow had the ability to be particularly obnoxious and irritating when I needed her support. I rang off. There was a knock on my door and Jackson entered.
“Charlie it is good to have you in with us but be warned. You cross us, you will be eliminated.”
My body went rigid.
“You are much too sharp to be stupid. Hey, think of the exciting challenges and successes in front of all of us …..endless opportunities, once in a lifetime opportunities. You are part of a Committee of brilliant minds. That is why we have recruited you. Incidentally, I was the one to nominate you, so you owe me!”
The “new” Jackson mesmerised me. It had not even been suspected he had it in him. For the first time his lust for power and his enjoyment of dictating to me became glaringly real. He had, nevertheless, met his match! What was his seniority within the Committee? This would determine how best it would be to handle him.
“Jackson, old chap, the aims and the best methods of implementation must be recognisable for me to be a useful member of the Committee. Only then can I be in a position to make a major contribution and work towards the ultimate success that we all want and are striving towards.” A sickening thump hit my stomach as the words came out. My acting skills would have to be sharpened if I was to be taken as a genuine and hard working member. It was not going to be easy.
The new home security measures were installed. Rachel complained. My concern for my wife’s and daughter’s safety was not eased. Then another spinning meteorite came hurtling towards me.
I arrived home one evening to be greeted by Rachel at the front door.
“Charlie, darling, wonderful news, I am pregnant.” The shock must have been visible. “ Are you not happy for us?”
“How could that happen? You are on the pill.”
“I stopped taking it over two months ago. You must have noticed my irritability of late. It has been an anxious two months and guess what, I am six weeks in. It is so exciting. You still do not look happy. Come on, be pleased for us.”
“Rachel, it should have been a joint decision.”
“Oh stop your nonsense. You want a son. We can easily afford it and you are getting what you want. Now let us drink to the exciting news.”
I mustered up as much joy as I could considering the circumstances.“ It is exciting …..Champagne it is! We should phone our parents. They surely will be absolutely delighted.” I stood up.“ To our next born.” Rachel stood up laughing with joy.
“What
