Endgame. Wilna Adriaanse
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have enough people.”
Clive nodded. “I know, but we’re not going to get more. Firstly, because they really can’t give us any more and, secondly, because we don’t want to involve too many people. The ones we have now have been carefully selected.”
They talked about the budget and a few minutes into the discussion Nick was grateful he had approached Barnard. He knew what he was doing and exactly what they might need.
Nick hadn’t worked closely with a team for a long time. It was going to be a challenge.
CHAPTER 10
It was getting dark when Ellie stopped at Melissa’s home. She’d been hesitant about going there but after being with Clive and Albert, she longed to see a familiar face. Someone who knew her better than she knew herself.
A friendship of twenty years meant that there were no secrets between them. They often teased each other that they couldn’t afford to fight. Each knew too much about the other. Melissa’s being a psychologist was sometimes an advantage, and sometimes exactly the opposite. There had been times Ellie had wished she could hide things from her. So far she’d never had any success.
Melissa opened the door, took a step back and frowned. “I’ve already donated all our old clothes to the welfare and there’s no more bread.”
“I could take a child instead.”
“I may be able to help with that. But only if you take two.” Melissa unlocked the security gate, held out her arms and hugged Ellie. “I don’t know why I’m being so nice. I’m pissed off with you. Where the hell have you been? I haven’t heard from you in ages.”
“You worry too much. I’m like a cockroach. When everybody’s gone, I’ll still be around.”
Melissa looked at the motorbike at the kerb. “I’d rather not ask.”
They went into the house. Screams sounded from somewhere inside.
“It’s Daddy’s turn to give them their bath. By this time both he and the bathroom are drenched, but it gives me a chance to enjoy a glass of wine in peace.” She picked up the bottle from the kitchen counter, took out another glass and filled it. “Let’s go to the lounge. It’s the last place they’ll look for me.”
When they were seated opposite each other, Melissa raised her glass. “I don’t know what we’re drinking to, but cheers.”
“How are you?”
Melissa gave a dismissive wave. “Life in suburbia. Tell me what you’re doing here. Are you back?”
“I had some business in the city, and no, I’m not back yet.”
“What kind of business? Did you see your mom? I saw her with Janus the other day and she told me they’re getting married.”
“So she tells me. This coming Saturday, mind you. She doesn’t see any reason to wait.”
“And you’re okay with it?”
“No. On the other hand, she must do as she pleases. I can’t face another battle. She seems happy. They’re going to buy a caravan. I don’t know what else they’re planning. As long as I don’t have to go camping with them. Or stay over.”
Melissa laughed. “You can have matching tracksuits made and wear them on your camping trips.”
“You’ve definitely had too much wine.”
“What’s going on with the minister?”
“I think it’s time to let him know I may not be the kind of woman he’s looking for. Then again, I can’t help wondering … what are the odds a man like that will ever come my way again? Especially one who’s brave enough to take me on.”
“You can’t get married just because he’s a good man. You have to feel something for him.”
“I think I could feel something for him.”
“That’s not how it works, and you should know it.”
“Mel, have you ever considered that all this love-and-emotion stuff may be bullshit? Look at the divorce statistics. Isn’t it time for a different model?”
“Marrying someone you don’t feel anything for?”
“But whom you respect.”
Melissa shook her head. “Sweetie, maybe you’ve been getting too much sun. No, while it’s great to respect your partner, there’s got to be something more.”
“I think you’re mistaken, but we can continue this conversation another day.”
“You and Albert?”
“I saw him this afternoon. Albert is still Albert. Unlikely to change. Part of me will always care for him, but maybe it’s more the way a mother cares for a problem child. I don’t know. Relationships aren’t my forte. You could probably write a dissertation about the choices I’ve made, which is why I’m wondering whether I’ve always had the wrong end of the stick.”
“I blame those bloody fairy tales. I’m never going to read Mia stories with handsome princes in them. I’m not going to raise another woman who spends her entire life searching for Prince Charming.”
“The poor child. I’d like to know how you’re going to manage that. Sometimes I think we’re genetically programmed.”
“Mel?” Antonie’s voice interrupted their conversation.
Melissa rolled her eyes. “I think his greatest fear is that I’ll run away and leave him with the kids and the house and the dog and the gardener and the maid and his mother. In the lounge!” she called.
Antonie came in. “What are you doing here?” He stopped when he saw Ellie. “Ellie, my goodness. I didn’t know you were here.” He came over and kissed her.
The two toddlers followed hard on his heels. They took one look at Ellie and clambered onto her lap. “Ellie bring me present?” three-year-old Mia wanted to know, while her little brother eagerly held out his hand.
“As you can see, they’re being raised for the streets. Antonie, talk to your children. My gosh, you’d think they don’t know how to behave.”
“It’s not nice to beg, you two.”
Ellie got up and took two packets of sweets from her backpack. “Ask Mommy if you may have some.”
“We’ve already had supper,” the little boy said.
“Take your sweets and go watch some TV,” Melissa said.
“Coming from the psychologist who teaches other parents not to use the TV as a babysitter,” Antonie remarked drily.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures. And please phone Mr Delivery. I haven’t made supper.”
“I can smell that.”
Ellie got up, laughing. “Your wife is going to cook you a wonderful meal. I must go.”
“How are you?”
“In one piece.”
“You look good.”
Through the years Ellie had always felt sorry for Antonie. Though he certainly wasn’t to blame that his best friend broke off his engagement to her all those years ago, he still couldn’t look Ellie in the eye. Perhaps the two of them should open a bottle of wine one day and clear the air. She liked Antonie and thought Melissa couldn’t have found a better husband. And she definitely didn’t hold him responsible for the fact that his friend had got cold feet.
“You can’t go now. Join us for supper,” Melissa protested.
“I must get home. It’s been a long day. I’ll call you, come over for a weekend.”
Ellie