Im all right.
He saw that she was looking pretty, the mismatched eyes clear. He didnt want to go back to the office.
Would you like to have some coffee somewhere?
That would be nice.
They walked next to each other on the pavement in the gray August light. Neither wanted to talk about the wordless, quiet figure in the dock, each for a different reason.
On Greenmarket Square there was a small coffeeshop, where he held the door for her. They sat down, ordered coffee.
I didnt want to come. But I wanted to see her. Once. I wanted to tell her, somehow, that it was all right.
He wanted to tell her that it would make no difference. He had heard the rumors of the psychiatrists report. It would be laid before the bench that afternoon.
But she looks so remote.
Yes, he said.
Youve lost weight.
He was pleased that she had noticed it. You think so?
Yes.
Their coffee came.
So what have you been doing with yourself?
Working. It was true. Just working. First to hide. From everyone, from himself, from Anne Boshoff who telephoned twice and then gave up and from the new psychologist. Later he had worked as part of his therapy, seeking a balance, step by small step.
And Ive given up smoking.
Thats wonderful.
How are the kids?
Theyre better now. But still . . .
Ive sold the house.
So have I. Were in Claremont now. Ashton Village. Its quite charming.
Im in Table View.
Another house?
No, its a . . . He searched for the English word, achieved it. A townhouse.
You can speak Afrikaans if you like. Mine isnt very good.
It sounds fine to me.
Silence.
Have you ever been to the opera? he asked.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It would not have been possible to write this book without the most generous help of the former Cape Town Murder and Robbery Squad (now the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit). My most sincere gratitude goes to Captain Peter Lister and Sergeant Jeff Benzien, who so patiently shared their precious time and vast knowledge. I would also like to thank Major Otto, retired firearms expert of the South African Police Service, and the former state pathologist and head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Free State University, Professor Jan Olivier, for meticulously answering every question.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deon Meyer is an internationally renowned South African crime writer who also works as a journalist and Internet consultant. He is the author of
Heart of the Hunter
and
Dead at Daybreak.
He lives in Cape Town.
