Road to Redemption - Michelle Dalton Page 0,16

Oupa? Boesman and I are so gonna nail nationals!” Lullu, Drina, and her horse strolled toward the pair.

“You’re a wonder. An absolute marvel, my girl,” Derek praised her from the fence. “I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Where are you going? Can I come too?” Lullu shouted after the old man.

“Not this time, lossiepop. Just going to see a friend.” He winked and grinned.

“Is your friend that man who runs on the beach?” Lullu’s words invited a cold silence to settle on Mina’s heart.

Mina watched him make his way toward the far end of the garden and down the steps leading to the inmates’ quarters when Lullu came to stand by her.

Derek’s face remained blank and his nature calm, “Yes.” He said then turned and walked off.

“Erm … same time tomorrow. You’re doing great.” Drina smiled uncomfortably as she strolled by them, rucksack over her shoulder. “Lullu, you need to rub Boesman down and get him fed.”

“Will do, Aunty Drina.” Lullu smiled and waved.

“Are you cross with Oupa?” Lullu gave Mina a concerned glance as they walked Boesman to his stable.

“No.” Mina shook her head.

“Well, something weird is going on with all of you.”

Mina didn’t reply. Best for the girl to assume than to continue asking questions Mina was unable—no, unwilling to answer.

“Come, your Omie is cooking us a wonderful lunch and is dying to hear all about your training.” Mina cautiously diverted her daughter’s mind from Derek and his visit.

“Won’t Oupa be eating with us?” Lullu asked as she washed her hands at the basin.

Mina glanced at her mother, whose left eyebrow quirked. “He’s having lunch with his friend; he’ll join us for coffee and koeksisters later.”

“But Omie’s made much better food. I don’t understand why I can’t meet his friend too?” Lullu pulled out her chair.

Her daughters demands were trying her patience. “Lovie. Some things are best left alone. It’s Oupa’s private business. Now sit, please.” Mina pointed to the chair and her daughter sat, but not before she gave Mina a knowing grin, which caused her insides to do a loop-the-loop.

Grace dished food onto their plates. Her yellow rice and fish curry was renowned back in Bo Kaap, where her mother lived.

“Mmmm, Omie, you always make the best curry.” Lullu inhaled the warm delicate aroma.

Mina’s tummy growled as the scents of chilli, fennel, and cumin found their way up her nose.

“Amen first,” Grace commanded as Lullu lifted an overfull fork to her mouth.

Reaching out her work-worn hands to Mina and Lullu, Grace began. “Dear Father in Heaven, we thank you for the blessing of this feast before us. We thank you for this beautiful day that we can spend together. Bless and hold our Lullu tight as she works hard for her next tournament—”

“And Boesman,” Lullu interjected causing Mina to bite back a smile.

“Yes, and Boesman. Please bless that creature so that he may keep our angel safe,” Grace added. “Thank you for this and everything. In your name, we pray …”

“And also to keep Mommy’s thoughts peaceful when she sleeps so her weird nightmares about my daddy can stop.”

Mina’s eyes shot open at the same moment as her mother’s did. Lullu’s remained tightly shut.

“Cheeky!” Mina mumbled.

“Yes, and please bring Mina some peace of mind and fill her heart with courage. Amen.”

6

Raymond paced the floor beside the table and two chairs reserved for him and Pa in the mess. All the other inmates’ visitors had arrived and they were happily chatting and catching up.

To one side sat the counsellor, Vestra, and two guards strolled the outer edges of the hall. It struck Ray that there was no Mr. Meintjies pacing the floors and handing out scowls today. The man probably needed his time off too.

Excitement and panic roiled in his gut. Pa’s letter had mentioned he’d visit today and that he was looking forward to it. But he was twenty minutes late. Had he changed his mind? Ray wouldn’t be surprised. After all, it was his criminal actions which had landed his father on death’s door.

“Ray.” A deep, gravelly voice caused him to stop pacing and look up.

Pa, though older, hadn’t changed. His hair was a little whiter, and there were a few extra lines around his mouth, but his eyes were as blue and loving as Ray always remembered them.

“Pa.” He shoved his hands in to his pockets.

The old man wasted no time as he confidently strode toward Ray and wrapped him in a big bear hug. “It’s so good to see the man I thought I’d