Road to Redemption - Michelle Dalton Page 0,23

too.” Mina huffed.

“Ja well that’s Africa time for you.” Ben slipped his phone back in his pocket.

“Okay … just be careful please, Ben; you’re not bulletproof. And if you’re that worried about local enforcement, I think I may know someone who can help us out.”

“Who?” His right eyebrow cocked sharply.

“A family friend.” Mina nodded, rose from her seat, and mustered all her strength. It was now or never. “ Before you see the security blokes, send Raymond Le Roux up, will you?”

Ben’s expression shifted. A deep frown formed between his eyes. “I thought you said …”

“Do it, Ben. And please, stay out of town for a bit, and make sure these idiots replace the terminal with a foolproof system—if that even exists.”

Ben nodded and stepped toward her. “It’s not my place, but …”

Mina didn’t like where this was going. Ben had that look, the one he used when he got all soft for her. “Spit it out already.”

“I know about Raymond Le Roux and your past … about Lullu …”

His words turned her blood to ice.

Holding up his hand, he said, “Your secret’s safe with me, but …”

Mina stepped out from behind her desk and straightened her back as far is it would go. It caused her pain to have to do this, but he was right. “You have no place, Ben Meintjies. Now, do as I asked, then go see to the security.” Her tone crushed the warmth between them, confirming that at the end of the day, Mina was the boss and he was her employee.

Ben’s shoulders stiffened as he nodded curtly, turned, and left.

“Le Roux!” Mr. Meintjies voice barked across the warehouse to where Ray was shadowing one of the farm’s employees as they tended to the baby abalone.

Ray looked to the worker, who said, “You better go. I can finish this.”

“Okay.” Ray turned and made his way to where Mr. Meintjies stood huffing and glaring up his nose at him. It was the only advantage Ray had over him, his height, and he secretly revelled in it. “The boss wants you up at the house.”

Ray’s insides flipped. He knew exactly who ‘the boss’ was that Ben referred to. Did this mean Mina was ready to speak to him, or had she found a way to get him kicked off the program? The last couple of days had been pure torture knowing what he now knew and not being able to do one damn thing about it.

He’d once again visited his regret, all the while battling the urge to simply give in. He’d found no answers except to keep his head down and carry on.

Vestra had been a godsend. He had to find a way to convince Mina to allow him to complete the program. He’d not cope if he was sent back to prison. While the rules here were stern and Mr. Meintjies was a bully, people were generally kinder. No, he couldn’t let Mina send him back.

Anger and fear unfurled in his centre. He’d kept his distance and his mouth shut. He’d followed the program to the tee; he’d not fallen off the wagon like three of the inmates who’d arrived with him. And it wasn’t as though the opportunities weren’t ever present. He’d already been offered and declined some of the stash smuggled in.

He needed Redemption, with or without Mina. He needed it like he needed a hit.

“Don’t waste her time. Get out of your overalls and move your fucking arse.”

“Yes, sir,” Ray replied.

He’d make her understand that sending him away now would be his end—he had to. He would promise not to go near their daughter; he’d promise his life if he had to. To stand any chance at all of ever being in his child’s life, ever, he had to fix himself up for good.

“And Le Roux,” Mr. Meintjies stopped him and leaned in until his nose almost touched Ray’s. “Don’t you put a fucking foot out of line or I’ll have your balls for breakfast. I know you, and I know your type; I won’t allow anything happen to her or Lullu.” His sour breath washed over Ray, twisting his guts further as he digested the meaning sitting behind the man’s words.

Nodding, Ray stepped away, turned and headed to the locker room.

Only the farm employees were in the warehouse when Ray walked briskly from the backroom where he’d left his gloves, overalls and gumboots. Mr. Meintjies had vanished, thank God. Now he understood why the man had gunned for him from