How We Found You: A Cyberpunk Kidnapping Thriller (When Tomorrow Calls Book 2) by Lawrence JT

Author:Lawrence, JT [Lawrence, JT]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
ISBN: 9780620746502
Publisher: Fire Finch Press
Published: 2017-05-18T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 40

Orphan on a Train

Seth carries Silver’s and Sebongile’s suitcases, while Kate walks hand in hand with the twins, who are still in their pyjamas and dressing gowns. Two armed guards follow on a beat behind them. It’s just after five and the sun is just beginning to rise. Neither Seth nor Kate have had any sleep: Seth’s plane landed at 11pm, and once he got home, he and Kate stayed up all night discussing what was to be done. They’re too early for the isiPhapha, so they get a booth in the 24-hour tea shop with the vintage newspapers on the walls. Two extra-large double-caff flats, they order from the servbot, and red cappuccinos for Bongi and the kids. The guards shake off Seth’s offer of coffee like a bad idea.

Seth taps the tabletop as they wait in silence for the drinks to arrive. Kate’s eyes are rimmed with red. Blinking Pink. She wants to hold Seth’s hand, stop it from tapping little circles into her head, but she doesn’t. Sebongile seems miles away, perhaps worried about Mally, perhaps upset that she is being sent away. The twins notice the cake display box and rush over to it, breathing all over the glass and fogging it up. Then, using their fingers, they draw pictures in the condensation. A star, a house. Usually Kate would make a fuss, tell them to stand away from the glass and wipe their handprints away with an apologetic glance at the manager. Today she just sits quietly and watches them play.

“Can we have cake?” asks Silver. Usually the answer would be ‘no’, but this time Kate looks at Seth, who shrugs.

“Only if you say the magic word.” Kate wants to smile at the kids, be warm and cheerful, but her face is tight with emotion and raw nerves.

The twins cheer with their good fortune: an early morning adventure and cake. The servbot is back, wanting to know how many blackchoc cupcakes to bring. Kate can’t stomach the idea. Her mouth is so dry she doesn’t think she’ll be able to swallow even a bite. Sebongile takes the kids to the bathroom to wash their hands. One of the guards goes with them. The other stays behind, scanning the empty platform.

“I keep changing my mind,” says Kate. “Is it really the best thing to do?”

“Yes,” says Seth. “It’ll be easier to keep Mally safe.”

She knows. They’ve said the same thing over and over, but the decision still nags at her. It’s not too late to change her mind. As if Seth can read her thoughts, he touches her arm and says: “She’ll be fine. We need to focus on Mally. He’s the one in trouble.”

“I’m worried that she’ll think we’re sending her away. An orphan on a train. Like those horrible stories in our history lessons at school.”

“It’s hardly the same thing. It’s sunny Durban, not World War Three. Besides, Silver absolutely loves Mom and Dad. She’ll have a great time. Think of all the ice cream they’ll feed her.

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