Chapter 31 - Chapter 30

# Chapter 30
AYANDA

I spent a week in protective custody. A full week wondering where Vusi is and if he's okay.

A full week of going slowly insane.

Icicles line the roof's edge, melting in the midday sunshine, painting a picturesque image. I never thought I'd be so relieved to see my own house again, and I can't stop a smile from splitting my lips as I look up at the stoep. Behind me, the officers shut the car doors. Unfortunately, I can't shake them completely. Captain Cupido insists I need an unmarked police car parked outside my house at all times — that, and the private armed-response patrol that sweeps past between shifts — but it's better than protective custody.

The front door opens, and Cupido walks out with Bester close on his heels. "The premises have been searched." They descend the stoep steps, coming to a halt in front of me. Cupido offers me a comforting smile — one I don't need. "You're safe, Miss Mabandla. My officers will keep an eye on the house. Here's my number if you think of any information that could be useful to us."

I take his card to be polite, peering up at the house while Cupido and Bester walk down the drive.

When their car drives off, I inhale a deep breath, then make my way up the stoep. I'm just about to place my hand on the door handle when my fingers pause centimetres away. I grow still, refusing to look towards the tree line at the edge of the garden. My neck prickles, and delicious tingles spread out between my shoulder blades.

I hold my breath.

A beat passes.