Chapter 41 - Chapter 40

# Chapter 40
DAVID

"Ag, fuck!" I growl defeatedly, tossing my cards down on the table before stubbing out my cigarette in the overfilled ashtray. My bank account couldn't take the blow of another loss—not this side of month-end.

Across from me, Michael laughs under his breath, scooping up the cash in the middle of the table. "Pay up, bitches."

"Eish. Fucking sucks, man." Blowing out a heavy sigh, I rub my face.

Beside me, Nkosana shoves my shoulder. A wide smile splits his face. "You need more self-discipline. Your loss is Michael's gain."

"Hell yes," he agrees, kissing a wad of hundred-rand notes before winking at me.

Nkosana swigs his Black Label and then puts the empty quart on the table. "I'm surprised Malusi isn't here."

Michael pauses, looking up. We exchange a brief glance, and I drop my hands to the table, tapping my knuckles on the wood. "He was reported missing the other day."

Nkosana's eyes widen. "He was?"

Sucking on my teeth, I nod.

No one speaks.

"Haibo, what the hell?" Nkosana blurts.

I hold out my packet of cigarettes, offering him one, and he slides one out, puts it between his lips, and reaches for the lighter. His hand shakes as he lights it up and takes a steadying breath. "That Hadebe guy escaped prison, right? Maybe he still holds a grudge against you for all the shit you put him through back in the day."

Michael chuckles around the rim of his quart. "You think a psycho like Hadebe would bother with someone like Malusi? Don't you think he'll be out there murdering women instead?"