Chapter 42 - Chapter 41

# Chapter 41
AYANDA

When I return home, the sky is shaded deep orange and pink. The sun is slowly slipping behind the house. A crow, perched on the postbox, takes flight. Retrieving the box of body parts and exiting the vehicle, I round the Honda.

I'm crossing the street when Cupido and Bester step out of a parked, unmarked police car further up the road. "Miss Mabandla."

My steps slow, and dread turns the blood in my veins to ice. I adjust the box in my arms, acutely aware of its contents. "Captain Cupido." I nod to his colleague. "Warrant Officer Bester."

Captain Cupido flicks his eyes down to the parcel, and my heart flies to my throat, beating erratically. Nkosi yam. He offers me a polite smile. "We would like to have a word with you if you're not busy."

I resist the urge to gulp as I lead the way to the stoep. "What brings you here? Did something happen?" Clutching the box of human remains to my chest, I unlock the door with my other hand. My fingers tremble. It takes me two attempts to insert the key. A lock of hair tickles my lips as I inhale a shaky breath. I need to calm down.

Shouldering the door, careful not to drop the box, I emerge into the hallway, kicking off my snow-dusted boots before leading the detectives to the kitchen. The chairs scrape behind me on the floor as they take their seats. I place the box down carefully on the counter and inhale a steadying breath. My heart skitters inside my chest before I turn around and smile at Captain Cupido. "Would either of you like a drink?"

"Sit down, Miss Mabandla. We have some information we would like to share with you."