Chapter 2 - The Dam After Dark

CHAPTER 2: THE DAM AFTER DARK

For one mad second, Nosipho considered running. Then the man in the checked shirt put the axe down well away from his feet, lifted both hands and smiled.

"Easy, sisi," he called. "We are not going to bite you. Unless you ask very nicely."

The other twin groaned. "Avuyile."

Nosipho's face burned. She pulled her hand free and dragged her top down. "I was looking for the path."

"You found it," the man in charcoal said. His smile came slower than his brother's, but it was warmer. "I am Mlungisi. That is Avuyile, who thinks every silence is an invitation to make a speech."

"Nosipho."

Avuyile's eyes moved over her, not rushing, not pretending. "You are staying in the water cabin. We are at the stone one above it. Came for the long weekend too."

She should have been embarrassed. She was embarrassed. But neither man laughed, and that made the heat in her face turn into something more dangerous. Mlungisi nodded toward the dry branches at their feet.

"The wind took down half this tree last night. We promised the owner we would clear it before somebody drove into it. We can show you the proper path back after."

"I know the proper path."

"Of course you do," Avuyile said. His mouth tilted. "But you do not look like you want to leave."

The directness stole the last little excuse from her. Nosipho looked from one brother to the other. They were alike enough to make her pulse jump and different enough that she could not stop looking. Avuyile stood still, watchful in the checked shirt. Mlungisi had a small streak of dust across one cheek and a kindness in his eyes that did not make him seem harmless.