PROLOGUE

3YEARSAGO

Il
ookedatt hehospi talasitwasbur ning, Oras
part
sofi twerebur ni
ngdown.Ihadst artedthefi
re
onpur posewiththehel pofot herpatients,as
meansofget t
ingoutofher e.Fort hesakeofmy
fr
eedom.Ihadpl annedt hi
sescapet otheT.
Thoughmyi nmat eswer eofgr eathelp,Buttheplan
wasformet oescapeal one.Theywer en'tincl
udedI
j
ustneededt hem t ohelpme, Can' tt
akeabunchof
l
unaticsandhavet hem runningar oundi nthe
str
eets.Theybelongher e.
..

Ruddi
:Dar
lenecanyoupl
easet
akemewi
thyou?

Il
ookedather
,Iwasal
readyout
sidebyt
hef
ence.
.
Me:RuddievenifIwantedt
ot akeyouwithbutI
can't
,Youarenoti
nagoodst ateofmindto
functi
onintheout
sideworl
d.Youar ecr
azy,You
belonghere

Ihavebeendetai
nedhereinamentali
nst
it
utionf
or
7years,Ser
ved4andthatwasenough.Ineededto
getout,
Isawmyl i
febeyondwhatt
heDoct or
ssaid
aboutme.

Ineverhadameani ngf
ulandcolourfull
ife.Igrew
upinf ost
ercare, underext
remesexual ,verbal,
and
physicalabuse.Thecoupl ethattookcar eofme
andot her
sabusedusonadai lybasis.Wewer ea
tot
alof5ki ds,I
'm verysurenowt hattheyonl y
wantedourf ostercaremoneyf rom thegover nment
andnot hi
ngmor e..
Duringmyear l
yt eens,Iwassubj ectedt oa
psychiatr
icevaluat i
onandassessment .Exactlyat
13,manyr epor t
scamef rom diff
erentspeci ali
sts
withdiff
erentdiagnosi s.At13Iwasdi agnosedwi t
h
cli
nicaldepression,sever ecaseofpar anoiaanda
panicdisorder.Inmymi dteens,Iwascer tif
ieda
Narcissi
st,apythol ogicalli
ar,andapsychopat h.All
thosereportscamef rom differentspeci al
iststhe
wasneverapr ecisedi agnosis..

Iwasi
nandoutofthementali
nsti
tut
ion.Iwasput
onmeds,
andthatbasi
cal
lybecamemyl ife.
..

I'
m now30year sol
dandImadeaconsci ous
deci
sionthatIwon'
tspendtheremai
ningyear
sof
myl i
fei
nament ali
nsti
tut
ion.
.

IsawLuddomaki
nghi
swayt
othef
encet
oo.

Luddo:Dar
leneyougoi
ngt
obeonTv
Amentali
nst
it
uti
onbur
ningdownwi
lldef
ini
tel
ybe
newsf
orawhile.

Luddo:RunDar
lene,
Theycomi
ngf
orus

Voice:"
Checkbythefence,
Iseeaf
ewt
her
e.I
fyou
can'tr
estr
ain,
Sedat
ethem"

Me:GuysIhavet
ogo!I
'
llneverf
orgetyou

Ruddi
:WhenI'
m nol
ongercr
azy,
Wil
lyoucome
backf
ormetoo?

Me:YesIwi
ll

Ilookedatthem f
orthel
astt
ime,
WhenIsaw
torchesneari
ngItur
nedandmadearunfori
t.
.
Voi
ce:"
Anotheronehasmanagedtoescape,
She'
s
out
!Getbackup,makesur
eshe'
sfound!"

Ijustkeptonrunni
ngnotevenknowi
ngwher
eIwas
runningtoo.
.

Mynamei
sDar
lene,
Andt
hisi
smyst
ory.
.
Tobecont
inued
01

NELI
SIWESHEZI
PRESENTDAY

3year sagoIescapedfr
om ament ali
nsti
tuti
on.I
hadnot hingi
nmyname, andIhadnot hi
ngonme.
AllIhadwast heclot
hesthatIwaswear ing,The
hospitalgowntobemor especifi
c.Ihadnoonet o
turntoo,nofamil
yandnof ri
ends.Iwasal lal
one,
Didn'tknowwhattodobutal lIknewwast hatI
neededt omakeitworksomehow.Ineededt o
survi
ve...

Il
ivedont hestreetsforawhi l
e,Tryi
ngt omakei t
work.Nott hesafestplaceforawomant ofi
nd
herselfin.It'
sscary,unsafeanddiffi
cult.Youl i
veon
survivalmodeever yday,Al
wayshavet obeal er
t.
Youcan' thaveanal lni
ghtpeacefulsleep,You
sl
eepwi thoneeyeopenj usttomakesur ethatyou
don'tgetr apedandmur dered.
.

IknewIhadtomakei
toutoft
hestreet
s,i
fIdi
dn'
t
myl i
fewasgoi
ngt
obecutshort
.That'
swhenI
mixedmyselfwit
hNi gerians.Imovedfrom t
he
str
eetstosunnysideflats.Drugsever
yday,bei
ng
pi
mpedoutandt radedf orsex.Itooki
talli
n
becauseIneededapl acet ostay.
.

Beingwi t
hpeoplewhower ewellconnect ed,They
managedt ogetmeani denti
tydocument .Changed
mynamef r
om Dar l
enet oNeli
siwe.Isti
llkeptmy
surname, Onlychangedt hename.Theycl eanedme
upr ealgood,buttheli
fet her
ewasal sot oxicand
sti
llis.Havi
ngament alconditi
onandl i
vingunder
thoseextremecircumst ancesisnotgood.I t
contribut
edmor etomydepr essionandpar anoiaso
muchIbecamemor efr
equentwi thdrugst ocope.
..
.

AMANDAHLOPHE

Me:Lusandacomeon!You'
l
lbel
atef
orschool
Mynamei sAmandaHl ophe,I'
m mar r
iedtooneof
themostsuccessfulMeninSout hAf ri
ca.He'snot
"BuythewholeofSouthAf r
ica"ri
chlikeJohann
Rupert,
norNickyOppenheimerr i
chbuthe' swellof
f.
HeistheCEOofacompanyt hatdealswithDairy
product
s.I
t'
snothi st
hough, i
twasf oundedby
somewhi t
efamily.Hejustrunsitforthem andgets
aphatchequemont hend.

Wehaveanador abl
e7yearoldDaughter,bythe
nameofLusanda.Per f
ect
ionissaidt
onotexi sti
n
humanbeings, ButmyHusbandToniHl opheis
perf
ectineveryway.Wehavebeenmar ri
edfor6
yearsnow,IthankGodeverydayfort
hel i
fethatI
have..

Curr
entl
yIam withoutaJob, Justanacti
vist
agai
nstGBV.Idon'tprof
itf
rom i t
,andIdon'tmi
nd.
Tonidoesn'
tevenputpressureonmeaboutbei ng
unemployed,
Hei sablet
opr ovideformeand
Lusanda.
.

Atypicaldayformest ar
tsoffveryear l
yint he
mor ni
ng,Prepari
ngbreakfastformyf ami l
yand
seeingthem off
.Tonisomet i
mesl eavesear li
er,
way
beforeIwakeup.NowIhavef ullycommi t
ted
myselfintomakingsurethathedoesn' tleavewhi l
st
I'
m sti
lli
nbed..

Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.

Me:Lusanda!
!!

Lusanda:Comi
ng!
!

Wehaveapartt
imehelper
,Idon'
tseeareasonfor
ust
ohaveone.Ourhouseisnotevent
hatbig,
Ican
manage.
.
Toniwal
kedi
nfi
rstbef
oreLusanda.
.

Toni
:Somet
hingsmel
lsgood

Me:Ai
n'tt
hatwhatyousayever
ymor
ning?

Hewal
kedupt
omeandki
ssedmeont
hecheek.
.

Toni
:Atwhatt
imedi
dyouwakeup?

Me:6am

Hewhi
stl
ed.
.

Me:Ah.
.Ah.
.Ah.
.Noti
nmyhouse

Her
oll
edhi
seyesatmei
nasar
cast
icway.
Toni
:"Noti
nmyhouse"

Me:Uyi
thengel
emi
nanj
e(Youboughti
tforme)

Toni
:Iam notdi
sagr
eei
ng

Hesatdownatt
het
abl
eandpour
edhi
msel
facup
ofcof
fee.
.

Me:Her
eisyournewspaper

Toni
:Thankyou

Me:AndIdon'
tthi
nkyourt
iegoeswel
lwi
thyour
sui
t
Toni
:It
hinki
t'
sfi
ne

Me:Idon'
tthi
nkso

Toni:Someti
mesIaskmysel
fwhowear
sthepant
s
aroundhere

Me:Ihaveonmyt
rackpant
ssowhat
'syourst
ory?

Toni:Ihaveal
readyshowered,
butwouldn'
tmind
showeringagainaf
terI
'vet
appedthatassandfi
xed
thatatt
it
ude

Lusandaf
inal
lywal
kedi
nwi
thherbag.
.

Me:Ungakhul
umikanj
aloi
nganeikhona(
Don'
t
speakt
othati
ntheofLusanda)
Lusanda:Goodmor
ningDaddy

Toni
:Goodmor
ningmyPr
incess

Me:Whatt
ookyousol
ong?

Shesatdown.
.

Lusanda:Iwasl
ooki
ngf
ormyshoes

Me:Youmi
spl
acedt
hem agai
n?

Lusanda:YesIdi
d

Me:Whenyoudoneeati
ngbreakf
astIneedt
o
checkyououti
fyouar
edressedproper
ly
NELI
SIWESHEZI

Iwaspacingupanddownbusyscr atchingmysel
f.
Withdrawalsymptomsar et
hepi
tsofi tall
,The
cravi
ngsandf eel
ingli
keyouwil
lloseyourmi ndi
f
youdon'tgetthatfi
x..
..

Iwassti
llweari
ngthesameblackshortdressthatI
waswear i
nglastni
ghtwhenwewer eout.Mywi g
wasamess, Mascarahadrandownonmyf ace.
Puf
fyeyesanddr yli
ps

Khomowal
kedout
..
.Il
ookedather
..

Sheputherf
ingeronherl
ipssi
gnif
yingt
hatI
shoul
dkeepquiet
.Shecameupt ome.
Khomo:If
oundi
t

Shetookoutt
hebagwit
hwhi
tepowderf
rom her
bra,
Itwasadamnrel
ief
!!

Khomo:CavakeNt wanayam eSt

rong,
Sishayal
e
waybesesit
hiZekethe!(
Lookher
e,Wedot hi
sand
t
henrunaway)

Me:Nakanj
ani(
Yes)

Abeoisaguywemetatt hecl
ublastni
ght,
orthe
guywewer esol
dtoobyourpi
mp.Wehada3some
andhe'sgoi
ngtopayourpimp12k,Weonlygoing
toget1keachwit
hKhomoanddr ugsformaybe3
days.
.

Ievenf
eell
iketheyhol
dusdownwithdr
ugs.They
gotusi
ntodrugsonpurposet
ohaveaholdonus.
.
Me:Doesn'
thehavemor
e?

Shegavemeaser
iousl
ook.
.

Khomo:Yabonalomqondowakhounj animanje?
Phumakulezowayzosibulal
isa(Seethat'
sthe
pr
oblem wi
thyou,yougreedy.You'l
lgetuskil
led)

Me:Ngi
yabuya(
I'
m comi
ng)

Khomo:Yabo,
Ngi
yakushi
ya(
I'
mleavi
ngyou)

Me:Awuyekeukutatazel
a,Ntwanayam eSt
rong
nj
aniutat
azel
aso?( Stoppani
cking,
Youcan'tbemy
fr
iendwhenyouthistimid)

Khomo:Ei
shsheshi
sake!(
Hur
ryup)
Iwal
kedi
ntot
her
oom wher
ehewassl
eepi
ng.
.

AMANDAHLOPHE

Assoonast
heylef
tIcl
ear
edthetable,Iwasalso
ont
hephonewit
honeoftheotheracti
vist
s..

Me:Sowheni
shegoi
ngt
ocour
t?

Ngi
le:Tomor
row,
11am

Me:Howar
ewel
ooki
ngont
hat
?

Ngi
le:Bad.
.He'
sgoi
ngt
ogetawaywi
thi
t
Me:Ar
eyouser
ious?

Ngi
le:Rumourhasi
the'
sgoi
ngt
obegr
ant
edbai
l,
Wetalki
ngabout1.
5kbai
l

Me:Hebatt
eredher
!Hebrokeafewri
bs,Shehasa
br
okenarm andabl
ackeye.She'
satt
hehospit
al,
whatdoyoumeanhe'sgoi
ngtogetawaywithi
t?

Ngil
e:Iam scared,
Ifthi
sconti
nuesmostwomen
wil
llosefai
thinus.Lastmonththeot
heronegot
awaywi t
hit,t
hisonewillt
oo?
?

Me:Wehavet
oopposet
hisbai
lnonsense

Ngi
le:We'l
lbebythecour
ttomor
row,
Don'
tfor
gett
o
wearyourt-
shi
rt
Me:Iwon'
t

NELI
SIWESHEZI

Igent
lyopenedthedoor.Hewaslayi
ngonthebed
onhisback,f
acingup.Hehadhisonelegsl
ight
ly
rai
sedup,hi
sar m acr
osshi
sfor
eheadandwasi n
hisbr
ief
sonly..

Isnucki
ntosearchformoredr
ugsinhi
spant
sand
somemoney.Khomoi safool
,Thi
sbit
chdi
dn'
teven
tr
ytocashr
uptthisguy.

Ikeptonsear
chinghi
spant s,
gotaholdofhi
s
wall
etandsearchedi
ttoo.Thewall
ethadcards,
anothersmal
lbagofdrugsandaR200not e.
.
Me:Onl
yR200ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?(
whi
sper
ing)

Ir
ememberedthathewaswear
ingaRol
exwat
ch
l
astni
ghtatt
heclub.
.

Iplacedhi
spant
sbackonthechai
randtur
ned
around,Hewassi
tt
ingupst
rai
ghtandl
ooki
ngat
me. .

Abeo:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
?
.
Tobecont
inued
02

NELI
SIWESHEZI

Myhear
twasonmykneesal
ready.Hotf
lushes,
Dry
t
hroatandsweat
yhands.

Hehadt hi
sunsett
lingl
ookashewai t
edformeto
answerhim.Therewasnoexplanat
ionbeli
evabl
e
enoughtogetmeoutoft hi
smess.Iwaspick
pocket
inghispantsandthat
'st
hat.
.

Abeo:Iaskedyouaquest
ion

Thedi st
ancebetweenwher
eIwasstandingandthe
doorwasn' tt
oofar
,Hewassit
ti
ngupstraight
.It
'l
l
probablytakehi
m awhil
etogetof
fthebedand
grabme.Thedooropenedslowly,
Khomopeeped
through.
.

Khomo:Nt
wanayam eSt
rong

Herf
acialexpr
essi
onchangedf
rom wor
ryt
ofear
whenshesawAbeoont hebed.
.
Me:Khomor
un!
!

Sher etr
eatedbackl eavi
ngt hedoorst
il
lhalfopen,
I
rushedmywayt othedoort oo.Onmypar t
,Iwas
unfortunatethatAbeocaughtme.Hepul l
edmy
dressatt heback,Ifelti
tteari
ng..

Khomo:Nel
i!
!

Hethrewmedownandplacedhi
sbar
efootonmy
abdomenandpr
esseddown..

Me:Ahhhhh!
!

KhomorushedtousandAbeoremovedhisl
eg
fr
om me.Hegrabbedherandt
hrewherdowntoo.
.
Abeo:Fuckenpr
ost
it
ute!
!

Hest
art
edpunchi
ngherr
epeat
edl
y..

Khomowasscr eaming.Atthatinst antIsawred,I

gotupandwentt ogetaknife.Iwentt ohim and
stabbedhim onhisback.Ishovedi tdeepthathe
screamed,Iain'
theardamanscr eam li
kethatunt
il
Abeo.Ipresseditindeeperturningi t
,Heextended
hishandtohisbackbutcoul dn'tgetmyhandof f
theknif
e.Itookitoutandstabbedhi m agai
n,agai
n,
andagain..

Mysystem ki
ckedbackinonlywhenIhear
dKhomo
cal
li
ngout.Igl
ancedathim andhewasonthef
loor
,
i
nhisownpoolofblood.

Khomo:OhhmyGod!
!Nel
i!
!
Idr
oppedtheknif
eandl
ookedatmybl
oodyhands,
Iwasshaki
ng..

Khomo:Whathaveyoudone?
?(cr
ying)

Me:Khomoshutt
hef
uckup!

Khomo:Si
yaf
ahl
akast
rai
ght(
Wegoi
ngt
ojai
l)

Iwal
kedupt
oherputmyhandsonhercheeks.
.

Me:Khomo.
.Khomof
ocus!
!!

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:I
twasei
therusorhi
m..Okay?
Khomo:Okay.
.Okay.
.Okay.
.

Me:Qi
naNt
wanayam eSt
rong(
best
rong)

Khomo:Sowhatdowedo?

Me:Letmet
hink.
.Letmet
hink.
.

AMANDAHLOPHE

Me:Canyoupleasehel
pus?He'
sobvi
ousl
ygoi
ng
t
obegrantedbailt
omorr
ow
Toni
:I'
m aCEOsweet
hear
tnotal
awyer

Me:Iknowbut.
.Iwast
hinki
ngt
hatmaybegetyour
l
awyerint
his

Toni
:Doyouknowhowmuchhechar
gesperhour
?

Me:We'velostalotofcasesBaby,
ifwelosethi
s
oneagain.I
'mfucked,Nowomani sgoi
ngt obel
ieve
i
nusanymor e.Beli
eveinwhatIdo,Bel
ieveinmy
organi
zati
on

Toni
:Onefavourf
ort
hisone,
theni
t'
sat
rai
lof
manyfavour
s

Me:YouknowIdon'
tdr
agyoui
ntomywor
kunl
ess
i
t'
simpor
tant
Heexhal
ed.
.

Me:Justt
hisonce

Toni
:Fi
neI
'
llseewhatIcando

Me:Il
oveyousomuch

Toni
:Yeah.
.Yeah.
.What
ever

Me:Il
oveyout
oo

Ihungup.
..

NELI
SIWESHEZI
Icouldn'
tthi
nkofanyt
hing.Couldn'
tthi
nkofaplan.
Wehadnochoi cebuttocallourPimpNaij
a.He's
probablygoi
ngtofuckusupf i
rstbef
orehel
pingus
out.
.

Khomo:Nt wanayam eSt

rong,Weneedtofi
nda
wayt ogetoutoft
hismess.Thisl
if
ethatweli
ving,
wil
llandusinanearlygr
aveoneday

Me:Whatarewegoingtodo?Wher
ewi
llwego?We
havenoone,wehavenothi
ng!

Khomo:Iknowbut
,Mi
ngl
ingwi
tht
hesepeopl
eis
danger
ous

Wewer
elayingdownonthef
looraft
ersnif
fi
nga
f
ew,Wi
ththedeadbodynotf
arfrom us.
.
Khomo:Haveyouki
ll
edsomeonebef
ore?

It
houghtf
orawhi
le.
.

Me:No

Khomo:Thewayyoust abbedhim,Onewould
swearthatyouhavedonet hi
sbefore.Youhadno
fear
,noremorse.Youjustkeptongoingandgoing

Me:Hewasgoi
ngt
oki
llyout
henMe,
Ihadt
oact
f
ast

Khomo:ThankyouNt
wanayam eSt
rong

Me:Si
sonke
AMANDAHLOPHE

Iwasont
hephonewi
thToni
'
slawyer
.

Lawyer
:Iam busyt
oday,
Myschedul
eist
ight

Me:He'
sgoi
ngt
ocour
ttomor
row

Lawyer
:Doesshehaveagoodl
awyer
?

Me:Theypr
ovi
dedheronebutIdon'
ttr
usthi
m

Lawyer
:Iwi
sht
otakeyourcasebutmyhandsar
e
ful
l

Me:Iknowyour
epr
esentt
heweal
thy,
Myhusband
wi
llpay

Lawyer:It
'
snotaboutt hat
,It
'
sabouttheti
meMr
s
Hlophe.Idon'thavetimeIalreadyhave
appoint
ment sIcan'tdropcli
ents

Me:Iunder
stand.
.Thankyouanyway

Lawyer
:I'
mtr
ulysor
ry

Me:I
t'
sokay.
.Bye

NELI
SIWESHEZI
Wehear
daknockatt
hedoor
..

Nai
ja:Openi
t'
sme!

KhomoandIl
ookedateachot
her
..

Wegotupf
rom t
hef
loorandIwal
kedt
othedoor
..

Itookadeepbr
eat
handunlockedthedoor.I
openedi
tandIwasmetbyasl apacr
osstheface.
Hewaswi t
htwosecur
it
yguards..

Nai
ja:Thankyougent
lemen

Theywal
kedaway,Hegoti
nandcl
osedt
hedooras
It
ookafewstepsback.
.

Hegl
ancedatAbeo.
.
Nai
ja:Whatt
hef
uckhappenedi
nher
e?

Me:Lookathowhur
tKhomoi
s,Hewasgoi
ngt
oki
ll
us!

Naij
a:Idon'
tcare!Whenacl ientwantssomet hi
ng
youdoi t
.Youdon'tnegoti
ate,youdoit!Youdon't
haveasayi nt
his!Youdon'thavef r
eedom..Iown
youhoes!Youmycunt sandIwi l
ldowi t
hyou
whateverIwantoryoucangobackt othestreets!

Khomo:Wear
esor
ry

Nai
ja:Thesecur
it
yguardswil
ltakeyoudownt
othe
car
,Fuckenfi
xyoursel
vesI
'
llhandlethi
s

KhomoandIwentbackt
othebedr
oom t
ogetour
heel
sandbags.
.
Me:Pssssss!

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:Gett
hef
uckenRol
exwat
ch,
Wegoi
ngt
osel
lit

Khomo:Nj
ayami
!
.
Tobecont
inued
03

TONIHLOPHE

Myof
fi
cephoner
ang.
Me:Yes?

Assi
stant
:Ther
e'sal
adyher
ethatwant
stoseeyou

Me:Sendheri
n

Iwasbusysor
ti
ngoutaf
ewt
hings.
.

Voi
ce:Di
dyouhavecof
fee?

Il
ookedather,
Shewasstandingatt
hedoori
nthe
mostsexi
estdressI
'
veeverseen.
.

Ndo:Atl
eastIbr
oughtyousomesal
ad

Shecat
wal
kedherwayt
omyt
abl
e,Shepl
aced
downthepl
asti
c.Sheleanedoverandki
ssedme,
wit
hhercl
eavageexposed..

Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Shepul
ledbackandwentt
osi
tdown,
Herdr
essgot
l
if
tedupali
ttl
e..

Me:Si
ncewhendowevi
sitmyof
fi
ce?

Ndo:Scaredt
heWi
fewi
llr
andoml
ycomeandbr
ing
youlunch?

Me:No.
.Theof
fi
cegossi
p

Ndo:Please!eveni
fAmandacouldfindoutt
hatyou
cheat
ingonhershe'snotgoi
ngtoleaveyou,She
hasnothing
Me:Hey!
..She'
sst
il
lmywi
fe

Ndo:Mybad

NELI
SIWESHEZI

Khomowassleepi
ng,
Herfacewasswol
lenf
rom
bei
ngbeat
enupbyAbeo..

Thi
sistheveryfi
rstf
uckedupthingthatKhomo
andIhaveeverdone,Ican'
tgotojai
l.Iwon'
tdoj
ail
,
TheywillknowwhoIam andI'
llbesentbacktot
he
i
nsti
tut
ion..

I
nourf
lat
,It
'sj
ustMe,
Khomo,
andNai
ja.I
t'
sa2
bedr
oom f
lat
..

Hepickeduphisgl
ass,anddrankfr
om i
t.Wewer e
watchi
ngTV.Iwassitti
ngnexttohi
m onthecouch,
Iranmyhandfrom histhi
ghanduphiscrot
ch.He
ti
lt
edhisheadandlookedatme..

Me:Wesor
ryaboutt
oday

Nai
ja:Sowhat?Abl
owj
obandsexi
sgoi
ngt
ofi
x
whathappened?

(
Sil
ence)

Naij
a:YouknowNel zsomet i
mesIwonderwhat
's
wrongwit
hyou, Youdon'tcomeacrossasaper
son
whohasitallt
ogetherupstai
rs
Ir
etr
act
edmyhandbackandswal
lowed.
.

Nai
ja:Somethi
ngiswrongwithyou,
Somet
hingi
s
r
eal
lywr ongwi
thyou.Areyoumental?

Me:Thati
sal
owbl
ow,
That
'sver
ylowevencomi
ng
f
rom you

Nai
ja:Youki
ll
edaMan!
!

Me:Hewasgoi
ngt
oki
llKhomo!
!!

Hesl
appedmeandputhishandonmyt
hroat
,
Pi
nni
ngmeagai
nstthecouch.
.

Naij
a:Don'
teverr
aiseyourvoi
ceatme,
Doyou
underst
and?
Inodded.
.

Naij
a:Youkil
ledaman, oneofmybestcl
ient
sand
youthi
nkit
'saf uckenj
oke?

Hesqueezedmybr
eastt
ight
..

Nai
ja:Nextt
imeyoupullt
hatshitI'
m goi
ngt
ocut
of
fbothyourbr
eastsyouunderstand?

Inoddedagai
n..

Nai
ja:Gof
ixyour
sel
fup,
Youhavet
wocl
ient
s

Igotupf
rom t
hecouchandwentt
othebedr
oom.
..
AMANDAHLOPHE

Iwasoutpl
ayi
nggol
fwi
thmyMot
her
..

Mom:Can'
tyoutakemeonanormalspendaday
wi
thyourMother
?Shoppi
ng?Beaut
ySpa?

Me:Wealwaysdot
hat
,Iwant
edt
odosomet
hing
di
ff
erent

Mom:Idon'
tevenknowhowonepl
ayst
hist
hing

Me:Idon'
tknowei
therbutwe'
l
ltr
y

Mom:Howi
smySoni
nlawdoi
ng?
Me:He'
sdoi
ngwel
ljustwor
ksal
ot

Mom:Youhavenopr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
?

Me:No..ToniworkshardforhisfamilyMa,l
ookat
t
helif
ewel i
ving.Whywoul dIcomplain?Ther
e's
t
hingsinli
fethatyouneedtotolerat
easawoman

Mom:Yout
alki
ngasi
fli
kehe'
scheat
ing

Me:Mom! !Yeswehadthi
ssituat
iononceupona
ti
mebutweoverit,
Ibroughtyouheretopl
aygol
f
nott
alkaboutmymarri
age

Mom:Idi
dn'
tmeant
oupsetyou

Me:Thenl
et'
sgobackt
opl
ayi
ng
It
ookt
hegol
fst
ick.
..

NELI
SIWESHEZI

Il
ookedatmysel
fint
hemi
rr
orasIwasappl
ying
makeup.
.

I'
vebeendoi ngthisforal ongt i
menow.Bei ng
tr
adedf orsex,forasmal l change.Despitehow
muchmoneyt hecli
entgi vesout,Naij
aal ways
givesmeR1000- R2500.Cl othesandot herthings,
I
buyonlywhenacl ienttakesmeshoppi ng.Nai j
a
saidhe'l
lneverbuyuscl othes,Wewomen.We
shouldbeabl etotalkourwayi ntoourclients
buyingusclothes,Makeup, toi
let
riesandgi vi
ngus
moneyt odoourhai r
.Iftheywantust olook
beauti
fulforthem..
Iam ti
rednow,I'
vegrownti
redoft
hissi
tuati
on.I
am boundtogiveupthecoochi
eevenwhenIdon' t
wanttoo,Ineedtodothi
sevenwhenI'm dogti
red.
.

Khomo:"
Awusemhleawusababinguwelo,
Mang'
bhekangi
yabonanguwelo,Thandanokunuka
kamnandif
afa"

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:Thoughtyou'
dbef
astasl
eep

Khomo:YaaIcan'
t,
Ikeeponseei
ngAbeo

Me:HadeSkeem,
didn'
tmeant
otr
aumat
izeyou

Khomo:Khul
ulaugcobo,
ak'
nast
ress(
It
'sokay)
Me:Iam wor
kingt
oday

Khomo:Icansee.
.Somacl
ubVi
p

Me:SomagetNai
jamostoft
hemoney

Khomo:SomaAyoba!
!

Webot
hlaughed.
.

Me:Wewi
llgetoutoft
his.
.Iknowwewi
ll

Khomo:Nakanj
aniNt
wanayam eSt
rong

Thedooropened,
Nai
jawal
kedi
n..
Nai
ja:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?

Me:Yes

Nai
ja:Thenl
et'
sgo

Hewal
kedout
..

Khomo:Whydi
dhet
akeourbedr
oom keyagai
n?

Me:Sohecanr
andoml
ywal
kinl
iket
hisandf
uck
usbot
h

Khomo:Soma3someso?

Me:Somaever
ythi
ng
It
ookmycl
utchbag.
.

Me:Whatdoyout
hink?

Khomo:"
Andi
semhl
eAndi
sababi
,Ndi
m Lo"

Il
aughed.
.

Me:Beser
ious

Khomo:Yanyi
saNt
wana

Me:Seeyoul
ater

Khomo:Lat
eri
tis
AMANDAHLOPHE

Whenwewer
edonewi
thgol
fi
ng,
Wewentoutt
o
eat
..
.

Wait
ress:2pl
atesofCr
aft
steakWagyuRi
beye
St
eakandSpinachGrat
in

Me:Thankyou

Wai
tr
ess:St
il
lgoodont
hewi
ne?

Me:Yeswear
e
Wai
tr
ess:Enj
oy

Shel
eftus.
.

TheWagyuRibeyeSt
eakisoneofthemost
expensi
vedi
shesint
hisr
estaur
ant
..

Me:Letmecal
lToni

Mom:Okay

Itookmyphoneandcal
ledhi
m,Hedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.I
call
edhi
soff
ice.
.

Assi
stant
:MrHl
ophe'
sof
fi
ceGoodday

Me:HiChar
lenei
t'
sme.
.
Char
lene:Mr
sHl
ophe

Me:I
smyHusbandi
n?

Char
lene:Hej
ustl
eftf
orl
unch

Me:Ohwhedi
dn'
ttextme

Char
lene:Hel
eftwi
thacl
ient

Me:Mal
eorf
emal
e?

Char
lene:Mal
e

Me:OkayI
'
llcal
lwhenheget
sback
Char
lene:I
'
llt
ellhi
mthatyoucal
led

Me:Thankyou

Ihungup.
.

Me:Hewentoutf
orl
unch

TONIHLOPHE

Wewer estil
linmycar,Int
heparki
nglotatt
heback
seat.Asmallspaceitwas,t
hat
'snotgoi
ngtohol
d
usof ft
hough.It
'snotourf
ir
stt
imedoingiti
nthe
car.
.

Ndo:Ican'
tspr
eadmyl
egswi
deanyf
urt
her
Me:Wecandoi
twi
thyouont
opofme

Ndo:SoIcankeeponbangi
ngmyheadont
her
oof
ofyourcar

Me:That
'swhatmakesi
tfun

Ndo:Getof
fme

Imovedbackalit
tle,Shegotup.Isatontheseat
andshel
if
tedherdr essuptositontopofme.I
al
wayskeepcondomsi nmycar ,
Ialwayshave
condomsaround.Idon'tdoi
traw, Unl
essit
'smy
wif
e..
.
Tobecont
inued
04
NELI
SIWESHEZI

Wedr oveouttot hedesignatedplacewher eI'

m
meantt omeetupwi ththetwoclient
s.It
'snotyour
usualclubthat'
sf i
ll
edwi t
hunr ul
yteens,whomake
unnecessarynoiseandactoutofchar acter
.This
cl
ubinpar ti
cularisforthemi ddl
eclassandt he
highclass."
ClubVi enna".Theystri
ctonthedr ess
code.Nosneaker s,Unlessit'
sSemicasualwear .
.

Wewer eusher edt ot heVIPsection,

Upstair
sabove
thegeneralsection.Thegener alsectionwasn'tt
oo
badalso,ButtheBoxVI Psectionisthebest.Dri
nks
alr
eadyont het able,Purewhi t
ecouchesandwe
sharethesamemusi cwit
ht hegeneralcr
owd
thoughwegi venf i
r stpref
erenceinchoosing..
Nai
ja:Zeng

Theguyst
oodupandt
heyexchangedahandshake.
.

Nai
ja:Al
one?

Zeng:Yes..Myfr
iendcoul
dn'
tmakei
t,Wi
fei
s
pregnantandact
ingout

Nai
ja:That
'ssad

Zengl
ookedatme.
.

Naij
a:Wherearemymanner s..Pl
easemeetNelz,
Nelzthi
sisZeng.Zengi
soriginal
lyf
rom Ni
geri
abut
curr
entl
yresi
dinginSi
ngapore.Hehasabusiness
ther
e
Me:I
t'
sni
cet
omeetyou

Hehuggedme,
Hewassmel
l
ingsogood.
.

ZengandIsatt
oget
heront
hesamecouch,
Nai
ja
satal
one.
.

Zeng:Youbeaut
if
ul,
Youdon'tgetmuchdar
k
ski
nnedwomenwhoar ethi
sbeautif
ul

Me:Thankyou(
Blushi
ng)

Zeng:Dr
ink?

Me:Yespl
ease

Onthetabl
ewasanexpensi
vebott
leofwhi
skey,
Ice
cubes,
Sparkl
ingwat
er,
Redbul
l,
Kronechampagne,
Moet
,Char
donnay,
andci
gar
s..

Hel
ookedatmeforasignalonwhatheshoul
dpour
f
orme,IchoseKr
one.
.

Nai
jal
eanedf
orwar
dtopourhi
msel
fwhi
skeyont
he
r
ocks.
.

Zeng:Her
eyougo

Me:Thankyou

Theywer
epl
ayi
ngClassicsf
ornow,Justenj
oyabl
e
matur
emusi
cformaturepeopl
e..

Zengpouredhi
mselfagl
asst
ooofwhiskeyand
thenl
eanedbackagai
nstt
hecouch,
Hepl acedhi
s
handonmyt hi
gh.
.Mydresswasupreveali
ngmy
t
highs.
.

Nai
ja'
seyesf
ellonZeng'
shand.
.

Nai
ja:Howi
sbusi
nessgoi
ng?

Zeng:I
t'
sgoi
ngwel
lsof
ar,
Yoursi
de?

Nai
ja:I
t'
sgoi
ngwel
ltoo

Zeng:Iwashopi
ngt
hatIwoul
dseeAbeo

Nai
jaandIl
ookedateachot
her
..

Naij
a:Ihaven'
tseenhimlatel
y,Lastt
imeIsawhim.
Hewasgoi ngoutofthecountr
y,Somethi
ngabout
vi
sit
inghome
I
twasNaija'
scal
mnessforme,Knowingver
ywell
whatwedidtoAbeo.Hedi
dn'
tseem ner
vousor
i
nti
midat
ed..

Zeng:That
'sst
range,
Heal
wayst
ell
swhenhe
l
eaves

Naij
a:Wel
lIam notsur
ewhyhedi
dn'
ttel
l,
maybe
youcancal
landask

Zeng:Yaamaybe

AMANDAHLOPHE
I
t'
sveryunusualforTonit
onotcal
lmeal
lday.Last
t
imethishappened,Hewascheati
ngonme..
.

Lusandawasdoingherhomeworki
nfrontoftheTV.
Iwasprepar
ingdinnerandl
osti
nmythoughts..

Itookmyphonefrom t
hecount
erandthoughtof
call
inghi
m,butt
houghtot
herwi
se.I
'vecal
ledhima
l
otnow. .

DeepdownIwasboi
li
ng,Evenfoundi
thar
dto
maint
ainmynor
malbreat
hing.
..

Tonican'tbedoi ngthi
sagain,Tookusawhi l
eto
gettowher ewear etodayinourmar ri
ageduet ohi
s
aff
airsoutsideofourmar r
iage.Itgottoapoint
wheret hemi stresseswerealsostarti
ngto
di
srepectme. .Causedmeal otofemot i
onalpai
n
moret hananyt hing..
Il
etoutasighofr
eliefwhenIheardthedoor
openi
ng.Iwasrel
ievedthatatl
easthecameback
homet ome,Hedi
dn' tgooutsl
eepi
ngwithheri
na
hotel
..

Toni
:Ladi
es

Lusanda:Daddy

Toni
:Lookatyoudoi
ngyourschoolwor
k

Lusanda:Mommyi
shel
ping

Toni
:Ist
hatso?

Lusandanodded.
.

Toniwal
kedupt
ome,
Ipr
etendedt
obebusy.
Toni
:Andhowi
smybeaut
if
ulwi
fedoi
ng?

Hetr
iedt
okissmeonmycheek,Ir
espondedby
wal
kingt
othecupboar
dtot
akeoutaspatul
a..

Toni
:Whati
sitnow?

It
urnedandl
ookedatLusanda,
Thenathi
m..

Me:Youdi
dn'
tcal
lmet
oday

Toni
:Iknow.
..Ihadbackt
obackmeet
ingsal
lday,
I
washardl
yattheoff
ice

Me:Ihear
dt hatexcuseonce,
andi
twaswhenyou
wer
echeating
Toni
:Iam notcheat
ing

Me:Ar
en'
tyou?

Toni
:Thatwasalongt
imeago,
Youcan'
tkeepon
hol
dingt
hatagai
nstme

Me:IfI
'
m suspect
ingf
oulpl
ayi
nmymar
ri
ageIwi
ll
hol
ditagai
nstyou

Toni
:Dammi
tMandy!
!

Il
ookedatLusanda,
Shewasbusywi
thherbooks.
.

Toni:Whydidyousayyoufor
giveme?Whyareyou
sti
llwi
thmeifI'
m goi
ngtobeaccusedever
yday?
Doyouwannaseemyphone?Doyouwannago
thr
oughit?
Me:Whathur
tsisthatIcannotvoiceoutmypai
n
andhur
twit
houtyouget t
ingdefensi
ve

Toni:WhatshouldIdoi fIam alwaysaccused?

Whatnow?Shoul dIquitmyj obsowecanchi llall
dayandl ookateachot heri
nt heeye?Maybeyour
beinganactivi
stcanfinall
ylandyouabankbal ance
thatwillt
akecareofusandLusanda?Yout ellme
Mandy. .Whatdoyouwantmet odo?Icanqui tmy
j
ob, sendinmyr esi
gnationlett
ertomor
rowmor ning?

Tear
scl
oudedmyeyes.
.

Toni
:Thenthet
ear
s,Thoughtt
heywer
egoi
ngt
o
comeinsooner

Me:Di
nnerwi
llber
eadyi
naf
ew
Toni
:Pr
obabl
yevenl
ostmyappet
it
e

Hewal
kedoutoft
heki
tchen.
.

NELI
SIWESHEZI

ZengandIwer
ehavi
ngagreatt
ime.Justt
alki
ng,
Laughi
ngandr
andomlyt
ouchi
ng..

Zeng:Nur
sing?

Me:What
'swr
ongwi
tht
hat
?

Zeng:Oldst
onesavagedr eams.Nur se,Doctor,And
apoli
cemanf eelsli
keaparthei
dconnect edcareers
i
nSout hAfr
ica.Thoseare3car eer
st hateverygir
l
andboywant
edtobedat
ingf
rom wayback,
Then
thr
owint
eachi
ngont
op

Ihi
thi
m ont
heshoul
der
..

Me:That
'sr
ude!

Zeng:Tel
lmeaboutyourpl
anB,
ther
e'sPl
anAand
B

Me:Uhm.
.Bei
ngast
ri
pper

Zeng:NotaNun?

Il
aughed.
.

Zeng:Imeant
hat
'st
hecl
osestt
oawoman'
spl
anB
Me:Theoneswhower
edef
eat
edbyRel
ati
onshi
ps

Zeng:Thr
owi
nMot
ivat
ionalSpeaki
ngaf
tert
hat

Me:Yousuchascr
eam!

Zeng:Youver
ywel
lspoken,
Idon'
tunder
standwhy
youdowhatyoudo

Me:Li
fe.
.Unfort
unat
elyyouhaveyourpl
ansandl
if
e
hasi
t'
splansforyou

Zeng:Tr
ue

Hi
sphoner
ang.
.
Zeng:Ihavet
otaket
his

Heki
ssedmeont
hecheekandt
henl
eftus.
.

Nai
jal
ookedatme.
.

Nai
ja:Tel
lmesomet
hing

Me:Yes

Naij
a:Ist
hishowyoudoit?Throwyour
selff
irst
?Go
headin?Iknowyoucheapjustdon'
tmakeit
obvi
ous

Idon'tunder
stand,
HepimpsmeoutandwhenIact
myr ole.Hehasasay?

Me:Wej
ustt
ryi
ngt
ogett
oknoweachot
her
Naij
a:That
'swhyyougetl
esspaidthanKhomo,
That'
swhytheypayl
it
tl
eforyou.I
t'
sbecauseyou
gi
veineasy

Me:Nai
ja.
.

Naij
a:Yourui
ningmybusiness.
.Ist
hiswhythe
cl
ient
spref
eryou?Becausetheyknowtheygoingto
haveaneasyscorewi
thyou?Justscoretheball
andnodefense?

Me:Idon'
tknowwhatyouwantmet
odo

Naij
a:Actr
ight
,fuckenbeal
adyt
hanacuntt
hat
youare!
!

Hedownedhi
swhi
skey.
.
Nai
ja:Andf
ixyourdr
ess!I
'
mleavi
ng

AMANDAHLOPHE

IgaveLusandaherpl
ateandj
uice.
.

Lusanda:ThankyouMommy

Me:Youwelcomebaby.
.I'
mjustgonnagoand
checkonDad

Lusanda:Okay
Iwal kedouttot hebedroom, Icouldheart he
showerwat errunni
ng.Iwal kedinandcl osedt he
door .Isi
ghedandt ookoffmycl othes.Al lofthem
i
ncl udingmyunder wearandbr auntilIwast otal
ly
naked.Iwentt otheensuitebathroom. .Isawhi m
throught heshowergl ass.Theshowergelhad
createdf oam onhisbody, Waterrunningdownon
him. .

Iopenedt
hedoorandwal
kedi
nsi
de.
.

Iwentt
ohi
m andhuggedhi
mfr
om t
heback.

Me:I
'
m sor
ry

Iki
ssedhi
m att
hebackofhi
sneck.
.

Me:Idon'
twannaf
ight
,I'
m sor
ryIaccusedyou
Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.

Toni
:Ourmar
ri
agewon'
twor
kifyoukeept
hison

Me:Iknow.
.IknowI
'
m sor
ry

Ir
anmyhandsonhi
schest
,Al
lthewaydown.
.

Toni:
Iunderstandyourpainbytheway,I'
m not
bli
ndtothepainI'vecausedyouwhenIcheat ed.I
am nolongerdoingthat,I
'
m notaboutt
hatanymor e.
Ihaveawi f
eandadaught er
,WhywouldIriskmy
famil
y?

Me:Iknow

Inear
edcl
oserandki
ssedhi
schest
..
Her
anhi
shandsonmyar
msanddownf
urt
hert
o
myhi
ps.
.

That'
swhenweseal editwi
thakiss.Hi
shands
movedupt ofondl
ewithmybr east
s.Warm water
wasstil
lrunni
ngdownonus, hedidn'
topenthetap
al
ltheway..

Hest oppedf ondl

ingwi
thmybr east
sandgently
pinchedmyni ppl
esunti
lIf
eltt
hem outofthei
r
comf ortzone.Theygotpoi
nty,decl
ari
ngthe
amountofpl easureIwasstart
ingtofeel
..

Wecont
inuedki
ssi
ng.
.

Me:Il
oveyousoomuch

Toni
:Il
oveyout
oo
Herandownhi
shandsandl
odgedi
tinbet
weenmy
t
highs.
.

Toni:
Whywoul dIgi
veupt
hisf
ort
hewor
ldof
bi
tchesout
side?

Hesaidt
hatpushi
ngi
ndeeperhi
stwofi
nger
s,I
f
li
nchedwit
hmyhandsonhisshoul
der
snow..

Wit
hhisot herhand,Heli
ft
edmyl egupt ohiswaist
f
oraneasyaccessofhi sfingersdeepi nsi
deofme.
Wewer elookingateachotherashepl ayedaround
wit
hthem deepi nsi
deofme.Ibi tmylowerl i
p,
t
here'
sjustthatspotheti
cklesandi tmakesmy
l
egsvibrate.
.

Me:OhhhToni
..
.

It
il
tedmyheadatt
hebackandf
acedupwi
tht
he
watersmoot hlyhit
ti
ngagai nstmyf ace.Igotmy
headbackdownt obr eath.Hesl owlymovedbackt o
thewall,ChangedmesoIcanbet heoneagai nst
thewall.Sti
llwit
hhisf i
nger slodgeddeepinside,
my
l
eghi ghuphi swaistandf ingerfuckingmefordear
l
ife.Mynai l
sdugdeepert hroughhisskin,Ir
an
them downhi sshoulderst ohiscrotchandgave
him ahandj ob..

Toni
:Lookatme

Il
ookedathi
m..

Toni
:Don'
tkeepyoureyesof
fme

Ihatet
his,
thathehasawayofpar alyzi
ngmewi th
pl
easureast okeepmefrom acti
ngcr azy.
..Hekept
on,andIwasl osi
ngmymi nd,Idi
dn'tevenknow
wheretoplacemyhandsnow.Hel eanedoverand
smashedhi sli
psagai
nstmine.Iretr
actedhis
fi
ngersoutofmycoochi
eandgrabbedonhisr
ock
hardcrot
chandguidedi
tindeepi
nsideofme.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
05

NELI
SIWESHEZI

ClubViennawasnowpumpinghard,
Itwasar
ound
21:00.Champagnewasget
ti
ngtomeandIwas
dancingli
ket
here'
snotomorr
ow..

"
Zizonkeezami,
Sikhombakwami
,Si
sonkekwami
,
Wozakwami .

Si
yazi
wisaofkanj
ani
?Fedewent
ani
?Baphi
Abant
ubam'
siphii
sizweSam"
IsawhowimpressedZengwaswithhowIwas
danci
ng,Assoonasthesongf
ini
shed.Iwentand
satdownnextt
ohim..

Zeng:Waswor
ri
edt
hatt
heheel
swoul
dbr
eak

Me:I
'
vebeendanci
ngwi
thheel
sforawhi
le

Heleanedoverandki
ssedmeonthecheek,
wit
h
hi
shandi nbet
weenmyt hi
ghs.
.

Hemovedhi
sli
psnextt
omyear
..

Zeng:Iwannagetaway,
Got
omyhot
elr
oom?

Me:It
hinkI
'
dli
ket
hat
Hebi
tmyneckal
it
tl
eandIl
aughed.
.

Zeng:Let
'sgo

TONIHLOPHE

Iwasont
hephonewi
thNai
ja.Wegoodf
ri
ends.
.

Nai
ja:Idon'
tunder
standwhyyounol
ongerr
ent
gi
rl
sfrom me

Me:Rememberwhatthatdi
dtomywi
fe?Ihur
ther
morethananyt
hing
Nai
ja:Can'
tkeepyourwi
fei
ncheck?ComeonToni

Me:I
'mtryi
ngtolayitof
falit
tl
e,Tonei
tdownabi
t.
I
tsetherof
f,I
treal
lysetheroff

Nai
ja:What
'shernameagai
n?

Me:Mandy

Naij
a:Mandyhasnothing,
Shedoesn'
twork.She'
s
team Vagi
na,
Sheleavesyougetanot
hert
eam
vagi
na.Probl
em sol
ved

Me:Don'
tbel
iket
hat

Nai
ja:Shehasnothi
ngtohername, Wor seyou
marri
edheroutofCop.Sheleaves,Thegoodl i
fe
st
aysbehind.I
t'
seasytotamet eam vaginat
rust
me

Me:FornowIhaveNdo,
WhenIgetbor
ed.
.I'
l
ltel
l
you

Nai
ja:I
'
llbewai
ti
ng

Me:Dr
inkssomet
ime?

Nai
ja:Yeapwhynot

Me:I
'
llcheckmyschedul
e,Thengetbackt
oyou

Nai
ja:I
'
llhearf
rom you
NELI
SIWE

Zengwasdrivi
ngaLambor
ghi
ni,
showshowwel
l
fi
nanci
alst
ablehei
s..

Zeng:Ihavear
ent
alhouseher
e

Me:Whyar
en'
twegoi
ngovert
her
e?

Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.

Me:Ohw.
.Gi
rl
fr
iendorwi
fe?

Zeng:BabyMama

Me:Thedr
amat
her
e
Zeng:Al
ldayever
yday

Me:Whydi
dyouguysbr
eakup?

Zeng:I
'
llt
ellyouoneday

Me:Isee

AMANDAHLOPHE

Iputonmygownandlookedatmysel
fint
hemi
rr
or.
Ihadafewl
ovebi
tesonmyneck..

Ipl
acedmyhandt
her
eandsmi
led.
.
Iwalkedoutoft hebedr
oom tolookforhi
m, Onl
yto
bewel comedbyanunset tl
ingconver
sati
on
betweenhi m andsomeoneel se.Awoman. .Hewas
atthekitchenst andi
ngbythecounter,Wi
thhis
backfacingthedoorway.Hewasn' tseei
ngme, hi
s
phonewasont hecounterandheputheron
l
oudspeaker .
.

Toni
:Idon'
tknowaboutaweekendaway,
I'
m ver
y
busyatwork

Lady:Youcant
aket
heweekendof
f

Toni
:Okaytomorrowmorni
ngI
'
llcheckhowmy
weekendschedul
eiswi
thmyPersonalAssi
stant

Lady:OkayImi
ssyou

Toni
:Doyoumi
ssmeormyDi
ck?
Lady:Bot
h(l
aughi
ng)

Toni
:Iknowt
hisset
upofyour
s

Lady:Don'
tyoumissme?Imeanyoudi
dsaysex
wit
hwi f
eyisbor
ing.Sameol
d,Sameol
d

Feltmyt hr
oatclosingup, Mychestcl
osedint
oo.I
tookaf ewstepsbackandwentbackt othe
bedroom withtearsburningmyeyes.Webackatit
again,Tonii
scheat ing!
!

NELI
SIWESHEZI

Het
urnedont
hel
ight
saswewal
kedi
n..
Me:Howl
ongar
eyoust
ayi
ngher
efor
?

Zeng:NextweekI
'
mleavi
ng,
Goi
ngbackt
o
Singapor
e

Me:Whati
sitt
hatyoudoexact
ly?

Zeng:Doyour
eal
lywannaknow?

Wel
ookedateachot
her
..

Me:Maybenot

Zeng:I
fIwasn'
tbasedover
seasyou'
dbemi
ner
ight
now
Me:Yaamaybeoneday

Zeng:Maybeoneday

Hegotcl
osert
omeandputhishandonmywai
st.
Hepul
ledmeclosert
ohi
m..

AMANDAHLOPHE

Iwashedmyfaceagai
n,Tear
scouldn'
tst
op
st
reamingdown.I
'
m basi
c?I'
m bor
ing?

WhydoMenneedar easontocheat
?Whyi sit
al
waysourfault?I
'
m cheati
ngbecauseofyou.I'
m
cheat
ingbecauseof123..
Toni
:Sweet
hear
t

It
urnedof
fthet
ap.
.

Toni
:Mandy?

Me:I
'
m comi
ng

Toni
:Gotsomepopcor
nsf
ort
hemovi
e

Me:I
'
llber
ightt
her
e

Iwi
pedmyf aceagai
nandwal
kedoutoft
he
bat
hroom.
.

Toni
:Whi
chonedi
dyouwannawat
ch?
Me:Uhm.
.I'
m notsur
e

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Toni
:Wer
eyoucr
ying?

Me:Notexact
ly

Heputt
hebowlofpopcor
nont
hebedandcamet
o
me.
.

Toni
:Tal
ktomewhat
swr
ong?

Hehel
dmet
ight
..

Toni
:Yi
ni?
Me:Ij
ustf
oundoutt
hatacl
osef
ri
endpasseson

Toni
:Whi
chone?

Me:Idon'
tthi
nkyou'
l
lknowher

Toni
:I'
m sor
ry

Hehuggedmet
ight
..

Toni
:I'
m sosor
ry.
.Phephi
sa

NELI
SIWESHEZI

Zengwasshower
ing,
Myphoner
ang.I
twasNai
ja.
.
Me:Nai
ja

Hedi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.

Me:Hel
lo?

Nai
ja:Haveyousl
eptwi
thhi
m yet
?

Me:Sor
ry?

Nai
ja:Haveyousl
eptwi
thhi
m yet
?

Me:Si
ncewhendoyougeti
ntomybusi
ness?

Nai
ja:Youar
eatwor
k,Ineedt
ochecki
fyoudoi
ng
i
tri
ght
Me:I
'
m doi
ngi
tri
ght

Nai
ja:Soyou'
vesl
eptwi
thhi
m?

Me:Nai
jawhati
sthi
sabout
?

Nai
ja:Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?

Me:CanIgo?Zengwil
lcomeoutoft
hebat
hroom.
Thi
sisunpr
ofessi
onal

Nai
ja:Nel
z

Ihungup.
..
AMANDAHLOPHE

Iwasl
ayingonhi
schestaswewatchedt
hemovi
e,
Hewrappedhi
sarmsaroundme.
.

I
twascomedy,
Hewasl
aughi
ngoutl
oud.
.

Me:Babe

Toni
:Yes?

Me:Iwast
hinki
ng

Toni
:About
?

Me:Howaboutwegooutt
hisweekend?
Toni
:Thi
sweekend?

Me:Yes

Toni:
Thi
sweekenddoesn'tl
ookgoodf
orme,
Ihave
work.
.Howaboutnextweekend?

Me:Okay

Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
06

NELI
SIWESHEZI
TosayIhadagr eatnightwit
hZeng, I
sadef i
nite
underst at
ement.Ihadanamazi ngnight,
Enjoyed
eachot her'
scompany.Most l
ythesex,Itwasn't
dif
ferentbutZengisdiffer
entfr
om theMenI 've
beenwi thbefor
e.He'sverysmar t
,Humble,Cooland
coll
ected.Knowshowt ospeak,smartandver y
handsome.Takesgoodcar eofhimselfHygiene
wise,Smel l
sgoodevenwhenhehasshower edt o
gotobed. .

Unfortunat
elytodaywast heendofourshor tli
ved
union,Butbeforeparti
ngways.Heaskedt ot akeme
shopping.That'
st henicepartofi
tall
,Theshopping.
AsI '
vesaidbefore,Naijagi
veszerofucksabout
whatKhumoandIwearevent houghhemakesal ot
ofmoneyf rom pimpingus..

Thebudgetwas8k,notbad.Idon'tneedexpensive
cl
othesj
ustni
ceaffor
dableclot
hest hatI
'l
llook
goodint
hem.Ididn'
tsett
leforcheap,cheap,cheap
cl
othes.
..

AMANDAHLOPHE

Iwasatthekitchen,Lostinmyt
houghts.Stir
ri
ng
throughmycof f
ee.Lusandahadjustl
eftforschool
,
Toniwasaboutt oleavetoo,
Hewasgoi nginlate
thanhisusualti
me.

Hebroughtmebacktoear
thwi
thaki
ssonmy
cheekwhil
stgr
abbi
ngmyass..

Toni
:What
'sonyourmi
nd?

Me:I
t'
snot
hing.
.Justt
hinki
ngaboutmyf
ri
end
Toni
:Herdeat
hmust
'veaf
fect
edyouagr
eatdeal
?

Me:I
tdi
d

Toni
:FunnyIdon'
tknowher

Me:Wewer
en'
ttoocl
ose

Toni
:Isee.
.Shoul
dsendf
lower
sorsomet
hing

Me:Iwi
ll

Toni
:Ihavet
ogo.
.Cal
lyoudur
ingmyl
unchhour
?

Me:Yes

Toni
:Goodl
uckwi
tht
hecour
tbai
lpr
otest
Me:Thankyou

Toni
:I'
l
lgr
absomet
hingt
oeatal
ongt
heway

Me:Okay

Het
ookhi
sthi
ngsandl
eft
..
..

NELI
SIWESHEZI

Me:Thankyouf
ort
hecl
othes

Zeng:Youwel
come
Thekeyi
stot
hankbutdon'
tsounddesper
ate.
..

Me:Wi
shyouwer
en'
tleavi
ng

Zeng:Dut
ycal
ls

Wewer
eatt
her
est
aur
anthavi
ngbr
eakf
ast
..

Hekeptonl ooki
ngathiswatch,
Somethi
ngwason
hismind.Seemeddistr
actedtoapoi
ntwher
eI
thoughtIwasannoyinghi
m. .

Me:Ever
ythi
ngokay?

Zeng:Yes.
.Ihavesomecommi
tmenti
nanhour
's
ti
me

Me:Commi
tment
?Whatcommi
tment
?
Hechuckl
edshaki
nghi
shead,
Wit
hthecupof
cof
feei
nhishand.
.

Zeng:Par
don?

Ikeptqui
et.
.

Zeng:Wearenothi
ng!foryoutoaskmethat,you
Justahookup.Wehadagr eatni
ghtasi
ntended,
WhatIdoandwher eIgoorwhom Idoitwit
hi s
noneofyourbusi
ness

Ouch!Thatst
ung.
..

Me:Ijustt
houghtthatsincewestillt
oget
herand
haven'
tpartedways,You'dactual
lygivemethis
ti
met oenj
oywi t
hyouorr atherwhatremainsofour
ti
mebef or
eyouleave
Zeng:Ithoughtyouwer edifferent.Lastnightyou
weredifferent,Ididn'
tknowt hatspendi ngaf ew
thousandswi llgiveyouast ampofowner shipt
oact
l
ikemygi r
lfr
iendorwi fe.Ifyoul ikethi
s, Naij
a
shouldtakeyouof fthelistbecauseyou' l
lcreat
e
problemsf orhim

Hetookouthi
swal
letandt
ookoutaf
ewR100
not
es..

Zeng:Ibeli
eveyouhaveyourt
hings,
Thi
siswhere
wesepar at
e.Cal
lanUberorsomethi
ng.
.I'
l
lcancel
myor deronthewayout

Hebl
ewmeaki
ssandl
eftmet
her
eal
one.
.
AMANDAHLOPHE

Iwasdr
ivi
ngt
ocour
tont
hephonewi
thmyMot
her
..

Me:Idon'tevenf
eelli
kegoingtocour
tMa,
Especi
all
yaf t
erl
astni
ght'
srevel
ati
onwit
hregar
ds
tomyhusbandcheat i
ng

Ma:Amanda, Tonihasbeendoi ngthisforawhi l

e
now.Heneverst oppedcheat i
ng, Hejustmadesur e
tocoverhistr
ackswel lbecausehesawhowi t
madeyousi ckthelasttime.Heneverst opped
cheati
ng,Forthefactthatyouneverl eft
,Forgave
eachtimeiswhyhe' sresorti
ngt onothidingit
anymore.Heknowsyouwi llneverleave

Me:Whenhewasoutt her
ereali
zinghisdr
eams,I
wasouttheregi
vinghim achil
d.Irest
edonmy
dreamsbecausehehasal wayspromisedtot
ake
careofme,Hewant edahousewife.Ahomecooked
mealever
yni
ght
,Awi
fet
otakecar
eofi
tal
lwhi
l
st
heworks

Ma:Hewastr
yingt
ogr
oundyouandhedi
d,
Amandacomehome

Me:Why?Forwhat ?Igetaspousalal lowanceof

12kamont h,wel
ltakencareofwhatl ifewi
llIhave
athome?Whatwi l
lIcomehomeanddo?Lusanda
i
snotevenusedt ohumbl ebeginnings,YesToni
fi
xedyourhouseandever yt
hingbutyoust il
lli
vein
thehood.Myenemi esarethere.Peoplewhowi sh
medownf al
laret
her e,
IfIcomeback.Theywi l
l
celebr
ate

Ma:Peoplewi shyoudownf al
lbecauseyoubelit
tl
e
them.Eachtimeyoucomeher e,Youmakepeopl e
feelsmall
.Feellessi
mportanttoyou,Feell
ikeyou
arebett
erthananyone.Howcanpeopl enotwish
foryourdownf al
lwhenyouf l
exontheirf
aces
kodwaMandy?
Me:Ar
eyoudef
endi
ngt
hem?

Ma:I
'
mjustspeaki
ngt
het
rut
h

Me:I'
m notgoi
ngtol etasidechickthr
owmeoutof
myhouseandmar riage,I
'vedefeatedt
hem bef
ore.
Theycameandl ef
t,Thisonewillgotoo

Ma:HayikeMandyIdon' tknow,butyoul osi

ng
yoursel
f.Tonihastur
nedyouintoabi t
terperson.
Youneverusedt obeli
kethis,
It'
sgoingtogoon
unti
leventual
lyyoudon'
trecognizeyoursel
finthe
mirr
or!

NELI
SIWESHEZI
Iwasupset.Iwaslosi
ngmymi nd.Idi
dn'teatt
oo,I
tookmyt hi
ngsandwentt otherestr
oomsatt he
mall.Mysystem wasshutti
ngdowncompl etel
y,
Luckil
yformetherestroom wasempt y.
.

It
houghtaboutthewordshesai d,
Yeshepai dfor
meandwehadf un.Wewer esupposedt ospend
whatr
emainedofourt i
meeat i
ngbr eakf
astandhim
l
eavi
ngli
keagent leman.Soheputonaf ront
?He
waspret
ending?Ithoughthewasi ntome.Ithought
hewasgoingtobemyescapegoat .

BynowIwasbangi ngt heminisani

tarypadsbi
n
againstthetoil
et,
Gr oaningandlett
ingoutst
eam.I
tookadeepbr eat
handsatdown, Mycl ot
hesri
ght
bythet oi
letdoor.
.

Il
ookedatt
hebi
n,I
twasmadeofst
eel
..
Nowi t'st
imet oimplementt heplan.Igotupand
tookmycl othesoutoft hetoil
et.Iwentt othebig
sinkandst artedbangingmyheadagai nstthe
counterhard.Thekeyi stohur tmysel f
, andmakei t
l
ookl ikeZenghur tmesohecoul df uckenget
arrested.
.It
'sagoodt hingIthoughtoft hisidea
ri
ghtwhenIl eftt
herestaurant.Icamei nt otherest
roomsst agger i
ngtomakei tlooklikeIwasal ready
hurtincasethecamer ascaughti t.
.Ihavemyst ory
l
inedupal ready..IhopeI'
llgetawaywi thit..
.

AMANDAHLOPHE

Iwaschant ingtheloudest.Taki
ngoutmy
Fustrat
ionsont hi
smat ter
.Amani sinvol
ved,
MaybeIcan' tgetmi nesoI'l
luseal
lmyenergyand
hurtont hi
sone..
Themedi
awasher
ecapt
uri
ngt
hismoment
..

Repor
ter
:Mam'
canwet
alkt
oyou?

Iset
tl
eddown.
.

Report
er:Youarechant
ingt
hel
oudest
,Youseem
angr
y..Whatisyourname?

Me:Mynamei sAmandaHl ophe. .Iam anact i

vist
againstGBV.Thevi cti
m Fikil
econt actedmy
organizati
on" Womenf i
rst"forhelp, Wear ehereto
suppor ther.Toopposet hebai lappl ication.Wear e
ti
redofMenabusi ngus,andki ll
ingus.Wear etired
ofbeingt reatedlikedoormat s,Wear etiredofMen
usingtheirpowert osuppr essandabuseus.Fi kil
e
wasi nhospi talfi
ght i
ngforherl i
fe, andt hi sSbuguy
willgetawaywi thi t
?Wher eisthej ustice?Wher eis
thelawt opr otectvulnerablewomenandki dsi
nt his
cruelcount rythatisgover nedbyt hedevi lscal
led
Men!
!

Report
er:Wow.
.Wecanf
eel
allt
heemot
ionsf
rom
yourwords

Me:Hemustgot
ojai
lwher
ehebel
ongs!
!

TONIHLOPHE

Amandaandhermini
onswereonthenews.Thisis
embarr
assi
ngforme,f
ormystatusandreput
ati
on.
Havi
ngawi f
ewhoisafemi
nistwhenitsui
tsher
doesnotl
ookgoodonme..

Char
lene:Yourwi
fei
soutt
her
edoi
ngi
t
It
urnedt
heTVof
f.
.

Char
lene:Her
eisyourcof
fee

Me:Thankyou

Char
lene:Ihopet
heygetabet
terout
comef
rom t
his,
She'
sdoingsomethi
nggood

Me:Ar
ewef
ri
endsnow?

Char
lene:Uhm.
.NoSi
r

Me:Getbackt
owor
k

Char
lene:YesSi
r
NELI
SIWESHEZI

Iwasonthef
loorscr
eami
nghel
p.Myheadwas
hur
ti
ng.
.

Me:Hel
p..Hel
p..HELP!
!!
!!
!

Myvi
sionwasabi
tbl
urr
y,Iwasdi
sor
ient
ed.

Voice:OhhhmyGod.
.OhhmyGodMs,
Areyou
okay?

Me:Hel
p..Cal
lthi
snumber06345201179,
His
nameisNaij
a.Tel
lhi
m Zengtr
iedt
okil
lmeandtel
l
hi
m whereIam
Iclosedmyeyespr
etendi
ngt
hatIwasfal
li
ngoff
thewagon.
..Ihadt
ornmybraandt-
shi
rti
nthe
process
.
Tobecont
inued
07

NELI
SIWE

Iwasr ushedt othehospitaltobeat t

endedtoo.
HowIhat ehospital
s,Theyhavet hatsmellthat
remindsmeoft hement alinstit
ution.Test
swer e
ran,andnoser iousinj
urieswer esust ai
nedbutthey
surewillbedoingmor e.Ijustneededf orNaij
ato
gethere,Ican'tbehere.Idon' twannabeher ewhat
i
ftheyi nvesti
gateandfindt hatIam supposedt obe
i
nt heinstit
uti
on??
Iwasr
eli
evedt
oseeNai
jaandKhomowal
kingi
n..

Khomo:Nt
wanayam eSt
rongwhathappened?

Ihadabandager
oll
edupar
oundmyf
orehead.
.

Khomo:Whathappened?Whodi
dthi
s?

Nai
jastoodt
her
elooki
ngatme,
That
'swhem my
per
for
mancecame..

Me:I
twasZeng

Nai
ja:Huh?
Me:Thismor ni
ngaf t
erourbr
eakfast
,Inthecarhe
wasconvincingmet ogotoSingapor
ewi thhi
m.I
decl
ined,
Afterthathegotmadandat tackedme.I
managedtoescapeandI .
.

Icl
osedmyeyesandexhal
ed.
.

Me:Iranbackt
othemal
lforsaf
ety,
Didn'
tknow
whereelset
ogo

Khomo:Whaaat
?Thi
sisunaccept
abl
e!

Me:Copsar
esai
dtocomeandt
akemyst
atement

Khomo:Hai
bo!
!Thi
sisamess,
Zenghast
oaccount
t
othis

Me:Iwast
oldt
hatIpassedouti
nthemal
lrest
r
ooms,l
ikeadog!!Notevensur
ehowIgother
e..
Myheadisachi
ng,It
'samess

Khomo:Hecoul
d'veki
ll
edyou!
!

Nai
ja:I
'
llber
ightback

Hewal
kedout
..
.

Me:I
twashecti
cKhomo,I
fNaij
adoesn'
tpr
otectus
f
rom hi
speopl
ethenwedead

Khomo:Idon'
tevenknowwhatt
osay,
Fir
stmenow
you.
.Thi
sistoomuch
TONI

Thist
hingwithAmandawasnowonsoci almedia,
It
waspissi
ngmeof f.I
'
m afuckenCEO,Idon'tneed
mywifedoingsuchrubbi
sh.Thi
srubbishdoesn't
evenconcernher
..
.

Char
lene:Tabl
ereser
vedf
ort
wo

Me:ThankyouChar
lene

Iwasaboutt
ogooutf orl
unchwit
hNdo,topl
anthe
weekendaway.Ineedabreakf
rom Amanda.
..

NAI
JA
Iwasout
sidet
hehospi
talandcal
li
ngZeng.
.

Zeng:Nai
ja

Me:Wt
f??

Zeng:Excuseme?

Me:YouwantedNel
ztogotoSingapor
ewi t
hyou,
Whenshedecli
nedyouat
tackedher
?Wt f
??

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Zeng:Whatt
hehel
lar
eyouonabout
?

Me:I '
m onabouttheshityoudi
dtomycallgir
l,Yes
she'ssortofaprosti
tut
e.Yesshe'
sal
lthatbutshe
fuckendeservesrespect
Zeng:Idon'
tknowwhatt otel
lyoubecauseIdon'
t
knowwhatyout al
kingaboutNaij
a

Me:Justknowt
hatIwon'
tlett
hissl
ide

Zeng:Yeahwhat
everMan!

Hehungup.
..
.

AMANDA

Nomatterhowmuchit'
sbeingdone,Youneverget
i
mmunedt oit
.Immunetoyourhusbandcheati
ng,
Onedoesn'
tgetimmunedtothatpai
n.
Ontheotherhand,
Thebai
lwasdeclined.Atl
east
somethi
nggoodhappenedtoday.
..
.

Iwasoutwitht
heLadi
eswhowor
kwi
thme,
Eat
ing
l
unch.Lunchwasonme..

Myphoner
ang,
ItwasToni
.Ipi
ckedup.
.

Me:Babe

Toni
:I'
m aboutt
ogooutf
orl
unch

Me:Okay..Iam outf
orl
unchwi
tht
hel
adi
eswho
workwit
hme

Toni
:Okay
Me:Wewon,
Thebai
lappl
icat
ionwasdecl
ined

Toni
:Doesn'
tmeanyouguyswont
hecase

Me:Butst
il
l

Toni:Sti
llwhat?Idon'tunder stand..Youhaveno
sourceofprotecti
on,Anypr ot ectionAmanda!but
thereyouare.Outthereadvocat ingukunya..Whatif
thesegoonssendoutoneoft heirpeopl
et oyou?
Haveyouatl eastthoughtaboutt hat?Youwanna
dieandleaveLusandawi thoutaMot her?Ifthecase
i
si nthehandsoft hepolice,Youl ett
hejusti
ce
system t
akecar eofeverything.Youdi stance
yoursel
f,Youdon'tdosuch

Me:Iam r
eall
yhavi
ngagoodt
ime,
It'
sbeenagood
dayandIdon'
tneedthi
s
Toni
:Gooddayt
odi
e?

Me:Ihopewhenyoucomehomel
ater
,Yoursi
de
di
shwould'
vecal
medyoudown

Toni
:What
?

Ihungup.
..

NELI
SIWE

Khomowashel
pingt
ofeedmet
heyogur
t.

Me:Thankyou
Khomo:Doesyourheadst
il
lhur
t?

Me:Notent
ir
ely.
.Justal
it
tl
e

Khomo:Mi
naI
'
m st
art
ingt
ogetscar
ed,
Wegoi
ngt
o
di
emoss

Me:Iknow..Nai
jahastodosomet
hingwi
thr
egar
ds
t
othisbecausethi
sisnoti
t

Khomo:I
'
mtel
li
ngyou

Nai
jawal
kedi
n..

Nai
ja:Khomogi
veussomespace
Khomowal
kedout
..

Nai
japul
ledt
hechai
randsatdown.
.

Nai
ja:Levelwi
thmeher
e,Exact
lywhat
'shappeni
ng?
Orwhathappened?

Me:JustasI
'
vesai
d

Naij
a:Zenghasbeendeal
ingbusi
nesswi t
hmefor
awhile,
Hehasneverdonethi
sbefore.I
'
m aski
ng
becauseheisnott
hatki
ndofaPerson

Me:OhwIsee.
.Soar
eyousayi
ngI
'
mlyi
ng?

Nai
ja:Ar
eyou?
Me:Wow.
.Okayyouknowwhat
,Justl
etmebe.Let
t
hisbe

Nai
ja:Nel
z

Me:Noi
t'
sokay..I'
minthehospi
talandIdi
dn'
t
knowwhathappenedt
ome

Nai
ja:Youbei
ngunr
easonabl
e

Me:Pl
easel
eave

Nai
ja:That
'sunf
air

Me:Pleasel
eave.
.I'
l
lcomebackwhenIget
di
scharged
Nai
ja:Okay

Hest
oodandl ef
t.It
ookt
hepi
ll
owandsqueezedi
t
f
ordearl
if
e..

Me:Dammi
t!
!!

TONI

Iwaspaci
ngupanddowni
nmyof
fi
ce,
Iloosened
myti
e..

Char
lene:Si
ryouwant
edt
oseeme?
Me:Di
dyout
ellmywi
feaboutNdo?

Char
lene:Si
r?

Me:Di
dyou,
Ordi
dyounott
ellAmandaaboutNdo?

Char
lene:Idi
dn'
ttel
lAmandaaboutNdo

Il
ookedather
..

Me:Youf
ir
ed

Char
lene:What
?Why?Idi
dn'
tdoanyt
hing

Me:Youst
il
lfi
red,
Ineedanassi
stantIcant
rust

Char
lene:Thi
sunf
airdi
smi
ssal
Me:Takei
ttot
heCCMA

AMANDA

Me:I'
m sor
ryIcan'
tbegoodcompany,
Please
apol
ogizet
otheLadies

Nomsa:It
'
sokay.
.Wehadalongdayt
oo,
Thi
nkwe
canal
lret
ir
eandgohomet
or est

Me:I
'
llcal
lyou

Nomsa:Nopr
obl
em
Weexchangedahung.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
08

AMANDA

There'
snothinghear tbreaki
nglikecomingt oa
homet hati
st oxic.Atoxicenvironment,Changesa
peacef
ulstateofmi ndtoawander i
ngstateofmind.
WhenIgothome, Isearchedthroughmyt hingsfor
mymoodst abil
izers,Icouldn'
tfindany.SoIsett
led
foraglassofwi neandsl ept.EachtimeIclosedmy
eyes,Iwoul
df eel
thepai
nfrom mychest
.Mychest
cl
osinginonme, I'
ll
havetogetupandsi
tup
str
aightsoIcanbeabletobreat
h.

Idon'
tunder
standwhyToniwouldkeepondoing
thi
stous,Tohisfami
ly.Yeshepr
obabl
ydoesn't
l
ovemeanymor eornotasmuchasheusedt oo,
WhataboutLusanda?

Icomef rom abr

okenhome, Myfathermadeita
brokenhome.Anabusivealcohol
icthatputmy
Mot herandushiski
dsthr
oughal ot.

Idon'
twantLusandagoi
ngthrought
hat
,Abr
oken
homeanddivorcedPar
ents.
..

NELI
SIWE
Of
fi
cer
:That
'swhathappened?

Me:Yes

Of
fi
cer
:Pl
easesi
gnyourst
atementbel
ow

Hegavemet
heaf
fi
davi
tandIsi
gned.
.

Me:Howl
ongwi
lli
ttakef
oryouguyst
ogethi
m?

Of
fi
cer
:Wewi
lll
etyouknow

Me:Thankyou

Theuselessj
ust
icesystem i
nourcountr
y,Zeng
mightgetawaywit
hthis.Iknowhedidn'
tdoitbut
hey,
Idi
dal
lthi
sset
upwel
l.
.

Whent
heyl
eft
,Nai
jawal
kedi
n..

Nai
ja:St
il
lupset
?

Me:Iam not
,I'
mjustt
ir
ed

Hesatdown.
.

Me:Wher
eisKhomo?

Nai
ja:Khomoi
swor
king,
She'
spr
epar
ing

Me:Khomoi
shur
t,Herf
acei
sbat
ter
ed

Nai
ja:Nel
zherpussyi
snothur
t
Me:Af
terwhathappenedyoureal
lygoi
ngt
olet
Khomogooutthereandwork?

Naij
a:Whathappened,
Happenedt
oyouandnot
Khomo

Me:Idon'tthi
nkyoutakeusseri
ouslyNaij
a,Weout
ther
ewor ki
ngforyou.Weouttheremakingmoney
foryou,Atl
eastwedeserveprot
ecti
on.Iknowwe
meanshi tt
oyoubutouruselessli
vesdeserve
protect
ioni
fyousti
llwannamakemoney

Nai
ja:Ar
eyout
hreat
eni
ngme?

Me:Wi
thwhat
?

Nai
ja:Ar
eyouemotional
lybl
ackmai
li
ngme?Cause
i
fyouare.I
t'
snotgoingt
owork,Youare
r
epl
aceabl
e

Me:Thenr
epl
aceme!

Naij
a:MaybeIwil
l!Repl
aceyou,andkickyououtof
myplacesoyoucangosl eepundert
hebr i
dgeli
ke
adogthatyou'
vealwaysbeen!Anobody,Adirt
y
hoe!Acunt!A-

Me:Getout
!!
!!
!

Hesl
owl
ygotup.
.

Me:Getout
!!
!Leave!
!!Leavemywar
d!!

Nai
ja:Youcr
azy

Me:Getout
!!
AMANDA

Knowingverywellthear
gumentthat'
sgoi
ngto
cometonight
,IdecidedtohavemyMom comepi ck
upLusanda.Idon'twantherar
oundhere,
Idon'
t
wanthertowitnesstheargument
..

Ma:Forhowl
ongar
eyougoi
ngt
okeept
hisup?

Me:Ar
eyout
ir
edofhavi
ngmybabyatyourhouse?

Ma:Il
oveLusanda

Me:BecauseIcoul
d'vecal
ledToni
'
sMot
herbutyou
knowmyr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thher

Ma:Amanda. .IloveLusanda,YouknowIdo.Ijust
needt oknowi fIshouldprayf
ormyyear st
obe
ext
endedont hiseart
hbecauseclear
lyIwil
lhaveto
Mot herheri
fyoukeept hi
supmychild.Yougoing
toloseyourself,Yougoingtol
oseyou

Me:I'
mj ustt
ir
edMa, Il
ovethi
smanIdon' t
under
standwhyI '
m notgoodenough.Toniwasthe
onewhosai dIshoul
dn'twor
ryaboutwork,He'
l
l
al
wayspr ovi
de

Ma:Idi dn'
texpectyou,mychil
dtobet hi
snaive.
Maybeusi nmydaysyeswewer e.Youarea
mor denwoman, Younotboundedbyt heold
tr
aditiontosti
ckwithamant hatclear
lyi
smaki ng
youcr ymor et
hanhemakesyoul augh.What'
s
moneywi t
houthappy??Becauseevenwi t
hthis
stableli
feyounothappy.Amandasomet i
mes
l
etti
nggoi seasierthanhol
dingont osomethi
ng
thatisclear
lynotworking.Lusandaisgrowing,She
hasgr own.Shewillwitnessthi
sandt hi
nkit
'sokay
foramant otr
eatherli
ket r
ashjustbecausehe'sa
provider
.Manygi r
lslookupt othei
rMother'
s,Ifyou
don'tsayenoughisenough.Youar egoingt
o
damageLusanda

Bynowt
ear
swer
efal
li
ng.
.

Ma:It'
sokayt oletgo,It'
sokayt ohaveaf ai
led
marri
age.Sot heywi l
llaugh,Thenwhat ?Areyou
goi
ngt odie?Noyouwon' t.There'
sal otofthings
happeninginthisworld,Inaf ewmont hstime.
Peoplewillfi
ndsomet hingelsetot al
kabout..Don't
l
oseyour sel
fjustbecauseyout r
yingtofixa
marri
aget hatcl
earlycan'tbef i
xed
TONI

Myl unchwithNdowasn' tasusual.TodayIwas

dist
ractedbecauseofwhatmywi fehasfoundout.I
hatethis,
IhatewhenAmandaf i
ndsout .Thi
ssetup
Ihavewi t
hNdo, Sheknowsherpl ace.I
fshewas
thatvindi
cti
ve,Shewould'vel
ongt ol
dAmanda
aboutus.

ThoughIcannotf ul
lytrustbecauseWomanarenot
preci
se,IdoubtNdowoul drui
nouraff
airl
iket
hat
..
Mr sPi
errewalkedin..

Iwasj
ustpacki
ngt
oleave.
.

Mr
sP:Gl
adIcaughtyouher
e

Me:Mam'
Iwasaboutt
oleave
Shesmiledali
tt
leandthenwal
kedupt
olookatt
he
por
trai
tofherHusbandhangi
ngonmywall.
..

Mr sP:Myhusbandst artedthi
scompanyf rom
scrat
ch, Whent herewasal otofcompet i
ti
on.Wi t
h
thestrictcompetit
iont hathehad,Henevergaveup.
Hewentbankr upttwicebutbouncedback.Thi si
sa
famil
ycompany.Whenmyhusbanddi ed,Andmy
kidsfoughtforthiscompany.Ideci dedt ohi r
eyou,
At ot
alst r
angertorunt hecompany.Tokeepmy
kidsfrom kil
li
ngeachot her.Thei
ral
lowancesever y
mont h,From thi
scompanyi swhatkeepst hepeace
i
nmyf ami l
y

Me:Iunder
standMam

MrsP:Idon'
tcarewhatyoudooutsi
dethe
company,WhatIcar
eaboutiswhatyoudoinsi
de
t
hecompany

Me:Iknow

MrsP:Char
leneisasmal
lfi
shIknowbutChar
lene
canmakenoise.Noi
set
hatwedon'tneed

Me:Icannotbel
ieveshecamer
unni
ngt
oyou

Mr sP:Holdonnow..Youluckyshecamet ome
thangoingtoCCMAort hepapers.See,Toniyou
aredamngoodatyourj ob.Youexcelbutyoucan't
seem tokeepyourpri
vateli
feoutoftheworkplace

Me:Char
lenei
soutofor
der

Mr
sP:Char
lenei
sahur
templ
oyeewhowas
unfai
rl
ydismissedbecauseherBossisi
nvolving
herinhi
saffair
sandshedoesn'tevengetpaidfori
t!

Iexhal
edi
nFust
rat
ion.
.

MrsP:Youwillcal
lChar l
ene,
Apol
ogi
zeandbri
ng
herback.Byt
omorr ow,Sheshoul
dbeatt
hatdesk
am Imakingmyselfclear
?

Me:Cr
yst
al

NELI
SIWE

Nur
se:Goodeveni
ngIam N-

Oureyesmet
,Shef
roze.
.
Me:Nur
se?

Nur
se:I
'
m sor
ry.
.Youl
ookf
ami
li
ar

Me:Ido?

Nur
se:Yes

Me:Wi
thsomeoneyouknow?

Nur
se:Notenti
rel
y..Apat
ientescapedfr
om an
i
nst
it
uti
onaf ewyearsago,Youlookli
keherabit

Me:Ohwmywor
dtheof
fense!It
houghtyou'
dsaya
cel
ebr
it
y
Shel
aughed.
..

Nur
se:Myapol
ogi
es

Me:I
t'
sokay

Nur
se:I
'
m her
etogi
veyouyourmeds

Me:Thankyou

Nur
se:Justneedt
oinj
ectt
hisi
nyourI
Vbag

Me:Okay

Shetookoutt
hesyr
ingeandampul
e,Shewi
thdr
ew
thel
iqui
d..
Nur
se:Her
ewego

Whenshewasabouttoi
nject
,Igr
abbedherar
m
andt
ooktheneedl
e..

Nur
se:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
?

Ist
abbedheri
nherar
m..

Nur
se:Ahhhh!
!

Me:Youshoul
dn'
thavesai
dwhatyousai
d

Ihel
dherar
mti
ghtandkeptonj
abbi
ngher
.
.
Tobecont
inued
09
NELI
SIWE

Idon'tknowwhatshewasmeantt ogiveme, But

whateveritwas.I
tmadeherhi gh.Shel ookedhi gh
ashell.Shewasdownont hef loor,Tryingt oget
backupbutwasst r
uggli
ngt oo. .Istoodt here
l
ookingatherandr eal
izi
ngwhatIhavedone, Iwas
bi
tingmynai l
s.Ineededtot hink.Howam Iget ti
ng
outoft hi
sone?Iwalkedandpi ckedupt hesyr i
nge
fr
om t hefl
oor,
Iwenttof i
llitupwi thwat er.Iwent
backt oherandplacedthesyr ingedownnextt oher,
ThenIhoppedi nbedandscr eamedf orhel p.
..
AMANDA

Toniar
ri
vedhomej
usti
nti
mef
ordi
nner
..

Toni
:Hi

Me:Hi

Toni
:Howar
eyou?

Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..

Me:Goodandyou?

Toni
:I'
mfi
ne.
.Wher
eisLusanda?

Me:Mymom camet
opi
ckherup,
She'
l
lbevi
sit
ing
mymom f
orawhi
le

Toni
:YourMom i
nthehood?

Me:Yes

Toni:Lusandai
snotforthehoodli
fe,
Whydi dn'
t
youjustcallmyMothert
ocomeandgether ,Matter
offact.WhyisLusandaevenvi
sit
ingyourhouse
duri
ngaschoolweek?

Me:Fort
his.
.Forwhat
'shappeni
ngr
ightnow

Toni
:Whatdoyoumeanf
orwhat
'shappeni
ngr
ight
now

Me:Thear
gument
!Lusandashoul
dn'
tbeher
efor
t
his
Toni
:Whatargument?Becausetheonlyar
gument
wehavingisyousendi
ngmyDaught ertoyour
Mother
'shouse,I
fshewasherewewoul dn'
tbe
havi
ngthisar
gumentasyoucallit

Me:Ihadhopedthatyoursi
dechi
ckwoul
datl
east
t
amet heaggr
ession

Toni
:Whatsi
dechi
ck?
?Wher
edoyouevengett
hat
fr
om?

Me:Ihear
dyouokay?Att heki
tchen.Iwalkedin
andyoudidn'
tseeme,Shewasonl oudspeaker
andyouweretalki
ngabouthowbor ingoursexli
fe
i
s.Notonl
yareyouhur t
ingmebyhavi nganaf f
air
,
butyoual
somaki ngmet obedisr
espectedbyyour
si
de!

Hekeptqui
et.
..
Me:Thisi
sgoi
ngtogoonunt
ilwhen?Whenar
eyou
goi
ngtogrowupandout
li
vet
hishabit
?Onegr
ows
upatsomepoi
nt!

Hewi
pedhi
sfacewi
thhi
shand.
.

Me:Whatam Idoi ngsobadt hatyoualwaysfeel

theneedt ocheatonme?Al lt
hetime!Younever
stop,Younevertakeabr eak!WhenIt hi
nkyouhave
stopped,Youactual l
ydoiti
nsecr et
..WhathaveI
donet odeservethis?Whydoyouhat emesomuch?

Toni
:Amanda

Me:Whydi dyouevenmarrymeToni?Mar
ri
agei
sa
sacreduni
onandyoutreat
ingi
twit
hsomuch
disr
espect
.YoumadevowsbeforeGodand
everyone,buthereyouar ebr
eaki
ngt hemost
i
mpor tantvow!Whydoyouhat emesomuch?I f
somet hi
ngislackinginourmarri
agewhycan'twe
tal
kabouti t
?Whyt heneedtodi
srespectmel
ike
thi
s??

Toni:Theonlydi
fferenceist hatIdon'tcheatwi t
h
myhear t,
Icheatwithmydi ck.Anot herthing,I
wouldhaveachur chofki dsbynow, Iwoul d'
velong
madeyousi ckbutbecauseyouhavemyhear tI
alwaysmakesur etousepr ot ecti
onsot hatIprotect
you.There'
snothingmor etoi tthansex, I
fitwas
l
oveIwoul dbewi ththesamesi dechickbutt hisis
the7thone,It
'sj
ustaboutsex.Menhaveabi g
sexualappeti
tet
her e'
sthingsIwoul dn'tdot oyou
sexuall
ysoIgetthem t ofulfi
llthosesexual
fant
asiesforme!Amandai t'snotaboutl ove,Just
sexandagoodt ime.Il ovesexandyoudenyme
sexmostoft heti
meespeci all
ywhenwe' vefought

Me:Sonowi
t'
smyf
aul
t?
Toni:
DammitAmandathi
shasbeenhappeni
ngf
or
alongti
menow,Youshoul
dbegett
ingusedt
oit
!

Me:Wow.
.Goodni
ghtToni

NELI
SIWE

Il
ookedatoneoft
heNur
ses.
.

Me:I
sshegoi
ngt
obeokay?

Nur
se:Quest
ioni
s,Ar
eyouokay?

Me:Iam f
ine,
I'
mjustr
eli
evedshedi
dn'
tinj
ectmy
I
V.Lor
dknowswhatshewasgoi
ngt
oputi
nther
e

Nur
se:Iam sor
ry,
Thishasneverhappenedbef
ore.
ANurseact
inginthi
smanner

Me:Isi
tthefi
rstt
imeshe'
sdonethis?Get
ti
nghigh
onmeds?She'saddi
ctedt
oprescri
pti
ondrugs?
Doesshehaveprobl
ems?

Nurse:She'
soneofthebestNur
ses,Neverf
ort
h
comingaboutherpr
oblems.Shekeepstoher
self
,
Yesshewasgoi ngt
hroughamessycustodybatt
le

Me:Ohhno,Shesur
eisgoi
ngt
oloseherki
dorki
ds
shoul
dthi
sgoout

Nur
se:Iti
smydut
ytorepor
tthi
s,Iwi
llr
epor
tit
t
omorrowtot
hematr
on
Me:It
'ssosadhowonecanfuckupthei
rent
ir
eli
fe,
Imeanshehasagoodjob.Doyouknowhowmany
peopl
eareunempl
oyed

Nur
se:IknowSi
si

Me:Shej ustshowedupi nmywardhigh,Tri

edto
i
njectmyI V.Ifoughtt
hrough,
Iwoul
dn'thavehad
herinj
ectsomet hi
nginmewhenshewasi nthat
stat
e

Nur
se:Youdi
dwel
l,
I'
mtr
ulysor
ryaboutt
his

Me:Idon'
tevent
hinkI'
l
lbeablet
osleep,
I'
m so
t
raumati
zed.I
'dl
iket
obedischar
gedandgohome
t
omorrow

Nurse:Wewi
lladdr
essi
ttomor
row,
Agai
n.I
'
m so
sor
ry
AMANDA

Thenextmorni
ngIwokeuptoanemptybed.I
draggedmysel
foutofbedt
obrushmyteet
hand
washmyf ace.
.

Iwal
kedoutofthebedroom t
otheki
tchen,
Toni
wasprepar
ingbreakf
ast.
.

Toni
:Goodmor
ning

Me:Mor
ning

Toni
:Imadeyoubr
eakf
ast
Me:Thoughtyou'
dbeatwor
k

Toni
:I'
m goi
ngi
nlat
e

Me:Isee

Toni
:Iwi
llendi
twi
thNdo

Me:Thengetanot
herone

Toni
:Pl
easegi
vemet
hebenef
itoft
hedoubt

Me:Howl onghaveIgi
venyouthat
?Andsecond
chances?We'vebeent
hrought
hisroadbef
ore
haven'
twe?
Toni
:I'
mreal
lyt
ryi
ngher
e

Me:Ineedt
ogoandbat
h,Ihaveal
ongdayahead
ofme

NELI
SIWE

Iwasmeantt obekeptf
orlonger,Butaf
terwhat
tr
anspi
redlastni
ght.Mypleaofbeingdischar
ged
washeard.Idon'
tknow,butIfel
tli
kesuingthem.
.

Nai
ja:Whyisi
tthatever
ywher
eyougo,
Badt
hings
al
waysfol
lowyouthrough

Me:Whyisitthatwhenpeopl
ear
ear
oundmet
hey
can'
tactr
ight
? ?
Naij
a:WhathappenedNelzlastni
ght?ANursewho
i
ssaidtobethebestjustst
artsdevel
opi
ngan
addi
cti
onforprescr
ipt
iondrugs?

Me:I
t'
snotal
lofasudden,
Shemi
ghthavebeena
dr
uggi
e

Naij
a:Withnoappar
entneedl
emar
ksot
hert
hant
he
oneslastni
ght
?

Me:I
thappens

Nai
ja:Youcausememoreprobl
emst
hant
he
moneyyougenerat
eformeNelz

Me:Soyoul
ett
ingmego?
Naij
a:Ifyoukeeponacti
ngl
ikethiscr
azybi
tchyou
are.
.Yes,Imightbef
orcedt
oreplaceyouasti
me
goeson

Me:OhwIsee

Nai
ja:Let
'sgo

TONI

Ndo:HeyBaby

Me:Wecan'
tgooutt
hisweekend
Ndo:What
?Why?

Me:Mywi
fei
sont
ous,
Shef
oundoutaboutyou

Ndo:How?

Me:Longst
ory

Ndo:Soyoucancel
i
ngonmebecauseofwi
fey?
?

Me:I
'
llgi
veyoumoneyt
ospendt
hisweekend

Ndo:Toni
,Youdidn'
tst
artcheat
ingonhert
oday
st
opbeingdramati
c

Me:I
'
m notdr
amat
ic,
Wehavet
olayl
owf
orawhi
le
Ndo:Aghhh

Me:Bye
.
Tobecont
inued
10

NELI
SIWE

Ther oadt ohomewast ot

alsilence.Naijahasaway
ofthrowingsl ycomment sthatgeti nt
omyner ves,I
f
Ididn'tneedhim asmuchasheneededme.I
would'vel onggottenridofhim.Iwantamor e
settl
edl i
fe,Onethatdoesn'tr equireanysortof
abuseatal l
.Onethatdoesn' tmakemel ooknorf eel
cheap.Tobegenui nel
ywant ed, Lovedand
respected.Al i
fethathasnof ear,WorryingifI'
m
goingt omakei ttoseet omor rowornot .Igottothe
stat
ewher eIbecamecomf ortabl
einpain.My
upbri
ngingwasf il
ledwithnothingbutpainand
abuse.Ilostmysani t
y,Iwasadmi tt
edtoan
i
nstit
uti
onf oralongtime.Ilostmyself
,IlostwhoI
was.IcannotrecognizewhoIam anymor e,AllIsee
andknowi spain.Nothingmor eandnothingless...

Khomowashappytoseeme,Atl
eastsomeone
showsmedi
ff
erentf
eeli
ngst
hantheonesIalr
eady
know.
.

Khomo:Nt
wanayam eSt
rong

Me:Nt
wanayam

Khomo:Lookatyou,
Str
ongasever.Uphumengat
hi
uyabuya(
Youlef
tasifl
ikeyoucomingback)

Me:Ngabuyavel
e(Icameback)
Khomo:Jongauwunjandini
!Ugabhadi
ya!Landl
ord
yendawo.Youownumhl abaesi
hlal
akuwo( Youar
e
atopdog,aLandl
ord,Youownt heEar
ththatwe
l
ivein)

Il
aughed.
.

Me:I
t'
sgoodt
oseeyou

Khomo:Goodt
oseeyout
oo

Nai
ja:Letmenoti
nter
ruptt
hemoment
,Youl
adi
es
cat
chup..I'
l
lcomebacklat
er

Wel
ookedathi
m ashewal
kedt
othedoor
..

Nai
ja:Byt
heway
Hesai
dthatwi
thhi
sbackf
aci
ngus.
.

Naij
a:Yougi
rl
swil
lhaveafewdaysof
f,Fr
ee
shoppi
ngspr
eeandat r
eat
mentatabeaut
yspa.
.Al
l
onme

KhomoandIlookedateachot
hersur
pri
sed.Hehas
neverdonet
hatf
orus..
.

AMANDA

Iwentt
oseemyt
her
api
st.
.
Ther
api
st:Howdoesi
tfeel
whenhedoest
hat
?

Me:Iknowhesayssexmeansnot hingbutsexis
emoti
onal,
Itconnect
sbothpar
ti
esemot i
onall
y.He
mightnotf
eelanythi
ngbutt
heLadiesdofeel
somethi
ng

Ther
api
st:Somet
hingl
ikewhat
?

Me:Love

Ther
api
st:Yout
hinkt
heyf
all
ingf
orhi
m?

Me:I'
m awoman.
.Iknowital
l.
.Unt
ilonef
inal
ly
cat
chesdeepf
eel
ingsanddoawaywi t
hme

Ther
api
st:Hast
hateverhappened?Wi
thhi
s
pr
evi
oushookups?

Me:No

Therapi
st:I
sitt
hefearthatyouhave,Toapoi
ntof
i
magi ni
ngtheworstcasescenari
o?Isyourbr
ain
al
readyprepari
ngyouforthat?

Me:Yes,I
'
m ment
all
ypr
epar
ingmysel
fforwhen
t
hathappens

Therapi
st:Hypot
het
ical
lyspeaki
ng,
Let
'ssayi
t
happens.Areyougoingtofi
ght?

Me:No.
.I'
mti
redoff
ight
ing,
Ihavenof
ighti
nme
l
eft

Ther
api
st:Usi
ngt
hesameener
gybasedonwhat
yousayi
ngnow,Can'ti
tst
artnow?Can'tyouuse
thesameener
gytoleaveyourmarr
iagenow?

Me:Thef
actthathehasn'
tbr
oughtonehome, Gi
ves
mehopethatmaybeourmarri
agecansti
llbesaved

Therapist
:Tel
lme. .Ar
eyoustayi
ngbecauseyou
tr
ulylovehim orbecausei
t'
sthefearofbei
ngal
one,
Star
tingoverwithouthi
m?

Me:Nevert
houghtofi
tthatway

Therapi
st:That'
swhatIneedyout othinkabout
,I
needyout odoat hor
oughsel fi
ntr
ospecti
on.Why
areyoustil
linthi
smar r
iage,Wri
teeveryt
hingdown.
Allt
hereasonswhyyoust i
ll
wannahol donthen
we'l
lworkont hem

Me:I
'
lldoso
TONI

Me:Ihadnor ightt
ofi
reyou,Iactedonsudden
emotions.Thatwasunpr
ofessionalandunet
hical
,
I'
m sorr
y

Charl
ene:Idi
dn'
tmeant oratonyoubutwhenyou
fi
redme,Iwasscared.IwasscaredofhowIwas
goingt
opaymyr ent,hel
pfeedmyf ami
lyt
oo.Idi
d
whatIhadtodo,Topr ot
ectmyJob

Me:Iunderst
andandI
'
mtr
ulysor
ry.
.Itwon'
t
happenagain

Charl
ene:Icometoworkever
ydayt
odomypar
t,
Off
icescandal
sI'
m nott
heonefort
hat
Me:Iwon'
tincl
udeyouanymor
e

Char
lene:Thankyou

Me:Agai
n,I
'
m sor
ry

Char
lene:I
t'
sokay

NELI
SIWE

Iwassi t
ti
ngonthecouch.Iwasonmyphone
catchingupont helatestsoci
almediadr ama.I
stumbl eduponat weet,Regar
dingthisfemale
acti
vistagainstGBV.AmandaHl ophe..Isear
ched
herupandshehel pswomenwhohavebeen
abused, Orvi
cti
msofGBV. .Uponchecki
ngher ,I
sawapi ctureofherandherhusband.ToniHlophe,
Checkinghim outheisaCEOofPi er
redairy
products.

Helookedgoodnolie,
Don'tknowifhi
slookscome
of
fnatural
lyormoneyenhancedthem.

Me:Khomo

Shecameandsatnextt
ome.
.

Me:He'
shandsomei
sn'
the?

Ishowedher
..

Me:Handsomeandr
ich
Khomo:OhhhToni
..Nai
ja'
sfr
iendandcl
ient

Me:Wai
twhat
?

Khomo:Heget
sgi
rl
sfr
om Nai
ja

Me:Howi
sthatpossi
ble?Thi
sguydoescal
lgi
rl
s?

Khomo:Yes

Me:Wow!Hismarri
agemustbeshi
ttyt
henbecause
hi
swif
elooksl
ikeshe'
sagoodwife

Khomo:Ahhyouknowhowt
heseMenar
e,He'
s
wit
hNdocurrent
ly
Ndousedt obeoneofus, Scr at
cht hat.Ndoi sone
ofusjustupgr
aded.Oneoft heguysshehookedup
wit
h,Gotheraflatandpaidf orherr enteverymonth.
Idon'
tli
keherthatmuch, Shet hinksshe'sallthat
j
ustbecauseshe'sbeendoi ngt hisl
ongert hanus..
.
Meandherhaveahi st
ory..

Khomo:Speaki
ngofNdo,
Shehasi
nvi
tedusover
fordi
nner

Me:Howdi dsheinvi
teusoverwhenIwasatt
he
hospi
tal
,Idi
dn'tgett
heinvi
tat
ion

Khomo:Shedi
dn'
tknowt
hatyouwer
eatt
he
hospi
tal

Me:Ican'
tgotoNdo'
spl
acel
ooki
ngl
iket
his,
Wit
ha
bandagear
oundmyhead
Khomo:Don'
tbel
iket
hat
,Ndoi
soneofus

Me:Ndoi
sat
rai
tor
,Ther
e'snol
oyal
tyi
nher

Khomo:St
il
lmadt
hatshehookedupwi
tht
hatguy?

Me:Thatguywasf orme,I
fshedi
dn'
thookupwith
himI '
l
lbetheonewi tht
hefl
at.Wewereal
lint
he
club,ThenHurr
icaneNdowhenIwentt ot
herest
room shesnat
chedhi m.WhenIgotback,
They
wer egone

Khomo:Theynotevenexcl
usi
veanymor
e

Me:Howi
sshemai
ntai
ningherl
if
est
yle?

Khomo:Toni
Me:YouknowwhatI
'
llgo

Khomo:What
'sonyourmi
nd?

Me:I
'
llsnat
cht
hisTonif
rom her

Khomo:Nel
z!

TONI

Ndotextedmet hatshe'
l
lbehost
ingfr
iendsather
apart
ment,Askedmef ormoneyfordr
inks.Isent
her5k..

Char
leneknocked.
.
Charl
ene:Someonei
sher
etoseeyou,
Hedoesn'
t
haveanappoint
ment
.Hesayshe'
sadearf
ri
end

Me:Who?

Char
lene:Nai
ja

Me:Sendhi
min

Char
lene:YesSi
r

Shewal
kedout
.Icl
osedmyl
apt
op.
.

Nai
jawal
kedi
nwi
thChar
lene.
.

Nai
ja:Youshoul
dbeear
ningatl
east500kamont
h
now

Me:Onmywayt
her
e

Charl
ene:Shoul
dIgetyougent
lemenanyt
hingt
o
dr
ink?

Me:Nowegood

Char
lene:I
'
llbeatmydesk

Nai
ja:Tel
lmeyouhavehi
tthat

Me:Sorrytodisappoi
ntyoubutIdon'
tmi
xbusi
ness
wi
thpleasure

Hesatdown.
.
Me:Whatbr
ingsyouher
e?

Nai
ja:Iwasi
nthenei
ghbor
hood

Me:Ohwyeah?

Nai
ja:Yeah

Me:What
'st
hel
owdown

Hekeptqui
et.
.

Me:Busi
nessgood?Newgi
rl
s?

Nai
ja:Notyet
Me:That
'sunl
ikeyou

Nai
ja:It
hinkI
'
minl
ovewi
thoneofmycal
lgi
rl
s

Me:That
'snew,
You'
veneverbr
oughti
nfeel
s

Nai
ja:Iknow

Me:Letmeseeher

Hetookouthi
sphone, Gotherphot
o.Senti
ttome
onwhatsapp.
.Icheckedit
..

Me:She'
sbeaut
if
ul,
Shedoesn'
tgi
vemet
hecal
lgi
rl
vi
bes

Nai
ja:Iknow
Me:What
'shername?

Nai
ja:Nel
z

Me:She'
sreal
lybeaut
if
ul
.
Tobecont
inued
11

NELI
SIWE

Myoutf
itwasbangi
ng,Mymakeupwasupt o
st
andar
d.Can'
tsaymuchaboutthebandage
ar
oundmyheadorforeheadr
ather
.Itwaski
ll
ing
mycurr
entsl
ayi
ngimage..
Naij
aborrowedushiscar,Apartfr
om i
tal
l.Ido
haveali
cense,Icandr
ive.Atleasthet
aughtus
somethi
ngpositi
ve.
.

Ndosignedusi n,Tookusupt oherapartment.

Beaut
ifulf
lat,
Rentmi ghtbealit
tl
ebitexpensive.
Shewaswear i
nganor di
naryoutfi
tbutsti
lll
ooked
beaut
if
ulinit,Nohecticmakeup.Justamascar a
andaneyeliner.
.

Ndo:Wel
comeLadi
es

Weexchangedhugs.
.

Ndo:LookatyouNelz,
Youdr
essedupf
orani
ndoor
chi
ll
..Di
dyougetthememo?

Me:Someofuspr
efert
olookgoodi
nal
loccasi
ons,
I
t'
ssomet
hingbur
iedi
nourDNA

Ndo:Not
ed,
Andwhathappenedt
oyourhead?

Me:I
t'
scal
lednoneofyourbusi
ness

Khomo:EasyNel
z

Ndo:SameoldNelz.
.Wellt
henmakeyour
sel
ves
comfor
tabl
e,havedr
inksandI
'l
ldi
shupsoon

AMANDA
Ma:Shewaspl
ayi
ngwi
tht
heot
herki
ds,
Shehad
f
un

Me:Shepl
ayedout
sideont
her
oad?St
reet
?

Ma:I
ntheyar
d

Me:Idon'
tknowi
fI'
m comf
ort
abl
ewi
tht
hat

Ma:Sheenj
oyedi
tthoughMandy

Me:Iunderst
andbutIdon'
twantLusandaget
ti
ng
usedtothehoodl
if
e

Ma:Aghyoul
ikeover
react
ing

Tonishowedupatt
heki
tchen,
Hewasdr
essedup.
.
Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:MaIhavet
ogo.
.I'
l
ltal
ktoyouguyssoon

Ma:Okaygoodni
ght

Me:Goodni
ght

Toni
:I'
m goi
ngoutwi
thNai
jaf
ordr
inks

Me:Ohw

Toni
:I'
l
lseeyoulat
er.Don'
twai
tup,
Andputmy
pl
atei
nt hemi
crowave

Me:Isee
Toni
:Seeyoul
ater
..Il
oveyou

Me:Il
oveyout
oo

NELI
SIWE

Khomo:Idon'tunderst
andwhyNaijahasn'
tmade
changeswit
hus, Imeanweshouldbelivi
ngli
ke
thi
s.Notf
rom ajealouspoi
ntofvi
ewNdo

Ndo:Underst
andabl
e..Look,
Naijamakessurehe
keepsyouinhist
eam sohegetsmoneyof fyou.
WhatdidIdo?Iseducedthecli
entshegavemeso
theycangetmeout
Khomo:Howdoyoudothat
?ImeanNelzherewas
supposedtogot
oSi
ngapor
ebutsher
efusedand
gotatt
acked

Il
ookedather
..

Me:Wel
lthankyouKhomof
orput
ti
ngmybusi
ness
outt
her
e

Ndo:Hey.
.Weal
lSi
ster
s

Khomo:Iwoul
d'vegr
abbedt
heoppor
tuni
tywi
th
bot
hhands

Ndo:True.
.Byt
hewayguys,
I'
vei
nvi
tedt
womor
e
peopl
e
Khomo:Who?

Ndo:Mybl
esserToniandhe'
scomi
ngwi
thNai
ja

Khomo:Dr
ead!
!!

Thementi
onofToni
'
snamewi t
hthecurr
entstate
thatI
'
min,Idi
dnotl
iket
his.Idon'
tli
ket
hisi
njury.
.

Khomo:Coul
dn'
tyoui
nvi
teanyoneel
seot
hert
han
Naij
a?

Ndo:Theggoodf
ri
endsso.
.

Khomo:It
houghtt
hiswasaGi
rl
'st
hing?

Ndo:Tonipaysmybi
ll
sso.
.Ican'
tref
use
Me:Iam al
lfori
t,Pl
ust
hisgett
oget
heri
sdeadass
bor
ing

Ndo:Sadt hatyouareusedt
othel
owcl
assget
toget
herfuncti
ons.Thi
sisahumbl
egett
oget
her,
anindoorfuncti
on

Me:Sad.
..

Khomo:Letmegetanot
herdr
ink

AMANDA

Idon'tbel
ievehe'
sgoi
ngoutwi
thNaij
a,He'
s
probablygoingoutwi
tht
hesi
dechi
ck.
.
Ipour
edaglassofwine.Ifhedidn'
tmarrymeoutof
COP,I'
dcl
eanhim outf
inancial
ly.WhenIleavet
his
marri
age,
I'
mleavi
ngwi t
hnot hi
ng..

HowcouldIhavebeenthisstupid?Whydi dIagr
ee
t
othisoutofCOPthing?It'
sli
kehe'salwaysknown
t
hathewasgoi ngt
oscrewmeoverhencet he
f
uckeryofmakingsurethatIdon'tl
eavethis
marr
iagebecauseI'
l
lbeleavingwi t
hnothing!

NELI
SIWE

Ndo:Theyher
e,Letmegoandgett
hem
Iwat
chedherasshewal
kedout
..

Khomo:Weher et
ohaveagoodt i
me,
Idon'
twant
anyissues.Idon'
twantanyt
roubl
eNtwanayam
eSt
rongpl ease

Me:Therewon'tbeanytr
oubl
ebutbef
oret
henight
ends.Toni'
snumberwil
lbesavedonmyphone.
.
Bestbeli
eve!
.
Tobecont
inued

TONI

IpassedbyNai
ja'
spl
acet
ogethi
m..
Me:Thi
ngsar
etenseathomeMan,
Ican'
tbet
her
e
now

Nai
ja:Di
vor
cet
hebi
tch

Me:She'
stheMot
herofmyDaught
er

Nai
ja:So?Youcanst
il
lbeaPar
entoutofmar
ri
age

Me:I
t'
sdi
ff
icul
ttof
indawi
femat
eri
alt
hesedays

Nai
ja:Youthi
nki
ngofgett
ingmarriedaf
tert
he
di
vorce?St
optri
ppi
ngjustfuckbi
tchesandkeepi
t
moving

Me:Sayssomeonewhoi
sinl
ove
Naij
a:Idon'
tknowifI
'
llmar
ryhert
houghbutIknow
she'
smyki ndofwoman

Me:You'
l
ltr
ipandf
indyour
sel
fsayi
ngweddi
ng
vows

Nai
ja:We'
l
lsee

Me:Am Ist
il
lont
her
ightt
rack?

Nai
ja:Yeah.Weal
mostt
her
e
12

NELI
SIWE

Tonimetmyexpect
ati
ons,Exact
lyashowI
i
maginedhi
m andmore.There'
snothi
ngmore
dangerousl i
kesuchacombinat
ion.Goodl ooks,
Rich,andawel lt
akencar
ebodyt oo.If
eltso
embar rassedwit
hthebandagearoundmy
forehead..

Wewer ealli
ntr
oducedt oeachot her
,Something
aboutoureyeslockingintogetherasweshook
hands.Imightbeover t
hinki
ngt hi
ngs,Buthedamn
confi
rmeditwithstolenlooksaswewer eallsit
ti
ng
i
nt hel
ivi
ngroom. .

Hiswifemustbegoi ngthr
oughshit,
Havinga
husbandlikethi
swhoi salsover
ymuchcheating.
.
NowIf eelgoodfordressi
ngup,That'
stheonl
y
thi
ngspeakingforme. .
.

Ndowassi
tt
ingonhi
slap,Hi
shandonherthi
ghs.
Wewereal
lhavi
ngagoodchat.Dri
nki
ngandj
ust
t
alki
ng,
Wehadjustf
ini
shedeati
ng.
.
HemademeblushwhenIsai
dsomet
hingandhi
s
eyeswer
egl
uedonme..

IfIcoul
dhaveToni
,Iwoul
dn'
tevenwanttobehi
s
callgi
rl
.I'
dwantasi
dechi
ckr
elat
ionshi
pwit
hhim..
.

AMANDA

Ithi
nkIwentt oomuchwi t
hthewhi skey.If eltver
y
drunkandlightheaded.Idownedt hel astglassand
mademywayt othebathroom, Totakeashowerso
Icouldberidoftheintoxi
cati
on.Iopenedt hedoor
andsteppedin,Switchedont hewat ertoa
recommendedt emper at
ure.Ireali
zedIf orgotmy
showergel.Iopenedt hedoortogogeti t,
That '
s
whenIslippedandf ell
.HowIf ell
,Imissedt he
showerstepandcol li
dedwitht hefl
oor .
..
NELI
SIWE

Ndo:Doyouwantar
efi
ll
?

Toni
:Yespl
ease

Ndogotupf
rom hi
slapandwentt
ogetar
efi
ll
..

Khomo:Forhowl
onghaveyoubeenf
ri
endswi
th
Naij
a?

Toni
:It
'sbeenaf
ewyear
snow

Khomo:Isee
Ndo:Khomocanyoupl
easecomehel
psoIdoal
l
t
hedrinks?

Khomo:Yeahsur
e

ShewenttoNdo.
.Att
hatinst
antNai
ja'
sphoner
ang
too,
Heexcusedhi
mself
..

NowIwasl
efti
nanawkwar
dmomentwi
thToni
..

10secondspassedwi
thoutussayi
nganyt
hingt
o
eachother
..

Toni:
Ifyoudon'
tmi
ndmeaski
ng,
Whathappened
toyourhead?

Me:OneofNai
ja'
scl
ient
sat
tackedme
Toni
:Forr
eal
?

Me:Yes..Andbei ngacal lgir

l,I
t'
stheCl
ient
'sword
overyours.So..Nothingwasdoneaboutt hat,Ij
ust
wannaleavet hisl
ife.Idon'twannadothisanymore,
I'
minsear chofaj obtogetmyl i
feinor
der

Toni
:That'
sgoodbecausebet
weenyouandI
,You
don'
tfi
tinbei
ngacallgi
rl

Me:Compl
imentori
nsul
t?

Toni
:Compl
iment

Me:Thankyou,
Iappr
eci
atet
hat

Toni
:Keeponsear
chi
ng,St
ri
vingt
hrough.
Somethi
ngwil
lcomeup
Me:That'st
rue.
.Somethi
ngwilldef
ini
tel
ycomeup
becausewedon'tknowwhatthefutur
eholds,
I
don'twannabegett
ingagoodmanal ongtheway
thenmypastcatchesupwit
hme

Toni
:Igetyou

Me:Mar
ri
ed?

Toni
:Uhm.
.Yes

Me:Ther
e'ssomet
hingshe'
snotdoi
ngr
ighti
fyou
her
e

Toni
:Whatmakesyout
hinkl
iket
hat
?

Me:Forst
art
ers,
Youher
eandIam damnsur
eyou
didn'
tjustst
artcheat
ing.Sot
her
e'ssomet
hing
she'snotdoingri
ght

Toni
: Veryfi
rstwomanI '
vemetwhoisnota
feminist
.Usuall
yit'
llbesai
dthatamani
scheat
ing
outofhisownwi llandthewomanhasnothi
ngt
o
dowi t
ht hat

Me:Thati ssaidtomaket hewomanf eelbetter

.I
meanweaswomenneedt okeepourownby
maki ngsur ethatourMenar ewell t
akencar eofin
alldi
rections.Younotst arvingintheki tchenand
younotst ar
vinginthebedr oom.Especi all
yinthe
bedroom, Helldar
eIlovesexsowe' llbedoingi t
everywher e.Inthekit
chen, Lounge, Shower ,
Bedroom.I '
devenvisityouatwor ktohavesexi n
theof f
ice.Youathomecat chinguponwor kI'm
theregivingyouabl owj ob, I
'm wakingyouupwi t
h
one.Wehavesexbef oreyougot ot heof fi
ce,So
yougett hereandyoui nyourbestmood
consideringhowhect icofficepolit
icsar e,Not
for
getti
ngthehomecookedmeal syou'llbeget
ti
ng
nowt hatt
amesaman, Especi
all
yr oleplayi
ngi
nsex.
Explori
ngthef
antasi
esandeverything

Toni
:Wow!

Ndocamebacki
nwi
tht
hedr
inksf
oll
owedby
Khomo.
..

Ndo:Her
ear
ethedr
inks

Me:Thankyou

Ndo:Idon'
tknowaboutNai
jawe'
l
lref
il
lhi
m when
hecomesback
AMANDA

Itr
iedl
if
ti
ngmyheadupbutmyvi si
onwasbl ur
ry,
andmyheadhurt.It
ri
edgett
ingmysel
fupfrom the
fl
oorbuti
twashard.I
twasveryhar
d,Thealcohol
i
nmysyst em mi
xedwitht
heinj
urywasn'
tdoingme
anygood..

Me:Hel
p..
.

NELI
SIWE

Nai
jacameback.
.
Nai
ja:Ineedtogo,
Somet hi
ngcameup.Somet hi
ng
ur
gent,Tonii
fyousti
llchi
ll
ingI
'
llgetmysel
fanUber

Toni
:Yeahcool
..I
sever
ythi
ngokay?

Nai
ja:Notent
ir
ely.
.Canyoudr
opt
hegi
rl
satmy
pl
acewhenyoul eave?

Tonil
ookedatme.
.

Toni
:Idon'
tmi
ndatal
l

Nai
ja:Thankyou

Hewal
kedout
..
.
Khomo:Don'
tyouf
eel
wei
rdbei
ngwi
thwomenonl
y
i
ntheroom?

Toni
:Ar
eyouguyspl
anni
ngonr
api
ngme?

Ndo:Asi
fli
keIwoul
dal
lowt
hat

Weal
llaughed.
.

Ndo:Att
hekitchenKhomowasaskingifyoudon't
haveafr
iend,
Shewant st
ogetoutofthi
sbusiness
beli
keme..

Toni
:Wel
lmostarest
ri
ctl
yloyalt
othei
rmar
it
al
vowsso,
ButI
'l
lkeeponchecking

Khomo:Thankyou
Toni
:Haveyout
houghtaboutget
ti
ngaj
ob?

Khomo:Idon'
tevenhavemat
ri
cso.
.

Toni
:Evert
houghtaboutget
ti
ngone?

Ndo:What'
sthist
alknow?Idon'
thavemat
ri
ctoo.
WellIdi
dgettomatri
cbutf
ail
ed

Khomo:Nel
zdoeshave,
andshepassedwel
l

Ndo:Shetookeasysubj
ect
s..Hi
stor
yandt
hem you
can'
tfai
lthose

Me:EasyornotbutatleastIgott
omatri
cand
passed,I
fIcoul
dbeaf f
ordedanoppor
tunit
ytogo
fur
ther.I
'
ddoit,Despi
temyage.Nothi
ngbeauti
ful
asanindependentwoman
Ndo:Wel
lTonidoesn'
tmi
nd,Helovesawoman
whocanbeahousewifeawomanwhot akescare
ofhi
m souneducat
edwinatt
hispoint
..Rightbabe?

Sheki
ssedhi
m..

Me:Excuseme.
.I'
m goi
ngt
othebat
hroom
.
Tobecont
inued
13

NELI
SIWE

Wehadagoodni ghtatNdo'
s.Idon'
tli
kehermuch
butIr
eal
lyenj
oyed,Maybethat'
sbecauseToniwas
ther
eandhewasgoodcompany.Myat tent
ion
couldn'
tgetoffhim,Hecaughtmyeye.He'swell
spoken,Nicevoiceandagreatsmi
letoo.Iwas
l
osingmysel fi
ntohim nol
ie.
.

Hedr oveusbackataround23:00.Khomowas
sleepingatthebackandIwasatthefront.Thi
nk
thatNdol eti
thappenbecauseKhomoi shere,
She
feltconfi
dentwit
hhim andonhersel
fforTonito
driveusback..

Weweren'
tchi
tchat
ti
ngmuchi
nthecar
,Butt
he
aur
awasgood..

Ashewasdr ivi
ng,Hishandmovedandl ocatedmy
thighs.Itwentinbet weenmyt hi
ghs.Nowt hi
sisa
trap,IknowI '
m acal lgi
rlbutIdon'thavet obe
cheap.I fIl
ethimi neasy, Hemi ghtloseinter
est.Hi
t
i
tandr un,ThinkI'
m nodi f
ferentfrom theothercall
girl
s.Idecidedt oteasehim al i
tt
le,Lethishandgo
allin.Wheni tcamei ncont actwit
hmyunder wear,I
gr
abbeditandf
orceditout
.Hedi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing
j
ustgavemeachuckle..

Toni
:Howaboutyournumbert
hen?

Me:Wi
llyoubeabl
etohandl
eAwi
fe?Asi
deand
t
henMe?

Toni
:Wel
lIl
ikeachal
lenge,
Let
'sseewher
eitt
akes
us

Hegavemehisphone,Unl
ocked.Iputi
nmy
numberandsavedi
t.
.

Toni
:I'
l
lcal
lyou

Me:I
'
llbewai
ti
ngf
ort
hecal
l
Toni
:Tel
lmef
ir
st,
Doyoul
ikeNai
ja?

Me:I
nwhatway?

Toni
:Romant
icwi
se?

Me:No..Naij
ahasshownt hathedoesn'tcareabout
meoranyoft heothergir
ls.Lookatme, I'
minjured
andhedecidedtosidewithmyat t
ackerthan
act
ual
lydoingsomet hi
ngabouti t
.Icangetkill
edby
oneofhispeopleandhewoul dn'tgiveadamn

Toni
:Hadt
hati
nmi
ndal
lal
onghaven'
tyou?

Me:Iguessso

Toni
:Thenit
'sgoodthatyounotfeel
inghi
m,Don'
t
wantanyruninswit
hmyFr iend
Me:Idon'
tli
keNai
jai
nthatway,
Iresenthi
m

Toni
:That
'sdeep

Me:Iwi
shIdi
dn'
t,
ButIdo

Toni
:Igetyoudon'
twor
ry

Hehelduptohispromi
seandindeedgotustoour
pl
acesafe.IwokeKhomoup,Shewentreal
lyhar
d
ontheal
cohol.
.

Khomo:Thankyouf
ort
her
ideToni
Toni
:Youwel
come

Me:Thankyou

Hebowedhi
shandal
it
tl
e,KhomoandIwal
kedi
n..
.

Khomo:Tonii
sni
ce,
Youdon'
tgett
hem r
ichand
ki
nd

Me:Yeah.
.Ir
eal
lywanthi
m

Khomo:Nel
z!

Me:Tonicangetusoutofher
e,I
ntoamuchbet
ter
pl
ace

Khomo:Thi
sisdanger
ous.
.Tonii
swit
hNdoand
Naij
aisi
ntot
oyou.Naij
aandToniar
efri
ends
Ist
oppedandl
ookedather
..

Me:WhatdoyoumeanNai
jai
sint
ome?

Khomo:Ntwanayam eSt
rong,
ngi
k'
thembeso.
.You
haven'
tnot
iced?

Me:Wow..That
's.
.Ihaven'
treal
lypai
dmuch
at
tent
ion

Khomo:Soj
ustbesaf
eNt
wana

Me:Iwi
ll
TONI

AtleastIwasabl
etohaveagoodt i
me,outoft
his
house.Outofthi
sst
ressf
ulenvi
ronment.
.

Iunl
ockedandmademywayi n.I
twasqui
et.Li
ght
s
werest
il
lon.
.Thatwasst
range.
.

Iswit
chedofft
hekit
chenl
ightandwenttoswi
tch
ontheli
vingr
oom anddi
nningroom l
ight
..

WhenIgottothepassage,
Iheardtheshowerwater
r
unning.Imademywayt othebathroom,Onthe
f
loorwasAmanda.Shewasnaked. .

Me:Dammi
t!
!
Iwentandtur
nedthewateroff.Ithenatt
endedt
o
her.
.Shewassti
llbr
eat
hingbutherbr eat
hingwas
shal
low.Shesmell
edofalcoholtoo..

Me:Amanda?
?

Shedidn'
trespond.It
ookthetowelandcover
edher
,
ThenIpickedheruptogethertothehospi
tal
..
.

NELI
SIWE

Khomowentt
osleepri
ghtaway,
Meandhershar
e
t
hesamebedroom..
Iwentandbathe,Thenwal
kedoutt
othebat
hroom.
Iheardthedoorunl
ocki
ngandopeni
ng.I
twas
Naij
a..

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Nai
ja:Youguysar
eback

Me:Wear
e

Heclosedandlocked.Hecont
inuedl
ooki
ngatme,I
hadatowelwrappedaroundmynakedandpart
ial
ly
wetbody..

Nai
ja:Hadagoodt
ime?

Me:I
twasagoodi
ndoorout
ing
Nai
ja:Good

Me:Uhm.
.Goodni
ght

Nai
ja:Goodni
ghtNel
z

TONI

Ipacedupanddowni nthewai t
ingroom.Amanda
hashadpr obl
emsbef or
e,Ment alprobl
emsduet o
mycheat ing.I
tdrovehercrazy, Shehadtotake
medsj usttostayri
ght.Beforethat,Shewasusing
alcoholt oshadowherpai nbutal coholmadeit
wor se.Shewentont oseekt herapyandshewas
putonmeds.Wewer emaki ngpr ogr
ess,Buti
t
seemsl i
keshe'sfall
ingoffthewagon. .
Icannotkeepondoi ngthi
s, Mywi fei
s..Iloveheras
theMot herofmychi ldbutIam noti nlovewi t
hher
anymor e.Thespar khasgone, Itwaslonggone.I
am evenopt i
ngf oradivorcenow.Ican' tkeepon
l
ivi
ngl i
kethis,Sucidalt
hreats.Emot i
onalblackmail
,
I'
veseenbet ternow.Iwantbet ter,
She's
emotionall
yweakandIhat ethatabouther .

Isatont
hechai randwenttoNell
y'
scont act
s.I
deci
dedtocallher.Idi
dn'
tevenexpecthertopi
ck
upbutshedid..

Nel
z:Thatwasqui
ck

Me:Sl
eepi
ng?

Nel
z:Justf
ini
shedbat
hing,
Wasaboutt
oo
Me:Sor
ryf
ordi
stur
bingyou

Nel
z:I
t'
sokay.Thoughtyou'
dbebangi
ngorf
ight
ing
wif
ey

Me:Act
ual
lyatt
hehospi
tal

Nel
z:Di
dyougeti
ntosomeki
ndofacci
dent
?

Me:Notatal
l.
.Mywi
fe,
She.
.Shet
ri
edt
ocommi
t
sui
cide

Nel
z:What
??

Me:She'
sbeensui
cidal

Nel
z:Ei
sht
hat
'sbad
(
Sil
ence)

Nel
z:Howi
sshe?

Me:Wai
ti
ngf
ort
heDr

Nel
z:Icanst
ayupont
hephoneunt
ilyougetnews

Me:Youdon'
thavet
oo

Nel
z:Iwantt
oo
.
Tobecont
inued
14
AMANDA

AWEEKLATER

Iwasget t
ingdischargedtoday.WithToninot
wantingtofetchmehehadhi sfri
endNai jacome
fet
chme, Whobyt hewayIdon' tl
ike.He'sabad
i
nfluence.Idon'tl
ikehiswaysofl i
ving.Heeven
camet opickmeupl at
eintheaf t
ernoon..

Nai
ja:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?

Me:Justt
akemehome

Nai
ja:Okay.
.Let
'sgo

Ist
oodupandt
ookmybagt
oget
herwi
tht
hepi
ll
s.I
am schedul
edforther
apy,Theygavemeanew
ther
apist
.I'
l
lbeseeinghi
m 3t i
mesaweekunt
ilmy
mentalstat
eisgoodagain.

NELI
SIWE

IwenttoseeToniathisoffi
ce,Igothimlunch.We
tal
kalotoverthephone,andthisi
st hesecondti
me
wemeet ingf
acetoface.Ical
ledinthemor ni
ng,He
agreedformetocome...

Recept
ioni
st:Uhm.
.Mi
ssShezi

Me:Nel
ipl
ease

Recept
ioni
st:Youcangoahead.Fi
rstf
loor
Me:Thankyou

Ist
oodupwi t
ht hebr
ownpaperbagandwentt ot
he
el
evat
or.Igott
ot hef
irstf
loorandthewholefloor
washis.Isawthisot
herwhiteladyatherdesk,I
wentuptoher.
.

Me:Goodday

Her
:Goodday.
.Ar
eyouMsShezi
?

Me:Nel
ipl
ease

Her
:He'
swai
ti
ngf
oryou

Me:Thankyou
Iwal
kedupt
ohi
sdoor
,Hewaspl
ayi
nggol
f.
.

Iknocked.Hel
ookedatme.
.

Toni
:Pl
easecomei
n

Iwal
kedi
n..

Me:Pl
ayi
nggol
fint
heof
fi
ce?

Toni
:Onl
yspor
tthatcal
msmedownandr
elaxes
me

Me:St
ressed?

Toni:Tryi
ngtobringinaver ybi
gcli
ent
,Wedida
presentat
ionforhim yest
erdayandwesupposedt
o
hearfrom hi
mt oday
Me:Iwi
shyoul
uck

Toni
:Thankyou

Me:Br
oughtyouf
ood

Toni
:Youshoul
dn'
thaveusedyourmoneyt
obuy

Me:Notatal
l,
Icooked

Toni
:Youcooked?

Me:Yes

Toni
:Di
dyouputanykor
obel
aint
her
e?
Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:Maybe

Heputt
hegol
fst
ickdownandwal
kedt
othet
abl
e..

Toni
:Cr
eamychi
ckenl
asagne

Me:Yeap

Toni
:Howdi
dyouknowt
hati
twasmyf
avor
it
e?

Me:Idi
dn'
tknow

Iwaslyi
ng.
.Ididr
esear
chonhisFacebookandI
sawthepostbuti
t'
sanoldpost
..
Me:It
'smyf avori
teandonedi
shIpr
epar
ewel
l
,
Thoughtyou'dli
keit

Toni
:Let
'ssee

Ispent3daysper
fect
ingt
her
eci
pe.
.

Het
ast
edi
t,Ibi
tmyt
ongue.
.

Toni
:It
'sact
ual
lydel
ici
ous

Me:That
'swhatIl
iket
ohear

AMANDA
Nai
japar
kedatt
hegat
e..

Me:Thankyou

Nai
ja:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
obef
ine?

Me:I
'
llbef
ine

It
ookmybagandgotout.Iwenti
nsi
det
hehouse,
Ourhel
perwasar
ound.
.

Me:Goodday

Her
:Madam.
.Howar
eyou?

Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Her
:I'
m wel
l.
.Waswor
ri
ed

Me:Don'
tbe.
.Asal
ways,
Iwenthar
dont
hebot
tl
e

Her
:OhhhhhhMadam

Me:Tonii
smadatme,
It'
samess

Her
:I'
l
lpr
ayf
oryou

Me:Thankyou

Her
:Shoul
dIbr
ingyousomet
hingt
odr
ink?Rooi
bos
t
eawit
hhoneyandlemon?

Me:I
'
m good,
Justwannal
aydownal
it
tl
e
Her
:OkayMadam

Iwalkedtothebedroom andt hrewmybagont he

fl
oor.Ihat
ehospital
s,Couldn'tgetagoodrest.On
thebedlai
dabi gwhiteenvelope.Iwenttocheckit.
.
Itookoutthepapersinsi
de,Itwasdivorcepapers.
.

Me:OhhLor
dno!

NELI
SIWE

Toni
:Iwasupf
orpr
omot
ionwi
tht
woot
herwhi
te
guys
Wewer
esi
tt
ingonhi
scoucheat
ingt
hel
asagne.
.

Me:Andt
heBl
ackguygott
hej
ob,
hebecamea
CEO

Toni
:Yeapt
hebl
ackguygoti
t

(
Sil
ence)

Toni
:I'
mfi
ll
ingf
ordi
vor
ce

Myhear
tski
ppedabeati
nexci
tement
..

Me:What
?Why?

Toni
:Amandahasal
otgoi
ngon,
Ican'
tbewi
th
someonewhot
hreat
enssui
cide.It
'snotheal
thyf
or
meandmyDaughter
.I'
m al
sofighti
ngforful
l
cust
ody

Me:Thi
sisabigdeci
sionar
eyousur
e?Di
dyou
t
hinki
tthr
ough?

Toni
:Yes.

Me:I
fyouthi
nki
t'
sbestf
oryouandyourdaught
er
t
hendoit

Toni
:Idi
dn'
twannaputLusandat
hrought
hatbut
..
Amandaisanunfi
tdr
unkofamother

Me:Yaawhenachi
l
d'sl
if
eisi
ndangert
hendo
whatyouneedt
odo
Toni
:Hopeshewon'
tbedr
amat
icabouti
t

AMANDA

Iwentt
otheki
tchenandgotmeabot
tl
eofwi
ne,
Thehel
perwal
kedin.
.

Her
:Madam.
.Ar
eyouokay?

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..

Me:Tonii
sfi
li
ngf
ordi
vor
ce

Her
:What
?
Me:Outofeveryt
hingt
hathehasdonet ohurtme,
Thi
shasbrokenme.Hebr okeme, Iam wal
king
awaywit
hnot hi
ng.Whatam Isupposedtodo?
Wherewil
lIgo?

Her:Walki
ngawaywi
thnot
hing?I
'
m sur
eyoucan
contestt
hat

Me:He'sgoi
ngt
omakesur
ethatIwal
kawaywi
th
not
hingatal
l

Her
:Hecan'tjustdi
vor
ceyou,
Can'tyouguysgof
or
marr
iagecounseli
ngorsomet
hing?

Me:Toniwant
swhathewant
s

Her
:Thi
sispr
emat
ure
Me:I
t'
sver
ywr
ong
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
13,
16:
26]DwaaPr
esh:15

NELI
SIWE

Leavingwasachor e, Tonididn'twantmet ol
eaveat
all
.Ourchemi strywasst art
ingt orundeep.Iwas
feeli
nghi m,Hewasf eeli
ngmet oo.Ij
ustdi dn'
twant
tobeeasy, BecauseI '
m sti
llnotsur ewhet herheis
i
nt omegenui nelyorwant stodoahi tandr un.A
Mancanshowi nterestforlong, onlytorunaf terhe
hashi tit
.Theypat i
entwheni tcomest othat,They'l
l
takeallyourshit,Bet hebestunt ilt
heygetwhat
theywantandl eave. .Iam nott oosur eaboutour
future,Butal
lIknowi sthatIwanthi mjustasmuch
ashewant sme.I fhewant stouseme, I'
llusehi m
too..Simple!
Hehadpi nnedmeagai nstthedoor .Pinnedbot hmy
handshi ghupagai nstthedoor , Hiskneel odgedi n
betweenmyt highs.Hi slipscloset omi ne.His
chestonmi ne, Icoul dfeelthebl oodr ush.Icoul d
feelhisheartbeat i
ngf ast.Hewant edme, He
want edust odoi trighthereandr ightnow.He
smashedhi slipsagai nstmine, Ifeltat i
ngl ei
nmy
coochie.Hei si rr
esi sti
ble.Itr
iedt ogetof fhisgrip,I
couldn't
..Weki ssedandt henhel etmyl efthandgo,
Hel eti
tfree..Hepl acedhi sfreehandonmywai st
andsqueezed, Iletoutasi gh..Hebr okeawayf rom
thekiss,Irubbedmyt humbagai nsthi slowerl i
p.
Hiseyesnar r
owed, abi tred.Iranmyhandonhi s
chestallthewaydownandIcoul df eelhowr ock
hardhewas. .

Toni
:Justonequi
ckr
ound.
.Pl
ease(
Whi
sper
ing)

Youknowt hatbeggi
ngvulnerabl
evoice,Thatone
thatsays"
I'
m atyourmercy".That
'sexactl
yhowhe
was,
Hewasatmymer
cy.
.

Me:Ihavet
ogo

Hefor
cedhishandinsidemypants,
alldownto
i
nsi
demyunder wear.Ifel
thi
stwofi
ngerspoki
ng
mycli
t,Icl
osedmyeyesandbi tmylowerl
ip.

Toni
:Tel
lmeyoudon'
twantt
his(
Whi
sper
ing)

Hi
ssof
tvoi
cewasn'
tmaki
ngi
teasi
er.
.

Me:Iwanti
t.
.

Hesmi
ledal
it
tl
eandpickedmeup.Iwrappedmy
l
egsar
oundhi
swaistaswemovedtothedesk.
..
.
AMANDA

Iwasanemot i
onalwreck.Icall
edmyMot her.Iam
theonlychildathome, SoIcomewi thalotof
tantr
ums.MyMot herisaveryquietperson,She's
humbl e.Doesn'tl
iketalki
ng,Confr
ontati
on,and
fight
ing.Eversincethebr ut
almurderofmyFat her
,
She'sbeencl osedoff.She'sal
lowedmet owalkall
overherhead, From sinceIwasat een.Igrewinto
thatatti
tude.
.

Ma:Amandat hisisgoi ngtoof arthough,He'

sfili
ng
fordi
vorce?Iknowyoudr unk.Icanhearyoudr unk,
It
'sgoingtowor kintohi sfavourchild!Thecourtwill
seeyouasanunf i
tMot hertoo, Despit
ehim having
moneyandbei ngwel lconnected.Hei sgoingtowi n,
andyouhel pinghimt owi n.Notonl ywillhegetthe
divor
cebutf ullcust
ody
Me:Wt f?
??YouaremyMot her
!!
!Yousupposedt o
bedefendingmenothim!!Yousupposedt obe
hel
pingme!Myhusbandi sabou- .
.He'saboutto
di
vorcemeandyout el
li
ngmet hisshit
!!
!Thathe
mighttakemychi
ldtoo???Thef uck??(cr
ying)

Ma:Mandy

Me:Iswearifhedoesthis,I
fhedivorcesmet
hen
I
'l
l.
.I'
l
lki
llmysel
f,I
'
llki
llhim andLusanda!

Ma:Chi
ldar
eyoumad?
?Ar
eyout
hatmad?

Me:Dosomet hing.
.GettheUnclessotheycan
addressthiswithhisf
ami l
y!I
'm notaboutt
olose
myf amilyandhaveasi dechi
ckcomecl ai
m
ever
ything..That'
sgoi
ngt ohappenovermydead
body!!
Ma:Amanda!
!

Me:Got ohel
lMa.
.Idon'
tgiveafuckaboutyou!
!
Becauseyoudon'
tgiveafuckaboutmetoo

Ihungup.
..

NELI
SIWE

I'
m sur
pri
sedhekeepscondomsi
nhi
sof
fi
ce,
Off
ice
sexmuch???

Iwassit
ti
ngontopoft
hetable.Legswi
deopen.My
handsundermykneeshol
dingthem i
ntopl
ace.He
wasbangingmeanditwasimpossibl
etonot
scr
eam.
.

Me:Ohhhhhhf
uckToni
!!
!!

Toni
:I'
vebeenwait
ingt
odothi
seversinceImet
you!
!I'
vebeenwanti
ngtot
eart
hatpussyup!!

Me:Gi
vei
ttome!
!!Gi
vei
tal
ltome!
!

Heplacedbothhi
shandsonmywai
stand
squeezedhar
d..

Hewentindeeperandfordearli
fe.Roughsex,
It
exci
tesmebecauseit
'stheonlysexIknow..

Heremovedonehandfrom mywai standhitmeon

mythi
ghontheside.Heslappedmet hereafew
t
imesanditmadememor ehor ny.
..Hemovedhis
handuptomymout h,
Putinhist
humbsoIcould
suckit
.Isuckedi
twhi
lstst
ari
ngathi
m deepi
nthe
eye.
.

Toni
:Shi
ii
itNel
i!
!!
!

AMANDA

Me:Ungr
atef
ulSonofabi
tch!
!!

Itookouthisexpensi
vesui
tsf
rom t
hecl
osetand
putthem i
nthebathtub.
.

Me:Sonofabi
tch!
!!
Iwentandtookhi
sshoesandpl
acedt
hem i
nthe
bat
htubtoo.
.

Il
eftt
hebedroom andwentt
ogetbl
eachand
Domestoesf
rom downst
air
s..

Tonii
sungratef
ul.Af
terever
ythingthatwe'
vebeen
thr
ough,
Afterallt
hepromiseshe'smade.Sonofa
bit
chwantstoleavemef oraside??Foraside?
?

Iwalkedbackupstair
s.2bot t
lesofDomestoes,
and
4bottl
esofbleach.Igotupstair
sandpouredallof
them i
nthebathtub.Soakinghissui
tsandshoes.
He'l
lknowmef rom hereon..
.
NELI
SIWE

NowIhadbothmyhandspl acedonhisdesk,
Standi
ngupstr
aightashetooki
tfr
om theback.
.He
hadhishandatt
hef r
ontonmybreastsqueezi
ngit
hard.
.

Il
if
tedmylegupf
ormoreeasyentr
ance,
Forhi
mto
beablet
opumpinandoutmore.
.

Ili
kedhowToniwasr espondi ngt ome.Whenaman
i
st hatresponsi
ve,Itmeanshe' sf eel
ingyou.Ihave
beenont hisroadforqui etawhi le,Iknowhowt o
fakesquirti
ng.Ij
usthol dinmyur i
neandf orceitout
whenI '
m havingsex.I texcitesthem, Thinki
ngthey
reall
yhitt
ingit
.Toniwasn' tbadbutIhadal ot
runningthroughmymi nd,Whethert hiswasgoing
tolastoritwasthel astt i
meIwasseei nghi
m. .
Ir
eleasedt
heuri
ne,
Purposelymademyl
egsshake
j
usttomakeitmemorabl
e..

NAI
JA

Theel
evat
oropened,
Iwal
kedi
n..

Me:Char
lene

Char
lene:Nai
ja

Me:IsTonii
n?Wewer
esupposedt
omeetI
'
m abi
t
l
ate
Shest
oodupf
rom hi
schai
r.
.

Char
lene:MrHlophei
scur
rent
lyi
naver
yimport
ant
meeti
ng,Canyoucomebacktomorr
owmorni
ng?

Me:I
t'
sokayI
'
llwai
tforhi
minhi
sof
fi
ce

Iwal
kedt
ohi
sdoor
..
.

.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
13,
20:
21]DwaaPr
esh:16

AMANDA
Theclothesweregett
ingrui
ned, t
wotoned.Col our
comingout .
.Iwentandsatont hebedandt ookt he
papers.Itor
ethem,I'
m notgi
vinghim adivorce.
He'scrazy..

NAI
JA

Char
lene:Si
r

Ir
emovedmyhandf
rom t
hedoorhandl
e..

Charlene:Iwoul
dappreci
atei
tifyourespect
edmy
j
ob.AssoonasMrHl ophecomesback, I'
l
lseet
oit
thatheget st
hemessagethatyoustoppedby
Il
ookedather
..

Me:Ofcour
se.
.I'
m sor
ry,
I'
lll
eave

Char
lene:Ver
ywel
lSi
r.
.Haveagoodday

Me:Yout
oo

Iwal
kedt
otheel
evat
or.
..

AMANDA

Myphonerangagai
n,I
twasmyMot
her
.Ianswer
ed,
She'
sbeencal
li
ng.
.
Me:What
?

Ma:Amandaoneoft hesedaysyou'l
lki
llme, You
knowIhavehyper tensionandaft
erourlastcal l
.I
star
tedtofeelnotsogood.Idon'tknowAmanda
whattodowi thyouanymor e.I
fyoucan' trespect
me,AtleastdoitforyourDaughter.I
'mt akingcare
ofherforyou

Me:Iam r
eall
ygoingthroughitMa,
It'
snott
hef
ir
st
t
imethatyourhyper
tensionhasact
edup

Ma:IfIdi
e..Iwannadi
eknowi
ngthatLusandaat
l
easthasagoodhome.RaisedbygoodPar ent
s,not
atoxi
cenvironment

Me:Despitei
tal
l,Despi
teourt
oxi
cmar ri
agebutwe
aregoodparent
s.Lusandahasneverbeeninneed
ofanythi
ng
Ma:Moneydoesn' tprovi
deagoodhomef orachil
d
Mandy, Ther
e'schi
ldrenwhocomef rom f
inanci
al
chal
lengingbackgroundsbutthei
rhomesar ewarm.
Agoodhomei swhat '
simport
ant,Ahomewi thl
ove,
Ahealthyhome

Me:Iam agoodpar
entMa!Il
ovemyDaught
er.
.
That
'shur
tful

Ma:Amandayouneedt
ogr
owup

Me:MaIdon'
twantt
oar
gue,
Ihaveal
otonmy
pl
ate

Ma:Toniisst
il
lgoi
ngtoprovi
deforLusanda
whetheryout
woar est
il
lmarr
iedornot!Al
lthatyou
needtodoistogetyouinor
der
Me:Got
ohel
lMa!

Ihungup.
..

NELI
SIWE

Tonidi
dn'
tevenwantmetoleave.Hewascl
ingi
ng
ontomelikeali
tt
lesi
ckpuppy.
.

Heki
ssedmeagai
n..

Toni
:Fort
hel
astt
ime

Me:It
houghtt
hel
astki
sswast
hel
astofi
t
Toni
:Letmewal
kyout
otot
heel
evat
or

Hespankedmybut
tasIwal
kedoutofhi
sof
fi
ce.
.

Me:St
op!
!

Il
ookedatChar
lene.
.

Me:Goodbye

Char
lene:Bye

Hewal
kedmet
otheel
evat
or.
.

Wewai
ted.
.Heyawned.
.

Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Toni
:Mi
ghtcal
litadayt
oo

Me:Ial
sowannagethomeandr
est
,Myl
egshur
t

Toni
:Dor
est

Theel
evat
oropened.
.

Heki
ssedmef
ort
hel
astt
imeandIwal
kedi
n..

Me:Bye

Toni
:Don'
tfor
gettosendmeyourbankaccount
det
ail
sandourdinnerpl
ans

Me:Tol
dyout
hatt
hisi
snotasexual
transact
ion
Toni
:Iknow,
butst
il
lsendt
hem

Theel
evat
orcl
osed.
..

Ikeptonjumpi
ngupanddown, Iwassoexci
ted.
Seemsl i
keIal
readyhaveTonieati
ngoutofmy
hand..
.

TONI

Me:Charl
eneseet
oitt
hatNel
zget
sanUber
downst
air
s

Char
lene:YesSi
r.
.Uhm Nai
jawasher
e
Me:When?

Char
lene:Af
ewmi
nut
esago

Me:Di
dhel
eave?

Char
lene:Yes.
.It
oldhi
mthatyouwer
einameet
ing

Me:ThankyouChar
lene

Char
lene:Thewi
fecal
led

Me:Idon'
tcareaboutt
hatone.
.Li
sten.
.I'
m goi
ngt
o
t
aketherestoft
hedayoff

Char
lene:YesSi
r
Me:IknowIputyout
hroughal
otandI
'
m sor
ry

Char
lene:Idon'
tgetpai
denoughf
ort
heof
fi
ce
dr
ama

Me:I
'
llseet
oit
,IfIcan'
tgetyouar
aise

Char
lene:I
'
dappr
eci
atet
hatal
ot

NELI
SIWE

Iwait
edoutsi
deforanUber
.Tonisai
dChar
lene
we'
llcal
loneforme..

It
ookoutmyphone,
Ihadt
womi
ssedcal
lsf
rom
Khomo.
.
Ical
ledherback.
.

Khomo:Nt
wanayam eSt
rongukuphi
?(Wher
ear
e
you)

Me:Why?

Khomo:You'
vegotabooki
ngf
ort
oni
ghtandNai
ja
i
slivi
d

Me:Toni
ght
?Ican'
tdot
oni
ght

Khomo:SincewhendoyousayNot
oaj
ob?What
's
wrongwit
hyou?

Me:Ihavepl
ansf
ort
oni
ght
Khomo:Whatpl
ans?Nel
zwhat
'sgoi
ngon?

Me:I'
mt r
yingtogetusoutofthatt
oxi
c
envi
ronmentthatweli
veinokay?

Khomo:Naij
aisver
ydanger
ous.
.Youknowt
hat
,
Don'
tst
arthi
m

Me:AghhhKhomo!I
'
m 10t
imesmor
edanger
ous.
.
Heshoul
dn'
tstar
tme!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
15,
17:
54]DwaaPr
esh:17

NELI
SIWE
IknockedatNai
ja'
sroom.
.

Nai
ja:Comei
n

Iopenedthedoorandwalkedin.Hewassi
tt
ingon
thebedinhist
runksandvest.Count
ingaf
ewnotes
andsmokingacigaret
te.
.

Nai
ja:Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?

Me:Iwentoutf
orf
reshai
r

Nai
ja:Fort
hisl
ong?

Me:Yes..Ihadaheadacher
ememberwhenIwas
at
tacked?Andyoudidnothi
ng?Ist
il
lgetheadaches

Nai
ja:Younevergoi
ngt
olett
hisgor
ight
?
Me:No.
.Ial
mostdi
ed

Nai
ja:Fi
ne.
.Youhaveacl
ientt
hiseveni
ng

Me:Ican'
t.
.I'
mtaki
ngt
heni
ghtof
f

Hepuf
fedoutsmokef
rom t
heci
gar
ett
eandl
ooked
atme.
.

Naij
a:You'
veneversai
dnotoacli
entevenwhen
youonyourper i
od,
You'
drat
hergoandkeepa
cl
ientent
ert
ained

Me:Idon'
tfeelt
oit
,Maybet
hisweekend

Nai
ja:He'
l
lbegonebackover
seas
Me:Yousti
llget
ti
ngmecl
ient
sfr
om over
seas?
Af
terwhatZengdid?

Naij
a:I'
m sur
eitwasmi scommunicat
ion.LookNel
i
youalsoli
ketoover
reactunnecessar
y

Me:Iwasadmi
tt
ed.
.Ial
mostdi
ed

Nai
ja:Butyoudi
dn'
tdi
e!

Me:Aghf
uckyou!

Naij
a:Whatwasthat?Canyoucheckyourat
tit
ude
ri
ghtnow?Forthatyouaregoi
ngonthi
s
appoi
ntmentoryou'
llf
indyour
sel
fhomeless
AMANDA

Ihear
dhi
m cussi
ngi
nthebat
hroom.
.

Toni
:Fuckencunt
!

Ir
emai
nedqui
et.
.Hecamebackt
othebedr
oom.
.

Toni
:Youbl
eachedmysui
ts?

Me:Youar
eabast
ard!

Toni:Thisisri
diculous!Youarepat
heti
cAmanda!
Bleachingmycl otheswon'tmakemest ay,I
'm sti
ll
goingtodivorceyou!Idon'twantyouanymor e.Ino
l
ongerl oveyou.Thesexi sbori
ng,Youhavepi cked
onwei ght,Youdon'ttakecar
eofyourselfashow
youusedtoo.Youar ebori
ng,Youar
ear out
ine!I
'
m
boredofyou.Sl
eepingnexttoyouever
ynightisa
thorni
nmyhear tnow!Your epul
seme!Youdisgust
me!Andyouar epatheti
c

Ikeptqui
etandl
ookedathi
m.Tear
sfoami
ngi
nmy
eyes.
.

Toni
:Al
lyouknowhowt odobesti
sdr
ink,
Youdon'
t
haveavi
sion.
.Youhavenot
hing

Me:I
sshewor
thi
t?I
sshewor
thourmar
ri
age?

Toni:Sheis.
.Sheexcitesme, She'
sbetteratsex
thanyou'l
leverbe.She'snotmuchsuccessf ulbut
atleastshehasavision.She'sint
erest
ingtojust
l
ookat ,She'
sbeautif
ul.Dressesbeauti
ful
ly,Takes
goodcar eofhersel
f
Me:Youmademeahousewi
fe!

Toni:Andyouhavef
aileddismal
lyatthat
!You.
.You
don'tevenmakeagoodhousewife,Somethi
ngthat
requir
esyoutodonothing

Me:Al
loft
hisf
orami
str
ess?

Toni
:Pat
het
ic!I
'
m goi
ngout

Me:Noyounot
!Youwannagot
oher

Hewalkedtot
hedoor,Igotupandwentt
ohi
m.I
pul
ledhi
m byhisshi
rt
..

Me:Younotl
eavi
ng!
!

Toni
:St
opwi
tht
hismadness!
!
Me:Youabast
ard!
!

Hesl
appedme.
.

Toni
:I'
m war
ningyou

Hetur
nedar
oundagai
n,Ihopedonhi
sbackandbi
t
hi
m onhi
scheek.
.

Toni
:Fuck!
!

Hedroppedmedownandst
art
edki
cki
ngme
sensel
ess.
.
AMANDA

Me:Wher
ear
ethesl
eepi
ngdr
ops?

Khomo:Whatf
or?

Me:I'
m goi
ngt
odr
ugwhat
evercl
ientI
'
m goi
ngt
o
see

Khomo:Why?

Me:Idon'
twannago

Khomo:Di
dyout
ellNai
ja?

Il
ookedather
..
Khomo:Topdrawer.
.Ihaveaquest
ion.Si
ncewhen
doyoudecl
inecl
ient
s?

Me:Si
nceImetsomeonewhomakesmehappy,
Someonewhowil
lgi
veusafut
ure

Khomo:Ohh

Me:I
'
mti
redofNai
ja

Khomo:I
t'
snotTonii
sn'
tit
?

Me:I
tis

Khomo:Hebl
essesNdoni

Me:Idon'
tgi
veadamnaboutt
hatone
Khomo:Hei
sfr
iendswi
thNai
ja

Me:Idon'
tcar
e!Nai
jaandIwenotdat
ing

Khomo:Isee,
Your
eal
lyar
epl
ayi
ngadanger
ous
game

Me:Letmewor
ryaboutt
hatokay?

TONI

Ij
ustkeptonandon,
Unt
ilIgotbacktomysenses.
Shewascuddledupont
hefloorcryi
ng.It
ookmy
carkeysandmyphonet
henleftt
her oom.
.
Sbowaspr
epar
ingt
oleave.
.

Sbo:Ibel
ieveMadam wi
llpr
epar
edi
nner
?

Me:Canyoudomeaf
avor
?

Sbo:YesSi
r

Me:Pl
easecheckuponAmanda

Sbo:I
ssheokay?

Me:No.
.I'
l
lrequestanUberf
oryou

Sbo:YesSi
r
Iwal
kedoutoft
hehouse.
..

NAI
JA

Imadeani
mpor
tantcal
l.
.

Geza:Si
r

Me:Eyy

Geza:Tal
ktome

Me:Ineedaf
avor

Geza:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Me:Ineedyout
ofi
ndoutf
ormewhoNel
isi
wei
s
messi
ngaroundwi
th

Geza:Oneofyourgi
rl
s?

Me:Yes

Geza:I
sn'
titherj
obt
ofoolar
ound?

Me:Yesbut
..She'
slyi
ngabouti
t.Coul
dseeand
smel
lsexal
loverher

Geza:I
sshei
mpor
tant
?

Me:Shei
s
Geza:6k

Me:I
'
llt
ransf
er

Geza:Nopr
obl
em
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
17,
22:
09]DwaaPr
esh:18

TONI

Idroveoutt oNdo'
splace.There'
snowayIwas
goingtosleepatmyhousewi t
hwhathas
transpi
red.Ihaveneverl
aidhandsonmywi f
eunt i
l
today.Amandahaschanged, I
naverynegativeway.
Inawayt hatIdon'tr
ecognizeheranymore.She
rubsmeof fthewr
ongwayandIhavebeenpat ient
wi
thher
.
Ican'
tbeli
eveshedowngr
adedhersel
finsucha
manner,She'
sreal
lymademelosethelastr
espectI
hadforher.
.

Ndo:Shedi
dwhat
?

Shehandedmet
hecupofcof
fee.
.

Ndo:She'sgetti
ngdangerous,She'soutofcontr
ol.
Justbecauseshe'sgetti
ngdivor
ceddoesn'tmean
thatsheshoulddot hi
s.Ihat
ethisaboutwiveswho
don'twanttogo,Whodon' twanttoletgo.Wives
whoar econstantl
yhangingonevenwhent hetr
ain
i
snol ongermoving.Amandahast ogo

Me:Idon'
tthi
nkIwannaseeher
,Shedi
sgustme.
Annoysmeandboresme
Iwassupposedt obewi thNel
i,
Butshealsohad
otherplanstoni
ght.Nai
jahashookedherupsoI
textedherI'
m wit
hNdo, AmandaandIhadan
altercat
ion.
.

Ndo:Maybecomest
aywi
thme

Me:IhaveahouseAmandat
hatcostme900k

Ndo:Justf
ornowt
ogetyourheadr
ight

Il
ookedather
..

Ndo:Ifshepressescharges,
Yougoi
ngt
ojai
l.Pl
us
she'
swhat ?Anactivi
st?

Me:Shewoul
dn'
tdar
e!
Ndo:Yourwifei
str
yingt
odest
royyou,
Simpl
e.
Don'
tlether

Il
aidbackont
hecouch.
.

Me:I
'
llf
uckenkil
lherorshi
phert
othenextcount
ry
t
hatwil
lal
lowsextradi
ng

AMANDA

Iwasattherest
aur
antwit
hthi
sol
dman.Probabl
y
l
ate50s,
Ikeptonreadi
ngToni
'st
ext
.Itf
uel
edme.
Whythehelli
shewithher
?
Mar
k:Ahem!

Il
ookedathi
m..

Mar
k:Somet
hingi
nter
est
ingonyourphone?

Me:I
..Notent
ir
ely

Mar
k:Iwoul
dli
keyourcompany

Me:Mayyoupl
easeexcuseme?I
t'
sanemer
gency

Mar
k:Yesyoucanbeexcused

Me:Thankyou
Igotupandwentt
other
estr
oom.
..

AMANDA

Me:Thankyou

Helper
:Areyousureyoudon'
twanttogotot
he
hospit
al?Youcoul
dhaveafewbrokenri
bs

Me:I
'
llbef
ine

Hel
per
:Madam
Me:I
'
m good.
.Youmaygo

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:Thankyou

Hel
per
:Ifsomet
hingt
ranspi
res,
Pleasecal
lme

Me:I
'
lldoso

Shesmi
ledatmeandwal
kedout
..

Itookmyphoneandcal
ledmyMot
her
.Sheexhal
ed
fi
rst.
.

Ma:Amanda
Me:Ma

Ma:Cal
ledt
oswearatmemor
e?

Me:No.
.I'
m sor
ryMa(
Sni
ff
ing)

Ma:What
'
swr
ong?

Me:Tonibeatmeup

Ma:What?Ihopeyouatt
hepol
icest
ati
on,
I'
m
dr
ivi
ngdowntherenow!

Me:Mapleasel
ist
en,
Idon'
twannaf
ight
.Ihaveno
st
rengt
hlef
tinmetofi
ght

Ma:Amanda.
.
Me:Hedoesn'
tl
ovemeanymor
eMa

Ma:Comehome

Me:Anddowhat
?

Ma:Wewi
llf
indaway

Me:Ican'
t

Ma:Why?

Me:Iwon'tmakei
t,Ist
il
llovehim.IfIleavewith
thi
slovemixedwi
thhurtI'
lll
oseit.Ineedtolearn
howt ounl
ovehi
m whil
stI'm st
il
lwithhim orIwon't
makei t
Ma:Thisisenoughtomakeyouunlovehim.Iam
noti
nyourshoesandIcan'tfor
ceyouint
oanythi
ng.
Iunder
stand,buthowwi
llIknowyousafe?

Me:Iwon'
tbotherhi
m anymor
e,I
'
llr
emai
npeacef
ul
andgi
vehim peace

Ma:Iwishyounevermethi
m butagai
n,He'
sa
l
esson

Me:Thankyouf
orunder
standi
ng

Ma:Youar emyDaughter,Thel
ovewillnever
change.Ineedyoutoprayfori
nnerpeace,pr
ayf
or
Godtohealyou.Justdoitonyourkneesnow

Me:I
'
llt
ry
Ma:Eveni
fnotmuchwor
dscomeout

Me:I
'
lldoso.
.ThankyouMa

Ma:Wannat
alkt
oLusanda?

Me:She'
sst
il
lup

Ma:Yes

Me:Okay.
.I'
dli
ket
otal
ktoher

NELI
SIWE

Iwasdoi
ngawhat
sappvoi
cenot
etohi
m..
Me:Youar eadirt
yscumbagdoyouknowt hat
??
Youar eweak!Sti
cki
ngyourdickever
ywhere!What
thefuckareyoustil
ldoi
ngwithNdo??Icannot
beli
eveyour i
ghtnow.Iwishyoudieapai
nfuldeat
h
i
fIdon'tki
llyoumyself

It
ookadeepbr
eat
handcancel
edi
t.
.

Me:FuckyouToni

Il
ookedatmysel
fint
hemi
rr
or.
.

Me:Getittoget
hergi
rl
..Geti
ttoget
her
!Youonajob,
enter
tai
nthecli
entandgetyourmoney..Geti
t
toget
her!
!
NAI
JA

Igotacal
lfr
om Mar
k.Ver
yunusualf
oracl
ientt
o
cal
lmewhenhe'swit
honeofmygirl
s..

Me:Mar
k

Mar
k:Nai
ja

Me:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?

Mark:Ithoughtyousai
dshe'
sthebest
,Comesof
f
hi
ghlyrecommended

Me:Shedoes
Mark:Shehasbeendeadqui
et,
Busywi
tht
he
phoneanddist
ract
ed

Me:What
?

Mar
k:She'
sbeenabor
esof
ar.
.I'
m notpayi
ngyou

Me:Mark.
.Nel
iisoneofmybestgir
ls,
She'sj
ust
hadaroughmonth.Shewasat
tackednotsolong

Mar
k:Yougavemeabr
okengi
rl
?

Me:Gi
vehert
ime,
Ifyoust
il
lnothappy.I
'
mreadyt
o
r
efund

Mar
k:That
'sgoodt
oknow
AMANDA

Iwasst
il
lsit
ti
ngont hebed.Pr
ayi
nghasbeen
dodgyf
ormet hesedays.Inol
ongerpr
ayanymor
e..
Gaveupalongtimeago

Me:God

Myheartwasshat
ter
edi
ntoami
ll
ionpi
ecesover
whathappened

Me:Godpl easehelpme. .Idon'tknowwhatt odo.I

don'tknowwher etorunt oo,Iam ti
red.Idon'teven
knowwhatt opr ayandsaybut .
.I'
m confused,I'
m
l
osingmymi nd.It
'sfoggy,Idon'tknowwhatt odo
butallist
hatIlovemyhusband. .That'
sallIknow,
Pl
easehel
pme

NELI
SIWE

Igotat
extf
rom Nai
jawhi
chr
ead:

"
Fokonshi
t.
.Geti
ttoget
her
!!
"

Irol
ledmyeyes.Il
ookedatmyselfint
hemi
rrorone
l
asttimeandwalkedout.Iwentbackt
omytable.
Thisoldf
uckcall
edNaij
a..

Mark:She'
sback.
.It
houghtI
'
dhavet
ocal
lasear
ch
par
ty

If
akedasmi
le.
..
Mar
k:Youevenbar
elyt
ouchedyourf
ood

Me:Youar
eanol
dtwi
stedf
uck!

Mar
k:Par
don

Me:Aweakman, anexcusef
oraman.Call
ingon
anothermantor
epor
tnonsense!Youmakemy
stomachtur
n!

Mar
k:Iguesst
hebi
lli
sonyout
hen

Me:What
?

Hest
oodup.
.
Mar
k:I
twasgoodmeet
ingyou

Hel
eft
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
20,
11:
30]DwaaPr
esh:19

AMANDA

Tonishowedupthenextmorning.Ididn'teven
knowwher ehesl
ept,ButI
'
m deadsur ehesl eptat
thesi
dechick'
shouse.Howcanamanl oveyouone
dayasifli
ketheworldi
sending,Thenwakeupt he
nextdayandnotloveyouanymor e.Idon't
under
stand.
.

Toni
:Hi

Me:Hi

Toni
:Li
sten.
.Aboutl
astni
ght

Me:I'
m sorr
ythatImessedupyourcl
othes,
Itwas
outofl
ine

Toni:Everyt
hingisoutofli
ne, Ihaveneverbeenput
i
nasi tuati
onwher eIhadtor aisemyhandonyou.
Withthatbeingsaid,Iknowyouhavenot hingand
forthefactthatyouaresti
lltheMot herofmychi l
d.
Icanletyoul ivei
nthecottageout si
dewhi lstyou
sti
llfi
gureoutwhatt odo.Also, Iwon'tbetaking
careofyouf inanci
all
ywhilstyousi t
.You'llhaveto
wor kfort
hemoney, Youcanwor kforme.Wor k
her
eint
hehouseasamai
d

Inodded.
.

Me:Soundsaboutf
air

Hel
ookedatme,
Idon'
tthi
nkhewasexpect
ingt
hat
r
epl
y..

Me:Thankyouforyourkindness,
I'
llaskGraceto
helpmemovemyt hingstothecottage.Thankyou
forever
ythi
ngandIstr
ivenottobeanui sance

Toni:Thatwasreasonabl
efr
om yourpar
t.Thank
you.Youwon'thavetopayrentbytheway

Me:Thankyou
Hewal
kedout
..
..

NELI
SIWE

Nai
ja:Hewasmeantt
opay15k,
hepai
d7k!

Me:It
oldyout
hatIdi
dn'
tfeell
ikegoi
ngoutl
ast
ni
ght,
Butyouf
orcedandhewasbadcompany

Nai
ja:Idon'
tcarei
fhewasbadcompany!Youwor
k
f
orme! !Youdon'
tli
veher
eforf
ree.
.Iownyou!

Me:I
'
m doneget
ti
ngt
ir
edoft
his
Naij
a:Wherear
eyougoi
ngt
ogo?Nowher
e!You
havenowheret
ogo!
!

Khomo:Guys

Nai
ja:Shutup!

Me:Iam l
eavi
ng

Nai
ja:Wher
etoo?
?

Me:Farf
rom her
e

Ihavear
ound5kwi
thme,
IfNai
jawast
rue.I
'
dhave
muchmor e.
.

Me:Khomoar
eyoucomi
ng?
Shel
ookeddown.
.

Me:Iguessnot

Iwal
kedt
othebedr
oom t
opackup.
..

AMANDA

Ma:Atl
eastyounothomeless,andatleastyounot
comi
ngheresinceyoudon'tl
ikeither
e

Me:Iknow.
.I'
l
lbel
ivi
ngl
ikeat
enanti
nmyown
house

Ma:Iknowbutlookont
hebri
ghtsi
de,
Atleastyou
won'
tbehomelessandyou'
l
lhaveani
ncome

Me:IhopeLusandawi
llunder
stand

Gr
ace:Madam

Me:Ihavet
ogoMa

Ma:OkayI
'
llcal
lyoul
ater

Ihungup.
.

Gr
ace:Ar
eyour
eady?
Me:Yes

Gr
ace:Si
nceyoui
npai
nI'
l
lcar
rymostofi
t

Me:ThankyousomuchGr
ace

Grace:Li
stent
ome,Youar
est
rong.Youwi
llmake
i
t.
.Yougoi ngt
obef
ine

Me:Ihopeso

Grace:Goddoesn'
tputyoui
nasi
tuat
ionwher
eyou
can'
tgetoutof

Me:That
'st
rue
TONI

Iwassurpri
sedthatAmandadidn'
tgivemeshit
aboutt
his.
.Shewasactuall
yveryunderst
andi
ng.
Myphoner ang,
ItwasNelz.

Me:Nel
z

Ihear
dhercr
ying.
.

Me:Ar
eyouokay?

Nel
z:No
Me:What
'swr
ong?

Nelz:Iam l
eaving..I'
mleavi
ngNaij
a..I
'
ml eavi
ng
everyt
hingthathast odowitht
hisl
if
e.I'
mt i
redofi
t,
I'
mt i
redofeverything

Me:Whathappened?

Nel
z:I
'
mjustt
ir
edofi
t

Me:Knowwher
eyougoi
ng?

Nel
z:No

Me:Comet
omyof
fi
ceandwe'
l
lfi
gur
eitout

Nel
z:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:Yes

Nel
z:Okay.
.We'
l
lfi
gur
eitout

Me:That
'smygi
rl

AMANDA

Thecot
tagewassmal
l
.Ki
tchen,
Bat
hroom andt
he
bedr
oom..

Ihaven'
tsetf
ootherei
nawhil
e.I
twasabi
tdust
y
butnothi
ngcleani
ngwon'
tdo.
.
Gr
ace:Her
ewego

Icoul
dn'
tcont
rolmysel
f.Ibur
stouti
ntear
s.

Gr
ace:Madam.
.No.
.

Isatont
hebed.
.

Grace:I
t'
sokay.
.It
'sokay.
.Youneedt
obest
rong,
ForLusanda

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
swhi
lstnoddi
ngr
epeat
edl
y..

Gr
ace:Youar
egoi
ngt
omakei
t,You'
l
lsee
NELI
SIWE

Khomo:Youser
iousl
ydon'
thavet
othi
sNt
wana
yam

Ionl
yhadonel
uggagebag,
Mycl
otheswer
en'
tso
much..

Me:I
fyouwannast
ayKhomodoso,
MinaI
'
mti
red

Khomo:Iunder
stand

Shewal
kedmet
othegat
e..

Khomo:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
ogo?
Me:Idon'tknowbutal
lIknowist
hatIhavebeen
homelessonceandIpull
edthr
ough.Iwi
llpul
l
thr
oughagain

Khomo:Goodl
uckNt
wanayam

Me:Goodl
uckt
oyout
oo
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
20,
23:
02]DwaaPr
esh:20

NELI
SIWE

Igottohi
soffi
cebuthadtowai
taf
ewminut
es
befor
eTonicouldat
tendt
ome.Hewasi
na
meeti
ng.HisPAwasni ceasal
ways.Off
eri
ngme
somethi
ngtodrinkandallt
hat
,Busyt
ryi
ngtomake
sur
ethatI'
m okay.
.

After10mi
nt hemeeti
ngwasdone, Toniescor
ted
thecli
entt
otheelevator
.Thenhecamebackt o
att
endme..Iexpl
ainedever
ythi
ngtohim..

Toni
:Youareact
ual
lythever
yfi
rstgi
rlwhol
eft
,
Naij
a..Hi
sgi
rl
sdon'
tleave

Me:Icoul
dn'
tanymor
e..Iwast
ir
ed

Toni:
Makesmeseet
hatindeedyouar
est
ri
vingf
or
change,
Youmaki
ngbet
terchoices

Me:Iwasintot
hisl
if
ebecauseIneededsecur
it
y
butmyheartwasn'
tini
tanymore.Icoul
dn'
tdoit
anymor
e
Toni
:NowIf
ull
ybel
i
evethatIcant
rustyou,
Make
yout
hewomanIwantyoutobe

Me:Real
ly?

Toni
:Iwantyout
omovei
nwi
thme

Me:What
?Ar
en'
tyoumar
ri
ed?

Toni
:Iam butwehavesepar
ated.Iam f
il
li
ngf
ora
di
vorceandshe'
smovedout

Me:Yourwi
fewhoi
sJehovawi
tness,
Whoseem t
o
notgi
veupl
eft
?

Toni
:Wellnotent
ir
elymoved,Sheli
vesinacottage
andwil
lbemymai d.Unt
ilshegetshershi
ttogether
,
Buti
fyouwant
.Icanhavehermoveoutcompl
etel
y

Me:Noit
'sokay.
.Imean.
.Ihaveneverhear
dof
suchanarr
angementbutIdon'
twantyoutoputher
out

Toni:Soyouokaywi
thl
ivi
ngwi
thmeandherbei
ng
around?

Me:Sol ongshekeepsherclawsoffyouandwe
respecteachothertheni
t'
sokay,Pl
usyouandIar
e
sti
llt
ryi
ngt ogettoknoweachother

Toni
:Woman.
.Youcont
inuet
oamazeme

Heopenedhi
sdr
awandt
ookoutakey.
.

Toni
:Youcanhavemyhousekeyf
ornow,
By
tomorr
owyou'
l
loff
ici
all
yhaveyourown.I
'l
lcal
lthe
dri
vert
ocomegetyouandtakeyoutothehouse

Me:I
'
llpr
epar
eawar
m di
nnerf
oryou

Toni
:Ar
eyousur
eyouokaywi
tht
his?

Me:I
'
m okaywi
thi
t

Toni
:Comeher
e

Iwentt
ohi
m andweshar
edaki
ss.
.

AMANDA
Grace:Youreall
ydon'thavetodothis,Yousti
lli
n
pain.
.Iam verycapableofdoingchores.Been
doingthem f
oryearsandyear s

Me:It
'sokay.
.Iam amai
daf
teral
l,
Needt
ocar
ry
outmyduties

Gr
ace:Madam canIaskyousomet
hing?

Me:Pl
ease.
.Cal
lmeAmanda,
Weont
hesamel
evel
now

Grace:Amanda.
.IfImayaskwi
thoutdel
iber
atel
y
enfor
cinganyof
fense,
Whydon'
tyougobackhome?

Me:WhenIl
efthome,
Ihadwasdat
ingandi
nthe
processofmar ryingasuccessf ulbachel
or.Il
ooked
downonpeopl e,hurtothersandunder minedot
hers.
Ineverknewt hatlifeonedaywoul dhumblemein
thi
smanner .Iam ashamedofgoi ngback,
Especial
lywit
hnot hing.DependingonmyMom and
herpensionfund, beingaj okeofthewholehood.I
don'tt
hinkIcanhandl ethat

Grace:Weal llearnthehardway.Someot her

l
essonsar emor ehurtf
ulanddeepert hanot hers.
Peopletal
k, Youdogoodt hey'
llt
alk.Youdobad,
They'l
lsti
lltalk.Ifyouliveyourli
febasedonwhat
peoplesay, Youwon' tl
iveahappyandf reelif
e.So
peoplearegoi ngt otalkandthenwhat ?
?Ar eyou
goingtodi e?

Me:Anot
herthing.
.I'
m doi
ngthisforLusanda.She
won'
tsur
vivethehoodlif
e,Idon'
teventhinkToni
woul
dall
owf orLusandatoli
vewithusint hehood

Gr
ace:Tonimi
ghtbeahear
tl
essnar
cissi
stbutI
don'
tseehim abandoni nghisresponsibi
li
ty.
Lusandawillsti
llgot oagoodschool..She'sal
ways
atyourhousebyt heway,So..She'
susedt otheli
fe
andtrustme, whenIt al
ktoher.Sheseemsmor e
happytobet heret hanher
e

Me:Ineedt
obeemotional
lyst
rongt
odealwi
th
ever
ythi
ngbackt
her
e

TONI

Ical
ledmyMom anddeci
dedt
otel
lherever
ythi
ng.
.

Ma:Idon'tl
ikeAmandabutIhavealwaysr espect
ed
herasyourwifeandthemotherofyourchild,But
movinginanotherwomanli
kethis.
.Tonithat'
snot
ri
ght
Me:Amandadoesn'
twannaletgo,
Whatam Itodo?
MaybeNelimovi
ngi
nwillmakeherleave.
.She
doesn'
twannago

Ma:She'sabrokeasswomanwhatdi dyouthi
nk
wasgoingtohappen?Nowyouhavemovedi n
anot
herone?What '
swithyouandthesewomen
whodon'thavevisi
on?I'
m st
art
ingtothi
nk
somethi
ngiswr ongwit
hyouson

Me:Theymucheasi ert
ocont rolandmanipul
ate,
Theysubmissive.I
fIam abletofundthem t
hen
whycan'tIhavethem?Ani ndependentwomanhas
toomuchegoandwhenshi tpopsup, Shewil
lleave.
Shewon'tsecondguess,She'l
lwal kout

Ma:Idon'
tevenknowwhattosayanymor
e,We'
l
l
seewhatt
hisNelihasi
nst
oreforme
NELI
SIWE

Somesi t
uati
onsarenotevenast orm,Theyjust
waterunderthebri
dge.Toni'
swifeiswaterunder
thebri
dge,She'
snotast orm.I
fIcouldgettoler
ate
Naij
a,Iwon'tbedefeatedbyawomanwhohasa
coochi
elikemeinbet weenherlegs.Womenar e
moreeasiertodealwith.
..

Toni'
shousewasbeaut
if
ul.Nott
oobi
g,Notsmal
l
ei
therjustper
fect
..

Iputonmyshadesast
hedr
iverwal
kedmei
nwi
th
mybag..

Iopenedt
hekitchendoor,I
twasn'tl
ocked.Two
womenwer eattheki
tchen,Busysort
ingoutdi
shes.
.
Me:Goodday

Theybot
hlookedatme.
.

Dr
iver
:Shoul
dIputyourbagupst
air
s?

Me:Noi
t'
sokay.
.I'
l
ltakei
tupst
air
smysel
f

Dr
iver
:YesMam

Il
ookedatt
hem.
.

Woman1:Whoar
eyou?

It
ookof
fmyshades.
.

Me:Mynamei
sNel
isi
weandyouar
e?
Woman1:Mynamei
sGr
aceI
'
mthehel
perar
ound
her
e

Me:AndI
'
mthenewMadam oft
hishouse

Woman2:OhhhhhhmyGod.
.

Shesl
owl
ycol
lapsedont
hef
loor
..

Gr
ace:Amanda

Me:Iguessthi
sisAmanda,
Theexwi
fe.AmeetupI
wasexpecti
ng
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
23,
09:
43]DwaaPr
esh:21
AMANDA

Thebi ggesthurtofi tall

,Wast hedi sr
espect.Wenot
evenof fi
ciall
ydivorcedandt hiswomanj ustmoved
i
nt hrowingherwei ghtar ound.Iwasn' tfeeli
ngthe
painonl yemot i
onally,Butphysicallytoo.Thepain
crossedt hroughandpi er
cedmyhear t.That'show
heavyi twas.Iwasbl eedingthroughmyhear t,Iwas
hurti
ng, Iwasconf usedandIf eltl
ikemysoulwas
l
eavingmybody.That '
showi ntenset hewhol e
si
tuationwas. .

Gr
ace:Her
e

Ikeptonchecki
ngandmoni
tor
ingmyhear
t,I
twas
beat
ingsl
ow.Idi
dn'
tli
kewhatIwasexper
ienci
ng
ri
ghtnow.
.

Grace:Dr
inkt
hewat
er,
It'
smi
xedwi
thi
ce.I
t'
llhel
p
you

Me:Thankyou

It
ookt
hegl
asswhi
lstshaki
ng.
.

Grace:Thi
sisunaccept
abl
e,I
t'
swr ong.Nothi
ng
aboutiti
sri
ghtandbeyonddi
srespectful
.What
aboutLusanda?

Me:Di
dTonieventhi
nkofLusanda?Howi sthi
s
womangoi
ngt ot
reatmyDaughter?Ican'
t.
.Ineed
meandLusandaout.
.Thi
sistoomuchpai n
Grace:Idon'
tthi
nkToniwi
llal
lowyout
otake
Lusandawi t
h

Me:She'
smyDaught
er!
!Icant
akeher
,Icangowi
th
her

Grace:Thi
sisver
ydi
sappoi
nti
ng,
Idi
dn'
texpectt
his
fr
om him

NELI
SIWE

Therewer
est i
llthi
ngsinthebedr
oom thatbel
onged
toAmanda.Herper fumes,Someofherclot
hes.
Whydidn'
tshet akeeveryt
hingwi
thher?Icall
ed
Khomotoletherknowaboutt henew
devel
opments..
Khomo:It
houghtyouwerel
yingwhenyousai
d
you'
l
lgetToni
.Youweren'
tlyi
ng

Me:Iwasn'
tlyi
ng,
Iknewhowt
ogett
ohi
m andIgot
hi
m

Khomo:Idon'
tknowi
fIshoul
dsayI
'
m pr
oudorbe
shocked

Me:Bot
h..Howi
sNai
ja?

Khomo:Hest
il
lthi
nksyou'
l
lcomeback

Me:I
'
m gone.
.Forgood

Khomo:Nt
wanayam eSt
rong.
.Ar
eyousurethat
thi
sist
hewaytogo?YouandTonibar
elyknow
eachot
her
,Whati
fhemovesinsomeoneelse
t
omor
row

Me:Hewoul
dn'
tdar
e!Igothi
m andI
'
m neverl
ett
ing
hi
m go

Khomo:Iwi
shyoul
uckmyf
ri
end

Me:Thankyou.
.Maybeyoucancomeandvi
sitme
soon

Khomo:Yaamaybe

TONI
Ical
ledAmanda'
sMot
her
..

Me:I
'
llbecomi
ngt
ofet
chLusandat
odayaf
terwor
k

Her
:Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea

Me:I
'
m sor
ry?

Her:Ihear
dyoumovedinsomeoneel
se,
Idon't
thi
nkit'
sagoodi
deaforLusandat
obearounda
str
anger

Me:Idon'
tthi
nkt
hisconcer
nsyou

Her:Youmar ri
edmyDaught er,
Tookherfrom home.
Promi sedusherf amil
ythatyouweregoingtolove
her,protectherandrespecther
.Youhavedone
nothingbuthur ther
,Brokeherdown,Causedher
unbear
abl
epai
n

Me:Itol
dyourDaught ert
hatIwantedadi
vorce.
Shedidn'
twant,I
nsteadshewentandbleachedmy
expensi
vesuit
s.Itol
dherI'vemetsomeoneelse,
I
tol
dherIdidn'
twantheranymore

Her
:Afami
lymeet
ingwasmeantt
obecal
ledon
bot
hsi
des

Me:Myf amily,
Especiall
ymyMot her.Theydon't
haveti
mef ornonsensicali
ssuesI'
m sorry.Amanda
shoul
d'vej
ustagreedt othedi
vorce,Si
gnedt he
paper
sandl eft
.Si
mpl e!
ButbecauseyourDaught erneverevent houghtto
betterhersel
finanyway, Eveni fshehadaf inanci
al
stableHusbandwhowaswi ll
ingt osupporther.She
optedt obeahousewi fe.Shechoset obeanact i
vist
somet hingthatearnshernothing.IgaveAmanda
anal l
owanceever ymont handwhatdi dshedo?
Sheboughtcl
othes,
Usedtoplaygol
fandwhatnot
.
Idon'
tknowwhyweher enow

Her
:FineyoucancometakeyourDaught
er,
ButI
'
m
war
ningyouToni.I
'
m warni
ngyou!

Me:I
'
llseeyoul
ater

AMANDA

Ir
eallywantedtoseewhatthedeali
switht
his
woman, Iwentbackint
othehousetocook.
.She
walkeddown..
Nel
i:Thatwon'
tbenecessar
y

Me:I
t'
smyhusband'
sfavori
tedi
shandIam goi
ng
t
omakehi
m somethi
ngt oeat

Nel
i:Exhusband

If
lashedmyr
ingi
nherf
ace.
.

Me:St
il
llegal
lymar
ri
ed

Neli:Ial
waystellpeopl
ewhocr ossmet ochoose
theirbat
tl
escarefull
y.Obvi
ousl
yTonidoesn'twant
youanymor eSis,Whyar eyousti
llaJehova'
s
witness??Ubekezelel
eni
?

Me:Iam usedtotrampslikeyou.
.Yout
hinkyout
he
f
ir
sttr
amphe' severfuckedwith?
Neli
:Atl
eastI'
mthefir
stonethathe'
sbrought
home,Thefi
rstonehe'
sgett
ingadivorcefor
.Thi
s
tr
ampwon

Me:Idon'tknowwhatyoudid,AndIdon'
tknowhow
asawomanyouwoul dpackupyourragsandmove
i
ntoanotherwoman'shouse.Letmeaskyou,What
happensifheget
sanothertr
ampt omorr
ow?Kick
youout?

Nel
i:Thatwon'
thappen.
.Iam awomanwhoknows
howtokeepherman

Me:Becar
eful
..Ihaveahotpotont
hest
ove

Nel
i:Getoutofmyhouse

Me:Yourhouse?Showmeyouri
ntheper
mitI
'
d
l
ovet
oseet
hat

Nel
i:Showmeyour
s..Wi
fey!
!

Il
ookedather
..

Nel
i:Getout

Me:I
'
m amai
dher
e,Ihaveever
yri
ghtt
obeher
e

Nel
i:Youhavej
ustknockedof
f.
.Getout
!

Isi
ghed.
.

Shest
art
edpushi
ngmet
othedoor
..

Me:Youbet
tergetyourhandsof
fme
Nel
i:Orwhat
?I'
dli
ket
oseeyout
ryanyt
hing

Gr
ace:Hey!
!

Nel
i:Youbet
terasksomeone!

Gr
acest
oodi
nbet
weenus.
.

Grace:Stopit
!Twogr
ownwomenfi
ght
ingeach
ot
herf oraman??Whil
stt
hemani
scomfort
abl
y
si
tti
ngi nhi
soffi
ce

Nel
i:Youf
ir
ed!
!

Me:Youcan'
tfi
reme.
.Youdi
dn'
thi
reme
Gr
ace:Let
'sgo.
.

Me:Fi
remei
fyouhavemoneyt
opayme

Neli
:I'
l
lmakesur
ethatbyt
omor
rowyououtont
he
st
reets

Gr
acepul
ledmeout
side.
.

Gr
ace:Whatonear
thar
eyoudoi
ng?

Me:Youshoul
d'vel
etmebeatherup

Grace:YoumightnotvalueyourjobbutIval
ue
mineokay?Gobackt othecottageorToniwil
lput
yououtforr
eal!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
24,
03:
26]DwaaPr
esh:22

NELI
SIWE

TWOWEEKSLATER

ThingsbetweenToniandI ,werestarti
ngt ogetver
y
seri
ous.Iwasf all
ingf orhi
m harderthanIdid
previ
ously.Hewasal sofall
ingformet oo,AndIam
notcompl ai
ning.Af t
erIpromisedthatIwasgoi ng
tohaveAmandaf ired,Tonibannedherf rom t
he
houseandyar datl eastforsometime.She'sbeen
gone.

Ever
ythingseemedtobegoingwellandaccordingl
y
i
nmyl ifeexceptf
oroneminorhi
ccup.Toni
's
Daughter.Ihat
eher,
She'
stheonlythi
ngstandingin
betweenmeandmymannow.Tonil oveshis
Daughtermorethanhel ovesme.Igetjeal
ouswhen
Iseethem bondi
ngasf atheranddaughterbecause
hisatt
enti
ongetsdivi
ded.Sharedamongstusand
shegetsmostofit.
..

Itwasaschooldayforher,
Gr acewasoff
.Itmeant
thatIhadtowakeupearlyi
nt hemorni
ng.Hel p
preparet
hebratf
orschool,andmakeherbr eakfast
..

Imadehercer ealandt
hrewthebowlinfrontofher
,
Themi l
ksplashedabitandherschoolt-
shir
t
caughtstai
nsoft hemi
lkfr
om thecereal
..

Lu:Youmademyt
-shi
rtdi
rt
yAunt
ie
Me:Justeatyourcer
eal
andf
ini
shi
t,Soyoucan
getoutofmysight

Ionlytr
eathergoodwhenherFatherandGraceare
around.Whenweal one,
IswearIcoul
dstr
angleher
t
odeat
h..
.

Toniwal
kedi
n..

Toni
:Ladi
es
Me:Goodmor
ning
Lu:Mor
ning

HekissedLusandaont
hef
oreheadandal
so
not
icedthestai
ns.
.

Toni
:Whathappenedt
oyou?
Lu:Aun-
Igaveheradeat
hst
are.
.
Lu:I
twasanacci
dent
Toni
:Iknowbaby,Acci
dent
sdohappen.Butyou
needtobecar
eful
,That
'swhywehavenapkinson
thet
able
Lu:Iknow
Toni
:Butatleastyouhave3oftheset
-shi
rt
s.So
whenyoufinisheati
ng,Youcangoandchange
ri
ght
?
Lu:Ri
ght

Itpai
nedmeal ottowitnesssuchar elat
ionship
betweenthem,Knowingver ywellthatmychi ldhood
wast hemostpainf
ulone.Neverhadawar m home,
Grewupi nanOrphanaget hatwasf i
lledwith
nothi
ngbutpain.Myment alstat
edet ori
ati
ng,
Havingtobeinament alinsti
tuti
on..

Toni
:Youal
ri
ght
?

Izonedoutforamoment,Hadaflashbackt hatt
ook
mebackt ot
heOrphanage.Myfostermot herand
hermult
ipl
eboyfr
iendswhoweren'tsokind..
Me:I
'
m good

If
akedasmi
le.
..

Me:Si
tdown,
I'
llmakeyousomet
hingt
oeat
Toni:Iwi
shIcoul
d,Ihaveanear
lymeet
ing.
Lusandagochangeyourt-
shi
rt
Lu:Iam notdone,Atschoolt
heysaybr
eakf
asti
s
themostimportantmealoftheday
Toni:
Wel
lint
hatcaseyou'
l
lhavebr
eakf
asti
nthe
off
ice
Lu:I
'
m goi
ngt
otheof
fi
ce?
Toni:Yest
henI
'
llhavet
hedr
iver
,Dr
iveyout
o
school
Lu:OkayI
'
llgochange,
Aunt
ieNel
zthankyouf
or
thecer
eal
Me:Youwel
comesweet
ie
Shegotupf
rom t
het
abl
eandwentt
ochange.
.

Me:She'
ssuchanangel
Toni
:Iam gl
adyout
woar
eget
ti
ngal
ongwel
l
Me:OhhIl
oveher
,She'
sagoodgi
rl
Toni
:ThoughIhat
etoadmiti
t,ButAmanda'
s
Motherdi
dagoodjobwit
hher

Thatname,
Iwishi
tcouldbebannedf
rom t
his
house.
.Hecameandtri
edtoki
ssme.

Me:Ineedt
ocl
eart
het
abl
e

AMANDA

Iwal
kedint
otheki
tchenwi
ththebi
ggesthangover
..
Somethi
ngwassmelli
nggood.
Ma:Goodmor
ning
Me:Hi

Isatdown.
.

Ma:Atwhatt
imedi
dyougethome?
Me:Ear
lyhour
soft
hemor
ning,
I'
m notsur
e
Ma:Twoweeks
Me:Her
ewego
Ma:Eversi
nceyougothere,
You'vebeendoi
ng
not
hingbutgooutpar
tyi
ng,Clubbi
nganddri
nki
ng
Me:IknowI
'
m nott
hebestDaught
err
ightnow
Ma:Al
coholdoesn'
tsol
vepr
obl
ems
Me:Al
coholnumbst
hepai
n
Ma:Yourcousi
niscoming,
Phi
li
p.Tot
alkt
oyou,
He
sayst
here'
sspaceathi
sjob
Me:Iam notgoi
ngt
owor
katMt
nMa,
longhour
s
andnopay
Ma:Idon'
tthi
nkyouhaveachoi ce.Aren'
twetryi
ng
t
ogetLusanda?Atleastyouneedt ohaveajobso
t
hejudgecanseethatyouarecapable
Me:Maybeshe'
sbett
eroffwit
hherFat
her
,Ihaven'
t
hear
dcomplai
ntsf
rom her.MaybeNel
zmightbea
goodst
epmother
Ma:Yout
rustanot
herwomanwi
thyourchi
ld?
Me:It
rustt
hatshehasagoodl i
fe,Idon'
twanna
compl
icat
eit.Ihavenot
hingt
oofferher
Ma:Youhavel
ove
Me:Lovei
snotgoodenoughwhenI
'
mfi
ght
ingmy
owndemons

NELI
SIWE
Me:Enj
oyyourdayguys
Ist
oodatt
hedoorast
heywer
eleavi
ng.
.

Toni
:We'
l
lseeyoul
ater
Me:Lat
eri
tis
Heki
ssedme.
.
Toni
:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Lusandagavemeahug.
.
Lu:Il
oveyouAunt
ieNel
z
Me:I
..Il
oveyout
oo

Il
ookedatt
hem ast
heybot
hwentt
othecar
.

Iwentbacki
nsi
det
hehouse,
Iwi pedmytear
sthat
werestr
eami
ngdownuncont
rol
lably.
..
AMANDA

Ma:Her
eisyourcof
fee,
Youneedt
obeshar
pfor
whenPhi
li
pgetsher
e
Me:Ma.
.Idon'
twantacal
lcent
erj
ob
Ma:Amandayoucan' tsitathomeanddonot hi
ng,
youneedt ogetstartmendingyourli
fe.It
'snotyour
faul
tthatyourmar r
iageendedbadly,It
'snotyour
faul
thefelloutoflovewithyou.Howyourl i
feturns
outnow, Thati
syourf ault

Me:Fi
neI
'
llt
alkt
ohi
m
Ma:Thankyou

TONI
Me:Sohowi
sAunt
ieNel
z?
Lu:She'
sokay
Me:I
sshet
reat
ingyougood?
Lu:Yaa
Me:I
'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
Lu:Wheni
sMommycomi
ngback?
Me:Mommyis..She'
sgoi
ngt
obel
ivi
ngwi
th
Gr
andmaforsomet i
me
Lu:Why?
Me:Becauseshe.
.Shei
snotwel
l
Lu:I
sshesi
ck?
Me:Yes.
.Somet
hingl
iket
hat
Lu:Butwi
llshebeback?
Me:Iam notsur
ePr
incess.
.We'
l
lsee
NELI
SIWE

Iwentupstai
rstot
hebathr
oom andwashedmy
face.Il
ookedatmysel
fint
hemirror
..

Ihadsomuchmi xedemot i
ons.Anger ,Hurt,and
Sadness.I magini
ngLuandhowshei str
eated,How
herrelati
onshipiswithherfatherwasat horni nmy
hear
t .Ihatethatchi
ldwithallinme, Accordingto
me.Luwewoul dbeburyinghert hi
sweekend. .
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
26,
09:
53]DwaaPr
esh:23

NELI
SIWE
ItookKhomooutf orshopping.Tonigaveme
moneytobuyaf ewclothes.Iwasstillshakenby
hisDaught
er.Idon'tl
ikeherbecausesher emi nds
meofal i
fethatIneverhad.Al i
fethatIwasr obbed
offasachil
d.Ihavesomuchchi ldhoodscar sand
woundsthatneverhealed.Notunder standingwhya
chil
dli
kemeneverhadt hebestlif
e,Bestmemor i
es
andbestofital
l.AllI
'
veeverhadandexper ienced,
Hasbeennot hi
ngbutpai n.

Me:She'
sabr
atandver
yannoyi
ng

Khomo:Stepkidscantendtobeli
kethat
sometimes,Butshe'
sachil
d.Changeisnotni
ceso
don'
ttakeitper
sonal

Me:I
tisPer
sonalt
ome,Iti
s..Ican'
thaveachi
ld
r
uinmyhappyperf
ectst
orythatI'
mtryi
ngtocr
eate
Khomo:She'
l
lcomear
ound

Me:Ihopeso.
.Sot
ellme,
Howi
sli
fet
hatsi
dewi
th
hi
m

Khomo:Nai
jai
sst
il
lNai
ja,
Ievenhaveacl
ientl
ater
on

Me:Youcanal
wayscomel
ivewi
thme

Khomo:Ofcoursenot.That
'showgoodfri
endships
getr
uined.Soonwe'
llbefi
ghti
ng,I
'
llbef
inedon't
worr
yaboutme

AMANDA
Me:I
'
m done

Cuz:Howi
sthehangover
?

Me:I
'
m done

Ma:Youcant
akemycar

Cuz:Wher
e'syourcar
?

Me:Het
ooki
tandgavei
ttot
het
ramp

Ma:Youguysshoul
dgo,
You'
l
lbel
ate

Me:I
t'
sacal
lcent
erj
obMa
Cuz:7.
5kamont
h,I
sbet
tert
hannot
hing

Ma:Waybet
ter

It
ookhercarkeys.
.

Cuz:Justdon'
tber
ude,
Don'
tlookl
ikeyounot
i
nterest
ed

Me:Iam noti
nter
est
ed

Cuz:Iknowbutactcool

NAI
JA
ItwashardwithoutNel i
siwe.Mostcust
omers
prefer
redher,
Nowt hatshe'sgoneI'
mlosi
ngmoney.
Ithoughtshewasgoi ngt ocomebackcrawli
ng,
but
shehasn't.Wherevershei s,
She'smaki
ngitwor
k..

MyPIpl acedtheenvelopeonthetabl
e,andwal
ked
away..Itookitandchecked.Iwasatarest
aur
ant.I
checkedt hepict
ures,
ItwasofNeli
siweandToni
..

Me:Yougot
tabef
uckenki
ddi
ngme!Toni
??

Tonihasal
waysbeenagoodf
ri
endofmi
ne,
anda
goodcli
ent
..

Il
aidbackont
hechai
r.
..
NELI
SIWE

Icheckedt
hrough,
Ndohadpost
edsomegi
ft
son
herInst
agr
am..

Me:Doyout
hinkNdoi
sst
il
lseei
ngToni
?

Khomo:Yes.
.Theywer
etoget
herl
astweekorso

Me:Real
ly?

Khomo:Ndowaswi
thusatt
hecl
ub,
andt
henToni
fet
chedher

Me:Isee

Khomo:Theywer
edat
ingbef
oreyouorhooki
ngup
so.
.
Me:I
t'
str
ue

Khomo:ShootIhavet
ogo

Me:Sosoon?

Khomo:Yes.
..Ihavet
opr
epar
eforl
ater
,Thankyou
fort
hedayout

Me:Youwel
come

Shest
oodup.
.

Me:Igott
hebi
lldon'
twor
ry

Khomo:Shar
p
Ikeptonsear
chi
ngNdoonsocialmedi
a,Can'
t
beli
eveTonii
sst
il
lseei
ngher
..
.

TONI

Ndo:HiBabe

Me:Hey.
.Howar
eyou?

Ndo:I
'
m goodandyou?

Me:I
'
m goodt
oo.
.

Ndo:Ever
ythi
ngokay?
Me:Yes..Li
sten,I
'vebeenmeani
ngt
otal
ktoyou
aboutsomething

Ndo:Li
ke?

Me:Ihavet
obr
eaki
tof
fwi
thyou

Ndo:Excuseme?

Me:I
t'
sover

Ndo:Why?Imeanwhathappened?

Me:If
oundsomeonebett
er,
SomeoneIl
ove.Idon'
t
wannarui
nitsoi
t'
sover
Ndo:Idon'
tbot
heryouwi
thanyt
hing,
What
'st
his
now?

Me:I
t'
sover.
.Don'tcal
lme,
Don'
ttextme.Bl
ockmy
numberandever
ything

Ndo:Toni
!!

Ihungup.
..

NELI
SIWE

Ical
ledTokyo.Tokyoi
sconnect
edt
oNai
ja,
butwe
good..

Tokyo:St
ranger
Me:Howar
eyou?

Tokyo:I
'
m goodandyou?

Me:I
'
m goodt
oo.
.Heyl
ist
enIneedaf
avour

Tokyo:Li
steni
ng

Me:I
t'
sagi
rl
,Iwantherout

Hewhi
stl
ed.
.

Me:Butdon'
ttel
lNai
ja,
Wenol
ongert
hatgood

Tokyo:Isee
Me:Howmuch?

Tokyo:Aweekend

Me:Aweekendi
tis

Tokyo:Sendt
hroughal
lthedet
ail
s

Me:Iwi
ll
..ThankyouTokyo

Tokyo:Anyt
ime
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
28,
17:
54]DwaaPr
esh:24

AMANDA
FunnyenoughIgotthejob,Ont hespot
.Idon'
t
knowifitwasdesper
ati
onf rom thei
rsi
debut
whateveri
twas.Igott
hej ob..

Thehour swer einsanef or7kamonth.Ijustsigned

myselfintoslavery.Ihadsomeoner unni
ngme
thr
oughever ythi
ng, I
'llbehavi
ngthatper
sonf or
abouttwoweekst rainingme.Howhar dcanthi sj
ob
be?Justanswert hephoneandl i
stentocustomer
complaints.
.

Thephonerang,
Mysuper
visorl
ookedatme.
.I
pi
ckedup..

Me:Thankyouf
orcal
li
ngMt
ncustomercar
eli
ne,
Nel
isi
wespeaki
nghowmayIhel
pyou?

Cl
ient
:Yournet
wor
kisshi
t
Me:Par
don?

Cl
ient
:Isai
dyournet
wor
kisshi
t

Me:Haveyout
ri
edswi
tchi
ngi
tonandof
fSi
r?

Cl
ient
:Doyout
hinkI
'
m st
upi
d?

Me:Wher
ear
eyoubased?

Cl
ient
:Mi
drand

Me:Pl
easest
ayont
hel
inewhi
leIcheck

Suchr
udenessf
rom onePer
son,
Whosoundseven
ol
dtobeswear
ing.
.

Me:Thankyouf oryourpati
encetherei
snet
workin
midr
and,Pleaseswitchyournetworkof
fandswit
ch
i
tagainbackon

Cl
ient
:Got
ohel
l!

Me:I
sther
eanyt
hingel
seIcanassi
styouwi
th?

Cl
ient
:No!
!

Me:Pl
easest
ayont
hel
inet
orat
-

Hehungup.
.

Me:Wow!
Sup:Wel
comet
oourwor
ld

NELI
SIWE

Thi
sisbyf arthemostdangerousthi
ngIhaveever
doneinthehistor
yofsi
ckthingsthatIhavedone
befor
e..
.

Tokyosentmeal ocati
onandIdrovet
here,Downin
thebushes.I
nthemi ddl
eofnowhere.
.Igotoutof
thecarandheadedtohiscar.Hewasleani
ng
agai
nsttheboot.
.

Me:Whati
sthi
spl
ace?
Her
ubbedhi
shandst
oget
her
..

Tokyo:Don'twor
ryabouti
t,Wor
ryaboutwhatwe
doi
ngher e

Heopenedtheboot,Ndowasi nsi
de.I
napoolof
bl
ood.Eyessl
ightl
yopened,Mouthwasalsoabit
open.Shewasbleedi
ngfrom hermouth,
Nose,and
Ears.
.

Me:Shi
tTokyo!
!

Hewenttothebackseat
soft
hecarandt
ookout
shovel
s..

Tokyo:St
artdi
ggi
ng.
.Ashal
lowgr
ave
TONY

Iwasbusyatwor
kwhenChar
leneshowedupi
nmy
off
ice.
.

Char
:Si
r

Me:Whati
sit
?

Char
lene:MrNai
-

Nai
jaj
ustbur
sti
n..

Nai
ja:Wt
fMan?
Me:Char
lenepl
easegi
veussomespace

Char
lene:YesSi
r

Shewal
kedout
..

Nai
ja:It
houghtyouwer
emyboy

Me:Firstofal
lyouneedtocal
m down,
andt
hen
expl
ainwhatyoursit
uati
onis

Nai
ja:Di
dyouconvi
ncehert
oleave?

Me:I
'
m guessi
ngwet
alki
ngaboutNel
z?

Nai
ja:Freshhel
lwear
etal
kingabouther
!,Di
dyou
pl
anthis?
Me:Ididn'tpl
ananything..Fi
rstofall
,Nel
zisa
grownasswomanokay?Shemakesherown
decisi
ons.Wej ustf
elli
nloveandshedeci dedto
changeherl i
fe,byl
eavingwhat evert
oxi
cshitt
hat
sheinvol
vedher sel
fint
owi thyou

Nai
ja:Youhadnor
ight

Me:Samer
ightyoudon'
thavei
nexpl
oit
ingt
hese
woman

Hepoi
ntedhi
sfi
ngeratme.
.

Nai
ja:Youwi
llr
egr
etevercr
ossi
ngme

Me:I
sthatat
hreat
?
Nai
ja:Apr
omi
se!I
'
m war
ningyou

NELI
SIWE

Howdi
dyoudoi
t?

Tokyo:I
twasquieteasy,Shewasjoggi
nginthe
morningandIt
hinktherestissel
fexpl
anat
ory

Me:Thankyou

Tokyo:What
'
sshedonet
oyou?

Me:Tr
ustme,
Youdon'
twannaknow
Tokyo:Fai
renough

(
Sil
ence)

Tokyo:It
hinkwe'
vedugenough

Me:Won'
ttheyf
indher
?

Tokyo:Ast
imegoeson,
Theywi
ll

Me:Idon'
twantanyt
hingl
eadi
ngbackt
ome

Tokyo:HaveIeverf
lunkedaj
ob?

Me:No
Tokyo:Let
'sgether
..Di
dyoubr
ingcl
othest
o
change?

Me:Theyi
nmycar

Tokyo:Lovel
y

Wewentt
ohi
scart
ogett
hebody.
.

Me:Canyoual
sot
akecar
eofaki
d?

Tokyo:What'swi
thyou?Whathaveyougot
ten
yoursel
fint
o?

Me:Nevermi
nd.
.Let
'sgett
hisdone
AMANDA

Ipi
ckedupt
hephoneandexhal
ed.
.

Idi
aledhi
snumber
..

Toni
:Hel
lo?

Me:Hey

Toni
:Hi

Me:Iam agr
eei
ngt
othedi
vor
ce

Toni
:Aboutt
ime
Me:If
oundmysel
faj
ob,
justst
art
edt
oday

Toni:Hadtot
akeusdi
vor
cingf
oryout
ogetupand
getyourown?

Me:ToniIdi
dn'
tcal
laboutt
hat
,IwantLusandat
o
st
aywithme

Toni:Lusandaisst
ayi
ngwithme,Atherhome.Now,
l
ist
en..Youcanhaveheronweekendsifyoudon'
t
agreetothat.
.Wecantakeitt
ocourt
,Hopeyou
havemoneyf oragoodlawyer

Me:I
t'
sfi
ne.
.I'
l
lhaveheronweekends

Toni
:Anyt
hingel
se?
Me:That
'sal
l

Hehungup.
.

NELI
SIWE

Me:Thankyouf
orhel
pingmeout

Tokyo:Atapr
icer
emembert
hat

Me:Thi
sweekend?

Tokyo:Let
'ssayI
'
llcal
lyou

Me:Letmegoi
ntomycarandchange,
Thenl
eave
Tokyo:I
'
llbei
ntouch

Me:Thankyouagai
n
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
02,
09:
12]DwaaPr
esh:25

NELI
SIWE

Igothomet hatdayeventhoughIhadchangedmy
cl
othesbutIstil
lfel
tdir
ty,
fel
tli
keIst
il
lhadher
bloodwithme.Idecidedtotakeashowertomake
surethatI'
m cl
eanforreal
..

WhenIwasdone,
Ist
eppedout
.Iwi
pedt
hemi
rr
or
wit
hatowelitwasmisty.Il
ookedatmyselfi
nit
,
andmyref
lecti
ondi
dn'tmovei nuni
onwithme..
.

Shesmi
ledatme.
.

Her
:Dar
lene

Me:Younotr
eal

Her
:OhhyesbutIam

Ical
lhermyevi ltwin,Ihaveseenhermul t
ipl
eti
mes
andeacht i
meI t
'snotpl easantbecausemyl ast
encounterwit
hher .Landedmei nament al
i
nstit
uti
on..
.ThoughIdon' tseeherbeyondmi rr
ors.
.

Twi
n:Backati
they?
Icl
osedmyeyesandopenedt
hem agai
n..

Me:Younotr
eal

Twin:Theymademedisappearwi
thal
lthosepil
ls
butI'
m backnowanddon'
twehavealottocatch
upon

Me:Youcan'
tcomeback,
Ihadj
ustst
art
edt
oget
myli
feinor
der

Twin:Youbroughtmebackagai
n,Whenyoucall
ed
thehitont
hatpoorgi
rl
.Wehavebloodinourhands
nowandwegoi ngtohavemorebloodi
nourhands

Iwal
kedoutoft
hebat
hroom.
.

Me:Younotr
eal
..Younother
e
TONI

Lusandawasbusymaki
ngnoi
se,
tappi
ngt
het
abl
e
wit
hherpenci
l.
.

Me:Daddyi
str
yingt
owor
kbaby

Shest
opped.
.Il
ookedather
..

Me:WantChar
lenet
otakeyououtf
ori
cecr
eam?

Sheshookherhead.
.
Me:What
'swr
ong?

Lu:Imi
ssmommy,
Whycan'
tshecomebackt
oli
ve
wit
hus

Me:MommyandDaddyarenotingoodspacer
ight
now.That
'swhywel
ivewi
thAuntyNel
i.
.It
hought
youl
ikedAunt
yNel
i

Lu:YesbutImi
ssMommy

Me:Tellyouwhat ,We'
l
lcal
lmommywhenweget
home..Isthatokay?

Lu:Okay

Me:I
'
m al
mostdoneandwe'
l
lgohome
Lu:OkayDaddy

NELI
SIWE

Icouldn'
tgetherpict
ureoutofmyhead,Howshe
wasjustlayi
ngthereinthebootcover
edinbl
ood.I
pull
edthisoff
,Icall
edahitonanotherwomanfor
myman.I 'ddoitagain.

Isearchedt
hroughmythingsandfoundmypi
ll
s,I
thoughtIwasnevergoi
ngtotaket
heseanymor
e..

Iwentdownst
airst
odr i
nkt
hem,wei
rdenough
someonerangthebel
l.Howdi
dtheygeti
n?Ididn'
t
heart
heint
ercom.Af
tert
aki
ngmypi
ll
sIwentt
o
open,
ItwasAmanda..

Amanda:It
houghthewoul
d'vel
ongchangedyou
andgot
tenanot
herpai
rofl
egs

Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Howdi
dyougeti
n?

Amanda:Hehasn'
tchangedt
hel
ocks

Me:Whyar
eyouher
e?

Amanda:I
'
m herebecauseIgotatextmessage
fr
om myhusband,i
nvit
ingmefordinner
.My
Daught
erwantstoseeme,Shoul
dIshowyout he
t
ext?

Ikeptqui
et.
.
Amanda:IfGr
acesti
llt
akesherdayof
fstoday,
I
thi
nkIshoul
dprepar
edinner
.Idon'
twannabe
poisoned

Me:Youarenott
hatmuchofat
hreatf
ormet
otake
i
tthatf
ar

Amanda:Gl
adt
oheart
hatt
hen

Shemadeherwayi
n..

Amanda:Youcangodowhateveri
tist
hatyoudo,
I
'l
lpr
eparedi
nnert
hankyou
TONI

Me:Char
lenepl
easemovemylastmeet
ingt
o
t
omorrowmorning,
Ineedt
ogohome

Char
lene:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?

Me:LusandaismissingherMother
,deci
dedto
i
nvi
teherforDinner
.I'm sur
eNelzi
sinthehouse

Char
lene:Won'
ttheyki
lleachot
her
?

Me:Theyneedt
ogetal
ongf
ort
hesakeofLusanda

Char
lene:Goodl
uck
Me:Thankyou

NAI
JA

Khomo:Hey

Me:Heyyour
sel
f

Khomo:I'mjustfr
om Ndo'
splaceandshe'
snot
t
here,Secur
itysai
dshewentoutforawalkor
j
oggingshehasn'tbeenback

Me:So?
Khomo:Theyf
oundhersneakernott
oof
arf
rom
wher
eshewasj oggi
ng

Me:That
'sst
range

Khomo:It
hinksomet
hinghappenedt
oher

Me:Letmet
akemykeysandwegoandcheck

NELI
SIWE

Tonii
sbeyonddi
srespect
ful
wit
hthi
swi
feofhi
s.
Hecoul
d'vecal
ledmeandaskedmei
fI'
l
lbeokay
wi
ththi
ssetup.
.

Twi
n:Isaysheneedst
ogo

Il
ookedatt
hegl
ass.
.

Twin:Sheneedst
obeournextt
arget
,Wecat
ch
haveourmangoingbackf
ort
hwiththi
swoman

Me:I
'
m notki
ll
ingAmanda

Twin:Youdi
dwithNdo,Whyisi
thar
dnow?Then
af
terit
'st
hatDaught
erofhi
swhoisrui
ningourl
if
e

Me:Iam notki
ll
inganyone

Twi
n:Don'
tbeweak!Sur
vivaloft
hef
it
testt
hat
's
howwe'
vebeendoi
ngi
t

Me:Leavemeal
one

Amanda:Whoar
eyout
alki
ngt
oo?

It
urnedandl
ookedather
,Shel
ookedatmet
oo.
.

Amanda:There'
snooneelseinther
oom ot
hert
han
you,andyounotonyourphone.
.Whoareyou
tal
kingt
oo?
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
05,
07:
24]DwaaPr
esh:26
NELI
SIWE

Thewhol edi nnersetupwi t

hToni ,Amanda, and
Lusandast artedof fasawkwar d.Aft
erat wo
gl
assesofwi nef rom mysideIwasabl et obl endi n
wit
houtanyhi ddenemot i
ons.Iwon'tl
ie,Iwasn' t
happywi t
hhowt heywer eacompl et
ef amilyagai n.
Reminiscingaboutol dti
mes.Lusandahappywi t
h
boththepr esenceofherPar ent
s.Thepai nhi ttwice.
MyManpl ayi nghappyf amilyagainwithhisf amily,
andthechi ldhoodt hatInevergottoexper i
ence. .
.
Tonireali
zedt hatIwasstarti
ngtobeabi tdistant
sohet r
iedt odi vi
dehisattenti
onequallyamongst
us.
.

Toni:Lusandawhydon'
tyougotobed,
Iwi
llbe
ther
et oreadyouabedt
imestor
y

Lusanda:Okay
Toni
:SayGoodni
ght

Lusanda:Goodni
ght

Me:Goodni
ght

Amanda:I
'
llcomecheckonyoubef
oreIl
eave

Shewal
kedaway.
.

Toni
:Bef
oreyougoMandy,
Ineedt
otal
ktoyouand
Nelz

AmandaandIl
ookedateachot
her
..

Toni
:Youbot
hneedt
omakei
twor
k,f
orLusanda'
s
sake.Amandayouar eLusanda'sMot herandthat
won'tchange,
NelzismyGi rl
fri
endcur rent
lyi
nmy
l
ifeandAmandayoucan' tchanget hat.Iwantbot
h
ofyoutorespecteachotherforthesakeof
Lusanda

Wel
ookedateachot
heragai
n..

Toni
:I'
m goi
ngt
oseeLusandat
osl
eep,
Yout
wo
worki
tout!

Hel
eftus.
.

NAI
JA
Voi
ce:Hey

Isl
owl
ytur
nedar
ound.
.

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:Reall
y?Howyouki
llsomeoneandt
henl
eave
shoesbehi
nd?

Tokyo:Shewasbei
ngr
esi
li
ent
,Ihadt
othi
nkf
ast

Me:Yeahwhat
ever
..Di
dNel
ibuyi
t?

Tokyo:Shedi
d

Me:Sowhat
'st
henextpl
an?
Tokyo:Askedherf
oraweekend

(
Sil
ence)

Tokyo:Questi
onis,
Didsheseeyouinmycaras
wewer etaki
ngthebodyoutf
rom t
hetr
unkwit
hthe
vi
deocamer a?

Me:No..WhenIt ookthebodyout,Ihadadjusted
thepassenger'
sseatallt
hewaydown.Herf ocus
wasont hebodymor ethananythi
ng.Aft
ertaking
thebodyoutyoudr aggedherawayfrom yourcar,
ThenIwasabl etotakeavideoofyouguysdi ggi
ng
andburyingthebody

Tokyo:Di
dyouhavet
het
apeedi
ted?Tocutmeout
?

Me:Idi
d..ButIal
sohavet
heor
igi
nal
,j
ustf
ori
ncase
Tokyo:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
odoyoubad

Me:Thisi
sagreatpl
ant
ogetbackatthatbi
tchand
herni
ggaforf
ucki
ngwit
hme,Don'tf
uckenmessi t
up!

Tokyo:Iwon'
tboss

Me:I'
l
lbeintouch,Rememberyouworkf
orme.I
don'
tcarehowbangingNeli
'
scoochi
eisbutyou
workforme..Don'
tbetr
apped

NELI
SIWE

Atl
east3mi
npassedbet
weenuswi
thoutsayi
ng
anyt
hing.
.

Mandy:Doyoul
ovemyDaught
er?

Il
ookedather
..

Mandy:Doyoul
ovemyDaught
er?

Thatwasat r
ickquest
ion,
Ican'
tsayyesbecause
I'
veonlyknownLusandaforashortt
imeforl
oveto
existbet
weenus..

Me:Iwouldsaywehavejuststartedknowingeach
other,
She'
salovel
yki
d.Wellraised,Respect
ful
there'
snowayonewoul
dnotlikeher

Mandy:That
'sal
lIwant
edt
ohear
Me:WhataboutToni
?

Mandy:Whatabouthi
m?

Me:Iknowyoust
il
llovehi
m andIt
hinkhest
il
l
l
ovesyoutoo

Mandy:IcansaythatIsti
lll
ovehim,Butheloves
youandther
e'snothi
ngIcandoabouti t
.It
'l
lblow
overf
rom myside,Thelove.I
'l
lheal
,Nowit'
sjust
ti
meformet ofi
ndmysel f

Me:It
hinkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea

Mandy:Iwon'
tbeapaininyourr
elat
ionshipwi
th
hi
m solongyoudon'
tbecomeaterri
bleStep
Mothert
omyDaughter
Me:Tr
uce

Mandy:Tr
uce

KHOMO(
NELI
SIWE'
SFRI
END)

Nai
jawal
kedi
n..

Me:Sohowdi
ditgo?

Naija:Author
it
iessaywewi
llopenamissingcase
reportaft
ershehasbeenmissi
ngforaleast24-
72
hour s
Me:Soyout
hinkshe'
smi
ssi
ng

Nai
ja:It
hinkt
her
eisf
oulpl
ay

Me:OhhLor
d

Nai
ja:Whydon'
tyougetdr
essed?I
'
llt
akeyouout
f
ordinner

Me:Okay

NELI
SIWE

Icl
ear
edt
het
abl
ewi
tht
hehel
pofAmanda.
Mandy:Idi
dn'
tknowyougr
ewupl
iket
hat

Me:Al
lIeverwantedwasafami
ly,
toexper
ience
l
oveandhowi tf
eelst
ohaveast
ablehome

Mandy:I
'
m sor
ry

Me:I
t'
sokay

Mandy:Wellyouwil
lhaveyourownchil
drensome
dayt
henyoucanr ewri
tehist
ory,
youcanhaveyour
ownfamil
y.IknowToniwantsmor eki
ds

Me:Hedoes?

Mandy:Atl
east3ki
dsi
ntot
al

Me:That
'si
nter
est
ing
Wi
tht
hatr
evel
ati
on,
Ithi
nkamendscanbemade
wi
thr
egar
dstomytrauma.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
06,
09:
42]DwaaPr
esh:27

TONI

AMONTHLATER

There'
snot hi
ngIdespisel
ikeworki
ngonweekends,
I
'dratherspendtheweekendwithmygir
ls.Thi
s
weekendi npart
icul
ar,
Ihadalotofmeeti
ngstoget
too.WehadDamagecont r
oltodo.Ourproduct
sare
doingwelli
nthesuper
markets,Nowwewant edto
addtheluct
osefreepr
oductsforourcust
omers
whol uct
oseint
oler
ant
..

Bay:It
hinkweshoul dn'
tdomuch, Maybestartwi
th
50unit
sf oreachsupermarkett
hatwecatertoo

Me:That
'sactual
lyagoodi
dea.Fornowsowecan
seehowitgoes

Li
nda:SofarI'
veseencloverhavi
ngt
hel
uct
osef
ree
mil
k,Haven'
tseenotherbrands

Me:Sonowcl
overi
sourbi
ggestcompet
it
ion

Li
nda:Seemst
hatway
Bay:Iwillneedyoutosi
gnthesedocumentstogive
aut
horizationt
othemanufactur
er,
I'
llEmai
lthem
befor
eweknockof f

Wewer
ewor
kingonaSat
urday.
.

Shepassedmet
hedocument
s..

NELI
SIWE

IcansayLusandaandIwewer etr
yingtomakeit
wor k.Aftermytalkthatni
ghtwi
thAmanda,Itmade
mer eal
izethatLusandacanco-
exi
stinmywor l
d.
It
'sdi f
fi
culthati
ngonsomeonewhoi sthismuch
fulloflove.Lusandadoeslovemeandshe'sver
y
respectful.
.
Thismor ninginwewentoutshoppi ng,Amanda
waswor king.She'shardl
yinLusanda' slif
ebecause
ofwor khencewhyIhavedeci dedtobeal ess
ni
ghtmar et oherandbeaMot her..
.Amot herthat
Amandai snotfai
li
ngtobe, butbecauseof
ci
rcumst ancesshe'snotalwayst here.Theplan
nowi stosecur emyfutur
ewi thTonyevenmor e.I
st
oppedusi ngcontr
acepti
vepi l
lsinhopesoff all
ing
pregnant..

Lu:Il
iket
hisonef
oryou

Me:Thi
sone?
?Why?

Lu:Il
iket
hecol
ouror
ange

Ilookedatt
heheel
s,t
heywer
ebet
terl
ooki
ngt
han
thegreenones.
.
Me:Youknowwhat
,I'
l
lgett
heor
angeones

Lu:Youwi
lll
ookbeaut
if
uli
nthem

Me:ThankyouBaby

Wet
ookt
heheel
s..

Me:Let'
sfi
ndyousomet
hingt
ooi
ntheki
ddi
es
depar
tment

Lu:Iwantor
angeshoest
oo

Me:Let
'
sseei
fwe'
l
lfi
ndt
hem

Wewal
kedar
ound,
andIbumpedi
ntosomeone.
.
Me:OhwI
'
m sor
ry

Voi
ce:Ishoul
dbet
heonewhoi
ssor
ry

Wel
ookedateachot
her
..

Me:Khomo?Nt
wanayam eSt
rong

Khomo:Nel
z

Ihuggedher
..

Me:AwwNdondaI
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyou

Shedi
dn'
thugmeback.
.
Khomo:I
'
vebeenbusy,
Youknowhowi
tishey

Me:Uhm.
.Yaasur
e

Khomo:Youl
ookgr
eat

Me:Sodoyou

Shedidl
ookgood,
From t
hecl
othest
oherhai
rand
makeup.
.

Me:Foundsomeonewi
thal
oadedwal
let
?

Khomowast heunfor
tunateonecompar
edt
othe
restofusi
nfi
ndingaloadedguy..

Inot
icedt
her
ockonherf
ingert
oo.
.
Me:Yougotmar
ri
ed?

Khomo:Engaged

Me:Wow.
.SeeIt
oldyou,
Whoi
sthel
uckyguy?

Nai
jashowedup.
.

Nai
ja:Babear
eyour
eadyt
ogo?

Heki
ssedheronhercheek.
.

Thi
swasunexpect
ed.
.

Me:Nai
ja
Nai
ja:Nel
z

Me:Khomoi
tseemsl
ikeyouhaveal
ott
otel
lme
gi
rl

Ir
eal
lydi
dn'
tseet
hatcomi
ng.
.

Nai
ja:Ormaybenot

Me:Huh?

Naij
a:Idon'
twantmyf
iancéassoci
ati
ngwi
thyour
ki
nd

Me:Myki
nd?

Nai
ja:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogomyl
ove?
Khomo:Yes

Nai
ja:Let
'sgo

Theywal
kedaway.
.

Me:Myki
nd?
?

Lusanda:Whowast
hat
?

Me:Nobody.
.Let
'sgof
indyousomet
hing

AMANDA
IthoughtIwasn'tgoingtosur vivehere,ButIwas
start
ingtoadapt.Alt
hought hej obisheavyand
requiresal
otbutIhadnochoi ce.Atleastcurrent
lyI
don'thaveseri
ousresponsibiliti
es.MyMot herhas
herownmoney, Tonitakescar eofLusandaand
givesme3kever ymont h.Spousalsuppor t
.It'
snot
throughthecourts,
Hej ustgivesi tt
omef rom the
goodnessofhishear t.
..

Iwasatt
hebackmaki
ngmysel
fcof
fee,
Mybody
wasachi
ng.
.Iwasf
ati
gued.
.

Rudy:Mandy

Me:Yes?

Rudy:Yourboyf
ri
endi
sher
e
Me:He'
snotmyboyf
ri
end

Rudy:Wel
lhel
ikesyou

Me:He'
sadel
iver
yman

Rudy:So?

Me:Fr
om myexhusband,
he'
sahugedowngr
ade

Rudy:Excusehi
m missThang,
Sobecausehei
snot
theCEOofsomer i
chcompanyhe'
snotgood
enough?

Me:Idi
dn'
tsayt
hatI
'
mjustsayi
ng,
That
'sahuge
downgr
ade
Rudy:Justgotal
ktohim,
Youknowhewon'
tleave
wit
houttal
kingtoyou

Me:Fi
ne

NAI
JA

Me:Wat
chyourdr
ess

Shepickedherdr
essupandgotint
othecar
,I
cl
osedthedoorandwalkedhal
fwaytot
alkt
o
Tokyo.
.

Tokyo:Boss
Me:It
hinkwehavegi
vent
hatbi
tchenought
ime

Tokyo:Your
eckon?

Me:Shecl
ear
lyhashadagoodli
fe,
Evengai
ning
wei
ght.Gl
owi
ngandshit
.Isaywecashin

Tokyo:Samepl
an?

Me:Theplanhasn'
tchanged..WewantToni'
s
Daught
erandNelzisgoingtogiveherupsheist
oo
moneyminded.Shewoul dn'
thesi
tat
e

Tokyo:Obvi
ousl
ywecan'
tkeept
heDaught
erher
e

Me:IspoketoAmid,Hewil
ltakehertoadif
fer
ent
pr
ovince.Hol
dherhost
age,I
'vesoldhert
ohim.She
wi
llneverknowt
hel
ightofday,
She'
l
lbeconf
ided

Tokyo:Soundsl
ikeapl
an

Me:Agoodoneatt
hat

Tokyo:I
'
llcont
actNel
z

Me:I
'
llbei
ntoucht
oo

AMANDA

Me:Hect
or
Hect
or:Hi

Hewashol
dingf
lower
s..
..

Hect
or:Thesear
eforyou

Me:Youshoul
dn'
thave

Hehandedt
hem t
ome.
..

Me:Thankyou

Hect
or:Iwaswonder
ingi
fIcant
akeyouout
t
omorrow

Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Ipr
obabl
ywi
llbespendi
ngmy
Sundaywit
hmyDaught er
.Idon'
tgetenought
ime
tospendwit
hherseei
ngI'
m alwaysatwork

Hect
or:Isee

Me:Thankyouf
ort
hef
lower
sthough

Hect
or:Enj
oyt
her
estofyourday

Me:Yout
oo

Ifakedasmil
eandwalkedt
omycubi
cle.Iputt
he
fl
owersint
hetrashbi
n..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
07,
15:
59]DwaaPr
esh:DI
SCLAI
MER
Thenextpart
softhestorymightbetoosensi
ti
ve
anddist
urbi
ngforsomer eader
s.Reader
sdiscret
ion
advi
sed.Readattheexpenseofyourownheart.
[
10/
07,
16:
58]DwaaPr
esh:28

NELI
SIWE

Iwalkeddownt hestr
eet,Hewasleani
ngagainst
hi
scar .Ikeptonchecki
ngifnoonewasseeinghim
orustogetherrat
her.
.Hehadtextedmetocome
out,
andIdi d..

Me:Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Tokyo:Idi
dsayIwasgoi
ngt
ocomeandcashi
n
t
hatf
avourr
emember
?

Me:Di
dyouhavet
ocomeher
e?

Tokyo:Suchsi
tuat
ionsar
edonef
acet
oface

Me:What
'st
hedeal
?Whenar
ewemeet
ingup?

Tokyo:Her
e'st
hedeal
..
.Wedon'
twantyou

Me:We?

Isawt hedoorofthecaropening.Naij
acameout .
Tokyowasdr i
vingadiff
erentcarfrom hi
susualone,
Withtaint
edwindows.

Me:Yougott
obeki
ddi
ngme!
!Youbr
oughthi
m??
?
Tokyo:He'
smyBoss

Nai
jamadehi
swayt
ome.
.

Nai
ja:Nel
z

Il
ookedatTokyoandl
aughedal
it
tl
e..

Me:Ican'
tbel
ieveyoubet
rayedme

Nai
jasatbackont
hebonnetoft
hecar
..

Me:Sowhat
?Wegoi
ngt
ohavea3some?

Hechuckl
ed.
.
Naij
a:Restassur
ed,
Thatwon'
thappen.
.Atl
east
notnow

Me:Whati
sit
?

Naij
a:Youaregoingt
oconvi
nce"
hubby"
tot
akeyou
outtoni
ghtandtheki
d

Il
ookedatt
hem.
.

Me:No.
..

Nai
ja:Andyouwi
llkeepyourmout
hshut

Me:Lusanda?
?

Nai
ja:Bi
ngo!
Me:Iam notgoi
ngt
ogi
veyouLusanda

Nai
ja:Youspeaki
ngl
ikeyouhaveachoi
ce

Me:I
fIdon'
t?

Naij
a:I
fyoudon'
tthenDar
leneIwil
ltur
nyoui
n,I
haveal
lthepr
oofofhowyoukil
ledNdo

Myeyesal
mostpoppedoutofmyeyesocket
..

Nai
ja:Thi
nkI'
mt hatmuchofafool
?ThatIwoul
dn'
t
doabackgroundcheckonyou

Tokyo:Youdon'tgiveupthekid,
Youl
ose
ever
ything.Yougiveupthekid-
Naij
a:YouandToniwil
lhaveot
herki
dsdon'
tworry
andyoursecret
swil
lal
waysbesafewit
hus..The
thi
ngisNelz,
Iownyou.Orshoul
dIsayDarl
ene??

Me:Sonofabi
tch!
!

Ichar
gedathi
m,Tokyohel
dmeback.
.

Me:Isweart
oGodI
'
m goi
ngt
oki
llyou!
!

Nai
ja:By19:00lat
est
,Beoutoft
hehouset
othe
r
est
aur ant
.Here

Het
ookoutsomesmal
ldevi
ce.
.

Nai
ja:Puti
tunderhi
scar
,I'
l
lbeabl
etot
rackyou

Hehandedi
ttome.
.
Ispatonhi
sface.
.

Me:Bast
ard!
!

Heslappedmeacrosst
hef
ace.
.Tokyowasst
il
l
hol
dingmetight
..

Nai
ja:Doyourpar
t,We'
l
ldoour
s

Tokyol
etgoofme.
.

Nai
ja:Let
'sgoTokyo

Me:Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odot
oLusanda?

Nai
ja:Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
TONI

Iwascat
chi
ngabeerortwowi t
hanol dfri
end,
BJ..
Wehavebeenfr
iendssi
ncefrom Var
sity,
Hewor ks
har
dIdotoo.Sowehardlyseeeachother.
.

Me:Mar
ri
ed?

Bj
:Yeap3r
dmar
ri
age

Me:I
'
m st
il
lonmyf
ir
standaboutt
odi
vor
ce

Bj
:Hect
ic
Me:3r
dmar
ri
age?

Bj
:Theot
her2di
dn'
twor
koutasIi
ntended

Me:What
'sdi
ff
erentaboutt
hisone?

Bj
:She'
sjustdi
ff
erentandmuchYounger

Me:That
'sgood

Bj
:Andyou?

Me:Iam i
narel
ati
onshi
pwi
thawonder
fulwoman,
HernameisNel
isi
we

Bj
:St
il
lmar
ri
edt
oAmanda?
Me:Yes

Bj
:Compl
icat
edshi
t

Me:Ver
y

NELI
SIWE

Ifi
twasstil
ltheti
mewher eIhadsomuchhat efor
Lusanda.Iwoulddothiswit
houtevent
hinki
ng
twi
ce.Nowt hatweactual
lygetal
ong,I
t'
shard..
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..

Lusanda:Ar
eyoucr
ying?

Me:No.
.I'
m notcr
ying.
.It
hinkI
'
m comi
ngupwi
th
f
lu

Il
ookedatherandhowi nnocentsheis.Nai
jai
sa
dog,He'
sNiger i
anwit
halotofcontactsanddoesn'
t
haveanyregardsforahumanl i
fe.
.Hecouldn'
ttr
eat
usbett
erandi twastr
aumatic,
Whataboutan8year
ol
dwhoi sturning9nextweek??

Lusanda:Il
iket
heshoes.
.Thankyou

Me:Youwel
come

Lusanda:I
'
m goi
ngt
oswi
m,Youwannacome?
Me:Noi
t'
sokay.
.Goaheadsweet
ie

Sher
anout
..

Il
ookedatthehouse,ThenIl
ookedatt
heglass
at
tachedt
ot hecupboard.
.Myevi
ltwi
nshowedup.
.

Twin:Arewegoi
ngtoletal
loft
hisgo?Gobackt o
beinghomel
essorgobacktousingourcoochi
efor
1.5kamonthwhil
stNaij
apocket
severyt
hing?

Me:Ican'
t

Twin:Toughenup! !Shei snotyourchil

d,Ar
en'twe
tr
yingforone?We' vebeent ryi
ngandIam surewe
havecaughtnow.I fLusandagoes,Yourchil
d.Our
chil
dwi l
linher
iteverythi
ng.Wef or
ceToniinto
mar r
iageandever ythi
ngisours.Don'twewanna
l
ivecomf
ort
abl
yforonce?

Me:Nai
jaknowsmyt
ruei
dent
it
y

Twin:Naij
aisshit
..Li
stentome!Whenweget
everyt
hingwewi l
lbeabletodoever
ythi
ngt
okeep
usawayf rom t
heinst
it
ution

Me:Okay

Twi
n:Toughenup!We'
vedonewor
se

AMANDA
Knocki
ngofft
imeisthebest
.Iwasher
esi
ncef
rom
7am,It
'snow16:
00..

IgotintomyMother
'scar.Ineedt
ogethomeand
restbecauset
omorr
owI '
m goingt
ospendtheday
withLusanda.
.

Iam atpeacewi t
hhowweallgetal
ongnow.Yesi
t
sti
llhur
tstoseemyHusbandinlovewi
thsomeone
el
sewhi l
stIsti
lll
ovehi
m,But.

Tonihastheri
ghttol
oveanywomant
hathi
sheart
chooses.Heisal
lowedt
obehappywi
thsomeone
el
seotherthanme..

Iam justhappyt
hatmyDaught
eri
sokay,
That
'sal
l
Ieverwant..
TONI

Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.

Me:Ihavet
ogoBJ,
Itwasgoodcat
chi
ngupwi
th
you

Bj
:Weshoul
ddot
hismor
eof
ten

Me:Ver
ytr
ue

Weexchangedahandshake.
.

Bj
:Seeyout
hen
Me:Seeyou
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
08,
06:
49]DwaaPr
esh:29

NELI
SIWE

Myphonerang,I
twasAmanda.It
ookadeepbr
eat
h
bef
oreanswer
ing.
.

Me:Mandy

Amanda:Heyyou

Me:Howar
eyou?Ar
eyougood?
Amanda:I'm goodj
ustmadtir
ed,WhenIgothomeI
batheandate.Iwannahaveanearl
ynightf
or
Lusandatomor r
ow

Myhear
tsank.
.

Me:Wear eact
ual
lygoi
ngout
,Toniar
ri
vedaboutan
hourago.He'
sshoweri
ng

Amanda:That
'sni
ce.
.Youguysshoul
denj
oy

Me:Doyouwannaspeakt
oLu?

Amanda:Iact
ual
lycal
ledtospeaktoherbutsi
nce
youguysaregoi
ngout..I
'
llcal
lint
hemorning
bef
oreIcome
Me:It
'sokay.
.Youcant
alktohersinceTonii
sst
il
l
showeri
ng.Letmegotoherbedroom

I
t'
svit
althatshehasthi
sonelastcal
lwithher
Daught
er,Seei
ngthatshewon'tseeheragai
n..
.

Lusandawasputti
ngonhershoes.
.SameshoesI
boughthert
oday.IputAmandaonloudspeaker
..

Me:Sweet
ieyourMom want
stot
alkt
oyou

Lusanda:Okay

Ihandedhert
hephone.
.

Me:I
'
m gonet
oputonmyheel
sokay?

Lusanda:Okay
Ilef
tt hem andheadedt othebedr oom.Theshower
waterwasr unni
ng.Itookt hesmal ldeviceand
rushedout sidetoputitundert hecar..Igott
here,
pressedt hebutton.Asmal lgreenlightcameon. .
I
kneltandpl aceditunderthecar .Igotupand
headedbackt othehouse.Iclosedt heki t
chendoor
andl eanedagainstitwithmyeyescl osed..

Me:I
t'
sokayNel
z,Youdoi
ngt
hisf
oryourf
utur
e

KHOMO

Il
ookedatmysel fi
nthemir
ror
,al
lthemarks
creat
edfrom t
hebuckleoft
hebelt
.Nai
jai
sstil
l
hurti
ngoverl
osingNelz,
andheisshowi
ngitout
wit
hAnger .Whenhest art
edar el
ati
onshipwit
hme,
Idon'tthi
nkhegenuinelywantedtobewi t
hme.I
don'tthi
nkhelovesme, Hejustwantstorepl
ace
Nelzwi t
hme.Hewant smetobel i
keNelzsohis
businessdoesn'
tsinkbecauseit'
salr
eadysinki
ng.
HelostNdo, Wasleftwit
hmeandNel z.Nel
zis
gone,He'slef
twithmenow. .

Ifeelal
lthepressur
eandI
'
m madet
owor
khar
der
thanbefore.
.

Hehaspromisedtobringinanot
hergi
rltobalance
theequat
ion,
Unti
lthen.I
'l
lbelef
ttogothroughit
all
..

Nai
ja:KayI
'
m home

Iputont
hegownandt
iedi
t.
.
Me:I
'
m comi
ng

Iwashedmyfaceagai
n,wi
peditandt
henwal
ked
outoft
hebat
hroom.Hehadbroughtf
ood.
.

Nai
ja:Ihadanamazi
ngday.
.Whataboutyou?

Me:Asusual

Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.

Nai
ja:Iknowi
t'
shar
dBabe,
Iknowyour
eal
lyt
ryi
ng

Inodded.
.

Naij
a:Li
sten.
.Iwasthi
nki
ngt
hatnextweekendwe
cangotoashortvacat
ion
Me:It
hinkt
hatwoul
dbegood

Hegent
lyhi
tmeonmycheek.
.

Naij
a:Comeonli
ght
enup,
Youshouldbeproudof
your
self
.Get
ti
ngNel
isi
we'
sspotj
ustl
iket
hat

If
akedasmi
le.
.

Me:Iguessso

AMANDA
Me:YouknowIt
hinkt
hatImust
'vemi
sjudgedNel
i

Ma:Maybeyouhave

Me:SheseemsgoodwithLusanda,
Shet
reat
sher
wel
landLusandal
ikesher

Ma:I'
m gl
adt
hewel
l
bei
ngofmyGr
anddaught
eri
s
good

Me:Areyouokay?Youseem abi
tof
ftodaysi
nceI
gotback

Ma:Idon'
tknow.
.Ngi
shaywauval
o(Ihavet
hisf
ear
)

Me:Whathappened?
Ma:Idon'tknow,
it'
sthesamef eeli
ngIgotwhen
Daddied.30minbeforeIgott
hecal l
.Morel
ikeI'
m
goi
ngtogetbadnewsorsomet hingbadisgoingto
happen

Me:Don'
tsaysuchMa,Ever
ythi
ngseemst
obe
goi
ngwellf
orachange

Ma:IknowandI
'
m gl
adt
hatever
ythi
ngi
sfal
li
ng
i
ntoplace

NELI
SIWE

Iwashol
dingLusanda'
shandaswewal
kedoutof
t
hehouse.
.

Toni
:Whydoesitseem l
ikeshe'
sgoi
ngt
oloveyou
morethanMandy

Me:Youj
ustseei
ngt
hings

Toni
:I'
m notcompl
aini
ngt
hough

Me:IknowbutMandywi
llal
waysbeherMot
her

Wegoti
ntot
hecar
..

Toni
:Thankyou

Me:Forwhat
?
Toni
:Forl
ovi
ngmyDaught
er.
.It
'snoteasyt
hese
dayst
oloveamanwhohasachild

Me:Lusandai
sasweet
hear
t

Toni
:I'
m gl
adyout
ooar
eget
ti
ngal
ongwel
l

Hest
art
edt
hecar
..
.

KHOMO

Naij
awasindeedinagoodmoodt oday,
Idon'
t
knowwhy..Hepickeduphisphonef r
om thet
abl
e,
Lookedati
tandsmi l
ed.Heputitbackdown..

Me:Youdi
dhaveagoodday
Nai
ja:Idi
dtoo

Me:Whathappened?

Naij
a:Imightj
usthavefoundanothergi
rl
,AsI'
ve
tol
dyou.Ineedtoreli
eveyouhereandther
e.You
arenotonl
ymycal lgi
rlanymor
e,butmywoman.I
wannatakeyouoff

Me:That
'sgood.
.Thankyou

NELI
SIWE
Wearr
ivedatther
estaurantt
oeat
.Mymoodwas
down,
butbeingherechangedmymood.

Thisisgoi
ngtobemyongoi
nglif
e.Expensi
ve
rest
aurant
swithmyman,wi
thoutbei
ngbought.I
needtonatur
eandguar
dthi
slif
e..

Weor der
edourfoodanddrinks,Iwasn'
tgoingt
olet
thi
ssetupbr
ingmedown.Unf or
tunatet
hings
happensometi
mes, I
t'
sli
fe.
.

NAI
JA

Iexcusedmysel ffr
om t
hetabl
eandwentout
sidet
o
thebalcony.Icall
edTokyo.
.
Tokyo:Wear et
racki
ngt hem Boss,
Foundthe
rest
aurantandwewai t
ingforthem t
ofi
nish

Me:Good.
.Don'
tfuckt
hisup!

Tokyo:Wewon'
tboss
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
09,
18:
17]DwaaPr
esh:30

NELI
SIWE

Wehadagr eatt
imeatther est
aur
ant,Somuchthat
Ievenf orgotaboutthedealwit
hNaija.Wehadour
dinnerinpeace, AndaPar tofmewasconvinced
thatmaybeNai j
awast r
yingtoscaremeor
somet hing..
Wewai
tedf
orourt
akeaway.
.

Toniwashuggi
ngmeandholdingmet
ight
,Wi
th
Lusandast
andi
ngbyourl
egs..

Me:Wehadani
cef
ami
lydi
nner

Toni:
Wedidtoo,
Itamazesmehowsuchsmal
l
thi
ngsmakeyourday

Me:I
t'
smomentsthatcannotbefi
nancial
lybought
t
hatmakemyday,Spendingti
mewi t
hthoseclose
t
oyourhear
t.I
t'
sablessi
ngthatcannotbebought

Toni
:That
'st
rue,Imustal
sosayt
hatIwi
shIhad
metyouwaybeforeImarr
iedAmanda
Me:Cl
iché

Toni
:I'
mtel
li
ngyou

Me:WellthenAmandahasagreedt
othedi
vor
ceso
atl
eastthingsar
elooki
ngup

Wai
tr
ess:Her
eyougo

Toni:Thankyouver
ymuch,
You'
vebeenamazi
ng
toni
ght

Wai
tr
ess:Thankyouf
ort
het
ipt
oo

Toni
:Youwel
come
AMANDA

Ipacedupanddownatt hecorr
idor.MyMot herwas
supposedtogot obed,Onherwayt oherbedr oom
shefelli
nthepassageandIhadt ot akehert othe
hospit
al.Shehasbeencompl ai
ningaboutt hisfear
thatshehad,Ihopenothingser
iousi sgoingon
withher.Myli
fecannotgetbacktoget herformet o
l
osemyMot herli
kethi
s..

IsawtheDrapproachi
ngme.Myhandt hatwas
holdi
ngtheSt
yrofoam cupst
art
edshaki
ng..

Dr
:Mr
sHl
ophe

Me:Howi
smyMot
her
?

Dr
:Shehadami
norst
rokebutshe'
l
lbef
ine
Iexhal
ed.
.

Dr:Herbl
oodpressur
ewasuncontrol
labl
yhi
gh,
Has
shebeenunderalotofst
ressl
atel
y?

Me:We'
vebeendeal
ingwit
hal otasaf
ami
lyl
atel
y,
Andshekeepst
ohersel
falot

Dr
:Iunder
stand.
.Howi
sherdi
et?

Me:It
ryt
okeepheronaheal
thydi
et

Dr
:Isee.
.

Me:CanIseeher
?
Dr
:Maybet
omor
row.
.Sheneedst
orest

Me:Okay

Dr:Gohomeandrest,
Andthencomeback
t
omor r
ow.She'
singoodhands

Me:ThankyouDr

NELI
SIWE

Wewer epl
ayi
ngmusi
caswedr
ovebackhome,
LusandaandIwewer
esi
ngi
ngoutl
oud.
.
"
Lett
heskyf
all
,Wheni
tcr
umbl
es
Wewi
llst
andt
all
,andf
acei
tal
ltoget
her
Asskyf
all
"

Lusandadi
dn'
tknowt
hel
yri
cswel
l
..

JustwhenTonitur
nedi
ntoani
solat
edroad,
Half
waythroughwehear
dthesoundofbikes.I
tur
nedthevolumedown.
.

Toni
:Bi
kesar
oundher
e?

Theycl
osedusof
fahead,
Tonihi
tthebr
akesand
westopped.
.

Lusanda:Ouch!
!

Toni
:Ar
eyouokay?
Lusanda:Ibumpedmyheadagai
nstt
heseat

Toni
:I'
m sor
ry

Myhear
tst
art
edbeat
ingf
ast
..

Toni
:Letmegosee

Me:Idon'
tthi
nkyoushoul
dbegoi
ngout

Toni
:It
'sFi
ne

Bef
orehecoul
dopenthedoor
,Anot
herbi
ke
st
oppednextt
ohi
sside.
..

Toni
: Wt
f?
Isawt heot
hertwomenf r
om thebi
kesthat
stoppedandblockedusaheadappr
oaching.
..

Theotheronewasbesi
deToni'swindow.Hi
tthe
windowsli
ghtl
ywithagun.Tonir
olledi
tdown..He
hadahelmeton..

Hi
m:Outoft
hecarpl
ease

Lusanda:Daddywhat
'shappeni
ng?

Theothert
wostoodinfrontoft
hecarpoi
nti
ngt
hei
r
gunsatthewi
ndscreen.
.

Toni
:Ifyouwantt
hecartakei
t,IhavemyDaught
er
andmygi r
lf
ri
endi
nhere
Hi
m:Isai
doutoft
hecar

Toni
:Pl
ease

Hehi
tTonionhi
sfacewi
tht
hegun.
.

LusandaandIscr
eamed.
.

Lusanda:Daddy!
!

HeopenedtheDoorandpulledToniout.Lit
eral
ly
dr
aggedhim out
.Theothertwoapproachedt hecar
.
OpenedmyDoorandLusanda' s.Theotherone
gr
abbedLusandaandpulledherout..

Lusanda:Daddy

Igotoutoft
hecaratgunpoi
nt.Al
l3wer
ewear
ing
hel
met
s.Inot
icedacarpar
kedbehi
ndus.
.

Lusanda:Daddy!
!!
!!

Hewashol di
nghertight,
andwalkingt
othecar.
Tonikickedtheonewhowashol di
nghim atgun
pointonhisstomach.Hecr oucheddown,He
rushedafterLusanda..

Me:ToniNo!
!!
!!

Lusanda:Daddy!
!!
!

Toni
:Lusanda!
!

Theotheronemovedfrom me,
Aimedhi
sgunat
Toniandshothi
mt wi
ce..
Me:Noooooo!
!!
!!
!!
!!

AMANDA

Igotint
othecarandt
ri
edtocal
lToni
,Hedidn'
tpick
up.Ical
ledNel
z,Shedi
dn'
tpi
ckuptoo.Il
efthera
message..

Me:Hey..I'
m sureyouguysar
esl eepi
ngnow,
Anyway..IwantedtosayGoodnightandmyMot her
hasbeenadmi tt
ed.Shehadami norstr
oke,
Please
tel
lToni
.KissLusandaforme..Bye
KHOMO

Naij
awassitt
ingonthecouchasIgavehi
m aBJ,I
wasinbetweenhisl
egs.Hewasgrabbi
ngmyhair
t
ightandfor
cingmeondeept hr
oat
,Whil
stgr
oani
ng
l
ikealoudbull
.

Hi
sphonevi
brat
ed.
.

Heactual
lypi
ckedi
tupnextt
ohim andr
eadt
he
message.Hesmil
edandputi
tback..

Nai
ja:Fi
nishup,
Ihavet
ogosomewher
e

Hef
orcedmef
urt
herdownonhi
scr
otch.
.
NELI
SIWE

Theyhadalllef
t,Leavingmewit
hmyunconsci
ous
boyfr
iendwhowasbl eedi
ngt
odeat
handhiscar
thedoorswideopen..

Shoot
ingToniwasneverpar
toftheplan,
Ifhedi
es.
I
'mlosingi
tal
ltoAmanda,Theysti
lll
egal
lymarr
ied.
.

Ihadcal
ledt
heAmbul
ance.
.

Me:Tonipl
ease,
Youhavet
omakei
t.
.Youhavet
o
makeit(
Cryi
ng)

Isawheadl
ightsapproachi
ng.Igotupandst
oodin
themi
ddleoftheroad,Withmyhandshelduphi
gh..
Me:St
op!
!!Pl
easest
op!
!!
!

TOKYO

Thi
schil
dwasbusycryi
ngloud,She'
sgoi
ngt
oput
meintr
oubl
eifshecont
inues.
.

Ipull
edoverandgotoutoft
hedr i
ver
'sseat.Iwent
tothebackandopenedthedoor.Shekickedme
ri
ghtinthefaceasIt
ri
edtograbherleg.Istepped
backabi t
..

Me:Wt
f??

Iwentbackandgr
abbedbot
hherl
egspul
li
nghert
o
t
heedge.
.

Me:Fuckenpi
eceofshi
t!
!!

Istr
angledher..Wit
hhersmallhandsshet
riedt
o
getmineof fherneckbutshewastooweak.She'
sa
chi
ldafterall
,Herstr
engthcan'
tbecomparedto
mine..

Moses:FuckTokyowhatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Hepar
kedhi
sbi
keandcamet
opul
lmeof
f.
.

Moses:Whatareyoudoi
ng?
?Nai
jawant
sheral
ive!
!
Don'
tfuckendothi
s!!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
09,
19:
37]DwaaPr
esh:31

NELI
SIWE

2WEEKSLATER

Iwasbusydozi
ngof
font
hechai
rwhenIhear
da
voi
cecal
li
ngout.
.

Voi
ce:Gohomeandgetsomer
est
,I'
l
ltakei
tfr
om
her
e

It
urned,
ItwasToni
'
sMom st
andi
ngbyt
hedoor
..

Il
ookedatToni
.Hesti
llhadhi
seyesclosed,
He'
s
beenheref
or2weeksandstil
lhasn'
twokenup.
..I
am her
ebyhissi
deeveryday.
Ihear
dthesoundofherheelscli
ckingasshemade
herwaytome.Iwouldn'
tsayshel i
kesme,Weare
j
ustcivi
ltowar
dseachotherbecauseTonimeans
theworl
dt ousbot
h..

Her:I
tseemsli
keyouhaven'
tgot
tenanygoodsl
eep
eversi
ncetheacci
dent

Me:I
t'
shar
dtosl
eep

Her:Iknow.
.GohomeandrestI'
l
lbeher
efort
oday
andyoucancomebacktomorrow

Me:Thankyou

Shewasoutoft
hecount
ry,
Justgotback..
shewas
l
ongtol
dbutcoul
dn'
tmakeitont
imeuntilnow.
.
IwalkeduptoToniandki
ssedhi
m ont
he
for
ehead..
.

Me:Il
oveyou

AMANDA

IthoughtIwasgoingtolosemyMot her,
Butshe
madei t
.OnethingaboutmyMot herist
hatsheisa
verystr
ongwoman, andIappreci
ateherforthat
.
Foralwaysbeingmypill
arofstr
engthatallt
imes..
I'
m gladshe'
sokaybecausenow, Ineedhermore
thanever.
.
Nothingi nthewhol ewor l
dcoul d'
vepr epar edme
forthi
s, Lusandaget tingkidnapped.Idon' teven
knowhowt oexplainmypai n.Wi t
heachday, my
paingr ew.Ifeltherabsence, Thevoidi nmyhear t
.
Knowi nghowmessedupourcount ryis, Icanonly
i
magi newhat '
sbeingdonet omyDaught er.Iam
eventhi nki
ngoft hewor stthatshepr obabl ygot
rapedandki l
led.Idon' tt
hinkt hi
swasr andom, How
Nelinar rat
edt hestory.Itseemsl ikethiswasdone
outofr evenge.RevengeonToni ,
Idon' tknow
whom hepi ssedof fbut .
.Thiswasnotr andom...

Iwastappi
ngmyfootagai
nstt
hef
loorwai
ti
ngf
or
thedet
ecti
ve.
.Hewal
kedin.
.

Det
ect
ive:Mr
sHl
ophe

Me:Amandapl
ease

Det
ect
ive:Sor
ryt
ohavekeptyouwai
ti
ng
Iwaswi
thmyMot
her
..

Me:Howi
sthecasegoi
ng?

Heexhal
ed.
.

Det
ect
ive:Sofarnonewdevel
opment
shavebeen
made,
It'
ssti
llanongoi
ngcase

Me:Ther
ehast
obesomet
hing

Det
ect
ive:Wear
etr
yingourhar
dest

Me:Ij
ustwantmybabyhome,
Deadoral
ive

Det
ect
ive:IknowMam'
andt
rustmewhenIsaywe
ar
ewor
kingver
yhar
d

Me:Obvi
ousl
ynothar
denough!

Ma:Amanda

Me:Doyouhavechi
ldr
endet
ect
ive?

Det
ect
ive:YesIdo

Me:Howwouldyouf
eel
ifoneoft
hem got
ki
dnapped?

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Detecti
ve:IwishIcansolvethecasenow,Ido
promiseyouthatIwillworkhardonitandbri
ng
yourdaughterbackhome
Me:I
sn'
tthatwhatyousai
dthef
ir
stt
imewe
r
epor
ted?

Detect
ive:I
fyouf
eell
ikewear
enotdoingenough,
Youcanhi r
eaPItoal
sohelpi
nvest
igat
e.Theyver
y
useful

Ichuckl
edi
nannoyance.
.

Me:Wow!Hi
reaPI
?Whatt
hef
ucki
syourj
ob?
?

Ma:Amanda

Me:Withever
ysecondlost
,Mychi l
dbecomesmor
e
andmoreindanger.I
fshediesIt
'sal
lonyou!
!I
hopeyoucanlivewit
hyour
self!
Igotup.
.

Me:Let
'
sgoMa

NAI
JA

Iseri
ousl
yhadnoi nt
enti
onsofsel l
ingthi
skid,Ij
ust
wantedrevengeonTonif orsteal
ingmygi r
l.I
wantedtostirupthei
rrel
ationshi
pwi thNelz,
Idoubt
they'
l
lhaveaper f
ectonewi thsuchani nci
dent.
.

Ont heotherhand,Tokyoisgonewi t
ht hechil
d.
TheyinRi char
d'sBay.Myclientsweren'ti
nter
ested
i
nachi ld,Theywantgrownwomen.Knowi ngTokyo
tobeapedophi leandasickfuck,Hewon' t
disappoint.
.Afreshandinnocentuntouchedgirl
,He
hasal
wayshadat
hingf
orki
ds.
.

Toniwasadmitt
edsoIheard,Thi
skeepsongett
ing
bet
terandIhopeNel
zwillkeephermouthshut
..
.

TOKYO

Ihavehadt hi
schildfor2weeksnowwithout
gett
ingcaught.Ili
vealonei
nmyhouseandshe's
l
ockedup, Soshewon' tat
tr
actanyunwanted
att
entionforme..Shenevergoesout
,orrat
herI
don'tall
owhertoo..
.

I
nthespaceoftwoweeks, I'
vemanagedtotame
t
hatl
it
tl
eatti
tudeofhers.I
'vemanagedtoinst
il
lfear
i
nherandbrainwashher.Thebrai
nwashingwil
l
t
aketi
met operf
ectbutsubject
edtoext
remeabuse
shewi
llgi
vei
n..
.

"TheHl ophef ami l

yisstil
laskingt hepublicforhelp
i
nf indingtheirDaught er,LusandaHl ophewhowas
kidnappedont he25t hofSept emberwhi lstoutwi t
h
herFat herandherSt epMot her.HerFatherst il
l
remai nsincr i
ti
calcondi t
ionafterbeingshotdur ing
theki dnapping.Thef amilyisgrievestri
ckenand
theyar epleadingwi t
hanyonewhohasany
i
nf ormationt opleasecomef orwar dandcont act
Det ecti
veMhl ongoon( 07966583434) "

Ichangedt hechannel..Igotupf r
om thecouchand
wenttot hekit
chen.Iputt hedrybunont heplate
withtheglassofwat erandt ookittot
hesecret
room, behi
ndmywi necollecti
onstand.I'
vehadt hi
s
room forquit
eawhi lenow, Eacht i
meIgetaki dI
holdthem inherebutIhadt okeepitonthelow.I
haven'thadakidfor3year snow.Wi t
hLusandaI
real
lylikeher
,She'smuchyoungert hananyoft he
kidsI'
vehadbef or
e.Youngt otameandt rai
n.Ieven
stoppedcall
ingherbyherrealname,Ical
lher
"Phoenix"
.I'
m notwil
li
ngtogiveherup,AndNaij
a
doesn'tcar
e.There'
sasteeldoorbehi
ndthewine
stand,Ipunchedint
hecode..

"
Accessgr
ant
ed"

ThedooropenedandIwal kedin.Ther
oom hasa
bathroom,Ikeepherl
egchainedwhenI'
m not
aroundtokeepherinorder
.

Shewasnakedandsweat i
ng,cuddledupinthe
cornerhuggi
ngherl
egsandcrying.Hercri
es
weren'tt
ooloudt
hough.Iwentandt ur
nedtheheat
off
.Wher eshewassi
tti
ngther
ewaspee. .

Isi
ghed.
..

Iputt
hepl
ateont
hebedandt
ookt
hebel
t.
Me:We'
vet
alkedaboutt
hisPhoeni
x

Ievenshavedherhead,
Shewasbal
d..

Me:Youneedt
obeabl
etohol
dyourur
ine

Ihavehadsexwit
hheratleastt
wiceadaysince
she'
sbeenatmyhouse.Ihaveonlystopped2days
agobecauseshenol
ongerisabletoholdherur
ine.
.

Herbodywasmarkedwit
hbrui
sesfrom thebel
t,I
coul
dswearshewaslosi
ngabitofweight.
.

Me:Fi
rstr
ule,
Youl
ear
nhowt
ohol
dyourur
ine

Iswungthebel
tonherbackshet
ri
edtoscream,
Buthervoi
cewasgone.WhatIl
oveaboutt
his
secretr
oom isthat
,Iti
ssoundproofsonoonewi
ll
beabletohearhernomat t
erhowmuchshe
screamsunlessIopenupthewindow...

Lusanda:I
'
m sor
ry.
.I'
m sor
ry

Thebeltcr
eatedamapofar edbrui
seonherback.
.
Ontopofthebrui
sessheal
readyhave.
.

Iswungagai nandagai n,Iswungathermaybe5

ti
mes.WhenIr aisedmyhandupshewasnow
huggingherkneesmor etight
erwi
thherfacebur
ied
i
nbet ween.Tryingtoforcehervoi
ceoutsoher
screamscouldbemor eloud..

Ibl
ackedoutint
ohavingaf l
ashbackasIcontinued
swi
ngingather,I
tremindedmeofwhenmyown
Motherwasswinginganelectr
ical
cordonmyback
whenIwasachi l
d.Shewasmadt hatIcoul
dn't
per
fectmuff
ingher,Shewasasi ckfuck.Adruggie
whoabusedmeever
ychanceshegot
!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
12,
11:
21]DwaaPr
esh:32

NELI
SIWE

Itr
iedtosleepbutIcouldn'
t.Ikeptont ossi
ngand
tur
ning.Guil
twaseatingmeupt oo,AlsothatToni
i
sst i
llnotwaki
ngup.Itseemsl ikeIagreedtothi
s
tokeepmyl if
e,Butmylifei
scr umblingagainonits
own.

Ir
eci
evedat
extf
rom Nai
ja:
"Lusandai
sstil
lal
ive.Conti
nuekeepingyourmout
h
shutoryou'
llf
acejailt
ime.Toniwi
llknowyouwere
anaccompliceinhisDaughter
'ski
dnapping"

Idel
etedthemessageandwentt
oki
tchen.Grace
wascookingupastorm,I
t'
sli
keweweregoingto
haveafeast.
.

Me:Gr
ace

Gr
ace:Mam'

Me:Ar
ewehavi
ngvi
sit
ors?

Grace:NoMam'
.
.IcookwhenI
'
m st
ressedand
nervous

Me:Iknow.
.Ican'
tevensl
eept
oo
Wehear
dthedoor
bel
lri
ng.
.

Gr
ace:I
'
llgeti
t

Graceisagoodcook,
She'
sdef
ini
tel
ynotwast
ing
food.
..

ItwasAmandaandherMot
her
.Myhear
tst
art
ed
beati
ngf
ast.
.

Gr
ace:Madam howar
eyouhol
dingup?

Mandy:I
t'
shar
d..I
'
m act
ual
lyher
etoseeNel
z

Myt
hroatr
andr
y..
Gr
ace:I
'
llmakeyouguyssomet
hingt
odr
ink

Wepr
oceededt
othel
ivi
ngr
oom.
.

Wesatdown.
.

Mandy:Hey

Me:Hi
..Ar
eyouwel
l?

Mandy:No..ThePoli
cear
en'
tevendoi
ngt
heirj
ob..
I'
mthi
nkingofhir
ingaPI,
AssoonasToniwakes
up

Me:API
?

Amanda:Wehaveabet
terchanceatf
indi
ngher
wi
thaPI,Thanwi
tht
hePolice
Me:ofcour
se

Amanda:Iknowit
'shar
d,ButI
'
m goingt
oneedyou
tor
ememberwhathappenedthatni
ghtwhent
hePI
comestoquest
ionyou

Me:I
'
llt
rymybest

Amanda:Thankyousomuchf
oryourhel
p

Me:Youwel
come

TOKYO
Shewasdone.Coul dbarelyst andf oral ongper i
od
oftime.Herbodywasbr uised, Shewasweakand
wasst artingtobeconf usedher eandt here.Ihelped
bathher ,ThenmadeherwearPj 'sthatIboughtf or
her.ThenIputheri nbed..Isleptbehi ndher ,Didn't
holdhert hough.Ilaidonmybackandl ookedatt he
ceil
ing.Iwentbackt othefirsttimewehadsex, I
t
wasagr eatestenteri
ngayoungvi rgi
n.Manywi l
l
fi
ndi tsickeni
ng,Disturbi
ngbutIdi dn't.Mademe
remembert hefir
sttimemyMot herforcedmet o
penet r
ateher.Iwas14byt hen, andshewast he
fi
rstwomanI 'veeverbeenwi t
h.Wi thtimeIended
upget ti
ngusedt osl eepi
ngwi t
hher ,Thatwenton
untilIwas21.That '
swhenIr anawayf rom home. .

Itwasn'tatalldi
sgust
ingbecauseI'
vehadsexual
relat
ionswithmyMot herfrom whenIwasst i
lla
l
ittl
eboy.Shemademegetusedt oher,SomuchI
didn'tseeherasmyMot heranymore.
..
.Justabitch
Iwassl eepi
ngwi t
hfrequentl
y..
Shedi
edwhenIwas25,
Iwasnol
ongerl
ivi
ngat
homebyt
hen.Ihadr
anaway.
.

Itwasanover dose,Apar tofmewashappyapar t

ofmewashur t.Itgothardformetosleepwi t
hany
otherwoman, Exceptforlit
tl
egir
lsbecauseIcando
whatwasdonet omeont hem.Theyar esomehow
myt herapy,Mywayt oof fl
oadmypai ninasexual
manner .Iturnedandl ookedather,Iputmyar m
aroundher .Shef li
nched,Iam st
art
ingtokindafal
l
forPhoenix.Thi shasneverhappenedbef orebutI
am fall
ingforher ..
.

NELI
SIWE
AmandawalkedaroundLusanda'
sroom.Touchi
ng
andhol
dinghert
eddybears.
.

Amanda:Icouldjustseehersleepi
ngont hebed,
Jumpingonitorjustplayingwit
hherlapt
op..Soon
i
t'
sherbir
thday.She'soffi
cial
lyt
urni
ng9,Idon't
evenknowifshe'
sst i
llal
ivewheresheis

Me:Weneedtopr
ayandhopet
hatshe'
sst
il
lal
ive.
Lusandai
sonest
ronggi
rl

Amanda:Ij
ust
..
.

Shebr
okedown.
.

Amanda:Ijustwantherhome, Iwanthert
ocome
backhome.Shemi ghtbescaredwithoutmeorToni
ther
e.Iwonderwhatshe'st
hinking,Pr
obabl
yaski
ng
whywenott heretocomegether..Whataret
hey
doingt oher?She'sjustal
it
tl
egirl
..She'
s9years
oldf orfuck'
sakecan'tt
heyhavemer cy?Howcr uel
aret hey???Whathumanbei ngsar et
heyto
separ ateachildfr
om herParent
s.Don'tt
heyhave
Sisters?Daught er
s?Whathumanbei ngsarethey??

TONI

Dr
:Whati
syourname?

Me:ToniHl
ophe

Dr
:Tonihowol
dar
eyou?
Me:35

Dr
:Good.
.Good.
.Whatdoyoudo?

Me:I
'
m aCEOofadai
rycompany?

Dr
:Whoi
sthePr
esi
dentofSout
hAf
ri
ca?

Me:Cyr
ilRamaphosa

Dr
:Doyouknowwhyyouher
e?

It
houghtf
orawhi
le.
.

Me:I
'
m notsur
e

Mom:I
sthatheal
thy?
Dr:I
t'
snotbi
zar
reforPat
ient
stot
empor
aryf
orgeta
t
raumati
cexper
ience

TheDrl
ookedatme.
.

Dr
:Howmanyf
inger
sam Ihol
dingup?

Me:4

Dr:That
'sgood.
.Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?Any
headache?

Me:Justdr
ained

Dr
:We'
l
lst
artyouonanot
herI
V..Nowonel
astt
hing
Hepul
ledt
hesheetdown.
.

Hewashol
dingasmal
lst
eel
rod.Hehi
tmyl
egs
wi
thi
tali
tt
le.
.

Dr
:Canyouf
eelt
hat
?

Me:No

Dr
:Hmmmm

Het
ookouthi
spenandpokedmyl
egs.
.

Dr
:Howaboutnow?Anysensat
ion?

Me:No
Mom:He.
.Hecan'
twal
k?

Dr
:Weneedt orunmoret
est
s,Seeift
hebul
let
di
dn'
tpar
alyzehimfr
om t
hewaistdown

NELI
SIWE

Amanda:Toni
'
sMom justt
ext
edme,
He'
sawake.
Wokeupanhourago

Iexhal
edi
nrel
ief
..

Me:ThankGod

Amanda:Atl
eastTonii
sfi
ne
Iwasrel
ieved,
Butatt hesametimehurtt
hatToni
's
Motherwouldcontacttheexwifet
hanme.Knowing
ver
ywellI'
m Toni
'scur r
entPar
tner
..
.

TOKYO

Iopenedmyeyes.Phoeni xwasn' tsleepi

ngnextt o
me,Iroseupf r
om thepil
lowandl ookedaround.
Alt
hought hi
spl aceissecur
eandshecan' tescape
butIpanicked.Thereisalwayst hatwhatif?AsI
wasaboutt ogetoutofbed, Ihear dthetoil
et
fl
ushing.Iclosedmyeyesandl etoutabr eath..

Sheshowedupwal
kingsl
owl
y,St
oppedwhenshe
sawmeup..
Phoeni
x:Iwentt
opeei
nthet
oil
etsoIdon'
tpeei
n
thebed

Inodded.
.

Me:Goodgir
l.
.Fort
hatyoushal
lberewarded,
I'
llgo
prepar
eussomethi
ngnicet
oeatandI'
llbri
ngyou
somemedici
ne

Shenodded.
.

Me:Getsomer
est
..I
'
llber
ightback

Shegoti
nbed,
Iki
ssedheront
hecheek.
.

Me:Alwaysremember.I'
mt heonl
yPersonwhowil
l
al
waysloveyou,NotyourMamaandnotyour
Daddy.Onl
yme, I
ftheylovedyoutheywoul
d've
cameforyoubuttheyhaven'
t
.Theyar
eevi
lpeopl
e
andneverl
ovedyou
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
13,
09:
15]DwaaPr
esh:33

TONI

I
twasallcomingbacktomenow,Thatnight.When
wegotstopped,
Whentheyki
dnappedmyDaught er.
I
twasallcomingbackascl
earasdayl
ight.
.

TheNur
sewheel
edmebacki
ntot
hewar
d.

Me:Not
hingonLusanda?

Mom:Not
hingasyet
Me:Ineedt
ogetoutofher
e

Mom:Themat
teri
sint
hePol
ice,
Acasehasbeen
opened

Me:Howi
sAmandahol
dingup?

Mom:She'samot herandherdaught
erwas
ki
dnapped,She'
slosi
nghermind

TheNur
sehelpedmegeti
nbed.
.Iwasst
il
linso
muchpai
n..

Ma:Youneedt
oconcent
rat
eonget
ti
ngbet
ter

Me:Ineedt
oconcent
rat
eonf
indi
ngmyDaught
er
Il
ookedatt
heNur
se.
.

Me:Didyoudomyappoi
ntmentwi
tht
hephysi
o
t
herapi
st?

Nur
se:Yes.
.Tomor
rowat10am

Me:Thankyou

NELI
SIWE

Amanda, HerMom andIweredr

ivi
ngtothe
hospi
tal
..Wewer eusi
ngherMother
'scart
hatshe
usual
lydrives.
.
Me:Youqui
tyourj
ob?

Amanda:Ican'
tpossi
blywor
kwi
thmychi
ld
missi
ng

Me:Iunder
stand.
.Wegoi
ngt
ofi
ndher

HerMot
herwasdr
ivi
ng,
Wewer
esi
tt
ingatt
heback.
.

Me:Whenwast
hel
astt
imeyouhadagoodsl
eep?

Amanda:Ther
e'snotgoi
ngtobeanysl
eepf
orme
unt
ilmyDaughteri
sfound

Me:Youneedtobestrong.Youneedt
orest,
How
youexpectt
obether
ef orLuwhenyouarealso
breaki
ngandbr
oken
Amanda:Ican'
tcl
osemyeyes,Ican'
tsl
eep.The
pai
ninmyheartistoogr
eat
,Thefear

Me:Ican'
tgotoherr oom, Ionl
ywentt
heretoday
becauseyouwerethere..Ican'
tbr
ingmyselft
ogo
ther
enoreatherfavori
temeal whenpr
epared

Ihel
dherhand.
.

Me:I
'
llt
rymyhar
destt
ohel
pbr
ingourAngelhome

Amanda:Thankyou

TOKYO
Forthefi
rstti
mewewer ehavingamealtoget
her.I
hadpreparedit
,Cr
eamycheesepast awi
throast
ed
chi
ckenandasweetr osewine..Iwasmaki
ngher
dri
nkwine..

Me:I
sitni
ce?

Phoeni
x:I
t'
ssweetl
i
kej
uice

Me:Buti
ttast
esni
ce?

Shenodded.
..

Me:Tomorr
owI'l
lgoandbuyyoucl
othes,
New
cl
othes,
Wouldyoul
iket
hat?

Shenoddedagai
n..
Me:Il
oveyouPhoenix,I
fyoucanlovemebackI 'l
l
st
ophurt
ingyouandI'l
ltr
eatyounice.Youcanbe
mygir
lf
ri
end..Doyouknowwhatagi r
lf
ri
endis?

Phoeni
x:Li
kemyDadandAunt
yNel
i?

Me:Yes..Wecanbethat
,andt
henwhenyouolder
wewillgetmar
ri
ed.
.Doyouwannagetmarr
ied?

Phoeni
x:Yaa

Me:Thenwewil
lgetmarr
ied.
.ThenI'
l
ltakeyouout
ofher
eandyouwil
lli
vewithmeinthebighouse
upst
air
s

Shesmi
led.
..

Phoeni
x:Okay
Isqueezedhercheek.
.

Me:Let
'
sfi
nisheat
ingt
henwe'
l
lwat
chamovi
e

NELI
SIWE

WegottotheHospi
t alandToniwassit
ti
ngont
he
bedupr
ightwi
thpil
lowsbehindhisback..
..

Wegreet
edhi
sMot
herandIwast
hef
ir
stonet
ogo
t
ohim..
Toni
:Hey

Ihuggedhi
m..

Me:Thoughtt
hatIwasgoi
ngt
oloseyou

Toni
:It
'l
ltakemor
ethant
wobul
let
stoki
llme

Webr
oket
hehugandki
ssed.
.

Me:I
'
m sogl
adt
hatyouwokeup

Hesmi
led.
..

Me:Met
oo

Hel
ookedatAmanda.
.
Ist
eppedback.
.

Toni
:I'
m sosor
ry

Amandashookherheadwi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ng
down.
.

Amanda:I
t'
snotyourf
aul
t

Hehel
dherhand.
.

Toni
:Iam goi
ngt
ofi
ndher
,Ipr
omi
se

Shesatnextt
ohi
m ont
hebed.
.

Amanda:Thepol
icear
edr
aggi
ng,
Ithi
nkweshoul
d
getaPI

Toni
:We'
l
lgetever
ythi
ngdon'
twor
ry

Shewi
pedhert
ear
s..

Toni
:We'
l
levengetdi
ff
erentPI
sifwehavet
oo

Myhear
tsank,
Toni
'
sMot
hercamet
ome.
.

Her
:Let
'sgogetever
yonesomet
hingt
oeat

Shet
ookherpur
se.
.

Wewal
kedout
..

Her
:It
hinkyouseef
oryour
sel
f
Me:Seewhat
?

Her
:Inamatt
erofaf ewmi
nut
es,
youhavebecome
a3r
dwheelsweetheart

Me:Ohw

Her
:Theymar
ried,
Theirbabyi
skidnappedIt
hink
t
hesit
uati
oni
sgoingtobringt
hem verycl
ose

Shewal
kedupt
omer
eal
lycl
ose.
.

Her:It
hinkyoushoul
dleave,
Gobackt
owher
eyou
camefrom

Shesmi
ledandwalkedaway.
.Iwal
kedbackand
st
oodbythewindowlooki
ngatt
hem.Shewas
l
ayingherheadonhischest,Hehadhisarm ar
ound
herandplayi
ngwithherf
ingers.Bavel
ebabayi
Skeem esist
rong.
.

It
ookoutmyphoneandt
ext
edTokyo:

"
Theyhir
ingPri
vateInvest
igat
ors.Makesur
ethat
l
it
tl
ebi
tchisnotfound"

Toni
'
sMot
hercal
ledout
..

Toni
:ComeDear
iewel
osi
ngdayl
ight
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
15,
09:
40]DwaaPr
esh:34

NELI
SIWE
Amandawaspassedoutont hechai
r.We'vebeen
her
eforqui
tesometime,Theywerekindenoughto
l
etusstayf
orthi
slong.
.

Iwasn'tgoingtoleaveAmandaal onewithmyMan,
NotafterwhatIsawear l
ieron.I
tstil
lget
stome.I
j
ustwantTonit ogetbet t
er ,
Sowecant r
youtfora
baby.Ourownbaby.Ababycant akeLusanda'
a
space,I'
m prayi
ngt hatTokyowi l
lkeeptohisend.
Especi
allynowt hatI'
vetoldhim aboutwhat'
s
happening.
.Myphonevi brated.
.

Iexcusedmysel
ffr
om t
hewardasToniand
Amanda'sMom weret
alki
ng.I
twasTokyo.

Tokyo:Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osetmeup?

Me:ExcuseMe?
Tokyo:Whyt
heupdat
e?

Me:BecauseIdon'
twantthatchi
ldf
ound,
She'
s
goi
ngtoruinever
ythi
ngforme

Tokyo:Lookatyou,
Awomanscor
ned

Me:Theyget
ti
ngPI
sont
hismat
ter
,Ihopeyou
won'
tmessup

Tokyo:I
t'
snotmyf
ir
stt
imedoi
ngt
his

Me:Howi
sshe?

Tokyo:She'
sayt
Me:Whati
sthepl
an?

Tokyo:Wor r
yaboutyouandthefamilyyout
ryi
ngt
o
st
art,Leavemeandt hi
ssi
tuati
onalone

Hehungup,
That
'swasf
uckenr
ude!
!.
.

Imademywaybackt
othewar
d..

Toni:
Copsneedtoinvesti
gateNaijaf
ir
st,Heshoul
d
bethepersonofi
nter
est.Iwouldn'
tputthi
spass
hi
m, He'
sast r
ongenemyt hatIhavecurr
entl
y

Amanda'
sM:Why?

Tonil
ookedatme.
.

Toni
:He'
sjustaPer
sonofi
nter
est
TOKYO

Phoeni
xisduet oturn9yearsoldinafewdays.
Nowpubertyingirl
sstartver
yearl
y,Thatagetobe
moreexact.Iam sureherhormoneshavestar
ted
act
ingup..

Iwalkedbackt
othesecretr
oom,Shewasl
ayi
ngi
n
bed.Thewinet
ookher,SwetRose.

Iputthepopcornsaway,
Shewasn'
tsl
eepi
ngj
ust
l
ayinginbed..

Ir
anmyhandonherl eguptohert
high,
Whi
lst
l
ayingnextt
oher
.Behindher
..
Wi t
hthebruisesonherback, Idon'
tthinkshe'l
lbe
comf or
tablelyi
ngdownonherback. ..Ist
ri
ppedher
downnaked, Ialsotookoffmysweatpant s.I
extendedmyhandandt ookthelubricant,I
fIwant
thistolast
.Ineedtobever ycauti
ousaboutoursex
l
ife,Nottodoper manentdamage. .

Iputont helubr i
cantonmydi ck, Strokingmysel fto
aner ect
ion.Ilift
edherl egup, withmyot herhandI
gentlyforcedmywayi ntoher.Shewasst i
llti
ght
butnott ooti
ghtl ikethefir
sttime.Shef linchedand
puthersmal lhandonmyt ummy.Ipumpedmyway
i
nsideofherf urther,
Andshewasn' tscr eami ngjust
moani ngwi t
hhervoi cegone...Beingi nsideal it
tle
gir
l,i
smor eblissfult
hanbei ngi nsi
deagr ownass
woman.Shest il
lhast hatgri
p, Herwal lsst i
llst
retch
toaccommodat eme.Whenyoubusygoi ngi nand
out,yougett hatmassage. .
..
NELI
SIWE

Wewereleaving,
Heneededt orest
..Amandaand
herMom walkedoutf
irst.Toni
'
smot herl
ongwent
.
Shehadcommi tment
s...

Me:We'
l
lseeyout
omor
row

Toni
:I'
drat
heryoudon'
tcomet
omor
row

Me:Why?

Toni:Idon'tt
hinkyoucomi
ngwillmakeany
di
fference.It
hinkAmandaandIweneedeachot
her
mor enow, Weunderst
andeachother
'spai
n
Me:Whereisthi
scomingfrom now?YouknowI
l
oveLusanda.Il
oveherl
ikeshewasmyown

Toni:Nel
i,whydoIgetafeel
ingthatNai
jai
sbehi
nd
thi
s.Toavengehimselff
ormyt aki
ngyou.Iwi
shI
neverfel
lforyou

Me:Eveni
fNai
jai
sbehi
ndt
his,
Whatdoesi
thavet
o
dowit
hme?

Toni
:MyDaught
erwast
aken!Ofcour
sei
thas
ever
ythi
ngt
odowit
hyou!
!

Me:IfIr
ecallyouwerealsodat
ingNdo,Ndowas
al
soaffi
li
atedwithNaij
a.Idon'
tseeyouaccusi
ng
her
!

Hekeptqui
et.
.
Me:It'
sast ressf
ulsit
uati
on,AndI'm goi
ngtodo
youaf avour.Actli
kethi
sdidn'
thappen.Youare
underal otofstr
essandIunderstand.Youinpai
n,
SoI'
llt
akei tasifli
kethi
sconversati
ondidn'
t
happen..Goodnight!

Iwal
kedout
..
.

KHOMO

Icoul
dn'
tshaket
hefeel
ingthatNaij
ahad
somethi
ngtodowit
htheKidnapping.
.

Ical
ledNel
isi
we.
.
Nel
i:Khomo

Me:Nt
wanayam eSt
rong

Nel
i:Nt
wyam

Me:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?

Nel
i:I
t'
stough

Me:Nel
zIneedt
otel
lyousomet
hing

Nel
i:Whati
sit
?

Me:It
hinkNaijahassomet
hingt
odowi
thLusanda
bei
ngkidnapped
Nel
i:Ar
eyouser
ious?

Me:Thi
nki
ngaboutitnow,Thephonecal
lshe'
s
beenmaki
ng.Ever
ythingj
ustsumsuptohim.I
haveast
rongfeel
ing

Nel
i:Haveyouconf
ront
edhi
m?

Me:No

Nel
i:Tol
dthecops?

Me:Ar
eyoui
nsane?

Neli
:Exact
ly.
.I'
l
lhandl
eit,
Idon'
twanthi
m
suspect
ingyou.Iwantyoutobesaf
e

Me:Okay.
.Ihopeyouf
indt
hel
it
tl
egi
rl
Nel
i:Met
oo.
.yousomuchNt
wanayam

Me:Youwel
come

Ihungup.
..

NELI
SIWE

Ical
ledTokyo,
Hedidn'
trespond.Ibi
tmyt
ongue
andcall
edNaij
a..

Nai
ja:Wharanunexpect
edcal
l
Me:Igotacallf
rom Khomo.She'
ssuspect
ingyou,
I
fyoudon'thandl
eit
.She'l
lgotot
hecops

Nai
ja:Ishoul
dbel
ieveyoubecause?

Me:Icansendyouascr
eenshotofmycalll
og,
She
cal
ledmetotel
lmethat
..Fi
xit
!Orweallgoi
ng
down
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
15,
16:
42]DwaaPr
esh:35

NELI
SIWE

AWEEKLATER
Ithoughtt
hiswasgoingt
omakelif
eeasierforme,
I
thoughtIwasgoingt
ogetwhatIwanted.I
t'
sa
damnshamet hatIhavet
okeeponjustsoIcan
maintai
nthisl
if
e..

Iam duet omeetupwi thNai j

ai nanhour '
st i
me,I
wokeupt hismorningwi t
ht hegr eatest
disappointmentofal l
.Iwasonmyper i
ods.Shucks!
Thechancesofhavi ngababynow, Aresli
mt o
nothing.Havetot r
yagai nwhenIam doneonmy
periods.It
'sgoi
ngt obedi ff
icultbecauseTonii s
verymuchconcent rati
ngonget t
inghi sDaughter
back, Heisdepressedandhasbeenspendi ngmuch
ti
mewi t
hAmanda.Hei sinawheel chair
,Hef eel
s
helplessanddefeated.

Ourrel
ati
onshipistaki
ngaseriousdi
ve,
Indeeda
Par
entwillneverf
orgetthei
rchil
d.
Idr
ankmypai
nki
ll
ers.
..

Me:Gr
aceI
'
m headi
ngout
,Ineedsomef
reshai
r

Grace:Iunder
stand..Wit
hthedar
kcloudof
depressi
oninthishouse,Onewoul
dratherbe
somewher eel
set hanhere

Me:Tonii
ssl
eepi
ng,
He'
sgoi
nghar
donwhi
skey

Grace:Althoughal
coholcannotf
ixi
ssuesbutI
don'tblamehim,WhatdoyoudoasaPar enti
nthi
s
si
tuation?

Me:Al
coholi
snotgoi
ngt
obr
ingherback

Grace:Lethi
m be.Onl
yheknowsthepai
nthathe'
s
feel
ing.Hewil
lsnapoutofi
tonhi
sown
Me:Isur
ehopeso

Gr
ace:Youcango,
Igothi
m

Me:ThankyouGr
ace

TOKYO

Mer
c:Her
e

Il
ookedati
t.
.
Me:I
twon'tbouncebackt
omyI
Paddr
essor
somet
hing?

Hef
ixedhi
sgl
asses.
.

Merc:No..Notthi
shouse,I
twil
lbounceoff
somewher eel
se.Eachti
meyouupl oadandtheyt
ry
tot
rackthevideo,Thesi
gnalwi
llbounceoff
somewher eel
se

Me:List
enher
e..Iam notonet
obet
oyedwi
th,
If
youscrewmeup.Ifyoufuckmeup.
.

Merc:
Iknow..Iknow.
.Younott
hef
ir
stoneI
'
ve
donethi
sfor

Me:Good!
!
Thedar kwebiswher eyoucanupl oadany
off
ensivevideoanditwon'tbetracedbackt oyou.
Peoplefrom al
laroundwi l
lpayacertai
nf eet ohave
accesstothatvideoandwat chit
.They'llonlywatch
the30secondspar tofitandthentherest ,
They'l
l
havetomakepaymentt ounlockthefullvideo.

Merc:Youshoul
dworr
yabouthowyougoi
ngt
oget
yourmoneywhenpeopl
epay

Me:Letmewor
ryaboutt
hat
,Justwor
ryaboutyour
work

Merc:
YesSir!
..Thel
engthoft
hevi
deoifyouwanna
makealotofmoney,Shoul
dbeatl
east15minl
ong

Inoddedr
epeat
edl
y..

Me:Di
dyougetmet
hevi
deocam?
Mer
c:Al
lthesetSi
r

Me:Thankyou

Itookmymugandwenttothesecretroom.The
doorwasopenbecauset
her
e'satherapistt
hati
s
goodwit
hchil
dren.
.

Ist
oodatthedoor.
.Makingsuret
hatbot
hdon'tsee
me.Ihaveavideocam i
nside,
Tomakesureshe
doesn'
tscr
ewup..

Ther
api
st:Whati
syourname?

Ther
ewassi
lencef
orawhi
le.
.

Phoeni
x:Mynamei
sPhoeni
x
Ismi
led.
.

Ther
api
st:Howol
dar
eyou?

Phoeni
x:9year
sol
d

Therapi
st:Good.
.Wher
eisyourMot
herandf
ather
ri
ghtnow?

Phoeni
x:Theydon'tcar
eaboutme,Theydon'
tlove
me.Theydidn'
tevencaret
hatIwasgone

Ther
api
st:Whol
ovesyou?

Phoeni
x:Tokyo
Ther
api
st:Whati
sTokyot
oyou?

(
Sil
ence)

Phoeni
x:MyDaddyboyf
ri
end

Iwal
kedi
n..

Me:HopeI
'
m noti
nter
rupt
ing

Ther
api
st:Notatal
l.
.Wear
edonef
ort
oday

Me:Thi
swaypl
ease

Wewal
kedout
..Icl
osedt
hedoor
..

Me:Howi
sshehol
dingup?
Therapist
:She'sgett
ingther
e.Quit
ef r
ankly
brai
nwashi ngdoesn'
thappenthisfast,
Ithi
nkshe'
s
notinhergoodt hi
nkingstat
e.Thetraumamustbe
causingalotofconfusion

Me:Andwewantt
hatr
ight
?

Therapi
st:Yes..I
nayearshewil
lst
artt
oforget
aboutherpreviousl
if
e,Ki
dsarever
yeasytotame
andcontrolthanadul
ts

Me:I
'
llmakesureshetakesherpil
lsal
lthedamn
t
ime,Bynextyear
.Iwanthert
onotevenr emember
t
hesli
ghtestmemoryofherpreci
ousli
fe

Ther
api
st:YesSi
r

Me:Howi
syourl
it
tl
egi
rldoi
ng?
Isi
ppedonmycof
fee,
Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:Kidsarever
yPr eci
ous.
.Onedayyouhavet
hem,
Thenextday.
.Allyouhavearememori
es

Icoul
dseeherswal
l
owi
ng.
.

Therapi
st:Iam notgoi
ngtogiveyouup,Howlong
havewebeendoi ngt
his?HaveIevershownany
si
gnsofbet rayal
?

Me:Ohhr estassured.Iwasn'teventhinki
ngabout
that,
Idon' thaveanyreasontot akeyourDaught er
awayf rom you.Whatdoyout akemef or
?A
monst er?Youar everyloyalt
ome, Whywoul dI
j
eopar dizesuchaheal thyworkrelati
onship?Just
doyourpar t
.Getyourmoney, Gohomeandenj oy
beingaaMot her
Shenodded.
.

Me:Seeyoui
ntwodayst
ime,
Secur
it
ywi
llcheck
youout

Ther
api
st:YesSi
r

Iwat
chedherwal
kingawayscar
ed.
.

AMANDA

Me:ThankyouGr
ace,
I'
llt
akei
tfr
om her
e
Gr
ace:YesMam'

Iwalkedupstai
rstohisbedroom.Hewassl eepi
ng.
Itwasdarkintheroom.Cur t
ainssti
llcl
osed,Bot
tle
ofwhiskeyonthefloor.IsawNelisi
we'smakeupon
thedressi
ngtablesti
llhal
fopen..

Iwentandopenedt
hecur
tai
ns,
Thesunbl
ast
edi
n..

Me:Youneedt
owakeup

Iwentt
othebedandwokehi
m up.
.

Toni
:What
?What
?What
?

Me:Ifeelyourpai
n,Iknowexact
lywhatyougoi
ng
t
hrough!Butyoudon'tseemefeeli
ngsorr
yfor
mysel
f!Dr
inki
ngmysel
ftot
henear
estAAmeet
ing!
!

Toni
:Amandagoaway

Me:I
'
m notgoi
nganywher
e!!
!

Toni
:Whatdoyouwantf r
om me? ?Amandawhat
doyouwant ?Iam usel
ess!Forfuck'
ssakeI'
m ona
wheelchai
r.Howam ItofindourDaughterwhenI'
m
l
imit
ed?

Me:Idon'
tcar
e!!
!Tr
ysomet
hing,
Dosomet
hing!
!

Toni:We'
vehiredt
woPI'
sbot
hai
n'tpr
oduci
ngany
resul
tssofarAmanda!
!

Me:Thendosomethi
ngthanlayi
ngi
nbedand
f
eeli
ngsorr
yforyour
sel
f!I
t'
snotgoi
ngt
ohelp!
!!
NELI
SIWE

Nai
jal
ookedatme.
.

Nai
ja:Youl
ookl
ikeyoucoul
duseadr
ink

Hewasshi
rt
lessandonl
ywear
inghi
sshor
ts.
.

Me:Youdon'
tknowhowupsetIam

Hewentt
opourmeagl
assofwi
ne.
.

Me:Tonii
sweak!Def
ini
tel
ynott
hemanIfel
linl
ove
wi
th.Al
lhedoesisdr
inkonhi
swheel
chai
r!No
f
uckenwayofr
egai
ninghi
sli
fe

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Nai
ja:It
houghtt
hingswer
egoi
ngbet
teri
npar
adi
se

Me:Not
hingi
sgoi
ngwel
l!
!

Hehandedmet
hegl
assofwi
ne.
.

Me:Thankyou

Nai
ja:Ohwwel
l.
.Youl
eftar
ealmanandchased
money

Me:Wher
eisshe?
Nai
ja:I
nthebedr
oom,
Sleepi
ng

Me:Ar
eyour
eady?

Nai
ja:Quest
ioni
s..Ar
eyour
eadyDar
lene?

Me:I
'
mready

TOKYO

Iwaspi mpi
ngupt hesecretroom forher.Sofarso
good,Itl
ookedgirl
ygirl
y.NotBarbieoranything,
Gir
lydustypink.AtouchofCocoChaneli nt
eri
or
deco.Iwanthertostartact
ingolder,andnother
age.SoItrytomakeherdogr ownupt hi
ngs..The
videoswegoingtodoshewi llbeonmake-up,Wig,
maybeheelsifwefindhersize.Icoul
dpotenti
all
y
makea100kamont hfrom thedarkweb,weneed
thatincometosur
vivesinceI'
vecutalit
tl
eoffon
myj obtomindher.
..

She'
sst
art
ingtowarm uptome, Sexi
snott
hat
tr
aumat
izi
ngforheranymore.
..

Me:Iwantyout
oeatbr
eakf
astwi
thmeupst
air
s,
Wouldyouli
ket
hat
?

Phoeni
x:Yes

She'
sevent
heonewhoini
ti
atessexnowattimes,
Shehasgot
tencomf
ort
abl
etotheli
fest
yle.
..

Me:l
et'
sgo
Lateronshehasanappointmentwit
honeofthe
prosti
tut
esIknow.Shewil
ldohermakeupand
prepareher
.Chil
dpornsel
lsandit
'sthemost
vi
ewedont hedarkweb.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
17,
09:
02]DwaaPr
esh:36

TOKYO

Fantasi
ashowedupri
ghtonti
me.Righton
schedul
etocarr
yherworkonPhoeni
x..

Fantasiaisapr
ostit
uteandastr
ipper.Whenshe
doesn'thavecl
ient
s,Shehit
sthestr
ippingpol
eto
makeendsmeet .
.Shewashereformakeupand
hai
r..
Iwatchedandmonitoredhercl
osel
yassheglued
thatwigonPhoeni
x..Shewasdoingagreatj
obso
far.
.

Me:Di
dyoubr
ingt
het
oys?

Fant
asi
a:Yes2.
5ki
ntot
al

Me:OkayI
'
llendi
tont
othehai
randmakeupf
ee

NELI
SIWE

Nai
jahel
dherdownbyst
rangl
ingher
,Ist
oodther
e
asbackupf
oranycommoti
ononhersidebutNai
ja
hel
ditdown.Hesuckedoutt
helif
efr
om hereyes,
Herst
arestuckonmeasshestruggl
edtoscream
andbreat
h.Bythet
imeshestoppedmovingand
ki
cki
ng,Hereyeswerefi
ll
edwit
htear
s.

Naij
aslowl
yremovedhi
shandsf
rom ar
oundher
neck.
.

Nai
ja:Ther
ewego.
.Pr
obl
em sol
ved

Thisonehur tmemor et
hanNdo' sdeathdi d.
Khomowasaver yclosefri
end,Onet hatI'
ve
protectedandonet hatI
'vestuckwiththroughand
through.Herloyal
tywasunmat ched,But
unfortunatel
yshehadt ogo.Shewasn' tgoi ngt
o
rui
nt hisforme..

Nai
ja:Nowwebr
eakherbody,
fiti
tinasui
tcase
t
hengoburni
t
Me:Di
dyoubuyt
hesui
tcase?

Nai
ja:Idi
d,i
nthewar
drobe

Me:I
'
llgogeti
t

AMANDA

Il
ookedathi
m ashedr
ankt
hepai
nki
ll
ers.
.

Toni:
Anywor
dfr
om yoursi
de?Wi
thr
egar
dst
othe
PI?
Me:Not
hingconcr
eteasyet

Isatdown.
.

Me:Whoevert
ookhermustber
eal
lyski
ll
edi
nthi
s

Toni
:Ist
il
lcan'
tputi
tpassNai
ja

Me:Whywoul
dNai
jadot
hatt
hough?

Toni
:Revenge

Me:Whatr
evenge?

Toni
:Nel
isi
weandTonihadsomet
hingbef
orewe.
.

Me:Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?Sot
her
e'sapossi
bil
it
y
thatmyDaughtercoul
d'vebeenki
dnappedbecause
ofyourmi
stress?

Toni
:It
'snotaf
actt
hough

Me:Whatenemiesdoyouhavet
hatmighthave
donet
his?None!.
.Thi
scoul
dbetheworkofNaij
a
i
ndeed

Toni:I
'
vespokent
ot heDetecti
ve,
Hewil
lbe
checki
nguponNaija.Checkinguphi
sal
ibi

Me:Ifi
thappenst
hatindeedNaij
aissomehow
l
inkedt
omyDaught er
'skidnappi
ng,
I'
llneverf
orgi
ve
you!
TOKYO

Fant
asi
a:Al
ldone

Il
ookedatPhoeni
xwit
hallt
hemakeup.Shel
ooked
beaut
iful
,Li
ket
hoseki
dsoverseaswhodo
Peagants.
.

Me:Wow

Fant
asi
a:She'
sbeaut
if
ulai
n'tshe?

Me:Toomuch

Fant
asi
a:It
hinkmywor
kisdoneher
e

Shepackeduphert
hings.
.
Me:ThankyousomuchFant
asi
a

Fant
asi
a:Youwel
come

Me:Mer
cwi
llseeyouout
,I'
l
ltr
ansf
eryourmoney

Fant
asi
a:Iknowyouwi
ll

Me:Tel
lMer
cIdon'
twannabedi
stur
bed

Fant
asi
a:Isur
ewi
ll
..ByePhoeni
x

Phoeni
x:Bye
NELI
SIWE

Shewasdead, Therewasnosi gnofl if

e.Breaking
herbodyorratherherbonest omakei tint
othe
l
uggagebagwasmor ehar
der.Wet r
iedtobreakher
nottothepointofherbonesst i
ckingoutofher
bodyandcausi nghert obl
eed.Thel uggagebag
wasthemedi um one, Westuff
edherbodyi nside
thel
uggagef orceful
lytomakei tf
it.Whenhecl osed
hereyes,Hertearsstreameddown. .

Nai
ja:Comeonweal
mostgoti
t

Icouldalmostfeelever
ybodybreaki
ng,Ever
y
cracki
ngsound.Whenshewasi nsi
deinafetal
positi
on,Isatontopofthebagsowecouldzipit
.
Naijazippedit
..

Nai
ja:Al
ldone
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h..

Me:What
'st
hepl
an?

Naija:Yougoi ngtoputonherl ongsummerdr ess,

Sandal s,Vacati
onhatandascar f
.It
'sadecoywe
need.Makei tl
ikesheleftforahol i
dayor
somet hing,Justkeepyourheaddownatal lt
imes
untilwegetoutoft hebui l
ding.Whenwecomeback,
You'llusetheemer gencydoor .There'sno
surveill
ancecamer athere,Comebacki n.Wearyour
cl
othesandt henleave.You'llhavetocomeback
al
onet hough..

Inodded,
Ihopet
hiswor
ks.
..
TOKYO

Il
ockedthesecr
etroom f
ort
hatt
imebei
ngwhen
wegoingtodothevideo.
.

Isetupt hevi
deocam,tofacethebed.Wewer e
goingtowearblackbal
aclavas,Evenwiththe
makeupandhai rwesti
llneedtoprotectour
i
dentit
ies..

Iwasalr
eadynaked,
Sowasshe.Shewasonl
y
wear
ingheel
s,t
heyweren'
ttoohi
gh.

Isatonthebedandwai tedforaBJ.She' sstil

lnot
goodatitbutshe'
strying.Bynowsheknowst he
dri
ll
,She'
sinvest
edint hepr ocess.Poweroft aming
andprogrammingher .Shegr abbedmycr ot
chwi th
bothhandsandwentf orit
,Myhandext endedf r
om
herbackdownt oherassandherl it
tl
ehol ethat
wasn'tsoli
tt
leanymor e.Istuckandf or
cedmy
f
ingerdeepi
nsi
deofher
..

NELI
SIWE

Iwashol di
ngahandbagasTokyopul l
edand
pushedtheluggagebag.Ikeptmyheaddownt o
notdir
ectlyfacethecamer
a.There'
snocamerasin
thecorr
idor,Justdownatt
herecepti
on.
.

Wewer
ehol
dinghandst
oo.
.

Naij
a:Inevert
houghtt
hatadeadbodycoul
dbet
his
heavy
Me:Justr
unwi
thi
t

Wegotdownt
other
ecept
ionandheadedt
otheexi
t.
Wej
ustneedt
obeout.
.

Wewal kedcasual
ly,Myhear
tbeat
ingf
astandj
ust
prayi
ngtogettotheexi
t.I
twasnotunt
ilt
he
Securi
tycal
ledout..

Secur
it
y:MrNai
ja

Wei
gnor
ed.
.

Secur
it
y:MrNai
ja

West
opped.
.

Secur
it
y:Ther
e'ssomeDet
ect
iveher
ethatwant
sto
t
alkt
oyou

Thi
scannotbehappeni
ng.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
18,
18:
29]DwaaPr
esh:37

AMANDA

Af t
erTonihadgothisshitt
ogether
,ThePIcamet o
seeus..Thiswil
lbetheveryfi
rstti
met hatwehear
from t
hem eversi
ncet heyt
ookont hecase,And
theyquit
eexpensivetoo.SoIhopet heybri
nggood
news..

PI
:Howhaveyouguysbeenhol
dingup?
Me:It
hinkyoushoul
dgi
veust
henewsal
ready

Het
ookouthi
slapt
op.
.

PI:SoIfoundthecart
hatwasatthesceneofthe
cri
met hatni
ght,
AcarIbel
ievewastheonethat
could'
vebeenusedasagateway

Me:Letussee

Heshowedust
hePi
ctur
es.
.

PI
:Abl
ueToyot
aCH-
R

Me:Tonidoyour
ecogni
zei
t?
Tonil
ookedati
t.
.

Toni
:Iti
s,Ir
ecogni
zet
hecol
ourandt
hef
rontl
ight
s

Icl
osedmyeyesandexhal
ed.
.

Me:Ar
ewesur
e?

Toni
:I'
m sur
e

Me:Howdi
dyouf
indi
t?

PI
:Justt
hatIknowhowt
odomyj
ob

Me:Sowher
etoof
rom her
e?

PI
:Wewi
llt
racki
t,Fi
ndoutwhot
heowneroft
he
caris.Wefi
ndtheowner,
There'sahi
ghpossi
bil
it
y
thatwemightf
indyourDaughter

Me:ThankGod!Thankyousomuch

PI
:I'
l
lcomebackwhenIhavemor
e

NAI
JA

Me:Justkeepi
tcool

Il
eftt
hesui
tcasewi
thNel
zandmett
heDet
ect
ive
hal
fway.
.
Det
ect
ive:Det
ect
iveMhl
ongo

Me:Nai
ja

Mhlongo:I
'm oneoftheDetect
ivesi
nchar
geoft
he
casethati
nvolvest
hekidnappi
ngofLusanda
Hlophe

Me:Ihear
d,I
t'
sal
lovert
henews

Mhlongo:Wherewer
eyouonthenightoft
he29t
h
ofSeptember
?Approxi
mat
elyat21:00?

It
urnedovermyshouldert
olookatNel
z,Then
l
ookedattheDet
ecti
ve..

Me:Iwasi
nast
ri
pcl
ub
Hel
ookedatNel
z..

Me:IhadahookupmyGi
rl
fr
ienddoesn'
tknow
t
hough

Det
ect
ive:Youandyourgi
rl
fr
iendgoi
ngsomewher
e?

Me:I
'
m st
ayi
ngshei
s..HerMot
herpassedon

Detect
ive:Doyouhaveanyonewhocancol
labor
ate
yourAlibi
?

Me:Yes.
.Cl
ubki
sses,
Lookf
orKi
tt
y

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:I
'
llbehappyt
otakeapol
ygr
apht
estt
oo
Det
ect
ive:We'
l
lbei
ntouch

Me:Icandr
ivemygi
rl
fr
iendnow?

Det
ect
ive:Yes

Me:Thankyou

It
urnedbackandwentt
oNel
z..

TOKYO
15-20minwashar dforPhoenix.Tokeepher
pumping,Ihadtopumpherwi thdrugs.Nottoo
mucht houghjustt
okeephergoi ng.Itworked
becauseshewasunbel ievabl
yhighaf t
ert
hat,I
t
actual
lyscar
edmet hatt heyweregoingtokil
lher
..

Ididn'
treall
yshowherf ace,
Iwasverycaref
ulwith
that.I
'
m 100%suret hatthedrugswil
lmakethe
videomor epopul
ar.Chil
dporni st
hemostvisi
ted
onDar kweb.

Aft
erthewhol
ethi
ng,
Shet
ookabat
handIputher
t
osleep..

Me:Ar
eyouokay?

Hadtogi
veherasl
eepi
ngpi
l
ltoo,
Tomakeher
sl
eep.
.
Phoeni
x:I
'
mti
red

Me:Restal
it
tl
e,WhenyouwakeupI
'
llmakeyou
somet
hingt
odrink

Phoeni
x:Okay

Me:Hey.
.Il
oveyou

Phoeni
x:Il
oveyout
oo

Il
ookedatherarm wher
eIhadinj
ect
edt
heHer
oin,
Theneedl
emar kwassti
llr
ed.
.

Il
ookedather
,She'
l
lbet
ooaddi
ctedandwantmor
e
ofi
t.
..
.
NELI
SIWE

Ikeptonl
ooki
ngbackaswedr
oveof
f.
.

Me:Thatwascl
ose

Naij
a:Rel
ax.
.Hehadnothi
ngonme,
He'
sjust
f
ishi
ngandspecul
ati
ng

Me:Al
iedet
ect
ort
est
?Real
ly?Real
lyNai
ja?

Nai
ja:I'
vecheat
edonebefor
e,LookNel
zit
'snotmy
f
ir
sttimedoingthi
sokay?

Me:Ij
ustdon'
twannagetcaught
Nai
ja:Youwon'
tfuckengetcaught
..I
'
m notan
amateur

AMANDA

Toniwasl
ooki
ngatLusanda'
spi
ctur
e..

Me:Youneedt
ost
opt
reat
ingNel
zli
ket
hat

Toni
:Myaf
fai
rswi
thNel
zconcer
nyounot

Isatdown.
.

Me:Idon'
tthi
nkNel
zhassomet
hingt
odowi
thi
t,I
f
Naij
adoeshaveanyt
hingt
odowi
thi
t.IdoubtNel
z
senthi
m

Toni
:It
houghtyouhat
edher

Me:I
'
vespentsomucht imebei
ngmadatyou, her
andt
hewor l
d.I
fIcont
inuewit
hthoseunheal
thy
emot
ions,
ThenIwon'tbestr
ongforLu

Toni
:If
eelhel
pless,
Defeatedandusel
ess.Ican'
t
gooutt
hereandlookforher.Mystupi
dlegsdon'
t
wannacar
rymeanywher e

Me:Youwillgetbet
teri
fyouwantt
ogetbett
er.I
saystopwit
ht hedr
inki
ngandact
uall
ytr
ytoget
bet
tersoyoucanbeabl et
owalkagai
n,I
fyoucan't
doitf
oryourself
.Doitf
orLu
Toni
:Iwi
ll
..Ipr
omi
se

TOKYO

AsPhoeni xwassleeping,
Idecidedtogetof
fthe
steam f r
om me.Byt hrowi
ngaf ewpunchesont he
punchi ngbag..Ikeptonhavingfl
ashbacksofmy
Mot herputti
ngmeonHer oin.Ist
oppedpunching
andl ookedatmyar m.WhereIhadtheneedle
mar ks,Inowhavet att
oos.Ihadtocoverupthat
area,Formyownsani tybeforeanyt
hing.

Iwasbreathi
ngheavi
lyandhuggi
ngt
hepunchi
ng
bagtocatchmybreat
h..
NELI
SIWE

Wedr oveouttoamuchf arawayplacetoburnthe

body.Wef oundalotoft
rashthereandburnti
t.We
weren'tgoi
ngtoburnthesuit
case,I
'l
lseehowI'l
l
di
sposeofi t
..

Wekeptonpour
ingpet
rolandwatchedasherbody
bur
nt.
.Thesmel
lwasn'
ttoopleasant
.Atleastshe
i
sdead,I
t'
snotl
ikeweburningheral
ive.
..

Nai
ja:Whenareyougoi
ngt
oadmi
tthatyouar
e
act
uall
yapsychopat
h?
Me:Why?

Naij
a:Noremorsef
oractual
lyhel
pingint
he
ki
dnappi
ngofLusanda.Yourbestf
riendi
sbur
ning
andyounotevenfl
inchi
ng

Me:OhhI
'm sorr
ydoyouper hapshaveweedanda
bot
tl
eofwhiskeyinyourcar
?

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Nai
ja:Act
ual
lyIdo

Il
ookedathi
m..

Nai
ja:Wannami
nipar
tycel
ebr
atebef
orewel
eave?
Inodded.
.

Me:Whynot
?

TOKYO

Mer
c:Someonei
sher
etoseeyou?

Me:Who?

Mer
c:But
hel
ezi

Myeyeswi
dened.
.
Me:TFi
shedoi
ngher
e?

Mer
c:Shoul
dIl
ethi
min?

Me:Uhm yeah.
.

Itookoffmyglovesandt hr
ewthem onthecouch.I
foll
owedMer ct
ot heki
tchenasheletButhel
ezii
n
throughthegat
e..

Me:I
sheal
one?

Merc:Yeap.
.Helooksparanoi
dthough,
Busy
l
ookingoverhi
sshoulder

Me:Iknowweshoul
dn'
thavebr
oughthi
mint
his

Mer
c:I
twasyourcal
l
Me:Heact
swei
rd,
Wet
akehi
m out

Mer
c:YesSi
r
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
19,
17:
44]DwaaPr
esh:38

NELI
SIWE

Iwassl
owj
ammi
ngt
omyf
avor
it
esong.
.

"
I'
vegotgunsi
nmyheadandt heywon'
tgo,
Spi
ri
ts
i
nmyheadandt heywon'
tgo"
Wehadsmokedweedanddr ankthewhisky.Ididn'
t
l
ikehowtheweedwasmakingmef eel
,I
twas
t
oyingwi
thmymi ndinwaysthatI
tmademef eel
maduncomfort
able.
.

Nai
ja:Heyyougood?

Me:If
eelver
yli
ghtheadedanddi
sor
ient
ed

Nai
ja:Wannal
iedownal
it
tl
e?

Me:Per
haps

Nai
ja:Youneedtol
iedowni
ndeed,
Sowecan
pr
oceedwiththepl
an

Hehel
pedwal
kedmet
othecar
..
AMANDA

Iwastryi
ngtokeepi ttogether,I
twashar d.Ican't
l
osemysani t
yrightnowi ncaseLusandacomes
backhome.She'sgoi ngtoneedament all
yst r
ong
Motherwhowillbet hereforher.Iwashel pi
ng
Gracecookdi
nner .Nel zwasstil
lout.Iunderstand
whereshe'
scomi ngf rom though,Imean..
Tonihasbeenhardonher,I
'm sur
eshe'
shur
ti
ng.
She'
salsoavict
iminthi
s..

Toniwheel
edhi
msel
fin,
Hewasonacal
l.
.

Toni
:Yest
hankyou
Wel
ookedathi
m..

Toni:Thecarwasfoundabandonedi
naremote
place,Buthe'
str
ackeddowntheOwner.I
tbel
ongs
tosomeJi mmyBut hel
ezi

Me:Atl
east

Gr
ace:ThankGodt
her
e'sl
ight

Me:Howl
ongwi
lli
ttakef
orhi
mtot
rackt
heguy
down?

Toni:Iam notsur
e..It
hinkweshoul
dletgooft
he
otherPI,
Hehasn'tshownanyr esul
ts

Me:Iagr
ee
Gr
ace:I
fImayandIhopeI'
m notj
umpingt
hel
ine,
Maybeyouguysshoul
dal
soconsult

Toni
:Asangoma?

Gr
ace:Yes..Imeanwhatdoyouguyshavet
olose
pl
usitmightwork

Me:Youhaveapoi
nt,
Weshoul
dgot
omor
row.Ij
ust
don'
tknowone

Gr
ace:Iknowone

Toni
:You'
l
lgowi
thGr
acet
omor
row

Toni:TheDet
ect
ivealsocal
ledme.
.Nai
jahas
agreedtoali
edetect
ortest
Me:Hecoul
dbei
nnocent
,Ifhe'
sagr
eedt
othat

Toni
:We'
l
lsee

TOKYO

Me:Dr
inkup,
It'
l
lcal
m yourner
ves

But
hel
ezi
:Idon'
twannadr
ink!
!

Me:But
hel
ezi
whati
sthemat
ternow?

But
hel
ezi
:Outofal
lthesi
ckeni
ngt
hingsI
'
veever
doneint
hisbusiness,
Kidnappi
ngachil
d?I'
veseen
yourupl
oadonthedar kwebandit
'sgr
uesome.You
feedi
ngthechi
lddrugs?Heroi
nTokyo?
?

Me:Buthel
eziyoudi
dyourpar
t,Youhel
pedandgot
pai
d..Whathappensaf
teri
snothi
ngofyour
concer
n

But
hel
ezi
:Thi
sisnotwhatIsi
gnedupf
or

Hedr
ankt
hewhi
skey.
.

Buthelezi
:Herfatherhasmoney,Youthinkhewon't
doanyt hi
nginhispower stofi
ndher?Tokyothisa
suici
demi ssi
on..Wecoul dgotoj
ailf
orlif
e..I
'
m not
readyforthat

Me:Noonei
sgoi
ngt
ojai
l
But
hel
ezi
:Howcoul
dyoudot
hatt
oal
it
tl
egi
rl
?

Me:WeareMenandwehavef
ant
asi
es.Mi
ne
happent
obel
it
tl
egir
ls

But
hel
ezi
:Yousi
ckMan!

Hest
art
edbl
inki
ngal
ot.
.

Me:Ar
eyouokay?

But
hel
ezi:Seemsl
ikeIwentt
oohar
dont
he
whi
skey

Me:Ohw

Hel
ookedathi
sgl
ass.
.Thenhel
ookedatme.
.
But
hel
ezi
:Haveyoudr
uggedme?

Il
ookedatMer
candnodded.
.

But
hel
ezi
:Youdr
uggedme?

Hehel
donst
eadyt
othecount
er.
.

But
hel
ezi
:Youdr
rr-

Mer
chel
dhi
m bef
orehecoul
dfal
l.
..

MARSHAMHLONGO
Iwassi t
tinginhi
soffi
cereadi
ngt
henewspaper .
I'
vehadi teversi
nceIlear
nedoft
hisl
itt
legi
rl
's
kidnappi
ng.MyUncl ewalkedi
nholdi
ngacupof
coffee.
.

Uncl
e:Mar
sha

Me:Det
ect
iveMhl
ongo

Uncl
e:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?I
sever
ythi
ngokay?

Me:Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne

Uncl
e:Thenwhatbr
ingsyoui
ntomydar
kcor
ner
?

It
ossedt
henewspaperonhi
sdesk.
.
Uncl
e:Mar
sha

Me:YouknowI'm goodforthecaseUncl
e,I'
vebeen
deal
ingwithmi
ssingPeoplecasesfor3yearsnow
andI'
vebeenabletobri
ngthem backhomet othei
r
fami
lies,
Deadorali
ve

Uncl
e:Marshat
hef
ami
lyhast
hei
rownPr
ivat
e
I
nvest
igat
or

Me:Youjustneedt
oconvi
ncet
hem t
ohi
reme,
I
cantakei
tasprobono

Uncl
e:Ar
eyoust
il
lseei
ngyourt
her
api
st?

Me:Iam f
ineUncl
e

Uncl
e:Noyounot
..
.Yesyouar
ethebestPIbutyou
wearyouremoti
onsonyoursl
eeve,
Thesecases
ar
etoopersonalt
oyou

Me:WhenIgotki dnapped, I
tputmei naverydark
place.Iknowhowt hi
slit
tlegir
lisfeel
ing,
Idon't
wantgi r
lsturni
nglesbianjustbecauseofthe
tr
aumapr esseduponthem bymen.Iwantt hem to
stil
lhavethatfutur
ethey'vedreamtof, Awhit
e
wedding.Ki ds,
Awhi t
epi cketf
ence

Mynamei sMar sha.Attheageof8Iwas

kidnappedt oobyacl osefami l
yf r
iend.Iwasonl y
foundwhenIwas15, byaprivateinvesti
gatort hat
myf ami l
yhired.Hebecamemyher o.Isworet hatI
woul ddedicatemyl if
eintobeingaPIandhel ping
famili
esbr i
ngbackt heirki
dst hatwer eki
dnapped.
By18Ist art
edwi thmyt r
aini
ng, NowI '
m 25andI 'm
stil
laPI ,
Bestoneatt hat.Duet omyownper sonal
experienceI'vebeenabletocr ackcasest hateven
thebestPIanddet ecti
veswoul dn't
,Justby
checki
ngf
orcl
uest
hatt
heyhavemi
ssed.
..

Me:Icandot
his,
YouknowI
'
m goodf
ori
t

Uncl
e:I
'
m notpr
omi
singbutI
'
llspeakt
othef
ami
ly

Me:Thankyou

TOKYO

Mer
candIputhi
m ont
hecouch.
.

Me:ThankyouMer
c
Mer
c:Youwel
comeBoss

Mercisnotonl
ymytechGur
u,Buthe'
sal
somy
housemanager.
..

Myphoner
ang,
Ipi
ckedup.I
twast
hePI
..

PI
:Isi
tdone?

Me:I
twi
llbedone,
Howi
sitgoi
ngt
hatsi
de?

PI
:Idi
dtel
lthefami
l
ythatt
hecari
sregi
ster
edt
o
Ji
mmyButhelezi

Me:Good

PI
:Idon'
tknowwhatt
otel
lthem next
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Leadthem ast
ray,
What
everyou
f
uckendo..Bemyearsandeyes

PI
:YesSi
r

Ihungupandl
ookedatBut
hel
ezi
..

Me:Whatam Igoi
ngt
odowi
thyou?
??

MARSHAMHLONGO

Uncl
e:So
Me:Kancance(
Justami
nut
e)

(
Sil
ence)

Uncle:Your5mi
nisoverMar
sha,
5mi
niswhatyou
askedfor

Icl
osedt
hef
il
eandl
ookedathi
m..

Uncl
e:Anyl
oophol
es?

Me:Ther
e'sabi
gloophol
e

Uncl
e:I
'
mli
steni
ng

Iopenedt
hef
il
eanddr
ewoutt
hepi
ctur
eoft
he
gi
rl
fr
iend.
.

Me:She'
sthel
oophol
e

Uncl
e:Thegi
rl
fr
iend?

Me:Thef
atherwasshotr
ightt
wice?

Uncl
e:Yes

Me:Sowhywoul
dtheyl
eaveawi
tnessunhar
med?

Uncl
e:TheFat
herwasshotbecausehet
ri
edt
o
i
nter
vene

Me:Kidsgetki
dnappedwhenPar entsoranyelder
i
snotaround.Theygetkidnappedatschool
,
wal
kingtotheshopsetc.Thisonewaskidnapped
i
nthepresenceofherFatherandStepfather
.Ifi
t
wasarandom kidnapi
twoul d'
vehappenedwithout
t
hepresenceofthesetwoadults.Thi
swasn't
r
andom, TheStepMothergir
lfr
iendhassomething
t
odowi t
hi t

Uncl
e:Inevert
houghtoft
hat

Me:Andherst at
ementmakesnosense, I
t'
stoo
cluster
ed.Shesaidthecarwasblack,Whenthe
fatherwokeupatt hehospit
alheconfi
rmedthecar
tobebl ue.Onei
slying,Onedoesn'
thavethei
rstor
y
strai
ghtandIdon'tthi
nkit'
stheFather

Uncl
e:Wellt
hatwasimpressi
ve.Tomor
rowwewi
ll
gotothef
ami l
yandspeaktothem

Me:Thankyou,
That
'sal
lIneeded
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
21,
18:
36]DwaaPr
esh:39

MARSHAMHLONGO

Theysaydon'
tcountyourchi
ckensunti
ltheyhat
ch,
IwasdeadhappythatmyUnclewi l
lsomehow
convi
ncethef
amilytoputmeont hi
scase...

Igottomyapar
tmentthateveningtof
indmy
gi
rlf
ri
endst
andi
ngatthekitchen..

Il
ookedather
,Shel
ookedsuspi
cious.
.

Me:Goodeveni
ng
Pr
udence:Goodeveni
ng

Me:Di
dIf
orgetsomet
hing?Dat
inganni
ver
sar
y?

Pr
udence:No

Me:Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngsuspi
cious?

Pr
udence:Becausemy.
.

HerHomophobi
cMot
hershowedupf
rom ourl
ivi
ng
r
oom..

Me:Mr
sCi
ndi

Mr
sC:Mar
sha
Prudence:Wasgoi
ngt
osaymyMot
heri
sjoi
ningus
fordi
nner

Me:Ohw

Mygi r
lfr
iendi sbisexual,Thestor
ywi thiti
st hather
Motherthoughti twasj ustaphase.Herdat i
nggirl
s,
Itwascur i
osityandanexper i
ment.Itwasnotunt i
l
meandherDaught erstarteddati
ngandWhenshe
star
tedvar si
ty,Idecidedshecouldmovei nwi thme.
Sothatshecoul dtravelbackandfor t
h,Gonnasave
alotsinceshe' sapr i
vatepayingstudent.Wehave
beendat i
ngf or4year s,onlybeenlivi
ngt ogether
fort
woyear snow.Myapar t
mentisabi tcloserto
herschool..

Me:Al
waysapl
easur
etoseeyou

Mr
sC:Idon'
tthi
nkso
Pr
u:Ma

MrsC:Istil
ldon'
tgeti
t,Ist
il
ldon'
tgetwhyyoutwo
aretoget
her.Onewasneverlesbi
an,I
twasjust
becauseoftrauma

Shel
ookedatherDaught
er.
.

Mr
sC:Andonei
sconf
used

Pr
u:We'
vebeent
hrought
hisMa

MrsC:Whati fMar
shawakesuponedayand
deci
desthatshenolongerwannabel
esbi
an,
That
shehashealedfr
om herpastt
rauma

Me:Iguessyouguyswentaheadandst
art
edont
he
wi
newi
thoutme

Mr
sC:Ar
eyoui
ndi
rect
lycal
l
ingmeadr
unk?

Me:No,
Butal
lthet
imewhenyouonyoursecond
gl
asswehavet
hisconver
sat
ion

Mr
sC:Youseet
hisi
sexact
lywhatI
'
mtal
kingabout
!

Me:I
'
llgof
reshenup

Il
eftt
hem i
ntheki
tchen.
.

Pr
u:Whydoyoual
wayshavet
obel
iket
hat

Mr
sC:I
t'
sthet
rut
handyouknowi
t
AMANDA

Iwentandopenedt
hedoor
..

Me:Det
ect
ivepl
easecomei
n

Hewal
kedi
n..

Mhl
ongo:Sor
ryf
orst
oppi
ngbyl
ate

Me:I
t'
sokay.
.Isal
lwel
l?

Mhl
ongo:Iam her
etoseeMsNel
isi
we
Toniwheel
edhi
msel
fin.
.

Me:She'
snother
e

Toni
:Det
ect
ive

Me:He'
sher
eaboutNel
z

Toni
:Why?

Mhl
ongo:Ther
e'ssomei
ndi
scr
epanci
eswi
th
r
egar
dstoherstat
ement

Toni
:Inwhatway?

Mhl
ongo:Thecart
hatt
ookyourDaught
er,
What
col
ourwasi
t?I
twasbl
uer
ightaccor
dingt
oyou?

Toni
:Yes

Me:Andt
hePIal
soconf
ir
med

Mhlongo:Shesai
dblack,Anot
hert
hingi
s..I
fthe
ki
dnappingwasrandom..Whydidt
heyleavea
wit
ness?

Me:OhhmyGod!

Mhl ongo:Kidskidnappedinthepresenceofadults
orlegalguardians,I
t'
shighl
yunlikel
y.Aki dis
most lyt
akenwhennoonei sawar e.Theroadyou
twot ookthatnighthasalowr i
skofhijackingand
kidnapping.Itwasthefir
stki
dnapt hatroadhad
withyourDaught er
Toni
:Iknewi
t!
!!

Mhl ongo:Iam notsayingt hi

st obuyfaces,Norput
i
nagoodwor dbutmyNi ecei saPIandshe's
reviewedthecase.AllthisinformationIgotfr
om
her ,
Ifyoutwodon'tmi ndIwoul dlikeforyouto
meethert omorrowmor ning.She'sgoodbecause
sher el
atessomucht othiscase.Shewas
kidnappedtooandherexper iencehelpshertosee
thingsthatwewoul dn'tsee

Me:Wel
lwehaveaPIandhe'
sal
sodoi
ngwel
l

Mhlongo:Underst
ood,
Sheexpect
snopayment
,
Shecandopr obono

Il
ookedatToni
..

Toni
:Shedi
dfi
ndi
nfor
mat
iont
hatwasover
looked,
Whathar
m cani
tdot
omeethert
omor
rowmor
ning

Me:Iguessso

Mhl
ongo:Wher
eisMsNel
znow?

Me:Shesai
dshe'
sgoi
ngoutf
orf
reshai
r

Toni
:It
'sbeenl
ong

Mhlongo:IspoketoNaij
atoday,He'sagr
eedt
otake
apolygr
apht estwe'
l
lseehowt hatgoes

Me:ThankyousomuchDet
ect
ive

Mhl
ongoyouwel
come.
..
NELI
SIWE

Iwasi
nthemiddl
eoftheopenfiel
dwher
ewebur
nt
Khomo.I
twasdarkandchi
ll
y..

Me:Hel
lo?

Myvoi
ceechoed.
.

Me:Hel
lo?
?

Itur
nedar
oundandlookedatthet
rash,
fir
est
art
ed
andKhomostoodi
nt hemiddl
eofthefi
re.
.
Me:Khomo?
?

Khomo:Onedayyouwi
llbur
ninhel
l!
!!
!

Sherai
sedherhandsuptome,andthefi
re
ext
endedri
ghtatme.Ist
art
edburni
ng..

Iwokeupscr eamingint
hecar,Rubbingmysel
fal
l
over
..IsawNai j
abythetrashl
ooksli
kehewas
busythere,
Hewal keduptothecar.
.Heopenedmy
door.
.

Nai
ja:Ar
eyouokay?

Me:Ineedt
ogetoutofher
e

Nai
ja:Iwast
ryi
ngt
omakesur
ethatwel
eftno
evi
dence,
Tryi
ngt
obur
yherr
emai
nsf
ardeepi
n

Me:Ineedt
ogetoutofher
e,Pl
ease

Nai
ja:Okay.
.Okay.
.Let
'sgo

TOKYO

Mer
c:He'
sdead

Me:Ar
eyousur
e?

Mer
c:Yes
Me:Good

Heputt
hesyr
ingedownont
het
abl
e..

Me:Rol
lhi
m upi
nsomet
hing,
Goputhi
sbodydown
i
nthefr
eezer

Mer
c:YesSi
r

Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
ocheckuponPhoeni
x

MARSHAMHLONGO
Iwasi
nt hebedroom l
ooki
ngatthecasef
il
e,When
myUncle'scal
lcamethrough.
.

Me:Uncl
e

Uncl
e:Theyi
mpr
essedandagr
eedt
omeetupwi
th
you

Icl
osedmyeyesandl
etoutasi
gh.
.

Me:That
'sgr
eatnews

Uncl
e:Iwant
edt
osayt
hankyou,
Youar
edoi
nga
goodjob

Me:DidyouguysputoutanAPB?ToallPoli
ce
st
ati
onsinSA,Justi
ncasetheyt
ryt
oskipthe
count
ry

Uncl
e:Yes.
.Doyout
hinkt
heyhave?

Me:IfnoStati
onhasmadecont
actt
henIt
hinkt
hey
st
il
linthecountr
y

Uncl
e:That
'sgood

Me:Noti
nGautengt
hough,Myguessi
sbet
ween
CapeTownandKwaZul
u-Natal

Uncl
e:Why?

Me:Theyf arfr
om Gauteng,East
ernCapewason
thel
istbuttherei
sn'tt
oomuchmi ssi
ngki
dsr
eport
comparedt oGauteng,KznandCapeTown
Uncl
e:Igetyou

Me:Ineedt
ofi
-

Pr
uwal
kedi
n..

Pr
u:Ar
eyoust
il
lfr
esheni
ngup?

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Pr
u:Ar
eyouser
ious?

Me:Uncl
eI'
l
lcal
lyouback

Uncl
e:Goodni
ght
,Sendmyr
egar
dst
oPr
u

Ihungup.
.
Me:MyUncl
esendshi
sregar
ds

Shecl
osedt
hedoor
..

Pru:Yousupposedtobehavingdi
nnerwi
thusand
youworking?EnoughreasontomakeMagooffon
us

Me:I
'drat
herbeworki
ngonacasethant
aki
ng
homophobicj
absf
rom yourMot
her

Pr
u:Iknowi
t'
shar
dsomet
imes

Me:Ohnowepasstheof
fensi
vest
age,
Itj
ustget
s
annoyi
ngatt
imes

Pr
u:Sowhatcasear
eyouwor
kingon?
Me:I
'
m notobl
igedt
osay

Icl
osedt
hef
il
e..

Me:I
'
llber
ightt
her
e

TOKYO

Iopenedandwal
kedi
n,Shewasn'
tont
hebed.
.

Il
ookedar
ound,
Shewassi
tt
ingont
hecor
ner
cr
ying.
.
Me:Heywhat
'swr
ong?

Whenshesawme, Shegotupandr
antome.Then
huggedmelayi
ngherheadonmytummy.
.

Phoeni
x:It
houghtyouhadl
eftme

Me:What
?

Phoeni
x:Iwokeupandyouwer
en'
tar
ound,
Igot
scar
ed

Me:Iwil
lneverl
eaveyou,Iwasjustupstai
rsdo..
Lookhowaboutyoucomeupst air
stonightand
sl
eepinmybedi sthatbet
ter
?

Shenodded.
.
Me:Okayl
et'
sgoupst
air
s
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
23,
13:
18]DwaaPr
esh:40

NELI
SIWE

Thenextmor ningwhenIdr ovebacktothehouse,I

fel
tlikeshitfr
om mi norhangoverandnotsleepi
ng
well
.Ihadt osleepatNai j
a'splacebecauseIwasin
nocondi ti
ontodr i
ve.Isti
llhadanxi
etyfrom
yesterday.ThisisthesecondoneI '
vetakencareof
tomakesur emycur rentl
ifestayst
hesame. .

Weimpl
ementedt
helastofourpl
anl
astni
ght
,My
goi
ngi
nviat
heemergencydoor.
IgothomeandAmandatomysurpr
isewasmaki
ng
hersel
fbr
eakf
asti
nToni
'
st-
shi
rt
..

Thebr
eakf
astwascl
ear
lyf
oronePer
son.
.

Amanda:HeyGoodmor
ning

Me:Goodmor
ning

Ist
oodt
her
eshocked.
.

Amanda:Wher
eyou'
vebeen?

Me:Isl
eptbyKhol
o'spl
ace.Ineededaf
ri
endt
otal
k
t
oo

Amanda:Isee
Me:Whati
sgoi
ngon?

Amanda:I
'
m sor
ry?

Me:Youweari
ngmyMan'
sshi
rt
!Whatyousl
ept
wi
thhimtoo?

Amanda:Ohwyoumeanmyhusband?NoIdi dn'
t.I
actual
lyslepti
nmyDaught er
'sr
oom.What
?Arewe
havinginsecur
it
ies?Scar
edwhatyoudi
dtomeI
mightdot oyoutoo?

Me:I'
mjustwondering.YourDaughteri
skidnapped.
Onl
yhellknowswhat '
sbeendonet oher,I
nsteadof
act
ingli
keaconcernedMot heryouherepoaching
onmyMan' sdi
ck..Desperati
on?

Amanda:Don'
tpr
ojectyouri
nsecur
it
iesunt
ome,
I
di
dn'
tsl
eepwithhi
m.Eveni
fIdidi
twoul
dn'tbea
pr
obl
em becauseI
'
m st
il
lmarr
iedt
ohim,I
'm st
il
lhi
s
wi
fe

Me:Ihavebeenpat i
entwithyou.Underst
andingof
thefactt
hatyougoingthroughalot,
butthis.
.This
i
soutofor der,
AndIdon'tli
keoutoforder.
.Itake
careofwhat'soutofor
der

Amanda:Letmecommuni
cat
eitt
oyout
hatI
'
m not
scar
edofyou

Me:Youshoul
dbe, Becauseyoudon'tknowwhat
I'
m capabl
eof
.Lusandami ghtj
ustcomeback
homet onomommy

Amanda:What
?

Me:Getoutofmyhousei
fyoust
il
lwannawel
come
yourDaught
erwi
thyourhands!
!

Ibumpedi
ntoherasIwal
kedt
othebedr
oom.
.

Me:Excuseme!

TOKYO

Ithi
nkthisist
hefir
stti
met hatPhoenixhasever
hadagoodni ghtsl
eep.Throughoutthewholeni
ght
,
Sheclunguntomeasi fli
keIwasgoi ngtowakeup
andleave..

Shewasst
il
lsl
eepi
ngi
twas9am,
Iletherbe.
.
Me:Goodmor
ningMer
c

Mer
c:Goodmor
ning

Me:Howdi
dyousl
eep?

Mer
c:Asusual

Me:Good

Mer
c:Cof
fee?

Me:Yespl
ease

Themoni
torwentof
f.
.
Mer
c:I
'
llcheck

Hechecked.
.

Mer
c:I
t'
sThandeka

Me:Whatt
hef
uck?

Mer
c:Shoul
dIl
etheri
n?

Me:No.
.I'
l
lgoseewhatshewant
s

Mer
c:Okay

Iwentoutoft hehouse,
My3pi tbul
lswerealr
eady
atthegate.Theyweren'
tbarkingtobespecif
ic,
Theyjustguardthegateincaseshewalkedin..
Iwentt
oherandl
ett
hedogswal
kaway.
.

Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Il
ookedatherDaught
er.
.She'
s12t
hisyear
..

Thandeka:West
ruggl
ingyouknow

Me:So?

Thandeka:I
'
veneveraskedyouf
oranyt
hing,
I'
ve
rai
sedyourDaught
erfor12year
s!I
'
veneverasked
youforshot

Me:Whathappenedt
oyourboyf
ri
end?YourJob?
Thandeka:Il
ostbot
h

Me:Soyout
houghtyoucoul
djustcomet
omy
house

Thandeka:Lookather
,Shewant
sar
elat
ionshi
p
wit
hherf at
her

Me:Whatdi
dyoudowit
hthatR300Igaveyou12
year
sagotoabor
t??

Thandeka:FuckyouTokyo!
!Doyouwantmet
ogo
tocourt
?

Me:Fi
ne.
.Gi
vemeyourbanki
ngdet
ail
s

It
ookoutmyphone,
Shecal
ledt
hem out
.Isenther
4kvi
atheapp.
.

Me:I
'l
lsendyoumoneyever
ymont
hdon'
tfucken
cometomyhouseeveragai
n

Thandeka:4k?Whataboutr
ent
?Igotevi
cted!
!

Me:Idon'
tgi
veashi
t

Thandeka:YouwantmeandyourDaught
ert
obe
homeless?YourDaught
err
aped?

Il
ookedatmyDaught
er.
.

Me:Fi
ne.
.I'
l
lpayyourrentandsuppor
therbutyou
got
taf
indajobsoon.
.Youar enotmyresponsi
bil
it
y

Isenther5k.
.
Thandeka:Thankyou.
.Sedisayt
hankyout
oyour
Father

Sedi
:Thankyou

MARSHA

Thegateopenedandwewal
kedi
n,Wepar
ked
out
sidethegate.
.

Theywel
comedusi
n..I
ntr
oducedt
hemsel
ves.
.

Toni:
Iwasevenaboutt
ogoout
,Ihavean
appoint
mentwi
thmyphysi
o
Uncle:Wewon'
ttakemuchofyourti
me..Thi
sismy
NieceMarshat
heoneIwastell
ingyouabout

Toni
:Ni
cet
omeetyou

Amanda:YourUncl
etol
dusaboutyou,
Impr
essi
ve
wor
k

Me:Thankyou.
.Thankyoufort
rust
ingmewi
th
br
ingi
ngyourDaughterhome

Toni
:Anyhel
piswel
come

Me:I
fit
'snotmuchtrouble.
.I'
dli
ket
oseet
hecar
youwer
edr i
vingt
hatnight

Toni
:Mycar
?
Me:WhenIwaski dnappedandhel dhostage,Iof
ten
couldhearconversati
onsgoingonbet weenmy
kidnapperandhisassociat
esthroughahol eIdug
ont hewall
.Theytalkedabouttr
ackinggadgetsthat
theywouldputoncar stotrackt
hem

Toni
:Uhm i
t'
sri
ghtout
side

Amanda:Wecangot
her
e

Weallwentout
side,Wit
hAmandapushi
ngToni.
.I
gotmybackpackandtookoutadevi
cet
hatcan
det
ectatr
ackeri
nt hecar.
.

Iwalkedaroundt hecarchecki
ng,
Andthatexact
pl
ace.Itdetect
ed.Icroucheddownandchecked
wit
hmyhand, Itcamebackwi t
hasmalltr
acker.
.
Amanda:OhhhmyGod!
!

Me:Ibel
ievet
hatt
hiswasusedtot
rackyour
movementsfr
om t
henightoft
heki
dnappingand
maybeevennow

MyUncl
egott
heevi
dencebag.
.

Amanda:Idon'
tunder
stand.
.Whohashadaccess
t
oyourcar

Toni:
OnlyonePerson.
.Neli
siwe.I
twasj
ustt
he3of
usthatdaybefor
eheadi
ngoutandshewastheone
busyinsi
nuat
ingweshouldgoout

Amanda:Thi
nki
ngofi
t,Thi
smor
ningshe
t
hreat
enedme
Toni
:Ican'
tbel
ievet
his.
.Dammi
t!
!!
!

Uncl
e:Weneedtokeepthi
stoour
sel
vesf
ornow.
Thi
sisnotmuchevi
denceShecoul
deasi
lyexpl
ain
her
sel
foutoft
hismess

Me:Uncl
eisri
ghtifwegonndothis,
Wemustdoi t
ri
ght
.Wecan'taff
ordtomessuptheonlychanceof
fi
ndi
ngLusanda.IfNel
isi
wei
sindeedinvol
ved,
She'
souronl
ychanceofgett
ingLusandaback

Uncl
e:Wher
eisshe?

Toni
:Sl
eepi
ng

Me:Sheshoul
dn'
tevenknowaboutme
Amanda:Ofcour
se

Toni
:Howmuchdoyouchar
ge?

Me:Pl
ease.
.Thi
sonei
sonme

Toni
:It
'sonl
yfai
r

Me:1600ever
yweekunt
ilt
hedur
ati
onoft
hecase

Toni
:I'
l
lgi
veyou2.
6k

Amanda:It
hinkweshouldl
etgoofourot
herPI
,It
t
ookhimforevert
ogetsomethi
ng

Toni:Wenotl
ett
inghi
m go,
Hemi
ghtal
sowor
kon
thecasequi
cker
Me:Ipr
eferwor
kingdi
rect
lywi
tht
hePol
icenot
anot
herPI

Toni
:Ofcour
seunder
stood

Uncl
e:Forever
yone'
ssafet
yIt
hinkit
'l
lbebet
tert
o
meetatthepol
icest
ati
onfr
om her
eon

Amanda:Iagr
ee

TOKYO
Iwentbacki
ntot
hehouse.
.

Merc:
Sofar98kviewsonthevideo,That
'sR250
000made.I
ncludi
ngViewersf
rom theUS

Me:Idi
dn'
tthi
nkitwasgoi
ngtogetsomuchvi
ews
i
nsuchashortspaceoft
ime

Mer
c:Wel
litdi
d

Me:Goodj
ob

Igavehi
m apatont
heshoul
der
..

.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
24,
20:
39]DwaaPr
esh:41
MARSHA

Wewer
ebackatt
hest
ati
on.
.

Uncle:Youseem down,
Forsomeonewhohas
l
andedher sel
fagoodcaseandthetrustofthe
Parents.I
t'
ssomethi
ngthatyou'
vebeenfighti
ngme
for

Me:Iam happy

Uncl
e:What
'swr
ong?

Me:Al
mosteverydayachil
dgoesmissi
ngand
mostoft
heperpet
rat
orsgetawaywi
thit
.Thi
ngs
donetothem ar
edishear t
ening,Iknowverywel
l
becauseIwasatther ecei
vingendofi t
.Thel
ast
thi
ngIwantistodisappointthisfamil
ywhohave
entr
ustedmewithbringingtheirchil
dbackhome
andsafe

Uncle:Youar
esmar t
,Youwereabl
etoseet
hings
thatIcoul
dn'
tevenseeandI
'vebeeni
nthef
orcefor
25yearsnow

Me:I '
m notseeingthi
ngsbecauseI'
m smart.I
'
m
seeingthingsbecauseIexperi
encedit
.Iknowhow
theyoperate,Iknowthei
rtr
icks

Uncle:Anditmakesyoubestf orthi
scase.Askme,
AndI '
l
ltel
lyouthatyouaresmar t
.Youwer e
ki
dnappedat8, Younotdoingthisbasedon
experi
ence,Youdoingbasedonyourbr ai
nandyour
wil
li
ngnesstobringthi
schildbackhome
Me:Let
'
sgetbacktowork..SoImanagedtofi
nd
t
hemanufact
urerf
orthi
stypeoftr
ackingdevi
ce.
.
Wannagoandcheckhim out?

Uncl
e:Ihavet
obei
ncour
t,Can'
tyougo?

Me:Idon'
thaveabadge,
Hewon'
tcr
ack

Uncl
e:Letmegot
ocour
t,Af
tercour
twe'
l
lgo

TOKYO
Aftert
aki
ngashowerIwentt othebedroom, My
bodywasstil
lwetwi thatowelaroundmywai st.
Phoenixwasupwat chingadocument ary.A
documentar
yI'veselectedf
orher,Aboutayoung
gir
lwhowaski dnappedandheldhost agetolater
fal
linl
ovewit
hherkidnapper..

Ihear
daknock.
.

Me:Comei
n

Mer
cwal
kedi
n..

Mer
c:Ohhsor
ry.
.I'
l
lcomeback

Me:I
t'
sfi
ne.
.What
'swr
ong?
Mer
c:ThePIcal
ledandButhel
ezi
'
swifei
sst
art
ing
t
osuspectt
hatherhusbandi
smissi
ng

Me:So?

Mer c:Sodoyout hi
nkit
'sagoodi
deaHar
bouri
nga
bodyi nthef
reezerofamanwho'sgoi
ngtobe
proclai
medmi ssi
ngsoon?

Me:Youacti
ngasifli
ket
hisisthefi
rstti
mewe' ve
hadadeadbodyinthefr
eezer,
Plusiftheydon'
t
knowthathewascomingherethenwegotnot hing
toworr
yabout

Merc:
YaasoIwaschecki
nghi
sphone,
Hiswi
fe
knewhewascomi
nghere

Me:Thendi
smemberthebodyanddisposeofi
t.
Seemsli
keyouhavealotofwor
ktodo
Mer
c:I
?Whataboutyou?

Me:I
'
mtaki
ngPhoeni
xout

Mer
c:What
?Doyout
hinkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea?

Me:No.
.Butshedeser
vessomef
reshai
r

Merc:You'
veneverdonet
hatwi
thot
hergi
rl
s,Ar
e
yousureaboutt
his?

Me:I
t'
sther
iskI
'
m wi
ll
ingt
otake

Idr
oppedmyt
owel
..

Mer
c:Myqueuet
oleave
Hewal
kedout
..
.

TONI

AsmuchasIwant edtostr
angl
eNelztodeat
hso
bi
tchcant al
kandt el
lmewheremyDaughteri
s.We
hadtokeepi tcool
,Notgi
veheranyi
deas
whatsoever.
..

Iaskedhert
odr
ivemet
othephysi
o..

Isatbackont
hechai
r.
.

Ther
api
st:Youpushedyour
sel
fwayhar
dtoday,
I
knowyouf eelpr
essured.Iknowyouwannawal kso
badly,Butpushingyourselftoohardmi
ghtcause
mor edamage.Thegoali st ogetyouof
fthechai
r,
Towal ki
ngwi thcrut
chesnotkeepyouont hechai
r
forcentur
ies

Me:It'
stheonl
yther
apyIgettofocusmymindon,
Todistr
actmeoftheharshr
eali
tyofwhat
happenedtomyDaughter

Ther
api
st:I
'
m sosor
ry

Me:I
t'
sokay

Nel
z:Uhm ar
ewedone?

Ther
api
st:Fort
odayyes,
Keeponmassagi
ngyour
l
egsathome
Nel
z:Isur
ewi
ll

Ther
api
st:I
'
llseeyoui
n2dayst
ime

AMANDA

Ideci
dedt
ogoandseemyMom.
.

Mom:I t
'ssi
ckeni
nghowwomenf al
lforMen
knowingthatmostoft
heseMencomewi t
hbabi
es.
Ifyoucan'
tlovehi
schi
ldthenwhyar
eyouwithhi
m?

Me:Havi
ngt
opr
etendf
ort
hiswomani
ski
ll
ingme
i
nsi
de
Mom:Youdoi
ngi
tforLusanda

Me:Def
ini
tel
y..Ineedt
opackaf
ewt
hings

Mom:Youmovi
ngi
nwi
tht
hem?

Me:Tonihasappr
oved

Mom:Thiswomanhast hr
eatenedyou,Thi
swoman
i
sbehindyourDaughterbei
ngkidnappedandyou
wannahandyoursel
fovertothelion'
sden?

Me:Keepyourfr
iendscloseandyourenemies
cl
oser
,Ican'
tfi
ghtherifI'
m her
e..I
'
mt oofar

Mom:Amanda
Me:Mom I
'
m sur
eyouwoul
ddot
hesamef
orme

Mom:True.
.Iam proudofyou,Thisist
hefir
stgood
t
hingt
hatyou'vedoneforLusanda.Youbecoming
t
hemotherthatsheneeds

Me:Wegoi
ngt
oneedyourpr
ayer
s

Mom:Asal
ways

TOKYO

Shelookedsli
ght
lydi
ff
erent
.That
'swhatIwas
gunningfor
.Shehadahaton..
Me:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?

Phoeni
x:Yes

Me:Let
'
sgooveri
tagai
n..Whati
syourname?

Phoeni
x:Mynamei
sPhoeni
xandI
'
m 10year
sol
d

Me:Whatam It
oyouwhenpeopl
eask?

Phoeni
x:Youar
emyFat
her

Me:Goodgi
rl
!Let
'sgo

Mer
c:I
'
m st
il
lagai
nsti
t
Me:Idon'
tcar
ewhatyout
hink,
Yousupposedt
obe
worki
ng

Mer
c:Get
ti
ngonwi
thi
t

MARSHA

Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..

Me:Comei
n

Thedoorwasal
readyopened.
.

Guy:Goodday
Me:Goodday

Guy:I
'
mlooki
ngf
orDet
ect
iveMhl
ongo

Me:He'
sincour
t

Guy:Thi
ngi
sI'
m her
efort
hepol
ygr
apht
est

Me:He'
scomi
ngbackat12:
00,
Notsur
eifyou
wannawai
t

Guy:I
'
llcomeback

Me:I
'
llt
ellhi
m youwer
eher
eMr
..

Guy:Nai
ja.
.Tel
lhi
m Nai
jawasher
e
Me:Ver
ywel
l

TONI

Wewentoutforl
unch,
Thi
ngswer
eawkwar
d
bet
weenus.
.

Me:Iknowthingsar
ehard,
Iknowt
hatIhaven'
t
beentot
all
yfairt
oyou.I
'
m sor
ry

Nelz:It
'sokay.
.Iunder
stand,
Althoughithur
tsbut
hey..Iwouldn'
tknowhowyouf eeli
ng.Idon'
thavea
chi
ld
Me:I
tishar
d..Youf
eelhel
plessasaPar
ent

Nel
z:I
'
m sur
ethecopsar
edoi
ngt
hei
rbest

Me:Met
oo

Nel
z:Howi
sthePIdoi
ng?Anynewdevel
opment
s?

Me:He'
str
yinghi
sbest

Nelz:Ihopeyounotwast
ingmoneyonhim,He
hasn'tbeenabl
etocomewithconcr
etepr
oof

Me:Yaamet
oo
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
25,
07:
58]DwaaPr
esh:42

NELI
SIWE

Wegotbackhomet of
indAmandaagai
nint
he
house.Thi
sisget
ti
ngold.
.

Amanda:Howwasphysi
o?

Toni
:Itwasokay

Amanda:Soundsl
ikeyoudr
ained

Toni
:Justt
ir
ed
Me:It
houghtyouwentbackhome

Amanda:Iam goi
ngt
ost
ayher
eforawhi
le

Me:Reasonbei
ng?

Amanda:MyDaughter
'sr
oom i
stheonl
ypl
ace
wher
eIfeelcl
oset
oher

Il
ookedatToni
..

Toni
:Denyi
ngAmandatofeelcl
oset
oLusandacan
l
eadhertoament
albr
eakdown

Amanda:I
t'
sonl
yunt
ilmyDaught
ercomesback
home
Me:Whati
fshedoesn'
tcomebackhome?

Amanda:Excuseme?

Me:Ther
eisahi
ghpossi
bil
it
y

Toni
:Lusandawi
llcomebackhome

Me:Ofcour
se,
Mybad

MARSHA

Il
ookedathi
mthr
ought
hegl
ass.
.
Detect
ive:Doyouknowaboutt
hewher
eabout
sof
LusandaHl ophe

Nai
ja:No

I
twassi
lentf
oraf
ewseconds.
.

Det
ecti
ve:Doyouhaveanyhandi
nher
di
sappearance?

Nai
ja:No

Det
ect
ive:Doyouknowwhot
ookher
?

Nai
ja:No
Uncle:TheDet
ect
ivei
snoddi
ngal
it
tl
e,Thi
sisnot
good..He'
spassi
ng

Me:Whatcanyout
ellmeaboutt
hisguy?

Uncle:Hi
saverynotor
iousper
son,
Butdoesn'
thave
arecordofki
dnappi
ng

Me:Isee

TheDetect
ivewashandedtheresul
ts,
Hewalked
outoft
heroom.Naij
acan'tseeus,Butwecansee
hi
m..

Det
ect
ive:Hepassed

Ikeptmyeyesonhim,Hehadasmi
rkonhi
sface
aft
erfeel
inghi
shear
tbeat
..
Me:MayIseet
her
esul
tspl
ease?

Det
ect
ive:I
'
m sor
rydoyouwor
kher
e?

Uncl
e:I
t'
sokay.
.She'
smyNi
ece,
APIont
hiscase

Det
ect
ive:Wedon'
twor
kwi
thherki
nd

Me:Yesyoudo..Mostcopscrackcasesbecauseof
us.
.MayIpleaseseetheresul
ts?

Hegavemet
hepaper
..

Me:Thankyou

Il
ookedatt
her
esul
ts.
.
Det
ect
ive:Wegoi
ngt
ohavet
olethi
m go

Uncl
e:Ihadhopedt
hathewassomehowbehi
nd
t
his

Detect
ive:Met
oo.
.I'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
onai
lthi
s
scumbag

Me:He'
slyi
ng

Theybot
hlookedatme.
.

Me:Hi
sdef
ini
tel
yhi
dingsomet
hing.
.Lookatt
his

Theyl
ookedati
t.
.
Me:Ont hi
sparti
cularquesti
onwhichIbel
ieveis
"Doyouhaveahandonherdi sappear
ance"check
hishear
tratechangedal i
tt
le

Det
ect
ive:Letmesee

(
Sil
ence)

Det
ective:I
tdoesn'
tindicat
eanyli
ebutther
e's
def
ini
telysomethi
ngt here,
Healmostcr
acked

Me:Ithi
nkyoushouldgobackandaskt
hat
quest
ionin5di
ff
erentways

Det
ect
ive:Oni
t

Hewentbacki
n..
Me:Wemi
ghthavesomet
hingt
her
e

Wewat
chedt
hrought
hegl
ass.
.

Det
ect
ive:Wegoi
ngt
ohavet
odoi
tagai
n

Nai
ja:Whyi
sthat
?

Det
ect
ive:Ther
esul
tswer
einconcl
usi
ve

Nai
jal
ookedst
rai
ghtatt
hewi
ndow.
.

Nai
ja:No

Det
ect
ive:Whatdoyoumeanno?

Nai
ja:Thi
swasvol
unt
ary,
Icanst
il
lsaynot
otaki
ng
anot
herpol
ygr
apht
est

Det
ect
ive:Ref
usi
ngmakesyoul
ookgui
lt
y

Nai
ja:Ihavearightt
osaynounl
essI'
m asuspect
andI'
m subject
edtoit,
Am I
?OrdoIhavet
ocallmy
l
awyer?

I
twasqui
etf
orawhi
le.
.

Nai
ja:CanIl
eave?

Det
ect
ive:Yes

Uncle:He'
sdefi
nit
elyhi
dingsomet
hing,
Weneedt
o
keepacloseeyeonhim

Me:Def
ini
tel
y
Uncl
e:Let
'sgo

TOKYO

Wewereatt
hepar
k,Phoeni
xwasf
eedi
ngt
heducks
byt
hedam..

Somewomanwi
thababysatnextt
ome.
.

Her
:Goodday

Me:Goodday
Il
ookedatt
hebaby.
.

Me:Ador
abl
e,Howol
d?

Her
:6mont
hs

(
Sil
ence)

Her
:Doyouhaveki
dsofyourown?

Me:Theonef
eedi
ngt
heducks

Her
:Ohwokay

Me:HerMot
herdi
edl
astyear
,Caracci
dent

Her
:I'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat
Me:I
t'
sdi
ff
icul
tget
ti
ngbybutwet
ryi
ng

Her
:Iwi
shyoual
lthebest

Me:Thankyou

AMANDA

Gracewasonherl
unchbr
eak.Wewer
esi
tt
ing
outsi
de.
.

Gr
ace:I
'
veal
wayshadabadf
eel
ingaboutt
his
woman
Me:She'
ssini
ster
.Iwi
sht
her
ewasawaywecoul
d
t
apintoherphone

Gr
ace:Can'
tyour
aiset
hatupwi
tht
hePI
?

Me:Iwi
llt
ry

Grace:Sowewillbel
ivi
ngwit
hawomanofsuch
natur
e?I'
m al
readyscar
edtobear
oundher

Me:Wehavet okeepourcool
,Wecan'
tmakeher
anysuspi
ciousaboutt
his

Gr
ace:I
t'
llbehar
dbutI
'
llt
ry

Me:Pl
easedo
Nel
zcamet
hrough.
.

Nel
z:Gr
aceI
'
m goi
ngt
oneedt
hatcl
eanl
inen

Gr
ace:Uhm.
.Ofcour
se,
I'
llgeti
t

Gr
acest
oodupandwalkedaway,Nel
zlef
tmewi
th
al
ookbef
orewal
kingawaytoo.
.

It
ookmyphoneandt ext
edToni
'
sMot
hert
ocome
byfordi
nnerl
ateron.
.

MARSHA
Wewentt
othest
oret
hatsel
lst
het
racker
..

Owner
:Yesi
tisourbr
andbutIcan'
tthi
nkoft
he
per
sonwhoboughti
t

Uncl
e:Dat
ebackt
oSeptember,
maybeadayort
wo
pr
iort
othedat
ewe'vej
ustgi
venyou

Owner
:Idon'
tremember

Me:Don'
tyouhavear
ecei
ptorsomet
hing?

Owner
:Mostcust
omer
sbuyi
ncash

Me:Canyouatl
eastl
ookf
ort
her
ecei
pt?

Owner
:Yes,
Letmegett
hef
il
e
Me:Inoti
cether
e'ssur
vei
ll
ancecamer
a,Wemi
ght
needthefoot
age

Owner
:I'
l
lgett
oit
,Gi
vemeaf
ew

Hewentt
otheback.
.

TOKYO

Fr
om adi
stanceInot
icedasuspi
ciouschar
act
er
l
ooki
ngatPhoeni
x..

Me:I
'
m sor
rybutIhavet
ogo
Woman:Nopr
obl
em

Igotupf
rom t
hebenchandwentt
oPhoeni
x..

Me:Let
'
sgo

Ihel
dherhandandwewal
kedaway,
ThePer
son
l
ookedatus.
.

Me:Di
dyouenj
oyf
eedi
ngt
heducks?

Phoeni
x:Isur
edi
d

Wewal
kedst
rai
ghtupt
othecar
..
MARSHA

Me:Thi
sist
aki
ngt
oodamnl
ong!

Uncl
e:HeyMr
??

I
twasqui
et.
.

Uncl
e:St
ayher
e

MyUncl
etookouthi
sgunandwal
kedt
otheback.
.

Hecamebackaf
terawhi
le.
.

Uncl
e:He'
sgone
Me:What
?

Uncl
e:Ther
e'sanexi
tdooratt
heback,
He'
sgone

Me:Yougot
tabeki
ddi
ngme!

TOKYO

Wegoti
ntot
hecar
,AndIsawhi
m appr
oachi
ngour
car
..

Myguni
sal
waysar
oundmywai
stwhenIgoout
..
.

Me:St
ayput
,Don'
tsayanyt
hing
Phoeni
x:Okay

Hewal
keduptomycarandknockedatt
hewi
ndow,
Il
ower
edthewi
ndow.
..

Hi
m:St
epoutoft
hevehi
clepl
ease
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
26,
18:
25]DwaaPr
esh:43

NAI
JA

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:Andt
henyour
anaway?
Hi
m:Ther
e'sanexi
tdooratt
heback,
Imadear
un
f
orit

Me:Don'
tyoufuckent
hinkt
hat
'sgoi
ngt
omakeyou
l
ooksuspi
cious?

Him:Isellt
rackers,Pepperspr
ays,Pocketknives,
Gagdetsthathelpkeepyoursafety.Ihel
pkeep
everyone'
ssafetyincheck,Nottobeapar tofsome
poli
ceinvesti
gati
on

Me:Yout hi
nkever
yonethatbuysf
rom yourst
ore
buysthosethi
ngsbecausetheywannafeel
prot
ected?

Hi
m:Yes.
.Atl
eastt
hat
'swhatIt
hought

Me:Youmor
est
upi
dthanIt
hought
Him:Li
sten.
.Theyaskedf
ort
hesur
vei
ll
ancetape
dati
ngbacktowhenyoucameandboughtt
he
tr
acker

Me:Detect
iveMhlongo!Howt
hef
uckdi
dheknow
aboutt
hetracker

Hi
m:Idon'
tknowbuthewaswi
thsomegi
rl

Me:Agi
rl
?

Hi
m:Hi
sPar
tnerorsomet
hing

Me:No.
.Hi
sPar
tneri
samal
e

Hi
m:Hewaswi
thagi
rl
Me:Descr
ibeher

Hedescr i
bedher.Idatedbacktomymemory.The
descr
ipti
ongivenmat chedexact
lyt
hegi
rlIf
oundin
hi
soffice.
.

Me:Thankyouf ort
hei
nfor
mat i
on, Andyouwi l
l
havetoseehowyougetyourselfoutofthi
sone
wit
houtinvol
vingme!I
fyouinvolvemeyou'llbe
sorr
y

Iwal
kedaway.
..

TOKYO

Igotoutoft
hecar
..
Me:MayIhel
pyou?

Hi
m:Par
kingl
ott
icket

Me:Excuseme?

Him:I'
mt hesecur
ityaroundhere,Youbypassedme.
Parkedinanareathat'
snotprohibi
ted,
theref
ore
youenti
tledt
opayt hefine

Me:Howmuch?

Hi
m:R150

It
ookoutmywal
letandt
ookoutR200.
.
Me:Her
e

Him:You'
l
lhavet
opassbymyst
ati
onf
oryour
change

Me:Keepi
t

Hi
m:Andyourr
ecei
pt

Me:Keept
her
ecei
ptt
oo

Hi
m:Okay

Me:Anyt
hingel
se?

Hi
m:Notatal
l
Me:Thankyou

Igoti
ntomycarandst
art
eddr
ivi
ng.
.

NELI
SIWE

AmandaandGr acewer est

il
loutside.Toniwas
sleeping.Amandai stheonlyonei nthehousewho
drinkslemonwat er,Thathascucumbert oo.Itook
thebluedeathinsectpoisonpowderandpour edit
i
nt othemi xt
ure.Itookthespatul
aandmi xedital
l
together.
.Iputthespatulainthesinkandt henI
wasaboutt oputthejugbacki nt
ot hefr
idgewhen
shewal kedin..Shelookedatme. .

Amanda:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thmywat
er?
Il
ookedatt
hej
ug.
..

Me:Ithoughtever
ythi
ngint
hefri
dgebelongedt
o
ever
yone.Iwaspour i
ngmysel
faglass

It
ookoutagl
ass.
.

Amanda:Lemonwat
eri
smi
ne,
Ifyouwantsome.
Makeyourown

Me:What
'st
heuseofwast
ingwhenwecanshar
e

Amanda:Doyourown!

Me:Fi
ne!
!Fi
ne.
.

Iputbackt
hej
ugi
nthef
ri
dge.
..
NAI
JA

Ical
ledourPIguy,
Theonewor
kingt
hecase.
.

Me:There'
sthisl
adythat
'smost
lywi
thDet
ect
ive
Mhlongo.It
hinkshe'
sgoingt
obeaprobl
em

PI
:Wear
eaheadoft
hem

Me:Wewer e.
.Thethingis.
.Mhlongowashi t
ti
ng
rockbott
om wi t
hthecase,Nowal lofasuddenhe'
s
picki
ngupont racki
ngdevicesthatwe've
i
mpl emented,Thatonlyt
heclosedcircl
eknow
about
PI
:Nel
zdi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing?

Me:Nel
zwoul
dnever
,She'
sgott
oomucht
olose

PI
:IssheaCop?

Me:Ihi
ghl
ydoubt

PI
:I'
l
lcheckherout

Me:Tai
lMhl
ongoyou'
l
lseeher
.Theyt
oget
hermost
oft
heti
me

PI
:I'
l
lchecki
tout

Me:Good!
!
TOKYO

Phoeni
xwasquiet
.Nott
hatshe'
stal
kat
ivebuti
t'
s
unl
ikehert
okeepthi
squi
et.
.

Me:Di
dyouenj
oyt
hepar
k?

Phoeni
x:Idi
d

Me:It
houghtyou'
dbehappyandsmi
li
ng.
.What
's
wr
ong?

Phoeni
x:I
..
Me:Youwhat
?

Shekeptqui
et.
.

Me:Phoeni
x

Phoeni
x:Ther
e'sbl
oodcomi
ngoutofme

Me:Whatdoyoumean?Wher
eist
hebl
oodcomi
ng
outf
rom?

Phoeni
x:Myki
tt
y

Me:I
sitcomi
ngoutnow?

Shenodded.
.
Me:Wel
lar
eyoui
npai
n?

Phoeni
x:Justl
it
tl
ecr
ampsi
nmyt
ummy

Me:Fuckme..Ar
en'tyouyoungf
oraper
iod?You
l
ikewhat10?Youjusttur
ned10!

Phoeni
x:Whati
saper
iod?

Me:I
'
llt
extFant
asi
atomeetusatt
hehouse

AMANDA

It
ookt
hewat
eroutandr
unt
hem t
hrought
hesi
nk.
.
Inot
icedsomewhi
tepowderatt
hebot
tom oft
he
j
ug..

Me:Thi
sisnothappeni
ng!
!!
!

Gr
acewal
kedi
n..

Gr
ace:Ar
eyouokay?

Me:She'
str
yingt
opoi
sonme

Gr
ace:Huh?

Me:Look

Shewal
kedcl
oser
..
Me:Ther
e'snot
hingIputinmywat ert
hat'
swhi
te
whenIcamein,Ifoundherhol
dingthejug

Gr
ace:Thi
sist
oomuch.
.Thi
swomanhast
ogo!

Iputt
hej
ugi
nthesi
nkandt
houghtf
oramoment
..

Me:Ever
yonehasaf
ami
ly.
.Ever
yonehasahi
stor
y

Gr
ace:Iam notf
oll
owi
ng

Me:Needt
ofi
ndoutwhot
hiswomani
sandwher
e
she'
sfr
om

MARSHA
Uncl
e:Thi
sisagai
nstt
hel
aw,
Wedon'
thavea
sear
chwarrant

Me:Youacop,
I'
m not
..Let
'ssee

(
Sil
ence)

Me:Her
e..Let
'sst
arti
tfr
om 5daysbef
oret
heni
ght
oft
heki
dnapping

Wer
ant
het
ape,
Keptl
ooki
ng.
.

Uncl
e:Ther
e

Ipaused.
.

Me:Zoom i
n
Izoomedi
n..

Uncl
e:That
'sNai
ja

Me:2daysbef
ore

Uncle:Runi
tandl
et'
sseei
fhedi
dpur
chaset
he
t
racker

Wer
ani
t.
.

Me:Got
tcha

Uncl
e:Nowwewai
tfort
heshopowner
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
28,
10:
05]DwaaPr
esh:44

MARSHA

MyUnclehadtoleave,SoIwasl
eftwai
ti
ngf
ort
he
Shopowner.Si
nceIdidn'
tbri
nganymodeof
tr
anspor
tat
ion.
.

Hewalkedinandwassurpr
isedtoseeme,He
wantedtomakearunfori
tagainbutIwasonhi
s
ass.
.

Me:St
opr
unni
ng!
!

Hi
m:Idon'
twantanyt
roubl
e
Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m..

Me:Doyour
ecogni
zet
hisman?

Ishowedhi
m api
ctur
eofTokyot
hatIgotf
rom
soci
almedi
a..

Hi
m:No

Me:Yoursurvei
ll
ancefoot
ageprovesot
her
wise.If
youconti
nuetouncoperat
e,Youmightf
acejai
lti
me
forcover
ingupforhi
m

Him:Idon'
twantanyt
roubl
e,Al
lIdoi
sjustr
unmy
shop

Me:Youwon'
tgetanyt
roubl
e..Nowhel
pmeout
wit
hthisandwemi ghtj
ustover
lookt
hef
actt
hat
youranoffear
li
er

Hi
m:Okay

Me:Didthi
smancomei
ntot
hisst
oret
opur
chasea
t
racker
?

Hi
m:Yes

Me:Whatdi
dhesayhewant
sitf
or?

Hi
m:Heneversai
d,Notallcust
omersare
f
ort
hcomi
ngwithwhattheypurchasei
nthisst
ore

Me:Isee.
.Thankyouf
oryourt
ranspar
ency
TOKYO

Fant
asi
a:JustasIt
hought
,She'
shavi
ngherper
iod

Me:I
sn'
tshet
ooyoungf
ort
hat
?

Fantasia:NoSir.
.She'
s10,Idon'
thaveanymedical
expert
iseont hi
snextstat
ementbutIthi
nkher
beingsexualacti
vewithyouhasbroughtabout
pubertyearl
iert
hanexpected

Me:Sowhatdoest
hatmean?

Fantasi
a:Itmeansshe'
sgoingtostar
tdevelopi
ng
i
ntoagr ownwoman, Ievenseeherbreast
s
att
esti
ngtothat.NowyouSirwil
lhavetostart
usi
ngpr
otect
ionorshe'
sgoi
ngt
ofal
lpr
egnant

Me:Real
ly?

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Fantasi
a:Younott
hinki
ngofgetti
ngthi
sgi
rl
pregnantar
eyou?She'sbar
elygoingt
osur
vive
peri
odpains

Me:ThankyouFant
asi
aforyourhel
p

Fant
asi
a:Tokyocomeon,
Sheevencr
iedwhenshe
hadtoputonatampon

Me:Thankyouf
oryourhel
pFant
asi
a,I
'
llt
akei
t
f
rom her
e
Fantasi
a:Here'
stheli
stofthethingsyouneedt
o
gether.Moretampons,Panytl
inersandsomepain
ki
ll
ers

It
ooki
t.
.

Fant
asi
a:She'
ssl
eepi
ngnow,
Igavehermuchown
pai
nkil
ler
s

Me:Thankyouagai
n

AMANDA

It
extedToniforaFavour,
Askedhi
mtotake
Nel
isiweoutbecauseIneededt
odosomethi
ng.
.
Snoopi
ntoherper
sonalt
hingssoIcoul
datl
east
fi
ndsomethi
ng.
.

After10mi nofthem beingout,Iwentandchecked

herthings..I
ttookmeawhi l
etof i
ndsomething,An
oldPictureofhersel
fandsomeki dsinahouse.I
checkedt hebackoft hepict
ureandithadadat eon
i
t.

"
TheMessi
ahor
phanage"
.

Iputthepictur
ebackandwenttomyphone.I
Googleditanditdi
dn'
tshowup, SoIresor
tedt
o
soci
almedi aanditdi
dturnup.Apagewi t
hafull
addressonitandcontactnumbers.
.

Me:Got
tcha!
!!

It
ookt
hepi
ctur
eagai
nandt
hent
ookapi
ctur
eofi
t
wi
thmyphone.
..I
t'
sf ar
,It'
sdowninCapeTownsoI
won'
tbeabl
etogetthere.Mightaswel
lcal
lthem.
.

TOKYO

Mer
c:Sowhat
'swr
ongwi
thher
?

Hewascl
eani
ngupt
hef
reezer
..

Me:Shehadherper
iod

Mer
c:I
sn'
tshet
ooyoung?
Me:Wellappar
ent
lyagi
rlcangoonherper
iodatan
ear
lyage

Henodded.
..
.

Me:Howdi
ditgowi
tht
hej
ob?

Mer
c:I
twentwel
l

Me:Good

AMANDA

Ical
led.
.
"
Thenumberyouhavedi
aleddoesnotexi
st"

Me:Fuck!
!

Ilookedar
oundandmyeyesl
andedonLusanda'
s
teddybearcol
lect
ion.
.

It
houghtf
orawhi
le.
.

Iwentandpackedabag,
Iwasdr
ivi
ngdownt
o
CapeTown..

NELI
SIWE
Wai
tr
ess:Ther
eyougo

Toni
:Thankyou

Shewal
kedaway.
.

Me:Whati
sal
loft
his?

Toni
:Whatdoyoumean?

Me:Bei
ngni
ceal
lofasudden?

Toni
:I'
m al
waysni
ce

Me:Feel
inggui
lt
yaboutsomet
hing?
Toni
:Notatal
l

Me:I
fyousayso

AMANDA

Ical
ledmyMom,
I'
m st
il
lusi
nghercar
..

Ma:Mandy

Me:I
'
m dr
ivi
ngdownt
oCapeTown
Ma:Real
lywannat
akeavacat
ion?

Me:No.
.If
oundsomet
hingonNel
isi
we

Ma:Somet
hingl
ike?

Me:Shegrewupinanorphanage,I
'm goi
ngdown
t
heremaybethey'
l
ltel
lmesomet hi
ng.Somethi
ng
t
hatmighthel
p

Ma:Okay.
.Becar
eful

Me:Iwi
ll

Ma:I
'
llpr
ayf
oryou

Me:Thankyou
Ma:Il
oveyou

Me:Il
oveyout
oo

Ihungupandt
ext
edMar
sha.
.

"Packabag,
Wai
tformeatEnginegar
agei
ntown
theonebypi
cknpay.Ihaveal
ead,Wegoi
ngto
CapeTown"
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
30,
07:
47]DwaaPr
esh:45

NELI
SIWE
Wegotbackhomet hatdayfrom ourl
unch.I
twas
qui
et,GracemusthaveknockedoffandAmandais
wherevershei
s..

Toni
:I'
m gonet
otakeabat
h

Me:Okay

Itookoffmywat chandpl aceditont

hedressing
tabl
ewher eInoti
cedaphot oofmei nthe
orphanage.Thisphotoisalwaysinmyt hi
ngs,I
nevertakeitoutbecauseIdon'twantpeople
knowingaboutmypast .

Toni'
sphonebeeped.Iwentandchecked,
Itwasa
textf
rom Amanda.
.

"
Ifoundaphot
oinhert
hingsoft
heor
phanageshe
grewupin,
I'
m goi
ngt
her
enowwi
thMar
sha.I
t'
sin
CapeTown"

Ipl
acedhisphonebackont
hebedandwentt
oget
mine.Ical
ledToyko.
.

Tokyo:Howi
sthesi
tuat
iont
her
e?

Me:Wehaveami
norpr
obl
em,
Ineedyourhel
p

Tokyo:I
'
mli
steni
ng

AMANDA
Mar
shagoti
ntot
hecar
..

Mar
sha:CapeTown?

Me:Li
sten.
.Ifoundapi
ctureinNel
isi
we'
sthi
ngs.Of
t
heorphanageshegrewupi n.Wegoi
ngther
e
maybethey'
l
lgiveuscl
ari
tyonwhosheis

Mar
sha:That
'sgood

Me:I
t'
sal
ongdr
ive.
.Ar
eyour
eady?

Mar
sha:St
artt
hecar
TOKYO

Me:Ar
eyouf
eel
ingbet
ter
?

Phoeni
x:Iam

Me:Di
dFant
asi
atal
ktoyouaboutt
his?

Phoeni
x:Shedi
d

Me:That
'sgood.
.Iwil
lgiveyouadayof
ftoday,
Tomorr
owwest artwor
kingagai
n

Mer
ccamei
n..

Me:Di
dyoudoi
t?
Mer
c:Awor
d

Wewentt
otheki
tchen.
.

Merc:Areyousuret
hisi
sagoodi dea?Canwetr
ust
thi
slady.Whatyouj
ustaskedmet odois
i
ncriminat
ingour
sel
vesift
heydecidetogot
othe
Poli
ce

Il
ookedatPhoeni
x..

Me:Theywon'
t.
.Noti
ftheyt
rul
ycar
eaboutt
hei
r
Daught
er

Mer
c:Isee

Me:Tel
lmesomet
hing.
.
Mer
c:Yes?

Me:SincePhoenixhasst
art
edwit
hherper
iods,
I
wasthinki
ngthatmaybetomor
rowwecando
anot
hertape

Merc:
Somethi
ngthathasneverbeendoneand
upl
oadedi
nthedarkweb

Me:Agi
rlhavi
ngsexwhi
lstonherper
iods

Mer
c:Thef
uckedupheadswi
llsur
efi
ndi
tamusi
ng

Me:Exact
ly

Mer
c:We'
l
ldoi
t
Me:Cool

AMANDA

Marsha:Basi
call
ywecanfindsomethingt
hatwe
canusetoblackmai
lheri
ntospil
li
ngthebeans

Me:Iwasgunni
ngf
ort
hatt
oo

Myphonebeeped.
..
.

Me:Canyoucheckf
orme,
It'
spr
obabl
yToni
Iunl
ockedandhandedi
ttoher
..

Mar
sha:I
t'
sNel
isi
we,
Shesentavi
deo

Me:Whatvi
deo?

Shekeptqui
et.
.

Me:Mar
sha?

Mar
sha:Pul
lover

Ipul
ledover
..

Me:Whati
sit
?

Mar
sha:Weneedt
odr
iveback
Me:Whatdoyoumean

Mar
sha:Tr
ustme

Me:Letmesee

Mar
sha:AmandaI
..

Me:Letmesee

Itookmyphonef rom herandchecked.I twasa

shortvi
deoofmyDaught erbeingsexuallyabused
byanunidenti
fiedman.Shewasi nprops, Awig
andmakeup.Il etgoofmyphoneandi tfel
lri
ghton
myt hi
ghs,Myhear tbeatpickedup.Thewor ld
stoppedforasecond, ForashortmomentIt hought
thatIwashavinganoutofbodyexper i
ence..
Mar
sha:Amanda.
.Amanda!

Thevideowasaccompani edbyamessage" Ifyou

proceedwiththejourney,
You'l
lbeburyingyour
Daughtersoon.Ifyougot otheCopsI'
llmakesur e
thatwhenIgot ojai
l.YouneverseeyourDaught er
everagain!
"

NELI
SIWE

Tonicameback

Me:Di
dyoumanage?
Toni
:Bitofast
ruggl
etousemyupperbodyf
or
assi
stance

Me:Isee

Toni
:Ar
eyouokay?

Me:I
'
mfi
ne.
.Ar
eyouokay?

Toni
:I'
m good

Me:Amandasentyouat
extmessage

Toni
:Yeah?

Me:She'
sgonet ot
heOr phanagewhereIgr
ewupi
n.
Shesnoopedinmyt hi
ngsuntilshef
oundanol
d
phot
oforref
erence
Toni
:Ohw

Me:Isentyousomethingonwhat sapp,Watchit
..I
f
youdon'tdoanyt
hingaboutthi
ssituati
onwi t
hyour
babyMamaanunf or
tunat
eeventwi l
lhappen.We'l
l
seeaftert
heRevelat
ionwhichl
ifemat t
ersthemost
toyou.LusandaorAmanda
.
Tobecont
inued
[
10/
31,
15:
12]DwaaPr
esh:45

MARSHA

NoMot
hershoul
deverwi
tness,
WhatAmandaj
ust
wit
nessed.Wehavebeenpar kedhereforatl
east
30min.Ihadtogiveherabot tl
eofwater,Af
ter
anotheroneandwet rybreat
hingexerci
ses
becauseshewasgoi ngthroughit
.I'
m even
surpri
sedshehasn'tcol
lapsedbecauseshewas
nothavingi
t.
.

Me:Okayl
ist
ent
ome

Iwentcl
osert
oher
..

Me:Youhavet
odr
ivebackhome,
I'
llcont
inuewi
th
t
hejour
ney

Amanda:Mychildi
sbei
ngusedasasexsl
ave,
All
overt
heint
ernet

Me:Notal
lovert
hei
nter
net
,Dar
kweb
Amanda:Eit
herway!GrownPervert
sint
her
e
feedi
ngthei
rsexual
fantasi
eswit
hmy10yearol
d
Daughter
!

Me:OkayAmandaIknowi thurts,Butthi
sisnotthe
ti
mef ort
ear
s.It
'sti
met of
ight,Cryingjustgi
ves
thatbi
tchmorepower.Youdr i
vebackhome,
Fowardmethepi ct
ureandI'
lltakeitfr
om hereokay?

Amanda:Okay

Me:Don'tsayanyt
hingj
ustgobackhomeandI '
l
l
handl
ethis.
.FornowIwillgotothecof
feeshop,
GetanUberfrom t
hereandproceed

Amanda:Okayyoucandot
hat

Me:Wi
llyouabl
etodr
ivebackhome?
Amanda:I
'
llt
ry

Me:Best
rong,
Pluswewer
en'
ttoof
arf
rom home

Amanda:I
'
llbest
rong

TONI

Nel
zwassi
tt
ingont
hedr
essi
ngt
abl
e..

Me:I
fIwasn'
twheel
chai
rbound
Nel
z:Whatwer
eyougoi
ngt
odo?

Me:Whatdoyouwantf
rom me?

Nelz:Iwant
edaf
amil
y,Ali
fewit
hyouthatdoesn'
t
i
nvolveAmandaandherDaught
er.
.Ourownfamil
y
youknow

Me:Lusandai
smyDaught
ert
oo!
!!
!

Nelz:Youweren'
tgoi
ngt
obethefi
rstnorl
astdead
beatDad!!
!Amandahadajob,
Shewasgoingto
takecareofherown

Me:Idon'
tgetyou,Areyouheari
ngyourselfr
ight
now?Ever
ythi
ngt hatyousayi
ngdoesitfucken
makesensetoyour i
ghtnow?Huh??
Nelz:WhenImetyou, It
houghtt
hatyouwere
di
fferent.Ithoughttomyself,
HeyAmanda.Finall
y!
You'vegot t
enyour sel
faman, Agoodoneforthat
matter!ButIguessIwaswr ong

Me:Youwer ei ndeedwrongbecauset hismancame

wit
haDaught er,ADaughterthatyouhavet urned
i
ntoasexsl aveandyouact ual
lythi
nkthatIwas
goi
ngt ohaveki dswit
hyou?Notanymor e!Notbya
l
ongshotbecauseyouwi llendupi njai
lthat'
show
i
twillendup

Nel
z:Thenyou'
l
lbur
yyourDaught
er

Me:Andatl
eastshe'
l
lgetj
ust
ice

Nelz:Wai
t.
.Youwoul
dact
ual
lygi
vemeupt
ohave
yourDaught
erdi
e?
Me:Tr
yme

Nel
z:Lookatt
hat
..Youbl
uff
ing

Me:Iwi
shIwas

Nelz:BecauseIdon'
tseeanyshredofevidence
connecti
ngmet othedisappear
anceofyour
Daughter

Me:Thevi
deoyousentat
tachedt
oitat
hreat
?

Nelz:Yaabecausethatcl
ipisalloverdarkweb
whichbythewayIhaveaccesst oo,Icansimpl
y
sayIgotitf
rom ther
et ot
hreatenyoubecauseyou
wantedtomakeamendswi thyourwi f
e.Justa
psychojeal
ousbitchthat
'sall
Me:Youwon'
tgetawaywi
tht
his

Nelz:ButIal
readyhave,
AndtrustmewhenIsayI
havegottenawaywithmore!
!!

NAI
JA

Il
ethi
min.
.

Me:So?

Hecl
osedt
hedoor
..
Him:Here'
sherf
il
e,Washar
dget
ti
ngever
ythi
ngon
heratf
ir
st

It
ooki
t.
.

Hi
m:MarshaMhlongo,
HerUncl
eisDet
ect
ive
Mhl
ongo.She'
saPI

Me:Aqui
ckl
it
tl
ebugger

Hi
m:Ver
ymuchso.
.Shel
iveswi
thhergi
rl
fr
iend

Me:Isee.
.Mor
eint
erestont
hegf

Hi
m:I
nwhatway?

Me:I
nthewayt
hatst
opsnoopi
ng
Hi
m:Sl
it
ti
nghert
hroat
?

Me:That
'swhatI
'
mtal
kingabout
!

Hi
m:Oni
t

Me:Li
veal
it
tl
enot
e,Notsomet
hingt
hatwi
llcome
backt
ome

Hi
m:Okay.
.Goti
t!
!

MARSHA
MyUncl
ecal
led.
.

Me:Di
dyougeti
t?

Uncl
e:Ihave

Me:Whatdoyout
hink?

Uncl
e:Nel
isi
wesentt
hatt
otheMot
her
?

Me:Yes

Uncl
e:Sonowwear
ever
ysur
ethatNel
isi
wei
s
i
nvol
ved

Me:Yes.
.Quest
ioni
scanwepr
ovei
t?
Uncl
e:Youal
soment
ionedsomet
hingaboutgoi
ng
t
oCapeTown?

Me:Yes

Uncl
e:Danger
ousquest
..I
'
m comi
ngwi
th

Me:Uncl
e

Uncl
e:Wewon'
tbet
her
eforl
ongbuti
t'
lldef
ini
tel
y
i
mprovet
hecase

Me:OkayI
'
llsendyoumyl
ocat
ion

AMANDA
Ibust
edi
nthr
ought
heki
tchendoor
..

Me:Nel
isi
we!
!!
!!
!!

Imademywayupst
air
s..

Me:YouDaught
erofabi
tch!
!

Iopenedthebedroom door,
Ifoundherwal ki
ngout
oftheensui
teBathroom i
nat owel
..Idroppedmy
bagonthefloorandlashedoutather.Iputmy
handsaroundherneck,Shekickedmei nmy
tummyIletgo..
.

Nel
z:Don'
teverputyourhandsonme!
!
Shet
urnedherbackonmet
ryi
ngt
owal
kaway,
I
j
umpedonherback..

Toni
:Wt
f??

Webot
hfel
lont
hef
loor
..

Toni
:Amandast
opi
t,She'
snotwor
thi
t!
!

Wer ol
ledonthefl
oorandt hel
astrol
lendedherup
ont
opofme.Shepunchedme.Ipushedherback
wit
hallmyf i
ght,
Shefellbackwar
ds..

Igotupwi t
hmyeyethrobbi
ngandstaggered
around.Shegotupt
oo,Tri
edtomakeherwayt o
me.Itookthefl
owervaseandbasheditonher
head..
Nel
z:Bi
tch!
!!

Toniwheel
edher
sel
fandgoti
nbet
weenus.
.

Toni
:Youar
enotgoingtoj
ailbecauseoft
hisbi
tch,
She'
snotwort
hit
!!Tr
ustmeshe'snot
.
Tobecont
inued
[
11/
04,
09:
27]DwaaPr
esh:46

TONI

Aft
erthei
rbigfi
ght,
Nelzlef
tforsomef reshair
.
Amandahasbeeni nLusanda'sroom eversi
nce.I
mademywayt her
e,Shewasl ayi
ngonherbed
huggingoneofLusanda'
steddy'sbearssotightt
o
herchestshewasstari
ngatthewallnoteven
bl
inki
ng.
.

Me:Amanda

Shedi dn'
tsayanyt hi
ng.
.Icanonlyimagi
newhat
she'sgoingthrough,Beingamotherandseei
ng
yourDaught eri
nt hatst
ate.I
tdi
dn'tbr
eakmewhen
Isawt hevideo,Itj
ustangeredmet omydeepest
core..

Me:Iwi
llf
indLusanda,
AndI
'
llbr
ingherbackt
oyou

Shest
il
lkeptqui
et.
.

Me:Amanda

Amanda:MyDaughterwi
llneverbet
hesameagain.
Herchi
ldhood,
Heri
nnocencehasbeenstol
enand
that'
ssomet hi
ngshe'llnevergetback.Allbecause
youcoul dn'tkeepitinyourpants.Allbecauseyou
wer enotsat i
sfiedwithyourmar r
iage,Youdecided
tobr i
ngasnakei ntothehouse.NowmyDaught er
i
ssuf f
eri
ngf oryoursins.Youdidn'thavetohat e
met hismuch, Could'
vejustletmeleavewi t
hmy
Daught erthat'
sal l
.YoudidthisToni,andI'
llnever
forgiveyou

NELI
SIWE

Iwasbeyondupset
..

Me:DoesAmandaknowwhot hef
uckIam?Iam
Darl
ene!!Nofemal
eandImeannofemal
efucken
putt
heirhandsonme!
Nai
ja:Cal
m down

Me:Youcalm down!
!TFi
sTokyodr
aggi
ngwi
tht
he
secondcl
ip

Naij
a:Nowthatyouhavemadei
tcleartothem that
youarebehi
ndthei
rDaught
erdi
sappearing.It
hink
i
t'
stimeyoupackupandcomelivewithme

Il
ookedathi
m..

Naij
a:Comeon. .St
opwi ththestubbornness
al
ready,Youknowt hatyouandIbel ongtogether
.
Wear ef
uckedupt ogether,
AndIt hi
nkyour eali
ze
nowthatIam theonlymanf oryou

Isi
ghed.
..
.
Me:Iguessso.
.I'
l
lgogetmyshi
tlat
er,
Youcomi
ng
wi
th

TOKYO

Phoeni
xhel ditthr
oughforoursecondtape.I
pumpedherwi t
hpainki
ll
ersandheroin.Shewas
outofi
t,HigherthanaMot her
fucker
.Hermenstr
ual
bl
oodwasn' theavybuti
tdidwor kwellasa
l
ubri
canttoo

Inoti
cedt
hatshewasstar
ti
ngt
oopenupwit
hme,
Nottoomuchpainanymor
enormydi
ckst
ruggl
ing
thr
ough
Iwentinandoutwi thherli
tt
lelegsvi brat
ing,Her
bodywasvi brat i
ngwi thhereyesr oll
ingatt heback
ofherhead.Ir emovedmysel f,Satont hebedand
pickedherupt osi tonme.Car efullydoingsot hat
myf acedoesn' tshowoncamer a.Islidherdownon
me, Herbackwasf aci
ngthecamer a.Myhands
wer eonherwai standIwasmovi ngherupand
downsi nceshewasn' tabletoo.Itwasabi t
uncomf ort
ablef orher,Formebei ngdeepi nsideof
her.Shewant edt ocr ybutImovedmyot herhand
tochokeherlittleneck.Maki nghert ost r
ugglet o
breathforafewsecondsbef oreletti
ngherbr eat h
again..

MARSHA
Uncl
e:Howf
ar?

Me:Accor
dingt
otheGPSwest
il
lthatf
ar

Uncl
e:Weshoul
d'vej
ustgot
tenont
hepl
ane

Me:Shor
tnot
ice

Uncl
e:Thisi
swhathappenswhenyoudon'
tincl
ude
me,Looknow..Thi
scr
azywomanknowsandi s
t
hreat
eningt
heParent
s

Me:Amandaj
ustcontact
edmer i
ghtaway,Idi
dn'
t
havet
imetot
hinknorsecondguessI
'm sor
ry

Uncl
e:Sor
rywon'
tcuti
t.
.Thisisadeli
catecase,
Anysli
pupfr
om uswemi ghtki
sstheli
tt
legir
l
goodbye

AMANDA

Gr
acewal
kedi
ntot
hebedr
oom.
.

Gr
ace:Imadeyousomet
ea

Me:Idon'
twantt
ea

Gr
ace:I
t'
llmakeyouf
eel
bet
ter

Sheputi
tont
hedr
essi
ngt
abl
e..
Me:Getout

Gr
ace:Madam

Isnapped.
.

Me:Isai
dgetout
!!Takeyourusel
essteawi
thyou!
!
Wi
llteaf
uckenbr
ingmyDaught erback?
?No!!

Gr
ace:Iknowyouhur
ti
ng

Me:Youdon'tknowshit!
!DoyouhaveaDaught er
that
'ski
dnapped??No!!Soyoudon'
tknowshi
t..All
youcanhelpmewi t
hnowi sgett
ingt
hefuckoutof
myDaught er
'sr
oom!!!

Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Now!
!!
!!

Shewal
kedout
..

TOKYO

Shewast i
rednow, Drai
nedandIhadtohelphold
herupforbalance.That'
swhenIcamedeepinside
ofherandstayedinsidesomyspermsdon'tsl
ide
out.
.Ihel
dhert i
ghtforafewminutesassheclosed
hereyes.
.

I
'm pr
oudofher,I'
m proudofherf
ight
ingspir
it
.Ifi
t
wasanotherchi
ld,Shewould'
vediedalr
eadybut
Phoeni
xkepti
tal
ltoget
herunt
ilnow.
.

Me:Youdi
dgr
eat

NELI
SIWE

Nai
ja:Howmuchmoneydoest
hisguyhave?

Me:He'
spr
ett
yloaded,
Hei
saCEOaf
teral
l

Nai
ja:Youf
eelhe'
sjustgoi
ngt
otr
ansf
eral
lhi
s
moneytous?
Me:Hehasnochoice.
.Wehavetheupperhand,
IfI
want
edhimtodanceli
keachickenI
'
dmakehi m

Nai
ja:Ar
en'
tweget
ti
ngaheadofour
sel
ves?

Me:I'
m goingtocl
eanToniofallhehas.Hismoney,
Hishouse..Hi
scars,
I'
m notleavi
nghim wit
h
ever
ythi
ng.Solongwehavehi sDaughter
,Hewil
l
dancetothetuneofoursong!!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
11/
04,
10:
46]DwaaPr
esh:47

TOKYO

WhenIwokeup,
Itwasni
ght
ti
me.Icheckedon
Phoeni
xnexttome, Shewassl eepi
ngbutshiver
ing.
Li
keshewashavi ngabaddr eam onsomething.
Shedoesgetnightmareseverynowandthen.Igot
outofbedandmademywayoutoft hebedroom.
Mercwasinthelounge..

Me:Di
dyouupl
oadt
hecl
ip?

Mer
c:Yes.
.9kvi
ewssof
ari
n6mi
n

Me:Nott
oobad.
.Di
dyousendNel
zashor
tone

Merc:
Ist
il
ldon'
tknowwhywedoi
ngt
hiswi
tht
his
gi
rl

Me:Nelzknowthatwetookt
hekid,
Sheknowswho
Iam.Ifwedon'
tsuccumbtohershi
t,Bl
oodyhel
l
she'
l
lsingli
keabir
d!
Mer
c:Imeanwecant
akeherout
,I'
mjustsayi
ng

Me:Wenott akingherout.Naij
ahassomestupi
d
feeli
ngsfort
hisgir
l,Wetakeherouthe'
sgoi
ngto
retal
iat
e.Idi
dn'
tcomet hi
sf art
ogodownforsome
stupidgir
l

Mer
c:Ihearyou

MARSHA

WestoppedatsomeBnBf ort
henight
.Wejust
gonnagetatleast4hour
sofsleepandthenbe
backontheroad..
Wewer
eeat
ingdi
nner
..

Me:Nel
zsentAmandaanot
hercl
ip

Uncl
e:Letmesee

Ipassedhi
m myphone.
.

Uncl
e:Can'
twefuckensomehowt
racewher
ethe
vi
deoissentf
rom?

Me:Theybl
ockedt
hei
rlocat
ion

Uncle:She'
sspi
tti
ngi
nourf
acesandwesupposed
t
oliedownandt akei
t
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkshe'
l
lbestupi
denoughtosendif
sheknewsomehowshe'l
lgotojai
lfort
his,
Shehas
aplan

Uncle:Icangetheronshar
ingchil
dphonogr
aphy,
Especial
lyachil
dthati
sabducted

Me:Thatcoul
dwor kbutt
hischi
ld'
sli
feison
Nel
isi
we'shands.Weneedtogetthekidfi
rstand
t
hengether

Uncl
e:Ihat
eul
ti
mat
ums

Me:Iknow
AMANDA

Me:Whydoesshekeepondoi
ngt
his?I
sthi
saj
oke
t
oher?

Toni
:Gi
vemeyourphone

Igavehi
m myphoneandsatdown.
.

Me:Theyhur
ti
ngmyDaught
er,
She'
sevenbl
eedi
ng

If
eltashar
ppai
ninmychest
..

Gr
ace:Can'
twedosomet
hing?Anyt
hing?

Wehear
dabeepi
ngsound.
.
Gr
ace:Iguessshe'
shome

Me:Sheshoul
dn'
tst
epf
ooti
nsi
de!
!

Toni
:Cal
m down.
.Don'
tfal
lforhert
rap

Wehear
dtheki
tchendooropen.
.

Amanda:Fami
ly!
!I'
m homeIhopeIdi
dn'
tmi
ss
di
nner

Toni
:Ever
yonest
aycal
m

Sheshowedupi nthel
ivi
ngr
oom aswewere
gat
heredaroundthedi
nnert
abl
eeati
ng.
.Shewas
wit
hNaija.
.
Nel
z:Ohwyouguyshavest
art
ed

Toni:Nel
zIwantyououtofmyhouseandmyl
if
e,
Rightnow!!

Nel
z:Thati
sanunexpect
edr
esponse

Toni
:Gopackupyourr
agsandl
eave!
!

Nel
z:ExceptI
'
m notpacki
ngupanyt
hing,
Butyou
ar
e

Gr
ace:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Nel
z:Iam t
aki
ngt
hishouse,
Andyourmoney

Toni
:That
'saj
oker
ight
??
Nel
z:I
fyouwannacontinueget
tingdist
urbi
ng
vi
deosofyourDaught
eryeahit
'sajoke

Ihel
dthet
abl
ekni
fet
ighti
nmyhand.
.

Me:Getout

Nel
z:Iwasn'
ttal
kingt
oyou

Igotupf
rom t
het
abl
e..

Gr
ace:Madam

Iwenttoherwi
tht
hekni
fe,
Naij
acuti
nbet
ween
hol
dingmyhandti
ght
.Hethrewmedown.
.
Nelz:Getupbi
tch!
!Getup!!I
fyoudon'
twannasee
yourchil
deveragai
n..Getup!
!

Me:Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
?Why?
?

Toni
:Fi
ne!
!Fine.
.I'
l
lgi
veyout
hehouseandmy
money.
.Enj
oymyf ort
uneont
emporar
ybasi
s

Nelz:I
'l
lgi
veyouunti
ltomorrowmor ningt
opackup
yourclot
hesandl
eave, Thensendthemoney..Ohh
bytheway,Don'
teventhinkofdri
bblingme,Iknow
exactl
yhowmuchyouhave!

TOKYO
Iwentbackt ot
hebedroom.Phoeni
xwasshiver
ing
wit
hform comingoutofhermouthli
keshewas
havi
ngasei zur
e..

Me:Mer
c!!Mer
c!!

Mer
crushedi
n..

Me:What
'shappeni
ng?

Mer
cwal
kedupt
oher
..

Mer
c:Fuckshe'
shavi
ngasei
zur
e!

Me:Whatdowedo?

Mer
c:Wegethert
othehospi
tal
Me:Youknowwecan'
tdot
hat
,She'
sami
ssi
ng
chi
ld

Mer
c:Wef
uckenhavenochoi
ce!

PRU(
MARSHA'
SGF)

Iwaswokenupbyt
hesoundofsomet
hing
breaki
ng.
.

Irosemyheadfrom t
hepi
ll
owandl
ookedar
ound
thedar
kbedroom..

Somet
hingbr
okeagai
n,AndIr
eal
izedt
hatIhad
f
orgott
entosett
heal
arm cl
ockaf
termycal
lwi
th
Marsha.
.

Ist
ret
chedmyhandformyphoneandr
eal
izedIhad
for
got
teniti
nthel
ounge.

Me:Fuck!
!

Igotoutofbedandlookedf
orsomethi
ng.Ipi
cked
upthesmallst
atueandwentoutoft
hebedroom
baref
ooted.
.

Me:Who'
sther
e?Mar
sha?

Atf
ir
stIt
houghti
twasMar
shapl
ayi
nggames.
.

Me:Who'
sther
e?
I
twasqui
et.
.

Ilookedaroundtheli
vingr oom itwasempt y.Iwent
tothekitchenandsawt wogl assesonthefloor
broken.Thedoorwasst i
lll
ocked.Iexhaledand
wentt ogetmyphone.Iputt hest at
ueonthecouch.
Igotmyphoneanddi aledt hepolice,Whenitwent
throughIfeltahar
dblowatt hebackofmyhead. .

AMANDA

Me:Youcoul
d'vel
etmef
ini
shherof
f

Toni
:Whatwoul
dthathavesol
ved?
?
Gr
ace:What
'sgoi
ngt
ohappennow?

Toni
:Wegiveherwhatshewants,
AmandaandI.
We'l
lst
aywit
hmyMot herforawhil
eunt
ilal
loft
his
i
sresol
ved

Gr
ace:I
'
llgobackhome

Toni:
I'
m sor
ryGr
ace,
Thi
smeansyouwon'
tbe
worki
ngforawhi
le

Gr
ace:Iunder
stand

Me:Noshecan.
.

Gr
ace:Ican?
Me:Youcanbeouri
nsi
dewoman

Gr
ace:Idon'
tthi
nkt
hatNel
isi
wewi
llhi
reme

Me:Shedoesn'
thavet
oo.
.Youj
ustwakeup
t
omorrowandclean

Gr
ace:Ar
eyousur
e?

Me:Imeani
t'
swor
that
ry

Gr
ace:Okayf
orLusanda

Me:ForLusanda

Toni:Thenl
et'
sthi
nkofapl
ant
hatwi
llconvi
nceher
tokeepGrace
.
Tobecont
inued
[
11/
07,
15:
27]DwaaPr
esh:48

TOKYO

3DAYSLATER

Thatni
ghtIcouldn'
ttakePhoeni
xtothehospit
al,
Forobvi
ousreasons.Ididahousecallandt
heDr
came.Heroi
neoverdose..

Sheal
mostdied,
TheDrsuggest
edt
hatIshoul
d
weanherof
ftheher
oine.
.
Mer
c:Goodmor
ning

Me:Goodmor
ning

Mer
c:Cof
fee?

Me:Yeah.
.Sur
e

Hemademecof
fee.
.

Me:Tellmesomething..Thatni
ghtwhenPhoeni
x
wassick,YousuggestedtheHospit
al.Why?

Merc:Shewasinabadst
ateandIt
houghtt
hati
t
wastheri
ghtt
hingt
odo

Me:Youwoul
dn'
tbedoubl
ecr
ossi
ngmer
ight
?
Mer
c:Iwouldn'
tbedoubl
ecrossingyou.I
'vewor
ked
f
oryouforyear
s,WhywouldIstartnow?

Me:Justchecki
ng

MARSHA

Wef i
nal
lygottothepl
ace.I
twasanoldhouse,
With
vi
ntagefur
nit
ure.Anoldwomanwelcomedusin..

Her
:Ar
eyouf
rom chi
ldser
vices?
Me:NoMam.
.Wenot
..

Uncl
e:Wear
ethepol
ice

Her
:Thepol
ice?
?Whati
sthi
sabout
?

Uncle:Nothi
ngmuchMam'.
.Weareher
ein
connecti
onwi t
hal
adywhogrewupher
eIsuppose?
Neli
siwe?

Her:Imaybeol
dandmymemorymightbefai
ntbut
Idon'tr
emembert
aki
ngcar
eofachi
ldbyt
hatname

Uncl
e:Showhert
hepi
ctur
e

Idi
d..Shet
ookhergl
assesandwor
ethem.

Her
:Dar
lene
Me:Dar
lene?

Her:Yes.
.Shewasapr obl
em aroundher e,Hurt
otherki
ds,Hurther
sel
fandthenmakeupf alse
accusati
ons.Darl
enewasnotment alstabl
e.As
ti
mewenton, Shewasinament alinsti
tuti
on..Her
e

Shesl
owl
ygotupandgotanewspaper
..

Her
:Ir
eadsheescaped

Shehandedust
hepaper
..

Her:Ifyouaskme,
Iwillsayhei
stheonewho
st
artedthefi
ret
oescape

Me:I
nter
est
ing
Her
:Whathasshedonenow?

Uncl
e:Wehaver
easont
obeli
evet
hatDarl
enei
s
i
nvol
vedi
ntheki
dnappi
ngofa10yearol
d

Her:Sheeesh!Iwouldn'tputitpassher
.Ifyouguys
knowaboutherwher eaboutspleasei
nformthe
author
it
ies.Darleneshouldnotbeoutthere,She'
sa
thr
eattoherselfandot her
s

Me:Pl
easet
ellusmor
eaboutherbehavi
or

NELI
SIWE
Iwentdownstai
rsandNaij
awasther
ewithaf
ew
guys.Theywerebusyput
ti
ngdr
ugsintosmal
l
pl
asticbags.
.

Me:Goodmor
ning

Theyal
lgr
eet
edmeback.
.

Me:Nai
jamayIhaveawor
d?

Hecameandwewentt
otheki
tchen.
.

Nai
ja:What
'swr
ong?

Me:What
'sgoi
ngont
her
e?
Nai
ja:Justhel
pingaf
ri
endout

Me:Hel
pingaf
ri
-thi
sismyhousenotadr
ughouse

Nai
ja:Iam abusi
nessman,
Howt
hehel
lar
ewet
o
sur
vive?

Me:Tonisentmemoney

Nai
ja:50k?Howf
ari
sthatgoi
ngt
otakeyou?

Me:That
'snotal
lthemoneyhehas.I
'
llboot
leghi
m
agai
n

Nai
ja:Ohwpl
ease

Me:Iwantt
hem outofmyhouse!
!
Nai
ja:Fi
ne!
!

AMANDA

Iwasdr
inki
ngt
eawhenToni'
sMot herwalkedi
n.
Wehavebeenl
ivi
ngwi
thhereversince.
.

Her
:Goodmor
ning

Me:Mor
ning

Her
:Howar
eyou?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..

Shesatdownopposi
teme.
.

Her
:Toniwentt
ophysi
o,I'
m happyhecant
akea
f
ewstepsnowthat
'sanimprovement

Me:Ir
eal
lydon'
tcar
e

Her
:Youst
il
lthi
nki
ngt
hati
t'
shi
sfaul
t?

Me:I
tis.
.Hebr
oughtt
hatwomani
ntoourl
ives

Her
:Hedi
dn'
tknow

Me:Itdoesn'
tmatter
..Whatmatt
ersi
sthathe
broughtheri
ntoourli
vesandnowmyDaught erhas
beenkidnapped
TONI

Ther
api
st:Goodj
ob.
.10st
eps

Me:Iwoul
dli
ket
ousecr
utches

Therapist:Let
'snotgetaheadofour
sel
vesnow,
We
shouldn'tputtoomuchst r
ain

Me:It
hinkIcanhandl
eit

Ther
api
st:Okaywecant
ry,
Butdon'
tpushyour
sel
f
t
oomuch

Me:Iwon'
t

Ther
api
st:Thent
hat
'sgood

MARSHA

Af
terourmeet
ingwiththeol
dwoman,
Wedr
ove
st
rai
ghttot
heinst
it
ution.
.

Iwasf
eel
inguneasy,
I'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ogetahol
d
ofPr
uwi
thoutanysuccess.
.

Uncl
e:St
il
lcan'
tgetahol
dofher
?

Me:No

Uncle:Di
dyout
ryt
ocal
lherMot
her
?Maybeshe'
s
athome

Me:Ican'
tcal
lher
,Wedon'
tgetal
ong

Uncl
e:I
twi
llputyourmi
ndatease

Me:I
fIcan'
tgetahol
dofher
..Isur
ewi
ll

Uncl
e:Atl
eastweget
ti
ngsomewher
e
NELI
SIWE

Gr
acewal
kedi
n..

Gr
ace:Goodmor
ning

Me:Youl
ate

Gr
ace:Onl
yby2mi
n

Me:Idon'
tcar
ebecauseattheendoft
hemont
h,
Yougoingt
oexpectaful
lpayment
Gr
ace:Iam sor
ry.
.Itwon'
thappen

Me:Ihopeso.
.

Gr
ace:I
'
llst
artonwor
k

Me:Howi
syourMadam hol
dingup?

Gr
ace:Haven'
tspokent
oher

Me:Idon'
tbel
ievet
hat

Grace:She'
snothappywi
thmywor
kingher
e,She
seesitasbetr
ayal

Me:Ihopeyourl
oyal
tyl
ieshere,
Iwoul
dn'
tfeelsaf
e
wi
thatrai
torar
oundmymi st
TONI

Iwaswatchi
ngt
henewswhent
heymadea
Revel
ati
on.
.

Boneswer ediscover
edatsomeopenf i
eldbya
dumpster.Itseemsli
kethePersonwasburntali
ve,
Dentalr
ecor dswereabl
etoidenti
fyt
hevict
im as
KhomoCel e.Theyshowedherpictur
eanditwas
Neli
siwe'
sf ri
end.
.

I
t'
sanopencase.
.

Iknowt
hei
rrel
ati
onshi
p,Ndooncet
oldmeabouti
t.
Nel
isi
weandKhomower ecutthr
oatbet
weenNai
ja,
WhydoIfeell
i
keNel
isi
wemi ghtbebehi
ndit
..
.

MARSHA

Me:Drt
hankyouf
oryourt
ime

Dr:Iheart
hatyouher
ewi
thr
egar
dst
oaPat
ientof
ours.
.Darl
ene

Me:Yes

Dr
:Doyouknowaboutherwher
eabout
s?
Me:Yes

Dr
:Haveyour
epor
tedt
othePol
icet
oo?

Uncl
e:Wear
ethePol
ice

Darlene:Dar
leneneedst
obel
ockedupf
orsaf
ety
reasons

Me:That
'swhatwet
ryi
ngt
odo

Dr
:Whatdoyouneedf
rom me?

.
Tobecont
inued
[
11/
07,
18:
08]DwaaPr
esh:49
AMANDA

Igotacal
lfr
om Mar
sha.
.

Mar
sha:Wear
eonourwayback

Me:Di
dyouf
indanyt
hing?

Mar
sha:Al
otact
ual
ly.Thet
ri
pyi
eldedgoodr
esul
ts

Me:Whathappened?

Marsha:Al
lIcansayist
hat,
There'
samount ai
nof
pr
oofonwhyNel i
siweshoul
dn'
tbeout
side.She
belongsint
oani nsti
tut
ion.Ther
e'sasurvei
ll
ance
footageofheractuall
ystart
ingt
hefire,
There'
s
proofofherhurt
ingthest af
fandotherpati
ents

Me:ThankGod

Marsha:Ineedyout oknowt hatifshegoesin,

There'sahighpossibi
li
tythatshemi ghtmakethe
cal
lonLusanda.Ther e'
sapossi bil
it
ythatwhoever
i
shol dingLuhostagemi ghthar
m hershouldword
beout

Me:I '
m prepar
edf oranyt
hing.MyDaught eri
s
suffer
ing,Iwouldrathermournhereverydayofmy
l
ife.Iwouldratherknowshe'srest
inginPeaceand
fr
eef rom what'
shappeningtoherthansitti
ngher
andbei ngsentvideos

Mar
sha:Iunder
stand.
.ButIpr
omi
seyout
hatIwi
ll
myhar
desttobri
ngherhome
Me:Iknow,
Andt
hankyou

DETECTI
VEKI
NGNKAMBULE

Me:Pl
ayi
tback

Hedi
d..

Me:Pause

Hedi
d..

Me:Ther
e
Mananger
:Ther
ewhat
?

Me:Thisfootage,Thiswomanont hatfoot
ageis
notMsKhomoCel e.Thatsui
tcaseIam verysure
thatt
heywer edisposingherbody.Thiswomani s
anaccomplicebecauset hissuit
casewasf ound
nearthevi
ctimspar ti
all
yburntremains

Iam Det
ect
iveNkambul
eandIam headi
ngt
his
caseofMsKhomoCele.
.

Me:Wher
eisMrNai
ja?

Manager
:He'
sact
ual
lynother
e,Hehasn'
tbeen
her
eforawhi
le

Me:Maywegoupt
ohi
sfl
atandt
akeal
ookar
ound?
Manager
:Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sl
egal

Me:It hi
nkwi ththeamountofevi dencefrom thi
s
footage,TheJudgewon' ttakelongt ograntusa
searchwar rantofwhichIhaveaf r
iendwhoi sa
j
our nali
standmi ghtprobabl
y..Idon'tknowwr it
ean
arti
cleaboutt hehorr
orthathashappenedi nthi
s
buil
ding?

(
Sil
ence)

Manager
:Fol
lowme

Me:Thankyou

NELI
SIWE
Me:Nai
ja!

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:Theyf
oundKhomo'
sremai
ns

Nai
ja:And?

Me:It
houghtt
hatwasn'
tgoi
ngt
ohappen,
Ithought
youmadesureoft
hat

Nai
ja:Wewer
edr
unkandhi
ght
hatni
ght

Me:Sot
hismi
ghtpossi
blycomebackt
obi
teus?

Nai
ja:No.
.Ther
e'snot
hingper
sonal
lyl
inki
ngust
o
hermur
der

Me:ForoursakeIhopeso!

DETECTI
VENKAMBULE

Me:Whichwomanl eaveswi
thouthert
oil
etr
ies?
Wi
thouthert
oil
etbag?

Manager
:Idon'
tknow

Me:Whatwassai
dthatday?

Manager
:ThatKhomowasgoi
ngawayf
orahol
iday
Me:Didn'
titoccurt
oyout
hatthewomanwasnot
MsKhomo?Thatshewasl ookingdownal
lthet
ime?
Weari
ngabi ghat?

Manager
:I.
.

Me:Whatmor
ecanyout
ellme?

Manager
:Iser
iousl
ydon'
twannageti
ntot
roubl
e

Me:Doyouwannaloset
enant
s?Thisbui
ldi
ng
shut
ti
ngdown?Theownerorowner
sblamingyou?

Manager
:IfIt
alkIwon'
tgeti
ntot
roubl
eri
ght
?

Me:You'
l
lact
ual
lybesavi
ngyour
sel
f
Manager :Lookingatthefootagenow,ThatLadyi
s
Neli
siwe.Sheusedt ol eaveherewit
hMrNai j
aand
Khomo.Thatdayshest oppedby,ButIwas
concernedt hatwhydidNai j
aandKhomol eave
behindNel i
siwehere?Nel i
siweandKhomower e
fr
iends

Me:I
'
mli
steni
ng

It
ookmypadandpenout
..

Me:Cont
inue

TOKYO
Me:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?

Phoeni
x:Bet
ter

Me:That
'sgoodt
ohear

Mer
c:Wehaveasi
tuat
ion

Me:Whatsi
tuat
ion?

Mer
c:Ther
e'scopsatt
hegat
e

Me:What
?

Il
ookedatPhoeni
x..

Me:Takeherdownt
othesecr
etr
oom,
I'
llhandl
eit
Mer
c:Okay.
.Phoeni
xcome

MARSHA

Myphoner
ang.
.

Me:Hel
lo

Voi
ce:Mar
sha

I
twasPr
u'sMot
her
..

Me:Hi
..I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Her
:MyDaught
eri
sdead!

Me:Excuseme?

Her:Shewasn'tansweri
ngherphone,Icameto
checkuponherandwhatIsaw.MyDaught erwas
l
ayingonthefl
oorwi thbl
oodcomingoutfrom t
he
backofherheadmi xedwithherbr
ain

Me:Iam notunder
standi
ngyou

Her
:Nexttoherwasanot
ethatsai
d"Backof
f
Marsha"

Me:I
..

Her
:Iwi
llhol
dyour
esponsi
blef
ort
hedeat
hofmy
Daughter
.Iwi
shgui
lteat
syouup,Iwi
shherdeat
h
haunt
syou.Iknewt
hatyouwerenotgoodf
orher

Ihungup.
.

Uncl
e:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?

Istar
edoutoft
hewi
ndowwi
tht
ear
sbur
ningmy
eyes.
.

Me:Justdr
ive

DETECTI
VENKAMBULE

Me:Youhavebeenofgr
eathel
pthankyou
Manager
:What
'sgoi
ngt
ohappennow?

Me:Wewil
lgosear
chforthi
sNeli
siwe,I
'
m sure
she'
l
lgi
veusnewsaboutwhereNaij
aishidi
ng

Manager
:Okay

Me:Thankyouagai
nforyourcooper
ati
on

TOKYO

Il
etthem i
nthr
ought
hegat
e,ThenIopenedt
he
door
..
Cop1:Goodday

Me:Goodday

Cop:MrTokyo?

Me:Yes.
.MayIhel
pyou?

Cop:Wear
eher ewi
thr
egar
dst
othedi
sappear
ance
ofMrBut
helezi

Me:Wai
t.
.What
?

Cop:Hi
swi
fehasrepor
tedhi
m mi
ssi
ngandshe
sai
dhewascominghere
.
Tobecont
inued
[
11/
08,
09:
37]DwaaPr
esh:SEASONFI
NALE

50

GRACE(
HELPER)

Iwaspr epar
ingdi
nnerwhenthemoni
torwentof
f.I
checked,Isawcopsatthegat
e.

Il
etthem i
nandwaitedf
orthem t
ori
ngthedoor
bel
l,
Theydid.
.Iopenedandlett
hem i
n..
Cop1:Goodeveni
ngMam'

Me:Goodeveni
ng

Cop1:Iam det
ecti
veNkambul
e,I
'
m her
elooki
ngf
or
aMsNel i
siweandMrNaij
a

Me:Thi
sway

Il
edthem t
othel
ivi
ngr
oom wher
etheywer
e
si
tt
ing.
.

Det
ect
ive:Goodeveni
ng

Theybot
hlookedathi
m..

Det
ect
ive:MrNai
jayouareunderarrestt
hemur
der
ofMsKhomoCele,anddefeat
ingtheendsof
Justi
ce.MsNel isiwe,Youareunderarrestfor
conspiringinthemur derofMsKhomoCel eand
defeatingtheendsofJust i
ce.Bothofyouhavet he
ri
ghtt oremai nsil
ent,Anythi
ngyousaywi l
landcan
beusedagai nstyoui nthecourtofl
aw, Youhave
therighttoanat torney

Theywentt
ohandcuf
fthem.
.

Nel
z:Thi
siswr
ong,
Thi
sisver
ywr
ong

Nai
ja:I
t'
sokay.
.Don'
tpani
cit
'sgoi
ngt
obeokay

Theyledt
hem outwi
thmyhandonmychest,
Shockedt
othedeepestcor
eofmybei
ng.
..
MARSHA

Wewer etaki
ngabreak,
Ifi
nal
lyt
oldmyUncl
ewhat
happenedtoPru.
.

Uncl
e:Wewi
llf
indoutwhodi
dthi
s,Ipr
omi
se

Me:Iknow

Hi
sphoner
ang.
.

Uncl
e:ExcuseMe

Hewal
kedaway.
.

It
ookoutaci
gar
ett
eandl
iti
tup.
..
TOKYO

MercandIhadourst oryandal ibit

ightwit
hregards
toButhel
ezi.Wedidadmitt hathewasher ebutleft
,
Ihopeitwon'tcomebackt obiteus..Wepr et
ended
tobeat i
ghtgaycoupleli
vingt oget
her..

Mer
c:It
ookcar
eofhi
sbodydon'
twor
ry

Me:Ihopeso

Hewal
kedcl
oserandhel
dmyhand.
.

Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Mer
c:I
'
m sor
ry.
.It
houghtt
hat

Me:Thoughtwhat
?Wewer
epr
etendi
ngoutt
her
e,I
t
wasn'
treal

Mer
c:Iknow.
.I'
m sor
ry

Hef
ixedhi
sgl
assesandwal
kedaway.
.

Me:Wai
t

Hest
opped.
.

Me:Comet
othinkofit
,I'
veneverseenyouwi
tha
womanbef
orenorthatyouaredati
ngawoman

Mer
c:Justl
eti
tgo
Me:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
oleti
tgo.
.Mer
car
eyougay?

Mer
c:I
tdoesn'
tmat
ter

Hepr
oceededandwal
kedt
ohi
sroom.
.

Me:Fuckenshi
t!
!

MARSHA

Uncl
e:Weneedt
ogett
oJohannesbur
gfast

Me:Why?
Uncl
e:Detect
iveNkambul
eappr
ehendedNel
isi
we
andNaij
a

Me:What
?

Uncl
e:Fort
hemur
derofKhomo

Me:That
'si
ntense

Uncl
e:Weneedt obetherebecausethere'
smore
char
gesagainstNelzandshe'ssupposetobei
na
mentali
nsti
tut
ion,
She'stheonlyli
nkwehaveto
fi
ndi
ngthisli
tt
legi
rlweshouldn'tbl
owourchances

Me:Letmedr
ive

Uncl
e:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:Yes

Uncl
e:Okayl
et'
sgo

AMANDA

Gracecal
ledusandinfor
medusaboutthearrestof
Neli
siweandNaij
a,ToniandIdr
ovest
raighthome..

Wegott
her
e,AndGr
acewasst
il
lar
ound.
.

Me:Whathappened?
Grace:Copscameandar
rest
edt
hem f
ormur
derof
Khomoorsomet hi
ng

Iexhal
ed.
.

Me:Fi
nal
ly!Somel
ight
..Somewayf
orwar
d

Toni:
Stil
ldoesn'
tchangethef
actthatLusandais
missi
ngandt hei
rarr
esthasnothi
ngtodowi thour
Daughter

Gr
ace:Ther
e'sl
ightatl
east

Me:Ther
eisl
ight

NELI
SIWE
Howdi
dthi
shappen?
?

Nai
jaandIwereputi
nsepar
atei
nter
rogat
ionr
ooms.
Thi
sDetect
iveKi
ngNkambulewastheonewhowil
l
bei
nter
rogati
ngme..

Me:CanIgetmyphonecal
lorr
athermakei
t

Det
ect
ive:Youwi
llshor
tl
y

Me:Ineedal
awyerpr
esent
,I'
m notgoi
ngt
osay
anyt
hing

Det
ecti
ve:Okay,Letmegi
veyouaf
ew.
.I'
l
lgocheck
onyourboyf
riend
Hewal
kedout
,Ishookmyhead.
.

AMANDA

Iwasi
nLusanda'
sbedr
oom.
.

Toni
:MayIcomei
n?

Me:Yes

Hewal
kedi
n,Usi
nghi
scr
utchf
orbal
ance.

Toni:
Allt
heti
mewhenIcomei
n,Iexpectt
oseeher
runni
nguptome
Me:Iknow

Toni
:Iknowyouhat
emeandI
'
m sor
ryf
or
ever
ythi
ng

Me:It
'sokay.
.NowIjustwannafocusonf
indi
ng
ourDaughter
,Atl
eastt
here'
shope

Toni
:Seemst
hatway
.
Tobecont
inued
[
11/
09,
10:
52]DwaaPr
esh:SEASONFI
NALE

51
MARSHA

Uponar r
ivalatmyplace,Myapar tmentwasacri
me
scene.Theyel l
owtape.I'
m surethatt
heyhave
coll
ectedalltheevi
dence,Herbloodhaddri
edupon
thefl
oormi xedwithbrai
ntissue.
.

Uncl
e:Ineedt
ogodowntothePoli
cest
ati
on,
King
want
smyhel pi
ncr
acki
ngthosetwo

Me:Iunder
stand

Uncl
e:Shoul
dIdropyouof
fatmyhouse,
You'
l
lbe
t
herewit
hmyf amil
y

Me:I
'
m good
Uncl
e:Mar
sha

Me:I
'
m okay

Uncl
e:I
'
llcal
lyou

Me:Okay

Hewentout ..Igotupf r
om thefl
oorandwenttoget
abucketandascr ubbr ush..
Ifi
ll
editupwithwarm
waterandwentt oscr ubthefl
oor,Scr
ubtheblood
offt
hef l
oor.Ialreadyhaveani deaonwhoi s
behindthi
s,I'vewor kedonal otofcasesand
workingont hisonet henallofasuddenmy
gi
rlf
riendgetskill
ed...
AMANDA

Nelzbeingapprehendedmeanst hatwemi ghtjust

getourbigbreakwithregardst
of i
ndingmy
Daughter.Iwasnervous,Icoul
dn'tsl
eep.Ikepton
dri
nki
ngt ea.
.

Gr
acewasher e,
Shehasbeenher
eforawhil
enow.
Wentoverandabovej
ustbei
ngourempl
oyee.
.

Shewasdozi
ngof
fthechai
r.
.

Me:Don'
tyouwannagoandl
iedown?

Gr
ace:Ican'
t.
.I'
m ver
yanxi
ousaboutal
loft
his

Me:Al
lIwanti
smyDaught
ercomi
ngbackhome
t
hat
'sal
l

Grace:Shewil
l.
.Tr
ustmeshewil
l.We'
vepr
ayed
andGodi snowansweri
ngourpr
ayer
s

Me:Isur
edoso

NELI
SIWE

Judgingbythecl
ockonthewall,
Theyhavekeptme
hereforal
most24hours.Iwasn'
tal
lowedfoodbut
watertodri
nkonl
y..

Iwast
ir
ed,
Fust
rat
edandver
ypar
anoi
d.

Thedooropened,
Thedet
ect
ivewal
kedbacki
n..
Det
ect
ive:Ar
eyour
eadyt
otal
k?

Me:Ij
ustwannamaket hatphonecal
l,
Iwannahave
al
awyerpresent
!Ihavethatri
ght

Det
ect
ive:Youwi
llshor
tl
y

Me:I
'
llbet
ell
ingmyLawyeraboutt
his

Wehear
daknock.
.

Det
ect
ive:Comei
n

Thedooropened,
Mhl
ongowal
kedi
n..

Mhl
ongo:Ki
ng
Ki
ng:
Yes?

Mhl
ongo:Wer
eleasi
nghi
n

Ki
ng:
Idon'
tseewhynot
,Hehasagr
eedt
otest
if
y

Mhl
ongo:Okay

Hewal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
..

Ki
ng:
Thati
syourboyf
ri
endwal
kingoutf
ree

Me:Excuseme?

King:
Hehaspi
nnedever
ythi
ngonyou,Themurder
ofKhomoandal
sotheki
dnappi
ngofLusanda
Me:Youbl
uff
ing,
Nai
jawoul
dnever

King: Hehas..Hetoldhowmuchyoudi dn'

twantt
o
l
osehi mtoKhomo, Hesaidyouinst
igat
ed
everythingandthatyouwerethemastermind
behindt heki
dnappingofLusandabecauseyou
want edTonitoyourself
,YouwantedToni'
swif
eand
Daught eroutoftheway

Icoul
dn'
tbel
ievet
his.
.

King: Het
oldust
hatitwaseasi
erbecauseyou
plantedadevi
ceunderthecar
,Pl
annedthewhole
thing

Me:Icannotbel
ievet
his

Ki
ng:
He'
sspeaki
ngont
hebasi
sthatyouhi
redhi
m.
Hewantstoburyyouali
veNelisi
we.Hehassi gned
adealwit
hus,Reducedsentenceifhetest
if
ies
agai
nstyou.Hewil
lbegiven25year s,
NowIcan
showyouhisstat
ementthathesigned

Heopenedt
hef
il
eandpagedt
hrought
hepaper
s..

King:Youlookingatli
fewithnopossibili
tyofpar
ole,
Giventhestateofyourinsanit
yyou'
llbelocked
awayi naninsti
tuti
ontoneverseethelightofday
everagain,Subject
edtoextremetherapy
i
ntervent
ionmet hods.
.Trustmeitwon' tbepret
ty

It
houghtf
orawhi
le.
.

Me:OkayI'
llt
ellyouever
ythi
ng,
Incl
udi
ngwher
e
Lusandai
s
Ki
ng:
Areyousur
e?

Me:Inexchanget
hatIdon'tgotoaninst
it
uti
onbut
j
ail
,Idon'
twantli
fetoo.Iwantpar
oleaft
erser
ving
atl
easthalfofmysentence

Ki
ng:
Ver
ywel
l

It
ookt
het
aper
ecor
der
..

Ki
ng:
Youcanst
artt
alki
ng

Me:Okay
TOKYO

IknockedatMer
c'sr
oom.
.

Mer
c:Comei
n

Iwal
kedi
n..

Mer
c:Tokyo

Me:Mer
c

Mer
c:Ever
ythi
nggood?

Me:Yeahbut
..Ineedyout
oor
gani
ze3passpor
ts.
ForYou,
Me,andPhoenix
Mer
c:Passpor
ts?

Me:Weski
ppi
ngt
hecount
ry,
In2dayst
ime

Mer
c:Ar
eyousur
e?

Me:Safet
yprecauti
ons.CopsknowaboutButhel
ezi
andtheymightcomeback,Idon'
twantthem
knowingaboutPhoeni
xtoo

Mer
c:Okay.
.I'
l
lor
gani
ze

Me:Good
NELI
SIWE

Ki
ng:
Areyousur
eyou'
vet
oldmeever
ythi
ng?

Me:Yes

Ki
ng:
Okay

It
oldhi
m ever
ythi
ng,
Ievenpi
nnedNdo'
sdeat
hon
Nai
ja.
.

Ki
ng:
Excuseme

Hest
oppedt
het
aper
ecor
der
..
King:
I'l
lgetyouaf
ormt
orewr
it
eyourst
atement
andsign

Me:ThankyouDet
ect
ive

Ki
ng:
Youdi
dgood,
Youf
oughtf
oryour
sel
f

Me:Nopr
obl
em

Hegotupandwenttothedoor
,Heopened.
MhlongoandNai
jawal
kedin.Nai
jawashandcuf
fed.
Isawtear
sinhi
seyes

Nai
ja:Howcoul
dyou?

Me:No.
.Howcoul
dyou?
?

Nai
ja:Idi
dn'
ttel
lthem anyt
hing!
!Het
ri
ckedyouand
youfellr
ighti
ntohistrap.Idi
dn'
tsi
gnanyt
hing,
I
neversaidanythi
ng!!

Il
ookedatKi
ng.
.

King:
Thepaper
sinmyf
il
ear
epl
ainbl
ankwi
thonl
y
l
ines

Me:Yout
ri
ckedme?

Ki
ng:Aler
taut
hori
ti
estogogett
hechild,
She'si
n
Ri
chard'
sBay.Shegaveoutt
hepreci
seaddress

Mhl
ongo:Goodwor
kdet
ect
ive!

Me:Yout
ri
ckedme?
?Yout
ri
ckedme?
?
Igotupf
rom t
hechai
r,Tooki
tandt
hrewi
tathi
m..

Me:Yout
ri
ckedme.
.Yousonofabi
tch!
!

If
li
ppedt
het
abl
e,Copscamei
ntohol
dmedown.
.

Me:You'
l
lpayf
ort
his!
!!

AMANDA

Me:Iam goi
ngt
obed

Gr
ace:OkayMadam
Toniwal
keddownt
hest
air
s.Hewasi
nar
ushhe
al
mostfel
l.
.

Toni
:Mandy.
.Mandy

Me:What
?

Toni
:TheyfoundLusanda.
.Mhl
ongocal
ledme,
TheyfoundLusanda

Me:What
?

Toni:She'si
nRichard'
sBay,Theyaler
ted
Authorit
iest
hatside.
.They'
l
lbegoingtogether
,
Theyf oundourbabygir
l

Gr
ace:Pr
aiseGod.
.
Myhear
tst
art
edbeat
ingf
ast
..

Toni:
Wehavet ogodowntothest
at i
onsowecan
gowiththem t
ogether
,Theysayi
t'
llhel
pifshe
seesfamil
iarf
aces
.
Tobecont
inued
[
11/
10,
08:
58]DwaaPr
esh:SEASONFI
NALE

AMANDA

Weweredri
vingdowntoRichard'
sBay.Acopcar
wasbehi
ndus,Anotheri
nfrontofus.Tonikepti
t
t
oget
herbehi
ndthewheel,Despit
ehislegs
si
tuat
ion.Iwast
orel
ievehi
mthough.
.

Toni
:Ar
eyouokay?

Me:Justner
vous

Toni
:Duetot
heseveri
tyofhersi t
uati
on,Theabuse.
She'
sgoi
ngtoneedextensivetherapybutwewill
worki
tout
,Wewillwor
ki tallout

Me:Iknow

NELI
SIWE
Iwasduet obetakent ot
heoldi
nst
itut
ion,
TheoneI
escapedf r
om.Theyf lewinoneofmyDoct or
swho
wil
lbewi thmet hroughoutt
hewholetr
iptomake
mef eelat"Ease".

IwaskeptatsomeHospit
al,
Inapsychwar
d
awai
ti
ngfortheDoct
or'
sarri
val
..

Nur
se:Her
ear
eyourmeds

Me:I
'
m nott
aki
ng

Nur
se:Youspeaki
ngl
ikeyouhaveachoi
ce

Me:Idohaveachoi
ce

Nur
se:Noyoudon'
t!
.Youar
eascumbag!Qui
te
f
rankl
yifi
twasupt
ome,
I'
dhaveyout
hrowoutt
o
t
hedogs

Me:That
'syouropi
nion

Nurse:Womenl
ikeyourepul
seme!Youar
enot
cr
azyyouareaheart
lesswoman

Ikeptqui
et.
.

Nurse:I
fyoudon'ttakeyourmedst
heni
t'
sokay.
.
I
'm notgoi
ngtoforceyou!

TOKYO
WehadPol
icesur
roundi
ngmypl
ace.
..

Mer
c:Whatar
ewegoingtodo?I
fwedon'
topen
t
heygoi
ngtofor
cet
heirwayi
n

Me:Thi
scannotbehappeni
ng,
Atl
eastnotnow

Mer
c:Wehavet
oopen,
Wehavenochoi
ce

Phoeni
xwasi
nthesecr
etr
oom.
.

Mer
c:I
'
m openi
ng

Me:Younotopeni
nganyt
hingMer
c,We'
l
lfi
ndaway
out

Mer
c:Okay
Me:LetmegogetPhoenixandt
henyoucan
di
str
actt
hem f
orawhile

Mer
c:Okay

AsIst
eppedaway,
Mer
cpr
essedt
hebut
tont
oopen
t
hegate.
.

Mer
c:I
'
m sor
ryTokyo.
.It
'sover

Me:YouSonofabi
tch!
!!

Mer
c:I
t'
sover

Iqui
ckl
ymademywayt
othesecr
etr
oom.
.
NELI
SIWE

Iwaskeptal
one,
Awayf
rom ever
yoneel
se.

Iwaspaci
ngupanddowni
nther
oom,
Occasi
onal
ly
l
ooki
ngatthecamer
a..

Thedooropened.
.DrNazi
rwal
kedi
nwi
thaNur
se.
.

Nazi
r:Thankyou,
I'
llt
akei
tfr
om her
e

TheNursenoddedal
it
tl
eandwentout
.Thedoor
cl
osed.
.

DrNazi
rlookedatme.
.
Nazi
r:Youar
eapi
eceofwor
kdoyouknowt
hat
?

DrNazi randIhaveahistory,Awei r
dHistor
yfor
thatmat t
er.
.Heisthemostbr utalandheart
lessDr.
Heusesi ll
egalmethods,
Shockt her
apyandinfl
ict
s
pain.Heusesusashi stestsubjectsfor
unorthodoxedexperi
ment s,Nottomentionsexual
ly
harassingus..

Il
ookedatt
hecamer
a..

Nazi
r:Don'
twor
ryt
heywon'
thearus

Hewal
kedt
ome.
..

Nazir
:Youthoughtyouwer especi
al,
Youthought
youwouldjustgetawayf
r om us?Younotspeci
al!
Neverwereandneverwil
l.Youjustli
ket
herestand
I
'
llmakesur
ethatyounevert
ryt
hat
,everagai
n!!

MERC

Theystor
medi
n..I
nst
ruct
edmet
oli
ftmyhandsup.
.
Idi
d..

Cop1:Wher
eist
heChi
ld?Wher
eisTokyo?
?

Me:I
'
llt
akeyout
ohi
m

Cop1:Keepyourhandsupwher
ewecoul
dsee
them
Idi
d..Theywer
ewear
ingbul
letpr
oofvest
s.

It
ookt
hem downt
othesecr
etr
oom.
.

Ihaveal
wayslovedTokyo,
SinceIst
art
edworki
ng
forhi
m.Ithi
nkhehasalwaysknownthatI
'
m gay,
Justbei
ngignor
ant.

I
thasalwayspainedmet hathenevernoticedme,
Thathenevertooki
ntoaccountmyf eel
ingsf orhi
m.
Hehasalwaysusedme, Usedmef orhisdi r
tywork.
Enoughisenoughnow..

Me:Theybehi
ndt
hisdoor

Cop1:Open

Ipunchedi
nthecodeandt
hedooropened.
Theybur
stedi
n..

Tokyowassit
ti
ngatthecor
nerhol
dingPhoeni
x.
Phoeni
xlai
dherheadonhischest
.

Tokyowasst
ari
ngatt
hewal
l.
.

Cop2:St
epawayf
rom t
heki
dandr
aiseyourhands
up!

Tokyodi
dn'
tbudge.
.

Cop2:St
epawaysl
owl
yfr
om t
heki
dandputyour
handsup

Hewhisper
edsomethi
ngtoPhoeni
xandhugged
hert
ight
,Thenheki
ssedheronhi
sfor
ehead.
.
Tokyo:I
'
m get
ti
ngup

Cop2:Sl
owl
y

Hegotupslowly,
Phoenixst
ooduptooandhugged
hi
swaistt
ight
..Tokyo'
shandswer
eup..

Tokyo:I
t'
sokay.
.Justr
ememberwhatIt
oldyou,
We
wil
lbetoget
hersoonokay?

Phoeni
x:Okay

Tokyol
ethergo.
.

Cop1:TokyoMessi,Youar
eunderarr
estf
ort
he
kidnappi
ngofLusandaHl
ophe.Youhavet
heri
ght
toremainsi
lent
..
Thef
emal
ecopwentt
oPhoeni
x..

Femal
eC:I
t'
sokaysweet
ie

Phoeni
x:No!
!.
.No!
!(cr
ying)

Tokyo:I
t'
sokay.
.RememberwhatIt
oldyou

Theyt
ookTokyoaway.
.

Phoeni
x:Don'
tleaveme!
!(cr
ying)

Tokyo:RememberwhatIt
oldyou.
.Don'
tfor
get
!!

Tokyol
ookedatme,
Hegavemeadeat
hst
are.
.
Tokyo:It
rust
edyou!
!!Fuckenshi
tIt
rust
edyou!
!!
!!

AMANDA

Myphoner
ang.
.

Me:I
t'
sdet
ect
iveMhl
ongo

Ianswer
ed.
.

Me:Hel
lo

Mhl
ongo:Lusandawasf
ound,
Andshe'
sonherway
t
othehospi
tal
Me:ThankGod.
.ThankGod!
!

Mhl
ongo:I
'
llgi
veyout
henameoft
hehospi
tal

Me:Thankyousomuch

Ihungup.
.

Me:Theyfoundher
..She'
sonherwayt
othe
Hospi
tal

Toni
:That
'sgood.
.That
'sver
ygood
.
Tobecont
inued
[
11/
10,
18:
34]DwaaPr
esh:SEASONFI
NALE
53

AMANDA

Thedrivewaslongbutwefinal
lyar
ri
vedat
Richar
d'sBay.Wearri
vedattheHospi
talwer
e
Lusandawasi n.
.

TheNurseledusdownt otheward,Myheartwas
beati
ngfast.Myhandsweresweatyandmychest
fel
thot.
.Idon'tknowwhatl
iesi
nthere,
Idon'tknow
what'
sgoingtohappen..

Myl egswer
eheavyincarr
yingmewher eIwas
supposedtogo.Toniwassti
llhol
dingmyhand,I
stopped.
.
Toni
:Ar
eyouokay?

Me:I
'
llbef
ine

TheNur
sest
opped.
.

Nur
se:Ar
eyouokayMr
sHl
ophe?

Me:I
'
llbef
ine.
.Just
..Justgetmet
omyDaught
er

NELI
SIWE

Iwasflyi
ngdowntoCapeTowninrest
rai
nts.Dr
Nazi
rwassi t
ti
ngnextt
ome.Twocopswer esit
ti
ng
i
nfrontofus,Twocopswer
esit
ti
ngbehindus..
Me:Ar
eal
lmyf
ri
endsst
il
lint
her
e?

Nazi
r:Theystil
lther
e,I
'
m sur
ethey'
l
lbehappyt
o
seeyoujustl
ikeIam

Hesqueezedmyt
high.
.

Nazir
:Rememberhowweusedt
odoi
t?I
nmyof
fi
ce?
Ican'
twai
t

Me:Youknowwhat ,
Ialsocan'twaitf
orustoget
ther
ebecausethi
sti
mear ound.I'
m goingt
omake
surethatyouwor
kinfear

Nazi
r:We'
l
lsee

Ist
aredoutoft
hewi
ndow.
.
AMANDA

Shewassit
ti
ngont hebed,Herhai
rwasshor t
er
thani
twas.Abitski
nni
ertoo.Shewasglancing
downatherfi
ngersandplayi
ngwit
hthem, Shewas
weari
ngahospit
algown..

Me:OhhhmyGod.
.

Nur
se:I
'
llgi
veyouami
nut
e

Imademywayi
n..

Me:Lusanda
Shewasst
il
lpl
ayi
ngwi
thherf
inger
s..

Me:Lusandai
t'
sme,
It'
smommy

Shest
il
lpai
dnoat
tent
iont
ome.
.

Il
ookedatToni
,Hewasf
ight
inghi
sownemot
ions.
.

Ipul
ledt
hechai
randsati
nfr
ontofher
..

Me:Lusanda

Ihel
dherhands.
.

Me:Lusanda
Shel
ookedatme.
.

Lusanda:Mynamei
sPhoeni
x,NotLusanda

It
urnedandl
ookedatToni
..
.

TOKYO

Guar
d:Cel
l25.
.Open

Thebar
sopened.
.Iwal
kedi
n..

Guar
d:Cel
l25,
close
I
tcl
osed.I
twasasol
ocel
l
,I'
l
lbeal
onei
nthemean
t
ime.
.

Iwentandsatont
hebed,
Ithadat
oil
eti
nsi
de.
.

I
'l
lbegoingdownforal
ongti
me,IhopePhoeni
x
wil
lfol
lowthr
oughonmyrequest
.

AMANDA

Me:Nohoney.
.Yournamei
sLusanda

Lusanda:Mynamei
sPhoeni
xandIdon'
tknowyou
Icl
osedmyeyesandswal
lowed,
Tonimadehi
sway
i
n..

Toni
:HeyLusanda,
Doyour
ememberme?

Lusandal
ookedathi
m..Sheshookherhead.
.

Toni
:It
'sDaddy

Lusanda:Idon'
tknowyou,
Iwannagobackt
o
Tokyo

Toni
:I'
l
lcal
ltheDr

Lusanda:Iwannagobackhome,
Iwannagoback
toTokyo

Me:Lusanda
Lusanda:No!
!IwannagobacktoTokyo!
!!Iwanna
gobackhome..Getmehome!!Getmehome! !
!

Igotupf
rom t
hechai
randwal
kedout
..

Lusanda:Iwannagohome!
!!
!!
!IwantTokyo!
!!

Ist
oodpinnedmybackagainstt
hewal
lint
he
cor
ri
dorandstar
tedsobbi
ng..

NAI
JA

Iwasputi
nacel
lwi
thatl
east10ot
hercel
lmat
es.
..
Iwasl
ayi
ngonmybed,
layi
ngonmyback.

Iwasstupi
dtoevert
rustt
hatbi
tch,
Stupi
dtot
hink
shecouldbeanyl
oyaltome.
.

Guar
d:Li
neup!
!

Igotoutofbedandwentt
oli
neup.
.

Guar
d:Zogezai
ziboshwa(
Pri
soner
sar
egoi
ngt
o
t
akeashower)

Idi
dn'
tunder
standt
hatabi
t.
.

Iwasjustgoingtofol
lowtheleadandseewherewe
headed..Ist
il
lhavecont
actsoutsi
de,Hopi
ngthey'
l
l
comet omyai d.
.
AMANDA

Theysatusdownandtol
dusapsychi
atr
istt
hat
deal
swithchi
ldr
enwi
llcomeandseeus.
.

Me:She'
smyDaught
erbutatt
hesamet
imeshe'
s
notmyDaught
er

Toni
:It
'snotunusual

Me:Shehasn'
tbeenkidnappedfort
hatl
ong,
How
canshef
orgetus?Justli
kethat
?

TheDrcame.
.
Dr
:Goodmor
ning

Me:I
t'
smor
ningal
ready

Dr
:4am

Me:Ihar
dlynot
iced

Dr
:Iunder
stand

Hesatdown.
.

Me:MyDaught
erdoesn'
trememberus,
Shedoesn'
t
r
emembermeherownMot her

Dr:Lusandawentt
hroughanextremecaseof
abuseandtrauma,Br
ainwashed
Me:Shewasn'
tki
dnappedf
ort
hatl
ong

Dr
:Ki
dsar
eeasyt
otameandbr
ainwash

Me:Ar
eyousayi
ngt
hatwewi
llnevergetherback?

Dr:Youwil
lbuti
t'
sgoingt
otaket
ime,
Alotof
t
herapyandpati
ence

Toni
:Heywegoi
ngt
ogett
hrought
his,
Ipr
omi
se
.
Tobecont
inued
[
11/
10,
20:
49]DwaaPr
esh:SEASONFI
NALE

54
AMANDA

3WEEKSLATER

Lusandawasnotget ti
ngbetter
,Instead.Shewas
getti
ngworseeverydaysincewebr oughtherhome.
Sleepnessni
ghts,
Anger ,
Agitat
ed, andwithdr
awn.
..

Toni
:Goodmor
ning

Me:Mor
ning

Toni
:Ar
eyouwel
l?
Me:Yes.
.Youal
ldr
essedup

Toni
:Yes.
.I'
m goi
ngt
owor
k

Me:Goi
ngt
owor
k?

Toni:
Ifeelawhol
elotbet
ternow,Maybenot100%
butIcanhandl
ework.Iam offt
hecrut
ches

Me:Doyout
hinkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea?Togobackt
o
work?

Toni
:Uhm yes.
.Why?

Ikeptqui
et.
.
Toni
:Sti
llhavi
ngprobl
emswi
thLusanda?Iknow
i
t'
shard,ButtheDrsai
dweshoul
dgiveherti
me

Me:Ievenf
eell
iket
her
apyi
snotwor
king

Toni
:Gi
vei
tti
me

Me:Okay

Heki
ssedmeont
hef
orehead.
.

Toni
:Il
oveyou

Me:Il
oveyout
oo
TOKYO

Dr
:Whathappened?

Me:Igoti
nvol
vedi
naf
ightout
sint
heyar
dandgot
st
abbed

Dr
:Ithoughtyouwer
egivenaseparat
ecel
landnot
al
lowedtomixwit
hotherpri
soner
s

Guar
d:Cel
lyesal
one,
Out
side.
.No

Dr
:Buthei
smeantt
obesaf
eunt
ilhi
str
ial

Guar
d:Idon'
tmaket
her
ules
Dr
:Letmeseehowdeept
hewoundi
s

Inot
icedt
hatt
henewsChannelwason.
.

Me:HeyDoc.
.Anynewst
hel
it
tl
egi
rlI
'
veki
dnapped?

Dr:Wellshe'
sreuni
tedwi
thherf
ami
lyandhopi
ngt
o
recover

Me:Isee

Guard:Whatwer
eyouhopi
ngf
oryouSonofa
bi
tch??

Me:Justt
hat
NELI
SIWE

Me:Pl
easest
op

Nazi
r:Shockheragai
n

Theydid.Theywereshocki
ngmybr ain,Fr
yingi
t.I
evenhadthisbadnosebleed.Thel
ightswereeven
makingmedi zzy.

Me:Pl
easest
op

Nazi
r:Agai
n

Nur
se:Docshe'
sbar
elyhangi
ngon
Ievenur
inat
edont
hechai
r.
.

Nazi
r:Fi
neputherbacki
nherr
oom andchai
nher

Theychai
nme,
Theyputt
hischai
nar
oundmyneck
l
ikeadog.
.

Nazi
r:Thi
sisal
essont
oyouf
orescapi
ng!
!

Me:Pl
easest
op.
.Justst
op

NAI
JA
Iwasont
hephonewi
thadearf
ri
end.
.

Me:Oj
acomeon

Oja:I
'
mt r
yingmybestbutt
heyhaveawat
ert
ight
caseagai
nstyouman

Me:Ineedmor
emoney,
Forpr
otect
ion

Oj
a:Youbr
okeNai
ja

Me:WhatdoyoumeanI
'
m br
oke?
?

Oj
a:Imeanj
ustt
hat
!

Me:Oj ai
fyoudon'tkeept
hatmoneycoming,
They
fuckengoingtoki
llmedoyouunderst
andwhatI
'm
sayingtoyou?Getmemoney
Oj
a:I
'
m sor
ryMan.
.Fornow

Me:Ial
readyhaveabr
okenar
m

Oj
a:I
'
llseewhatIcando

Me:Oj
a

Oj
a:Byef
ornow

Hehungup.
..

TONI
Ineededt obeawayf rom home, Ican'
tbei nthe
sameenvi ronmentasmyDaught er
.Lusandahas
takengreataf f
ecti
oninme.Sexual affecti
on,It
ryto
avoidherasmuchasIcan.I t'
sgoodt hatthepeopl
e
responsibl
ef orthi
sarearr
ested,Butitdoesn'thel
p
atall
.Itdoesn'thelpt
hatmyDaught erisstil
l
damagedanddoesn' tseem t
or ecover..
.

Igotacal
lfr
om myMot
herasIwasdr
ivi
ngt
owor
k..

Me:Ma

Ma:HiBaby.
..

Me:Ma

Ma:Howar
ethi
ngsgoi
ng?
Me:West
il
lhavi
ngi
thar
dwi
thLusanda

Ma:Gi
vei
tti
me

Me:I
'
m act
ual
lyonmywayt
owor
k

Ma:Huh?

Me:I
'
m goi
ngbackt
owor
k

Ma:I
sn'
titt
ooqui
ck?

Me:I
'
vebeenof
fforawhi
le,
Weneedt
hemoney

Ma:Isee
AMANDA

Il
ookedatt
het
ime,
Itwas09:
00am.
.

Il
etLusandasl
eepl
ongernow,
Sheusual
lyusedt
o
wakeupat7am..

Ist
oppedfol
dingt
hetowel
sandwenttocheckup
onher.Shewasn'
tint
hebedr
oom.If
reakedout.
.

Me:Lusanda?
?Lusandawher
ear
eyou?

Ilookedf orherandfoundherinthebathr
oom, I
na
verygr uesomescene.Shewasact ual
lyusinga
toothbrush.Shehadst ucki
tinsi
dehercoochie,
Aggr essivel
ypushi
ngi ti
nandoutthatshewas
evenbl
eedi
ng.
.Iwentt
oherst
oppedher
..

Lusanda:Leavemeal
one!
!

Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
?

Lusanda:Leavemeal
one!
!Leavemeal
one

Ihel
dhert
ight
..
..

Me:Whatareyoudoi
ng?Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
o
me(cr
ying)
.
Tobecont
inued
[
11/
11,
10:
43]DwaaPr
esh:SEASONFI
NALE
55

TONI

Iwasgoi
ngthroughsomewor
kwhenIr
ecei
veda
cal
lfr
om Amanda..

Me:Love

Amanda:I
'
vet
akenLusandat
othehospi
tal

Me:Why?Whathappened?

Amanda:Shehur
ther
sel
f

Me:I
sshegoi
ngt
obeokay?
Amanda:She'snotourDaught
erToni
,Shelooks
l
ikeherbutshe'
snotourDaughter
.She'
sdamaged,
Idon'
tthi
nkshe'sgoi
ngtocomeback.Theyhave
rui
nedher

Me:Let'
stryt
ocal
m down,I'
llcomeandseeyou
guysduri
ngmylunchbreak

Amanda:Okay.
.

Me:Il
oveyou

Amanda:Il
oveyout
oo

Ihungupandl
aidbackont
hechai
rexhal
ingi
n
defeat
..
.
AMANDA

Iwasatt
hewai
ti
ngar
ea.
.TheDrappr
oachedme.
.

Dr
:Mr
sHl
ophe

Ist
oodup.
.

Me:Howi
sshe?

Dr
:She'
sst
abl
e,I
'
veal
sosedat
edher
Me:Thankyou

Dr
:Uhm t
her
e'ssomet
hingIneedt
otel
lyou

Me:Whati
sit
?

Dr
:Herbl
oodwor
kcameback,Remembert
heone
wedi
d?Whenyouguysbr
oughtheri
n?

Me:Ir
emember

Dr
:Ir
eal
lydon'
tknowhowt
osayt
his

Me:Whati
sit
?

Dr
:YourDaught
eri
sHi
vposi
ti
ve
Me:What
?

Dr
:Andt
her
e'ssi
gnsofpr
egnancyt
oo

Me:She'
s10!
!Therehastobesomethi
ngwr
ong
wi
thhowthebloodtest
swereconduct
ed

Dr
:I'
m sosor
ry

Me:Lusandais10,
Idon'
tevent
hinkshehashad
herf
ir
stperi
od

Dr
:Gi
rl
shi
tpubertyver
yearl
ycompar
edtoboys,
Wi
tht
hesexualabuseshe'
sendur
edt
oo

Isatdown.
..

Dr
:I'
m sosor
ry.
.Doyouwantmet
ocal
lsomeone
f
oryou?

Me:Noi
t'
sokay

NELI
SIWE

Thedooropened,
Iwast
hrowni
ntohi
sof
fi
ce.
.

Nazi
r:Nel
isi
wewhatcanIdof
oryou?

Isti
llhadt
hisi
mpoundi
ngheadachef
rom t
heshock
ther
apy..
Me:Iam her
etoapol
ogi
ze

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:ThebestwayIknowhow

Nazi
r:Okay?

Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m,Hewassi
tt
ingonhi
schai
r.
..

Isatont
opofhi
m..

Me:Youareri
ght.
.I..WhatIdi
dwasnotgood,
Escapi
ngandthenput t
ingt
hereput
ati
onofthi
s
i
nsti
tut
ioni
njeopardy.Nottomenti
onyour
s

Nazi
r:Wel
lyoudi
ddodamage
Me:Wi
llyoueverf
orgi
veme?

Nazi
r:Ofcour
se

Heputhi
shandsonmywai
standweshar
edaki
ss.
.

Nazi
r:Nowt
his,
Ihavemi
ssedsomuch

Iki
ssedhischeekandthenproceededtohi
sneck.
WhenIgottohisneck,Ibi
thi
m.Lodgi ngmyteet
h
deepinsi
deofhim andnotl
ett
inggo..

Hestar
tedscreaming,Theemer gencybut
tonwas
f
arforhimtoreach.Ididn'
tmove, Nomatt
erhow
muchhet r
iedtogetmeof f.Al
lhecoulddo,Wasto
j
ustscream.
TOKYO

TheNur
secamei
ntogi
vememymedi
cat
ion.
.

Nur
se:Her
eyougo

Il
ookedatt
heARVs.
.

Me:Thankyou

Awhileback,Oneofthechil
drenIkidnappedwas
Hivposi
ti
ve.Shewasbor nwithitIassume,
Becauseshewasstil
lavirgi
n.Ididn'
tr eal
izeunt
il
l
aterwhenIstart
edtogetsick,IgottestedandI
wasposi
ti
ve.
.

Nur
se:Howar
eyouf
eel
ingnow?

Me:Ther
e'sst
il
lashar
ppai
nonmywound

Nur
se:Isee

Me:ThankyouNur
se

Nur
se:Youwel
come

NELI
SIWE
Theguar
dscamein,Twoareal
waysout
sidebyt
he
doorf
ortheDr
'spr
otect
ion.
.

Theygotmeoff,
Ilookedathi
m.Hewasbleedi
ng
onhisneckandhismovementswer
eget
ti
ngslower
andslower
..

Il
aughedwi
thbl
oodandapi
eceofhi
sfl
eshi
nmy
mouth.
.

TheGuar
dsdr
aggedmeoutasIwasst
il
llaughi
ng.
..

AMANDA

Iwal
kedi
ntoherwar
d,Shewassl
eepi
ng.
Il
ookedather
.Whatki
ndofl
if
ewi
llmyDaught
er
have?

Iwipedmytear sandwalkedclosert
oherbed.I
tookonepil
lowf r
om her.Af
terwhattheDrtol
d,I
wassitt
ingi
nt hewaiti
ngareathinki
ngaboutt
his.
Lusandadeservespeace,Herli
fewon'tbet
hesame
anymore.

Me:I
'
m sor
rybaby

Iplacedthepil
lowoverherandcl
osedmyeyesasI
pressedonher.Thatwentonforawhil
e,Unt
ila
Nur secamein..

Nur
se:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Shef
orcef
ull
yremovedmef
rom her
..

Nur
se:Whathaveyoudone?Whathaveyoudone?

Ihel
dthepi
ll
owt
ightcr
ying.
.

Me:I
'
m sor
ry
.
Tobecont
inued
[
11/
11,
11:
38]DwaaPr
esh:FI
NALE

AMANDA

[
PRESENTDAY]
Journal
ist
:Atthatmomentwhenyouputt
hepi
ll
ow
overher
, Whatwereyouf
eeli
ng?

Lusanda'sstoryfrom hergetti
ngkidnapped,Tome
ki
ll
inghermadet heheadlines.Thestoryevenwent
i
nternati
onal.Eversincethatordeal2yearsago,I
havebeeni ntervi
ewedalmostever ymont hby
di
fferentnewsandcr i
mechannel s.My
document aryevenmadei ttotheinternat
ional
cri
mechannel sIhear.
.

Thi
sjour
nal
isti
npart
icul
arwasfrom Canada,
Flew
al
lthewaydownfora4partdocumentaryofmy
st
ory.
.

Igl
anceddownatmycuf
fedhands.
.
Me:Ithurtbutatt hesametimeitgavemeasense
ofrel
ief
.MyDaught ersuff
eredenough,Let
tingher
conti
nuel i
vingli
kethat.AshermotherIcouldn'
t
bearseeingherliveli
kethat,Shewasn'
tgoingto
haveagoodl i
fe

Jour
no:Herl
if
e..Wasi
tyour
stot
ake?

Me:NobutIhavenor
egr
ets,
I'
m sur
eshe'
sina
bet
terpl
acenow

Journo:TokyoMessi ,Madeast atementbef or

e
taki
nghi slife.2mont hsafterthatki ll
edyour
Daught er.Hesai dandIquot e" Thatdaywhent hey
caughtme, Iwhi speredinhereart hatsheshould
kil
lherself.That'stheonl ywaywecoul dbe
toget
heragai n.IwaitedinPr isont ohearaboutt he
newsofherdeat h,Andt olear nthatherMot herdid
i
t.Ihavenowor dst othankherenough, Nowme
andmyl ovewecanber eunit
edi ndeat h"
(
Sil
ence)

Jour
no:Howdoyouf
eel
aboutt
hatst
atement
?

Me:Ididn'
tdoi tf
orhim,Ididitf
ormyDaught er
.
Lusandadyingwast heonlywayf orTokyot
ostop
hurt
ingmyDaught er,Becausesomehowhest il
lhad
aholdonher .Idi
dittosaveherfrom ali
feofpain

Shenodded.
.

Journo:Youser
vingl
if
einpr
ison,
Howdoyouf
eel
aboutthat
?

Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..

Me:If
eelnot
hing.
.Thedaymydaught
erdi
edwas
t
hedayIal
sodi
ed

Jour
no:Haveyouf
orgi
venNel
isi
we?Thewoman
whodidthi
s?

Me:Yes.
.If
orgaveher

Jour
no:Yourexhusband.
.Whatabouthi
m?

Me:Ihopehewi
llf
orgi
vemeoneday,
AndIhopehe
i
satpeaceandhappywher
eheis

Jour
no:Hehasnevervi
sit
ed?

Me:No.
.Justser
vedmewi
thdi
vor
cepaper
sayear
ago
TONI

Ipl
acedf
lower
sonhergr
ave.
.

Me:HeyLu..I
t'
sMe, I
t'
sDaddy.Happybir
thdayto
youmyAngel,Ihopeyouconti
nuerest
inginPeace.
Imissyouever
ydayandIoveyousomuch

Cat
hy:Daddy!
!

Me:I
'
m comi
ng
Il
ookedathergr
ave.
.

Me:Yourl
it
tl
esi
steri
sgr
owingup,
She'
s1now.I
won'
tmakethesamemist
akesIdi
dwit
hyout
oher,
Ipr
omise

Igotup.
.

Iremarr
ied,
Awhi tewoman.WehaveaDaught er
.I
namedherCat hyLusandaHlophe.She'
sabeaut
if
ul
soult
hatbroughtmet hepeaceIneeded.
.

Iwal
kedbackt
omycar
,Tomywi
feandki
d..

Wi
fe:Howwasi
sitt
hist
imear
ound?

Me:Bet
terthant
hel
astt
ime,
Icoul
dtal
knowf
orat
l
east2min
Wi
fe:I
'
m happyt
oheart
hat

Itwashar dformet ocomeher eatf i

rst
,Ihavespent
monthsaf terherdeathdebat i
ngwi thmyselfifI
shouldcomeher eornot .Iaccept edsomuchgui l
t
witht
hesi tuati
on,AndIdi dhat eAmanda.Ihat ed
herwithmyal luntilIreali
zedthat ,Iwastheone
whobr oughtNel i
siwei nt
oourl ives.Istar
tedthis
wholething,Hencenow.Wi t
hmynewf ami l
y.Idon't
evendream ofcheat ing,Idon'twannar epeatthe
samemi stakeswhenGodhasgi venmeasecond
chanceathappi ness..

NELI
SIWE
Iki
ssedhi
m andthenputthetapeoverhi
smout
h.I
washoldi
ngagun,Hisgun..

Il
ookedathisMotherwhowascr
yingwi
that
ape
overhermoutht
oo..

Me:Fr
anky.
.Youknewhowt
hiswasgoi
ngt
oend

Frankisoneoft heguardswhowor katthe

i
nst i
tut
ion,Iseducedhi mi ntoarel
ati
onshipandhe
helpedmeescape.WhenIescapedIl i
vedwi thhim
andhi smot herf or6mont hs.Unfor
tunatel
yt hi
sis
howi tends, Frankisjustli
keallt
hosemenI 've
beenwi thbef ore.

Me:WellIwoul
dli
ket
ost
ayandseei
tal
lgoi
ng
downbutIcan'
t
Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:Ireall
ylovedyou,
Idi
dbutunf
ort
unat
elyjust
l
ikeeveryothermanyouhadt
oruini
tal
lwiththat
exwifethi
ngofyours

Hi
smom shookherheadwi
tht
ear
sfal
li
ng.
.

Ipoi
ntedt
hegunatt
hem.Shott
hem i
nthei
rhands.
.

Ipickedupt heshadesfr
om thetableandwore
them, Iwentandgotmybagf r
om thecouch.Ithad
mypasspor tundertheall
iancename" Angel
modi se"
.Ihadcutmyhai rshortanddyeditbl
onde..

Imademywayoutofthehouseandwentt
othecar
,
Hi
scar.Igoti
nandl
ookedatmysel
fint
herar
e
vi
ewmirror
..
Me:YouareonefuckeduppsychoDar
lene,
AndI
l
oveyoufort
hat!

Iputmyshadesbackonandst
art
edt
hecar
..

*
***
***
***
***
**THEEND*
***
***
***
**

Not
ice

Pleasestaytunedf
orthe3sampledchapter
sofour
nextexci
tingbook"TABOO"
,Ital
socostsR40for
subscri
ption.