I knew who was calling and why they were calling. I slowly walked towards the phone, trying to walk slowly enough so by the time I get there the caller would hang up. But soon enough I founded myself next to the phone, because the room didn’t go on for ever.
My hand reached out to grab the ringing phone and putted it next to my ear. I heard someone speaking to me through the phone and he said ‘hello’. I quickly answered him back with a shaky voice “hello who is this?” He answered slowly trying to come me down “my name is Nick Lan, remember I said I would call. My hands were sweeting and I struggled to hold the phone. I said with a demanding voice “what do you want?” He sighed “do you have the money? “ I answered him pretending not to know what he was talking about “what money?” “The R500 000” he said. “I am getting it but I need to know if she is a live first” I said coming myself down. He replied “she is okay, but if you don’t pay she won’t be”. “I will but where will we meet” tears were starting to run down my face”.” Go to the coconut Grove Mall in 10 minutes will call you”.
The phone finally dropped through my sweaty hands on to the floor. I ran as fast as I could to get dressed and then I left the house. I turned on my car and zoomed to the coconut Grove Mall.
When I got there after a restless 15 minute drive, I saw two man dressed in black pants and jackets with smooth thick black hair standing next to a black car. I pulled over and stepped out the car with the bag full of money. The exchange was quick so it would not attract attention.
The reunion with my wife was done over dinner. And I only realise what a close call today was.