Daddy Long Legs (27 page)

He felt someone’s presence next to him. It was Lerato.

‘That’s all our evidence. Up in flames.’

Silence.

‘We still have the files in the safe.’ A small distance from them, the local fire department was busy unfolding fire hoses from within a specially modified Hilux pick-up, painted bright red.

‘Yes, the files in the safe,’ Human said without much conviction. Yes, there were the files in the safe. But the greater majority of evidence and material, carefully collected over twenty years of investigation, were being devoured by the flames before them. It was a disaster of epic proportions. And a major setback to the case.

‘How could this have happened?’ Human and Lerato stared at the intensifying flames.

‘That’s a very good question,’ Human said.

They stood and looked on with mute despair. Around them several of the detectives from the task team gathered around them. In silence they watched the house disintegrate before their eyes. Eventually Human shook the cloying dismay from his being. With a look of grim determination, he plucked out his phone and dialled. On the other end, a sleepy Tina answered the phone.

‘Wh – what?’

‘Tina, sorry to wake you, but we’ve had ourselves a little disaster.’ In terse, economic sentences Human explained to Joemat’s P.A. what had happened. ‘I need Kimberley’s best arson investigator here, before dawn. Can you organise that for me?’

‘Yes, yes, of course.’ Tina was now wide awake.

‘I trust my request will be expedited with the authority of the premier’s office?’

‘Yes, of course, detective. You know you have the full backing of the premier.’

Human ended the call. He turned to Lerato. ‘No use messing around with middle management when you got the top brass on your side.’

Two hours later, inspector Jan Oliphant arrived while the Hope fire department was busy dousing the last of the flames. Together with Lerato and Human, Oliphant stood before the gutted building. Only the blackened walls remained and a section of the roof over the southern wing where the fire damage was the least. Everywhere else, the roof had caved in, lying smouldering within the charred carcass of the house. Gaping holes where the windows had been allowed a glimpse into the roasted and blackened heart of the destroyed building. In some places, one could look straight through the charred remains, into the singed yard behind where the thatched Lapa was a giant smouldering lollipop. From the scorched house, smoke rose in a serpentine plume, spiralling high into the early morning air, visible from several kilometres away. Like flies to a steaming turd, a ring of onlookers had formed around the smouldering husk.

‘Tell me, detective, what makes you suspect arson specifically?’ Oliphant stood, staring at the smouldering remains, flanked by Human and Lerato. In his right hand, he held a huge heavy-duty steel case. ‘The fire could have resulted from any number of causes.’

Human turned to the investigator. ‘Let’s call it a series of unfortunate events.’

The arson investigator looked at Human with interest. ‘Seems to be a lot of that going around.’  He turned his attention to the house. ‘Let me do a prelim and I’ll get back to you in an hour or so.’ Human nodded sombrely. Oliphant laid the heavy-duty case on the ground, released the latches and opened up the giant steel container. He extracted a pair of heavy-duty gloves and slipped them on. Donning a disposable blue jumpsuit and a pair of safety goggles, he waved at the two detectives and headed for the smouldering structure’s still-intact main door, in the relatively unscathed south wing.

True to his word, about an hour later while the detectives were eating a morose breakfast, Oliphant contacted Human. A few minutes later they joined the arson investigator inside the destroyed house. ‘This is where the fire started,’ Oliphant said, pointing to the blackened floor of the filing room, where they were standing amidst a chaotic muddle of smoking debris, black sludge and charred furniture. ‘I can confirm without a doubt that an accelerant was used, most likely petrol.’ Human nodded. Despite the intense heat, the distinctive smell of petrol was still noticeable. ‘In addition, I quickly interviewed some of the fire fighters. They confirmed that the flames were yellow and white. They also told me the colour of the smoke during the initial stages of the fire was black. Now, this
may
indicate other factors, however this is yet further preliminary evidence that petrol
was
used as an accelerant.’ Human nodded, saying nothing. Everywhere he could see the charred remains of the case files.

‘Any signs of a break-in, inspector?’ It was Lerato.

‘I’m so glad you asked me that.’ He turned to Human. ‘Tell me something, Detective Human, who all has access to this building? And is it locked when no-one is present?’ Human looked up, intrigued.

‘Why do you ask?’

‘Let me show you.’ He led Human and the others through the blackened reception area to the front door. He stepped through the doorway and invited the others to join him. Outside the early morning Karoo sun baked the world. He pointed to the door lock, where a key was plainly visible in the keyhole. ‘Whoever started the fire didn’t need to break in. They just used a key.’

Human and Lerato looked at each other, stunned. Human turned his back to the group and walked away, his cell phone already to his ear. Lerato approached Oliphant.

‘So tell me, inspector, you’re absolutely sure the fire started in the filing room?’

‘Oh, absolutely.’ Oliphant wiped sweat from his brow, leaving a black smear across his face. ‘But here’s the interesting thing. The filing room is not a very good place to start the fire. I don’t know how much flammable material the room actually contained, but if I wanted to start a fire ... I would have begun somewhere around there,’ he said, pointing to the central part of the house. ‘If the fire had started in this area, there would have been nothing left. I guarantee you that.’ Human returned to the group.

‘I managed to confirm that Davis and Bothwell were the last detectives on duty last night. Davis assures me he locked up. Bothwell backs up his story. More importantly, Davis still has his key.’ Human looked at Lerato, a grave expression on his face. ‘You know what that means.’

‘
Sowaar
,’ Oliphant said, reverting to Afrikaans. ‘If you asked my opinion, I’d say it was an inside job.’

The saboteur had struck again.

Enough was enough. And Human had more than enough. Drastic measures were needed.

Human bundled Lerato into an available squad car and drove to his guesthouse. Lerato looked at him with concern. ‘What are you going to do, Wayne?’

‘Something I should have done a long time ago.’

Moments later Human was on the phone with Joemat. He outlined his plan and what he needed from the premier. Not surprisingly, Joemat offered his full cooperation. Then he phoned Joe Ndabane. He gave his superior a rundown of the latest developments. He also took pains detailing all the suspicious events that had been occurring since the beginning of the investigation, including the leaks. ‘What are you saying, Wayne?’

‘I’m saying sir that, not only is someone leaking confidential information to the media, but there is a mole in the squad. There is someone who is actively sabotaging the entire investigation. There is someone, sir ... a police officer, who doesn’t want us to catch the killer.’

‘That’s a very serious allegation, my
broer
.’

‘I know, sir. I understand the implications. I know they’re very serious. Except, right now, I simply don’t have the time or the resources to track down a mole ... on top of trying to catch a killer.’

‘I understand.’ There was a pause on the other end of the line. ‘So, Wayne, what do you want me to do?’

Speaking forcibly and without apology, Wayne Human outlined exactly what he needed from the Director for Priority Crime Investigation. When he was done, there was a stunned silence. ‘You know there will be ramifications, Detective Human.’ Ndabane’s use of Human’s surname underscored the gravity of his request.

‘I know sir. But right now I don’t give a damn.’ Even Human was surprised at the intensity of his vitriol. Never, in all his time as a detective, had he ever addressed the director with such forcefulness. ‘All political realities aside, there is the life of a premier’s son at stake. I will be happy to face the consequences.
After
I’ve apprehended this sick son of a bitch.’

There was a loaded silence as Human waited for the director’s reply. Everything hinged on it. Finally he spoke. ‘Fine. I’m going to try my best. But I can’t guarantee anything. This has never happened before.’

‘Sir, I’m sure you’ll find that we have support at the highest levels of government.’

‘I hope so. For your sake, detective.’ And then the call was over. Human breathed a sigh of relief. It was done. Or so he hoped.

Almost a thousand clicks away, in the halls of power that crisscross the nation’s administrative capital, a call was made. Then another. And another. The Police Commissioner was contacted. Then the Minister of Safety and Security. In a conference call, the security top brass engaged in a heated debate. And then. Almost three hours after Human placed the call, his request was approved.

And then they came. From within the heavily secured core of the Musanda Building in Pretoria. They came.

Through the streets of Pretoria on the N14 heading west. They came. Averaging a speed of a hundred and eighty kilometres per hour. They came. No traffic officer stopped them. No policemen dared stop them.

They came. Six black BMW X5 SUV’s. Armoured. Black as night. Tinted windows. They came. With the distinctive blue sirens. The blue sirens of the National Intelligence Agency and the South African Secret Service.

And then finally. With Steynbrug on the left. They finally slowed. Scores of astonished residents lined the streets. Watching. Watching the six BMW X5 SUV’s. Black as night. With the blue sirens. Rolling through town. Store owners abandoned their customers. And came outside. To watch the convoy. The six SUV’s. Black as night. As they rolled down Wide Street. All along Hope’s main street, people stopped. And gawked.  Staring in astonishment. At the convoy. Black as night. And then. Taking a right at the commons. And passing Kyle’s guesthouse. They came to a stop.  Outside the police station.

The Human’s Pretoria boys had arrived in Hope. Sixteen detectives from
Wachthuis
, handpicked by Human himself. Transported in vehicles lent by the South African National Intelligence Agency.

Human, Witbooi and Lerato met them in front of the police station. And led them through the public service area to the quad formed by the horseshoe-shaped police station. Standing in the open courtyard were all the detectives that had been working on the case thus far. Included were Dirk Engelman and his squad of Hope detectives. Human had convened an emergency meeting after the fire at Eighteen Hill Street. He now stood on the porticoed walkway, his
Wachthuis
detectives behind him. Human faced the group of policemen standing in the quad, looking solemn. Hushed whispers and clustered conversations ended as they saw Human. He cleared his throat. ‘I asked all of you to meet me here today ... to discuss something of great importance.’ He paused as he surveyed the confused faces. ‘As you’re all aware by now, we had a fire at our headquarters last night. I am now able to confirm, without a doubt, that the fire was as a result of arson.’ A murmur passed through the detectives in the quad. ‘In addition, there are indications that the fire was an inside job. The fire was the work of one of our own.’  At this, the detectives broke into a raucous wave of shouting. Human waited until the disturbance had died down. ‘This is not the first instance of ... sabotage. We have suffered several damaging leaks and other setbacks. All the work of an unknown saboteur. I cannot allow this to happen any longer. Last night’s fire was the last straw.’ Some of the detectives folded their arms and frowned. They knew what was coming. ‘We are at a watershed in this investigation, a cross-roads, if you like. Premier Joemat’s son was abducted yesterday, as you’re aware. If we work assiduously, if we work with focus, we can apprehend the killer. And be in time to save the life of Alexander Joemat. However, as long as we’re plagued by this insidious sabotage, we will never achieve anything. I cannot allow that to happen.’

‘What are you saying, detective?’ It was Dirk Engelman.

‘Yes, what are you saying? Shouldn’t we be following leads?’ It was another detective whose name eluded Human.

Human ignored the questions. ‘Recent developments ... and the incredibly sensitive nature of this investigation has forced my hand and ... forced me to initiate certain harsh measures I had hoped would never be necessary.’ There was a restless stirring amongst the congregated detectives. ‘As of today, and effective immediately, I have decided to disband the Hope task force.’ He gave the group a steely look. ‘You are all relieved of your duties.’ A roar of anger surged through the group before Human. Several detectives gesticulated wildly while others shouted in anger.

‘You can’t do this.’

‘Who gives you the right ...?’

‘Who the hell do you think ...?’

‘You can’t get away with this ...’

Some of the detectives behind Human stepped forward, reaching for hand guns. Human ignored the angry response. He raised his voice in order to be heard above the shouting. ‘Those of you who came from the Kimberley branch are free to return to your home town. The local Hope detectives will be assigned others duties.’ A few detectives strutted angrily past Human, exiting the courtyard. ‘Believe me when I tell you that I regret the drastic changes I am forced to make. I never wanted things to reach this stage. The sabotage was carried out by a single person, or possibly a small group,’ Human said, subtly eyeing Engelman and his group. ‘I never wanted to punish everyone for the egregious transgressions of a tiny minority. Please understand that I am deeply sorry that things have reached this regrettable stage. You are all fine detectives.’ More detectives left the meeting, some eyeing Human with open belligerence as they passed him. One of the detectives shoved his shoulder violently into Human as he passed. Lerato gasped. Two
Wachthuis
detectives grabbed him and escorted him bodily from the premises. ‘Please, I am so sorry that this happened. I simply don’t have a choice anymore. As soon as the investigation is wrapped up, we will conduct a thorough enquiry to ascertain the identity of the saboteur. I want to assure you. No, I want to give you my word, that as soon as the perpetrator is identified, I will personally organise commendations for every single one of you. You have my word.’ For some of the junior detectives, it was a consolation, however small. But the majority of the policemen reacted with bellicose resentment. That afternoon, under a roasting Karoo sun, Human made no new friends. ‘I ask that all of you please relinquish all notes, files and other material pertinent to the case still in your possession. Please. I know you are angry and upset, but there’s the life of a little boy at stake. Please co-operate with me.’ Human considered invoking his authority and the possibility of legal action should the detectives not comply, but decided too much damage had already been done. Diplomacy was now necessary. ‘Please, I beg of you to be professional and to put your resentment aside. We have a killer to catch. I need your assistance. Please.’