Chapter 18: Black Suits at night

 

Bonolo stood still, her hands shaking at her sides. Everything felt unreal, like she was dreaming a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from. The flashing lights from outside cast strange shadows on the walls, making her home feel unfamiliar and cold. One officer opened the kitchen cupboards, pulling out files her mother had hidden there for safekeeping. Another walked down the hallway with a flashlight, checking every room carefully. Drawers were pulled out, papers scattered across the floor, and shoes were kicked aside as the officers searched without saying much. Her mother kept asking questions. “Please, tell me what this is about. What are you looking for?” But the men in black suits remained silent, only responding with short, firm replies like, “Just doing our job, ma’am,” or “We’ll be done soon.”

Bonolo’s mind kept racing. She remembered her father’s late-night phone calls, the way he always locked his study, and how he once told her never to answer questions about his work. She had never understood why until now. In the corner of the living room, one officer carefully examined a locked drawer in the cabinet. He asked her mother for the key. When she said she didn’t have it, they pried it open with a tool. Papers spilled out papers Bonolo had never seen before. They were filled with numbers, names, and company stamps.

Bonolo didn’t move. She didn’t speak. Her throat was tight, and her heart felt heavy in her chest. Every second that passed made her feel smaller, like the world around her was collapsing. The whole time, she could feel the eyes of the neighbors watching from their windows. Curtains were slightly parted. Some people had even stepped outside, whispering to one another as they tried to see what was going on. She felt exposed. Shamed. This house, her home, had always been a place of comfort. Now it felt invaded, like a secret had been ripped out and shown to the world.

Finally, one of the officers stepped toward them holding a box of documents. He looked straight at Bonolo and her mother and said, “We’re done here for now. Tell Mr. Mokoena to contact us immediately.” Bonolo nodded, even though her voice wouldn’t come out. When the last of the men left and the door closed behind them, silence filled the house again. But it wasn’t peaceful. It was heavy, like the weight of a truth they weren’t ready to face. Her mother sank onto the couch, tears silently falling down her cheeks. Bonolo sat next to her, unable to speak, just holding her hand. She didn’t have to say it out loud. They both knew. Something was very, very wrong.