Bonita slammed the door of the car with a grunt and crouched near the hood.
"Something's not right," she muttered, peering under the bonnet with a flashlight app on her phone.
Star leaned out from the passenger seat, arms crossed. "Forget the car, Boni. They just don't want to open the house for Tomas. He says it's better we don't insist."
Bonita sighed and turned to face her. "Well, the company's hotel is just down the road. He can stay there for tonight."
Star shook her head. "He won't. Says it'll only fuel the drama. You know how he is—always trying not to add fuel to a fire already burning."
Back at the Davids' mansion, the last guests were trickling out. Laughter faded into the night, leaving behind empty champagne flutes and the scent of perfume and wine.
Mandume wiped his hands on a napkin, paperwork finally done. He exhaled deeply and looked around.
"Star's a lifesaver," he mumbled, stretching his back. He stepped outside and waved a few goodbyes, offering warm smiles and cheek kisses.
Then it struck him.
"Wait… Star left with Boni. Bonita's driving?" His eyes widened. "Oh, my god. What was I thinking? Mom's going to freak."
He dropped onto the living room sofa, pulling out his phone and dialing.
Star picked up on the second ring.
"Star, are you driving? who's driving" Mandume asked sharply.
"Mmm… I saw you drinking," Star replied cautiously.
"I'm serious. Bonita isn't allowed to drive yet, she doesn't have a license" he said, his voice rising.
Star blinked. "Wait—what? Oh my God… no wonder she was so excited. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Where are you? I'm coming to get you both. Now."
"We're still at Goreangab," Star said quickly. "Mandume, it's late. You can't come all the way here."
"Star, mom is not going to take this lightly."
"Don't worry, I'll think of something. I'll make up an excuse—something believable."
Star hesitated. "Alright."
He ended the call just as Maria descended the stairs, her steps slow, her face pale and distant.
"Mom?" he asked, rising. "Where were you? Are you okay? You look—tired."
"I'm fine," Maria said, waving him off. "Must be the party. The smell of roses and wine… I kept seeing your father's face in the crowd."
Mandume gently touched her shoulder. "It's okay, Mom. We just need to keep the faith… we might get him back tomorrow."
Maria flinched. "Tomorrow?"
Mandume frowned.
Maria's voice dropped as she recalls the lie she told.
"Yeah. I mean, I didn't bring the gun. The one I borrowed's gone. But I'm ready. That place is dangerous. David fell into the wrong hands. They asked for ransom the moment he could stand."
"Mandume, I know you want to see him. So do I. That's why I made arrangements. I hired a guard to check on him. I paid the ransom. They agreed to let someone see him."
Mandume's eyes lit up. "So they're allowing us contact?"
"Yes," Maria said. "But we can't get him yet. He's… not well. They say he lost his memory. They're feeding him, treating him. The ransom wasn't enough for full release."
Mandume frowned. "So, you're saying… you're negotiating?"
Maria nodded. "I'm still paying. Once the full amount is done, they'll let him go."
There was a long silence. Then, with soft suspicion, Mandume asked, "Do you trust them, Mom?"
"Do you trust me?" Maria countered, eyes narrowing.
Mandume bit his tongue. "You're not making sense, but I won't argue tonight. I'll find out where they're keeping him myself."
He paused.
"Okay, Mom. I trust you."
Maria smiled and kissed his forehead. "Goodnight, my son."
Mandume gave a weak chuckle. "I miss this. You stopped kissing me goodnight ever since Star came into this house."
Maria froze. "Well… I didn't want her to laugh at you. 'Mama's boy' isn't exactly a badge of honor."
Mandume shrugged. "Maybe I am a mama's boy."
Maria didn't respond. She walked away silently, her robe trailing behind her, vanishing up the stairs like a shadow into darkness.