Chapter Eleven
Way past three ‘o clock that next morning. Adrian tries as softly as possible to enter the hotel room without waking Ryan.
Adrian gets into bed and is just about to drift off to sleep when Ryan’s soft laughing sounds.
“Someone forgot where the hotel room is. A good date?”
“A great date.” Adrian smiles.
“Well, buddy. I hope that will pull you through, because we have team breakfast at eight and then we need to leave for the airport.”
Adrian winces.
“Oh, good grief! I forgot about our trip!”
Ryan laughs.
“Better go to sleep, buddy. You are going to need it.”
Just after seven ‘o clock Ryan puts a steaming mug of coffee next to Adrian, who in a matter of seconds as usual, rouses upon smelling the coffee.
Adrian groggily opens his eyes and looks into Ryan’s smiling face.
“Morning, buddy. Dreamt of René?”
Adrian blushes.
“Morning. I hope you have ordered very strong coffee.”
“There is some Red Bull in the bar fridge. Want one?”
“Yes, thanks.”
Adrian yawns, stretches and takes up the coffee mug.
“Did you spend the night?” Ryan asks mischievously.
“No. Obviously not. You know my values.”
Ryan sits down next to Adrian.
“That I do, but she is a stunner and you, well you are head over heels for her.”
“That I am, but we only became an item like last night. But I must admit, being with her was very tempting.”
Adrian takes a sip of his coffee.
“But I want my first time to be when I’m married. It must be special. The way it’s meant to be. Not some cheap one night stand.”
“So, what did you do?”
“Well, there wasn’t much we could do. I took her to the Waterfront before we went to her barracks. I introduced her to my big favorite, Dodge Diner’s famous milkshakes. She loved it.”
“Well, judged by the time you came in I thought you took her to an expensive restaurant and went full out.”
“That would have been a great idea, but neither of us was dressed for such an occasion. Anyway, I want to find a place that caters for French cuisine, but also simultaneously something that I’m familiar with. Froggy thighs and soup are not my idea of a romantic date.”
Ryan laughs.
“I’m sure that’s not all they eat, buddy. From what I have heard, they love wine and cheese, and you know exactly where to find those.”
Adrian puts the mug aside, stretches and yawns again.
“I hope Christo will let us take it easy today. I’m wasted.”
Arriving from practice a day before the next fixture due at St George’s Park, Adrian notices a stranger waiting for him outside his hotel room.
The policeman in him is immediately suspicious and he feels annoyed at the hotel staff for allowing strange people so close to their rooms.
“Can I help you, sir?”
“Yeah. I’m looking for Adrian.”
“It’s me. What’s up?”
“I was wondering if I could talk to you in private?”
“Sure, but let’s go to the lounge or something like that. My room is my privacy and I don’t know you at all.”
The young man looks unhappy about Adrian’s suggestion, but he accompanies Adrian to a place that is private enough for what he had in mind.
“I haven’t introduced myself to you yet.” he sticks his hand out to Adrian.
“I’m Brett. I just want to congratulate you on your fine performances the other day.”
“Thanks, Brett. It’s kind of you. So, what can I do for you? We are quite busy with the tour and I need to captain the side again tomorrow because Christo is not yet 100%.”
“I was wondering if you can make this series interesting for the TV viewers and fans. It was great how you have won so far, but it is also evident that the Windies are struggling at this stage. No one really likes a total domination of a series.”
Adrian’s eyes are filled with suspicion.
“What are you saying?”
Brett shifts an envelope toward Adrian, filled with money.
“It’s just an encouragement, an incentive. I’ve got much more for you. I’m saying that you must give the Windies a chance to win the match tomorrow.”
Adrian loses his temper.
“Do you know, do you have any idea who you are dealing with here?”
“What do you mean?”
Adrian lightening fast gets up from behind the table.
“I think you must come with me.”
“What the hell for? Who do you think you are?!”
“I’m a cop and this was your first and last time that you have tried to implicate me or any one of my team into match fixing!”
Brett breaks loose violently from Adrian’s grip and tries to run, but Adrian is very close on his heels and gives a chase before getting hold of Brett again.
Brett takes out a knife and tries to stab Adrian, but the knife only breaks Adrian’s skin very slightly and Brett runs off.
Adrian leaves the money on the table and gives a chase, running until he couldn’t any more when Brett just disappears into the crowds on the streets.
Furious because he had to run so far, because he got hurt and because Brett got away, Adrian tiredly hails a cab to get back to the hotel. He will have to talk to the team management about this before anyone falls victim to this temptation. It can’t be tolerated by any means.
Arriving at the hotel, Adrian proceeds to the front desk, briefly smiling at the receptionist.
“Hi, ma’am. Do you know who gave information to people of where the cricket team’s rooms are?”
“No, sir. I’m sorry. Anything wrong?”
“Yes. Please, just convey the message that under no circumstances may our room numbers be given to anyone. Please phone us before hand and we’ll meet the visitor in the foyer. There was a situation now and it may jeopardize my team’s safety.”
“Its well understood, sir. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.” she looks worriedly at Adrian.
“Sir, are you okay? You’re bleeding.”
“Don’t worry. It’s a minor cut.”
Adrian disappears to the lifts and makes his way to the floor where their rooms are. He first knocks at Terence’s door and waits a while, but there was no one there. He then proceeds to Anthony’s room who after a while, opens the door to Adrian.
“I need to see you.”
Anthony looks very concerned.
“No problem, Adrian. Please, come inside. This sounds very serious. What’s on your mind?”
Adrian steps inside and sits down on the couch. Anthony wants to take a seat too, but notices the blood on Adrian’s arm.
“What happened? Let me take a look at that.”
“It’s fine, really. It’s a superficial cut.”
“Okay, but let me take care of that. Whisky?”
“Yes, thanks.”
Anthony pours them a drink before taking care of Adrian’s wound.
“Your tetanus up to date?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.” He dabs the wound dry and puts a plaster bandage on it before putting his equipment away.
“I’m starting to feel as if I’m bad luck to the side.” Adrian says.
“Because with the World Cup, Ryan almost got killed.”
“That’s not fair toward you. What’s going on? What happened?”
“After practice, I was approached by a guy outside my room that called himself Brett. He wanted to implicate me into match fixing. He offered me a filled envelope, filled with R200 notes as an incentive to lose the match tomorrow.”
Anthony appears shocked.
“I wanted to arrest him there and then. He broke loose but I got hold of him again. Then he tried to stab me. I gave a chase on foot until I couldn’t run anymore
. I ran quite far, but I lost him.”
“Where’s the money?”
“I left it there on the table. I just wanted to get him, but he ran off. I didn’t know who he really is, where he comes from, his connections, nothing. All I know is that I will recognize him if I see him again. Please, we need to convene an emergency meeting with the others and have a press release. I don’t want any one of the guys to fall for this. I think he thought because I am so young and the acting captain that I will fall for it, but he misjudged himself. I’m so concerned, scared that he or whoever might do to get one of the others involved. It’s such a nasty, messy business.”
Adrian feels as if he really needed to make the situation a bit more bearable after the emergency meeting. The atmosphere is relatively tense amongst everyone else, although some made the joke that Adrian should have taken the money. Some even said what they would have done with all of it. Adrian had to admit to himself that it was very tempting to keep it. The amount in the envelope amounted to his entire annual Constable salary.
But thank goodness for his values and beliefs.
Very much up to mischief, Adrian enters the two newcomers’ room. No one notices Adrian entering the room, nor does anyone notice the harmless brown house snake in Adrian’s hands.
Adrian can barely contain the laugh inside of him when he puts the snake into Thabo Mashiane’s equipment bag. Adrian knew that Thabo would need the bag pretty soon to check if everything was packed and ready for the next day.
Adrian puts the bag down where he has found it and discreetly hides in the room, anxiously waiting for the imminent laughter that is to follow.
Adrian didn’t have to wait very long for Thabo and Donovan Taylor as he could hear Thabo’s spontaneous characteristic loud talking and laughing down in the corridor.
“Oh no man, Donny! Why did you forget to lock the door?”
“Hey, man. We were just out for a few minutes.”
“Eish, wena. You want us to be robbed of all our things and then, Adrian will have to open dockets.”
“Why Adrian?”
“He is a cop.”
“So, then what’s the big deal? There’s protection on this floor. No one will mess around with our stuff. Adrian will sort them out.”
Thabo takes out some of his equipment and opens the equipment bag to put his stuff inside, but he recoils in shock and screams hysterically, jumping onto the bed.
“What? What is it?”
“Look there, man! It’s a bloody snake! Get it out! Get it out!”
“You’re crazy, man! I’m not going to catch it! It’ll bite!”
“Well, I’m not getting down from here! Call someone!”
But Donovan also stands on a chair, frantic.
Adrian crawls out of the closet, overcomes with hysterical fits of giggles.
“Adrian!”
Thabo says something in Xhosa.
Adrian tries to catch his breath, but starts laughing again.
“Wena, get this thing out of here! You will kill us!”
Adrian finally manages to stop laughing and tries to catch his breath.
“Careful, boy’tjie. I understood every word you said. I know Xhosa.” Adrian laughs and quickly catches the snake behind the head, picking it up.
Thabo seems perplexed.
“How do you know Xhosa?”
“I’m staying in the Cape and on a farm. One learns quickly there.”
“I thought you said you are scared of snakes.”
“Terrified of them, but this one is the only exception.”
“But it can still bite! What’s the matter with you?”
“A brown house snake will not just bite. And if it does bite, you just need to get a tetanus injection, if yours is not up to date. That’s all that there is to it. Oh, I wish I had a camera for this!”
Arthur enters the room.
“What’s going on? It sounded as if someone was being murdered!”
Adrian giggles.
“Never thought a grown man can be so scared of snakes.” he carefully plays with the snake curling around his arm.
“It was hysterically funny. You should have seen it.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll get you, big time.” Thabo teases.
“You better watch your back.”
Adrian always wanted to play at St George’s Park. He recalls on how he loved watching the matches on TV that was broadcasted from St George’s Park and he also recalled having had the privilege as a teenager to have joined his uncle to a match at St George’s Park that was contested between South Africa and Sri Lanka. That particular night, Craig Matthews took four wickets and everyone, including the people in the president’s suite where Adrian and his uncle were, started to cheer aloud. It gives him goose bumps, just thinking of it. Especially when the famous brass band plays Ben E King’s “Stand by Me” and everyone singing along.
With the crowds already walking in, most of them already seated and camped out, the two sides warm up side by side before the match.
Robert calls everyone near. The team seems slightly tired due to the warm up, but they look very eager for the game to start.
“Okay, guys. Are you ready for this match? Ready to send them to the showers?”
“Should be an interesting game, Coach. The pitch is a typical St George’s Park pitch.”
“And you, Adrian? Ready for your second game as captain?”
When Robert does not get any answer, he curiously turns around to see where Adrian is, but he was hopelessly too deep in thought. Without Robert noticing anything or feeling anything for that matter, Adrian had undone Robert’s shoelaces before tying them together again. The outcome is inevitable when Robert is turning around and stumbles down with a big thud, to great amusement of everyone.
Very embarrassed Robert unties his shoelaces and tries his outmost to sound strict.
“Okay, that’s it! I want 50 shuttle sprints from each one of you. Let’s go! Let’s go!”
If the Newlands crowds thought that they were in for a treat, Adrian totally bludgeoned the Windies attack. It wasn’t a very big ground and on more than one occasion the ball dented the sink roofs of the old suites of St George’s Park. The Windies just didn’t have any answers to the South Africans and was subsequently beaten again. This time by five wickets.
It is way past midnight after the match when Adrian gets an SMS from Arthur to come and see him. Adrian silently hopes that Arthur won’t keep him long. It has been a very long day and a hectic tour so far.
Adrian gently knocks his known coded tap.
“Hi, Adrian. Did you get my message?”
“Yes, I did. What’s it about?”
“Please, come inside. I won’t keep you too long. I’m very tired myself. Something to drink?”
“I’ll have a juice, thanks. What’s up?”
Arthur hands Adrian a juice and they both drink the juice from the bottles.
“I just wanted to chat to you. Just to tell you how great it is to have you back. You know, a lot of the guys have a sense of humor, but I can’t really recall when was the last time everyone laughed so much. The team is happier, more relaxed. You make such a big difference. You’re a real inspiration to everyone, because of the wholehearted way you play the game.”
“I just enjoy being here and to play cricket. I love my work, but my cricket and being here being a great break from the cruel reality of the police work.”
“I can imagine. Adrian, I just wanted to thank you for your honesty the other day in regards to the bribe. I understood it was a lot of money.”
“It was about my annual salary. I love my sport, but I simultaneously hate it, this professional level. It was so uncomplicated playing cricket at club level, playing it because you want to, not because you’re paid to do so.”
“Adrian, then . . . I don’t know what you’ll think of this. Christo is thinking of retiring at the end of the season.”
Adrian frowns lightly.
?
??I’m sorry, Arthur. I don’t know where you are heading.”
“He wants you to be captain.”
Adrian sits back in his chair, speechless.
“But, why?”
“Because you are good. Because you are a great leader and a great motivator. That’s why.”
“But . . . what about my police career? Maybe I’ll be captain for a season or two, play ten more years if I’m lucky and then what?”
“Do you want to be a policeman all your life?”
“Yes, actually. That’s the only life I ever knew.”
Arthur sighs.
“Well, you have a while to think about it. We can’t force you to make that decision, it’s something you need to do on your own. And the offer won’t be there indefinitely. We just thought that it would be a positive change from all the crime, the violence that you are exposed to.”
“Well . . . I won’t go as far as to say I’ll give a serious thought about this, but I will think about it and I’ll definitely pray about it.”
Arthur smiles.
“I thought you’d say that.”
Just after eight that morning, Adrian passes Arthur’s hotel room and stops momentarily. He suddenly remembers that he forgot the previous night to discuss something with Arthur and he knocks on Arthur’s door.
There are no answer and Adrian frowns. Maybe he left already . . .
But there is an uneasiness inside Adrian that starts to grow and the more he tries to shake it, the more it becomes.
Adrian takes his cell phone out of his pocket to phone Arthur, but Arthur’s phone is on voice mail. Something is terribly wrong.
Adrian closes his eyes, bites hard on his lip. He takes out the spare key from his pocket. The team management had spare keys of the members of the team management for extreme emergencies. It is not customary for any one of them just to go into each other’s rooms, but the anxiety in Adrian becomes overwhelming. He unlocks the door and comes across the grisly discovery that he didn’t want to see.
Arthur is lying on the floor, unconscious. A spent .38 calibre cartridge is lying close to his body and the carpet was heavily stained with blood.
Adrian rushes to Arthur’s side, checking for vitals and assessing the situation. Arthur is barely alive. Adrian takes off the duvet of the bed and makes Arthur as comfortable as he can while starting CPR. He phones Anthony.
“Hello?”
“Anthony! Please! You must come, immediately! Arthur’s dying! He’s been shot!”
Anthony initially thinks Adrian is fooling around, but he can barely make out anything Adrian says through his tears.
“Where are you?”
“In Arthur’s room. Hurry, please!”
Adrian starts again with the full CPR. His body shakes with shock and fear and the tears stream down his face.
“Arthur? Come on! Wake up! Speak to me! Stay with me, okay?”
Anthony enters the room and helps Adrian with the CPR while they wait for the ambulance that Anthony called for in the meantime.
They didn’t wait too long for the medics to arrive and while they start with their procedures, Adrian’s phone rings.
“Adrian? Where are you mates? We’re waiting for you.”
Adrian just can’t get himself to speak and Christo becomes disturbed by the sound of Adrian’s crying.
“Adrian? What is it?”
“Just . . . come to Arthur’s room. We’re here.”
Adrian bravely tries to collect himself as the realization that it is a crime scene, hits him.
“Um . . . everyone, please don’t touch anything. Anthony, I think you must go with Christo to the hospital. I need to phone the Police.”
Anthony puts his hand on Adrian’s shoulder.
“Arthur will be okay, Adrian. I think you need to come with us too. You’re in shock and you need treatment.”
“I’ll stay . . . please, please let me know what’s going on, okay?”
Anthony nods and they all leave, except Adrian who calls the 10111 line to inform the Police about the shooting incident.
Curious hotel residents and the media approach the room.
“What happened here?”
“Please, people. Return to your rooms or the lounge or wherever. We don’t know anything yet and I’m waiting for the Police.” Adrian says.
“But—”
“Look, I’m speaking to you now in the capacity of a policeman, please go. There is nothing for you to see. Please leave. In the capacity of the vice-captain of the Proteas, Christo and I will issue a statement as soon as we know what’s going on. I am not going to make any comments now. Please go.”
Adrian takes his handkerchief, covers the doorknob with it, closes the door behind him and stands in front of the door. He remains standing in front of the door to prevent any unlawful entry and bravely tries to hold back the silent tears because he needs to be strong for his side, also because the corridor was crowding with media.
Adrian feels helpless as he realizes that the team is downstairs, waiting for them and totally unaware of the commotion.
After some half an hour of standing like that, Adrian sits down and rests with his head on his knees, folding his arms around his knees, the silent sobs shivering through his body. The uncertainty coupled with the fact that he had to wait for the Police and the traumatic scene starts to take its toll.
If only Adrian knew what has happened to Arthur and what the prognosis is. It couldn’t be that Arthur tried to commit suicide. He was the most successful team manager the Proteas had and everyone loved and respected him.
“Excuse me, sir?”
Adrian looks up, bravely dries his tears. He gets up.
“Hello, Warrant Officer.”
Adrian takes out his own appointment certificate.
“Um . . . Constable Parker. I’m the vice-captain of the cricket side and I’m a cop full time. Stationed at Grabouw in the Cape.”
“Sorry we took so long. It’s been a very busy morning. The dispatcher gave the complaint as police assistance but it looks more serious than this.”
“It . . . it might be an unnatural death . . .”
Adrian opens the door again and he looks briefly at the student.
“Did you bring the crime scene tape?” Adrian asks.
The Warrant Officer looks at Adrian, slightly annoyed.
“I’m sorry, Warrant. It’s just . . .”
The policeman manages a smile.
“It’s okay. You seem to be a very bright policeman. Student, please go and get the crime scene tape so that we can cordon off the area. Also get me the detective on standby, the photographer and the fingerprint expert.”
The policeman turns to Adrian.
“So, what’s happened here?”
“I was on my way to breakfast and on my way I went by to my team manager’s room. I knocked, but he didn’t open. I phoned him on his cell phone, but he didn’t answer, it was on voice mail. I was very anxious about it. Something bothered me. So I gained access to his room by using my spare key. All the members of the team management have spare keys to each other’s rooms for an emergency. When I got into the room, I saw him lying there on the ground, unconscious. I called our chairman to come and help me, he is a registered paramedic. We helped Arthur by doing CPR, but . . . he was barely alive when they left . . .”
Adrian takes a deep breath in an effort to try and calm down.
“I don’t know if he had tried to commit suicide or what. I personally think someone tried to get to him because I refused a bribe.”
The policeman frowns.
“What?”
“The day before yesterday, I was approached by someone who called himself Brett. He offered me money to lose the match we played. I tried to arrest him and chased him on foot for a long way, but he got away. I don’t know anything about him, only his alleged name.”
Adrian’s phone rings again.
“Hello, Adrian speakin
g.”
“Adrian, it’s me. Where is the team, mate?”
“I . . . I presume that they are still in the lounge or dining room. They still don’t know what’s happening.”
“And you? Where are you?”
“I’m in Arthur’s room with the Police. Christo, what’s happening?”
“Arthur’s gone, Adrian.”
It feels as if all his blood is instantly drained from his body, but Adrian realizes that he is watched by fellow policemen and he needs to be brave and collected. Adrian swallows hard, takes a deep breath.
“When?”
“Just now, five minutes ago. Do you see chance to talk to the team and the press? We can come immediately, there is nothing that keeps us here any more.”
“Yeah, um . . . I’ll . . . I’ll handle the press . . .”
“You sure?”
The fresh emotion threatens to take over again and Adrian chokes.
“Adrian? Talk to me.”
“I . . . I’ll do it, Christo . . .”
“Can you?”
“Yes . . .”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can, okay?”
“Okay . . .”
Adrian disconnects, bravely tries to recollect.
“Warrant, please give me your number so that I can bring you my statement . . . Mr. Johnson is gone.”
With everything in him wanting to be with his team, Adrian exits Arthur’s room and faces the media.
“I have an official statement to make.” he starts.
The cameras flash and the journalists are scribbling notes.
“The South African cricket team manager, Arthur Johnson, has passed away ten minutes ago.”
“Do you know the cause of death? What happened?”
“I’m not going to disclose much information. I personally came across Mr. Johnson this morning just after eight ‘o clock. He was lying unconscious on the floor. I’m saying again. The cause of death is unknown at this stage.”
“If the cause is unknown, why are the Police here?”
“It is standard procedure. An inquest docket will be opened.”
“Do you suspect that he was murdered?”
“I never said that. I’m saying again. According to law, if a person dies in an unnatural manner, an inquest docket must be opened. It is standard procedure. The team management will see everyone for a full press release during the day. Right now, I need to talk to my team members. It is unknown to me if they know anything yet.”
Adrian turns to the Warrant Officer.
“I need to go, Warrant. My team needs me right now.”
“It’s okay. I’ll keep in touch with you.”
Adrian makes his way through the crowds media to the lifts to go to the diningroom. His mind races. What is he going to tell his team? So many of them had known Arthur for quite a while. It will be absolutely devastating . . .
Adrian enters the diningroom and silently takes a seat at the team table. He rests with his head in his hands.
“Guys, I’m so sorry . . . Arthur’s gone . . .”
A deafening silence falls over the team. They stare in horror and shock at Adrian.
Adrian looks up. His eyes are filled with tears.
“Christo and the rest of the team management are on their way back. We don’t know what happened. I came across him this morning. Anthony and I tried everything we could to save him. Please don’t talk to the media. If I can make a suggestion, please let us all meet with Peter. I think all of us needs counseling and we all need to talk about our feelings of what has happened.”
“Adrian, what about the rest of the tour?”
“I don’t know. I personally don’t see chance to continue whatsoever.”
“Neither am I.”
“Maybe we must finish this tour in honor to Arthur.”
“Guys, I’ll talk to Christo and the rest of the team management. I’m sure an emergency meeting will be convened by the respectable cricket authorities. Until then, I think let everyone do what brings him comfort in this time.”
It’s quiet for a while, except the soft crying from most of the members.
That is certainly the darkest hour in SA cricket history . . .
Adrian is roused by the knock on the door and he groggily opens his eyes.
In an effort to calm Adrian down, Ryan made him his famous milk mix with a tot of whisky. It calmed Adrian’s nerves a bit and coupled with the exhaustion because of the shock, Adrian managed to sleep a bit.
Ryan sits down next to Adrian’s side and puts his hand reassuringly on Adrian’s shoulder.
“It’s okay, buddy. I’ll get it.”
“Thanks.” Adrian whispers.
Adrian stretches, yawns and then immediately turns back on his side, holding on to the pillow again.
Ryan opens the door.
“Hi, Peter.”
Peter comes inside. His eyes are red of the tears he cried.
“I spoke to each and everyone personally. Adrian here?”
“Yes.”
Peter steps closer, sits down on the bed next to Adrian and puts his hand on Adrian’s shoulder.
“Adrian? Can I talk to you and Ryan for a minute?”
Adrian turns onto his back.
“I spoke to everyone else already. I don’t know how you two will react to this, but the rest of the tour is cancelled. Everyone leaves tomorrow morning.”
Adrian closes his eyes.
“I think it is the best thing to do.” Adrian says softly.
“I don’t think anyone will be able to focus on the rest of the tour. Peter, I’m . . . I don’t want to play cricket again, ever. I’m such bad luck to the side . . .”
“Why on earth would you ever think that? It’s not fair toward you.”
“It’s true . . . everything bad happens when I’m here . . .”
“Adrian, you’re still in shock. Everyone is emotional right now.”
“I don’t want to come again, ever . . .”
“Adrian, I asked Anthony to give everyone something to sleep. He will come when I leave. You need rest and you will feel better after that. All I’m asking you is that you don’t make any sudden decisions now. I’ll keep in contact with every one of you in the next few weeks to see how you all are dealing with all of this.”