The Sucker

By Van

After enduring a traumatic childhood, Lynx Ferry embarks on an extraordinary journey spanning several decades and continents. Possessing innate kindness and compassion, Lynx helps those in need despite continually falling victim to deceit and betrayal by others seeking to take advantage of his generous nature.

Through perseverance and courage, Lynx manages to build a successful life and find love, only to have his world shattered when his children are kidnapped and murdered. Consumed by grief and the desire for justice, Lynx relentlessly hunts the culprits to the ends of the earth. Along the way he finds both the worst and best of humanity, ultimately surrounding himself with a loyal band of supporters to help avenge his loss.

This epic tale of loss, revenge, and redemption takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster while highlighting the importance of true friendship and our shared humanity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Mar 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9781398469976

Van

Van, born in 1950, did his national service in Pretoria, and worked at Western Province Sports Club for eighteen years. He began travelling in the late eighties, backpacking through Asia and Western Europe. Finally, he settled in Britain and began writing.

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About the Author

Van, born in 1950, did his national service in Pretoria, and worked at Western Province Sports Club for eighteen years. He began travelling in the late eighties, backpacking through Asia and Western Europe. Finally, he settled in Britain and began writing.

Copyright Information ©

Van 2024

The right of Van to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398469969 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398469976 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2024

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Chapter One

Money? The world revolves around it. From eons gone by, people dream of wealth. How rich they would like to be. Money they would love to have in their pocket. Money to buy luxury. Most people work for it. Some steal it and many murder for it. Marriages are broken for it and a ten-year-old boy almost loses his life for it. The argument between his parents tonight is about money. Money! The root of all evil.

Mid-summer’s heat was stifling. Outside, it’s dark and warm. Closing in to midnight and an occasional screech of bats hunting for insects could be heard. Inside the bedroom and across the room from Lynx, Brother George slept, snoring light. The only other sound entering the bedroom comes through the gap under the door, from the kitchen.

Lynx tries in vain to drown out the voices in the kitchen. Pressing the pillow tight against his ears. His parents were at it again. Today is payday. His mother had noticed Dad’s pay packet’s seal is broken and a fair percentage of his income missing. The argument tonight much more serious than on previous occasion. And as usual, his mother does all the yelling. Father would be leaning against the cupboard. Quietly lump everything mother throws at him. But strangely. Tonight, he does try to defend the missing pay.

Basic needs for the house has been seen to and here is enough on the table to feed the family until my next payday, Lynx hears his father say. His father is good at bookkeeping and knows how to budget for his family. He would see to the needs for his family first and whatever else needed for the house. Making sure the larder in the kitchen is fully stocked. Then only would he see to his neighbours. A kindly man his father. Big-hearted. Ready to help anyone who needed help and Ma resented that. She hates parting with money. By nature, she is a parsimonious person.

I don’t care about food. I want money. Where’s the rest of your pay? What have you done with it?

I used it.

You used it for what? Ma demanded.

Lynx could picture his mother when she is in a foul mood. Her right hand will be balled into a fist. Thumping her open left palm for emphasis when she wants an argument to go her way. A pale woman. Like the sun never seems to touch her. Steely brown eyes when riled. Face and body language not approachable.

Many of the argument in recent years, Lynx could remember. Centred around his brother George. Ma will not hear anything bad against him. Even if he is in the wrong? She will go out of her way. Vehemently defends him. She will defend him when he truants from school. Make excuses for him when he does not do his homework. Stands for him when he dips his hands into Pa’s savings and steals a bob or two. The big bust up came when George took to smoking and hanging out late with his friends at night. Ever since then the rift between Ma and Pa widened.

Lynx’s father will be tired at this time of the night. After working twelve hours shift a day and it had been a long week, his craving now will be for a hot drink. Something to eat. Then retire for the night. But it was not working out as he had wished for. Resignedly, he says. I used the money to buy rice, bread and flour for Tunroyen and his children.

A barrage of verbal abuse follows when Lynx’s father falls silent. Words his father always said are bad words and must never be used in the house. He always stressed that to the children. Those are the words now filling the kitchen and spilling into the bedroom.

Lynx slides deeper under the covers and waits for the outburst to stop. When his mother pauses for breath, he pushes the blanket and calls out to his brother. His brother George is sleeping across the room from him. Lynx gets no reply. After the third call, Lynx curses his brother for sleeping like the dead. Then hears his mother say.

You never take me out anymore and tell me? When last did you buy me a new dress? Answer me that?

Honey, your wardrobe is overflowing with clothes. There are only so many dresses you can wear in a day and the children are all set up comfortably. I see no immediate need for new clothes.

Don’t honey me, you… his mother threw another barrage of abuse. Where is George’s pocket money? You know you haven’t given him any in many months. All you can think of is your neighbours. Why do you have to feed them?

Tunroyen and many of the villagers have come upon hard times. Pooner Tunroyen has lost his job and he has three small mouths to feed. I couldn’t leave them to starve.

You have been feeding them for the past five months. When are you going to learn Pooner will not look for work as long as he has you to feed his brats?

That’s not true. He does look for work. It’s just that there isn’t any work to be found since the quarry shut down. The shutting down of the mine, the catering industry feeding the miners. Went bust.

One thing about Lynx’s mother. She never gave tomorrow a thought. Never even prepared for the next day. Everything must be for today. Now. Not even thinking by kicking father out of the house. Who will pay the rent tomorrow? Now you are defending them and calling me a liar? I hate you. I want you out of this house tonight.

Sudden silence that followed, harsh. Lynx was frightened. Mother couldn’t have meant what she has just said. Only in anger she spoke in such manner. Lynx prays when the argument simmers down. They will kiss and make up. It was not so. Sleep was slow in coming and Lynx tosses from side to side. When sleep does come, he was woken by the screech of a bat and the cautious opening of the bedroom door.

In the darkened room, Lynx open his eyes to see the silhouette of his father standing near the bed. Dad.

Don’t wake your brother up, his father said and sat close to Lynx on the bed. What I have got to say will take time. I don’t want him to hear me. Or living under the same roof with him will be hell for you.

Dan Ferry chose his words before saying, Ma never wanted you, boy. From the day she found out she was pregnant, she wanted to abort you. Trying everything by herself to get rid of you when you were couple of months in her womb. But was afraid to go through it because of the pain. In her womb, you were like a cancer. Eating away at her soul. When she could not take it anymore, she goes to see Doc Bentley for an abortion.

Now, Doc Bentley is a friend of mine. So he sends word to me about Ma’s plan. Naturally, the unborn child in Ma’s womb is mine. I figured it would be murder if I had to go through with the abortion. Discreetly I send word back to Doc. He declines Ma’s wish and does not go through with the abortion. He concocts a lie. Saying to Ma that the pregnancy is too far advanced. Destroying the baby in the womb now will only cause complication. You will not only lose the child. You will lose your life too.

Ma wants to live. So that’s how you come to be. But you were punished for coming out in the world. She made life hell for you. You bore the brunt of her abuse when I am at work while she pets George. I am away from home all day and as you know I work twelve hour shift in the quarry and then two more for the electrical company. So when the bruises were piling up on you, Doc Bentley and a social care worker stepped in. They spoke to mother about a possible term in prison if she continued with the child abuse. The beating stops. But distance herself from you and devotes her time to George.

I do not know, Son. Maybe that’s the reason why you are so quiet. So shy. As if you’d say the wrong word and if you did you’d get a lashing for it. Maybe that’s what makes you different from your brother. You also have a good head on your shoulder. You are kind. Sympathetic to others. A trait which is very rare. You never pass judgment on people you meet. Like George does and you never criticise anyone of their wrongdoings.

There was a break in his whisper. In the darkened room, Lynx detected his father crying. The room quiet apart from the heavy breathing from the next bed. Then his father said, Tension is very high between Ma and me. She thinks what I did was wrong to feed the Tunroyen and the villagers. To my thinking it will be un-neighbourly if I did not help them.

George stirs in his sleep and changes position. Father pause. Wipes the tears with a tissue and continues. My marriage has come to an end, Son. Simply for feeding hungry people. By my upbringing and my belief, will not allow me to turn my back on needy people. It would not sit right with me. My marriage to Ma has not worked out the way I wished for. But I am not complaining. So I am leaving before one of us breakdown and do something before he or she realises what they have done. I have decided to disappear before daybreak. No one will see me go.

Take me with you, Dad.

I cannot, Son. I don’t know where I’m going. Or where I will be staying and what I will be doing for work. You will only be in my way if I take you along. Maybe if it works out my way, I will come back for you. In the meantime, take care of yourself. Don’t trust anyone. Don’t ask for help either. Be your own man and continue with your studies. Education is very important nowadays, Son. Don’t you forget that.

Dan Ferry leans closer to Lynx. Whispering in his ear. Wary of George who may be eavesdropping. Your favourite tree. The cherry tree bordering Marlene’s back yard to our house. Climb up to the thickest branch in line with our kitchen window. You will come across a hole in the branch. An old woodpecker’s nest. Look inside the hole, you will find a plastic sack containing money. Enough to last you a year. Use it wisely.

Lynx’s dad sniffed once more. But was regaining his composure. When the money runs out, you will have to fend for yourself. After that, find casual work after school and stay with it during your spare time. In that way, you will be able to stretch the little money I have left for you. But never forget to feed anyone who comes to your table. You have got to promise me that, Son. It is all I ask of you.

I will, Dad. I will never fail to keep my promise to you. Father’s eyes lit up and cradled him. Gently stroking the back of his head. Lynx took comfort in his father’s arm and must have dozed off to sleep. When he opened his eyes, his father was gone. His going, the house loses its warmth and friendliness.

Lynx got out of bed and got ready for school. He shook his brother awake. Get up and get ready. You will be late for school.

Who cares, George ducks back under the blanket. He speaks from under the cover. I thought I heard Dad in the room last night. What he wants?

You must have been dreaming. Go back to sleep if you want to. I am leaving without you. Lynx opens the door to leave. His brother spoke again from under the blanket.

Hey Bro, will you cover for me?

What for?

I am not going to school this morning. The principal will question you about me. Tell him I am sick. George always bunks school. Knowing Pa leaves home for work before sunrise and returns after sunsets. He can get away with playing truant. Now, he does not know that Pa is gone and is never coming back.

I will not lie for you, George. Even if you are on your death bed. Lynx shuts the door behind him. George’s fourteen years old. Four years older than Lynx and at an age when boys of his age think they have grown up into men, at an age when teenagers form bad habits, become quarrelsome and short of temper, drawing out their knives for the slightest of provocation, causing bodily harm without any regrets.

George thinks cigarettes are cool and Lynx is certain he is into marijuana too. Late one evening, Lynx was rounding up his homework. He hears the garden tap running. In the dim moonlit night, he sees his brother through the window. Scrubbing his tobacco-stained fingers.

Scrubbing his hands several times and using the bar of soap Pa keeps in a basin near the tap. Washing until he was satisfied. Sniffing his hand after the last wash and then enters the house. Lynx puts his book away when his brother walked past him to his bed and the overpowering smell of marijuana fills the room.

You can bless your lucky star that Pa is asleep. Otherwise you will taste the strap tonight. Lynx undresses and turns off the lights. Gets into bed but couldn’t help saying, You should have washed your shirt too.

What do you mean, Bro?

You stink. That’s why.

No mention of smoke or any kind of cigarette was spoken off. George said irritably, Ah! You are crazy to talk like that, Bro. I was sitting around a campfire with friends. What you smell is wood smoke. Lynx did not dispute the smell. Turns his back on his brother because he was lying through his teeth. That is when he knew his brother used drugs.

George, in the passing of years, had become unreliable and untrustworthy. If Dad gives him a list and cash money to do the shopping, he will spend the money on his friends and fail to bring home the grocery. He has become a compulsive liar and a regular visitor at the local police station. In the eyes of Lynx, his brother is worthless and since he is into narcotics, he’s become scruffy in dressing and bathes less often.

Lynx became the outcast in the family. Bearing the brunt of his mother’s wrath since the disappearance of her husband and Lynx never back-talked his mother. In fact, there were days that he hardly spoke more than a dozen words to her. Yet for no reason at all. She will have a go at him. It has now come to the stage that he dreads entering the house. Fully knowing he would be sworn at.

So to steer clear of his mother’s path, he goes fishing. But at the same time, he did not forget the promise made to his father. Sharing the fish he catches with the folks who need it. Yet always bringing home sufficient fish for the pot.

George dropped out of school altogether and hangs out with his friends all day long. He does not do his bed and never helps at home. Chores around the house fell onto Lynx’s shoulders and the number of hours he usually spends on homework has fast whittled down.

The dirty chores at home were left for Lynx to do. His mother stays in her room all day. Leaving the kitchen sink piled high with last night’s dishes. Lynx, when he returns from school, will straighten the bedroom. Clear the mess left by George. Clean the kitchen and tend to the vegetable plot.

Months were passing by quicker than he would have liked and vibes in the house became unbearable. Then it comes to the day when there was not a setting at the dinner table for him. Sorry Sucker, his brother said, We forgot about you. Anyway, there isn’t anything more in the pot for you. There was just enough for us. So you have to scrounge elsewhere. By the way, Bro, Tell me. How do you pay your way through school now that Pa is not here?

Lynx knew sooner or later that question would pop up. He skilfully avoids the question. I sell fish, potatoes and onions to cover my education, George. What his drug addict brother did not realise. From the day his father left home, Lynx is the one who fills the kitchen cupboards with much needed grocery and he pays the rent using his education’s savings. Which was now vanishing faster than he had hoped for and so depends more on casual work to keep the clock ticking at home.

At school, Lynx spent much of his time alone. Becoming withdrawn from pupils in his classroom. Reading or studying at every opportunity he got. Students who he had regarded as friends were now calling him a sucker.

The slighting remark started by Jeff Bunder, a friend of George. Simply because Lynx gave his lunch to a hungry student whose parents were having difficulty in finding work. Then the teachers suddenly took interest in him. Checking his school bag on spec. Checking for what, Lynx knew not. Then one day in the middle of math lessons, he was summoned to the principal’s office.

Lynx enters the office and the moment he shuts the door behind him, the clock on the wall strikes eleven. The head teacher never stopped writing on his tablet. He never even looked up. He keeps Lynx waiting. It’s first time for Lynx to be standing in the office. He studies the head teacher. Moustache matches his balding grey hair. Eyebrows, thick and totally black. Dresses like a dandy. Pink shirt, yellow tie and a butterfly tie pin. Charcoal grey, striped suit. Sleeves pulled up. Revealing gold cuff links and rings on three of his fingers.

Lynx checks the time again. Clock showing ten after eleven. He was getting impatient by missing math. Mentally repeating. No reason to get nervous. You have not done anything wrong. Compose yourself. Suddenly, the principal’s voice booms.

Lynx Ferry, you have been a bad boy. The principal said authoritatively. In the spacious office, his voice boomed. Staring at Lynx from under bushy eyebrows. Maybe it was to scare him. You have been stealing money and using it to pay for your education. What have you got to say for yourself?

Lynx was not fazed by the loud voice. He took a deep breath. I have never stolen anything in my life. I have no reason too. May I ask who accuses me of theft?

I cannot tell you the name of the person who called you a thief. I also know your father no longer lives at home to pay for your schooling. Where’s the money coming from?

Lynx was riled for being called a thief. He just could not believe how he could be accused of theft without any proof of him stealing. Mr Shaw, merely on that person’s say-so you have formed your conclusion about me. You protect that person’s identity. What about me? Who protects me? If you took time to question me how I finance my education. Maybe I would have explained it to you. Lynx’s, without realising it, his voice rose to a pitch. He knew what was happening but couldn’t control his anger for being called a thief.

I am one of the top students in this school. An all-round athlete who have not troubled any of the teachers in the past years. Now you sit back on your chair and drum your fingers on the table. Because you are going to hear the opinion I have formed of you while standing in your polished office.

I am cleverer than you. While I work at my studies, you sit at your table twiddling your thumbs. So your intelligence is on the level of a six-year-old Mr Shaw. Teachers lower down the ranks do the work for you. I say you should take up detective work and do what they do best. Investigate before you convict or call someone a thief. You could be taken to court and find that a lawsuit has been filed against you. Lynx turned to open the door.

Ferry, the principal shouted at Lynx’s back. Lynx turned sideways to face the principal. He guessed what was coming but was not going to give him that satisfaction.

Mr Shaw, you cannot expel me from school. Simply because I quit as of now. When I walk out of what you call an office, you wouldn’t see me for dust, he stormed outside.

Lynx walked home and right into trouble. For no apparent reason, he faces the wrath of his mother. She stood by the door, yelling. Sounding like a tape recorder. Repeatedly swearing at him. That evening come mealtime, he was excluded from the dinner table. Hungry. Feeling stressed out and could not think clearly. His big mouth and pride for being honest. Got him into hot water. Now he is without education. Still under duress. First meal he cooks. He burns the pot and nearly the kitchen with it. He receives another tongue lashing from his mother and banned from using the kitchen again.

Go to your friends, she said. People you feed secretly will now look after you. Or you can use the money that seems to materialise out of thin air. To buy ready cooked meals from restaurant.

From that day onwards, Lynx cooks his meals over open fire at the bottom of the garden. Over the weeks, he gets used to his cooking. He loved his mother. That is his weakness. Wishing to give her the comfort his father had given her. Hoping she will give him the chance to provide for the house.

He converts a section of the flower garden and adjoining it. The tiny vacant land behind the house into a vegetable plot. A variety of seeds planted and the first to show. Sweet corn, followed by runner beans and potatoes. He nurtured the crops. Weeding and watering them. By late summer, the plantation showed the hallmark of a good crop.

When Lynx walked out from school, he took to working in a local supermarket and just when he thought everything was working out fine for him, disaster struck. It struck in the form of George’s vindictive nature. Late that night, George systematically went over the cultivated area. Trampling the vegetable crops into the dust.

Now, why would a man cut off his nose to spite his face? Lynx wondered. Why would George destroy the vegetable crop tonight? Tomorrow. He would go hungry. Lynx, at that time of the night, was high up on the cherry tree. Digging into his meagre saving. He could only cling to the branch and helplessly watch the destruction of his crop taking place down below him.

To move now. He will be noticed. Knowing the nature of his brother. It will be a dead giveaway to his hiding place. Come morning or when it is convenient for him. George will explore. What was his brother doing up on the tree so late at night? He will then discover the woodpecker’s nest and his savings.

At first light of dawn, Lynx wakes up and goes over the night’s damage. Finding all was not lost. Some of his planting can be saved. In his frenzied attack, George only destroyed what he could see above ground level. Not what grew below the surface.

Sweet corn and beans. Completely damaged. Potato and groundnut plants. Wasted. But their crops grow below ground, could be saved. He got the digging tools from the shed and rolls up his sleeves. Starting with the potatoes, he goes to work. Working steadily. Two hours into harvesting. He takes a break. Sticks the pitchfork into the ground and wipes the sweat off. George walks down the kitchen steps, towards him.

Hey Sucker. Looks like a rampaging elephant ran amok in your patch. Destroying your crop.

George has never been a thinker. He cannot sit down to figure out simple equations. Not for one minute has he given thoughts, what would happen if his brother stopped stocking up the larder by being destructive? Who would feed him? Like his mother with Pa’s gone. Who will keep the fire at home burning? Who will be the benefactor?

Not really, George. Lynx said and picks up the pitchfork.

Listen stupid. What do you mean by saying not really? Because from where I am standing, your precious crop looks like manure.

Not really, my dear brother. You see, George. That elephant which went on the rampage last night could not see beyond its nose. The damage done to my crop is limited.

You are calling…are you saying that the elephant was stupid? George asked.

You said it, George. Not me. What was not destroyed last night. Will be on your plate. Tonight. You get to eat spuds and groundnuts.

I’d like to kick your teeth in for you and if you are thinking of filling Dad’s boots, you are making a mistake. I got plans made for you.

Plans made for me? Lynx’s mood changes when his father was spoken of. Now knowing George like mother, is against Pa helping the villagers. Lynx controls his anger. Uncertain how his mother will take it if he fought with his brother.

Like that elephant, you are not looking beyond your nose, George. If you did pay attention, you would have noticed, since Pa left home. I have been doing the chores around the house while you were taking it easy. I have done the hard work. I am in shape and if you think me being four years younger gives you the edge over me. You can forget that notion.

Lynx, a gangling boy. Narrow of hips. Wide meatless shoulders and chest. Participating in all physical sports, can swing an axe as easy as digging a hole in the ground with a shovel. On a couple of occasion, he beat his brother in hand to hand wrestling. The difference? He is just under ten years old. Four years younger than George but almost as tall as his brother.

George remembers the strength of his little brother. But the knife in his hand may scare him. He runs his thumb over the blade. The dull marijuana eyes had a threatening look to it. Maybe he was thinking of using the knife. Maybe he thought if it was in his hand. It will awe his brother. Lynx was not cowed by the knife. He must bring George back to his senses. He moves his foot off the pitchfork. The movement draws George’s attention.

Watch your step, sucker. Just watch it, and don’t push your luck too far. George backs away and mounts the stairs to the kitchen.

Lynx continues harvesting the crop and divides it into three portions. One lot for him. He stashes in the bush nearby. One lot for his mother. The other to be distributed evenly to the neighbours who are having a hard time. Night had fallen. He uses the garden tap to wash the muck from his head and chest and prepares his fishing gears.

Hey Lynx, are you going fishing tonight? Do you mind if I tag along? That’s Jeff Bunder. A friend of George. Like his brother, Jeff takes life at a lazy pace. Always shows up when he needs something.

Jeff’s a stolid stooped man. Stupid looking face. Soft jaw and small coarse hands. Stoop-shouldered. Quick prying eyes and ready to steal anything that is close at hand. He stood on the pavement. Wearing a tattered jean, an overcoat. No socks. Dressed warmly for a night-out in the open.

Lynx had never liked him and his pilfering habits. Wherever he goes, something always vanishes. Like the time him and George playing with Lynx’s football. It goes missing. A week later. He gets caught trying to sell the ball to his neighbour. He is also a bully. A cautious one who has not been caught hitting anyone but crying children, when asked why they are crying. Always point a finger at him. Saying he beat me up.

Jeff wants to go fishing. How can he? When he has nothing prepared for fishing. No fishing gears like a rod or hook, line or sinker. Not even bait to lure fish. How is he going to catch fish? I believe you don’t know a thing about fishing. If you did, you would have fishing gears prepared. You have nothing. You are like my brother. You don’t want to get your hands dirty.

That’s not true. I could learn if you teach me, Jeff’s insistence pays off. He tags along and true to his character. He wouldn’t fish. He just lay on the soft sand, close to the fire and sleeps all night. Lynx fishes alone.

The month draws to its end and today is payday. After many weeks of not talking to his mother, he breaks the silence. Ma, I will be earning my first pay cheque this evening. In the morning, I’d like to take you shopping. His mother heard him but there was no affirmative response from her. Lynx did not push his luck. He dresses and rides the bus to work.

On days like this, Lynx misses his father. This will be his first pay packet and Pa would have advised him how to spread the income. He knows to the exact penny his family’s need and make provision for them. Then there were the neighbours of Shepstone who are having hard times. He will feed.

Shepstone’s a tiny village. A mile from the coast. Six miles from metropolis Durban and a population of a little over seven hundred. A coal mining country. Folks used to earn their living from the quarry nearby when it was in operation. It was the lifeblood of the village. But when it shut down, the very existence of the village to survive was in doubt.

Dan Ferry, Lynx’s father had worked in the quarry and sensed it was going to shut down. Long before it does, he changes his career. Signs on as an apprentice electrician at an engineering plant and from there on he never looked back.

The very lifeblood of Shepstone was cut off when the quarry shut down. More than half the population became unemployed. Companies feeding off the quarry such as restaurants, hardware merchants and convenience stores were shutting down. Those who were unemployed found it a struggle to make ends meet. Many had migrated to Durban seeking employment. Many with financial difficulties, couldn’t move. Stayed and Dan Ferry was not a man to turn his back on his neighbours. He was there for them and let no children go hungry to bed.

Dan Ferry stood for what he believed and could not be swayed to change his habit. Villagers admired Lynx’s father for that. Often speaking of his kindness to Lynx and wished his father luck on his adventure. Lynx wished he had the luck today. To bring a smile on his Mother’s face.

As it turned out to be, a busy day in the supermarket. A demanding one. Tired, he comes home very late that night and finds the house in total darkness. Usually the hallway light is always on at night. It was so from the time the children were knee high. Lynx’s father used to say. If the children need to go to the bathroom, they must not fear the dark.

Lynx tried the on/off switch; the light did not come on and then noticed the bulb missing. He was too tired to bother with the lights tonight and the midnight chimes of the clock beckons him to bed. He makes his way into the bedroom without bumping into furniture and undresses. Feels once more that his pay packet is in his pocket and retires for the night. He turns once in his sleep when his subconscious mind was disturbed. Changes position without opening his eyes and goes on sleeping.

Late in the morning Lynx stirs awake and spends time in the bathroom. Showers and returns to his bedroom. Dresses, then checks his pocket. His pay packet not in the pocket. He checks all the pockets again. Searches under the chair. Goes through his beddings and searches under the bed. His pay packet gone. His whole month’s wages vanished when he was asleep.

Lynx’s mother stayed in her room. The door shut and a sinking feeling that he couldn’t keep the promise to take her shopping. He sits on the bottom stair to think about last night’s movement before hitting the sack. Yes, the pay packet was in his pocket. He was sure of that. After checking the contents of his pocket, he leaves the pants on the chair neatly folded and then gets into bed.

George was nowhere to be seen that morning and did not turn up for lunch. His friends will not say where he was or will not talk to Lynx about his brother. Despondent after not running into his brother. Lynx returns home to see his mother busy in the kitchen. Sorry Ma. I have misplaced my pay packet. I cannot find it. We will have to delay the shopping I promised you for another day.

His mother heard him but did not turn a hair. She went on filleting the fish she was busy with and turns sideways from him. Lynx knew when to quit and walked outside. Jeff Bunder, friend of George passes by. Lynx calls out to him.

Howzit Sucker, Jeff replied. I am drunk as a skunk in a brandy bottle. Going home to sleep before my father gets back home.

Jeff swayed drunkenly. Lifted a foot to step forward and fell. He got back to his feet. Muttering to himself like he has gone loco. Jeff, where is my brother?

George’s in the bush down by the river, Man. Drunk like me and rolling in the dough. Jeff was not in the right frame of mind but what he said was loud