Courteous & Competent

Is Lillian’s husband really having an affair?

- Precious Seboni

JAMES Mahube , Private Investigator, Courteous & Competent: that’s what the sign on the office door said.

One thing was certain, Lillian thought, James was definitely courteous. He sat across the desk from her now, speaking in a soft and sympathetic voice. “I’m so sorry, Mrs Katse, but your suspicions were correct. Your husband has been having an affair. I have the evidence, here in black and white.”

Lillian sat very still, holding her hand­ bag tightly to her chest. The bag was a present from her husband for their fifth wedding anniversary, just six short months ago.

Back in the days when her life was perfect and easy. Back in the days when Taps was still the foreman at Tshiamo Tool and Dye. Back in the days before he was made a partner.

Even now, in this private eye’s office, Lillian found it difficult to believe Thapelo had betrayed her. Yes, it was true he came home late at least three nights every week. He had to work late. He had so much more responsibility now he was a partner. Or so he said.

And yes it was true he disappeared for hours most weekends. He had to play golf with important clients. They expec­ted to be entertained. Or so he said.

And she always believed him. In fact, she admired him for taking his work so seriously, and she made sure there was always a hot meal waiting for him when he got home.

But now it seems she was the fool.

“Oh, Taps,” she mourned silently. “I thought I was everything you needed.”

Lillian felt sick as James opened his desk drawer and pulled out a large brown envelope.

“Here’s the proof, Mrs Katse,” he said. “These are the photographs I managed to take. They are pretty explicit, I’m afraid. Perhaps you’d like to look at them at home?”

LILLIAN hated to admit it, but Martha was right after all.