WASTED TALENTS-A novel by-AMUGASHA KALENGEKA

                “Ha! Ha! Ha! drinks have never mattered, bring on,aaah ,any kind because they make no difference to me. You know we have a lengthy business deal to cut.’’roared out a deep,guttural sound that has been the hallmark of Xuma,the bushy nosed High Commissioner from South Africa. His face was that of a hawk,his eyes peering from deep hollow valleys that were erroneously sculpted his socket. Save for his clinically tailored suit and a long pair of  expensive shoes,he looked like a badly assembled piece of art. 

                “I don’t like the way the Rand is rising fast against the shilling,’’ Said Charata while taking a sip of the Old Monk,that Indian rum with a taste of vanilla. “You know Xuma we have to sell almost everything in the country to buy a handkerchief from the south.’’

                “And how is that your business ? Or have you shifted to the Ministry of Trade this days?’’

                “No, I am telling you because you are my friend and also a South African Ambassador to Kenya. You people should reduce their tax on imports.’’

                “Oh, I see you are not a Minister you are a Philosopher?! Right? Now, forget about all that nonsense about Rands and Shillings. Everything down there is in perfect order. The fools have signed  that document without their so many questions. In no time money shall be flowing in our accounts like the mad Nile.’’

                ‘”Ha! Ha! Ha!Now my friend you are talking. When was the last time I heard such good news,no, I can't remember. Good news is like a virgin ,it is hard to find them these days. I hope this time you keep the press at bay, I don't want to see this on the first page of newspapers tomorrow. ’’

                “Now that’s becoming chicken-hearted .I have covered my tracks well. You people in this country are lucky the press has no guts to nose around in your affairs without your consent, back in  my motherland the scandal could be a toast even before it's bakes.’’

                Thandiwe strode across the room from school. She saluted the two men engrossed in their talk barely  recognizing her. Xuma absent-mindedly lift a finger as acknowledgment.She understood and walked into her room.  Just as she was about to slip off the uncomfortable bra that robbed her of her freedom  for the whole day.....

                “The more we know each other, the more of these tankers...ah tanker really?! Ha! Ha! We will have the tanker. Believe me it has worked else where.”

                “O..o.. of course I don’t doubt you!’’

               . “Tankers!’’She exclaimed. “More tankers to Kenya!”

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                Waine was relaxing on the settee having a siesta.  Booming music played from the two speaker stereo. He heard a knock at the door and jumped up with a start. He opened the door and met two smiling faces outside.

                “Can I help you?”Waine asked.

                “Oh yes. I am Piper and my friend here is Ekimlings. We are looking for a certain boy called Waine,Waine Amario. Heard of that sought name?”

                 Before Waine could answer, Cliff who was dashing across the court shouted to him.

                “Waine kick the ball back”.

                “Please come here first Cliff, this buddies here are looking for someone.” He winced at him. “Maybe you can help. They are looking for a chap by the name Waine Amario.”

                “Why?”Asked Cliff “Did anybody tell you that all Waines of this world are kept here, this is not an orphanage.”

                “Don’t be nasty,” said Piper. “We are just doing a job assigned to us, anyway if you hear of his whereabouts then don’t hesitate to contact us here is our address. Piper and Ekimlings here.”

                They were about to leave when Waine stopped them.

"Why can’t you describe the guy you are looking for or give us something, say a photograph of him so that it could assist us in identifying him, that’s if you think we might help.”

                “You know it has been a long time since we saw him, some eleven or so years ago to be precise, he was ten then, by now he is a grown man. It's not easy to identify him by looks. He is handsome if his childish feature are anything to go by and he has emerald green eyes just like you,” explained Piper.

                "You guys are not serious at all," Cliff rebuked. “How do you look for someone you could not identify. You must be sick in the head."

                “Excuse me smart guy no insults. This boy we are looking for disappeared from our camp and the ministry of defense wants him back because he can be of immense harm to the country if he is left to roam around.”

                “Absolutely now I see why you have to diarrhoea around, but suppose we find him don’t you see...” inquired Waine.

                “Of course, of course you would like something small, that’s no problem. Find the guy, and the whole world is yours'.

                “Now move your ass off we are in the middle of an exercise you see,”Cliff went on offensive.

                “Try hard Michael Jordan but remember our project awaits, fat price ah!”

                '''You see,you have overstayed your welcome mister. that is the gate” 
The two stalwarts sized the other two boys. From Waine to Cliff,then back to Waine and grudgingly trudged away. Next time.Their malevolent eyes said..Next time.