The Garden of Burning Sand by Corban Addison Page B

nodded. “I agree. But that doesn’t mean Joseph can’t make the arrest. We have time to develop our evidence before trial.”
    “You know as well as I do how dirty they’re going to fight,” Niza persisted. “They’ll hire Benson Luchembe and his band of con artists. They’ll tie the magistrate’s head in knots and line his pockets with enough kwacha to give his wife and children visions of grandeur. And that doesn’t take into account the pressure the Nyambos will exert behind the scenes.”
    Sarge stared at Niza. “Since when have you run from a fight?”
    Anger flared in her eyes. “Are you calling me a coward?”
    Sarge shook his head. “I’m saying that all of us are here because we believe in the possibility of justice. When a child is raped in this city, we’re the ones who stand up to her abuser. Skeptics have no seat at this table. If you aren’t a believer, I need to know.”
    Niza stomped out of the room, ignoring Mariam who tried to wave her back to the table.
    Sarge looked around. “Sorry to do that. I’m sure she’ll get over it.”
    Mariam cleared her throat. “I’ll contact the DPP at home and walk him through the evidence.” She stood, clutching her notebook. “Any more issues we need to discuss?” No one spoke. “Good. Joseph, Sarge, I need you on the call with me. And Niza, if you can find her.”
    “I’ll get her,” Sarge said.
    Joseph motioned to Zoe, and she followed him to the kitchen.
    “Impressive work,” she said.
    He shrugged. “Darious was your discovery. Listen, I’m not sure it’s relevant, but he didn’t stay at his father’s place last night. He went toAlpha Bar and left with a couple of
mahules
. He stayed at a flat in Northmead. Early this morning he drove back to Kabulonga.”
    “If he’s consorting with prostitutes—”
    “Then he could have been a client of Bella’s. I think it might be beneficial to have another talk with Doris. Show her the pictures I took; see if she remembers him.”
    She looked at him carefully. “You’re going to let me do it?”
    He nodded. “She trusts you.”
    Zoe smiled. “Send me the photos and I’ll stop by her place when I leave.”
    A few minutes after ten o’clock, Mariam called Zoe into her office. Joseph, Sarge, and a chastened-looking Niza were already there. For the past fifteen minutes they had been on a conference call with Leviticus Makungu, the Director of Public Prosecution. It was a call Zoe had asked to join, but Mariam had excluded her on account of her expat status. The DPP was sensitive about foreign interference in the justice system. Zoe sat down. “How did it go?”
    Mariam took a breath. “Levy expressed curiosity and caution. In light of the suspect’s identity, he’s concerned about evidence. He wants to see our reports.”
    “Any favors we can call in?” Zoe asked.
    “I used them all to keep him on the phone. He wasn’t thrilled about being bothered on a Saturday. The best I could get was the promise of a quick decision.”
    “So we’re going to wait on the arrest?”
    “I think it’s wise to get DPP approval,” Mariam said. “Darious isn’t going anywhere.” She folded her hands. “I’ll tell you what I told the others. Certain elements of this case don’t add up. Why would a man from such a prominent family rape a girl like Kuyeya? Joseph told usabout Darious’s activities last night. It’s clear he has access to women. It doesn’t make sense, unless …”
    “Sex wasn’t the only motive,” Zoe finished for her.
    “Precisely.” Mariam met her eyes. “If Darious is the rapist, he must have assaulted Kuyeya for a reason. If we can find it, we might stand a better chance of persuading the Court to take this case seriously.” She took a breath. “You wanted to investigate Bella’s past. I’m giving you permission. Joseph told me you’re going to talk to Doris?”
    Zoe nodded. “As soon as I leave.”
    “Fine. But I want a full report on Monday.”
    Twenty