All black. Pants and shirt.
Shoes, boots, sandals?
Ah yes that's the interesting bit, Janice remembered. Cowboy boots. Very noticeable ones. Black with white flashes.
Keke opened the window. Janice's car didn't have air conditioning, and she was not going to let Janice drive her car. Drive slowly Janice please, Keke pleaded. I've got six stores on the list. Lets' begin at San Antonio Street and work our way around the downtown area. Janice nodded and put her foot down. Keke felt nauseous but managed to hang on.
One more and we're done. It a very long shot but this is a game of coincidences. You never know what's around the next corner, Keke said as Janice pulled up outside Wild Bills. When they went inside Keke whistled to her self. There were more stetsons that she'd ever seen in one place and hundreds of pairs of cowboy boots. When Janice yelled, Keke jumped in shock.
These. These here. Janice held up a pair of black cowboy boots with white flashes.
Are you sure?
Yes. One hundred percent.
Keke took the boots off her and walked to the sales counter, where a young man was unpacking shirts. Are you okay? he asked her. You look very hot? His observation was confirmed when a trickle of sweat dropped from her forehead and landed on the counter. He disappeared and came back with a glass of ice water and a clean towel.
My word, you are one considerate man. You'll make someone a great husband one day, Keke said, wiping her face in the soft towel.
“'I'm already married, he said proudly. To Martha.
Doesn't look old enough, Keke thought. And what's it like being married?
Wonderful. I love her so much; everyday is a fantastic experience. When I get home and see her, it's....it's like having the best Christmas present you could ever wish for, everyday.
Do you remember if a tall, thin man, probably dressed in black, bought a pair of these boots from your store.
That sounds like Steve. He's a good customer here.
Do you know where he lives? Keke wasn't hopeful.
No but I can tell him you want to speak to him if you like. He's got some boots here for repair. I'll give him your number when he comes to collect them.
No it's okay. Don't worry.
Keke sat in her office and thought about what the young man had said in Wild Bill's. He can't have been more than nineteen, yet he spoke with so much passion about the woman he loved. She looked at Madam Tinubu and felt racked with guilt and horror at what she had done. Okay, okay, I'm going to. Don't look at me like that, she said.
Janice? Can you come here, please. When Janice appeared, she looked pleased with herself. Keke didn't know why. I want you to park yourself outside Wild Bill's everyday until you see that man appear. When you see him, I want you to follow him and find out where he lives. When you've done that I'll take over.
All day, everyday? Janice asked, horrified.
Do you want to keep your job, Janice? Janice nodded. Well, in that case, do what I ask you. You know I've been very good to you, you should try to remember that.
I need to pee, Janice thought. She got out of the car and went into the alleyway next to Wild Bill's. She'd managed to pee there everyday for the last three days without being seen.
Janice didn't see the man, but she felt the slap across her face. Why are you looking for me? Who are you? Tell me or by God I'll stick this piece of steel into you.
Janice stood with her jeans halfway down her thighs and whimpered. It was indeed the same man that she'd seen with Britney. Sorry, but I'm not following you, she said as she rubbed the place he had slapped her. I just came in here to pee. If it's......
Who are you? Last time I'm asking?
Janice.
You've been sitting in your car for three days and asking about me in Wild Bills. Why?
Keke had told Janice that the last thing you do is reveal you clients name. In fact, Keke had told her that you die before you do so. It's to do with Britney.
I don't know anybody called Britney.
Janice assumed he was having an affair with Britney. “Yes, you do. I saw you together. I'm a friend of hers, she lied.
You're one step away from being murdered so tell me the truth. Why are you following me?
I told you. I'm a friend of hers, and she told me about you. She wasn't sure she could trust you, so she asked me to keep an eye on you.
He didn't want another victim on his hands, especially one that he would have to kill on the spur of the moment. She also looked like the kind of woman who would go away and keep quiet if he threatened her hard enough. Piss off and leave me alone. If I ever see you again, I will murder you in the most savage manner possible. He let go of her and walked away. Janice collapsed onto the ground and forgot she needed to pee.
When Jessie saw Keke pull up outside the diner, she went to the table and took away the sugar. The usual Keke?
No, can you bring me a plate of ice cream and some chopped onions.