Cape Currents Read online



  CAPE CURRENTS

  Martin Peltz

  Copyright © 2014 Martin Peltz

  Ebook formatting by www.ebooklaunch.com

  To: David and Shirley

  Cape Currents

  FRANKIE

  JANUARY 2010

  CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA

  " I want you to plan attacks on local targets. "

  The open topped bus rolled down Queens Road,the sea vivid beyond the promenade.

  Frankie looked at the man sitting next to her on the upper deck, they were alone at the front.

  This was why she had returned from Europe. Her sunglasses, perfect for the summer glare, also hid the sparkle in her grey eyes.

  The bus paused to let some passengers climb off, and rolled to the traffic circle, picking up speed along the beachfront and heading towards the Pavilion Swimming Baths.

  " Later this year there will be World Cup Final soccer matches, a Rugby International and many other high profile events." he continued.

  " Tens of thousands of visitors and media will be here."

  They looked up as a tandem paraglider, launched from Signal Hill, made its circular descent onto the promenade lawn. A petite woman laughed and exclaimed to her pilot guide.

  The touchdown was smooth and a short haired dog yapped at the paraglider chute as it billowed.

  Johan turned to her again: "Unfortunately some people want to use these major events for their own agendas. By planning attacks, you will find the weaknesses in security and we can fix them. "

  Frankie nodded; it was not her first briefing from Johan.

  "You would need to live in Cape Town for several months; be as familiar as a local. "

  Johan knew that she had been born and raised on the scenic Garden Route; while she had spent time in Cape Town over the years, she lacked in depth knowledge.

  A peloton of cyclists training for the Argus Tour zipped by. Frankie, whose cover was photojournalism, had waited for the riders on race day, and knew their racing speeds.

  Three kilometers along the road she could see the new Cape Town Stadium. As the bus followed the coast past the Green Point Lighthouse, she spoke: " You know I want the job. Are there any drawbacks? "

  The bus slowed for a speed bump and turned in to the main entrance of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. In the distance a sightseeing helicopter overflew its base and banked to make its approach.

  He touched her shoulder lightly. They went downstairs and climbed off outside the Aquarium.

  They walked for ten minutes among the pedestrians; heading towards the far promenade and the sea.

  Eventually he spoke: " It would be your longest job by far. How do you feel?

  She felt the loss of Yakov. " I want to work " she said.

  He stared at her face, but met only the wall of dark glasses. They had never discussed the death of her fiancé in much detail.

  " Frankie, please. Take off your glasses " he asked. She hesitated, and then took them off. He bent quickly, kissing her on both cheeks " I'll brief you in the morning." he said.

  * * *

  They met at Hout Bay Harbor ; a picturesque working harbor and Waterfront twenty kilometers from the City Centre.

  The tour boats were leaving to view Seal Island and a group from India was waiting to board. An elderly lady in a colorful Sari walked determinedly onto one of the boats; surrounded by excited children.

  Frankie and Johan bought snacks at Maritime Wharf and walked onto the long, narrow beach.

  " Some of these coming events are a first for South Africa" he said .

  " There are powerful forces for and against. There will be a huge security operation, and I have been approached by certain interests as an extra card. I want you to live your cover and become a Capetonian. "

  Two kayakers whooshed in suddenly from the sea with frightening speed. Frankie moved quickly to ease Johan to one side. They must have been beginners she thought , not quite in control of their crafts.

  The bay was mostly empty; save for a replica schooner and some surf ski - boats.

  The schooner's masts and sails were a big contrast to the modern Waterfront and other boats; it was quite startling.

  They walked out over the dunes; a German Shepherd darted up and down making mock charges; followed by its smiling owner.

  Johan looked out to sea and continued: " You will not be identified to the security network. If you are recognized; I will say you have a new career after your loss. "

  Frankie wondered if there were others like her; both in Cape Town and in other cities. She looked briefly out to sea; that was not her concern.

  She took the coastal bus back to her lodgings, seeing the beautiful bay and ships below Victoria Road, but her attention was elsewhere.

  * * *

  ERIKA DUSSELDORF GERMANY

  JANUARY 2010

  Erika looked up from the children's picture book; showing the animals and bushveld of Africa.

  The twins were fast asleep,must have been for some time. In the silence broken only by the soft nursery clock, she had drifted into deep thought.

  The stories of the picture book were one thing, and she yearned for Africa, but earlier that day a darker reality hit her.

  During her internet browsing; she discovered that more South Africanfarmers and their families had been attacked and killed in their isolated farmhouses.

  The government had disbanded the Commandos, the rural militia, and farmers were open to attack. Many now grouped together,but some were still vulnerable to criminals and opportunists.

  Erika reached over to adjust the bed covers.

  She had spent school holidays on farms with relatives; she could not explain it easily, but the land and those who worked the land, spoke to her.

  Her country would celebrate this year but her people were being killed. How could one celebrate with so much undone?

  " It is time to go home " she said softly to herself.

  It would be hard to say farewell to the twins. She gave each a light kiss before leaving the room.

  * * *

  CAPE TOWN

  MARCH 2010

  Frankie moved into an apartment building off Main Road, near the Cape Town Stadium .

  Her apartment was compact , with a bedroom, study and living room.

  She took some time in getting the study as she wanted. Ostensibly it was her office as a photo journalist ; but it would mainly be her operational headquarters for the next months.

  The wall size Map of Cape Town and suburbs gave the practical details she would need, while an aerial photo by Hoberman gave her perspective and inspiration.

  Frankie was down to earth. She didn't believe that the whole security of the next months, the success or failure , rested on her shoulders alone.

  It was just that Johan knew that she was lateral thinking and had imagination. He had used her insight and planning skills before.

  Dressed in her running gear, she walked downstairs and onto the pavement. The weather was cool but the running would warm her.

  A bottle smashed against a wall very close by, shards striking the pavement. She reacted in fighting stance.

  It was a group of bergies, street people ,some of them having an explosive row.

  Most of the group laughed in merriment, copying her stance and aiming mock karate blows at each other.

  "Sorry lady," said one." Can I have a few cents please? " She gave him a few coins; It was good to be back in South Africa, her home.

  Frankie could see some workers strolling along Main Road, carrying bottles of Cola and half loafs of white bread.

  She did some stretching exercises, her thoughts going to her assignment. How, she thought, would one wreck the year's major events?

  She knew the Ar
my, Police and the rest of the security establishment would have an iron presence. It would not be sustainable forever; but in the short term it would be very strong.

  Walking down to the corner; she saw crowds at Giovannl's Deli; businessmen having meetings and language students buying take aways.

  Although some locals were skeptical that the World Cup would even take place, she was convinced the world would flood in.

  She started to run, holding back. Her thoughts turned to Erika; her half sister was on her way to Cape Town. Although their love was strong; it was still awkward because she was on assignment.

  She picked up the pace , getting joy from using her body, taking the route across to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and the Promenade.

  Up ahead she saw a group of soldiers pushing an artillery piece in the road, some resting at the back, and then relieving the others.

  She accelerated and drew almost level with the backsoldiers who smiled and greeted her.

  In a strange way it crystalised her thoughts about her assignment.

  Given that the overall security operation for the months ahead would obstruct most wrong doers; who would be the exceptions, and what would their targets be?

  The soldiers were singing marching songs; she missed the camaraderie and belonging of her time in the army and police, she liked her freedom but sometimes it was lonely.

  The front soldiers were taking strain pushing the field gun; she thought their training might still be in the early stages.

  She accelerated away to their friendly teasing.

  * * *

  ERIKA

  CAPE TOWN

  MARCH 2010

  She had arrived early the previous day; feeling strong emotions as the plane came over the townships near Cape Town International Airport and over Table Mountain.

  She had sat in the darkened cabin of the plane, with her thoughts, through the night. The plane banked over Table Mountain and landed. Home!

  Erika had found accommodation in the City Bowl; close to the city centre.

  The owners were travelling overseas and in exchange for looking after the property and pets she only had to pay a nominal rental.

  She arranged her small room; with a signed Tee shirt from the twins having pride of place on the wall.

  Over coffee Erika read Die Burger newspaper; judging the mood of the country. She was fluent in English, but Afrikaans was her mother tongue.

  She was sad, whereas the country seemed both apprehensive and excited.

  She put leashes on the two Labradors and walked around the neighborhood, letting the dogs set the pace.

  They wandered into De Waal park, the old bandstand and plaque catching Erika's eye.

  She was pleased when they came to an Outeniqua tree, it reminded her of her childhood home on the Garden Route.

  Lying on the ground she sent a short sms to Frankie.

  * * *

  Frankie drove to the city centre to meet Erika, her half sister was working as an assistant at a film shoot.

  She parked on the Foreshore, land reclaimed from the sea in the 1930's. Cape Town city centre, squeezed between the sea and Table Mountain, was still fairly small.

  To her front was the Convention Centre and then the harbor; she could see a visiting Cruise liner.

  She paid the parking attendant and walked onto Pier Place.

  She glanced casually at two men sitting on a bench, realizing in surprise that one was a statue. She looked around the square, seeing more statues.

  Her thoughts focused on Erika, her passionate half sister. They had so many interests in common, but different personalities.

  Frankie wondered if she was too happy go lucky, while Erika cared too much.

  She saw the many vans of the production crew, and a huddle of people under two blue cabana's. They seemed to be setting up a market scene, with an old rustic wheelbarrow, purple flowers and a perfectly orange giant pumpkin.

  Three Ostriches stared out from the back of a trailer to one side, looking perfectly at ease.

  She saw Erika straight away; a strongly built young woman in a tank vest and peak cap. She was carefully adding items to the display, then stepping back to have a look.

  Frankie felt a bit awkward watching her half sister; she felt so many mixed emotions.

  Erica saw her and walked over; they kissed lightly.

  " Hi sus. " greeted Erika. They always spoke English for Frankie's sake; her Afrikaans was rusty.

  " Hi " said Frankie. " You've got some sun . Can we go for a coffee? "

  They took Frankie's car, driving up Long and Kloof, parking near Café Milano. The ridges of Table Mountain, now much closer , were prominent.

  They wandered into Antiques on Kloof, Frankie admiring a mini refrigerator from the fifties, while Erika browsed through a box of old photo's. She was drawn to a black and white photo, showing several puppies sleeping in a woven basket.

  She paid for the photo and they settled on the veranda at Milano, ordering rooibos tea and pastries.

  Erika opened her worn canvas bag. " I've got something for you " she said, producing a jar of honey liquer from Germany.

  Frankie held it up, amused at the bear chasing bees on the jar. " Thanks sus, you always bring me something!

  Erika smiled with pleasure. They tried to eat their pastries slowly, making them last.

  A motorist, travelling too fast down the winding Kloof Road, skidded over the centre line and narrowly missed oncoming cars, causing them to swerve and hoot.

  " This road is hectic " said Erika "

  "Ja" replied her sister, " A school bus crashed here a few years ago.

  " I remember that."

  Frankie looked at her sister, not sure exactly how to phrase it: " Erika, why did you come back to South Africa, you seemed happy with the kids? "

  Erika waited a moment; sipping at the rooibos" it was the right time" she said" What about you,how are things going? "

  " Fine, just busy. Can I email you my photo of the day from my website; I'm trying to build up the numbers? "

  " Sure, Ill also send you photo's. "

  Frankie hadnever been convinced that her sister bought her apparant retirement.

  They hugged goodbye, promising to meet soon.

  * * *

  RECONNAISSANCE

  APRIL 2010

  Frankie loved to photograph the stadium in the winter dawn. She imagined it as a giant UFO,round and well lit.The shapes and patterns of the newly laid paving addedto the possibilities.

  The morning was cold as she approached in her tracksuit and running shoes.

  Only waking labourers and security guards at their fires looked up; observing her but letting her be. She stepped around several puddles from the night's rain, so fluent with her Lumix that shots came easily.

  That morning she decided against waiting for sunrise.

  Her run started slowly, backpack snug against her shoulders.

  She ran fast along the Mouille Point and Sea Point promenade ; running under the wings of her girls. It was a temporary exhibition of 18 sculptures by Marieke Rowe, her interpretation of the New South Africa.

  Frankie raced the final section past the last statute and climbed the steps above the Pavillion Pool; barely seeing the greyness of the water.

  She did some stretching and warmdowns on the upper pavillion deck while long distance swimmers paced in the cool weather.

  Frankie broke the seal on a chocolate shake from her pack and leant against the rails. She was cementing her judgement about the secutity positions. The past two weeks she had been out especially early; to run and take photo's, letting her thoughts germinate.

  She was convinced that all the prominent targets would be well protected; any foe would have to think outside the box.

  The previous day she had taken the peninsula tour bus, letting her unconscious do the work. Her mind worked best when given time and space of its own.

  She began a slow run home; but soon picked up the pace as
her fitness had improved during the last month.

  * * *

  Erika had no commercial jobs that morning; and she could only reach her sister on voicemail.

  Not keen on being alone, she rang a children's home that was listed on the internet. " You are welcome to visit " said the caretaker; " today the boys are having a soccer tournament. "

  She cycled a few kilometers, following directions, and arrived at a sports field. She heard raucous shouts and blasts of a whistle before she saw a crowd of boys; some playing on the field, others crouched on the sidelines.

  They were bare feet and dressed in black shorts; with half wearing red tee shirts; the other half blue.

  The boys watching the game greeted her with smiles and nods. Many looked very rough; she supposed they slept on the street.

  Orange halves and fruit cordial were arranged on a long, camping table. A blond man, appearing to Erika to be in his late twenties, was diluting the cordial and water at a smaller table.

  " Hi " she said." I'm Erika. The office said I can come and help for today." He was tall, with green eyes.

  " Hi. " he replied " I am Friedrich. " He had a slight Scandinavian accent.

  " "Do you work here, or volunteer? " she asked.

  " I do sports programmes with the boys. You are welcome; tomorrow you can register at the head office. I will tell you where to go. "

  "Cool. I am South African, but I have been working in Dusseldorf. Where are you from? "

  " I'm from all over," he smiled." Dusseldorf is very beautiful. "

  Erika enjoyed the morning; losing herself in the joy of looking after others. She exchanged phone numbers with Friedrich.

  * * *

  THE CHECK IN

  Winter was approaching, and the gulls were borne upwards in columns by the wind, as Frankie and Johan took refuge in his car. They watched as bursts of sea spray drove over the promenade wall.

  He looked at her: "How are you coping, Frankie ? "

  She felt a slight irritation, he would never have given her the job if he doubted her; he was just pushing for a reaction.

  She looked him in the eye: " Very well, actually, I'm eating my veggies and running. "

  Johan laughed. " How is the Cape website going, I subscribe to your photo's under Jannie Smit, " he smiled.

  " Oh, you won the reader's prize. " Frankie imagined him going through Zapiro's cartoons. " The numbers are growing; the daily photo's bring traffic to the site. "

  " Good. Now, what do you think of the threat level? " he asked.