An Ordinary Day Read Online Free Page B

mid-morning.’
    ‘Slow down a bit. Take it easy – it’s too hot for you to still be running around.’
    ‘I know, sweetie, but exciting things are happening at work. Mark got that overseas position he applied for, so his position is up for grabs.’
    ‘Good for him, but he’s so ambitious, that guy …’
    ‘Me too. He’s already told me there’s no one else that should get gm except me.’
    ‘Really?’
    ‘He said of all the agencies, mine had made the greatest contribution and the board was considering making me an offer. You know it’s what I’ve been working towards for the past three years.’
    ‘I know, but sweetheart, you need to be kind to yourself – and to the baby. We’ve tried for so long. Enjoy your pregnancy, don’t tire yourself out. Think about it – work is just a distraction.’
    ‘Kevin, my work isn’t a distraction. It’s a lot more than that. If I get the position, you can give up work. You can get involved in your photography and music. No more working until four in the morning.’
    ‘You’ll need to be there for baby in the beginning.’
    ‘The Agency can survive without you. I don’t mind being the breadwinner.’
    Durant stood up and felt the blood rush out of his head, the pain replaced by numbness for a moment. ‘I love my job too; it’s all I’ve ever done.’
    ‘But really, honey, for what you do—’
    ‘I know I don’t earn what you earn, but I’m making a difference and that’s important to me. It’s more important than rands and cents.’
    ‘I’m making a difference too.’
    ‘I know, but the difference only affects you and me. My difference affects thousands or millions of people.’
    ‘All I’m saying is, you’re good at what you do, but look at you. You’re killing yourself, working like a dog, worrying about stuff. You’re growing old. And it’s dangerous.’
    ‘It’s not dangerous. When last did you hear of a member dying in the line of duty? Never.’
    ‘But, sweetheart, I worry when you’re out late at night. You’re going to be a dad soon. And there’re plenty of people out there earning more than you and doing less. What’re you trying to prove? Are you really making a difference?’
    Durant glanced at himself in the bedroom mirror. He did look old and tired. ‘A few months ago, Mike and I were involved in something … If it works, we’ll take down one of the biggest organised crime bosses in Durban, if not in the country. To me, that’s making a difference.’
    ‘That’s fine, I’m proud of you. But I bet there are a hundred others probably worse than him out there waiting to take his place.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘I’ve got to go. I just worry when you’re stressed.’
    ‘I work best under pressure.’
    Stephanie kissed Durant on his unshaven cheek and then wiped the lipstick impression off. ‘We’ll plan everything and fit baby into the plan.’
    Durant shook his head slowly. ‘The baby isn’t a project, not something that has to be fitted into a plan. We’ve tried so long … I want the birth to be special.’
    ‘Kevin, you know me. I like to be in control of things. This isn’t a bad thing. I’ll see you tonight.’
    Durant glanced at the clock. He was going to be late for work and his headache had reached an intolerable level.

2
    The NIA ’s provincial office is located in a quiet business park on the outskirts of central Durban. There is nothing formidable or sinister about the building – it looks like one of the many other businesses in an area where executives and workers go about their daily work, unaware of the business of their neighbours. The building is functional, as most government buildings are, and budgetary constraints have clearly limited the final decorating touches which would have made the offices look more corporate. Perhaps the idea was that intelligence officers shouldn’t be lounging in the office but be out in the field, where the information was.
    Durant stepped out of the