They drove Jane back to her house in Mtendere in silence. Nawa was driving and Phil was seated beside him. Mercy and Jane sat behind.
"In which road is the modelling agency?" Mercy asked, trying to break the silence.
"In Addis Ababa road."
"Which part?"
"From Great East road, you leave Airtel building on your left and you look right. Road one, road two, now road three- you make a corner."
"Which house?"
"I am not sure."
Jane then leaned over and whispered in Mercy's ear. Mercy nodded.
They reached Mtendere compound and turned into the main road which like last time, was full of people walking and even standing on it. There was a procession of party cadres walking ahead of them. They were raising clenched fists in the air and singing loudly.
"Do you have children, Jane?" Mercy asked.
"Two."
"You stay with them?"
"They stay with their fathers."
They passed by the tavern and then turned into the second street where Jane's house was. Nawa stopped the car at the same spot that they had done earlier.
"Give me about twenty minutes," said Jane as she got off the car. She walked slowly towards her house, aware that her neighbors were staring at her with curious admiration.
Phil took the opportunity to step out of the car and look around. Mercy followed him, leaving Nawa alone in the car. People were staring at them.
"I am sure they are saying that I have a hot chick," said Phil as he waved at a small group of young men drinking opaque beer by the road side. They waved back at him.
"Liar," said Mercy, also putting on her dark glasses.
"It is true. You are hot. To me at least," insisted Phil.
"Uhmm."
"You are like a flower planted by the streams of water."
Mercy looked down. She then kicked an imaginary stone on the ground as they walked.
They toured the area around the tavern together and then returned to their car.
"Hasn't Jane come out yet?" Phil asked Nawa. Nawa shook his head.
"Let me check on her. It’s getting late already," offered Mercy as she went to Jane's house. She disappeared inside the fence.
A loud piercing shout emanating from the house jerked Phil and Nawa. They ran and reached the house within ten seconds. Phil drew out his pistol. He pushed the door open using his shoulder. Nawa went in after him, pistol in his hand too.
They found Mercy holding her face in shock. Lying on the floor facing upwards was Jane. Beneath her was a fresh pool of blood.