HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

1
THARN B. CROISSANT

THARN
B.
CROISSANT

Harmony of Two Souls

First book of Business Partner Series by Tharn B.
Croissant

2
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

‘Harmony of Two Souls’ is self-published by Tharn B.

Croissant
ISBN 9 798 32502 255 5

Copyright ©tharnbcroissant2024

The right of Tharn B. Croissant to be identified as the author

of this work has been asserted by him.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored in, or introduced into retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without
the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who
does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may
be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

3
THARN B. CROISSANT

Tharn B. Croissant is young black man born in KwaZulu

Natal, South Africa. ‘Harmony Of Two Souls’ is the first
novel he ever wrote.

4
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

5
THARN B. CROISSANT

PART ONE

6
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

7
THARN B. CROISSANT

Chapter One
Tamiel Peterson: Pilot

Opening his eyes, it is yet another morning of a

sunny day. He laid shortly in the bed as the sunrays
pierced through the fifteen feet window in the
penthouse’s master bedroom. The curtains are wide
open and of royal blue colour with fillets. The bed is
dressed in white sheets and a floral violet duvet. He
began to think about the line of work he has recently
joined. It is not very of his calibre or provide any
sense of delight to him. His thoughts escalated to the
tremendous change of his life and how he cannot
survive yet another one. He tossed to the side,
exposing his bare chest at those thoughts. His goal of
life since age of ten and eight reached his thoughts too
in this blue skied morning.

8
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

He rose from the bed, gingerly, and slipped one

beautiful hairless leg out to touch the floor. He
emancipated the other till he was out of the bed. He
headed for the window butt naked. He stood there
letting himself to be sun kissed, the curtains show not
to have been closed even from last night. He set his
eyes on the beautiful view that made him choose this
very penthouse to live in. The Table Mountain is
visible from the rear of his left eye and the sea, widely
on the right, perfect. He feels as if he has all the time
in the world, wandering his python to the sun too,
listening to the noise of cars honking on the streets.
Soon he realised he had to shower and slowly
advanced to the bathroom in-suited in this very master
bedroom.
A few minutes later he has already finished
showering his body. He came out binding a white
towel around his waist and the other wiping his
gorgeous light-skinned face of a coloured person and
extremely shortly tapper cut black hair. His body
exposed is fox like with muscles fighting to be bulk
masculine but ended halfway. He then heard the knock
on the door, and he commanded the person to enter.
Under his permission, an average of body black male
with shortly cut hair too, seemingly the same age as
him, six and twenty, wearing a grey suit that fits him
perfectly as if it was tailored on him, showed himself
on the door.
“Morning. I see you have showered; breakfast will
be ready soon” said the black man with a deep voice
but not the Bantu accent on his tongue. His footing is

9
THARN B. CROISSANT

firm and the steady body, possibly relating to that of

military soldiers, as he stepped further in the bedroom.
“Thank you, Zach” thanked the half-naked man with
a smile, looking at him. “Help remind me of my
schedule today” he added and grinned at him.
“Tamiel, you have to take Master’s orders serious”
he showed to bleat only in words but not the actions as
he took out a tiny red notebook from the pocket of his
coat. “I’ll mention the crucial ones. You are meeting
Mr Ncanti of NC Oils at 10 am. The new CEO of
Celeste Blouse Memorial Hospital in Granger Bay
golf course, at 1 pm, and lastly, Miss Sherry at 3 pm”.
“It is good having you by my side. But why is Sherry
scheduled?” he enquired now applying lotion in all his
body that he supported with a masculine and attractive
cologne.
“Because it’s your birthday. Oh, Miss Tinkie called to
remind me of your birthday dinner you are supposed
to attend” concluded Zach and replaced the notebook
back to his pocket and stood steadily.
He froze for a minute forgetting to dress himself after
Zach had completed to dialog.
“Wait what? My birthday has arrived already. And a
family dinner at my age. This all smells my old man”
he said that out loud to Zach. “I would have never had
agreed to spend whole three hours with family. Why
does that man have to control my life this much?” now
he questioned himself in his head.
“Thank you, buddy” he added out loud to Zach who
nodded and exited after telling him to haste.

10
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Blocked on the traffic, Tamiel couldn’t stop whining

about the hotness of the car, lowering the air
conditioning temperatures, as well as how he always
feels tight and trapped in the suits. Zach seating near
him on the driver’s seat had tried multiple times to
make him realise how amazing wearing the suit is.
“You have always worn these” he replied and tried to
loosen the tie with an angry grin. He asked for the
assumed time of this traffic lasting. Zach responded
with a rather diminutive number of minutes to reassure
him. Not that it helped. He rejoiced as the car started
to move and Zach drove at full speed to the
middle of Cape Town CBD.
Just as they arrived at the twenty-four floors building
with a logo of a single string illustrated human and a
name ‘LIFE-TH’, Tamiel was already yet again
complaining about his existence in this place.
“Good morning, Mr Peterson” were the people’s
greetings to each he and Zach passed on these
corridors of offices and walls of thick glass.
“You are the Manager Director of LIFE-TH
headquarters, your father pointed you for this” Zach
continued to apply some of their world’s sense that
Tamiel seemed to not fathom.
“I miss my leather jacket and jeans” he continued to
add the complaints. They walked even further after
getting off the elevator and passed one classy office

11
THARN B. CROISSANT

after another, now with untransparent walls. Zach

opened a door labelled,

Mr Tamiel Peterson
Manager Director

and they got in still Tamiel showing an anxious face.

Just after, the receptionist they passed downstairs
requested to come inside followed by an old black
man. Tamiel stood up from the couch on that moment
as Zach showed gratitude to the receptionist.
“Mr Ncanti, have a seat please” offered Tamiel to
expensively suit dressed man.

“You should try being Tyson’s son” said Tamiel just

when the meeting ended, and Mr Ncanti left the office.
“You praise him way too much” he directed to Zach
who stood near him.
“Master has not shown any form of not being
unworthy of my praise since he took me in eighteen
years ago” marked Zach and turned to face Tamiel.
“Haste, you have another meeting with the new CEO
of Celeste Blouse” he ordered.
They soon got on a car again, now heading to
Granger Bay golf course for Tamiel’s next meeting.
On his mind he is reminiscing about his high school
times when he was forced to volunteer on the science

12
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

club booth after making juniors run naked on the sport

field. He sure should’ve received a much harsher
punishment, but he was just rich and his father a
sponsor at the school. He has always been looking for
his father’s validation. Even on this meeting he is
headed to, it is very crucial to him.
They finally arrived. Seems like the ‘acquaintance’
arrived earlier than them. As soon as Tamiel got off the
car, he saw a person in his mind is too modern in all
aspects. Although he may possess a body like Jared
Padalecki and long hair, but he is not the type of
person that drinks strong drinks, more of a cider
person. He hurried up in a rush to bury this squirrel in
front of him.
“Zach, assist me on the change rooms, I have no clue
how golfer’s dress.”
“As expected,”.
He finished dressing and headed straight to the field.
He advanced in strides and got even closer to the man.
The copy of Jared with no beard looked out for a
handshake as soon as he reached his range.
“Hi, I’m Dr Mark Williams” he said in a husky
voice.
“Tamiel Peterson” he stretched his hand for the
handshake.
“I was expecting Tyson Peterson, but it can do with
another T- Peterson” he smirked.
This senseless small talk, even Tamiel could not bear
it. He forced a grin, although the guy is about same
age as him.

13
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Are you married Mr Peterson?” a fake smile filled

his face.
“No, why do you ask?”
“Small talk let’s get to business”. Business is
discussed while playing golf. Tamiel had no clue on
how one wins, but he was certain that the ball must be
in the hole or closer. Dr Mark was more relaxed for
someone who is new on this position. His perfect body
posture was exposed in this golf costume, having a
great square jawline like an ambassador. Also, you can
tell from his looks that he lives his life more
mundanely compared to Tamiel. Tamiel kept on
staring at him trying to sum up his life from the way
he is and dresses.
“You are staring Mr Tamiel, I might think you find
me attractive.” He smirked looking back at Tamiel.
“A lame joke again, did you study them on a book,
nerd. This talk is sure tiring, he keeps on talking about
medicine and I don’t understand a thing. If he only
knew I only have a matric certificate since I dropped
out of college” thought Tamiel with a rather devious
smirk to prove he doesn’t a bit find him attractive.
“Mr Williams…” he cut him.
“Dr Williams”
“Ahh sorry. Dr Williams, you’re here on your
father’s place, so am I. How about we talk about
renewing the contracts and its new conditions.”
“Oh! Yes, the contract, the new CEO of Celeste
Blouse Hospital, I, would like to terminate it with
immediate effect.” Tamiel felt thunder under his
bones.
14
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“On what grounds Mr… ahh, Dr Williams? Isn’t that

something you must discuss with the proxy owner
before making such a decision?” queried Tamiel when
he felt the tides turning from what he assumed an
amateur this person will be.
“I can assume reading is not your thing Mr Tamiel.
Page six of the contract, it is stated that if one of the
original holders is incapable of making decisions, due
to dread illness or death, the new proxy owner can
take any decisions forward on their behalf. Thus, can
be done on the last of the agreement and that’s today,
10th of March Mr Peterson.”
Tamiel sure can hear his father shouting in his head
as he wondered if truly the older Dr Williams is facing
an illness. He blames himself for not being much of a
reader and underestimating this nerd.
“I realise it is not compulsory to terminate the
contract if I were to offer an irresistible deal, would
you reconsider your termination?”
“Perhaps, depending on what you offer. Shoot your
best shot.”
“From the production and shipment, you get 60% of
the product” he paused there not wanting to go any
further.
“It is indeed a lucrative offer, how about I
reconsider, a week max”.
“Take your time Doctor. Who’s leading?” asking
about a game, not that he even gets it.
“Lost count, because of your words and self.” He
giggled and gave a glance at Tamiel’s legs.

15
THARN B. CROISSANT

Their meeting took longer than Tamiel had expected.

He made a sign to Zach indicating that he rescues him.
Zach came closer to both saying,
“Sir, it is time” Tamiel nodded and turned to Mark.
“Dr Williams, I’m afraid my time with you has come
to an end, let’s arrange our next meeting.”
“Good doing business with you and knowing you, a
meeting will be a week from now. I’ll email the time
and venue to you.”

▪
“A long day has it been, Zach. I am finally in my
casuals. It was good rescheduling Sherry, but I’m not a
tad glad about the dinner we are headed to, even
though I have not seen Tinkie in a while” talked
Tamiel in a car.
“She misses you too sir, she has loads of things to
tell you about, her first-year experience at college.
She’ll be happy to see you.”
“How do you know that Zach?”
He stuttered to reply.
“Ahh she regularly texts me when you are busy,
Tams. We’ve arrived, seems like it is indeed a family
dinner.”
Tamiel looked out of the window and saw his aunt’s
and her son’s car on the yard. An overrated birthday it
is, he thought. He got out of the car and headed to the
door hoping none would come outside to greet him.
The yard is spacious as to fit five thousand people
standing, but he found it smaller with the possibility of

16
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

breathing the same air with his cousin, Sally. His

home, a big mansion, certainly made for multi-
millionaire Tyson Peterson is expansive as ever, with
countless rooms inside.
“Ahh son, welcome. Happy birthday, we’ve been
waiting for you.” His dad said, who is super chummy
right now and he found it weird. He is short by height,
and his curly black hair has started to be bald and grey.
His fat belly in his white shirt and black trouser is
exposed. He smiled yet again with his too, coloured
face.
“I’ve been missing you, ‘ani’, happy birthday” his
little sister Tinkie who was awfully shorter too and a
bit chubbier with round cheeks and glasses.
“Thank you, cupcake, I missed you too.” And a
bunch of ‘happy birthdays’ he could not follow, nor he
cared about them.
“And both of you fuck off with your fake smiles” he
said to his head as something he wishes he would’ve
said out loud to his aunt and cousin.
The family greeting ended after a long time of
Tamiel talking almost inconsequential things with his
father and aunt, except for Sally who always treats
him like his rival in everything. He works at LIFE-TH
as the chief of staff. They finally sat down on the
dinner table. Nomvuyo, the maid, came with the bowl
and placed it on the table.
“Thank you, Sis Nomvuyo, you made all my
favourite.”
“Be merry Mr Tamiel” she left the room with a
smile.
17
THARN B. CROISSANT

“So how was your day today Tamiel, got any further
plans?” said Sally with a big, rounded voice
unmatching his skinny body.
“Not that it is any of your concern, but good, and
fuck off” he smirked looking at him. He smirked back
and bowed his head.
“Still on that subject, how are things really at LIFE-
TH?” Tyson his dad, involved himself in the
conversation.
“I thought today is my day, we aren’t going to talk
about money and business”.
“Not that we have something better to discuss, son.”
“How about mom, dad? When last you visited her
grave? Placing that her death had an anniversary last
week.”
“I heard Todd’s son got you by the balls” Tamiel
shifted his eyes to Zach who was talking to Tinkie on
the table. Zach looked him back and denied with
facials.
“It’s nothing I can’t handle” he faced down.
“If you lose that deal…”
“If you tell me more about mom’s death, I might not
lose it!” everyone at the dinner table became
astounded at the voice projection.
“And I told you to let that go!!”
“Why? Is it a good riddance for you that she’s
gone?”
“Tams calm down,” said Zach.
“Tams, ani, please calm down” said Tinkie in calm
soft voice.

18
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Tamiel attempted to cool down but…

“You’re just a failure of a son, you cannot do
anything on your own! The only thing you know is
crying about your dead mother, partying all night, and
racing! I must clean up your mess all the time, now
you’re failing to manage LIFE-TH. That’s why you’ve
been on probation for this long, and you’ll be until you
fix that hospital deal!”
“What’s the point of arguing with you. You have
Sally here, your ideal son who can match your
perfection” roared Tamiel and stood up as an attempt
to leave.
“Tams wait, it’s your birthday!” cried out loud
Tinkie. He went out through the backdoor leading to
the garage hoping he could find his motorbike, but it
wasn’t there, no one came after him. He strode from
the garage to the workers’ cottages only to request one
driver to head him to SYMPHONY CLUB.

19
THARN B. CROISSANT

20
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Chapter Two
Mark Williams
He tightened the tie of his blue-navy suit, looking
elegantly in front of the tall mirror as him, able to
reflect his whole body. The suit sat perfectly on his
physique of a body builder, but not seeking to be
extra-bulk. He has tied his hair neatly behind with a
black band of the same colour as his long hair. The
face he possesses is magnificent with green eyes and
perfect jawline. His skin colour is close to rivalling the
poorly shaded peach, proving to be an offspring of a
coloured and white person. It is the morning he has
been waiting for, you can tell by the smile he is
displaying on that face as he doesn’t cease to touch it.
“Meeting with Tyson Peterson” he distinctly said to
himself as he opened his phone to be welcomed by a
21
THARN B. CROISSANT

wallpaper of himself in doctor’s gown. This event

follows his father’s retirement at the hospital he owns
and leaving the reigns to him. He memorised his daily
schedule on the phone and soon replaced it in his
pocket. He is reminded of his sudden success in life,
not so long ago he graduated at Sefako Makgatho
Health Science University, started to work as a
resident at Georgia Mokhale Hospital in Pretoria, and
now to be the president and CEO of Celeste Blouse
Memorial Hospital, all at the age of twenty-seven.
“Let’s cancel it” he said again after the thoughts of
Tyson ran his mind. He sure is boastful on terminating
the contract of the hospital and Tyson Peterson the
owner of LIFE-TH, the opioid production company,
and perhaps an underground major of illegal
businesses, he assumed. He has already finished
dressing himself and gave a second glance at his
perfect self than decide to descend the stairs for
breakfast. The smell welcomed him as he reached the
last step, getting in the living room and took yet other
steps not coming closer to thirty so he could reach the
dining room.
“Morning, honey, slept well?” asked his mother as
he is sat down. She is a coloured woman who has
surpass half a century of living.
“Splendidly, mom, where is dad?” he replied to his
mother, placing napkin on his thighs to prepare for
these bunch of foods placed in front of him.
“Still dressing up, he will come in a minute. Sit
tightly and eat your breakfast” offered his mom

22
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

placing food on the table. Not later, the elephant

entered the room sauntering like the king of the jungle.
“You look happier than you did two weeks ago when
you found out you have to take my place, son” said his
father, Todd, waltzing in the room.
“I might be looking forward to the meeting with Mr
Peterson” with a smile. “Actually, I’m happy because I
have the upper hand and I’ll cancel the contract, lucky
day” he said to himself in his mind.
“When last did you contact your sister, honey?”
asked Veronica, his mother.
“More of, when last did she contact me. She made it
clear that she need not to be contacted unless we stop
bothering her about the hospital.”
“Oh! She did make it clear, but she should come
home, you’re the president now.”
“She’s a big girl. I trust her, she’ll stand up on her
own feet without my help” added Williams.
“Yes, we should trust her” concluded his mom.
“Let me go before I arrive late at work. I won’t come
back today don’t wait up” said Mark getting up.
“Honey, I was going to make your favourites today,
just in case you succeed on your meeting”.
“Ahh that’s so sweet mom, but no thanks. I’ll see
you”. He became extinct as a dinosaur when he exited
by the door.

He arrived in the hospital, finding his parking place

reserved as usual since he came here. He proceeded to
the elevator and pressed the number of the floor he

23
THARN B. CROISSANT

works at from the basement. As soon as he got off, he

could hear “morning doctor” from the nurses that has
been flirting with him since he came here. He passed
through them with a smile as usual and focused on his
path. That made him miss how he used to be inferior
in Pretoria. It is even hard to communicate with the
other doctors because he must play boss.
During those thoughts the Chief of Surgery Dr Zitha
came his way. He does not like contacting with Mark
regarding work because he still considers him
inexperienced, younger than him and got his position
through nepotism, which all of it is correct. Any
decision that must be made by the president of the
hospital he will be reluctant to pass it. He came closer
to Mark and faked a grin as greeting. Mark rerouted
avoiding the awkwardness if they were to be a meter
apart from each other.
“Oh! Good morning, sir” she said looking straight
into Mark’s eyes.
He could not tell if it is a good thing or bad to meet
her right now. He was intending to reach his office
without talking to anyone. What is she even doing on
this side?
“Is everything okay sir?” she asked persistently, his
secretary Lana Strauss.
“Yeah, everything is okay, Lana” he took a deep
breath with his hand on his trouser pocket and the
other holding the bag and gave her a ‘get it done’ look.
“You just look ery, sir”.
“No, don’t worry everything is perfect. Got anything
for me?”
24
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Yes, since you memorise your whole schedule,

there is no need to tell you again” he nodded. “But Mr
Kingsley is waiting for you in your office” he got
confused as to what would he want.
“Regarding what Lana? Let’s walk”
“Well, he did not specify, but he seemed furious for
the past fifteen minutes he’s been sitting there.”
“I’m guessing that’s the reason you’re gallivanting
this side”.
“Partially, sir”
“No worries, I’ll go talk to him. Get me black coffee
and add five drops of vodka, I’m meeting a dragon.”
He walked all those passages in wonder of what he
might be there for. He entered the office and
immediately his eyes met the dragon’s. He seemed
furious even on the side.
“Mr Kingsley, good morning. What brings you this
early in my office?” he tried a handshake but got
rejected at the seated down man of half-century.
“Mark, I thought I told you last time, this is not how
you should be doing things!”
“I know Uncle P, but I couldn’t resist it” he propped
his butt on the desk after he threw the bag on the
couch.
“How? You see it as much of a lucrative opportunity
leading to best life?”
“Partially, yes” he lowered his tone.
“It is dangerous Mark, you should’ve run when I
told you to, I bet now you can’t”.

25
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Running the hospital is not a big deal. Yes, it may

be, but not that much Uncle P.”
“You should’ve stayed a surgeon in Pretoria and live
a mundane life as much as you can!”
“Uncle P, please listen. I’ll make this hospital in my
ideal and I promise not to disappoint you.”
“You need not to turn into your father. I always told
you to be the best version of yourself.”
“That’s exactly what I’m trying to do, Uncle P, trust
me please” he pouted. Lana budged in with a ‘coffee’
cup on her hand. “You’re so late with that coffee, my
funeral is next week” said Mark and smirked.
“Seems like the cyclone has passed, sorry sir, I
couldn’t find the secret ingredient.” She spoke.
“I’m sorry young lady, who is the cyclone?” he
turned and faced Lana with the serpents’ eyes.
“Lana you still have to bury me, go prepare for my
next meeting, I’ll be going alone to Mr Peterson.” She
swiftly went out, “Uncle P, please calm down you’ll
scare everyone. Sit.”
“Now tell me how you find Cape Town after 9 years,
and also how was Pretoria”.

The day has gone by, Mark seemed blissful after

Paul Kingsley’s visit, his mother’s brother. Not long he
has been out, Mark had already been reminiscing how
his uncle played more father role than his father did.
Their grandparents were not even of much help back
then, living their ancient ways. His sister, Sheila had
always tricked him into visiting the grandparents,

26
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

knowing very well she will spend time as a princess,

and he on the bushes taught how to be a man by
hunting. Lana entered the door in a fast pace,
forgetting to knock.
“Sir, I know you probably did not forget, but it is
time for your meeting with Mr Peterson at Granger
Bay golf course.”
“Ahh thank you Lana, let me get going.” He got up
and get going, on the road he kept on thinking about
how Mr Peterson is going to underestimate him,
during their negotiation. He may perhaps try to
implement his lifetime experience on him. He
concluded by being courageous, tossing away the
whining, all he must do is find a loophole in all of Mr
Peterson’s talk and use it at his advantage.
He arrived fifteen minutes earlier than him, although
he thought the geezer might be first because majority
of the old generation is all about punctuality. He went
to the change rooms and changed into a light brown
short and a blue golf t-shirt. Exposing all the legs that
has been to the gym since age 17, with the tight t-shirt
holding the firm arms and big chest tight. His long
black hair reaching his neck were also now free,
sparkling those green eyes to the sun, in the middle of
the day.
An exquisite car came by, he noticed as it squealed
its tires. It could cost him three years of his salary
back at Georgia Mokhale to afford it. Even looking at
his status, he can perhaps do it in a year. He opened
the door himself not letting his driver open it. Mark
was bemused seeing the Mr Peterson getting out the

27
THARN B. CROISSANT

car, he is much younger than what he expected. He

immediately googled the Peterson family that owns
LIFE-TH and came to his knowledge that he is about
to meet his son.
He looks like he doesn’t play golf. He is too coterie
influenced, even if he hides it behind his expensive
suit but it’s visible. Mark assumed that he may perhaps
have been forced to be even in this meeting. If it were
by him, he would be partying non-stop or bullying
people. He must have a good reason to be here. He
really looks good on that short. His skin is caramelized
and hairless, you would bet he shaves regularly, and
yes, he does, and a matter of least of hair grows on
those legs; it is even of different matter in his goat
bearded face. He possesses a scary look, but those
black pupils go well with his super white sclera. His
cut is exceptional, showing to regularly do it at first
rating Cape Town barbers, it is fine black. He doesn’t
have a moustache, but it would suit him too. This guy
is gorgeous, thought Mark as Tamiel is approaching
him.
Mark stretched his arm requesting for the handshake.
“Hi, I’m Dr Mark Williams”
Tamiel stretched his arms with the hands of the
construction worker.
“Tamiel Peterson” he said politely in a bossy voice
unmatching his body but yes to the notorious eyes.
“I was expecting Tyson Peterson, but I can do with
another T- Peterson” Mark smirked and Tamiel forced
a grin. All Mark could see is a guy who used to be a

28
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

cool kid at school and probably rendered his joke

lame.
He continued pulling a friendly face and the small
talk.
“Are you married Mr Peterson?”
“No, why the ask?”
“Small talk, let’s get to business.”

Mark got back to the hospital after his meeting with

Tamiel which he took as a success. In all those
thoughts he kept on wondering how Tamiel lives his
life, betting that girls are head over heels for him. He
could not remove Tamiel from his mind. But he chased
him away instantly before it leads him to being biased
about his decision on the contract. Lost in the thoughts
came Lana rushing.
“Ahh sir, sir. Sir!” she yelled.
“Lana god! Why are you shouting?”
“You weren’t responding, the chairman wants to see
you.”
“She’s not on my schedule.”
“She is now, she’s on her way. Good luck” she
closed the door quickly and strode out.
Leaving Mark wondering what the chairman would
want to talk about. She is one angry lady. She doesn’t
have any calm moments; her blood is always boiling.
Her footsteps are loud as hell as she approaches
Mark’s office. She is shouting at Lana running behind
her asking her to calm down. Their cat and jaguar fight
reaches Mark’s office as she barged the door and you

29
THARN B. CROISSANT

can hardly hear the noise the door makes, theirs is

superior. Mark decided to put a stop to it.
“Dr Walsh! Chairman Walsh!” he said out loud. “Dr
Walsh, may we talk like professionals”.
“You should’ve considered that before going out and
cancelling the deal of LIFE-TH!”
“Correction Chairman, it has not been cancelled yet;
I played them at their own game, there’s no need to
cancel it if they keep up to us.”
“You clearly don’t know about this hospital’s
agreement with LIFE-TH. We are not to change
anything about that deal!”
“Is that the old version or a verbal agreement?
Because I clearly did not spot that on the contract.”
“Young man, before you make me angrier. You are
going to call the CEO or MD of LIFE-TH tell them
you revoke any agreement you made earlier, and
you’ll like to resume with the previous one, and
perhaps apologise.”
“You might’ve been able to control my old man, but
that won’t be happening to me.”
“I own 20% of this hospital, I have a say so make
that call now!”
“Morning, smell the coffee. I am the majority
shareholder; the board meeting is not needed I outvote
you all. The call won’t be made!”
“You’ll sink this ship.”
“I am remanufacturing it into a submarine, don’t
panic.”

30
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Be warned Dr Williams, this isn’t the attitude for

the business world.” She quickly turned around with
the evil look on her eyes. The poor door faced the
same fate again as she found her way out.
“Lana don’t let anyone come here today; I just
survived the hurricane”.

Sure, his day was beyond insane, he thinks as he

showers on his own apartment in the middle of the
CBD. The shower did not take long as he got out
wiping his body and soon, he was dressed for a night
outing. So, he did, to find himself something that
would welcome him in Mother City.

31
THARN B. CROISSANT

32
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Chapter Three
Affection

At the SYMPHONY CLUB, the dance floor on

the first floor is parked like a swarm of bees. Everyone
is feeling the rhythm inside their bodies. Moving their
bodies in sync of the beat. This is where they find all
their happiness, it is written in their eyes. They are all
drowning their sorrows till the sun comes out. The
music is so loud you can hardly hear your own voice.
Nothing matters to them except this very moment.
They strive for nights like this every noon of the day.
The smell of booze is dominant than of their sweat.
The floor is wet, the bottles of booze are turned into a

33
THARN B. CROISSANT

shower, perhaps a tap if a couple drinks from it with

their mouths. Everyone pulls a move of their own
creating an exquisite dance. Wrap it all to FUN!
Tamiel came out of the car outside SYMPHONY
CLUB, he’s still in his black jean trouser, a white t-
shirt and a black leather jacket like the one of K-POP
idols. Stepping on a ground with a hundred grand
worth shoe, shiny as they are but cannot blind. Only
one silver necklace is hanging around his neck, with a
pearl of his initials, making sure it is between his
chests, keeping it close as his mother gave it to him.
His average chest and abs are exposed by this tight t-
shirt, matching his short hair perfectly cut and super
black. He signals the driver to return home and steps
closer to the door of two metres tall and flicking with
lights. The two musclemen guards asked no password,
they simply opened the door while humming the word
‘sir’ mixed with ‘welcome’.
He passed through them without greeting back. He
walks as if he owns the whole world. He entered
inside the club with his furious face he left his house
with. Nothing is pleasing in front of his eyes; he heads
to the staircase leading to the VIP area. A girl blocked
his way and involuntarily danced in front of him while
touching his body. His gloomy mood did not lighten
up, instead he abruptly removed the lady blocking his
way and proceeded to his spot. A bottle of scotch sat at
the time as he sat down, together with the words “your
usual sir’’ coming from the bartender as he made his
way back to the counter downstairs.

34
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

He drank a few glasses of the bottle, and it started to

make him a tad tipsy, but his anger showed no
intentions of toning down. A lady waddled up the
stairs till she reached him and sat beside him. She was
wearing a glittering gold dress that is 2 inches below
her bums, a blonde wig blended with red lipstick on
her skin matching make up, tanned. She swiftly moved
her hand to Tamiel’s thigh while getting closer to him
attempting to kiss him. He adorned himself on a couch
with breathing forms changing by the minute. The
very few people sitting on neighbouring tables were
strictly minding their own business, not seeing the
lady forcibly putting her hand inside Tamiel’s pants
and gasped with joy. She whispered to his ear and they
both got up. Tamiel’s bulge on the pants was
inconspicuous due to the lights of the chandeliers and
the place being packed. He drank the whole bottle
instantly and immediately his brain swirled.

The main door opened on the first floor, not that

anyone would notice everyone getting in and out of
the club. There enters Mark with a cheery face. To his
heartfulness, he just found something much greater
than what he was expecting. His blue short sleeved
shirt made him sex appealing, as he unbuttoned the
first two buttons from the collar, showing his skin.
Going down with a tailor’s light brown trouser and
white sneakers, he sure looked masculine and casual
as his cologne suggested. He flocked his beautiful long
hair reaching his neck to the side and hit the dance
floor just as Sia’s ‘Cheap Thrills’ suggested from the

35
THARN B. CROISSANT

DJ. He walked through the throng of people breaking

their bones to a bar counter and called out a bartender.
“Hey, can I have four shots of vodka to jumpstart me
and a glass of cocktail”.
“Coming, you are new here?” the bartender asked
after he noticed how his eyes scattered all around.
“Yes, recently came back after nine years of
emancipation” he giggled with a reply returning his
eyes to the barkeeper.
“Here you go”, giving him his drinks, “you can still
be liberated here”.
“I’m hoping so” he wiped his mouth after gulping all
four shots in less than 10 seconds.
“Handle your liquor, the night is still young”.
He turned his back on the counter and rushed to the
bathroom while his cocktail is still in preparation.
There is less sound in the bathroom, he moved to the
sink and washed his hands, the sound on the loo booth
rivalled that of water coming out of the sink. It was the
sound of two people moaning and groaning. He
smirked, looking at his handsome face that any lady
would crave for in the mirror.
As the loo booth banged, Tamiel is sitting on the
toilet seat with his pants on his ankles, holding the
lady by his whole hands who is on top of him and
shagging. None of them are sober enough to recognise
any danger that might happen. They both let out their
loudest moans as they’ve both reached the pinnacle of
the session. Mark freaked out wondering how free
these people can be. The loo booth door opened as he

36
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

is still gazing himself in the mirror, he saw an

unexpected familiar face exiting.
Tamiel came closer to him with his undone belt.
Mark dodged the eye contact trying to run away from
him. As he was reaching the door, a group of
horrendous looking men banged the bathroom door,
causing Mark to fly and laid near Tamiel’s feet. Tamiel
giggled looking down his feet.
“AH! Man, you’re so weak” his reaction changed as
he might have observed something, “Your face looks
familiar, who are you?” he summed with a question.
The crew got closer to the three of them carrying
nothing other than tightened fists, as the lady and
Tamiel are still trying to completely dress up. Mark
tried getting up but one of the guys shoved him back
down with a kick on the chest. Another one attempted
to punch Tamiel, but he dodged that well as the arm
passed through his right shoulder. He grabbed the
assailant’s arm and twisted it to his back making him
agonise. He grabbed Mark by hand and got him up.
“Who did you say you were again?” he asked facing
him in a drunk voice.
“I didn’t say. You’re drunk and confusing me with
someone else”.
“If you say so” he turned back to the four people
gang remaining, “Who did you people say you were?
Pardon me, I’m not good with names”.
The much hideous looking guy replied, showing all
interest of destruction in his voice.
“That is not important Tamiel Peterson, just be
prepared to spend a month or two in the hospital”.
37
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Well, be my guests” he said with a smirk on his

face and made a stance for fighting. Mark looked at
Tamiel, he could not be even more flattered by him.
He turned back to the crew and said,
“I’d really like to be excluded from this narrative,
my hands are for cutting people open, in an operation
room of course”.
Little did they listen, he dodged a punch up his nose
and the fighting began, they all charged forth. The lady
was no longer to be found here.
The mini massacre happening in this bathroom
resulted in both Tamiel and Mark’s victory but not
leaving them unscathed. Tamiel looked at Mark with a
joyful face.
“I didn’t think you had the balls judging the way you
flew by earlier”.
“I try not to show it” he smirked.
“Now that I’ve sobered up, I can tell who you are,
Dr Williams”.
“What a coincidence to meet here” as he scrabbed
the back of his head avoiding eye contact. Pretty much
not suitable for him considering his tall body and
broad shoulders.
“Ahh, as if this day could get any worser” he left
Mark behind and the bathroom more scathed than their
own faces and the accosters lying down unable to
stand up, charging back to where he was.
Now that he has sobered up, he can feel the
vibrations of a phone inside his pocket, he took it out
and unlocked it. Tinkie had called him eleven times

38
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

and left countless messages. Sherry gave up on the

fifth call so as his friend Pablo. He rendered all of
them irrelevant as he put his phone back to the jean
pocket. He thought about what all the calls would be
about. As much as he’d like to answer Tinkie’s call but
she’s going to talk about his father and coming back
home. Sherry is probably mad that he rescheduled
their lunch to 8 pm, she may have prepared a ‘surprise’
party together with his friend Pablo, they would’ve
succeeded in the morning, truly uninteresting.
He ordered a bottle of tequila and hit the dance floor
with it, leaving the vibe less VIP section. Everyone
crowded on him as he opened the dance circle, taking
the spotlight to himself. He is moving precisely to the
unpredictable beat as if he created it, letting his body
blend with it. The crowd cheered to this Michael
Jackson in front of them, making Mark envy to see
this crowd pleaser even though he is sure he won’t be
influenced by them. He paved the way from the back
of the crowd till he reached the front of the circle, he
laid his eyes on the so-called dancer and saw a
beautiful man, as drunk as he is, his pointy nose makes
the cute face adorable. The slim body fighting to be
muscular is moving swiftly, making Mark envy to fill
his hands with that tiny waist.
He observed the physique perfectly fantasising
himself in it. He sure has never seen any male
possessing a body like that. When he stretches his tiny,
long legs as he dances it is like a guitar string being
pulled on Mark’s heart. He could feel the bridge of his
nose getting warmer as if he is about to have a

39
THARN B. CROISSANT

nosebleed. He can no longer hear the people cheering

but only anticipates for the beat so he could see
Tamiel’s next move. Tamiel raised his head, looking at
everyone with drunk eyes and wet lips. You could feel
the crowd’s happiness.
He is lost in his own mind whilst keeping on
making the next move involuntarily. He doesn’t
remember the last time a lot of people showed
appreciation to him without anyone criticising. Mark
moved his eyes following Tamiel’s body, he was
possessed.
He snapped out of the fantasy and took a step
forward entering the circle Tamiel took charge of. He
moved faster till he reached him, he took the bottle
from him and placed it down. He took his arm and
wrapped it around his shoulders so they can both move
in sync of each other. The crowd jeered him, he simply
smiled back and separated himself and Tamiel from
the people till they reached the front door. He moved
with the drunk Tamiel and stood on the driveway.
“Tamiel, get yourself together, you can’t risk being
seen drunk” he said lifting him up so he could stand
supporting him.
“Where are we going, leaving the fun behind?’’ he
asked in a husky, drunk voice.
“You’ve had all the fun for the day. Tell me your
address, I’ll take you home”.
“I don’t want to go home, just leave me here” he
rebelled but had no strength, Mark raised him up
again.

40
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“How embarrassing” thought Mark as he reached for

Tamiel’s pocket looking for his phone. He found it and
was also welcomed by a bunch of missed calls and
messages.
“What’s your PIN Tamiel?! Tamiel!?” there was no
response. He put the phone back into his pocket and
reached for his.
He requested a ride by his phone that took him to his
apartment. The car arrived, and they gingerly got
inside. Tamiel’s head laid on Mark’s thighs, showing
no sign of consciousness as the car drove. The car
arrived at an apartment building, he got Tamiel’s head
up that was on his thighs and held him taking him out
of the car. They moved slowly finding their way to the
lobby, he reached for his key card. They both got on
an elevator still holding the drunk Tamiel mumbling
unknown language. It was like music as the elevator
got up and they both got off on the floor of Mark’s
apartment.
They moved slowly again till they reached the door.
They got inside, and now Mark decided to lift him up
as he closed the door. On that moment Mark realised
that Tamiel is two inches shorter than him. He fitted so
well in Mark’s arms as his head was on his chest. He
placed him gently on the bed. Tamiel grabbed his hand
as he was about to walk away and mumbled “don’t
go”. He turned back and tried to remove the hand, but
Tamiel seemed to have anticipated that and tightened
the grip. He pulled him hard causing him to fall on top
of him and their lips touched.

41
THARN B. CROISSANT

Mark fazed at what just happened, his eyes wide

opened facing Tamiel who had now opened his drunk
black eyes, their lips are still intact. Mark liberated
himself, Tamiel followed with words.
“Are you scared? Don’t be, come closer”.
“No, I’m not, but you going to regret it in the
morning,” said Mark.
“No, I won’t”.
Mark did not get time to reply, Tamiel pulled him
again and tightened the grip making it hard for Mark
to free himself. Tamiel shoved his tongue inside
Mark’s mouth, having a passionate kiss. Mark could
not resist it any longer, he submitted to Tamiel as he
untied his shirt leaving him bare chest. He removed
Tamiel’s leather jacket as well as his t-shirt, making
them both half naked. Mark lifted Tamiel up, wrapping
his legs around his waist. Tamiel hanged like a
monkey on Mark as Mark’s trouser reached his ankles
so as his underpants, a dragon emancipated. He placed
Tamiel on the bed and removed his pants and
underpants, like a python hunting its prey, ran free.
Tamiel’s silver 9mm handgun fell, they ignored it in a
rush and pushed it away.
Their lips are still connected so as their tongues up
each other’s mouths. Mark stretched his arm to the
side shelf of the bed, he found what he is searching
for, a pack of condoms he recently bought and a
lubricant. He grabbed them, he broke the connection
of their lips and went down to his neck. Tamiel
moaned like a virgin. Mark went even below, to his
nipples, belly button, down to the python, he grabbed

42
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

with his right hand and filled it on his mouth. Tamiel

again let out a breath of a joyful relief. Mark got up his
left hand holding Tamiel’s waist and Tamiel’s legs
wrapping Mark’s waist. Mark dressed up his dragon
with a condom and grabbed a bottle of lube to spread
it on Tamiel’s tunnel. He grabbed Tamiel’s legs and
placed them on his shoulders, he inserted a finger on
Tamiel’s tunnel, that made him groan. He slowly
inserted his dragon inside the tunnel, it budged,
making Tamiel scream out loud, crying like a mule.
Mark covered his mouth with a hand, he gave a
second try, this time it successfully got in. He shoved
it all in, Tamiel upped his waist with teary eyes and a
covered mouth. Mark slowly did an in and out till
Tamiel hanged unto him. He changed; Mark sat on top
of the bed carrying Tamiel with the dragon inside the
tunnel. He covered his whole tiny butt with his big
hands, with Tamiel doing a bungy jumping on top of
him. They both groaned with their loud voices as the
time of climatic epitome and Mark hitting it harder
than before. Their exhaustion relieved them, and they
both laid down on bed panting like dogs, till sleepiness
took them out.

43
THARN B. CROISSANT

44
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Chapter Four
Him; His

Cars hooted outside; the noise of people got louder

by the minute. So as the sea is screaming loud. The
ships are preparing for departure at the harbour, you
can tell by the sound of notice. A few birds chirped,
although their melody is flooded by the scratching
tyres on the wet road outside. 7:34 am, the sky is
gloomy and letting out 30% of precipitation.
Tamiel opened his eyes and realised he is in an
unfamiliar room but can tell by the view outside the
window which building he is in. He stretched out his
arms and look on the mat beside the bed, there are his
clothes. He wondered why they would be there but

45
THARN B. CROISSANT

threw that thought away by ‘drunk actions’ thinking he

may have gone with a lady home.
He stretched his arm to grab his trouser, a gun
revealed itself underneath. He quickly in shock tried to
hide it and he felt pain down his butt. It was
excruciating and not ignorable as he wondered how he
got it. He turned to the side of the bed and saw a beast
handsome man beside him sleeping, bare chest. He
quickly got out of bed as naked as he is and grabbed
his gun pointing it at this perfect haired man. He
kicked the bed several times so it can cry cock to the
man. Mark tossed and opened his eyes at the sound of
rumbling, they met a gun hole pointing straight at
them. By shock he got his hands up with his mouth
wide open wondering what is happening.
“Tamiel what’s happening?” he asked in a begging
voice.
“I should be asking you that. What did you do to me,
Mark?” he violently asked with a gun pointing him
and stood firmly but the heart not beating steadily.
“Nothing, I did nothing”.
“You raped me, you jerk. Why does my butt hurt?”
Mark smirked and hid it by facing on his legs covered
by the bed’s duvet.
“For that I’m sorry, but it was not by force. Are you
aware that your willy keeps going left, and right?” it
came into Tamiel’s notice and he quickly grabbed his
clothes and dressed while the gun is still pointed at
Mark who has now put his hands down smiling
insanely.

46
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Don’t change the topic” he clocked it, and Mark

upped his hands again.
“Sit down and let us talk like adults who just had an
intimacy” he drew his gun back to his hip bone and
pulled a terrifying face while clicking his tongue.
“Listen! What happened here, not a word to anyone
or your parents grieve for you” he roughly said, now
avoiding looking at Mark’s eyes. He hasted found his
way out of the apartment, leaving Mark confused on
what to do next.

“Zach, I’ve been calling Tams since yesterday, but

he hasn’t been answering any of my call. Have you
perhaps called and found out if he’s doing good?” that
was Tinkie’s as she entered the kitchen dressed
elegantly as if she never changed the clothes to
pyjamas last night and did the same this morning,
finding Nomvuyo and Zach talking while preparing
for breakfast.
“Good morning, ma’am, breakfast will be ready in a
few” humbly said Nomvuyo as she excused herself to
the dining room like Tinkie’s presence was the alarm.
“I haven’t yet, but I’m sure he is well, he always is”
replied Zach biting a scone left by Nomvuyo.
“I know, but yesterday was a disaster and his
birthday in case he has forgotten”.
“Indeed, yesterday turned out bad. It has been a
while since I’ve seen both Tamiel and Master that
angry. Two dragons in the same sky” as he
dramatically used his hands and few chuckles.

47
THARN B. CROISSANT

“I do not wish for that scene to happen again; they

both have to talk this out”.
“How will that happen? They are rarely in the same
room”.
“I do not know how, but please call him, Zach”.
“Will do so ma’am”.
“Not ma’am, we’re past that” as she found her way
back to the dining table.

Tamiel got in his apartment after leopard running out

of Mark’s apartment and requested a metre taxi to his.
He stood for a minute after closing the door behind
him not knowing what to do next. All this has hit him
by shock, he bravely moved his hand to his bums, he
felt the pain again. That even got him more furious at
how drunk he would be to allow such a thing to
happen. What has been more frustrating than all is that
he has pieces of memories enjoying it, and he had to
do it none other than Mark Williams who recently got
him figuratively by the balls on the contract now
literally has his arse too. He moved slowly, walking to
his bedroom, he took off all his clothes and left on a
birth suit. He got on a shower and kept on thinking on
how Mark touched all his body, nothing could be more
maddening.
He then remembers that before being wasted Tinkie
and Sherry called him, neglecting that he fought
random people with Mark. He got out of the shower,
covered himself with a towel and grabbed his trouser
on the floor, he took out his phone which has run out
battery. He went to the socket near the bed and
48
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

charged it. He went to the sitting room where the

building’s room telephone is and dialled Zach’s cell
phone number. It rang for a few seconds than it was
answered.
“Young master is you okay?” said Zach with
sarcasm as he recognised the telephone number.
“Yes, I’m good. When you come by, please bring
some painkillers. Make sure you cancel all today’s
meetings”.
“Is that Tams?” a voice said on Zach’s side, “give
me the phone” it added. “Tams, are you okay? I’m
sure you are, I didn’t like how you ignored my calls
and not getting back to me. You should’ve at least
texted” said Tinkie in a sorrow voice.
“I’m sorry cupcake, I was occupied, and my battery
died”.
“It’s okay now, you need to come back home and
talk things out with dad like adults”.
“I promise I will, but it will not be anytime soon.
Please give Zach the phone”
“Yes” talked Zach.
“No sarcasm now?” he rhetorically asked but gave
him no minute to react. “Please come here, it’s urgent I
have a mother of headaches and…another pain”.
“Dr Mark has sent an email for the next meeting”
hearing that name made him want to be insane. He
hung up immediately, leaving Zach to talk alone.
As soon as he dropped the phone, he heard a knock
on the door. He rushed to attend it in the very state he
left the shower with, exposing his 8 pack chiselled abs

49
THARN B. CROISSANT

on a slim body with fox’s broad shoulders. He opened

the door and a tall lady rivalling him, possessing a
body slimmer than his, long brunette hair, blinking
with mid eyelashes covering green eyes. She has an
elegant way of dressing for someone who just woke
up, rushed to Tamiel’s embrace and kissed him. He
slowly wrapped his hands around her waist, tighter.
They let go of each other after a few minutes of
romcom ending scene.
“Sherry, you… are… here?” his eyes were surprised
and guilty but filled with joy.
“Yes, I am here, you seem a bit surprised” she
replied in a bossy husky voice.
“No, actually I’m glad” he closed the door and
moved to the TV room, “I’m sorry for not replying to
your calls last night and our meetings. I was a bit
occupied by family matters”.
“I figured, Tinkie called, and I told her I’m in the
dark too, but babe you missed plenty” she followed
him.
“I’ll make it up to you babe, I promise” he got closer
and kissed her.
“I got you a gift”.
“Ahh, you need not to spoil me this much, it was just
my 26th birthday in which I happened to forget about”.
“I also expected that, this represents my love for
you”. She took out cufflinks engraved with Tamiel’s
initials. He put out a guilty smile accepting the gift
followed by the words he couldn’t say back,
wondering what she would do if she found out that

50
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

yesterday he shagged two people and one of them is a

man.

Tamiel has spent the whole week obsessing about

that night. Distance to meet with Dr Williams, their
meeting was scheduled a week ago, got even shorter.
He hoped to have cancelled the meeting, but that
would also mean getting his father even angrier by not
attending and end up losing the deal. He felt as if he is
between the rock and the hard place. Every second he
spent with Sherry this week, he felt like he should tell
her but do not know how she would react to the news.
He let out a big sigh, placed his hand on his cheek and
looked out of the window of a moving car Zach
rotated the front mirror so he can see the man on the
back that is written on his face that he is troubled.
The distance seemed shorter, although this time they
are not meeting at the golf course. Today he picked a
more convenient place parked with people, and that is
the hospital where he works at. This might have
caused more cringes to Tamiel, but he comforted
himself with a ‘more people place’. They got closer to
the hospital, that made Tamiel not want to be alive
even more. Zach drove the car to the guests parking lot
and they both got off. Zach could detect Tamiel’s
sourness even though he thought he hid it well.
“You are doing well?” asked Zach as he took a bag
out of the car and locked it.

51
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Why wouldn’t I be?” replied Tamiel, fixing his

refined expensive suit and headed to the entrance.
They followed each other without talking. Tamiel’s
phone rang, they both stopped.
“Babe, I’m a little busy right now can I call you
later?”
“I wanted to tell you my brother is in town; I’d like
you two to meet”.
“Oh! That’s a good thing, I guess” he said
emotionlessly.
“Yes, it is, good luck” she hung up. They proceeded
after the call till they reached the reception. Zach went
to the lady on the reception to confirm their arrival,
leaving Tamiel alone as he sat down gentlemanly on
the couch.
“Mr T. Peterson of LIFE-TH” said Zach to the lady.
“Dr Williams’ secretary will be here shortly” she
replied after checking the appointment on her
computer.
Zach moved from the reception back to where
Tamiel is sitting. He did not attempt to say anything
but decided to sit down in same silence they’ve been
having since morning. A lady came from the elevator,
wearing glasses with a ponytail of blonde hair. She
looks like she is still on her mid-twenties, her two-
piece suit looks like it had been adjusted many times
to fit her short height. With the files she is carrying
close to her chest as if they’d get lost, she went to the
reception lady, she directed her to Tamiel and Zach.
She came closer to them with a friendly smile

52
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

covering her face. She held her files even tighter when
she saw Tamiel’s unfriendly face.
“Mr Peterson, good day. Dr Williams will be having
you now, please follow me” she said and quickly
turned her back, not wanting to look at that murderous
face.
“Thank you, miss…” said Zach covering up all the
awkwardness.
“Strauss, Miss Strauss” she replied without looking
back. They followed her to the elevator, and she
pressed the button for the 6th floor. They got off the
elevator and caught a direction to Mark’s office. No
one has ever attempted to break the silence, Lana is
scared to death with this man’s aura, Zach doesn’t
want to step on this same man’s toes, this very man is
losing his temper by the metre they get close to Mark.
This atmosphere is not a good place to be in., they got
closer to the office with Lana leading the way
followed by Tamiel, and Zach at the tail. Lana opened
the door of Mark’s office; he stood up from his chair
and placed his hands on his desk.
He looked straight at Tamiel who was entering the
door not minding anybody else who was
accompanying him. Tamiel got his head up after
massing a courage to meet him, but he found him
looking at him straight in the eyes. They both froze in
contact with each other’s eyes, letting nothing disturb
them. Now Tamiel could clearly see those green eyes
Mark possesses, his jawline is now shown clearly after
the fog, he couldn’t be sexier. He felt a bump inside

53
THARN B. CROISSANT

him, an example of sudden rush that cannot be

interpreted correctly.
Under these circumstances, Mark wanted nothing
more than to stay at this very moment looking at him
and perhaps holding him closer. Zach and Lana looked
at each other confused whether to disturb this gaze or
not. They both let out a cough simultaneously and a
knot was untied. Both Mark and Tamiel made
senseless moves trying to chase the awkwardness, the
other cleaning his clean desk with his hands, and the
other unbuttoning and buttoning his suit. Zach and
Lana tried to excuse themselves, but Tamiel made a
sign to Zach that they should stay.
“You should have a seat Mr Peterson” offered Mark
breaking the ice in the room.
“Thank you” he sat down after unbuttoning his suit
yet again, he folded his legs with his hands joined on
top of his abdomen.
“Let’s get to business. Lana, make sure you jot down
everything important” he paused and turned to face
Tamiel and licked his lips, “What we discussed last
week Mr Peterson, I have managed to get a board
meeting and talked about your proposal. Each board
member had their opinion…” Tamiel cut him brutally.
“Cut the chase Dr Williams, are you taking it or
not?”
“The majority of the board voted that we accept your
proposal. We will be renewing the contract”.
“Wise decision, no need for that” he snapped his
fingers calling Zach, he came near him with a bag he
is holding and took out a brown envelope A4 size and
54
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

gave it to Tamiel. “We came prepared Dr Mark in case

you agree. Here are all the new terms, you are advised
to read thoroughly before signing it” he stood up,
“Hope we get in touch for professional reasons next
time” he tied his buttons.
“Wait Mr Tamiel, about the other issue…”
“We’re not going to talk about that here!”
“We need to” Tamiel looked deeply at Mark and
ordered Zach to get out, so as Mark did to Lana.
“Mark, this is not an issue to be discussed. We were
both drunk adults who were involved in an intimacy, it
ends there” he barked in a whisper the minute they
were alone.
“Well, I’m afraid it has become more than that to me
Tamiel, for the whole week I’ve been trying not to
think about it, but it always comes flashing”.
“That’s your problem, not mine!” he shouted loud,
Zach and Lana could hear outside.
“Tell me you did not enjoy it Tamiel, tell me you did
not feel anything when you entered this door”.
“I might have enjoyed it a bit, but I did not feel
anything right now or moment earlier” whispering in
an angry voice.
“Tell me you don’t like this” he dispersed himself
from his chair, came closer to Tamiel. He wrapped his
left hand around his waist and lifted his chin up with
his right hand holding him like a cupcake to reach the
tall beast he is and kissed him. Tamiel felt that rush
again and stayed on that moment for a few seconds, he
later pushed him away and punched him.

55
THARN B. CROISSANT

Zach and Lana stood outside motionless, both

sustaining their backs on the wall. Lana is still holding
the file and notebook close to her chest, and Zach
hanging the bag by the hand. They both faced down
with none of them willing to talk, a few seconds
passed, and they heard a shout that startled them. Lana
shivered while Zach stood still, she decided to break
the ice.
“So, is your boss always that frightening and livid?”
“Is your boss always conniving and smart-ass?” they
both let out a sweet laugh, “He is not always like that,
he smiles and jokes a lot. Well, you might not believe
me because he is not smiling even on his Wikipedia
page” he grinned.
“Mine is sweet, kind, handsome and smart.
Comparing to his father, I was working for, I think he
took it from his mother, we usually had pep talks” she
smiled facing Zach, they both faced each other and
smiled.
The hurricane came out and commanded “let’s go
Zach” in a stern, outraged voice. Zach waved goodbye
to Lana. He was even more furious than he was when
they got in, made Zach even wonder what happened to
these two, it’s above the business contract. Lana
rushed back inside the office; she found her boss
bleeding on his mouth. As clueless as she was but she
could also tell that what happened here has nothing to
do with LIFE-TH and the hospital, neither it was her
baby to nurse but she had to ask anyway.

56
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“What happened, doctor?” she rushed to his side,

pressing a tissue on his lips.
“Nothing I can’t handle, don’t worry yourself”.
“You need to clean the wound before it is infected”.
“I’ll head to ER now, please don’t tell anyone about
this”.
“I promise”.

57
THARN B. CROISSANT

58
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Chapter Five
Reconciliation

Evening has come, Tamiel is still irritated as he

was at noon. Zach had decided to go back home
because Tinkie had called him, leaving Tamiel alone,
sitting on his couch facing the TV. Even him at the
penthouse can hear hooting cars on the road, the city
showing no intentions of sleeping. He turned on the
TV hoping it would calm him down, but the news
channel was talking about his father who just recently
opened another branch of LIFE-TH and a lab factory
for production of Valed, the opioids, at
Pietermaritzburg. He got angrier at the thought of his
old man not inviting him, leaving him to manage the
headquarters of LIFE-TH in Cape Town. But that is

59
THARN B. CROISSANT

nothing compared to the word ‘medicine’ that

reminded him of Mark.
He changed the channel into animal channel. He got
up dragging his slippers all the way to the kitchen
behind his couch. He opened the fridge and took out a
bottle of beer, he opened it with his bare hands. His
phone rang, as he were to gulp up the bottle. He
answered the call even though the caller ID was not
registered on his phone, thinking it might be
important.
“Tamiel, we have to talk” he got confused by the
caller’s voice he didn’t recognise.
“Who are you?” he placed the bottle on the counter.
“It’s me Mark, please…”.
“You jerk, don’t ever call me again” he hung up,
breathing hard in anger.
There was a knock on his door, that surprised him
because he was not expecting anyone and recently, he
got a call from the person he hates the most
demanding to talk. He wondered if it would be him.
He opened the second shelf below the counter and
pressed its base to reveal a secret shelf. He took out
his handgun and headed to the door, making sure he
will have to paralyse Mark if it is him. He slowly
opened the door, hiding his whole body behind it,
showing only his head. He saw someone with green
eyes who smiled like a fool at his presence.
“What are you doing here?” he asked politely
without fully opening the door.
“Am I not allowed to visit my boyfriend?” she
opened the door herself and got in. She headed to the

60
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

kitchen placing a bag and her car keys on the counter,

“Had dinner yet? I got Thai” she said with a smile on
her face taking the food out of the paper bag.
“Thank you, Sherry” said Tamiel leaning over for a
kiss and placed the gun on the counter.
“For dinner? Don’t you worry, babe, you’re acting
weird” she gave the gun a glance then came back to
him.
“No, for everything” he decided to hold her waist
and kissed her.
He lifted her up and placed her on the counter. Their
eyes closed enjoying the romcom scene. His hands
explored all her body, whilst her hands pleasured
touching his jawline and the beard on his face. He took
off her top and carried on kissing. Tamiel opened his
eyes finding that Sherry had also opened hers. He
looked at these green eyes and they suddenly
reminded him of Mark’s green eyes he stared at this
morning. He tried to continue kissing her, but he could
not help but think about how Mark’s lips were much
softer when he kissed him. Even if Sherry’s lips taste
like cherry, but Mark’s lips were tasteless, and he liked
it. He let go of her immediately and held his head
screaming.
“Get out of me! Get out of me! You piece of shit” he
yelled banging his head.
“Babe! What’s wrong?! What’s happening!?” she
came closer to him and cuddled him and sat down on
the floor. He let a big whimper and covered himself on
her boobs.

61
THARN B. CROISSANT

“I don’t know what is happening with me Sherry. I

keep on disappointing everyone. Never once in my life
have, I ever not make someone doubt my presence in
their lives. I’m truly sorry Sherry Kingsley, I know I’ll
make you disappointed in me too. I’m tired of being
like this but I can’t help it, I dishearten repeatedly. My
father was telling the truth that I’m a failure” he
sobbed even more, “I don’t want this, I don’t want
this”.
“It’s okay Tamiel Peterson, it’s okay babe. I’ll be
right here with you; you should choose yourself first
rather than try to make everyone happy” she held him
even tighter.
A text chimed on his phone; he could not hear it in
rue. Sherry took the phone and read the text from an
unregistered number but somehow seemed familiar on
her eyes.
“I’ll be waiting for you” she tossed the phone down.

In the same evening Mark has been on his way to his

parents’ house. He parked his car outside and in front
of the house. He sat for a few minutes inside the car
thinking about what he has got himself into with
Tamiel. He wished he wouldn’t be feeling anything,
but he cannot ignore what has just grown inside him.
He faced above and touched the wound that Tamiel
gave him, he smiled at himself thinking about how he
got it. He decided to come out of the car after
fantasising about Tamiel. He opened the door of the
house, and his mother came running to him, hugging
him.

62
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Welcome home, honey. You are just in time for

dinner. What happened to your lips?”
“Thank you. Nothing to worry about, just missed the
steps” he said politely entering the house and headed
to the dining table, “Hey old man, how are you
holding up?”
“I am hanging there, son. I heard you no longer
terminating that deal with LIFE-TH” he came closer
and sat beside him.
“I reconsidered it, and saw that it could be beneficial
to us, counting what Mr Tamiel was offering”.
“Good son, he is a great lad, keep him closer” said
Todd, wearing his napkin.
“Yeah, that’s what I’m planning to do Pops” said
Mark looking at his father as if he could read Mark’s
mind.
“Time for dinner no business talk, please” instructed
Veronica placing a pot of stew on the table.
“Mom, why did you cook this much? It’s just you
and dad”.
“We were expecting your sister, sadly she’ll come
tomorrow, during lunch. And sometimes Zanele takes
some leftovers when she has a shift”.
“Wait! Sheila called you? What did she say
exactly?”
“You must have told her you are in town, and you
are the only one she trusts” said Veronica taking a seat.
“I see”.
“Now eat and get some sleep honey”.

63
THARN B. CROISSANT

The sound of hooting cars outside wasn’t loud

enough to wake Tamiel and Sherry up, who finally
found sleep after Tamiel’s whimpers. The text too that
chimed on Tamiel’s phone written, “tonight 8pm, 118
District six, Zonnebloem” failed to wake them up.
Finally, the 7:30 alarm on Sherry’s phone was able to
bring her from the dreamland as she blissfully opened
her eyes. Bed must not be her favourite place as she
instantly abandoned it and roamed the room in her
underpants. Brushing of her teeth was the first thing
she did before proceeding for shower, leaving Tamiel
sleeping on the bed.
She got out of the shower and wrapped herself with
a white towel. Tamiel still slept, fatigue of crying all
night is on duty. She heard a door opening and
assumed it must be Zach since only her and him were
given the spare key cards by Tamiel. She rushed with
the same towel wrapped around her to the kitchen. It
was indeed Zach and he had bags with him.
“Morning, Zach” she greeted with a smile on her
face headed to glass cabinet.
“Morning, ma’am” he smiled respectfully as if he is
greeting the Queen of England.
“You should let him hungry at times, you aren’t his
butler” as she pours coffee on the mug.
“I do not mind actually; I have been doing this since
forever. Is Tamiel still asleep?”
“Oh! Yes, we had a rough night, let me go dress up I
have a lot to do” she met Tamiel awake on the
hallway, “You have eye bags from crying, don’t
pressure yourself this much” she said sniffed his cheek

64
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

and went to the bedroom. He proceeded to the kitchen

and met Zach.
He went to the counter and sat opposite to him
divided by the counter. He took a pancake and shoved
it up on his mouth.
“Tamiel, take a shower first and brush your teeth” he
did not seem to mind that, he continued devouring
everything on his sight.
“Ahh Zach, you still remember that cop, who has
been helping us ‘involuntarily’ thanks to you?”
“Pokey! Yes, I do, he is so thin and scared of you.
What about him?”
“He sent this, this morning” he took out a phone and
showed Zach the text that chimed this morning.
“This means he might have new intel”.
“Exactly, prepare necessary gear. Tell Tinkie not to
call you. You seem tighter with her now, what’s up
with you two?” he took a big gulp and bravely
answered,
“Nothing sir, nothing is happening!” with a sweaty
forehead.

The sound of chirping birds in the morning and the

dog barking outside are the only things Mark missed
the most when he was in Pretoria, little did he know he
were to face the same thing in Cape Town; but not
recently since he is visiting home and took a day off as
he pleases. He could kill for this to ring in his ears for
a lifetime. His mother called him to come downstairs
for breakfast. He quickly got out of bed and brushed
his teeth, now he feels like he is back in school, not a

65
THARN B. CROISSANT

27-year-old man who is a president of the hospital,

slept with a business partner and in capital letters HAS
FEELINGS FOR. “Sure, life is unpredictable” he
thought as he grabbed his phone, checking if whether
Tamiel texted him by mistake or not, but that is a faint
dream, he won’t do that. He thought at how his
grandparents were bugging him about getting married.
“How am I going to get married when he doesn’t want
to see even my hair” he said that out loud as his
mother opened the door.
“Who doesn’t want to see you?” she looked at her
son without blinking.
“No one mom, close the door I’m doing my bed!”
“Hurry up before your father gets mad” she closed
the door and walked away.
This is one of the reasons he doesn’t want to be home,
his mom still treats him like he is 10 and enters his
room without knocking. He texted Sheila telling her to
come home for lunch. He then headed down for
breakfast.

The boardroom of LIFE-TH headquarters is packed

as a meeting between board members and shareholders
is taking place. It is one of those regular meetings
where they talk about sales and gross profit. Other
member brought forward the issue of Celeste Blouse’s
Hospital having an increase in product rendered to
them. It was merely brushed out by the chairman of
the board, Mr Tyida before Tamiel could say anything
in his defence.

66
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

He seemed a bit absent from this meeting as he is

thinking about the possibilities of the new intel from
Pokey. This could be one step closer into getting rid of
his paranoia about his mother. He sat still not wanting
to up his hopes because he might get disappointed.
Later he heard “members, this is it for today” and
everybody got up.
He reluctantly walked out of the boardroom with
everyone smiling at him and saying “good job” not
that he even understands why they are saying it, but he
chose to smile back, unfriendly. He entered in his
office and saw an old man who has the same features
as him, sitting on his chair opposite to Zach. They
seem to have a good conversation, but Zach seemed a
bit petrified, showing respect.

To Sheila who hasn’t visited her home since she

graduated from college it is a toll. She stopped her car
on the driveway without getting it inside. She has
doubts if she should continue with this or not, later she
convinces herself that the most important person is her
twin brother. It sounds more superior to her if she calls
him little brother since she was born 4 minutes and 56
seconds before him. Her family by time had also
started to treat her as the elder sister and him the
youngest. She finally got the courage to come out of
the car. The atmosphere hasn’t changed at all. She got
inside the Williams’ yard, with a house big enough to
have five to six bedrooms and cream white in colour;
everything is nostalgic. She could see her younger self

67
THARN B. CROISSANT

teasing Mark about his superhero dolls and running

around the yard to catch her and rescue one his dolls.
She snapped out of the past and took a few steps
again headed to the door. She recognised how the yard
is clean, which was something that never happened
when they grew up. At toddler age they’d always
throw anything at their current position, lazy enough
to reach the bin. Teenage years, this used to be a party
spot so as the pool at the back. She smiled as these
memories piled up to her head.
She took another step again the door slid open, and a
giant man came running yelling ‘big sis’ till he
reached her and squeezed her tight. Just as she was
about to request for emancipation, her mother as well
as their father joined the hug, leaving her breathless.
They soon let go of her as Veronica suggested they sit
at the patio for lunch. They all moved, Sheila and
Todd sat opposite to each other while Mark was
helping her mother take all the dishes they prepared
for lunch to the patio.
“How have you been, baby?” enquired Todd smiling
like a toddler with a candy.
“I’ve been hanging in there, dad” she replied.
“We are glad you are home; I’ve prepared your
room” Veronica added.
“Actually, I have to go back today, we are hosting an
event tonight at the bar”.
“I should probably visit some time, sis”.
“The one you own with your boyfriend, when are we
meeting him?” asked Todd.
“In due time, father”.

68
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“I still wish you were the one taking my place at the

hospital, you are business wise and older”.
“That’s offensive dad, let Sheila choose her own
path, I’m here anyway. Besides, you need to be a
doctor like me to run the hospital” said Mark with a
grin.
“I am glad to see all of us together again” closed
Veronica.
The family had the cheeriest time of their lives for
the first time in a while. It brought back how they used
to be before Sheila was groomed to take over at the
hospital and later decided not to. Before Mark chose
Gauteng to run away from his dictator of a father. That
broke the family, as the father did not want to listen to
his children wishes. Afternoon came by and they
played games till evening when it was time for Sheila
to go. Mark accompanied her to her car with the
parents’ waving goodbye at the doorstep.
“Thank you, little brother. I didn’t think I missed
this, this much. I assume you have a place in the city”.
“Oh! Yes, I cannot live here” he giggled, “I stay at
condominiums called The Apartments, you should
visit sometime. They will tell you my room number”.
“I will. I missed you a lot. Thank you for taking my
place at the hospital, you really rescued me”.
“You have rescued me many times than this. Also, I
may have not done this for you” they laughed.
“Whatever the reason, thank you because I ended up
not stuck with some grumpy doctors and geezers” they
hugged.
“Be safe sis, I love you”.

69
THARN B. CROISSANT

“I love you too, cry-baby” she got into her car and
drove away. Mark stood still waving.

70
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Chapter Six
You Cover My Heart in Kisses.

F
“ ather, it’s a surprise to see you. What are you
doing here?” talked Tamiel neglecting to close the
door behind him and sat on the chair Zach was sitting
on.
“What do you mean? This is my company”
responded Tyson holding his hands down his chin by
the back.
“You know what I mean”. Tyson threw light
chuckles facing him.
“Okay, first, congratulations on salvaging that deal
of the hospital. Secondly, please come with me I must
show you something” he paused and looked out of the

71
THARN B. CROISSANT

door, “Sally, come here I have news” he came fast and

entered the door.
“Oh! Uncle, you’re back, congratulations on that
PMB branch in KwaZulu-Natal” cheered Sally when
his presence now was in.
“You kids made that possible, though thank you.
Hope you’ve heard about Tamiel getting things
running and winning the Williams back” his face was
rather chummy looking at Sally.
“Oh! Yes, we just talked about it in the latest
meeting” he looked at Tamiel with a predictable fake
grin.
“You know, you two are my only hopes in the
success of this company, you need to make it bigger
than it is”.
“Of course, let me excuse myself, I have work to do”
he got out of the door in haste.
“Now son, let’s go and see that something” he stood
up and Tamiel followed up after him with Zach at the
tail.
They drove south with Tamiel and Tyson at the back,
Zach, and Chris, Tyson’s right-hand man, at the front
of the car. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves
except Tamiel who didn’t bother to engage in their
conversation. He was glaring into space with two
major things on his mind, Pokey and Mark.
They’ve finally arrived at their destination. It is a
hotel with a casino, named Crystal Hotel, it is the hotel
that occupies every rich person in town doing their
bidding at the casino. It is owned by Tyson Peterson
alongside with The Apartments where Mark lives and

72
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

several other estates that Tamiel has not come to their

knowledge yet. The hotel is named after their mother,
Crystal Langa.
Tamiel got out of the car and looked at his father then
gave the hotel a glance again as if it’s the first time
seeing it.
“I bet you didn’t get me here to play poker or to
book a room” chided Tamiel stepping forward.
“Let’s get inside son, don’t be impatient” they got
inside and went straight to the office without greeting
any staff.
“This is the room son” widening his arms as if they
could fill the office.
“What about it?”
“You know after your mom’s death we were all
devastated. So, I built this hotel in her memory since
she always wanted to own one. It has always been my
wish for my daughter to inherit it, hoping it could
bring her much closer to her mother. But after you a
became a beast and tamed Todd’s son, I think you
deserve it. I was sure Mark was going to jeopardise 30
years of partnership, but you convinced him somehow
even if you knew little of it. If you feel like giving it to
Tinkie after she has graduated college, have at it” he
smiled.
“Snatching Tinkie her inheritance. What do you
want me to say?”
“Nothing son, also, I apologise for saying all those
things to you on your birthday. I proved to be an awful
father, forgive me son” he stood still not knowing
what to do.

73
THARN B. CROISSANT

He faltered at words with a transfixed face and said,

“Apology accepted’’ as to test waters.
“No problem, sit down and let us have a drink.
Chris, Zach join us”.
After a few drinks and awesome time, Tamiel and
Zach had to excuse themselves rushing to an
emergency errand. Tyson did not ask any questions but
let them excuse themselves. Car was driven at full
speed by Zach heading to an address given to Tamiel
this morning. Their arrival was ten minutes late from
the scheduled time.
It is a small pub where ordinary civilians go. They
entered a room full of noisy folks and they stole the
spotlight with their exquisite dress code. They scanned
the whole room, a thin man with a sharp nose raised
his hands and they went to his direction. Suddenly
people ignored their presence, but a few who entered
the pub behind them did not get their eyes off them.
They sat on the same table as the thin man, Tamiel
folded his legs on top of each other. Zach placed his
hands on top of the table and demanded him to talk.
He seemed petrified and did not look at Tamiel but
only faced Zach.
“I managed to get into the captain’s computer and
found something” in a terrified, fast voice he
spluttered.
“What is it?” queried Zach while Tamiel continued
to shut his mouth.
“Do you have that thing first?” asked Pokey for
certainty.

74
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“I never disappoint, start talking” in a calm voice

added Tamiel.
“I was able to delve something. Apparently, Crystal
Langa Peterson’s car 12 years ago had cut brakes.
Meaning her death was not an accident. The statement
of two minors who were inside was doctored to be
presented as a drunk adult civilian with minors in a
car”.
“What did you just say?” roared Tamiel banging the
table with fists.
Pokey got even more terrified at Tamiel’s black mass
murderous eyes, shakingly he added,
“I got into something extra you didn’t ask for. At the
same time, Captain Wiel received an amount of
R100K on his account from an unknown benefactor,
also instantly got promoted from detective to Captain,
and continual received R25K monthly from the time
of his promotion, although it is covered by his
restaurant” Tamiel got even more frustrated at the
suffix. Nothing major was on his mind than berserk for
holler and rage. Zach touch his shoulder after noticing
the rage leaking, to calm him.
“Do you have any proof of this?” asked Zach.
“Yeah” Pokey took out an envelope and gave it to
Zach, “case was closed as suicide after kidnapping
minors, due to history of depression” Zach also took
out an envelope in a smaller size but fatter and gave it
to Pokey.
“Thank you” he said. Tamiel and Zach got up and
out of the club.

75
THARN B. CROISSANT

They got into their car, the guys inside the pub who
kept on staring at them got out too. They drove their
own car and followed Tamiel’s car. It didn’t take long
for Zach to notice they were being followed. He
attempted to reroute at the different street, but they
were able to catch up easily. The shooting started on
Plein Street in the middle of the city when the
following car opened fire first as to eliminate. The
attackers shot Tamiel’s tyres, forcing them to come out
of the car and be unable to run. Luckily, the two
successfully abandoned their damaged car after
realising they are outnumbered. They both hid by the
building. None was talking, but both thinking of how
to get out of this predicament. Zach was able to show
his head after chambering his silver Canik TP9SF that
he and Tamiel always keep on the car and took a shot
at the driver on the car wandering searching for them.
Both understood how dire the situation was and how
Zach’s risk has exposed their position. Their car
stopped after the driver was shot in the head. Tamiel
saw the possibility, and him too showed his head as
they tried to come out of the car and took one of them
in the chest. The aggressors became even more blood
thirsty when their number started to diminish. Zach
attempted to take another shot, but they shot him
instead. It was instant that the light blinded him and
slowly went down in request for Tamiel to run. Tamiel
was hesitant to run, trying to put pressure on Zach’s
wound on the abdomen to stop the bleeding.
“Hang in there!” he ordered to Zach who coughed
blood at his constant request of Tamiel’s flee.

76
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

The provokers got even closer than before. He felt

anger inside him as he felt Zach’s heartbeat going
faint. He held tight his gun yet again as he showed
himself shooting randomly with teary eyes till the clip
was empty. Unknowingly he took one of them again.
Despair ate him as he ran away leaving Zach behind.
“How long are this people going to follow me?”
thought Tamiel as he just turned the corner losing
them after desperately running for a few kilometres.
Nothing comes in his mind; he forces himself to think
about the next step; still mind blank. They are in the
city centre; they have managed to take down his car
with the rain of bullets. He had no choice but to run by
foot. Zach his dearest friend pops in his mind, who is
lying down on the road bleeding to death; “I’ll give
you a proper burial”, he whispered. His grief is
disturbed by a bullet missing him by an inch passing
like a mini tornado. They seem to be very familiar
with the city, must be not their first rodeo. He must
lose them at all costs.
He saw an open restaurant upfront him and he ran to
it with a swarm of bullets looking to poke holes on
him. He barged in wishing he was a top Olympic
athlete. People started to scream at the sounds of
gunshots as he proceeded to the kitchen. Nothing
comes to mind on how he should buy time. ‘Fire’ hit
his brain cells, but he doesn’t know how to start one
since he never paid attention in Chemistry class.
The screaming of people has covered any sound
made by the pursuers. He thinks about how all these

77
THARN B. CROISSANT

people are taking bullets for him as the noise toned

down.
“Please don’t block me on heaven’s gates” he says as
he takes anything in front of him with a scientific
name, so as the cooking oil. He poured it all on the
burning stoves and the fire was successfully lit causing
commotion in the kitchen when other workers ran for
their lives and others trying to stop it.
He smirked as he witnesses his genius work which
happened unexpectedly. He exited the restaurant
through the back scurrying in joy and for his dear life.
“They won’t be coming for a few seconds, think
Tamiel” he hit his head running. Every road he takes
had seem to be leading nowhere and he is running out
of strength. He thought about how his father would’ve
considered this a basic trial after he survives. He even
doesn’t know how these people pinpointed his
location, or it is a setup after tonight’s meeting with
that guy. Well sure they are not hitmen since they are
way to slovenly. He had managed to take down three
of them, but that was before when he was still with
Zach and had a full clip gun not this toy he currently
possesses. He immediately found a route that might
take him out the CBD.
He might be able to flee and get to make a call on
the way, perhaps Mark, a recent acquittance. Although
he has no intentions of meeting him, but he might be
of big help at this moment. He wishes he was an MC
in a movie, he would’ve kicked these guys asses with
martial arts. He felt his leg getting warmer but not
from the heat he is secreting himself. He bent down

78
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

and saw a gunshot wound with no exit hole. He had

been shot and could not feel it because of the
adrenaline. This only means one thing; they’ve already
got through the fire and now getting closer by the
second. He turned back and saw two out three
following him.
They became even more pissed than they were.
Tamiel found himself doing something he never
thought he would.
“Get out of the car” he shouted at the cab driver on
the driveway pointing a gun at him.
“Please don’t shoot me” he whined as he attempts to
leave the car with his hands up high.
“I don’t even have bullets” he thought to himself as
the driver has one foot out, “Get the hell out” he
blasted, and the man quickly came out. Tamiel claimed
the car and started the ignition to prepare departure.
“Now I have the wheels, and you on foot. Let’s race
boys” their gunshots hit the windows. He drove even
faster before their mind click ‘wheels’.
He managed to lose them and only 4 km till he
reaches the suburbs. The car stopped moving, he got
out and checked the problem. The tire is flat, they
eventually managed to shoot it. The problem is now
what to do. He took his phone out which was lucky
enough to survive. He scrolled on the contacts and
finally found him. He reluctantly clicked at him and
placed the phone on his ear.
“This is a surprise, you? Calling me?”

79
THARN B. CROISSANT

“This is not a casual call Mark. I’m stranded here,

I’ll send you coordinates, and come get me” he made
it quickly as possible.
“A ‘please’ will do”.
“Then don’t come” he hung up confident enough
that Mark will come, he still has hope of them talking
their previous issue.
Mark came after a few minutes to the coordinates
sent by Tamiel before the people chasing him arrived.
It was not a thrilling moment for Tamiel, but Mark is
the only person he knows that they won’t bother to
look for. He did not bother asking what has happened,
he drove back to his parents’ house with the bleeding
Tamiel on his car.

“Update” said the man on a phone.

“He got away sir, we just found a car he stole
abandoned, looks like he bled a lot,” said the goon.
“Damn it! You’re all useless!”
“We managed to eliminate the bodyguard”.
“Satisfactory, meet me tomorrow”.

He seems quiet for a guy who punched him

yesterday as they continued to drive to the outskirts.
They arrived at Williams’ house and Mark explained
how discreet they should be. He sneakily got Tamiel to
his room without his parents noticing by holding under
his shoulder as he limped. The blood traces from the
door up to Marks room were left behind. Just as they
arrived inside Mark’s bedroom, he took one of his t-
shirts on the cloth bin and wet it on the bathroom. He

80
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

went out leaving Tamiel on the chair, groaning with

pain and the wound wrapped with Mark’s scarf they
found in the car. He wiped all the traits and met his
mother on his way from the kitchen grabbing the first
aid kit and a bowl.
“Honey, what’s all this noise? Why is there blood on
your shirt?”
“Nothing mom. I went out to meet a friend and got
nosebleed on the way, then I came back” he hid the
shirt behind his back.
“Let me see, give me the kit” she came closer to
him.
“No need mom, I got this, goodnight” he stuttered
with few giggles, and he left in a flash.
He rushed back to his room barging like Hitler
himself is chasing him. He found Tamiel groaning like
a mule with pain, not able to hold it any longer. Before
sitting down below Tamiel and untying the scarf, he
collected water with the bowl from the bathroom and a
fresh towel. Tamiel took off his trouser gingerly. The
wound he revealed was an eyesore filled with blood.
Mark began treating the wound, he requested for a
phone, his has died out of battery. Mark took out his
phone on the pocket and gave it to him. With Mark
cleaning the wound he dialled his home telephone
number.
“Peterson household, good evening” said a voice on
the phone.
“Sis Nomvuyo, you are still awake, it’s Tamiel,
please transfer this call to the guard’s cottage, I need
Vuyo”.

81
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Okay sir” he paused while groaning, “hello sir, you

are looking for me”.
“Yes. Vuyo do this for me. Go to the city on the site
of the shooting that aired tonight on the news, Plein
Street. Check if Zach is still there, rush him to the
hospital if he still has a pulse and bring him home if
otherwise. After that, hack on the traffic cameras and
look where the plate CF 3249 passed to, throughout
the day”.
“Consider it done, sir” he hung up and gave the
phone back to Mark groaning at the injection of pain.
“Hold on let me get a pair of scissors” said Mark
getting up, opening a drawer on his headboard.
“Wait! What would be that for?”
“We need to get the bullet out Tamiel”.
“Ahh, I’m not having some ‘president’ kid play
doctor on me”.
“I am an actual surgeon, Tamiel, do you want to see
my license? I know what I am doing” he bowed down
to his feet and prepared for the ‘operation’.
“Why are you doing all this Mark?”
“Because the bullet will hinder your healing”.
“No, I mean all this”.
He smirked a bit, “You called me remember” he
sighed, “I also do not know. One morning I woke up
wanting to recreate an ideal hospital, first by untying
ourselves with LIFE-TH. I saw a spoiled brat on our
first meeting, but you looked a bit cute”.
“Don’t call me that”. Mark chuckled.
“I ignored that; chairman warned me about
terminating the deal, but I had no intentions to listen.

82
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Later, I heard you banging a woman in a club, I

became even more sure I don’t want to be tied with
you. I got to fight with you, guys I don’t know, I bet
you were their target; I felt like we were a power
couple” yet again he scoffed, “I guess that’s where it
all started, because I couldn’t help but notice that you
are imperturbable. I got attracted when I saw you
drunk and controlling that dance floor. I later found
myself fucking you, which I enjoyed it. Holding your
slim body of eight pack abs, caramel skin. What’s
more amusing was you, pulling a gun out on me in the
morning. Then I called a board meeting and agreed to
your terms of the new deal, I grew some feelings I
shouldn’t have, and I can’t ignore them. And now I am
tending your wound in my parents’ house. I know our
feelings may not be mutual, but I have to say it
anyway, I like you Tamiel, a lot!” Tamiel had listened
attentively as if he can no longer feel pain in his thigh.
“Why are you writing a book about me, jerk” in that
groaning voice he lowered his tone, “What if I were to
tell you that I also…ahh, you son of a bitch!” he
shouted out loud, “Why didn’t you warn me?” the
bullet was out.
He smiled looking him at his angry face, “You
wouldn’t have relaxed your body, it would hurt more.
What were you saying?”
“Nothing” he gasped.
A minute later there was a knock on the door, luckily
it was locked.
“Mark honey, what was that? Is there something
going on?”

83
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Netflix mom, don’t worry yourself, go back to

sleep!”
“Your mom sure cares about you” said Tamiel in a
calm voice.
“She treats me like I’m 10” he grinned.
“Be glad she is still alive and cares about you” he
closed his eyes leaning his head on the chair.
“What happened to yours?”
“Died in a car accident 12 years ago. That car had
me and Tinkie, my little sister, she spent whole two
months in a coma she was eight years old and
paralysed for two years”.
“Sorry for your loss” he got up and headed to his
closet, he took a few clothes and threw them on the
bed, “Change into these and take the bed, you’re
injured, I’ll take the floor”.

It would have been a lovely night to Tamiel, but he

kept on tossing and turning the whole night, worrying
about Zach and the assailants’ motive. He could not
rough up a list of possible adversaries.
You can tell it will be a beautiful day today, with the
sun hitting on Tamiel’s black eyes and the smell of
flowers’ fragrance forcing its way to the room. Tamiel
only slept a bit but suddenly woke up. He turned over
on the bed and looked at the sleeping Mark below him.
He is such a neat sleeper; his blanket is not messy, and
he is not drooling. His biceps are much bigger as he is
folding his arms to create an extra pillow supporting
his head with long hair. His hair has remained perfect
so as his eyebrows, but Tamiel takes the cup on the

84
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

perfect eyebrows. He wondered what it is he is feeling

for this man he had not known for long. Mark’s phone
suddenly rang, Tamiel tossed over again. Mark woke
up to answer his phone. His voice was fully in sleep,
but ears could grasp words.
“Hello. Yes. Huh? I’ll be there asap” he hung up and
suddenly woke up hasting.
“What is it, Mark?” asked Tamiel who has now sat
on his butt.
“I must go to the hospital. This morning someone
with a gunshot wound collapsed at the reception of the
hospital calling my name”. Tamiel rose from the bed.
“I’m coming too, let’s shower together”.
“No sir you are not, and hell no, we are not doing
that!”
He came closer to Mark pointing his hands at Mark’s
chest,
“Mark! Vuyo called on your phone when you were
sleeping, to report he did not find Zach at last night’s
scene. This might be him, he is my best friend Mark”
he paused taking off his shirt, “And it’s not like you
have never seen me naked before, I’m giving you
permission this time”.
“You initiated it last time” defensively said Mark in
a high pitch and took off his shirt too. A door opened.
“Honey, me and dad are… who is this?” she smirked
in curiosity.
“Mom please, it’s no one” as he held his mother’s
shoulders and escorted her downstairs.
“No Mark, introduce me to that boy, are you two
dating?”

85
THARN B. CROISSANT

“I wish. No! No, mom that’s my business, go tend

dad”.
He went back to his room in a hurry and found
Tamiel in a shower, he took off his pants and joined
him.
Tamiel used every spare of Mark’s cosmetics.
Minutes later Mark proved to be efficient as he got
Tamiel out of the house avoiding his parents with
Tamiel limping till they got into the car, and they hit
the road to the hospital.
“You bled like a pig, look” said Mark pointing by his
eyes at the blood stains.
“That’s not funny Mark” he turned the radio on,
’Love me back to life’ by Celine Dion played, “What
kind of music is this, nerd?” he changed it into FM.
“The police have not yet found any suspect about
last night’s shooting on Plein Street. The three
deceased bodies were found on Plein Street and
another on Long Street. It is believed…” he turned it
off.
“I told you that might be Zach”.
“We don’t know that, yet. And please calm down
you’re disturbing me”.
They drove in silence, both restless. They arrived at
the hospital, none of them is dressed formally. They
are both in casuals with Tamiel wearing Mark’s shirt
and seemingly a bit bigger than him, luckily there is a
belt for the trousers to hide the shame. They got off
from the car as if it were a horse, they did not bother
talking to the receptionist, instead they headed on the
direction of Mark’s office where they can find Lana.

86
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Lana addressed that Dr Zitha the Chief of Surgery is

about to operate on him. They rushed to the operation
room Lana directed them to and found Dr Zitha
preparing. Mark requested to scrub with him. That left
Lana confused as to how are they close again when
two days ago they punched each other.
During the operation Tamiel decide to call Tinkie
notifying her about yesterday’s incident, and that there
is a possibility that Zach might be dead. Tinkie came
rushing to the hospital wanting to know if it is Zach or
not.
After a few a hours Mark came out along with Zitha.
The siblings were both impatient, waiting for an
answer from these two surgeons. They stood at their
presence and looked them straight in the eyes.
“So, Mark, who is it?” inquired Tamiel impatiently.
“You must be Tinkie? Morning, I’m Mark, your
brother’s friend” he looked for a handshake with a
retardant smile.
“Business partner. Mark cut the bullshit” barked
Tamiel.
“Dr Zitha was able to get the bullet out of the
patient. He’s not out of the woods yet and still
unconscious, we don’t know when he will wake up”.
“Okay, who?” the persistent Tamiel.
“The patient’s name is Zacharia Ntusi, his features
give those of Zach, although I saw him twice, but you
confirm it yourselves since you know him better”.
The siblings let out a big sigh of relief.
“That’s his name, but we will confirm it by seeing
him” said Tamiel.

87
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Excuse me then, I need to go to my apartment, I

need to get a few things before getting back to work”.
“Thanks fella you helped a lot. Cupcake I think you
should see him first; I’ll grab some refreshments”.
“Okay ani”.
A few minutes later, Tinkie got into Zach’s ward and
sat beside him holding his held. Bandages covered his
body and band aids on his face that is a bit grazed. He
slept serenely on the hospital bed. She has confirmed
that it is really him by seeing him. She looked
different directions as to scan people’s presence before
facing Zach again.
“It’s saddening seeing you like this. I do not know
what to say, considering you might not hear me,
although the doctors guaranteed you will. You need to
come back Zachy, my brother needs you, I need you!”
she began to sob, so as the voice to be gravely, “I don’t
know if I’m going to survive without you. I don’t want
to lose another person I love. The last time we spoke
we were going to tell Tams about us. I no longer have
the means to wait. I love you Zacharia, please wake
up. I feel complete with you beside me” she said,
weeping on top of him, Tamiel was standing near the
door listening every word.
Inexplicable feels of sour filled his emotions at his
best friend and little sister courage of hiding their
relationship because of him. Tinkie has never shed
tears for anyone except him and his mother, not even
their father. Now grew the urge of admitting the
feelings he has been in denial to lately. He entered the
room and placed the glass of iced tea near Tinkie and

88
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

rushed out that moment not letting her talk. He strode

to exit the hospital and requested a ride from Uber to
The Apartments.
He arrived and entered the building in that speed
with no questions from the workers since he is the
owner’s son. He requested a master key card from the
reception to access the elevator, he got in till he
reached the 13th floor and scurried without stopping to
Mark’s room. He knocked only twice, and he opened.
“Tamiel, what are you doing here? I thought I told
you I’m coming back” said the shirtless Mark who is
exposing his big chest and arms.
He doesn’t like hair on his body except on his head.
He smiled and flicked his hair as if he wants Tamiel to
take a glance at his neck too. His 8 pack abs are a bit
bigger and more chiselled than Tamiel’s as so his
waist.
“We need to talk” he entered the room; Mark
followed him behind neglecting to close the door.
“About what? Something happened to him, is it not
Zach?”
“No! Yes! Just shut up and let me talk” he faced
Mark straight in the eyes not wanting to get tempted
by his body before he says what he wants to say. Mark
has his hands on the pockets of the trouser he is left
with, “I don’t know what is happening to me or how it
has happened, but I’ll conclude it with one thing. What
I did with you Mark, I’ve never done it with any guy
before. You made me have traces of gratification on
my mind, by my first time. I kept on denying my need
of it, but my body demands it. It demands you and

89
THARN B. CROISSANT

long for you, that I can’t stand being beside you, I end
up losing my temper, get angry. About what you said
yesterday treating my wound, here I say it. I like you
too Mark Williams” he came closer not giving Mark a
chance to reply and held his hard cheeks of tough
jawline with both his hands and kissed him. Mark held
on to his waist with his both big hands. They stayed in
that moment until…
“What the hell?!” a lady at the door yelled, dropping
the plastic bags. They both looked at the door and
shouted,
“Sheila?!”
“Sherry?!”

90
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

91
THARN B. CROISSANT

PART TWO

92
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

93
THARN B. CROISSANT

Chapter Seven
Here Comes Trouble.

She got off her car a few metres from The

Apartments main entrance carrying plastic bags. She
closed the trunk of her dark red SUV with a smile. She
stood steadily looking at the name of the building as if
she could see the person she came to.
The elevator closed as she takes a step inside the
lobby headed to the reception. With her cheerful face
she entered the building with, she greets the
receptionist and states the identity of the person she
came to. The receptionist’s mind was like it had been
jogged, he made a recognising face while looking for a
spare key card and accompanied her to the elevator.
They got inside and pressed the 13th floor button.
“Room 1313” said the receptionist as he took off
going back to his post.
Her elegant catwalk is marvellous so as her red dress
she considers casual. She is walking on the hallway
looking at the room numbers; she hears people talking

94
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

and they suddenly stopped, and finally saw 1311 with

1312 on her left. But the following room has an open
door, that must make it 1313 what she is exactly
looking for. She turns 90 degrees preparing to enter
the room and saw her shirtless twin brother holding
her beloved boyfriend by the waist, kissing. Nothing
came into her mind as she felt her chest getting
heavier. Her neck was tied making her even more
unable to breathe. She could not control her body nor
her emotions filling up with anger. She immediately
dropped the plastic bags and yelled, “What the hell?!”
which echoed on the whole floor.
Tamiel and Mark untied the passionate kiss and
looked out the door, they saw a woman and shouted in
unison, “Sheila” “Sherry”. She ran away and found
her way to the elevator. The two boys stood in shock
and faced each other not knowing whether to follow
her or not. Spark in their minds told them to haste
chase after her. By the time they exited the door the
elevator was already closing its doors with her inside.
They immediately took the stairs, following each other
like James Bond’s movie.
Adrenaline made Tamiel feel no pain in his legs.
Finally, they arrived at the lobby and witnessed her car
passing the entrance. They stopped in faze, Tamiel
holding his head and Mark with hands on his hips and
a worried face. He finally asked what has been
confusing.
“Wait Tamiel, why were you chasing after her?”
“What do you mean? Why were you?” replied
Tamiel furiously.

95
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Because she is my sister”. Tamiel widened his eyes

and yelled,
“Fuck, the green eyes! That’s my girlfriend” and
took off by foot, trying to reach Sherry’s apartment,
letting Mark not react to the issue.
“Tamiel! Stop, you’re bleeding, your wound has
opened,” shouted Mark.
“And you’re shirtless!” replied Tamiel as he turned
the corner.

At noon, three men stood in wait with their hands

behind their backs for good gesture. In the
sophisticated office, comes a man wearing a grey suit,
that could cost a local businessman his whole capital.
He entered the room boastfully to assume order of the
atmosphere. He headed to the desk at the back of the
room, passing these three men who are standing here,
who have now bowed their heads showing respect. He
turned around leaning on the desk by his buttocks
showing his rather aggravated face as if these men
could help wipe it. The man in the middle brushed his
thighs in fear as this well-dressed man came closer to
them. He took off his coat and threw it on the couch
leaving him with a pullover, he loosened his tie getting
it off his neck. He unbuttoned the collar and wrists
buttons of his shirt, rolling the sleeves up.
“How did he get away?” he spoke softly in a
condescending voice.
The man near the door replied,
“Our apologies sir; he created a commotion to stall
us”.

96
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

He slapped all three of them and yelled, “You

imbeciles!” and fumed in anger breathing hard, “Are
you the one who collected the bodyguard’s body?”
“It was not at the scene when we came back, they
must’ve taken it or the police did” replied the leading
assailant with a horrendous face of cut scars.
“Fuck! Who knows, perhaps he may still be alive.
Did he see your faces?”
“We don’t know Mr Peterson”.
“I have a proposition sir” voiced the most terrified
middleman, “How about we tail him from now on, we
might find out if the bodyguard is alive or not. Also,
he may be easily disposed with no bodyguard
protecting him or having some amateur”.
“That’s good thinking” he throbbed his fingers
against another hand, “and I already have someone
from the mansion who can play bodyguard to him. I’ll
give you the guy’s contact, execute the plan,” said Mr
Peterson.
An old woman showed her head at the door. She
looked pretty for a woman her age with a red lipstick
and strawberry blonde hair.
“Sally darling, you have a call from work. Answer
your phone” she said.
“Thanks mom, I’ll attend to it now” he replied.

It wasn’t long and Tamiel had finally arrived at the

building of Sherry’s condominium. He went up the
stairs with the janitor chasing after him. He arrived at
the door and knocked a thousand times but there was
no response. He knocked tirelessly shouting Sherry’s

97
THARN B. CROISSANT

name till he sat down parallel to the door, giving his

whole body to the floor.
“Babe! Babe! Sherry! Please open the door. I beg
you babe; we need to talk. Let me explain” he
persistently said as his eyes got watery with tears, and
they rolled down his cheeks. “Babe please. I’m sorry
for what you’ve seen and everything, please open the
door and let me explain”.
The door opened behind him, and he was up on his
both feet in a blink of an eye. He witnessed the sad,
crying Sherry on the door. You can tell by the way
she is that all these news are not building up well on
her.
“Babe, thank you. I am so sorry” he said in a
sorrowful, begging voice.
“Why Tamiel?! Why!?” as tears fell down her
cheeks, she could hardly construct a single word to a
sentence. Her breaking voice is hindering all her
speech.
“I… I… I” he stuttered stretching his arms to her
and she stepped back.
“With my own brother!”
“I didn’t know babe, I’m sorry. Love, please forgive
me” he began to weep involuntarily not at her dismay
but of the foundation and the feelings he can’t ignore.
“Don’t ever come here! I don’t want to see your face
ever again!” she slammed the door at his face. He
stood there motionless for a few minutes lost in
despair. He then heard Sherry’s phone ringing inside,
so as the voice as she answers.
“What Mark?!” she yelled answering the phone.

98
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Sis, I’m sorry, can we please talk” he said in a calm

voice over the phone.
“I trusted you, Mark! I love you!” her tears have not
once stopped falling, “you just chose to bang my
boyfriend, was it good?”
“I didn’t know he was your boyfriend sis, I’m so
sorry”.
“Get lost Mark!” she hung up and screamed out
loud in agony. Then, Tamiel’s phone rang outside, and
he answered.
“Mark now is not a good time” replied Tamiel, a
door opened behind him, and Sherry hollered in the
corridors.
“So now you are calling each other, keeping the
honeymoon up huh?! Go to hell both of you! I don’t
want either of you in my life anymore!” she closed the
door leaving the sad Tamiel outside still holding his
phone.

Devastation has taken over Tamiel’s body with no

hope for salvation. His assumptions of always
disappointing and hurting everyone has been proven.
He checks his phone as he has been doing for the past
week, sitting in his office desk hoping perhaps Sherry
would have replied after the countless messages he has
sent.
His indecisiveness between the two siblings buries
him alive. Still his best friend laid in comatose. Vuyo
has had no luck on successfully tracing the car and its
passengers. The only thing seemingly been good is his
relationship with his father and the business. He put

99
THARN B. CROISSANT

down his phone, going up and down in his office like a

headless chicken; his phone rang in that motion.
“Cupcake how are you doing?” he softens his voice.
“Ani, you need to come to the hospital!” with an
emotionless tone but can sense trembling from the
voice.
“What has happened cupcake? What’s wrong with
Zach?” his tone is heightened.
“Just hurry and come ani!” she hung up.
In a haste he grabbed his car keys and found his way
out. He ran in a parking garage to the side of his car
until he reached it. He got inside, started the ignition,
and drove like crazy to the hospital. To the distance he
took as few kilometres before, now it is like a lifetime
road drive.
He arrived in a hospital running like he is being
chased by a bunch of jaguars till he reached Zach’s
room and Tinkie welcomed him with a river of tears
looking for his embrace. He held her tight, trying to
comfort her without looking at where Zach is lying.
His mind could already conclude one possibility of the
tears. A voice came from the room disturbing Tinkie’s
cry.
“Is that you… Tamiel?” it stuttered with no sign of
strength.
“Zach! Zach, you are awake!” he roared in
excitement abandoning Tinkie, heading to the man on
the bed.
“Ah! You’re so loud would you shut up” he said
giving a smirk.

100
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“This is what I wanted to tell you ani, but I couldn’t

stop crying” a smile filled her face and suggested to
leave them both to talk. She exited the room and went
to the nearest couch she could find. She sat down and
took out her phone, scrolled on her contact list looking
for someone close to her and Zach so she can tell them
about the current situation. She found her, finally. A
bossy, husky voice greeted her on the phone.
“Hello, Sherry, how are you doing?” with a sweet
voice as a jazz singer.
“I’m good Tinkie, if you are calling about Tamiel
just hung up” sounding annoyed.
“What about Tamiel? I just called about Zach”.
She got confused, “What about Zach?”
“He woke up”.
“Uh, it’s a new day he is supposed to” they both
paused and talked simultaneously.
“Tamiel didn’t tell you”.
“No, he did not”.
“He was shot a week ago and was in a coma. He just
woke up at Celeste Blouse’s”.
“I’ll be there as haste of time” she ended the call and
Tinkie sat still.
Meanwhile Tamiel is talking with the sudden rose
from dead Zach.
“Funny how missing you has built up with a lot to
tell you about”.
“I can tell, how have you been?”
“I should be the one asking you that” they both
scoffed, “I cheated on Sherry, and she found out” he
blatantly said and pulled a straight face.

101
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Yikes, cheating is another thing but founding out is

worse. How is she?”
“Not holding this really good”.
“Who was she anyway?”
“Remember on my birthday, when I left the dinner
table angry”.
“Yeah, of course”.
“I went to one of the mid-class clubs we used to go
to in college. I got wasted and banged someone
random in the bathrooms”.
“How did she found out then, she told?”
“Shut up please. After that I happened to get wasted
again and someone took me home and we shagged”.
“Hey there Casanova, who was this second person?”
“The worse you could ever imagine. Mark
Williams”.
“What?!” he coughed in his surprised state and tilted
his head even more to face him.
“Do you want to die again? It doesn’t end there”.
“There’s more? I will definitely cease to exist”.
“Turns out Mark is Sherry’s twin brother”.
“You’ve got to be kidding, you sexed the siblings.
You couldn’t be more damned, brother. How did she
found out; Mark spilled?”
“It was supposed to be one time, but he suddenly
grew feelings and chased after me”.
“Now I can add your brawl at the hospital”.
“I might have also started feeling something for
him”.
“But you’ve never shown affection to any male
before”.

102
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“I still don’t, and I can’t explain how he is able to

make me feel this. About a week ago when I heard
Tinkie pouring all her emotions and tears unto you, I
also had the urge to do the same”.
“About that… we were planning on telling you”.
“Don’t worry about it, so I went to Mark’s apartment
thinking with my heart not my brains and I confessed
all the feelings to him, and we kissed”.
“Sounds romantic to me, and betrayal to Miss
Sherry”.
“All along Sherry was watching at the door”.
“OH! This is worse than bad. I feel sorry for Miss
Sherry not you”.
“Me too. Wait, whose side are you on Zach?”
“The victims’ side of course and that’s Miss Sherry.
How do you plan to fix this?”
“I don’t know, I was hoping you would tell me”.
“Have you taken notice that I just came out of coma
two hours ago?”
A gorgeous lady, wearing a sky-blue dress with
crystal earrings so as her shoes, stood beside Tinkie on
the door. The two ladies walked inside with the other
carrying purple lily flowers, going to the left of Zach’s
head avoiding Tamiel. Tamiel stood up instantly and
looked at her.
“Sherry!” he said not wanting to alarm any feelings.
“I didn’t come here for you Tamiel, I came for Zach”
as she put the flowers in the vase and folds her hands
in her abdomen.
“Thank you, Miss Sherry,” said Zach, breathlessly.

103
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Apparently, he has been awake for two hours, I

spent all the time to myself” said Tinkie trying to
break the awkwardness.
The nurse entered the room and requested all of
them to excuse the patient, as he needs his rest. They
all went out, with no talking on the corridor. Tinkie
took a different direction leaving alone Sherry and
Tamiel.
“Sherry may we please talk, I beg you”.
“Talk about what Tamiel?”
“About what you saw”.
“Oh! You mean you kissing my brother and hands all
over each other? Say it”.
“I didn’t know he was your brother, then”.
“Neglect the fact that he is my brother. Let’s talk
about you, do you like him?”
“We don’t need to talk about that now”.
“Answer the damn question Tamiel” she said in a
low toned aggressive voice.
“I may be feeling something for him, but I love
you”.
“As friends, you never once felt deep love for me”
she retardant laughed, “When did it start?”
“That’s not true” he paused and faced down to later
talk slowly, “It was on my birthday”.
“All along you’ve been bending each other. You
knew you have a girlfriend Tamiel!”
“It only happened once! Why are we treating this as
an affair?’
“Now I get why you were apologising that night. I
understand that I might have put some pressure to you

104
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

into starting this relationship, we were always good

friends. How about we take a break, and you work on
your feelings. Between these siblings go to the one
your heart really beats for” curtly she said and
waddled away for Tamiel to watch.
“Sherry, wait!”
It was as if sadness has reached its limit on her, she
walked feeling pain in her chest but not a single tear
looked to emancipate her eyes. She heard a man’s
voice calling her name and she stopped. The tall beast
man came closer to her hurrying.
“Sis, I’m glad to see you” he said tossing his hair to
the side.
“I even forgot you work here, what is it, Mark?”
“I’ll be quick, I’m sorry for sleeping with your
boyfriend. It only happened once, and I was the one
who pursued him after. It is all my fault, not his”.
“It’s fine little brother, you didn’t know he is my
boyfriend, you just saw a gorgeous man as I did. But
he knew he had a girlfriend and still fell for someone
else”.
“I’m truly sorry for all this, sis”.
“I don’t know if I should still use the term
‘boyfriend’, we are currently taking a break so he can
think about what he truly needs. Knowing Tamiel, he
will go to the first person he truly desire”.
“You don’t have to do this. I was just a phase you
and Tamiel need to get back together”.
“It is necessary for him Mark, and for me to wake
from the fantasy world” she left leaving Mark standing
hands on his hips.

105
THARN B. CROISSANT

With the ultimatum he was given by his girlfriend,

and he watched her walk away, Tamiel finally walks
back to Zach’s room. He is not keen on having
thorough thoughts about who he wants, he feels his
hands more chained than ever. This is way much
worse than fighting his father, and there’s still a folded
truth about his mother; now with the people who seek
his head. He enters the room and saw a young man,
who may be few years older than him, dressed in a
cheap black suit with a white shirt standing beside the
sleeping Zach.
“What are you doing here?” he asked getting closer
to him and the young man turned back.
“Young master, I was assigned here by the chief of
guards to be by you since Zach is still hospitalised”.
“That won’t be necessary Patrick, I can handle
everything on my own and Zach will be back in action
soon”.
“Till that moment I’ll be by you. You were recently
hunted down sir”.
“Yeah, and look how Zach is, none of you deserve to
get worser. Go back home”.
“I am willing to sir, it’s my job”.
“Patrick! I don’t give a fuck about your devotion. I
said go back home!” he snapped.
Patrick walked out of the room and turned the corner
to make a phone call.
“Sir, you were correct, the bodyguard is alive”.
“As of my suspicions, stand beside him and wait for
my next call” said Sally on the phone.

106
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“I’m afraid I cannot sir, I have been forbidden to

guard him and assigned to go back home” he hung and
headed for the elevator.
All along Tamiel was listen to the conversation, he
took his phone out and made a call too. “Vuyo, assign
three of your best men to watch Zach overnight” he
said on the phone.
“Roger sir” the voice replied.

The wittily day is over, it is the evening. Mark sat on

his couch in front of the TV with a bowl of cheese
balls. He grabbed the TV remote control and tuned in
to one of his favourite shows that includes hospital
workplace. He hasn’t watched it in a while, he chose
today to catch up to all the episodes he has missed. He
prepared for it as he folds his legs on top of each other
on the couch sitting like a monk. He put his phone on
silent wanting no one to interrupt his precious next
three hours.
Sadly, the door does not have silent mode, there was
a knock on the door as the show was 10 minutes in. He
stood up thinking it may perhaps be janitor, so he
quickly must end this. He opens the door and see
someone he was not expecting at all.
“Tamiel, what are you doing here?” he asked
pouting, pretending not to appreciate his presence.
“Can I come in?”
“Sure, but you know what happened the last time
you were here” he entered the room.

107
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Yes, and I’m still regretting it. Close the door this
time, we need to talk”. He closed the door as he said,
“About what?”
“Me and Sherry are taking a break, temporary of
course”.
“I know, she told me earlier” with one hand on his
hip the other on the head.
“So, I’d like you to ignore for a moment what I told
you about my feelings till I know what I exactly
need”.
“You are suggesting we both don’t act on our
feelings and ‘take a break’?” he stared directly at his
eyes.
“If you put it like that, then yeah” he stared at him
too. They gazed at each other for a few seconds
without any talking, the black eyes to the green, and
he broke the silence, “I am so going to regret this”.
Tamiel took a step closer to Mark, so as Mark
without breaking the staring contest. They finally
reached each other and Tamiel held Mark’s cheeks,
Mark held him on his neck with his thumb brushing
his cheeks as they kiss. They both rushed each other
on the kiss and breathing hard like boars; they found
their way to the couch. Tamiel pushed Mark on the
couch and climbed on top of him. They continued to
kiss as Tamiel’s hands reached for Mark’s track pants;
and Mark filled his hand with Tamiel’s bums the other
on his back underneath his top.
They swapped, now with Mark on top, they stopped
kissing and they both stripped off their tops leaving
them bare chested. Tamiel finally succeeded on getting

108
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Mark’s pants off and freed the dragon. He gasped as

he laid his eyes on it.
“Has it always been this big Mark?” he asked in
disbelief. Mark smirked looking at Tamiel’s pretty and
black eyes and his face turning red,
“What? It’s not like it’s your first time” he said.
“I’m sober this time” he replied looking back at him.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle”.
Mark took off Tamiel’s pants and looked for a lip
kiss with his left hand holding Tamiel’s python. Tamiel
broke the kiss and went for Mark’s dragon, which was
a bit bigger for his hands. He attempted to put it in his
mouth, and it widened it. Mark groaned at the warmth
he is feeling down there. He held Tamiel’s head and
shoved him even faster until he gagged. “I love it that
way” he whispered unable to talk. Tamiel finally let
go, as Mark lifted him up and wrapped his legs on his
waist. Mark spitted on his index and taller fingers and
shoved them on Tamiel’s tunnel. Tamiel moaned inside
Mark’s mouth, with the fingers yo-yoing inside him.
They moved to the wall; Tamiel hanging like a
monkey, and he leaned him against the wall by his
back. Mark slowly inserted his dragon inside the
tunnel and Tamiel’s facials changing by each inch.
They both let out a soft moan as it hit the welcome
mat and kissed each other and Tamiel’s arms wrapped
around Mark’s shoulders. Mark did the in and out
repeatedly with Tamiel moaning his lungs out. “Mark!
Mark!” he said like a merman underwater. He could
feel the whole of Mark inside him and his legs
widespread as they shivered.

109
THARN B. CROISSANT

They moved to the floor, Mark place Tamiel on the

floor and turned him 180 degrees to see his back; he
bent more than a dog could ever could. “Tell me when
it hurts,” said Mark. He held Tamiel’s waist with his
right hand the other on Tamiel’s python as he inserted
the dragon again. He removed the hand from the
python and pressed Tamiel’s neck down. He screamed
again feeling exposed in a way he has never been in;
he did not resist. They had all the night to themselves
with the TV turned on till exhaustion took care of
them both.

110
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

111
THARN B. CROISSANT

Chapter Eight
Hiatus

Nine o’clock in the morning, the city has long

awakened; so, as Tamiel’s dreams have stopped. He
placed his head on a firm object, lying on the floor
with a light blanket, covering his naked body. He
opened his eyes, and this firm object is Mark’s chest.
For the first time he has laid on it and felt joyful. They
are both stripped sleeping on the living room floor,
with the TV still on. He turned his head up to face
Mark and he found him looking at him. Mark’s arm
was wrapping Tamiel, and he tightened it as he
stretched it touching Tamiel’s face. They both smiled
at each other, showing their masculine goddess smiles.
Outside it was raining cats and dogs but the room they
were in was warmer. Mark brought Tamiel closer to
him and moved the blanket from their torsos to their
chests. Tamiel placed his leg on top of Mark’s legs.
“You’re finally awake. Good morning, handsome”
said Mark admiring the moment.

112
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Morning, mammoth” replied Tamiel blushing and

settling his head on the chest.
“So, how was it?” he smirked, still his arm wrapping
Tamiel.
“Looking for feedback already? Don’t you have
work to do?”
He sweetly laughed, “I do, but I intend to stay like this
all day”.
“Me too” he smiled, “But we should probably stop.
I’m still on a break with your sister”.
“Perhaps we should, but let’s enjoy this moment for
now” as he kissed Tamiel’s head.
“Or maybe I could do my last rodeo” he got on top
of Mark and kissed him.
“Your breath smells” said Mark and laughed.
“So are your armpits” he replied as they both
laughed and continued kissing. Tamiel’s phone rang,
“who might that be?” he yelled as he answers the
phone. “Tamiel Peterson. Yes. What? I’m on my way!”
“What is it now?” asked Mark confused.
“Sherry is in a hospital, she fainted” said Tamiel
getting up.
“This again? It’ll be worth it this time”.
“Perhaps, you really like to see me naked. To the
shower, up” he said heading to Mark’s bedroom.

In a haste they budged inside Sherry’s ward who

was seemingly bored and annoyed of being here. She
stared at the men in front of the bed she was lying on
coming closer to her with their expressions of being

113
THARN B. CROISSANT

relieved to see her breathing. They stretched their arms

not knowing whether to hug her or not.
“How did you know I was here?” she asked giving
each of them a two-seconds glance.
“We heard you fainted at the bar, and they called
112. I’m still registered as your next of kin” replied
Tamiel holding the bed on the left side.
“How are you doing sis, you had us worried” asked
Mark touching her hand; Tamiel witnessed that and
felt a heartache.
“I’m fine, it’s just work stress and change of diet.
Running a bar is nor child’s play”. As Tamiel was
about to say a word, the doctor joined them inside.
“I can see my patient is doing good. Dr Williams,
good morning,” said the doctor.
“Morning doctor Padik, pathology back with
results?” replied Mark.
“They are both doing good, it was just fatigue and
diet”.
“They?” assuredd Tamiel looking at the doctor.
“Oh! Yes, she is six weeks pregnant; congratulations
on the matter. The nurse will come to check your
vitals” he exited the room.
The room went cold after the doctor left. Mark let go
of his sister’s hand and excused himself. Tamiel tried
to stop him, but he insisted on going.
“So, you have finally chosen?” said Sherry at the sad
looking Tamiel.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not a fool Tamiel. You are wearing my
brother’s clothes and smells just like him. That

114
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

probably means one thing; you spent the night

together”.
“Sherry, I’m so sorry”.
“No, don’t be. I’m glad you finally prioritised
yourself. So how about we make this break
permanent?” she said pulling a smile on her face,
although you can tell she is hurting.
“If by any means…”
“No! We are not going there”. They both paused for
a moment.
“Isn’t it weird, though; me dating my ex-girlfriend’s
brother?”
She scoffed, “It is weird. But you were never
interested in me or anybody else as you are in Mark.
I’m not forbidding that for both you and my kid
brother, because I love both of you so dearly. Oh! I’m
such a fool” she scoffed in rue facing the ceiling.
“Thanks a lot Sherry. I love you too” he kissed her
forehead.
“So, about this baby; I want to keep it. If you don’t
want it, I can raise him on my own, you aren’t
obliged”.
“Don’t fool me, you know very well how much I’ve
always wanted to have a child, but I wanted to get
everything regarding my mother done. I guess that
won’t be necessary anymore. We are keeping this baby
and raise it together, and perhaps Mark if he wants” he
kneeled as he smiled holding her hand crying with a
bunch of ‘thank you’.

115
THARN B. CROISSANT

He knocked at Mark’s office finding him looking out

of the window with his hands on his hips. He turned
around at the sound of the knock showing his worried
face. Tamiel didn’t need any permission as he entered
the door and hugged Mark who hugged back but cold
as a stone; he then let go of him.
“So, how is she?” asking Mark after letting go of
their hugging.
“She is doing well. She is fine”.
“What have you decided to do?”
“We have broken up, permanently, and we are
keeping the baby with you being its godfather, maybe”
he grinned.
“That’s awesome. Tamiel, I have a suggestion”. He
lowered his tone.
“Out with it”.
“I don’t want you to take any hasty decisions; so
how about we also really take that break while you
think everything through”.
He felt his heart being torn asunder, “I already do
know I want you, Mark!”
“You made that decision without the baby in the
picture”.
“That doesn’t change anything, I still want you”.
“I don’t want the baby to think their uncle separated
their parents”.
“It need not to come to that, you won’t be just an
uncle”.
“Please Tamiel, do this for me. It is just a temporary
break, please!”

116
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Perhaps we should. We absolutely should! I’ll go

see Zach” he excused himself with anger and sadness
filling up his chest. They both felt the devastation.

117
THARN B. CROISSANT

118
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Chapter Nine
Cherry Blossoms

Three weeks became three decades for Mark who

lived it thinking about nothing except Tamiel, this
torture is superior to what the Jews experienced with
the Nazis. He sat down on his office chair pretending
to do some hospital president work to fool anyone
passing by. For the half an hour he gazed at his
computer with Tamiel’s Wikipedia photo. Now he
regrets to have ever suggested that break, but he has
no way turning back. He can’t handle it anymore as he
let go of the mouse and holding his head facing his
desk thinking that maybe he is back with Sherry since
she’s carrying his baby, something he could never do.
Pessimistic thoughts ran his mind as a bunch of
cyclists on the road. Eyes were baggy with tears as he
said, “this is torture”. He can’t contact his sister

119
THARN B. CROISSANT

neither Tamiel who need time to think. Lana entered

the office as usual without knocking.
“Sir, I’ll be going out for lunch. Should I bring you
something?”
“No Lana, thank you”.
As she about to close the door, “Is everything okay
sir?” she asked.
“Yes Lana. Actually no, come in and close the door”
she came in and sat down, “here is the story Lana, I
told someone I like that we should take a break
because they are about to have a child with someone
else. I wanted them to think about their choices
thoroughly. Now I regret it because I’m afraid I might
not be included in their options”.
“What did this person say when you suggested all
this, sir?”
“He was… they were against it. They kept on
fighting till they reluctantly gave up”.
“Doctor, I think you’re just wasting your time
fooling around. He never agreed willingly. You forced
him”.
“I never said it’s a ‘he’”.
“I also never said that he is Mr Peterson. Go get your
man doctor, he’s patiently waiting for you” she
grinned.
“Don’t up my hopes Lana”
“Why don’t you try it now”.
He immediately grabbed his car keys and a coat
exiting the office, leaving Lana sitting alone. You can
tell by his footsteps that he wished to fly as he
approached the elevator. His heart is racing while he is

120
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

in an elevator making his body jumpy, he got off in the

basement and went straight to his car in the reserved
parking lot. He couldn’t remember when he hit on the
ignition, but he saw himself on the road, leading to
LIFE-TH headquarters.
In a blink of an eye, he was parking in front of the
LIFE-TH building and got off the car. There he goes to
the receptionist, without greeting he asked where Mr
Tamiel’s office was as soon as the receptionist
mentioned the floor he was long gone. He got off on
the mentioned floor and kept on looking at name tags
of every door; sparkly he saw ‘Manager Director Mr
T. Peterson’. He opened the door without knocking.
The two people in this office both turned to face the
door and Tamiel stood up. With a very cheeky attitude
Sally said to the awkward elephant in the room.
“Are we here for other demands?”
“Sally, we will finish this later, excuse yourself”
ordered Tamiel, and he did as tell. “We don’t have an
appointment Dr Williams, why are you here?”
touching the buttons of his half coat.
“I’m sorry Tamiel for everything I’ve said. I regret
and take it all back”.
“I thought you would never come” he came closer to
him and kissed him. He then let go, “I’m quite busy
right now, how about we resume all this at my
apartment I’ll forward my address”. They kissed for a
few more minutes before Mark exited the office
jubilantly.

121
THARN B. CROISSANT

Two weeks ago, Zach was discharged from the

hospital. He can walk on his own but not faster or
efficiently as on his healthy-being. Tinkie had
suggested they go back to the mansion together, but
Tamiel raised an issue that it would be suspicious to
their father and other workers if she takes care of Zach
herself; hence they are still not open. He insisted for
Zach to live with him instead at his apartment, till he
is back on his feet.
The same evening as the same day Mark drove
around town chasing the feelings of his heart, Zach
stood up from the couch after his eyes have shown
tiredness from watching TV the whole day with no
physio for the day. Even this late he is still alone, he
hoped Tamiel would come home early for their game,
but he did not. He headed to his bedroom after
switching off the TV, he reached his door and got in.
He retired on his bed on a bedroom opposite to
Tamiel’s.
After thirty minutes sleepiness has already abducted
Zach, Tamiel found Mark waiting for him at the lobby.
They both did not exchange words to each other but
smirked like total strangers fighting to get into the
elevator. As soon as the elevator closed its doors, they
could not keep their hands to themselves until they
reached the penthouse. They got inside, it was quiet as
a mortuary. Tamiel called out for Zach several times
but there was no response. “There is Zach here?”
asked Mark, Tamiel shut his mouth with a kiss.
“We have to be quiet as possible” whispered Tamiel
stripping off Mark’s trouser.

122
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“You’re the one who moans loud” replied Mark with

giggles, lifting the already naked Tamiel, finding their
way to his bedroom, leaving a trace of clothes from
the main door to the bedroom door.
Both breathed hard as Mark laid by his back on the
bed with Tamiel on top of him kissing. Mark is only
left by his white shirt which all its buttons have been
untied with no t-shirt underneath. Tamiel abandoned
the lips and moved to Mark’s neck, he moaned in sigh
holding tight the cover of the bed.
He moved from the neck to his nipples, sucking
them like they are the sweetest thing on the planet.
Mark held Tamiel’s head shivering like he was at
North Pole on Christmas Eve. He stopped and looked
at his powerless Mark and whispered to his ear
“challenge me” and went down to his dragon. He
contacted together Mark’s dragon and his python,
rubbing them having an unknown sensation to both
their nervous system. He then went down holding
Mark’s dragon by his hand looking at each other. They
both smiled and shoved it all in his mouth like he
could swallow it. Mark held his head looking at his
cute face struggling to devour it all till he chocked.
Mark swapped with him, making Tamiel lie on the
bed by his back. He kissed him inserted almost the
whole tongue inside. Their lips were intact as a rhythm
of a song, so as their body touching by singer’s voice.
He held Tamiel’s python and put it in his mouth. It
went all in making his nose touch Tamiel’s pubes. He
moaned like it’s his first time, Mark’s fingers occupied
Tamiel’s nipples rubbing them gently like a spa agent.

123
THARN B. CROISSANT

He turned his body 180 degrees making him lie by his

stomach. He cupped each of Tamiel’s butt with each of
his big hands and lifted his waist a few inches up from
the bed. Mark’s tongue paved its way to Tamiel’s
tunnel making him feel like he lacks calcium in his
bones and swore out loud.
The urge of using the dragon defeated Mark as he
got up spitting on the tunnel and inserted it slowly and
gently with Tamiel lying by his stomach, slithering it.
Tamiel visited another universe with his eyes rolled.
Nobody could be wetter than him, a floodplain itself.
The whole room is full of testosterone. With Mark’s
chest on top of Tamiel’s back and pounding hard down
there and held both his hands and crossed fingers; it
became a toll for Tamiel and attempted to moan loud,
but Mark covered his mouth with his hand. They
moved to the big window of Tamiel’s room without
taking the dragon out of the tunnel. He held by the
window with his hands and bent like a chicken,
Mark’s hands filled his waist and the process
continued. Fatigue rescued them after a bunch of their
spicy moments.

Zach’s body adjusted in his early age to wake up

earlier than anybody else. But ever since he got shot,
he always wakes up a bit later than he usually does.
He opened his eyes it’s the morning and sat like that
for twenty minutes. He eventually begged his body out
of the bed, and headed to the bathroom to brush his
teeth. He finished and attempted to go to the kitchen,
as he opened his door, he was welcomed by the trace

124
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

of clothes from Tamiel’s door; he follows them, and

they led him to the front. These are men clothing, but
they seem to be of two different sets. He brushed it as
one of Tamiel’s traits, leaving clothes roaming around
the whole house, so as everything he touches.
Zach must clean behind him all the time; he picked
up the clothes till he reached Tamiel’s door and
stretched his arm to open the door, along he shouted,
“Tamiel! I always tell you to…” his speech was held
as he opened the door and saw a perfect haired man
lying beside Tamiel. Tamiel quickly covered Mark’s
face and head by the blanket and yelled, “Zach!
Please, knock first. Get out!”. He closed the door in
shame and went back to the kitchen and sat on the
counter chair.
The two men giggled in the bedroom even Zach
could hear it in the kitchen; this is his first time seeing
Tamiel this hooked, by a man at that. Tamiel’s phone
rang, and Mark answered it, assuming it’s his.
“Hello” he said rounding his voice.
“Morning boss, he is in the dungeon tied up as per
your request” said a man on the phone.
“Per my request? Who’s in a dungeon, who are
you?” Tamiel snatched the phone from Mark’s hands
in haste.
“Never mind who that was. He is there with you?”
said Tamiel talking to the phone.
Mark’s phone rang, he didn’t mistake it this time, and
picked it up. He saw ‘Alice’ on the screen and quickly
locked it. Tamiel witnessed all Mark’s actions so as the

125
THARN B. CROISSANT

name on the phone. He ignored it and continued with

his phone call.
“Okay, I’ll be there shortly” he said dropping the
phone and faced Mark, “Who is Alice?” not a sign of a
smile formed on his face.
Mark replied with a smile trying to convince and chase
him, “No one important, just an old acquittance”.
“Mhh, I’ll be going so you will also be finding your
way out” he said getting off the bed.
After an hour Tamiel was gone, leaving alone Zach
in the kitchen and Mark in his bedroom. At last Mark
got the courage to get out of Tamiel’s room, wrapping
himself with his robe. He encountered Zach as he
reached the kitchen who was talking to Tinkie on the
phone. He passed him to the glass cabinet, opened the
fridge and took out ingredients to make a smoothie.
Zach stopped talking to the phone and minded the man
who even in his eyes is sexier than Chris Hemsworth,
more of Jared Padalecki looking at his physique.
“Don’t worry sir, I’ll make you the smoothie” he
said forcing himself to stand.
“No need Zach, sit down. You’re still injured” he
said with the smile and the room went cold for a
moment, “so, when you got shot, what made you look
for me?” all the ingredients grinded in the blender.
He scoffed and replied,
“It’s quite amusing, I’ve been with Tamiel my whole
life. I sometimes know how he thinks, during those
times you and him were having a feud even though I
didn’t know what it was about. But when he is in the
situation as we were in, Tamiel always go to people he

126
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

knows that his pursuers will least suspect, that was

you”.
“You just mentioned our feud but still you bet on
me”.
“I figured your altercation is one sided, with you
trying to make up with him; Tamiel took advantage of
that, so did I. Little did I know you both had
something big”.
He smirked, “Huh, I see. Tamiel is nothing without
you, you’re the brains and muscles”.
“Actually, I’m nothing without him. He is my one
and only friend” silence attacked the room again,
“May I ask, doctor”.
“Mark, when I’m not at work. Shoot” as he pours a
smoothie on the glass.
“Is Miss Sherry okay with you two? I don’t mean to
pry”.
“She is my sister you know, twin sister”.
“Yeah, Tamiel did tell”.
“Her and Tamiel broke up. I don’t know how she
took that, but she did not react when I told her me and
Tamiel are taking her break. Now that we are back
together, we have not told her yet. But I doubt she will
have any problem; she is an amazing person”.
“So, what is it that you have with Tamiel?”
“It’s funny and a pity we haven’t labelled it yet. But
I like him a lot, it might lead to somewhere deep” a
smile filled his face and saw Tamiel’s face on the
ceiling, “let me excuse myself Zach, I still have to go
by my place for work clothes” as he went back to
Tamiel’s room, picking up his clothes at the door.

127
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Of course,”.

Tamiel stepped inside the dungeon, he is classy as

ever, touching his cufflinks with his hands in front of
his abdomen. His blue-navy suit is unstained so as the
pure white shirt. The trouser of his suit only reaches
the start of his ankles, leaving them exposed so as his
shoe which cost a few hundreds of thousands. There
was suddenly no sound as Vuyo stopped beating the
groaning man up ahead. He looked at his sublime boss
coming closer to him as he folds his bloody hands,
literally. His shirt is stained with the blood coughed by
this man, he takes a step back and his boss touched his
shoulders for gratitude.
The man and Tamiel both looked at each other in the
eyes, none of them blinked. Vuyo felt both their rage,
but the other one is different, diluted with fear.
Tamiel’s rage is pure red indicating danger. The man
lost the staring contest as fear became more dominant
to his nerves. He faced down with his hands tied on
the arms of the chair he is sitting and tied with a cable
wire, so are the legs to the legs making it impossible
for him to move. Tamiel got his face closer to the
man’s.
“Oh, what do we have here?” he viciously said
forcibly making him face him.
“Why am I here sir? What have I done?” asked the
man being raised involuntarily.
“Now we are playing dump, huh Patrick?” he
laughed chilly and faced Vuyo, “Get the equipment
closer”.

128
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“I truly don’t understand” he said coughing up

blood.
“Now Patrick, you are going to tell me who you are
working for”.
“I work for you sir” his mouth is now swollen.
“Besides me of course, who told you to spy on me”
as he cupped his face, “Vuyo hand me the propane
excreting tube”. He brought the tube and excreted the
propane and lit it like a gas stove then gave it to
Tamiel.
The flame is endless, Tamiel went down to Patrick’s
feet; he was barefoot. He tried to hide them, but they
were grabbed and exposed. He burned the soles slowly
as per count of a second, he groaned in pain till Tamiel
stopped. “The army trained you well I see, but not on
betrayal. Let me tune it again”. He again screamed his
lungs out in pain and not a single word he said, instead
still implying of being victimised. Tamiel stood in
front and Vuyo brought the chair and he sat. He again
gave Tamiel a pair of wire cutter that he handled as
professional DIY.
“Now Patrick, I’m going to ask only ten times as
your fingernails suggested. Who do you work for?”
Patrick shut his mouth. Tamiel pulled the pinkie
fingernail and so he did yearn for mercy. He ripped
off the nails till the end of the single hand and Patrick
shouted, “Sally! Sally Peterson, your cousin”.
“Oh! That was good Patrick, I still have other five
tries for the following question. Who hunted me in the
middle of the city and shot Zach?” he shut his mouth
yet again, but not when he yells in pain with his

129
THARN B. CROISSANT

fingernails being ripped off until the second hand was

complete.
Tamiel grabbed his phone from the pocket and made
a phone call. “Yes Ken, take a beautiful selfie and send
it to me” after a few seconds the phone chimed, and he
showed the photo to Patrick. “Look, little Amara
having a great time with Ken at her elementary
school”. He bloated in anger and yelled “Fuck you!”
spitting blood to Tamiel’s face, “It was a direct order
from Sally’s mother, and he acted on it. Now please let
Amara go”. Tamiel stood up and wiped his face with a
handkerchief.
“Of course, Amara is safe, but I need you to
something for me. Double spy as you would’ve done
in the army, and you meet your daughter again.
Double cross me, she becomes your cutest ancestor”
he smirked and exited the dungeon and burnt the
handkerchief with a lighter.

Evening came and Mark is settling in his office

rooted to his work. The door opened and there was
Tamiel with the cutest smile showing only his head.
Mark smiled back at this sassy pussycat at the door; he
let go of the mouse instantly. He moved from the door
and sat down on the chair opposite to Mark divided by
the desk.
“Well, I could get used to this. What brings you
here?” said Mark smiling admiringly.
“I am here for a check-up, doctor. You look sexier in
glasses” replied Tamiel.

130
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“You have blood on your shirt”. He quickly looked

down wondering why anybody hasn’t told him all day.
“I had a nosebleed on the way from missing you” he
said settling gentlemanly on the chair.
“You want a rematch already?” said Mark placing
his arms on the desk and looked directly at Tamiel’s
eyes.
“When I’m defeated, I don’t give up doctor” he said
licking his lips and took his left shoe off and stretched
the leg to Mark’s legs and touched his dragon.
He groaned slightly, “Tamiel, are you aware that I’m
working at the hospital?” soon the dragon erected.
“Fully aware, you lit the flame in me Dr Williams.
Oh! There’s a budge!” his face lit up, he stood up and
rounded the table to Mark’s side, he pushed his chair
and kneeled on the floor hiding with a desk.
“Tamiel! Are you sure about this?” he asked not
removing his arms on the desk and looked down at
Tamiel.
“It’s not like you to be scared” he unzipped Mark’s
trouser and inserted his hand through the undies
looking for the dragon.
He found it and gladly grabbed it out of the pants
filling it whole in his mouth. Mark gasped holding his
breath, he has never felt this kind of thrill before. He
kept on shoving it as if it could reach the dangly thing
at the back of his throat. With the tendency of not
knocking, Lana entered the office, “Sir, I’ll be going
now, is there anything you need?”. Mark could not
answer properly, he combined his arms hiding the
view between them; and Tamiel doing the job. In his

131
THARN B. CROISSANT

levitating mode, he directed Lana to go out by his

hand and a, “No, go home”. She got confused at her
boss’ face expressions, “are you okay sir?” she asked.
“Nothing, go!” said the almost breathless Mark. She
exited the room and closed the door.
Their excitement filled the room and Mark’s hands
all over Tamiel’s head rolling his eyes and panting like
a dog. His copulation was an amazing one as the milk
filled the desk as well as Tamiel’s face and mouth. He
smoothly wiped him as he helped him up, both
smitten.
They exited the office after fixing their clothes
giggling like two teenagers attempting to go home.
Both are talking about how it is their first time doing
what just happened. On their way to the elevator, they
met the chairman of the board, Dr Walsh.
“Dr Walsh, what are you still doing here?” asked
Mark getting away from Tamiel.
“Aunt Pet how are you doing?” asked Tamiel.
“Dr Williams, Tamiel. Good evening, I am doing
good. What are you two doing here together?” they
stopped and looked at each other.
“Just tying some lose ends on the deal” rescued
Tamiel.
“The deal, yes. The deal” added Mark and Tamiel
poked him with his elbow.
“Well gentlemen, let me not hold you. Have a safe
trip home” she said getting inside the elevator and left
them standing. Before the elevator door closed Tamiel
shouted,
“Say hello to Sally for me” and they closed.

132
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“You are related to Dr Walsh?” asked Mark.

“Married my late uncle Bobby. You better watch
your back” he turned and faced him, “I’m sleeping at
your house tonight, I don’t want to listen to my best
friend making my sister moan”.
They moved as the elevator opened again and got in.
As they reached the parking lot holding hands and
playing happy couple they finally stopped where
Tamiel parked his motorbike; he handed the helmet to
Mark.
“What’s this for?” asked Mark.
“For your safety, get on the back” he grinned.
“No thank you, I’m not getting into that” handing
the helmet back.
“Mark please get on. I promise it will be cool”.
“Not for my human pride. No means no” he walked
away to his car.
“Mark! If you don’t get on this bike our relationship
is over!” he yelled.
“I’ll take my chances, see you home” as he waved.
They drove separately till they reached Mark’s
apartment.
Today they decided to eat dinner as Mark ordered
from the recent opened restaurant. Having time of
their lives as they shared almost anything about
themselves while eating dinner. Although both have
done this many times, but it felt like the very first
time. They showered together and dried each other’s
hair, talking and playing as any dating people would
and prepared for bed.

133
THARN B. CROISSANT

In the morning they woke up in each other’s arms

after spooning all night. Sweeter than honey as they
smile together.
“We should have proper dinner sometimes” said
Tamiel.
“Like we had last night?” responded Mark.
“No, perhaps in a restaurant or picnic”.
“Are you asking me on a date Mr Peterson?” he
smiled.
“You jerk” they both laughed.
“Perhaps we should, like normal people” said Mark
breaking the laughter.
“Well, normal people don’t shag their sister’s
boyfriend”.
“Or their girlfriend’s brother” they laughed again.
“I love you Tamiel” said Mark and suddenly the
room went quiet with both their heart’s losing
steadiness.
“I have to go; I have something important to do”
said Tamiel acting awkwardly and got out of the bed.

In the middle of the day Tamiel is with Zach at their

apartment. Tamiel kept on sighing and restless like
there is something he should’ve done but did not and
now it is troubling him. Zach witnessed all those
actions and finally asked.
“What is it Tamiel?”
“What?” replied Tamiel.
“That is troubling you, of course”.
“It’s a lot, Zach, Mark said the ‘L’ word this
morning”.

134
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

"Isn’t that a good thing?”

“It is, I guess”.
“Don’t tell me you didn’t say it back”.
“Yes, I didn’t say it back”.
“Oh! Tamiel, do tell why did you not”.
“I don’t know Zach. I do have feelings for him, but
when did we get there?”
“It’s your relationship bro, I can’t tell”.
“I need Sherry’s expertise here”. He got up and
grabbed his keys.

Meanwhile Mark is with his sister in the mid-day.

He also is troubled about Tamiel as he roamed around
the room unable to sit down. Sherry is sitting down
with a bunch of croissants and keep on dipping them
on the strawberry syrup and her tiny belly is starting to
show.
“How do I get this right sis?”
“You don’t, only Tamiel can help you by explaining
why he didn’t say it back”.
“I love him though sis, so much that I could rip my
heart out at how it beats when I’m near him. Are we
rushing things?”
“It your race not mine. Remind yourself why you
love him, perhaps it will ease you” as she stuffed the
whole croissant in her mouth.
“Tamiel is majestic and courageously. He has a lot of
fears that he hides behind his courage and stern face. I
love how he makes me vulnerable every time I’m with
him. I love how he solves problems with fists. He
understands me, he is my sassy pussycat and childish,

135
THARN B. CROISSANT

most of all he is not scared of me at all, he bosses me

around like I’m his servant. He has lots of love to
give; you, his younger sister, best friend, Zach and
perhaps me. Ahh sis this is not helping at all”.
“That does sound like him, but I just realised that I
don’t really know Tamiel”.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, Tamiel and I know each other since college.
He was just a troubled rich kid and only could get him
since I was on a same boat. We became friends and
that’s when I got to know the sweet Zach who has
been with him since childhood. We have been friends
ever since till about a year and a half ago when we
started dating. I knew from the start that I might be
dooming myself but still I initiated the relationship
and now I’m pregnant with his baby. He helped me
with the capital to open We Bar. I always sensed that I
might not be one for him, and here you came
yesterday, and you know him best”. The croissant
dipped in syrup met her mouth.
There was a knock on the door, and she reluctantly
stood up holding her belly to open the door.
“Tamiel, what are you doing here?” she said opening
the door. As soon as Mark heard that name he quickly
ran and hid outside at the balcony.
“I need your help” he got inside, “Why do I smell
Mark’s cologne? Never mind, Sherry this morning I
might’ve made a big mistake; Mark told me he loves
me, and I didn’t say it back, what should I do?”
“Oh! Why didn’t you say it back? Don’t you love
him?”

136
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“I don’t know Sherry, that’s the thing”.

“Tammy, you need to be true to yourself I can’t tell
you how to feel”.
“I guess I was scared because I suddenly broke up
with you and dated your brother, now we use the term
‘love’”.
“No Tamiel, don’t make me your excuse”.
“Fine, I’m scared because he is a man, but I do love
him. He challenges me you know”.
“No, I don’t”.
“Shut up, no offense but I’ve never met someone
like him, who is intellect smarter beyond my reach.
Someone who makes me want to catch up to and not
want him to catch up to me. I have always had an
upper hand and never played a fair game before, but I
feel like I can with him. If put it simply, it’s like he is a
combination of you and Zach”.
“Offended. So, you no longer need us?”
“I did not say that. He makes me vulnerable.
Unwillingly he makes me unleash all myself even the
parts I didn’t know existed, like I could actually moan
like a crying mouse” as he smirked facing the floor.
“No, I do not need to hear that Tamiel, thank you”
she said widening her eyes.
“Sorry, but you get me. I love him to the extent that I
smell him right now. How do I fix this though?”
“Why don’t you tell him?” Mark came from the
balcony with his hands on the pockets and looking at
Tamiel. Tamiel saw him, instantly he went to him
rushing and punched his face.

137
THARN B. CROISSANT

“This is for eavesdropping” and he held and kissed

him. Sherry smiled at the back and Mark’s phone rang.
“It’s dad” he said looking at them.
“Take it,” said Sherry.
“Yes dad. No. I will” he hung up and faced them
again, “He says there’s a headline about us on Cape
Herald”. Sherry quickly grabbed her tablet and
browsed through till she found it.
“Son of Tyson Peterson of LIFE-TH secretly dating
the new president of Celeste Blouse’s Memorial
Hospital” she read out loud and shock attacked the
room as they stared at each other.

138
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

139
THARN B. CROISSANT

Chapter Ten
Dirty Confetti

Just as Mark dropped the phone and announced the

matter, Sherry quickly took her tablet and browsed
through the headline ‘Son of Tyson Peterson of
LIFE-TH secretly dating the new president of Celeste
Blouse Memorial Hospital’ and read it out loud,
“They have a picture of you kissing at the porch” she
added. All three looked at each other spitting no
words. They have a confusion of feelings so as
actions. Sherry continued reading the whole article till
she found a certain abstract. “The hospital before had
allegations of receiving illegal drugs from LIFE-TH, is
there really a certain relationship?” she read. Further
that they lost it all, Mark and Tamiel looking at each

140
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

other unable to predict their next move. Sherry threw

the tablet on top of the couch and shoved the bun in
her mouth, “so what do you do next?” she asked to the
two men in her house not willing to utter any word.
Just as Tamiel is about to respond to her question his
phone rang.
“This is not good at all” he says looking at his
ringing phone and answered it, “Father!”
“I read the paper, let’s meet at the hotel” he said on
the phone and hung up.
He stood for a few seconds and later spoke, “That was
my father, with no quirk of joy, he asked to meet”.
“You better hurry, we will think of something on the
way” said Mark and his phone rang again, “Dad” he
said answering the phone.
“This isn’t getting any better” said Tamiel.
“Hey, you two love each other, you will get through
this” said Sherry touching the sad Tamiel’s shoulder.
“Sheila, dad demands to see both of us now, we have
to drive back home” said Mark with a zilch of
anticipation.
“Tamiel go see you father, this news will be nothing
in days. Mark we will take my car,” said Sherry.
Tamiel exited the apartment on his way to his dad at
Crystal Hotel. Although people are barely paying
attention to him at the lobby, but he feels like everyone
is staring at him. He quickly went to his motorbike,
hitting the engine on, there he goes to may perhaps be
purgatory.
They finished packing certain needs that Sherry may
require as a three-month pregnant woman, so as the

141
THARN B. CROISSANT

croissants and strawberry syrup. They hit the road too,

leading to their parent’s house. There were small chats
along the road; Mark’s mind was more worried about
Tamiel and occupied himself with possible outcomes
as the president of the hospital fighting scavengers like
Dr Walsh. “Why are there so many obstacles on
finding his way to Tamiel” he thought as they got
closer to the house.

Tamiel finally arrived at Crystal Hotel, parking his

bike ten feet away from the main entrance. He takes
off his helmet in hesitation of getting inside. He
reluctantly sat on his bike for a single minute and his
phone rang, he answered quickly.
“Zach, what’s up?”
“You need to read today’s Cape Herald”.
“Already saw it. I’m meeting the old man at the
casino”.
“Good luck bro” he hung up and looked at his pretty
face on the motorbike mirrors. He brushed his
exceptional hair and the beautiful eyebrows with his
hands then got off the bike. He hung the helmet on the
hand pedal and moved, heading to the main entrance.
Again, at this lobby he feels like people are watching
him, he rerouted to the casino.
It’s unseeingly parked, for the first time today people
are focused on making money than him. By surprise
his father is also here, playing poker with other rich
beings. He immediately saw him and calls for him to
play, he denied showing no interest, nor that he could
even understand it. “This world would suit Mark” he

142
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

whispered to himself smiling as his father stood up

and approached him.
“Let’s talk in your office son” he said tapping his
shoulder. They walked till they reached the office and
sealed the doors; they both took the couch near the
window.
“What am I doing here, father?” he asked showing
no interest in the conversation.
“Is it true, what they wrote about you and Todd’s
son?”
“What about the allegations of you and Mr Williams
that are burying us now?”
“I’ll explain that later, just tell me about you and that
boy”.
He sighed looking down, “Yes, it’s true, and I love
him. So, if any of you tries to separate us, it won’t
work”.
Tyson presented a tiny smirk to Tamiel, and the said,
“I like how you’ve grown, must be that boy. I’m
glad to hear that. Keep him close” he stood up and
looked out the window.
“Wait! You’re not mad at all? Not going to play
Godzilla homophobic father?”
“Was I supposed to? I might if you let the company
sink because of puny problems” he took a cigar out of
his coat and lit it, “son, you may not believe me, but I
don’t really care much about your love life, as long
you’re happy and keeping my company intact” he
puffed the smoke.
“Somehow that hurts but don’t you worry about your
company dad, I’ll fix this”.

143
THARN B. CROISSANT

“I nearly forgot; we have a meeting with the

Williams tomorrow”.
“What? What is it for? I thought you have no
problem with me and Mark”.
“We think it’s time you finally know the truth”.
“What truth?”
“Just be there, at the mansion”.

In the meantime, Mark and Sherry walked slowly on

the front yard of their house. Mark is thinking about
what his father is going to say about all this, while
Sherry’s head is filled with the imagination of her
parents’ reactions when they see her pregnant belly.
Slowly again with Mark holding his sister’s hand, they
slid the door open; it’s the middle of the day the sun is
hot, but the wind is welcoming winter. One foot inside
and they were greeted by Zanele who was passing
with refreshments, placing them on the table in the
living room where their parents are.
“We are home” said Mark faking a smile to change
the mood and calm him.
“Welcome…” the parents said and stopped after
seeing Sherry’s tummy.
“Hi mom, hi dad” said Sherry sitting down before
everyone, “what are we here for?”
“Sherry sweetheart, why didn’t you tell us you are
pregnant? Who is the father?” said Veronica.
“We will talk about that later mom, let’s focus on
why we are here” said Mark sitting next to his sister.
“Well son, it’s about you and the Peterson boy,” said
Todd.

144
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“What about it?”

“Me and your mom don’t forbid your relationship
with him, but coming out like this has placed the
hospital at risk and forced us to tell you things you
need to know”.
“Forced? What is that dad?” asked Mark impatiently.
“You will hear fully tomorrow at the meeting with
the Petersons. I may have hidden the truth about my
past, children. Me and your father did not meet at
college, I was an accountant at LIFE-TH before
owning the wine distillery” spoke Veronica in a sad
tone.
“Why did you not tell us?” Mark asked furiously.
“You will find out tomorrow my babies”.
“Talking about secrets, the father of my baby is
Tamiel Peterson” said Sherry boastfully.
“Are you a surrogate mother for them?” Veronica
enquired looking at Sherry, “honey, you didn’t say the
last time you were here with Tamiel” now directing to
Mark.
“Tamiel was here?” asked Sherry.
“It was when Zach got shot, he needed a place to
hide. And I hid him well, mom was just nosy, and they
pretended as if they don’t know him” replied Mark.
“I’m not a surrogate mother, we were dating”.
“Wait pumpkin! You were dating? The man with the
bar? Meaning before Mark it was you?” asked Todd
doubtfully.
“Yes pops”.
“Intriguing” he said.
“What’s intriguing?”

145
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Nothing, just prepare for tomorrow. I demand you

two to spend the night here, it might be our last”.
As the father demanded, they were obliged to spend
the night although they could not understand what he
meant by saying it might be their last. This may have
been seen as a force, but Veronica seemed joyful the
whole day for spending time with her children again.
After an amazing dinner, everyone found their own
way to their rooms. Sherry opened the door of her
room she hasn’t slept in close to ten years now. It
brought tears in her eyes as everything here is still the
same and nostalgic as ever. It’s funny how the room
has been kept clean for all these years. She stopped
inside, walking slowly towards her big mirror. She
couldn’t help but smile at how she’s grown from this
room, she threw herself on the bed with a smile lying
on her back facing the ceiling. “Nostalgic, huh?” said
Mark standing at the door folding his arms.
“I can’t help it, good memories were done here, like
you, wearing my make-up” she replied, and they both
laughed.
“Yeah, and dad did not talk to me till I removed it.
Indeed, good memories were done here; good night,
it’s a big day tomorrow”.
“Night little brother” she replied.
After taking a nice hot bath, resting from the
draining day; Mark got under the blanket of the bed
with his two-piece pyjamas. He grabbed a book on top
of the shelf attempting to read it but could not finish a
single paragraph. He again thought of how Tamiel
must have had it rough today with his father, it might

146
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

be even deeper than what he had. He also wondered

what kind of meeting they are going to have with the
Petersons, and what are these secrets that are going to
be unfold. He grabbed his phone trying to end all his
worries and scrolled through the contact list till he
found Tamiel. The phone rang and was quickly
answered.
“Hello Mr Peterson” he said with a smitten face.
“Hello Dr Williams”.
“How are you holding up? Went good with your
father?”
“The unexpected happened, he actually approves our
relationship”.
“My dad too, it all sounds weird”.
“Less weird than a meeting with your folks”.
“That I’m looking forward to. I miss you Tamiel”.
“Oh! Fuck!”
“Was that for me?”
“Yes. Holy shit!”
“That hurt, Tamiel”.
“Mark are you still there? Sorry I’m playing a
game”.
“Oh! It was directed to the video game. I said I miss
you”.
“I heard Mark. I just happen to miss you too, like
crazy; especially when you are naked”.
He smiled, “You naughty cat. Where is Zach, I want
to see your face”.
“Sorry, he’s next to me, wait till tomorrow big guy”.
“How do we solve the issue on the papers?”

147
THARN B. CROISSANT

“I don’t know. Would it hurt if we deny everything

including our relationship to the press?”
“Not at all, it’s for our business’ sake. I know you
love me just as I love you”.
“Goodnight mammoth”.
“Tamiel you’re forgetting something”.
“Oh, what that may be?”
“Oh, please don’t”.
“Mark you are disturbing me here, I’m playing. I
love you” he quickly hung up not giving Mark a
chance to reply. A text chimed on his phone. “You are so
cute saying ‘I love you’, call me when you sleep”.

Zach knew the morning like the usual, but today

preparing for the meeting at the Peterson mansion. His
body has not yet fully recovered but he is able to drive
for Tamiel to the mansion. Even if his body was not
allowing him, he would have no choice since Mr
Peterson insisted, he be there. Taking a shower must
be quickly done to prepare breakfast for Tamiel,
something he has not done in a while. Might have
slacked a bit just to bless himself with Tamiel’s
cooking.
It would have been better if it was schedule for
dinner rather than lunch, because Tamiel is not the
punctual type. He thinks at how this may be a formal
lunch since it’s two businessmen meeting. It is going
to be hard, Tamiel doesn’t like suits especially when
he meets family. He chases away the thought of
preparing a suit for him, letting him choose what he
prefers when he wakes up.

148
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

All in all, he is still a worker of this family, even if

he is dating their daughter and be the best friend of the
son; his parents served this family their whole lives
with pride.
He reminisces while in the kitchen, how during
those early times when he was first assigned to serve
Tamiel. They were both eight-year-old boys, Tamiel
was still full of joy and a big mama’s boy. He never
once treated him as his guard but as his friend. He has
always insisted to be called Tamiel and not Young
Master, but Zach could not abandon his respect and
honour. The other time they both beat up Sally in the
barn and accused the other guards, Mr Peterson served
severe punishment to both. But it was less than the
furiousness Sally’s father Bobby felt for undermining
his kid.
The smiles that filled Tamiel’s face started
disappearing when his mother died 12 years ago. He
had to support him just as he did when his parents
were gunned down for serving the Peterson’s as a 10-
year-old. If he never hid under the bed just as his
mother told him, he would be history too.
It went over till he thinks how Tamiel used to get
jealous when he spent time with Tinkie, he is so
possessive of him. Tinkie has always been a goddess
since they were young and has never withered. They
have been on the same school and class since they
were introduced to each other; except in college when
he proved to be smarter than Tamiel and they
separated. Tamiel chose business management as his
majors to please his father, he tried to follow him, but

149
THARN B. CROISSANT

Mr Peterson twisted his hand into choosing what he

likes the most; and he majored in accounting to be a
charter accountant.
He wakes up to reality with a spark ‘am I dying,
busy reminiscing?’
In a blink of an eye, he was done preparing
breakfast, you can tell by the yawning Tamiel coming
out of his room wrapping himself with a robe like a
kimono. Nothing got him up except the smell of eggs,
his eyes are still hardly open while he pokes them. He
moved in a zombie motion till he reaches the counter
and sat on a chair he has pat thousand times to find.
He sniffs with his nose and smiles, slowly opening his
eyes and saw Zach in front of him, “What would I do
without you” he says stretching his arm for the knife
and fork not far from him. Zach pushed the utensils
away and gladly gawked at him.
“Take a shower and brush your teeth” he said.
Tamiel pouted standing up going back to his bedroom
for the hygiene Zach has a quest of.
He came back after 20 minutes not fully dressed and
smiled like a toddler promised Disneyland. He then
again sat where he sat before with a plate of food in
front of him. He could not wait any longer, grabbing
the utensils in haste and dug in. Zach stood in front of
him sipping a smoothie.
“Would you like a smoothie with your breakfast?" he
offered.
“No, thank you. You and Mark make horrible
smoothies, it’s like poison” he replied with his mouth
full of food and taking no break. Zach grinned.

150
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Not all of us know their way in the kitchen like

you” looking at a man he considers his brother eating
like a pig.
“I did teach you a thing or two Zach” he smirked. He
finally tried to talk his thoughts.
“Are you nervous about today?” he asked Tamiel
who has now eaten half of his plate.
“A bit, probably because I am meeting Sherry’s
parents for the first time which are also Mark’s. Are
you?”
“Of course, I am, I don’t know what I would be
serving there”.
“Perhaps dad already knows about you and Tinkie”.
He spit the smoothie accidentally, “Don’t say that
Tamiel. Oh, I am so dead, I might as well just resign”.
He laughed his lungs out at his scaredy cat friend,
“Relax, even though there is possibility he might know
but I doubt it’s about that. None of us know anything
except Tyson Peterson and Todd Williams”.
“I can no longer unimagine it. I am certainly going
to die” he freaked out.
“Ever heard of a saying ‘love conquers all’? But not
on your case, it is more suitable for me and Mark”.

Lunch scheduled time closed by, Tamiel and Zach

got in the same car with Zach controlling the wheels.
As expected, Tamiel is wearing a light brown tailor’s
trouser with no belt on, blended with his black short
sleeved golf t-shirt with a present half collar tucked
inside his trouser. Zach is basic as ever with his blue-

151
THARN B. CROISSANT

navy tuxedo but with a white shirt this time, looking

sexy as an Asian.
No one is willing to talk on the way; Tamiel is
chatting with Mark on his phone and the nervousness
is eating all of them. They finally arrived at the
Peterson mansion. They did not bother parking the car
at the garage they just parked it near Sherry’s car that
Tamiel recognised at the gate. They both fixed
themselves outside the house and built up the courage
before dragging themselves in. As expected, everyone
invited has already filled the room and the elders look
even merry than expected.
He mazed his eyes around the room; there was
Sherry talking with Tinkie. Again, he searched, and his
eyes met Mark’s eyes who was sitting vigilante on the
couch at the back, sipping red wine. Wearing a black
trouser and a short sleeved light blue shirt unbuttoned
the first two buttons from the collar and showing his
biceps. Mark tried approaching him, but he simply
rounded around the room greeting everyone making it
impossible for Mark to get close to him. They both
smiled at each other as he moved again, and Mark
clicked one eye for him.
“Son you’ve finally arrived” said Tyson abandoning
Veronica and Todd. “We have been waiting for you,
but everyone here knows punctuality is not your
speciality” said Tyson and switched to Zach, “Thank
you for taking care of him”.
After some few chats with his father, everyone
moved from their posts to new ones occupying the
living room with extra chairs. Tyson, Todd, Mark,

152
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Tamiel, Veronica, Zach, Sherry and Tinkie kept quiet

in the room waiting for the start of this meeting, Tyson
spoke first.
“Thank y’all for coming” he said scattering his eyes
to all the attendees.
“We have something important to share with you
kids” added Todd. The room went silent for a few
seconds and, “In truth, LIFE-TH is not a sole trader, it
is a partnership” he paused looking at everyone, but
they did not react, “Todd Williams is the co-founder”
the children’s reaction changed.
“Is it true dad?” asked Mark.
“Yes, after we finished college, Tyson developed the
formula of the opioids and cough syrup thirty-five
years ago. The company was first established in my
name because I provided the capital and am white
while Tyson was a coloured man, it was apartheid. Ten
years later, we decided to place Tyson as the face since
it was his formulas and idea to sole run the company.
That time we also bought the hospital shares a little by
little till I managed to be the majority shareholder, to
help support LIFE-TH”.
“As you know your father Mark and Sherry, he likes
his own space. We also made arrangements that the
Peterson’s have 15% of the hospital; your uncle,
Bobby, Tamiel had 5% which is now Petunia’s and
later had 20%. And the Williams own 35% of which
was first Sonodd and now LIFE-TH” spoke Tyson.
“This is confusing dad, so what about the deal you
bugged me about” roared Tamiel.

153
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Yes, what about that arrangement that Dr Walsh,

Petunia bit my head for?” added Mark.
“That was a test you both passed, Petunia had no
clue about it. Although we were willing to work with
any decision you would’ve come through. Since the
hospital shares were fully purchased, LIFE-TH has
delivered the medical drugs to the hospital from
since”.
“These also implies that we are the same family.
Before you emancipated Sheila, sweety, I was
grooming you for all this, but I’m glad you chose your
own path”.
“Me too. So, does this makes the illegal drugs
transportation allegations true?” asked Sherry.
“After the article of Tamiel and Mark, we were
happy to see the boys getting along and no, the
allegations are false. At first, we were intending to
arrange a marriage between Tamiel and Sherry, but
they found each other so, as to Mark”.
“As for the child you are carrying Sheila, it would be
the true heir of the businesses, possessing both
Williams and Peterson’s blood”.
“I feel like a cow,” said Sherry.
“Why is your last name Kingsley, Sherry?” asked
Tinkie.
“That is my maiden’s name, after she graduated high
school, she wanted to start her life in her own terms
not being held by the Williams” replied Veronica.
“Mom, you promised to tell us about you and dad
meeting?” asked Sherry.

154
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“As a coloured young woman, I was interning as an

accountant at LIFE-Th he was a handsome and kind
man; and officially got employed, even after your
father moved to the hospital I remained there, then
later resigned when you were ten”.
“This is all you must know; we are sorry for hiding
all this and deeming you, incompetence. Mark,
Tamiel, you are free to say whatever you wish for
tomorrow’s press”.
“Dad, the last time I checked you were also
grooming Sally, why wasn’t he invited?” asked
Tamiel.
“At your rebellious era after college, I needed a
catalyst to get you back. It seemed to have worked, I
don’t need him now, but he need not know. Yes, his
father died just after your mother, but they already
have a portion at the hospital”.
“What about Zach?” asked Tamiel again looking at
his buddy.
“Oh! Zach, I wanted to thank you for taking care of
my son and making my daughter happy”.
“Dad, how did you know?” high pitched Tinkie as if
she were to ask for mercy.
“I am your father, honey. That’s why I’m relieving
you, Zach, from your bodyguard duties and giving you
2% of LIFE-TH from my portion”.
“Master, I am sorry for crossing the boundaries” said
Zach with honour and bowing down.
“No need for that, you are family. Your parents
entrusted you to me. Tamiel, Mark we will hit the

155
THARN B. CROISSANT

main factory and lab after this. Now everyone let’s

have real lunch not talking”.
As Tyson has said, they all engaged in the dining
table for the planned lunch having a good time with
good chats and food as a newly found family. All the
food here proves Nomvuyo has worked even harder
than usual. Zach later excused himself from all the
people to be with Nomvuyo at the kitchen.
You could see how Tamiel and Mark are looking at
each other, sitting opposite to another. They both wish
to be by themselves at this moment. Everyone
disengaged from the table to their own spot after
eating and having drinks talking. The two finally got
to beside each again. Zach showed his heard to check
the coast and saw Tamiel with his mouth wide open,
he has last seen Tamiel laughing like that before his
mother’s tragedy, he sure feels comfortable with Mark.
Mark and Tamiel moved to be beside Sherry who
was talking to Tinkie, and only she in the room is
drinking orange juice.
“What’s up with you two? Smiling like retards” she
said as the two lovebirds approached them.
“We have a proposal sister” said Mark unable to
hold himself any longer. Tinkie looked them straight in
the eyes searching for what the proposal may be.
“Since we will be together as family tied by our
fathers whether we liked it or not, we’ve decided to
look for a house” said Tamiel. Tinkie had puppy eyes
blushing as if they are asking to live with her.
“Congratulations little brother, I’m proud of you
Tamiel,” said Sherry.

156
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Not only that, but we’d also like you to live with us
under the same roof during and after your pregnancy,
forever actually, so you and Tamiel can take care of
the baby. It will need both its parents,” said Mark.
“Oh, ani, I think I might steal your boyfriend” said
Tinkie.
“Well, you will need to grow a penis for that,
cupcake” replied Tamiel, he added, “So, what do you
say Sherry?”.
“I can already guess it was your idea Mark, okay”
she said with a sassy smile and faced down.
“You agree? Oh my God!” said Mark with ecstasy.
They didn’t get a chance to celebrate their new living
arrangements, Tyson called out for Mark and Tamiel
and they left the house together with Todd.

Tamiel is very picky as usual, he is not entertaining

the cold jokes that the fathers come with, but Mark
could tell if it’s a joke or not. Chris is driving, Tamiel
has felt like they’ve been on the road for too long with
the evening approaching. They finally arrive at the
main lab of the medicines; the workers have already
gone home; they moved to the neighbouring
warehouse. The production is in boxes, sacks, and all
labelled occupying almost every spot of the house.
The fathers finally stopped, letting their selves to
explain.
“Sons, as you know nothing is candles and roses,”
said Todd.
“This is the pillar of our business; Todd’s wife
Veronica knows about it” added Tyson.

157
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Ah, we can see that dad” said Tamiel not seeing

through the cellophane in front of him.
He smirked, “You don’t get it son, the business does
not only operate on these legal drugs. Sometimes you
must be creative and make something even more
exceptional; diacetylmorphine”.
“Wait, what?! Really dad?” barked Mark.
“What’s that?” asked Tamiel looking at them.
“Heroin!” replied Mark.
“Son, you must grow balls somehow; this I will
force you to inherit. We oblige you both. The hospital
acts as a temporary storage, check the books again”.
Tamiel stood still not giving any reaction but looking
at the merchandise in this room and whispered, “The
inevitable”, as he was about to give his opinion his
phone rang. He thought of not answering but saw
‘Patrick’ on the screen. He quickly answered, “Yah.
You sure? Okay, I’ll be there”. He hung in a rush and
shouted, “Sorry old men, I’ll be back” and excused
himself. They tried stopping him but failed, till Mark
went after him and waited for Tamiel to take the keys
from Chris and got on the same car.
“What are you doing Mark?” he asked angrily to the
man occupying the passenger seat as he drives.
“I’m going with you; I want to see what is more
important than the bomb our fathers threw at us” he
replied calmy.
“I may have predicted that, but Mark, this does not
include you at all”.
“Well, it better should, we are about to live together
and in a relationship. Where are we going?”

158
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“To meet some informant, working for Sally”.

“You mean Dr Walsh’s son? Didn’t you tell me to
stay out because it’s dangerous? Why are you
involved?”
“My dear Mark, I love you, but you are naïve. All
this has to do with being groomed by my father”.
“So, both you and Sally are acting out of jealousy
and competing?”
“Someone can’t let go Mark. Now I have a trump
card that I’m dating you. I also need to bury him for
nearly killing Zach”.
“I kind of feel used. Don’t you think you should
perhaps call Zach?”
“No, let him enjoy his time with Tinkie, and Patrick
better have something good for me”.
“Or what?”
“Or what, what?”
“What are you going to do if he provides fake intel?”
“Nothing!”
“Tamiel!”
“Okay, okay. I may have perhaps threatened him by
his daughter”.
“Holy shit! Are you really…”
“No! It was just a threat; I don’t really intend to…”
Their argument was left unfinished as Tamiel
approached a green traffic light on a T-junction and a
truck came rushing, perpendicular to their car. It hit
them, causing the car to roll four times with them
inside. It finally landed on its top on the grass near the
road. The driver of the truck simply ran away without
checking if there are any lives to save.

159
THARN B. CROISSANT

160
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Chapter Eleven
Heaven Can Wait

Trundles of two people severely injured came

rushing at Celeste Blouse’s ER. The nurses and ER
doctors thronged to them as the ambulance knocked.
“Incoming, two males at their middle twenties
injured in a car accident. One was revived at the scene
with a head injury but unconscious, the other is
conscious but have many fractures” addressed the
paramedic pushing the trundles to the wards helped by
the nurses, the emergency surgeon welcomed them.
“Identity of the two males?” inquired the ER doctor.
“The unconscious one is unrecognisable but found
his wallet on the pocket, Tamiel Peterson. The other is
Mark Williams with the fractures” replied the
paramedic.
“Did you say Mark Williams?”
“Yes”
“That’s the president” the doctor rushed attending
Mark and Tamiel with the other doctor.

161
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Tamiel. Tamiel” he said in a distorted voice.

“Dr Williams, calm down, we will help you now”
reassured the resident attending him.
“Where is Tamiel?”
“Just next door. Give me antiarrhythmic!” the
monitors beeped faster, “We are losing him, I’ll start
CPR”.
He pumped his chest twenty times and the monitors
beeped for life again, it left him unconscious this time.
The doctor hollered for an emergency surgery, and
they all prepared.
After the operation he was transferred to the
Intensive Care Unit where he laid in a coma. Dr Zitha
took charge of Tamiel in his unconscious situation
being transferred to OR.
Not so long, the news of the accident aired on TV
and took by the newspapers and every city’s news
reporter of the country when the identities of the
victims were revealed. Disrupting the family meeting,
it came as a shock as they all rushed to the hospital in
a haste.
They barged in the hospital in tears and worry
looking for answers on everyone they encounter. It
was brought to them the current situation; Veronica
and Tinkie sobbed like infants. They were allowed to
visit Mark who recently came out of operation and in
ICU. Veronica went first and Todd was last who
recently arrived with Tyson. They were not allowed to
see Tamiel since he was still in surgery with Dr Zitha.
They awaiting in worry of all possible endings until a
nurse came out of the operating room to address that

162
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

the surgery was successful but still left him in a coma,

him too was transferred to ICU.

A week later, Veronica walked in unison with the

pregnant Sherry in the corridors of the ICU holding a
basket of flowers. They passed by Tamiel’s ward first,
where they met Tinkie and Zach standing above him
as if he promised to wake up if they sheltered him like
that. The greeting was full of sorrow mood but
sympathetic at another’s predicaments as Sherry
placed Tinkie on her embraced and passed to Veronica.
They all spoke words of empathy and parted when
Sherry resumed their walk on the next room. Mark
too, was sleeping beautifully at the relentless beeping
of monitors. Mother and daughter got inside and
brushed his forehead with a face that has started to
grow beard and casts on the leg. They sat near him and
did as Zach and Tinkie.

He felt a blockage on his nose as if his breath

bounces back to his nose every time, he breathes. He
could not bear it any longer; he decided to open his
eyes to see what is blocking his breath. Everything is
blurry and full of blinding lights; he cannot see clearly.
Two beings came over his face shouting his name.
“Why are these people making such noise, and they
seem joyful. Over what though?” he asked himself as
the other kisses his forehead. The kiss felt so warm
and heart easing. His eyes are still blurry, now he starts
to wonder where he might be as he hears the annoying
beeping sound besides him. Slowly, his vision is

163
THARN B. CROISSANT

getting better; these faces are familiar, and he tried to

speak, but felt like something got in his throat, they
offered him water. He drank like it’s his first, yes it
was after a couple of weeks. He felt at ease and
opened his mouth yet again, “Mom, Sheila” he said
smiling. They wept hugging him and he groaned in
pain.
The doctor entered the room accompanied by the
male nurse. They checked all his vitals and were
deemed good. They exited the room to let the family
have some alone time.
“I’m exultant you finally woke up, honey. Our
panicking exceeded the epitome of surface” said
Veronica weeping on top of him.
“How is it supposed to be merry when you’re
crying?” he asked with the smile held by pain.
“They removed a cast on your leg when you were
still sleeping, only thing left is the neck ring” said
Sherry brushing his head.
“How is the baby, I can see it has grown bigger” he
asked.
“Babies little brother. They are twins”.
“That’s great” he got throat hacked, “How is
Tamiel?” Sherry suddenly looked down and shook her
head, “He is dead? Oh, no! It can’t be happening” he
cried trying to get off the bed and they restrained him.
“He is not dead honey. He is in a coma, been there
same as you, for about three weeks” eased Veronica.
He calmed down and settled to the bed, but the tears
kept flowing as he faced up. Sherry excused herself
and went to Tamiel’s room to tell Tinkie and Zach that

164
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

her brother has awaken. They left in a hurry to Mark’s

room, leaving Tamiel a sleeping beauty. All the
wounds have almost closed, but he had no sign of
waking up.
They flooded Mark’s room along with Lana who has
now brought a box of chocolate as if she anticipated
this anytime now.
A few days later, Mark was discharged to fully
recover at home. With only a neck ring, he was able to
walk on his own, but Veronica did not in the slightest
let that happen. She obliged him to move back home
where he can fully recover, with a home call
physiotherapist. He did not bother to argue with all
this, he submitted; he had much gravely things to
worry about. The man he loves might not wake up in
comatose, he might lose him for good. He is not ready
for both physical and emotional grief. If he were to
encounter a djinn at this moment, he would waste all
his wishes on Tamiel waking up. He stood up and
there they went, with his family going home, where he
will be crying all nights hoping for Tamiel’s health.
With his strenuous thinking that has led to anger,
Mark has forcefully removed the neck ring without the
doctor’s approval. A week after his discharge, now he
roams around the house as if nothing happened.
Although he is still not able to keep up to his usual
schedule at exercising but he still on his active gym
plan. Veronica and Sherry have told him countless
times to take it slow, he did not dare to listen but saw
them as hindrance into him avenging for Tamiel. Todd

165
THARN B. CROISSANT

is not involving himself in any of this, not even at the

hospital.
Today he decided to go on a gynaecologist together
with Sherry and Veronica. You can tell by looking at
his eyes that he is depressed, luckily Sherry has been
looking after his post at the hospital so as Zach did for
Tamiel. He plans to make his second visit to Tamiel
since he woke up.
They enter the gynaecologist’s check-up room,
Sherry laid on the bed preparing for the check-up. The
doctor did the ultrasound with Mark paying no
attention to any of this.
“Still don’t want to know the gender?” asked the
doctor politely.
“No” she replied. The giggles filled the room, still he
was on the parallel universe. He quietly excused
himself, and there he went to Tamiel’s room. They
were left bemused. He found Zach standing beside
Tamiel’s bed, he could not make up what he was
saying as he budged saying, “Zach, how are you, can I
have some alone time?”, he replied,
“Doing well doctor, sure, you may” he then exited
the room. He stood still alone in the room not knowing
what to do or to say with the monitors beeping non-
stop. He sat on the chair near the bed, and he finally
spoke his mind.
“Tamiel, I’m realising now that we never used the
words ‘babe’, ‘love’ or ‘sweetheart’ as any normal
couple. Are we even a couple though? We started our
relationship by hurting the person closest to us. And
we moved faster to the term ‘love’ than any other

166
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

couple would. As I am sitting here, I’m thinking of

asking you to marry me when you wake up. Silly I
know” he scoffed, “Don’t you think it has been long
now, you need to open your eyes. Everyone misses
you; I miss you. I think daily about you, about how I
am failing you even now. But I do promise to find
whoever caused this car accident. I don’t in the
slightest believe it is an accident, and I will avenge
you. I am getting into your world now, aren’t I” he
scoffed, “I guess I must get ready considering the
bomb our fathers exploded at us before we crashed.
I’ll be doing this for you Tamiel because I love you, I
love you, dumbass. I have never loved someone like I
love you” he wept and held his hand, “I don’t regret
moving too fast with you. I love you Tamiel Peterson,
we still owe each other the first date so you ought to
wake up. I beg you now” he got closer to him and held
his hand even tighter; he froze for a few minutes
weeping on top of him.
He later got up and kissed him on a forehead then let
go of his hand; he walked slowly to the door and
exited the room. His eyes met Zach who was folding
his arms standing on the left outside the room.
“Just the person I’m looking for,” said Mark.
“I’m sorry for eavesdropping, sir” said Zach bowing
his head.
“No need to bow your head, yes, eavesdropping is
wrong. Got any leads about the crash?”
“I did not just sit my ass down with a tragedy upon
my best friend. I found the truck driver” they both got
back inside the room.

167
THARN B. CROISSANT

“In your custody? May I see him?”

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible sir; I broke one of
Tamiel’s rules out of anger and snapped his neck.
Briefly I killed him”.
“Zach!” he whispered.
“But that was after I got intel from him. Apparently,
he was contacted by a certain guy” he showed him a
photo, “This one, who offered him 25,000 rands for
that crash, he was given your coordinates of that time,
I was here to update Tamiel”.
“Found this guy yet? How did they know our
location?”
“He’s at the dungeon, that’s what I’m trying to find
out”.
“Really Tamiel is nothing without you. You did well,
considering you were alone. May I go see him?”
“Thank you, sir, of course you may”.
“May we tone down with formality, you don’t even
work for me”.
They drove past the city to the secret warehouse
owned by Tamiel but registered in a pseudonym. All
the way none of them is talking, Mark keeps on
memorising the direction while Zach is holding the
wheel and eyes on the road. They finally arrived; it is
much bigger that what Mark had expected and located
near the sea just a bit outside the city passing Paarden
Eiland. He felt like he has missed out more of Tamiel’s
life and got nervous at the step he is about to take.
“So, this is Tamiel” he whispered to himself getting
inside the warehouse.

168
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

It is occupied with lot of tools which some of them

he has never use before and has an open space further
up in the middle. They got further in till they saw a
guy chained on the fence standing perpendicular to the
floor and supported by the iron poles. His legs and
arms are separated like a goat at the slaughterhouse.
He approximately weighs 150 kg giving an eye to him.
“How did you catch him?” asked Mark in disbelief.
“Hunting tranquilisers” he smirked and yelled,
“Good afternoon, Marc, sorry sir, he is Marcos. I’m
back and have some company”.
“The doctor, huh? It’s a pity he survived, should
have done the job myself” said Marc hanging like
biltong.
“I was also a target?” asked Mark.
“Oh doctor, you are more famous than you thought,
for being an idiot” replied Marc and laughed.
“Okay, enough for introductions, better do what we
brought you here for; talk” ordered Zach getting closer
to him.
“You are not getting a word you lapdog” he spit at
their feet.
“I can be very persuasive and creative too, Marcy;
brace yourself” said Zach grabbing the wire cutter on
the table.
“For real Zach?” assured Mark looking at the wire
cutter.
“Says someone who cut people open for a living”.
“Helping them, forgot that?”
“He must talk. How about we play dentist and
patient Marcy, you are the patient of course”.

169
THARN B. CROISSANT

“No dude you don’t have to” said Marc wishing to

vanish and started to tremble in fear.
“Figured electrocution doesn’t work, so yes, I must.
Open wide please”.
“We hacked his phone!” he yelled asking for mercy.
“What did you just say?”
“We could not tail nor bug Tamiel’s phone with you
on the watch, lapdog. And getting rid of you proved
impossible. The doctor was the best candidate since
we knew they were dating; that was a week before the
article was published. His phone was hacked and
placed a tracking application. I told you he is dumber
than he looks. That’s how we knew where Tamiel was,
by him” sang Marcos.
“You’re the one who released that to the press?”
asked Mark.
“Of course, doctor, who did you think it was? We
didn’t know both your schedules since you memorise
yours and the lapdog knows Tamiel’s. We had to get
you together faster; a commotion was created”.
“Son of a bitch!” barked Mark closing to him and
punched his face countless times. He laughed out loud.
“Patrick is dead for double spying, we used him to
get you on the road. You were both guarded at the
hospital we couldn’t finish the job…”
“Sorry Marc, what was your motive? Sally’s
rivalry?” asked Zach.
“Not my place to tell”.
“I figured there would be a mastermind. Someone
greater than him. Who is it?”

170
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Why don’t you make me smile like a new-born

baby on that one” he opened his mouth wide.
“With pleasure” he smiled and inserted the cutter
inside his mouth pulling off his teeth one by one and
him groaning in pain. His shirt is full of blood coming
from his mouth, he can no longer talk well. Still, he
refused to say a word and his phone suddenly rang.
“That’s your phone Marcy” said Zach getting away
from the bleeding Marc with eight missing teeth. “I
knew you were more of a lapdog than I am. It was
good keeping your phone on, they decided to call, not
track your phone” he smiled answering the phone and
not said a word.
“Report back. The doctor is no longer inactive” said
the voice of a woman on the phone.
“Tamiel Peterson!” shouted Marcos in agony and the
woman immediately hung up.
“I’m Zacharia by the way, not Tamiel. You just
tipped the mouse off my trap”.
“Wait Zach, I know that voice. It’s the chairman’s
voice, Dr Walsh”.
“Petunia Walsh? Sally’s mother?” asked Zach.
“That’s what Tamiel said. I’m certain it is her; I’ve
heard that annoying voice countless times”.
“Oh, you just turned into a liability Marcy, you have
no choice but to be executed” said Zach taking out his
9mm handgun behind his back pointing at Marcos. He
looked at him knowing he failed at protecting his
master’s identity. He would rather die in Zach’s hands
than those of his master’s.
“Wait Zach, let me do it,” said Mark.

171
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Are you sure sir? Liabilities like this, Tamiel allows

to be eliminated, you should keep your hands clean”.
“I would keep my hands clean if my boyfriend
wasn’t lying on a deathbed”.
“More of a reason you shouldn’t dirty them”.
“You failed to do that with the truck driver, give me
the gun Zach” he gave him the gun and got closer to
Marcos. Two bullets went straight to his forehead
making him not feel the pain; he proved his excellent
archery skills and hunting time with Uncle P didn’t go
to waste. His phone rang at that moment, and he
answered, “Sheila, hello. I’m sorry for leaving you”.

“This must be a nightmare, like the ones I used to

have when I was a teenager. I wonder why all these
random men are painting my face with mud, I can’t
even hardly breath. What is weirder is that I cannot
fight back, it’s like my body is tied down. I am slowly
losing my eyesight too. The mud is getting thicker and
thicker, making it harder to breath. Let me try
breathing faster; not possible I’m feeling pain on my
chest. I am forced to breath slowly with the air
deteriorating. These men are laughing out in joy, I’m
unable to feel any air in my nose; my breathing is yet
disturbed. What the hell is that annoying beeping
sound, it’s persistent. Oh! my eyesight is back again
and no longer covered in mud. With my blurry vision I
can see the two people standing near the ajar door; it’s
not men, they are women. All this time this tube was
blocking my breathing, let me remove it. These two
women are coming closer, the other seems to be

172
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

pregnant and shouting my name. I can recognise their

faces; I am glad to see familiar faces. ‘Cupcake,
Sherry’ my voice is distorted and this endless pain on
my head as if I’ve train smashed” said Tamiel to
himself as he wakes up from coma.
“You’re back!” as they sobbed on top of him.
“Let me call Mark and Zach” said Sherry leaving
Tinkie alone with Tamiel and went outside. She called
and he answered, “Sheila, hello. I’m sorry for leaving
you”.
“I attended one of your meetings and stayed with
Tinkie till now. Mark he is awake!” she said in an
excited voice.
“Tamiel?! You better not be joking!”
“No, I’m not, just recently”.
“Zach! He is awake, Tamiel. We will be there in an
hour” he said over the phone with a voice full of joy
and relief.
She got back inside with Tinkie who is smitten about
her brother’s survival. They have just deemed this day
the happiest.
Zach and Mark drove faster to the veld leading to
Stellenbosch with a dead Marcos in the trunk wrapped
in plastic. The hole has already been dug as if Zach
already knew he is going to be eliminated; the sun has
just set and it’s getting darker. They threw the corpse
inside and poured the fertilisers so as the decomposing
chemicals. In haste they buried him laughing, you’d
swear it’s for the dead man. No one cared who is
dirtier than the other as they changed their clothes and
got in the car; drove to the hospital.

173
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Is the baby mine?” asked Tamiel smiling.

“Babies, and yes, they are yours” Sherry smiled back
replying and held Tamiel’s hand to touch her tummy.
“I’m so happy for a man who was near death, how
long have I been here?”
“For about a month” replied Tinkie, “You’ve been
missed, a lot”.
“I’m sorry for making you all worry this much, I
don’t see Zach, where is he?”
“He is coming, just taking care of some business”
replied Sherry.
“This crash really did me good, huh?”
Mark stood in front of the door, with Zach on his
right. His eyes got watery filled with tears, he could
not hold them from falling. Everyone looked at the
door with their pleased, happy faces. Tamiel smiled
like a retard looking at the door. In haste Mark
approached the bed, he squeezed Tamiel tight into his
big arms while crying, “I missed you” he said and
kissed him on the lips. Tamiel shoved him back and
brutally yelled,
“What are you doing, you punk?! Who the hell are
you?”. Mark stepped back and looked at him muddled.
“What do you mean Tamiel?” he asked in a voice
full of sorrow.
“You just jumped and kissed me! Who are you?”
everyone in the room got jumbled staring at each
other, Zach stepped inside too.
“Tamiel, you really don’t remember? This is Mark,
your boyfriend” said Sherry politely.

174
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“I wouldn’t ask if I knew… what did you just say?

My what?!” asked Tamiel looking at Sherry and
tightened his eyes.
“Your boyfriend ani, don’t you remember?” said
Tinkie.
“Why would I have a boyfriend when I’m dating
Sherry and expecting a baby?”
“Tamiel calm down. Me and you broke up, you are
dating Mark now” Mark still did not dare utter any
word.
“No! No! I am not dating a man. I am not gay!” he
shouted.
“You have never been gay; you only love Mark and
said you’d be whatever you want to be for him” said
Zach getting even closer.
“This is all a misunderstanding Tamiel. We were just
pranking you, we are certainly not dating” he faked a
smile, “This is all a joke to jog your memory, you need
to rest. Excuse me everyone” said Mark exiting the
room with eyes full of tears like Nile River. Everyone
insisted on him staying but he very much left.
He went straight to his office; he no longer noticed
any changes or felt nostalgia with tears making his
vision blurry. He sat on the couch in his office with his
knees shaking like paper doll; he has no sense of how
to hold all this. He looked out the window and the
memories of him and Tamiel flooded his mind like a
titan passing wall Maria.
“Perhaps all these memories were the last I made
with Tamiel” he said. He quickly got up wiping the
tears and exited the office.

175
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Sir, you’re back” said Lana carrying her bag

preparing to go home.
“Yes Lana, and hurry home there is still work
tomorrow” he replied rushing to Dr Zitha’s office who
attended Tamiel before he goes home. He budged in
his office and found him packing.
“Mr President, how can I help you but I’m on my
way home” he said pointing at the door by a forehead
and pocketed his hands.
“Mr Peterson’s condition, one of your patients; is it
permanent, the memory loss?”
“Dr Williams, I get it that you two are dating, but
you aren’t married so I can’t tell you. Doctor-patient
confidentiality”.
“I’m asking as the president”.
He sighed, “At this moment I can’t tell, I’ve done
several tests. Mr Peterson’s memory may be
permanently lost or regained as the time goes by”.
“Run more tests, redo MRI and CT scans”.
“I cannot do that, against the hospital’s laws, your
rules”.
“Forget it. Thank you, have a safe trip home” he left
the office and went to Tamiel’s ward.
He found Sherry outside talking to the phone, which
she suddenly hung up and approached him with her
pregnant tummy leading the way. She came closer and
held his cheeks, “Are you okay?” she asked looking
deep into his eyes.
“I don’t know how to respond to that” he replied
looking back at his sister’s eyes like his and added, “I

176
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

guess we should perhaps give it time, and not flood

him with everything at once”.
“True, give him some time. Don’t give up, his
memories will come back and will remember and love
you as usual” he smiled and later untied himself from
his sister’s embrace then attempted to enter the room.
He found all three laughing out loud, he smirked as he
showed his head and, “Sorry to interrupt your time,
Zach can I talk to you for a moment”.
“Why don’t you come in for a moment. Give us a
moment” said Tamiel as Zach and Tinkie left the room
and Mark got in. “I figured that was not a prank” he
said in a polite voice.
“Hard to believe. Not every time you survive death
and woke up being told you date a man”.
“I’m very sorry for what I did earlier”.
“You are just like the first I met you”.
“Stubborn you mean?” he scoffed.
“Hot headed; you need not to pressure yourself. Your
memory will come back in the time being”.
“You must’ve been special for me to date you,
adding you are a guy”.
“I’m the lucky one, I’ve never been challenged
before as you do. Let’s not finish everything here, get
some rest. I love you Tamiel Peterson” he stared at
him then exited the room. As soon as he got outside
and laid eyes on everyone he said,
“Zach, please” he gesticulated him to follow him.
Sherry and Tinkie got back inside the room.
“What is it, sir?”

177
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Not sir. Since Tamiel is still inactive; I’ll be

handling all his businesses except for LIFE-TH, as
your disciple of course”.
“Meaning?”
“After that meeting, we had, our fathers told us
something massive. Tamiel may not remember but it is
dangerous, and I need you to guide me. Starting with
Dr Walsh and her son”.
“Of course, you need to hold on tight”.
“But don’t you ever tell Tamiel you’re working with
me”.
“Of course, sir”.
“Mark!”
“Yes, of course Mark. Feels odd”.

Due to the doctors’ consent, Tamiel has been

discharged from the hospital a few days ago. Dr Zitha
assured his health and insisted he be in familiar places
that will help trigger his memory. He went back to the
mansion along with Tinkie and Zach. They’ve all
taken notice that his memories have been reset for
only a year ago. He sat on the living room browsing
oh his phone, Nomvuyo entered the room with the tray
of hot beverage and placed it on top of the table,
“Sir, you’re still forbidden to consume any form of
alcohol, here is you mom’s favourite tea” she said, and
in haste left the room. He stirred the tea gradually,
slithering the teaspoon to each edge of a cup, as if he
is pouring all his thoughts inside; one could try tea
therapy after seeing him.

178
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

He continued browsing on his phone and met the

article about him dating Mark which has quietly died
down by the time. He rushed to his phone gallery and
saw pictures and videos of him and Mark, others they
are naked. That got him more confused and held his
head screaming as if he is being electrocuted.
Someone came rushing from the door and placed
him on their embrace saying “Tamiel! Are you okay?
Calm down”. He felt at ease at this person’s embrace,
scent and voice. The agony suddenly stopped, and he
opened his eyes to take a glance at this person, he was
not expecting them. He jumped off the couch and
stood by his feet yelling,
“What the hell are you doing here?” it was
miraculously to him that they are suddenly here as if it
were a dream. The person stood up too and spoke
smoothly,
“I am here to check-up on you”. In his shock mode a
lady entered the door and they both faced her,
“Hello Tamiel” she said getting closer.
“You came with him?” asked Tamiel not wanting to
get close to either of them.
“Yes, he was worried as I” she replied.
“Why are you friends with the man I happened to
cheat with and leave you for?” he barked. She faced
down smiling and got her face up again,
“Oh, we might have forgotten to mention it. Mark is
my twin brother”. He yet again held his head unable to
talk as if he would cry. In disbelief, he whispered,

179
THARN B. CROISSANT

“No. No. it can’t be. Why?” they got closer to him

with no disdain. They held him and sat down with
him. He later calmed down and popped a question,
“What made you forgive us after we did something
so terrible to you, Sherry”.
She replied,
“I happen to love both of your dearly and our ship
was never going to sail; you will understand as soon as
you regain your memories. Now let me go see Tinkie”
she stood up and left them sitting on opposite sides.
“I just saw our pictures on my phone, all this is
confusing” said Tamiel facing the floor.
Mark gave a grin and said,
“As I’ve said, no need to pressure yourself, give all
this time. We will all be supporting you” his phone
rang, and he gave a glance then looked at Tamiel, he
answered it saying, “Alice” while standing up, heading
outside. Again, Tamiel felt thunder in his head and had
a flash of his memory with Mark on the bed and the
same name he just said.
“How are you?” he said.
“I’m fine, how are you? I haven’t been getting hold
of you and I couldn’t visit you at the hospital” a
beautiful woman’s voice said on the phone.
“Everyone would be shocked to see a beautiful
woman claiming to be my wife” they giggled, “Where
is Brad?”
“Indeed, we will give it time. He is right here
looking at me”.
“Let me talk to him”.
“Brad, Papa wants to talk to you”.

180
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Hello big boy, how is school?”

“It’s good papa, when are you coming back?” a
voice of a six-year-old boy on the voice.
“Papa will be coming back soon. You are missing
me that much?”
“I miss you a lot”.
“Now be a big boy and protect mama for me. I’ll
come with a big present. Now give mama the phone”.
“Yay! Do come soon… He is so happy to hear your
voice. When are you coming?”
“Very soon, running the hospital is quiet
challenging. I’ll see you” he hung up and went back
inside the house finding Tamiel no longer where he
was.

He lowered her pantie to reach her ankles and lifted

the dress up to her waist. Her hands are untying his
trousers’ belt and down it fell along with his undies,
showing the shark. He kissed her while she touches his
shark, his arms moved from the waist and inserted the
two fingers inside her pond. She moaned inside his
mouth; his fingers moved like a compass needle
reacting to magnetic fields surrounding it. The pond
became wetter as he lifted her up and placed her butt
on top of the office desk. He spread her legs wide and
bowed down drinking from the pond with his tongue
like a dog. Her soft moans left the room, he later got
up and looked at his cute girlfriend.
He held the shark and made it attempt to dive into
the pond with the lady on top of the desk by her butt.
The shark dived in, and he held her legs I acute angle

181
THARN B. CROISSANT

pounding and pronouncing, “hll, ahh” all the time.

Indeed, the pond is small for the shark, it kept on
pounding on its walls making the owner to roll her
eyes facing the ceiling. Her whole body is rhythmic to
this man’s; and she unbuttoned his shirt exposing her
sexy abs. She held him tight grabbing his breasts as he
leaned over her, and both moaned out loud with the
pond’s water leaking out and the shark showing
tiredness of pounding.
They hugged each other in that moment, giggling,
the shark not getting out of the pond. The office door
slowly opened, and they turned looking at the door.
The man at the door yelled, “Oh my…” as he closes
his eyes as well as the door. He ran downstairs and
met the twins again. The female said to him as he
came down,
“Tamiel, did you see Tinkie up there? I can’t find her
in her room” he shut up and looked at her. The male
said,
“Are you alright Tamiel? You look pale”. He came
closer to them and opened his mouth trying to talk but
words couldn’t come out. Two voices followed him
down the stairs shouting,
“Ani!”, “Tams!”.
He turned to looked at the beings with their clothes
undone and widened his mouth, he turned back to face
the twins and finally he said, “Tell me I forgot their
relationship, they are not hiding”. The twins smirked
looking at each other and faced Zach and Tinkie. He
read their faces and said, “I see, I forgot that too. But it
is still gross watching my kid sister doing that with my

182
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

best friend, next time lock the door”. The twins

politely laughed, and Sherry got closer to him
comforting his annoyed face, Tinkie too came closer to
his brother. Mark talked at that moment beckoning
Zach aside.
Zach felt rescued from the crocodile’s teeth as he
went outside with Mark. They stood near the water
fountain surrounded by green grass even in these early
stages of winter. “In a few days I’ll be having a
meeting with my father and Mr Peterson,” said Mark.
“And you will be needing my help how sir? Sorry
Mark” replied Zach.
“I need you to accompany me, but you will be there
for Tamiel”.
“I don’t understand”.
“Remember the massive thing our fathers revealed,
and I told you about, it’s about that. During the
meeting I need someone Tamiel trusts the most to
deliver everything to him when his memory is back. I
might be sleeping with him, but he loves and trusts
you the most. It is also related to making me your
protégé”.
“I’ll come with you”.

A few days have last come, Mark stepped at the

entrance of Crystal Hotel alongside, Zach. Both are
wearing their glorious tuxedos as they walk in pairs a
killer duo, a fake one at that. Zach is directing by his
hand to which passage to take next, hence he is
familiar with the place. The ladies and workers are

183
THARN B. CROISSANT

drooling turning their heads at these men as they

passed like a pair of alphas.
Their dazzling makes them fit to be considered one
of the residents of this hotel. They finally arrived at
the casino, but it was rather empty with only one table
occupied. Mark could not spot his father among these
people sitting beside Tyson. Tyson stood up and came
closer to them, giving each a handshake. He then
offered a seat among these mafia looking like men.
They all have cigars on their lips, even that gorgeous
lady who is about in her late thirties.
“Gentlemen and lady, these are my future sons-in-
law” said Tyson occupying his seat again, “The tall
one is Todd’s son” he added.
“You and Todd like mixing business with pleasure”
said the mean looking man, chasing Tyson’s age.
“Don’t they look delicious” said the only woman in
this bunch.
“Mark Williams and Zacharia Ntusi. Sons, welcome,
meet our business partners of the other business of
course. Zach you must’ve already met Mr Ncanti, Mr
Molefe, Mr Jacobs, Mrs Vlein”.
“Lauren please” she said stretching her arm for a
handshake.
“Mr Mulavha and Mr Kruger and also your father;
all in all, we are the Spider’s Legs, each of us has their
own territories”.
“I was really looking forward to meeting your son”
said Molefe.
“Mr Tamiel is still inactive, because of the accident”
replied Zach.

184
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Your protégés look weak, Tyson” said Jacobs

puffing smoke.
“Not on the brains” replied Tyson.
“Trust me I know” added Ncanti.
“Now lady and gentlemen, let’s get to business,”
said Tyson.

Just as the meeting ended, Zach and Mark stepping

out of the hotel in the middle of the day, Mark’s phone
rang. It was Sherry and he put it in a speaker phone for
Zach to grab a line.
“Mark hurry back to the Peterson’s mansion” she
said.
“Why? Is there a problem with Tamiel?” he replied
restlessly.
“Yes, he hasn’t come out of his room and has been
screaming all along; he demands to see you”.
“Did he tell why?”,
“No”,
“I’ll be there asap”. They both haste got in a car and
drove from Crystal Hotel in the middle of the city to
Century City, Peterson’s mansion. All the way they felt
how long a single second can be.
They soon arrived at the mansion and Mark got out
of the car before it could park properly, leaving Zach
to close the doors behind. He budged inside the living
room and his face expressions talked for him as Tinkie
went up the stairs leading the way. She showed him
Tamiel’s room and left him there then went back
downstairs. He softly knocked on the door and a voice
yelled inside,

185
THARN B. CROISSANT

“I said leave me the hell alone” he softly replied,

“Tamiel, it’s me, Mark, you’ve been requesting for
me”,
“Are you alone?” he asked.
“Yes, I am”. The door slowly opened, and he showed
himself with puppy eyes and his hair messed up as if
he was fighting.
“May I come in?” asked Mark politely, he opened
the door wider and let him in. They both sat on the bed
with the door closed.
“I heard you were demanding to see me”.
“I wanted to see the man who kept on popping in my
head since this morning. Dude, this is killing me. I
need you to verify we are dating by saying something
that other people don’t know of”.
“They are plenty, Tamiel. Firstly, the scar on your
hip you got in an accident twelve years ago. You like
to hide your vulnerability by your courage, but not to
me” he smiled, “You love Tinkie and Zach the most,
me and Sherry come second. You dropped out of
college, making you to only have your matric
certificate as a qualification. Your favourite singer is
Dolly Parton, but you hide behind Justin Timberlake
and Trey Songz, and Usher. You’ve always wanted to
be a singer but let that dream go when your mom died;
that’s why you always sing at We Bar always wearing
a mask. Your masks changes depending on the anime
character you feel like. You the most childish person,
who cooks incredible food. They are countless”.

186
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Somehow it sounds like you’re trying to win my

heart for the first time, I guess it has always been
yours” he smirked.
“What did you just say?”
“You still owe me our first date”.

187
THARN B. CROISSANT

188
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

PART THREE

189
THARN B. CROISSANT

190
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Chapter Twelve
Kissed the Heart’s Assassin

In the evening the sun just recently set, and the

mountains gave an orange colour so as the thin sun
rays that are about to be depleted. Five of them got off
the car in the driveway and stood at the gate of a big
modern house of mostly glass walls, with the ocean
singing behind their backs, and its breeze blowing
their ears and reaching their noses. They threw their
eyes at this beautiful double storey house with a very
wide yard. The pine trees have grown taller than the
gates, showing signs of nutrition at the middle of
spring. The left side windows of the house still
reflected the light rays given by the setting sun. They
smiled together not believing what’s in front of their
eyes that felt like freedom.
He opened the gate manually and they all got inside
the yard setting their eyes to the Lion’s Head of Signal
Hill together with the Table Mountain.

191
THARN B. CROISSANT

“So, this is it?” he said stretching his arms scaling

the house.
“Yes, this is it” he replied smiling looking at him and
then the others.
“And you definitely know how much I love Sea
Point, placing us near Green Point” she said smiling
and brushed her tummy.
“Now we have a home” he came closer to her
tummy and talked in children language.
They all headed for the front door; stepping inside
the house in eggshells and their eyes widened being
flabbergasted by what’s in front of them.
“Ani, I really love your boyfriend” said Tinkie
covering her mouth astounded.
“What does that mean? How is Mark special that
you and Tamiel love him?” asked Zach bluffing, they
all laughed at him.
“It is beautiful” said Sherry with a smile on her face.
“Well, I can tell the interior and wallpaper need to be
changed” said Tamiel as he ran upstairs, and they all
followed him. Minutes later three men rushed to the
cars outside and carried out boxes, they did three trips.
All the boxes were stuffed in the living room. Outside
it started to get darker by the minute as you can see
lights from every building, car, and streetlight.
They all gathered down unpacking the boxes; the
room is filled with laughter and chats as one keeps on
unpacking and placing the object in the appropriate
place. Suddenly someone yelled, “Holy fuck!” they all
turned to look at him, surprised as his voice is louder
than others.

192
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“What is it Tamiel?” asked Mark standing near the

TV stand.
“Mark I can’t find my mom’s picture. Don’t tell me
we forgot it” addressed Tamiel facing Mark with a
worried face.
“You did pack it; you’re probably searching on the
wrong box” replied Mark.
“If ever we did not, you will cry all night, Mark. I
promise you” he said pointing him with a finger.
He smirked, “Calm down Tamiel before you kill us
all, let’s search for it”.
“Here it is ani” said Tinkie. He ran to his kid sister
and kissed her on the forehead with appreciating
words.
“Are you still going to kill me?” asked Mark.
He moved from his sister and got closer to Mark and
grabbed his butt saying, “I’ll only be breaking your
bones, make you shiver till you ask for mercy”.
“No sex talk in front of children. Tamiel! Mark! For
fuck’s sake, I’m eight months pregnant,” jokingly
complained Sherry.
The unpacking was left unfinished as Sherry got
tired earlier than anybody else. Zach and Tinkie had to
go home since she had to prepare for her upcoming
final exams next month. The two lovebirds had no
choice but to leave the unpacking and retire to their
bed, their first night in this house they’ve promised
each other months ago before the car crash and
Tamiel’s amnesia. Since then, he has been taking
everything slow while regaining a memory at a certain
time. One of his memories was regained during an

193
THARN B. CROISSANT

appointment with Sherry gynaecologist when they got

a due date, the memory of his father’s secret business.
Morning arrived, it is the first time in a long time
Tamiel has awoken in a warm morning where the
chirping birds, sound of cars on the road, the singing
sea and its breeze blending to make an amazing
sensation waking him up. So as the smell of eggs that
reached his nose as soon as he opened his eyes. With a
smile on his face, he got up neglecting to put a robe on
and went downstairs with only his underpants, bare
chest. His vision is getting better by each step he
places his foot on. He stepped on a kitchen fighting to
move with Sherry by his side, he saw his lovely Mark
behind the stove,
“Babe, you’re awake, so are you, big sis” said Mark
and they moved to the counter and sat on the stools.
“Tamiel, does it hurt to put a robe on?” asked Sherry
with Mark dishing up.
“Too hot, we’re in the middle of spring. Is it edible
though, Mark?” asked Tamiel turning his head for
utensils.
“Why don’t you taste it,” said Sherry. He put a piece
inside his mouth and yelled, “Yuck, it’s not coming
even closer to edible” Sherry laughed out loud.
“What do you mean Tamiel? I poured so much love
in there,” said Mark.
“So did salt, taste here” he cut a piece and moved a
fork to Mark’s mouth. Sherry took a snap photo of that
moment with her phone, “What’s that for?” asked
Tamiel.

194
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Never mind me, keep up the honeymoon” she said

and later posted the photo on her WhatsApp status
captioned “first morning with the fathers of my kids”.
After, the three headed different ways to their daily
jobs. Sherry got up from her own maternity leave for
just today and her due date is approaching.

Still Zach is surprised by the smile that is filling

Tamiel’s face. He no longer looks sad about his
mother’s hidden tragedy, the rivalry with Sally and
Petunia’s involvement in all this. He tries not to worry
much since his memory just recently came back, all he
must do is settle this with Sally sooner and move to
the Spider’s Legs. He hymns a beautiful note his
mother used to sing for him and Tinkie, as he moves
around the office and the evening approached. Zach
sat on the couch with Tamiel doing most of the work
which is something he rarely does.
There was a knock on a door as they each do their
work. It was a single time, giving no time for either
Zach or Tamiel to grant permission and the man got in.
He smiled like a retard at the door facing at these two
men inside and Tamiel got up smiling too.
“We did not agree on driving home together” he said
looking at the door.
“Yes, we did not, but I have to show you something”
said Mark as he stepped further inside and closed the
door. Zach sat there looking at them treating him as if
he is invisible.
“This would be a perfect scene for The Bold and The
Beautiful” he thought to himself as Mark and Tamiel

195
THARN B. CROISSANT

showed each other their canines as if it’s their first

time seeing each other.
“Okay” replied Tamiel.
“We better hurry before the sun set” said Mark
holding Tamiel by his hand and opened the door.
“Don’t be late on your plans, Miss Sherry invited us
at We Bar!” shouted Zach as they stepped in the
hallway leaving inside, alone.
“I know, she kept on bugging me since this
morning” replied Tamiel back and there they go.

They drove out of the CBD with Tamiel kept on

asking where he is being taken, but Mark did not dare
tell him. In cute smiles he replied to his face, “It’s a
surprise” and kept on driving to the outskirts.
They finally in a place like suburbs but quieter; the
parked outside the gate of a vintage looking house as
if it was built in the 80s.
“What are we doing in Paarl?” enquired Tamiel
unbuckling the seat belt.
“Wear this blindfold, please. To blind yourself of
course” he took it and blinded himself.
“This is my grandparents’ house” he said getting out
of the car. He yelled out loud disturbing the birds’
peace on the trees,
“Mark! You better not be introducing me to them
with a blindfold”. The door opened on his side of a car
and Mark softly said with a grin,
“I won’t do something that cruel, relax. Now grab
my hand”. He grabbed his hand, and he came out of
the car; Mark locked the doors.

196
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

They approached the gate slowly with Tamiel

holding Mark’s hand. They got inside the yard; it was
rather quiet and Tamiel couldn’t see anything, but he
wished he could. Finally, they stopped as the sun’s
heat is getting weaker. Mark’s smile reached his eyes
as he hollered ‘surprise’ untying Tamiel blindfold.
Tamiel slowly opened his eyes with heart beating
faster and harder than the drums. As they were fully
opened, he witnessed a big tree in front of him coated
with lights of different colours of small bulbs in the
stem. He followed these lights up by his eyes till they
reached the branches to the peak. Everything has lights
on it, making the tree look more beautiful than the
Christmas one. Then, he saw a very big treehouse built
well; he turned back to look at his lover and Mark
said,
“Let me help get on top” and stretched his arm, with
a smile he replied,
“Has it ever occurred to you that I am a man?” Mark
laughed and said,
“Every time you pop in my head, but not that the
gender matters; I just want you” he grabbed his arm,
and they climbed the tree up to the treehouse.
As they reached the door, the lights flicked all over.
The house too is covered with lights, with crystal clear
balloons flashing with cute lights inside them. He
couldn’t stop smiling, showing his jaws off and a
faced filled happiness. They got inside slowly and sat
on opposite.
“So, what do you think?” asked Mark looking at his
pussycat.

197
THARN B. CROISSANT

“This is beautiful, nobody has ever done something

like this for me before. Except me doing it for others”
he couldn’t suppress the smile on his face mixed with
the soft scoffs.
“Same here, this is my treehouse when I was a boy.
Don’t worry my grandparents are out of town”. They
looked at each other with puppy eyes, holdings hands,
“So, you chose to come watch the sunset with me?”
the smile did not fade, “If I knew dating a man is like
this, I would’ve tried long ago”.
“I bet they’ve been trying but you just chose me”
they both laughed.
“Why your grandparent’s house?”.
“For our 7th month anniversary, I wanted you to see
where I was naked first before your bed” they cracked
again.
“This is sweet, I also wish I could take you to my
grandparents’ house, but the Langa family is
somewhere in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape a village I
don’t know”.
“Let’s not dwell on that”. They dug in on the food in
front of them and laughing with sweet chats and
flirting. Suddenly Mark stopped and in a polite voice
said,
“Tamiel, tomorrow I’ll be going to Pretoria to solve
some things. But I don’t want to go before I’ve said
this to you” he stopped eating too. “Tamiel, I love you
with all my heart, I love the way you boss me around.
I love your cute smile as if your mouth can’t open
wide, I want to cherish it. I love how you suddenly get
mad and want to punch me. I love every inch of your

198
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

body, the way you smell. I love how you make me

obedient and wish to forever yield to you. I love that I
love you and I love that you love me” Tamiel looked
at him straight in the eyes blushing like a fox as he
shoved his hand inside the coat’s pocket and came
back with two same size tiny boxes. The other is violet
with its fur raised up as the cat’s. the other is black on
its base and white on the top.
He opened the black and white one and said, “I
bought a yin-yang and cut it into two, separating the
parts. I made each part a pearl of a bracelet hanging by
the thread. This may sound awful to others, but I know
you will love it. You’re my darkness Tamiel, I freed
the darkness in me because of you and I’d like it to
forever cloud me. I take the liberty of this yang; the
black side hanging by this white rope and wear it as
my bracelet as a symbol of you. I’d also like you to
wear this white side hanging by the black rope in your
wrist because I believe I am your light. Darkness and
light co-exist” he said grabbing his arm and put it on
him.
“You couldn’t be any sweeter, I’m getting
goosebumps. I don’t know what to say” said Tamiel
weeping with smiles.
“It is not over yet, I’d like to spend the rest of my
life with you” he opened the violet box, “So, Tamiel
Peterson, would you like to spend the rest of your life
with me and be my husband? If so, please marry me” a
million volts attacked Tamiel as he froze unable to
reply, he took a deep breath, and the male ring was in
front of him. Inside him he wondered if Mark is the

199
THARN B. CROISSANT

male version of his mother, he has never loved

someone this much neither be this loved. He smiled
softly and said,
“Yes, I will be your husband Mark”.

There is less noise and more class in this bar.

Everyone is on their tables, and a few are standing,
only because they are looking for a seat or dancing
senseless moves. The theme is elegant as a restaurant
in Germany. Sherry came from her office and stood
behind the counter and scanned her eyes across the
whole bar. She is used to seeing it during the day,
these lights are not blinding her. She moved with a big
belly upfront to where Zach is sitting. She sat slowly
holding her twins inside her carefully. She tapped
Zach on the shoulders, and he turned to face her.
“Where is Tinkie?” she asked friendly,
“She is studying” replied Zach placing his drink
down.
“Tamiel and Mark?”
“Last saw them this afternoon leaving me alone at
the office”.
“This is bad, they will ruin each other’s surprises”
said Sherry.
“What do you mean Miss Sherry?”
“I’m in the middle of those two, so they always tell
me their plans behind each other’s backs. Mark wants
to propose and Tamiel wanted to sing here for Mark”
“Wait, did you just say ‘propose’ Miss Sherry?”
“Yes, Mark wants to put a ring on him. These two
are hooked to each other. Got a problem?”

200
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“No, but if Tamiel says yes, won’t I be not serving

any importance in his life?”
“Don’t be silly, he loves you to death”.
The two men got inside the bar and immediately
spotted Zach and Sherry; Mark moved closer to them.
Tamiel hurried to Sherry’s office and came back to the
podium wearing a mask of Katsuki Bakugo. He sat on
the chair in the stage holding the tall mic and a guitar
by his right and said,
“Good evening, everyone, I’m sorry for being late I
was dipping in honey of love” the crowed laughed, “I
have good news today, I’ll be singing a song I wrote
myself for this special person. You might also get to
see my face” they cheered, “I have never been this
hooked before, and they put a ring on my finger” he
showed his hand and the crowd cheered. “They also
told me I’m their darkness, romantic right? Like Sarah
Tancredi and Michael Scofield. I’m Michael of course.
I’m naming it ‘hooked’ here we go peeps” the strings
of a guitar in his arms made a sound.

₰ “I laid my eyes on the bright light,

I felt the warmth touching the skin of my heart,
My face’s reflection on the pond is smiling,
The never-ending day, sunshine; that’s you,
I know you’re mine.
Swimming in the depth of the ocean,
Hook appears upon my face,
Knowing very well it might be the death of me,
Still, I took a bite,
I’m yours for eternity,

201
THARN B. CROISSANT

Your smile autographed in my brains,

You’re mine, you’re mine, you’re mine.”₰

In that moment while people are still hypnotised by

his melodic, sweet voice as if it could heal any
emotional anxiety, he ripped of his mask to reveal his
face. The crowd stopped cheering for a moment and
looked at his gorgeous face. Everyone is shocked that
all along their regular singer has been the famous
Tamiel Peterson. Questions awoke of this person he is
engaged to might be. Some hit it to the spot, some had
doubts. He carried on singing on stage with his fiancé
blushing to death till the crowd snapped back and gave
an ear to him again.

He placed his keys on top of the desk, looking

depressed as a suicidal person. He sits on the couch
tangent to the desk and gave a big sigh holding his
chin by the back of his hands. It is in the middle of the
day; he just came back from the airport accompanying
his fiancé who flew to Pretoria. The 1400km distance
is giving him shivers making it harder to touch his
fiancé. Zach budged inside without knocking and saw
his sad friend.
“Oh, you’re back, I didn’t know”, he said brushing
his head with a fake grin. He simply looked at him and
blinked slowly like Barbie but with no smile.
“Everything is in order; in case you’re wondering”
added Zach as he sat near him.
“That’s great, it has been a very long time” replied
Tamiel with a stern face.

202
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Is it okay to do this behind Mark’s back, I mean he

helped starting this operation”.
“Let him believe I still don’t know. He will have the
spotlight on the Spider’s Legs”. There was a knock on
a door and in a split of a second a door opened; Sally
showed his face first then stepped inside the office.
They looked at him without talking as he moved to the
guest chair near Tamiel’s desk and let his butt claim it.
“Judging by both your faces this is not a social call,
why am I here?” asked Sally paralleling his arms to
his thighs.
“Seven months ago, I had a car crash and spent
about a month in a coma with Mark, who’s now my
fiancé” said Tamiel.
“We all know that and congratulations on the
matter” replied Sally.
“Before that, Zach was in a coma because we were
hunted down in the middle of the city”.
“What’s your point Tamiel?”
“I was attacked in a club on my birthday, and it goes
before that” he looked straight in his eyes installing
fear.
Sally stood up with his hands on the pockets, “I’ll be
leaving now” he attempted to leave.
“This is much gravely than our simple rivalry,
cousin” he stood up too and got closer to him, “happen
to know anything about my mother’s death?”
“I don’t know what you are getting at, but I don’t
know anything about your mother’s death” they both
looked each other straight in the eyes with rage
leaking in both their auras.

203
THARN B. CROISSANT

“It’s okay Sally” he tapped his shoulder, “just know

accidents happen. My mother had the same fate” he
retrenched from him back to his seat.
As the door closed behind him, Sally hurried to his
office like a sport car. He budged inside and in haste
grabbed his phone dialling his mother’s number and
called her. It rang for eternity without being answered.
This irritated him, wishing to destroy everything. He
grabbed his car keys and there he went off to the
staff’s parking lot. He drove his car insanely heading
to the hospital, busy talking alone in the car as if a
reaper is beside him. He got a call on the dashboard of
a car, he quickly answered seeing it’s his mom.
“Mom, they know” he yelled as soon as he
answered.
“Calm down Sally, who knows what?” said Petunia
over the phone.
“Tamiel knows about the accident seven months ago,
I’m on my way to you”.
“Calm down Sally, what did he say exactly? Are you
driving?”
“Yes, I’m driving. He rephrased every incident and
asked about his mother. How would I know I was 12
back then”.
“Sally, stop the car now!”
“Why?”
“Stop the damn car and send me your location”.
“Mom, my brakes are not working. I can’t stop the
car. Mom!”. A car crashed over Dr Walsh’s phone, and
it went off. She got furious banging the table and made
a call grabbing her keys and exited the office.

204
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Again, Dr Walsh is experiencing the same

devastation she felt when her husband Bobby Peterson
died. Her son has spent two weeks in a coma with a
broken spinal cord; probably will never walk again.
Tamiel walks into Zach’s office holding his phone and
his other had on the pocket. He moved his feet
gradually to the couch as Zach stood up from his desk
joining him in the couch. Tamiel checked his phone
and clicked his tongue.
“He hasn’t got back to you?” said Zach looking at
him.
“I know he is annoying, but it has been very long
two weeks” replied Tamiel placing his phone down.
“He is probably busy” said Zach trying to ease him,
“You too should probably focus on Ma’am Petunia
and Sally”.
“Sally is immobilised, and Aunt Pet is counting her
steps giving me an advantage” he gave a big sigh,
“Please give me that file”.
“You promised you won’t read it, that’s why you
gave it to me”.
“Do you want to see your best friend die of this
torture?” Zach stood up and went to his desk; under
other documents he picked up a purple file labelled
‘crucial’ and gave it to Tamiel.
“I did not read it, just as you asked. I’m also curious
of what’s in there; he is one mysterious man” said
Zach as Tamiel opened the file and paged through the
bunch of papers. He suddenly stopped in the middle,

205
THARN B. CROISSANT

with his eyes focused on one spot and froze like he

can’t breathe.
“What is it, Tamiel? What is written there?”
“This is the worst thing ever. He is married”.
“What?! I did say we should not do background
check on your fiancé” Tamiel stood up in that moment,
“where are you going now?”
“You will meet Pokey alone; I’m flying to Pretoria”
he left in a swift leaving Zach alone. He knew he can
never stop him now.
Reluctantly he stood up and took out his phone
calling Sherry notifying her about her married brother
and that Tamiel has flew to Pretoria in an instant to
confront him. After the conversation, he put the phone
down and gave a big sigh frowning with wonder
whether he should chase after him or not. Finally, he
took the car keys on the shelf and exited the LIFE-TH
building.
He took the direction to Woodstock driving like a
grandma, showing that he doesn’t like his obliged
option. He packed the car in front of a hotel and walk
two hundred and fifty metres to a passage of two
buildings looking hideous as an abandoned warehouse.
He laid his eyes on a disguised man with a black
hoodie covering his forehead. He got closer to the
man, and he turned to face to him.
“Howzit?” he said as he got closer.
“We are exposed today” said Zach leaving a metre
between them.
“This is Woodstock not Greenpoint” replied Pokey
removing his hoodie, “you have it right?”

206
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“You always ask that, yes, I do. What do you have

this time?”
“Much sinister than before. You better read it
yourself. Where is Mr Tamiel?” he said taking the
envelope under the hoodie.
“Taking care of some serious business. How sinister
that might be?” he stretched his arm collecting the
envelope meeting his hand halfway.
With the cars hooting and their tyres scratching and
people’s chaos, the two men heard the gunshot sound
screaming loud beside them. Only once, Pokey
kneeled slowly coughing blood; Zach got closer to
him trying to support him before he fully falls. The
gun screamed again, precisely, unlike a banshee,
multiple times now. With blood filling his mouth, also
leaking at his chest, he slowly whispered, “run, run
Zach. You were followed” those were his last words
on Zach’s arms as he stopped breathing. He placed
him down gently and did as tell, ran. He covered 250m
in a few seconds, finding his car with slashed tyres. He
did not dare stop but ran; he later noticed the gunshots
have stopped and figured he might have not been their
target. People have now crowded Pokey in his
conversation with the grim reaper. He again took off
by foot till he got closer to Zonnebloem and called a
cab.

He stood in front of a building he read on the file

earlier. It has taken him a two-hour flight to get here,
thanks to his father’s private jet. He prepares to go
inside after calming himself a thousand times. He

207
THARN B. CROISSANT

charged to the lobby and heads for the receptionist. He

showed his gorgeous face, presenting his white teeth
so as the super black haircut in his caramel skin. He
blinked with his black pupils on a snow-white sclera,
the receptionist couldn’t help but smile. He politely
spoke rounding his voice, “I’m here for Alice Mwanza
Williams, my cousin” and flashed his smile again. The
smitten receptionist tossed her hair for this beautiful
man and said, “Apartment 606”. Tamiel looked at her
eyes for a moment and slowly said, “Thank you”
dividing it.
As soon as he turned away his smile faded and
caught the elevator going up. He landed on the sixth
floor, walking slowly like he is stepping on thin ice.
He deeply wishes he doesn’t find Mark where he is
going. Building up his courage he feels the mud on his
feet sank by quicksand, making it harder for him to
proceed to the said apartment. He got closer to it and
took a deep breath at the door. He stretched his arm
wanting to ring the doorbell and stopped midway
hearing the giggles of a child. Minding that, followed
the deep voice of a man giggling together with this
kid. The anger and the sadness filled up on him and
took two steps back, thinking about their last time
together with Mark.
He again, calmed himself down, but wanting nothing
more than to look at this liar of a man who kills him
by chocolate. He rang the doorbell and waited a few
seconds till the door opened. A beautiful African
woman, with teary crystal eyes showed herself. Her
skin is smooth by just looking at it, she is short and

208
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

tied her beautiful black glittery hair into a messy bun.

She smiled with her lips looking like a sack of jewels,
showing teeth whiter than his. She blinked slowly
touching Tamiel’s heart and spoke with an angelic
healing voice. She somehow reminds him of his
mother.
“May I help you, sir?” she said with her soothing
voice looking up at Tamiel. He snapped back to life
with his eyes full of tears he held back. He
understands very well why Mark would marry this
woman. Her beauty is irresistible to him too, just as
his mother was.
“I’m here for Mark Williams” he said not wanting to
do an eye contact. She lowered her eyes with a smile
and said, “Sure, come in” and opened the door wider.
He stepped inside the house, walking further and the
door closed behind him. A boy looking to be around
age six came running from the TV room and the
woman smoothly yelled, “Bradley, slow down” and a
big man followed the boy chasing after him. He
stopped as he saw people’s presence and looked up.
He gasped with shock looking at Tamiel and said,
“Tamiel” politely, he replied with an evil smile on his
stern face, “Hello, Mark” sarcastically.
“Please move this way” said Alice and Bradley
grabbed her hand. They moved following Mark, in that
moment Tamiel noticed how beautiful her middle
Africa accent is.
“Son, may you please go play in your room. Mama
and Papa are about to be busy” said Mark to Bradley,

209
THARN B. CROISSANT

and so he did run to his room. “Tamiel, I can explain

all this” said Mark moving his hands.
“That’s what I’m also here for” replied Tamiel as he
sat down on the couch and the others followed him.
Again, Alice got up heading to the kitchen. She left the
atmosphere bad and so it was when she came back
with refreshments, neither of them has talked. She sat
down and finally Tamiel talked stretching his arm for
handshake,
“You must be Alice, I’m Tamiel, Mark’s fiancé. Nice
to meet you”. She met him halfway saying, “Yes,
Alice Mwanza, Mark’s wife. Nice to meet you too”.
“Are you sure you are calm, Tamiel?” asked Mark.
“Yes, why?”
“You are scarier when you’re like that”.
“You could help by explaining”.
“I don’t know where to start”.
“At the very first Mark,” said Alice.
“Me and Alice are not in love”.
“Divorcing her already? Don’t say it’s because of
me” barked Tamiel.
“I met Alice seven years ago; I was still in Med
school”.
“I am a foreigner, an illegal immigrant coming from
Malawi. Then, I had no money to go back home
neither the intentions” added Alice.
“She was a street vendor, youngest of them when we
first met. We became friends and got closer, later she
told me about her…”
“My older brother who raped me, you can say it”.

210
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Yes, we got married so she could stay here in South

Africa, and later we found out she was pregnant”.
“With your kid? That’s fast” said Tamiel.
“No. Bradley may be using my last name and I
support him financially, but he is not mine,
biologically. He doesn’t know and he does not need to,
yet”.
“Mark did tell me about you, I assumed it might be
you when I saw your stern face at the doorstep. Don’t
you worry though, we were about to get divorced,”
said Alice.
“How do you plan on living then?” asked Tamiel.
“Mark allowed me to use his last name and get the
legal documents, and I have been getting few jobs at
the restaurants. We’ve been dragging our feet for
Bradley’s sake”.
“I hear you Alice, I bet you had a nice time with
your husband; no offense but I’d like my fiancé back”.
“Tamiel!” hailed Mark.
“No need Mark. I do understand, although I wish we
would’ve met under different circumstances,” said
Alice.
“You are family now, Alice. It just that I’m a bit
angry for being fooled but I treasure Mark’s friends;
even though you are the first and only I know”.
“I’m honoured, he doesn’t have many friends”.
“Mark pack your bags we are going home” said
Tamiel standing up.
“Wait! Now? What about Brad?” asked Mark
standing up too.
“He can come with us I don’t mind”.

211
THARN B. CROISSANT

“No, he has school. Perhaps on the holidays, you

should probably go Mark” added Alice.”

The two-hour flight nagged on both their heads with

either of them willing to talk. It may be as if there are
other people while it is only two of them sitting on
different sides on the plane, and the pilot. It has gotten
darker around the 8th clock of the 2nd half of the day,
and they’ve finally arrived in Cape Town. Mark is
pulling his own suitcase with Tamiel leading the way
till they met Vuyo who helped load it in the trunk.
Still, they did not dare open their mouths for each
other; they safely arrived at their house. Tamiel
punched the pin at the gate, Mark acting like a guest
and the gate opened. Getting inside the house, Sherry
welcomed them with the smile and said,
“Is it true? Is he really married?”,
“With a child on top. I’ll go take a shower” replied
Tamiel leaving the twins alone.
“That’s very low of you. Tell me the whole story”
said Sherry as she moved to the couch with her big
belly leading the way, Mark followed her leaving the
suitcase at the door.

The sound of cars on the road has decreased, only

the singing of an ocean is dominant now. It is quiet
and dark in the room; you can detect any sound
coming. Mark cannot sleep a bit and it is midnight; so,
as Tamiel who has turned his back on Mark. He sat by
his bums with the blanket on his torso, he smoothly
says, “Tamiel, Tamiel, babe” but there was no

212
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

response. He continued, “Tamiel, I know you aren’t

sleeping. I can tell by your breathing” still he was
ignored. He got quiet too, playing with his fingers.
“This silence and the void between us are deafening”
he added.
“And whose fault it is?” finally Tamiel replied.
“I’m sorry for hiding this. I was going to tell you,
I’m very sorry Tamiel”.
“When? On our wedding day? It’s the matter of trust
Mark, you clearly don’t trust me and now you’ve
broken mine for you” he sat with his ass too.
“Again, I’m very sorry and I trust you. I just didn’t
want you to feel like you’re second best by being the
second person I marry, so I went to Pretoria to finalise
the divorce”.
“Yes, I have insecurities of not being made the first
priority, but I deserved to be told”.
“I love you Tamiel, more than anything in this
world, you know that right? I would never hurt
intentionally. So, tell me, why did you let me sleep
here and not in the lounge”.
“You can still go. Firstly, I’m not a woman neither
am I petty. Secondly, I believe there is another reason
you married her”.
“That’s stereotype. You know me too well, don’t
you?” he smirked, “When we were in matric, me and
Sherry; I came out to my family as gay. My father did
not take that well, he just avoided me as much as he
could. I guess I wasn’t his ideal son. I felt abandoned
as he was always grooming Sherry for his company,
the hospital. My mother was always by my side, but it

213
THARN B. CROISSANT

wasn’t enough. My sister supported me, but I felt us

drifting apart as dad always pulled her away from me.
I was only eighteen, I decided to study away from
home, and I chose Gauteng. I met Jade in my first
year, he was a lecturer and working as a surgeon and
we became friends. When I met Alice, I told Jade
about her and that I am going to marry her. Jade at
that time confessed his feelings. I became in denial
with my sexuality and wanted my father’s validation.
Marrying Alice was like, helping her, seek for my
father’s validation, deny my sexuality, and run from
Jade. But I’ve always been a big softie, I finally
submitted and dated Jade; the first person I’ve ever
dated. My first everything, except on the arse, that’s
you. Accepting to run the hospital, I was still hoping
my dad will notice me till I met you. I saw that I could
do things on my own terms, although I think my father
let me date you because it is beneficial for his
business”.
“Jade? Jade who? Where is he now?”
He scoffed, “You only caught that. Jade Rakganya
don’t worry we broke three years ago; we don’t talk
anymore”.
“I nearly asked why I am wearing this ring and yin”.

214
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

215
THARN B. CROISSANT

Chapter Thirteen
Disdain Meets Despair- Part One
The city has awakened by the suburbs on the
following morning, you can always tell by the ocean
being overpowered on sound but not bowing down
when it comes to breeze. The house is refreshed,
receiving the breeze collaborating with the lavender
air freshener, the windows allowing the sun rays in the
house, letting in all the warmth of spring.
Mark got down the stairs dressed in a white shirt,
tucked in the navy-blue jeans. He is not wearing any
tie and untied the collar buttons. He looks refreshed
too putting his watch on his wrist, his face is wearing
glasses and pushed his hair back tying them into a
short bun. He meets Tamiel in the kitchen who is
wearing an apron with no shirt underneath, covering
his trackpants. He smiles looking at him and got closer
holding his waist and sniffed his cheeks.
“You woke up early, you must have been anxious.
I’m sorry” said Mark letting go of his waist.

216
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“You should be. Where are you going?” replied

Tamiel giving a cute smirk.
“What do you mean? I’m going to work”.
“With that ponytail, bun or whatever it is? No, you
aren’t” stretching his arms trying to untie him.
He stepped back and laughed, “Tamiel, no. Why am I
not supposed to?”
“You look more handsome than me. I don’t want
those nurses and doctors to drool over you”.
“Are you jealous?” he scoffed, “You’re cute when
you are jealous” he pinched Tamiel’s cheek.
“I tell you every time to not call me that”.
“Sometimes I feel like I am a third wheel in this
house” said Sherry coming from the room underneath
the stairs. She moved across the kitchen to the
cupboards and took a tin of biscuits and the peanut
butter.
“Perhaps you are” said Tamiel as she took a seat by
the counter, “I still don’t get how you digest that”.
“I also don’t get it. You look handsome Mark, is it a
wedding day already?” said Sherry.
“See! Even Sherry sees it, untie it” barked Tamiel.
He laughed, “No, and that will be my cue” he hastes to
the lounge with a smirk on his face.
“What about breakfast?” shouted Tamiel.
“I’ll get something on the road” he replied grabbing
his bag and there he went.
“You two meddled things, huh? I can see” said
Sherry filling her mouth with biscuits.

217
THARN B. CROISSANT

“We talked all night and got to know things I didn’t

know. I love your brother Sherry” he smiled to
himself.
“That’s an awful thing to say, considering I’m your
ex-girlfriend”.
“Consider yourself as a bridge for my way to him”
she gave a dispersed scoff.
“Still horrible. I never thought you’d last this long in
a relationship and even want to get married to a guy.
You make me blush somehow”.
“Is Mark a man? I never thought of that a bit” they
both laughed, “and he doesn’t value me. I woke up
early preparing breakfast for him, where is he now?”
his phone rang in that moment, he patted it on his
pants till he found it, “Zach!” he said.
“I’ve called you a thousand times. Why was your
phone off? Where are you now?” said Zach over the
phone.
“Oh! I saw, I’m home. What’s so urgent?” bathing
himself in cool water.
“I’m on my way there” he hung immediately.
“At least someone who loves me. He says he’s
coming by, this early. I guess it must be really urgent.
Please keep him company, I’ll go take a shower” he
said, and Sherry nodded with her mouth full; there he
went upstairs.
A few minutes have passed, rounding off to an hour.
Zach is sitting on the lounge tapping his foot non-stop
on the floor, holding a brown envelope by his hand.
“May you please calm down, you’ll make my
embryo plasm burst” said Sherry standing up and

218
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

shouted, “Tamiel!” causing an echo all around the

house.
“I’m sorry Miss Sherry, I can’t help myself. This is
more massive than I thought,” said Zach. Tamiel came
down the stairs rushing, dressed simple as he ever
could. Zach stood up in that instant and faced him as
he came closer. He opened his mouth, but no words
came out.
“What’s wrong Zach? You look pale” said Tamiel
touching his shoulder.
“Tamiel, this is really, really bad” finally the words
emancipated his mouth.
“You’re starting to scare me, let’s sit down” they all
sat on the couch.
“Man, Pokey is dead” he said.
“What did you just say?” roared Tamiel.
“Who is Pokey?” asked Sherry, terrified.
“Our informant at the police station. How did he die,
who killed him?”
“Yesterday when I went to meet him, I was reckless
and didn’t notice people following me till the gunshot
that killed him”.
“Oh my!” he stood by his foot with his hands on his
face, “We must visit his family. What’s on that
envelope?”
“He said it contained something shocking. I’m sorry,
but after his tragedy I took the liberty of opening it,
wanting to know what might’ve killed him. It is
terrifying, I wish I did not”.
“Give me that” he took the envelope from Zach and
took out the documents. He paged them multiple times

219
THARN B. CROISSANT

as if he doesn’t believe what’s inside. He froze looking

at both Zach and Sherry and said, “told Tinkie yet?”
“No. I don’t know how I should”.
“Don’t worry, I will do it. I must tell Mark first” he
dropped the envelope on the floor and ran out. The
next sound was of the engine of his motorbike. Sherry
picked up the envelope and read what is inside, her
only reaction was, “Oh Lord!” as she sat down on the
couch.

The hospital atmosphere is covered with air full of

chemicals and coolness. The sound is of beeping
machines, the sick patients as well as the employees.
The cars outside you can barely hear them, but not the
ambulance that keeps on bringing in new patients.
It is much quieter on Mark’s office, they only sound
emitted is of the clicked moused and keyboard. The
other sound is emitted at the door, the door knock. He
faintly yells, “Come in”. He adjusts his glasses waiting
for the knocker, a being came in smiling like a toddler
with an imaginary friend. His face is cuter than the cat
with his bald head. His tallness is rivalling Mark’s
with a super thin body as if he lacks nutrition. He got
further in shaking his hips from one side to another.
Mark stood up in shock and said,
“What are you doing here?”, the being simply
smiled getting closer to him and said,
“You left without saying goodbye”. He got furious
and yelled,
“Answer me, Jade. Why are you here?”. He gave
him a smirk and got even closer and whispered,

220
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“I’ve recently been hired as the chief of surgery”, he

kicked the chair exposing Mark and jumped to his
face, kissing him. The door was wide opened, and
someone yelled, “You son of a bitch!”
He hurried and separate Mark and Jade from kissing.
He punched Jade on the face and turned to Mark
punching him twice. His breathing form got faster and
harder. Jade shook his hips getting away, touching his
lips and released his squeaky voice saying, “You really
know how to throw a punch”. Furiously, Tamiel faced
Mark and asked,
“Who is this man?”, ashamed as he was, he replied,
“Jade. Jade Rakganya”. Tamiel charged to him holding
him by his collar and pinned his tiny ass on the wall.
Mark yelled “Tamiel stop!” till Lana came by the door
and held her mouth in shock.
“So, you’re Jade” said Tamiel in a voice full of
anger.
“I see I’ve been talk of town. Keep up that action,
I’ll be obliged to press charges,” said Jade. Gradually,
Tamiel brought him down and got his hands off him
and barked, “Don’t you dare follow me Mark” he
exited the office leaving Mark and Lana to tender Jade
who was acting as a traumatised person.

‘1,2,3, drink. 1,2,3, drink’ that’s Tamiel’s glass kept

on being filled up at the We Bar counter. He drowns
his sorrows with every glass of vodka being poured.
He looks at the blurry bartender pounding his glass on
the counter requesting for another refill. Somehow his
heart keeps on feeling like it is going to burst, so as his

221
THARN B. CROISSANT

neck giving him a short breath like a building fell on

top of him. A toad’s neck has been borrowed to him;
he again gulped down the glass and the process began
again.
“You need to slow down” said Zach beside him; he
did not dare listen to him. Instead,
“He was holding him tight with his tongue down his
throat. He did not push him, he stood still” he talked in
his drunk voice.
“He must’ve been shocked too” talked back Zach.
“Are you defending him now? I’m telling you; he
was enjoying it; you could’ve seen him. He is his first
everything after all. I was just the first to fuck his ass”
pounding the glass again.
“Okay, you are revealing too much about your sex
life and it’s 10 pm, we need to go home before you
find another Mark here and sleep with them” said
Zach signalling the bartender off and got Tamiel up till
they exited the door.

“Why was I not notified about the new chief of

surgery?” said Mark talking to the phone.
“Dr Williams, you were unable to be contacted for
the past two weeks and left Dr Zitha’s resignation on
your desk” said a voice over the phone.
“But there was not even a single email on my inbox,
Dr Walsh”.
“That’s probably my fault, not the HR’s”.
“No problem, Dr Walsh, the current one will remain
in his position” a door opened, “I’m sorry I have to
go” Zach and Tamiel entered the door, “You

222
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

remembered the code, thank you, Zach, for bringing

him home”.
“No problem, I’ll be going then” he closed the door
behind him.
“Tamiel we were supposed to talk but you are drunk
now”.
“We are always talking lately; I’d rather go sleep”.
“I’m sorry for what you saw, it was not my
intentions”.
“So, you were intending to hide it?”
“No, I wasn’t expecting him. He just jumped and
kissed me”.
“Aren’t you always the victim Dr Williams? Just
yesterday, I found out you are married and have a kid,
after ignoring me for whole two weeks. Today I see
you kissing a man in your office, deep throat. Not just
any other man, your freaking first love! You always
think with your dick, don’t you? That’s how you won
me”.
“Tamiel, calm down. You’re drunk”.
“No, you need to hear this. I got shocking news
today, finding out that my father killed my mother and
tried to frame my uncle; I wanted to share that with
you but…”
“Wait! Your father killed your mother?” a gate bell
rang.
“Who the hell that might be!?” yelled Tamiel. Mark
pressed the gate button and spoke, “who is this?”
“It’s me Jade, you forgot your bag at the hospital”.
“Because he had too” hailed Tamiel. Mark opened
the gate, and they waited in silence till he arrived.

223
THARN B. CROISSANT

“How did you get my address?” asked Mark.

“Don’t fire your employees. And I need the files of
piggyback heart surgery, Dr Zitha did not leave them
behind, hope you signed them” he smirked. Mark went
up leaving the two alone.
“What’s up lover boy are we still jealous and
angry?” added Jade.
“What’s up old fart, are we still leftovers?” said
Tamiel forcing a grin.
“I came down here after seeing you and Mark on the
news. FYI, you might be masculine, mafia looking
with a deeper voice than mine, but I am his first love.
His first kiss, his first person to date, he lost his
virginity to me. This feminine bitch here is getting
Mark back, hope you had fun” he scoffed.
“I see you did not get enough” he got closer to him
folding his fist attempting to punch him. Jade
screamed with his squeaky voice till Sherry woke up.
Mark came down instantly and separated Tamiel from
Jade.
“Tamiel, you can’t go around beating up people”
said Mark holding Jade by the waist.
“Who the hell is this man?” asked Sherry.
“So, you are defending him now? I’ll take the spare
room” said Tamiel going up.
“Don’t worry sis, he was just going. Out Jade” he
opened the door and Jade left.
“I was listening to everything, you messed up again”
said Sherry leaving him alone where he was.

224
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Has your guy arrived, yet?” said Tyson over the

phone.
“Yes, just recently” replied Dr Walsh in the middle
of the day, standing beside the unconscious Sally in a
hospital bed.
“You’d better get down to work, before it’s too late”
he said like a military commander.
“On it” she hung up and faced down at her son who
is not responding to any stimuli, “I’m sorry for
involving you in all this, baby. This is going to be my
last rodeo, don’t know if I’ll survive or not” she
sobbed, “If I don’t, feel free to do what pleases you.
You are really like your father; I hope you honour his
wishes. This is a very dangerous game we played” she
wiped her tears and kissed her son in the forehead, she
stood still for a couple of minutes holding his hand,
hoping by any miracle he would react; yes, she felt her
hand being tightened as if she is holding her toddler
son once again.
She got sentimental and let go of his hand, she
walked slowly towards the door and stopped midway
looking back, she whispered, “I love you, son” and
continued going out. She marched to her office,
getting in like Madea, she opened a shelf on the left
side of the desk and took out a red folder and again
marched to Dr Rakganya’s office. She did not bother
knocking but budged like a spear and threw the folder
on top of Jade’s desk. She looked at her with killing
looks and said,

225
THARN B. CROISSANT

“It’s time to get to work, get Mark to sign those

documents”. He picked it up paging the documents
and looked at her with begging eyes saying,
“You will keep your promises, right?”. She put her
hand above her hip and tilted her head saying,
“Yes, I’ll get Tamiel out of your way. Mark will be
all yours”. He smiled feeling joy and stood up, “Now
get that done” said Petunia leaving the office. He
followed her carrying the documents but headed
different directions.
He encountered Lana on the way, with both heading
the same direction.
“Good day, Miss Strauss. Is Dr Williams in his
office?” he asked as he adjusted to her pace, and they
walked on the same one.
“Good day, Dr Rakganya. He is in, but quite busy”
she replied with a smile.
“This is quite urgent too” he said pouting his mouth
like RuPaul.
“You are fond with him; you can get in”. She got
inside her office and Jade passed till he reached the
president’s office and knocked. A voice told him to
come in, so he did open the door slowly, he got inside
faster than before.
“Is there anything regarding work I can help you
with?” said Mark letting go of his pen and folded his
hands looking at him.
“Yes, I need approval of a president on this surgery,
your signature” he said like a baby chick and placed
the documents on top of the desk, Mark grabbed them.
He paged reading, “not so long ago, you were a

226
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

resident at Georgia Mokhale, now a president here”

said Jade sitting down on the opposite desk chairs.
“Keep your conversation strictly work related, I’m
trying to read here” said Mark focusing his eyes on the
papers. The silence creeped the room.
“What happened to us Mark?” asked Jade killing the
silence.
“You got tired of being monogamous” replied Mark.
“We can still fix that, can’t we?” Mark dropped the
document down without fully reading it.
“No, we cannot, you screwed up something good,
now own your mistakes” he grabbed his pen and
signed from the first page.
“Let’s give it another try, this time it will be
different. Last time I was overwhelmed and full of
insecurities”.
“Overwhelmed at age 30? You are 34 now but still
doing the same thing. You never once sincerely asked
how I felt when you brought another guy during our
sex intercourse. Not just one guy, but several guys got
to know how I look like when I moan. Instead, you
just called it fun and exploring, I never wanted any of
that. I just wanted you, only you, but you didn’t want
only me. You started hiding your hook-ups when you
found out I’m not cool with it. You want a second
chance, but the first thing you did when you arrived
you caused conflicts between me and my fiancé”.
“Those were not my intentions, I just wanted to get
close to you again”. He finished signing from the first
page to the last without reading,

227
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Well you failed, you can kiss that goodbye. Here is

your approval, good luck with your surgery” his phone
chimed, he checked and got up. “Lana! Please escort
Dr Rakganya out”. While he was at the door he yelled,
“I love you Mark, I regret everything I’ve done
before. I regret hurting you, making you regret falling
in love with me. I wish I could somehow go back to
the past and not do what I’ve done. But I cannot, so,
every present day I wish I could meddle things with
you, show you I can be Jade you fell in love with. The
moments and memories we had before things went
south. I wish we could create some more”.
“I’m sorry Jade, but I don’t think I’m the same Mark
you loved and cheated on with every young surgeon
and resident. I guess I was just a collection to you, one
of the hit lists. You are late to treasure me now, you
should move on and keep the memories, memories.
Goodbye Jade” he said and totally left.
He wiped the tears on his cheeks while sitting down
on the chair Mark left him on. He sniffed his nearly
out snot looking at the chair opposite to him as if he
can see the owner, a voice behind him said, “Doctor”,
he slowly picked up the documents Mark signed and
stood up.
“I’m going Lana” he said replying. He left the office
as it was taking a different direction than before,
heading to the chairman’s office. Walking slowly on
the passages as a patient going to the psychiatrist his
mind is filled with Mark.
Reached Dr Walsh’s office and knocked softly
bending his arm like Kendell Jenner, and he was

228
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

ordered to come in. He got inside and tossed the folder

on top of her desk and said, “He signed, better keep
your promise’ she scoffed a bit and said, “Like Santa
Claus, good job, Dr Rakganya” and picked up the
telephone dialling a number. “I’ll send it to you
quickly” she said and dropped the phone.

Sherry, Zach and Tamiel are sitting in silence with

Tamiel restless going up and down in the lounge. They
both stared at him as he keeps the same pace and
avoiding hitting the table. The door opened and they
looked at it, Tamiel got even more anxious brushing
his sweaty hands on his pants. Mark got in a rush and
said, “Has Tinkie arrived yet?” he looked at
everyone’s faces and saw the nervous Tamiel.
“I rarely see you like this, don’t worry I will be by
your side” he said to Tamiel and got closer to him,
Tamiel stepped away saying, “Don’t touch me Mark,
I’m still mad at you. I need to do this alone”.
“I know, but I will always be your pillar” replied
Mark. Tamiel looked at him for a long time and yelled,
“How is someone supposed to tell their little sister
that their father killed their mother, tried to frame their
uncle and killed him too” and there was a knock on the
door. They all got shocked looking at each other, Zach
took a deep breath and went to the door to open it.
An old man with a bit of grey hair, on the beard too
stood at the door. Wearing a light brown jacket, behind
him it was two officers in their uniform, one male and

229
THARN B. CROISSANT

one female who looked a bit older than Zach was. He

kindly said,
“We are looking for Dr Mark Williams” giving a
notorious smirk on his face.
Zach let them in and said to others, “They are looking
for Mark”. Tamiel barked, “What for?” at that
moment.
“I’m Captain Wiel of Cape Town Central Police
Station. I have an arrest warrant for Dr Mark
Williams,” said the old geezer. They all yelled
simultaneously, “What!?” and Sherry carried on
asking, “What for?”. They got closer to Mark trying to
cuff him and Tamiel is fighting, “I might have an idea
of what’s going on Tamiel” said Mark calmly.
“Mark Williams, you are under arrest for the
transportation and possession of illegal drugs found at
your office. You have a right to remain silent because
anything you say can be used against you in the court
of law. You are advice get an attorney, if you cannot
the state will provide you one” said Captain as Mark is
being cuffed.
“What’s happening? Why is Mark being arrested?”
asked Tinkie entering the door and rushed to be beside
Tamiel.
“Don’t worry Mark, I’ll get you out. Don’t say
anything till I arrived with the lawyer” said Tamiel as
the officers left the house with Mark.

230
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

231
THARN B. CROISSANT

Chapter Fourteen
Disdain Meets Despair- Part Two
Everyone is panicking outside the courtroom with
nervousness major on their nervous system. The
restlessness is contagious even on their lawyer,
Attorney Aneliswa Zulu, who is on her early thirties
who keeps on telling them to calm their nerves, but
they can’t help it. Even Tamiel is losing his mind, for
the past two days he has been ticked off by minor
things. Sherry’s phone rang and she said, “It’s mom. I
asked dad not to tell until Mark gets bail”.
“As long as it is not on the news, we should keep it
that way” said Tamiel. He distanced himself from his
friends to stand by the corner trying to gather his
mind. He is troubled, tapping his foot on the floor with
his fist inside his mouth biting it.
Someone came from the inside and yelled, “The bail
hearing of Mark Williams is taking the court”, he
jumped hearing that and joined the crew again. They
got inside slowly taking the left side of the court and
Attorney Zulu moved up front to her seat. Underneath,

232
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

in front of the magistrate there comes Mark dressed in

his dark grey tuxedo his fiancé got help preparing. His
hair is pushed back like a German man, and hands are
cuffed. He looked back and locked eyes with Tamiel,
they both lip synced “I love you” while weeping; the
officer uncuffed him as he sat down.
“All rise in court!” said the henchman and they all
stood up as the magistrate waltz inside and took her
seat, they all followed sitting down.
“The bail hearing of Mark Williams, charged with
the transportation and possession of illegal drugs”
talked the magistrate.
“Affirmative, Your Honour” said Advocate Zulu.
“Precisely, Your Majesty” added the prosecutor. “Dr
Mark Williams is a 26-year-old, about to be 27 in a
week, the president of…”
“I do have his resume, advocate Kumar. Do what’s
necessary,” said the magistrate.
“My forgiveness Your Honour. A man like him does
not deserve to free-lance during the trial. We could
risk him hiding all the necessary evidence at the
hospital. We must not forget he has a romantic
relationship with the son of the owner of LIFE-TH
who had the same allegations”.
“Objection Your Majesty, speculations,
discrimination and hate speech against the queer
community” cut advocate Zulu.
“Overruled”.
“Your Honour these are not speculations, here is
some of the evidence that Dr Williams is indeed

233
THARN B. CROISSANT

involved on the mentioned charges and the DA’s office

has witnesses for the trial”.
“Objection, the defence has not been notified about
the availability of the witnesses” stood up Advocate
Zulu.
Advocate Kumar took some papers to the magistrate
as well as the defence, “One of the documents signed
by Dr Williams issuing the transportation. Counting
that he is married to an illegal immigrant. He is much
of a flight risk as any law offender. I rest my case”.
“Defence”.
“My client is a father of a six-years old boy who
bares nor social or environmental harm. Not that he is
guilty, but this is his first time being charged in his
life. Running the hospital does not necessarily mean
you are associated with illegal drug dealing. The
document that the prosecution showed us has
yesterday’s signature date and my client was already
in custody in that time. And, since when has ever
illegal businesses use contracts for the sake of not
getting caught, all this evidence is far-fetched. My
client is not a flight risk, nor an offender of the law. He
deserves to go through trial while being at home with
his toddler son and family. I lay my case Your
Honour” said advocate Zulu, taking her seat.
“The court will take a 10-minute recess,” said the
magistrate.
“All rise!” the henchman said again.
The magistrate left the court, all the attendees
remained inside with a bit of chaos. Tamiel stretched
his neck to adv. Zulu as Mark is still under oath. They

234
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

all moved to him with their sad faces. Him too, turned
his worried face looking at them. Ignoring all the
relevant emotions, Tamiel popped a question to Mark,
“How did they get your signature on those papers?”
“Those were just copies to scare us, but I bet the
original ones have the accurate date” said adv. Zulu.
He looked down in shame and later replied, “You will
be mad if I tell you, Tamiel”. “Just tell me, Mark””.
“Okay, I might’ve signed them the same day I was
arrested, Jade slid them with the…”.
“Oh! Yes, I am mad, but I want to kill you myself
before the jailbirds do”. They carried on talking,
Sherry and others joined them. They were signalled to
take bake their seats since the ten minutes are over.
The magistrate sat down on her seat after the court
has quieted down and said, “After both sides brought
forward relevant arguments, I went to my chambers to
assess them. I have come back with the necessary and
final decision. The bail of Mark Williams who has
been charged with the transportation and possession of
illegal drugs, has been approved. The defendant is
expected to never leave the city before and during the
trial. The amount is two million rands. The trial will
commence on the 4th of January the following year.
Court adjourned”.
“All rise in court!” they all jumped, ecstasy taking
over their bodies as they moved to welcome him
coming down from the oath. With the joy on their
faces, they did not notice Tinkie zoning out.

235
THARN B. CROISSANT

Few days have passed, Tamiel and Mark sat down

gentlemanly at a restaurant in Camps Bay, busy
playing with each other’s hands and giggling. A man
came over to their table dressed in one of the fancy
tuxedos as they are. He smiled looking at them while
untying his coat button, preparing to sit down. He
touched his straight nose bridge, stretching the finger
to remove the hair from his eyes. Tamiel looked at him
with confused eyes and said, “Pablo?” showing he is
not expecting him.
“Tamiel Peterson” he said with a smirk on his face
and added, “So, you really are into men. Were you
ever gay?”. Mark clicked his tongue and said, “What a
jerk, is he one of your friends?”.
“Man, singular. If loving Mark makes me gay, then
yeah, I am. I was expecting your sister Lauren, where
is she?” said Tamiel facing him straight.
“He is Mrs Vlein’s brother?” asked Mark.
“Yes, that total flirt creep”.
“You know my sister is running for mayor, so she’s a
bit busy. I came here expecting your old men, how I
can I help you gentlemen?”
“We need your sister’s help, as well as yours
cleansing the community. Captain Weil of the Central
Police station” said Tamiel.
“Talk” replied Pablo.
“It need not to be messy, but clean and exposing to
the community; the retrenchment of Captain Weil”.
“What’s in it for me?”
“Already discussed that with your sister, just agree”.
“Sounds fun, why not then”.

236
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

On the very same evening, they crowded Mark and

Tamiel’s house for a little friend’s gathering. Making
Mark have some ease for his upcoming trial and to
commemorate both Mark and Sherry’s birthday, 13th of
November. The house is full of chatting; Mark,
Tamiel, Sherry, Zach, Tinkie, Pablo and Lisa, Tinkie’s
friend are inside the house. The party for the youth is
much lighter in food and heavy in booze and snacks.
Sherry looks like an outsider again, being alone in the
room who is sipping juice. The TV is turned on
playing music which they are barely listening to, since
they cover it with their dinosaur’s laughs and chatting.
Tamiel stood up holding the bottle of beer by his
hand and smiled. They all stopped talking and looked
at him.
“It’s a pleasure to have you all here, I’ll try not to
speak like an old man” they cracked, “as little as this
is, but it is still a great thing to my husband-to-be. I
wouldn’t say he is my dream man; I’ve never once
dreamed of dating a man. Before we go back to trial, I
want you Mark, my fiancé and Sherry my dearest and
beautiful mother of my children to enjoy this day. We
are in a rough phase now, but I promise your next
birthday will be jaw dropping. So, happy birthday.
And we are getting married on the 24th of December”
they cheered out loud as he sat down near Mark who
held him and kissed his forehead then ran to separate
Tinkie and Zach, sitting between them.

237
THARN B. CROISSANT

“I want both your brother and his fiancé” whispered

Lisa to Tinkie. “Don’t be silly” she replied, and they
laughed.
A few hours passed, Zach, Tinkie and Lisa bided
farewell with tiredness taking over their bodies, so as
Pablo who caught along them unable to drive, drunk
as he ever could be. Sherry has also retired to her bed,
complaining about carrying two extra people in her
body and must visit her mother tomorrow before her
due date next week. Leaving only Mark and Tamiel
alone who ran upstairs giggling, holding hands like
two horny teenagers. They kissed closing the door of
their bedroom in haste and Mark pinned on it. Tamiel
let go of him as he ran to the closet closing the door
behind him. Mark stripped of his clothes leaving
himself in his undies and threw that body in bed,
laying by his left side facing the closet. He straightens
his right leg to 45° opposite to his left and supported
his head with his left arm. His right arm went down to
his chest, brushing it.
Finally, Tamiel came out of the closet, he moved
closer to the bed. Mark widened his eyes, rounding his
mouth surprised by his appearance. He whistled
slowly while Tamiel is getting closer, wearing a white
lab coat and the statoscopes hanging on his neck,
touching his bare chest. He is holding to ties by his
mouth. The theatre pants he is wearing, he held them
by their waist edges taking them off slowly. “I’ll give
you the birthday present you gave me” said Tamiel.
Mark kept on whistling slowly with his heart beating
hard, having no words to say till Tamiel revealed his

238
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

jockstrap undies. He got on top of the bed holding

Mark’s hands to touch his exposed butt. He grabbed
both Mark’s arms joining them, he tied them together
on the wrists and on the bed’s head with his chest
close to Mark’s face he kept on kissing it.
They both smiled as they faced each other and he
said, “Let me be the doctor today, tell me where it
hurts” giving him a naughty smirk and Mark replied,
“Oh, yes Doctor Peterson, it hurts down there by my
torso”.
“Right here?” said Tamiel touching his 8-pack abs
and looked him straight in the eyes.
“No doctor, further down” replied Mark squirming.
“It has to be here!” he said touching Mark’s undies
and the dragon.
“Yes doctor, definitely there” his voice change and
squirmed even more as Tamiel took of his undies.
“It is even hard and breathing too” he said holding
Mark’s dragon, “let me do a check-up” with a smitten
face he inserted it all inside his mouth.
Mark became an owl with his moans not giving an
exact sound. He feels like he could put whole of
himself inside Tamiel’s mouth as Tamiel is slowly
shoving in and out looking straight at Mark’s eyes. He
could not cup his cute face with his hands tied up
above his head. Tamiel sat on top of him and leaned
for a kiss with Mark’s dragon touching his butt. They
kissed with each other’s tongue down their throats,
and they smiled in the process.
“Aren’t you going to do some tests, perhaps MRI?”
said Mark smitten.

239
THARN B. CROISSANT

“I don’t know what that is, but I’ll give it to you”

replied Tamiel taking off the lab coat and covered
Mark’s face while holding Mark’s dragon behind him
and shoved it up his tunnel.

Next morning followed, Tamiel pat beside him on

the bed hoping to find Mark, but he wasn’t there. He
opened his eyes slowly and he breathed the sea breeze,
looking for Mark in the room, still not found. He got
off the bed and went to the closet taking one of Mark’s
bigger sweaters and his undies, putting it on his body
and left the room. He takes the steps down and finally
reached the living room finding Mark picking up the
trash on the floor.
He faced up holding a black plastic bag and said,
“Good morning, Dr Peterson. Slept well?” with a
smile. Tamiel came closer to Mark and kissed him, “I
kept dreaming about MRI, what kind of treatment is
that?” Mark sweetly laughed at him, “Where is Sherry,
still asleep?” he asked.
“No, she just recently left. It’s 11am if you haven’t
noticed”.
“She did say she’ll leave early” a gate bell rang and
Tamiel attended, “Yah?”, “Delivery for Tamiel
Peterson” he went outside making the sun touch his
skin with no pants. He took the box wrapped in purple
cover and red ribbon from the boy.
He went back inside and faced Mark closing the
door and held the box tight, “You bought me a gift, or
Sherry did?” he asked walking towards Mark and sat
on the couch placing the box on the table.

240
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“No and no, it was our birthday not yours” replied

Mark.
“Who might it be then?” he said opening the box and
Mark stood beside him. Inside there was another box
and an SD card on top of it. He did not open the other
box but stood up and said, “Where is your laptop?”,
“upstairs” replied Mark.
“I’ll play it on the TV” he connected it. They waited
a few seconds then a video started, showing the legs of
an unconscious woman. “Who would send you women
legs?” asked Mark. Tamiel kept quiet and later replied,
“those aren’t just any woman’s legs, I know them”
tapping one foot on the floor. The video carried on and
finally showed the face.
It was Tinkie’s face, who was tied on a chair; a
message showed below the screen as Tamiel stood up
in shock, ‘this is for you, Ntsikayesizwe’ and an
address. “Tinkie?!! What’s happening? Who is
Ntsikayesizwe?” asked Mark looking at Tamiel who
was glaring at the TV, “That’s my Xhosa name my
mother gave me. I rarely use it, it’s sacred” replied
Tamiel and snapped back to earth, he grabbed Mark’s
phone and dialled Zach’s number, who responded after
multiple rings, “Hello” he said over the phone.
“Zach! Where are you now?’
He got quiet a second, “At the mansion. Oh! My
God!” he yelled.
“Zach, what is it? Is Tinkie there with you?”
“She was, fluothane was thrown on the windows”.
“What’s that?”

241
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Sleeping gas, I have been knocked out. They took

her, Tamiel!”
“Then you already know who it might be. Mark,
please open the other box”. He bent down opening the
box and heard sound like a ticking clock, he stared and
yelled, “It’s a bomb!”
“Throw it out the window!” yelled back Tamiel.
As soon as it reached the window, it exploded,
shattering the windows and the wall with Tamiel and
Mark lying on the floor. Detonation!

242
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

243
THARN B. CROISSANT

Chapter Fifteen
The Devil’s Perspective
High-pitch noise rang in their ears like a radio
losing frequency. It has gotten hotter than it was, with
the rubble on top of them. They feel distorted like their
voices when Tamiel calls out for Mark. The dust is
meddling with their breathing and vision, taking major
space as nitrogen in the atmosphere. Although the
rubble is heavy and dirty, Tamiel moved it swiftly
along with the table revealing Mark underneath.
Some of the things have caught fire soon the whole
house will be on fire. He slapped him multiple times
till he gained consciousness again, and the first thing
came out his mouth yelling was ‘Tamiel!’, only to find
him in front of his eyes and smiled cupping his cheeks,
“Are you okay?” he asked.

244
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Yes, I am. Get up, the house will be on fire soon”

he grabbed his hand and stood him up, “You’re
bleeding” said Tamiel, Mark touched his face and said,
“This is nothing, what do we do now?”.
“The firefighters and the cops will be here now, we
must go, I don’t feel like talking. Still, I need to rescue
Tinkie from that bastard”.
“You aren’t wearing any pants,” said Mark.

“Nomvuyo!” shouted Zach scattering himself all

around the house and found Vuyo laying down on the
living room floor. He turned him over and gave him
hot slaps till he woke up. He held him by his collar
and shouted on his face, “Where is Nomvuyo?”, he
rolled his eyes stuttering. Zach shook him and finally
he spoke, “upstairs, she was cleaning upstairs!” he let
him go and said, “gather the others, we are going” and
ran upstairs. He opened several doors in this maize of
a house without finding her. Finally, she found her
trying to get up at the middle bathroom, “Sis
Nomvuyo, are you alright?” he said holding her waist
and hand helping her up.
“It was Chris” she said slowly,
“What did you say?” he asked looking at her.
“They held guns and shot through the window, but
smoke. I saw Chris commanding them” she looked at
the frowning and confused Zach and said, “Is Mr
Tamiel and Mr Tyson, okay? Where is Miss Tinkie?
What are going to do?”.
“I currently don’t know but I must drive you home
for your safety, and Miss Tinkie has been abducted.

245
THARN B. CROISSANT

I’ll explain later, let’s go” in a rush they went

downstairs and found Vuyo standing alone holding his
phone.
“Where is everyone, Vuyo?” asked Zach
approaching him.
“I can’t find any of them, all the chambers are
clear”.
“He got to them” whispered Zach and added, “the
two of us will go, we first have to drop Nomvuyo”.

“I just texted Zach the address” said Tamiel who is

driving on the car with Mark. “Are you even sure that
it is your father who’s doing all this?” asked Mark
inserting clip in the magazines of their handguns.
“He killed my mother, perhaps he knows now I now
considering Pokey is dead. All this he is trying to lure
me. But I don’t get why with Tinkie and not you or
Sherry or Zach”,
“He needed someone you love the most, but ruthless
for a father” added Mark.
“Yes, he is ruthless, but he’d never hurt Tinkie, not
in a million years. Unless she is an obstacle. Tinkie
may know something we don’t. Fuck!” he yelled
banging the steering of a car.
“Knowing all this, you still intend on just driving
there, with no plan?”,
“Exactly what I am planning to do. I have no time,
babe” barked back Tamiel.
“But it is still… did you just call me ‘babe’? It is
your first time calling me that, I’m flattered” said

246
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

Mark smiling and leaned for a kiss, Tamiel stopped

him midway with a hand on the lips.
“Don’t irritate me too Mark, this not the time” he
frowned his face.
“Fine, let’s strategize before we reach the said place”
his phone rang in that moment. “Hello mom” he said,
a woman screamed at the back, “who is that? What’s
happening?”
“It’s Sheila, she’s in labour! Your dad is driving us
to the hospital” she groaned louder.
“What? Tamiel, Sheila is in labour”.
“With the twins. What should we do Mark?” freaked
out Tamiel.
“Tamiel, calm down. Mom, me and Tamiel are in a
tight position right now. We trust you with her, tell her
we will be there as soon as possible” he hung up and
faced Tamiel, “don’t lose your vision, Sherry and the
twins have my parents, Tinkie is in the verge of death,
drive forward!”

“Hang in there, honey, we are close” said Veronica

to Sherry.
“What did Mark say?” talked Todd.
“Him and Tamiel are quite busy they meet us there”
replied Veronica.
“She kind of reminds me of you, when you were
giving birth to them” said Todd as he turned the corner
by the Rockefeller Hotel. “We are here, let me park
properly” he said.
As soon as the car pulled over, he got off the car and
opened the back door helping Sherry come out. She

247
THARN B. CROISSANT

has now stopped screaming but howling like the wolf.

Todd shouted as he laid eyes on the nurse by the main
entrance, “a wheelchair please!”, she ran back inside
and came back running with other two nurses by her.
“Dr Williams, good day” they said.
“Get my daughter to the labour ward please”,
“Yes sir” they rushed back inside pushing Sherry,
Todd and Veronica followed them in. they successfully
arrived in the ward, the doctor asked if they are joining
or not, but Todd excused himself saying he left the
doors open at home.

“You’ve finally arrived son” said Tyson as Tamiel

stepped inside the other room of the warehouse
pointing his gun to where he is facing. Tinkie
squirmed in the chair with her mouth bounded, Tamiel
shouted, “Cupcake! Hang in there, ani will help you”.
“Drop that son, we need to have a family talk” said
Tyson, standing near Tinkie and faced Tamiel.
“Well, you suck at initiating one, father” he did stop
pointing his gun at him, “why are you doing all this? I
might get me, but why involve Tinkie in all this?”
“Protecting my business, family, the wealth you
were supposed to inherit if you just sat still and not
investigate your mother’s death. All these people are
going to die because of you, just as that policeman”.
“Don’t give me that crap, you greedy troll. You
involved both your children in that car accident.
You’ve seen how devasted we were after mom’s death.
Tinkie could not walk neither talk to anyone, all along

248
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

you were the cause of it” anger got the best of him as
his eyes got teary.
“You’ve always been the sentimental one. Tinkie did
not become that teary when she found out, even when
I took her this morning”.
“What do you mean? Find out what, how did she?”
He laughed out loud, “So she didn’t tell you. Tinkie is
a Computer Science student, she clearly saw both our
behaviours and made me the suspect. So, she hacked
my computer but did not put enough firewall to protect
herself. I just picked her up in one of the computers
she uses at campus”.
“You are very smart cupcake; ani is very proud of
you”.
“Ahh! I knew you’ll bring company. Welcome
Mark” he said out loud as Mark stepped inside with a
gun pointed at his head by Petunia and his arms are
floating above his head, “you made it out on bail, we
did a crap of a job. Better survive the trial too” he said
cheeky.
“I’m sorry Tamiel” he said as Tamiel turned back to
face them.
“Aunt Pet? I thought you had a different goal, but
you were in conspiracy” said Tamiel now pointing the
gun at Dr Walsh.
“Now son, me and your aunt here bare the same
pain. You may not know but, your mother had an affair
with my brother, Bobby, under my roof” Tinkie
forcefully removed the band on her mouth.
“So, that’s why you killed her and made it seem like
Uncle Bobby did it? Yeah, I saw that too, and later

249
THARN B. CROISSANT

killed him too, murderer. This man killed your

husband Aunt Pet!” roared Tamiel and turned to face
his father again.
“Just as you put my son in coma, Bobby was just an
idiot” talked Petunia.
“What about the manager at Crystal Hotel, the
receptionist at LIFE-TH, and my Maths teacher?”
shouted out Tinkie.
“Your mother was already gone at that time”.
“But she wasn’t when you did it with Veronica”
clapped back Tinkie turning her head to look at him.
There was silence in the room and Mark talked, “wait
Tinkie, Veronica who?”
She faced down and Tyson talked in a sad tone, “so
you saw the pregnancy scans too. Mark, just as you
stole Tamiel from Sherry, that is what your father also
did to me with Veronica, and she aborted my baby. But
I had to accept it and carried on doing business with
him”.
“That is disgusting old man, and not enough of a
reason to kill your wife”.
“There is a possibility that you might be engaged to
your brother or having children with your sister, 1%.
I’m joking, I would’ve never let it slide. I hid the
Spider’s Legs business from your mother, when she
caught me with Veronica and found out about the
business, she staged a coup de tat with my own brother
and tried to run away with the two of you. Don’t
worry, you aren’t Bobby’s kids. But before that, I had
to drug her, make her believe she is just seeing
illusions because she is depressed”.

250
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“The high dose of diphenhydramine found on her

body during autopsy” said Tamiel.
“I’m a pharmaceutical scientist after all son” Chris
came and stood behind him and gave him a gun, he
pointed back at Tamiel, “you outnumbered son, drop
the gun” he slowly put it on the floor and his hands
hilltop the head.
“Ani will come now cupcake, stay strong” two men
came too behind Tyson and stood along Chris.
The sound of gunshots started outside, the people in
this room looked at each other at gun point without
uttering a single word. Tyson said, “That must be
Zach, I’ve been wondering where he might be. I’m
certain he is going eliminate all those men outside,
solo” the gunfire went out for a long time.
Petunia clicked her tongue pointing her gun at Mark
and said, “These kids are taking way too long” she
swindled and moved five steps ahead to stand parallel
to Tamiel and pointed the gun at Tyson.
“What are you doing Petunia?” asked Tyson with a
rather bored tone.
“Doing what Bobby couldn’t, protect my family. I
never thought I would do this considering my
marriage with him was a business arrangement, but if
you die Tyson everything will go back to normal. I’d
like to do that myself”.
“What does normal mean? You, fighting the doctors
all the time? I should’ve known you would do
something like this, Petunia” he moved the gun from
Tamiel to point Petunia. She pulled the trigger first and
shot his right arm. Zach popped in on that moment,

251
THARN B. CROISSANT

Zach jumped heading forward and yelled, “Tinkie!”,

Mark stopped him with his hand. The two men and
Chris behind Tyson cocked their guns and pointed
them at all the people in front of them. Tinkie in the
middle of all this, tied into a chair felt more afraid than
anybody else.
“What’s going on here?” asked Vuyo not lowering
his gun.
“They’ve already chose a side for you” replied Zach.
The three men turned their guns to Dr Walsh. Mark
pulled another gun from his back with Tamiel going
down picking his. They pulled the triggers gunning
down Dr Walsh as Tyson exited the room running.
Zach synchronized with Tamiel moving forward,
Tamiel chasing after Tyson and Zach to Tinkie. As he
reached the chair trying to untie her, Chris kicked him
on the face. He flew lying on his back and lost his gun,
but another was pointed on his face. Mark ran towards
Dr Walsh supporting her from falling with blood
oozing out of her mouth and every hole on her body.
Vuyo pulled the trigger taking down one of the men on
his forehead. Tinkie screamed as Vuyo’s bullet passed
near her. The other men responded to that as he
released two bullets to Vuyo’s torso, and he fell on the
floor slowly mistaking despair with survival. Mark
yelled Vuyo’s name as he too released only a single
bullet he needed to the man’s heart as if he could see it
with his doctor’s eyes.
“Now it’s you and me, Zach” said Chris’ with his
gun still pointing him in the eyes.

252
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“Each of us protecting our masters, huh?” replied

Zach not shifting his eyes from him.
“Vuyo, you’re still breathing, right? Hang in there!”
said Mark abandoning the already dead Dr Walsh
running to Vuyo.
“How does it feel Chris, knowing you keep peace in
blood?” asked Zach.
“Following from your father’s footsteps. I just do my
job and listen to my master’s orders” replied Chris.
Zach scoffed and looked at the wall beside him, it
distracted Vuyo as he lost firm grip of his gun. Zach
grabbed his wrist and bend it backwards. Chris
groaned in pain letting go of his gun and it reached the
floor. Zach got on his feet in that moment and kicked
the gun to Mark’s direction.
Chris and Zach both faced each other standing. Chris
attempted to punch Zach with his right fist, but he
dodged and grabbed it from his back and twisted his
arm. Chris cripped Zach’s legs and he fell down on the
floor letting go of his arm. He got on top of him and
punched his face, Zach grabbed the third punch with
his palm and kicked Chris on his stomach with his
knee. He spit blood as he got off Zach. They both
stood up after panting, Zach moved his leg so his foot
could reach Chris’ face, it blasted it as he bled on his
nose.
He distanced himself from Zach as Mark grabbed
the same gun tossed to him and pointed at Chris
standing up.

253
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Zach, untie Tinkie; he won’t escape me” said Mark

walking slowly towards Chris. He stood there in limbo
and drenched his arms looking back at Mark.
“I’m here now don’t cry” said Zach as he unties
Tinkie’s hands.
“You sure do a better job than me, Zach. You are
indeed Brother Eric’s son; I was just a fill-up” said
Chris looking at Mark who is standing two metres
away from him. He moved his hands to his back trying
to hold the gun, but Mark shot him point blank in the
chest as if the organs are visible to him. He went down
instantly, and Mark gave a big sigh rushing back to
Vuyo.
“And people still think you and Tamiel make a
perfect duo. You should marry me instead” said Zach
helping Tinkie get up from the chair. Mark carried
Vuyo gently to their car and went back to look for
Tamiel.
“Stop!” yelled Tamiel after running around the
warehouse chasing after his father. He stands at the
door with his father in the middle of the room, closing
the only exit here. He takes two steps forward; his
father turns back to face him panting like a wolf after a
hopeless hunt. He straightens his arm cocking his gun
pointing at Tyson, he too pointed the gun at his son
smiling like an iguana. With their sweaty similar noses
like they are drawn by the same artist, they locked
their eyes.
“Now we are going to play Russian Roulette, right
son?” said Tyson not giving up his smirk.

254
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“It will be the first game I’ve won against you”

replied Tamiel with a sweaty face.
“Or not, you always make tiny mistakes; but I’m
very proud of you as a father even though you are in
my way”.
“The way of killing the people I love? It is so damn
bloody”.
“What will happen if one of us dies here, Tamiel, or
should I say Ntsikayesizwe?”
“You should stick to Tamiel, you always taint sacred
things. If I die, Mark and Zach will finish the job for
me”.
“You have a great fiancé and friend there. Perhaps if
I don’t get to them first”.
“You’ve never encountered Zach at full strength.
You’ve only heard rumours about his skills”.
“His father was my first in command before Chris,
I’m well aware of that talent”.
“Are those your last words Dr Tyson Peterson?
Shouldn’t you perhaps sob and wish us a great
future?”
“Mhh, I was going to ask you the same thing. And
yes, I do wish you’d had a great future, son”.
“You have a funny way of showing love”.
“Anyone who is a threat to my family must die”.
Silence creeped the room with the two men facing
each other at gun point. Not a single sound is heard in
this room besides their breaths, but they can hear each
other just by locking eyes.
By the count of seconds, Tyson moved his index
finger to the trigger, Tamiel did so too. In a blink of an

255
THARN B. CROISSANT

eye, three gunshot sounds were heard. Tyson’s bullets

did not manage to reach Tamiel’s physique as he fell
down on the floor. Tamiel stood still with his gun
pointing where his father was standing, amazed at how
even a single bullet did not graze him. He sobbed a
few tears and decided to move towards his father’s
dead body. He kneeled closing his eyes by his hands
and grabbed the gun he was carrying. He clicked his
tongue looking at the gun and said, “There was no
clip”, he sobbed even more, tears falling on top of his
father.
A voice came in the hallway yelling his name and a
being stood by the door, “Tamiel” said Mark running
to him, sitting down near his father. He placed him on
his embrace as he cried out loud, unable to control his
tears.
“There was no clip in his gun Mark” he said and
cried, “what did you say?” asked back Mark.
“He wanted me to kill him. He wanted to die by my
hands” he cried even harder in Mark’s embrace.
“It’s going to be okay. It will be alright, Tamiel, I’m
here for you” said Mark comforting him.
Zach brushed Tinkie’s hair standing by the car with
Vuyo groaning inside it. in the broad daylight, the sun
hit right to their eyes as Tamiel and Mark came out of
the building smiling. They finally reached the two and
Tamiel went to Tinkie putting her into his embrace for
a long time. He kissed her forehead and said, “I love
you, cupcake, I won’t ever let anyone hurt you ever
again. That goes for you too, Zach” they all laughed.

256
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

“We have to take Vuyo to the hospital before it’s too

late,” said Mark.
“Fuck! Sherry and the twins!” they haste got into a
car as Zach and Tinkie took a different one.

“They look cute. They are right here if you need

them” said the nurse and left the ward meeting the
beaten up, exhausted Tamiel and Mark at the door.
“Sherry!” said Tamiel as he rushed hugging her very
tight. He let go and said, “How are you? Was it
painful? Where are they?” asked Tamiel.
“One question at a time, please. Here are they”
replied Sherry smiling. Mark got closer to her and
hugged her too.
“How are you doing?” he asked holding her hand.
Tamiel picked both the twins up.
“I’m fine. You are finally an uncle to two beautiful
girls, or a daddy” they both laughed.
“You did a great job, look how happy Tamiel is.
Where is mom?” he said.
“She went back home; dad wasn’t answering her
calls”.
“They have a massive and hard skeleton on their
closet, I’ll tell you later” said Mark folding his hands.
“Why do my kids look like Mark?” said Tamiel.
“You just love me so much to see me in them”
replied Mark.
“Sherry, I’d like to name them” said Tamiel doing a
baby talk.

257
THARN B. CROISSANT

“Sure, you can. I’ve already named them. On the

pink blanket, Kamala means a lotus flower and on the
blue, because I thought it might be a boy, it’s Krystal”.
“After her grandmother Crystal, thank you Sherry.
And Daddy will be naming you Kamala after your
cute aunt Tinkie, you are Nikhanye. And you Krystal,
just as your beautiful grandmother you will have her
last name too, Langelihle, and because it’s a lovely
day today, the 14th of November. Langelihle and
Kamala Peterson. Or should I say Langelihle Krystal
and Kamala Nikhanye Peterson”.
“I didn’t know you could speak Xhosa,” said Mark.
“My mother taught me, and I’ve heard Zach and Sis
Nomvuyo talking. Daddy’s two beautiful girls”.
Mark’s phone rang in that moment, and he answered.
“Where are Zach and Tinkie?” asked Sherry.
“Down in the ER, Zach is crazy in love. It gives me
goosebumps” replied Tamiel.
“At least you know how we all feel about you,” said
Sherry.
Mark dropped the phone and came closer to them
saying, “Sherry! That was mom. Dad has been shot
dead”.

THE END

258
HARMONY OF TWO SOULS

259