Rabbit fever, p.29
Rabbit Fever, page 29
The barber’s response was nothing short of an Oscar-worthy act by someone feigning sleep and not wishing to be disturbed. He slapped Ewan’s hand away, made fake snoring noises, and mumbled, maintaining his pretence of slumber.
As Ewan began to realise that the barber was not sleeping, the room erupted with roars of laughter. Ewan couldn’t be certain whether this laughter was directed at him or whether it signified approval, akin to the cheers and excitement he had heard when watching football on television as fans celebrated their team scoring a goal.
Perplexed, Ewan looked around the room, struggling to discern the reason for this approval. Was it merely because he had complied with the men’s implied request, providing them with some brief entertainment amidst their routine of drinking, smoking, and dominos? Or was there something more to it?
His attention was drawn to a jingling noise emanating from the back of the room. There, another doorway was partially concealed by strings from which several metal charms hung. Ewan recalled seeing these charms used as a sort of makeshift fly deterrent, allowing a door to remain open while keeping pests at bay. However, this particular one was being used inside, to separate the main area of the shop from a back room presumably the barber’s living quarters.
The jingling sound was caused by Zak, who burst through the partition and made his way toward Ewan.
“Congratulations, my friend!” Zak exclaimed. “You have passed!”
He continued to heap praise upon Ewan, again ruffling his hair and turning him to face the assembled onlookers, as if Ewan had just won a fiercely contested sports event or earned a significant accolade.
“I knew you could do it,” Zak continued, radiating a sense of pride.
Ewan, still unsure of the situation, scanned the room and noticed the housekeeper standing in the doorway through which Zak had entered, also wearing an approving smile.
“You are improving, my friend,” Zak lauded Ewan while giving him another affectionate hair ruffle.
Uncertain about how to respond, Ewan grappled with a mix of emotions.
On one hand, he couldn’t deny a certain sense of pride that he had mustered the courage to enter a room filled with strangers and, in front of them, attempt to wake a sleeping stranger. This was an act he never would have contemplated just a few days ago, let alone actually carried out.
But on the other hand, he was irritated by the fact everything with Zak seemed to turn into a game. The drinking games of the previous night, the quirky game show Zak had orchestrated that morning while bouncing around the bedroom in his underwear, and now this peculiar challenge of trying to rouse a slumbering barber.
Turning to Zak with an expectation of answers, Ewan questioned the purpose of this apparent ‘test’,
“So this was just another silly game then? Something else for you to amuse yourself, dressed up as a ‘test’?”
Zak responded,
“The test was purely that, my friend. I didn’t think you would have the courage to do this, and neither did any of these men here. It was only our housekeeper who believed you deserved a chance to prove yourself. I needed to understand your commitment to doing things outside your comfort zone, to gauge how far you’d push yourself to experience new things.”
While Ewan partially agreed with Zak’s reasoning, he remained perplexed about how and when this situation had been set up. Zak clarified that the original plan had been to drop Ewan off at the barber shop, return home with the housekeeper, and then decide what to do with the basket, intending to pick up Ewan on the way back.
As he drove away in the SUV, he mentioned to the housekeeper he doubted Ewan’s ability to enter the shop and interact with strangers alone. The housekeeper, wise due to her years of experience, suggested they see what would happen instead of making assumptions and getting frustrated. Zak explained a quick call to the barber had set the plan in motion to see if Ewan would indeed try to wake the barber. All while Zak and the housekeeper observed from a hidden location in the back room.
“But it’s only been a few minutes since you dropped me off,” Ewan argued, doubting that this impromptu test had been devised on the spot.
An onlooker, sipping from his beer, chimed in, estimating Ewan had spent around ten to fifteen minutes pacing back and forth outside, kicking the dust, and appearing to talk to himself.
Ewan, still not convinced he had waited that long, accepted that it had taken him a while. He also considered the reason he couldn’t closely follow the SUV when it left was not because he had lost it in the traffic. But because the vehicle had turned down a side street. Presumably to park at the back of the barber shop. Allowing Zak and the housekeeper to enter without Ewan’s knowledge.
As the onlookers in the barbershop grew disinterested, sensing that the scene had run its course and there was little more entertainment to be had, they returned to their drinking and resumed their game of dominos.
Meanwhile, the elderly barber, with some visible effort, hoisted himself out of his chair and slowly made his way to the back room. Upon his return, he carried several bags, which he handed to Zak with a smile and thanked him for something, giving Ewan with what appeared to be an approving smile.
Zak motioned for Ewan to lead the way out of the shop, bidding farewell to the men in the waiting area and apologising for any disruption. He then signalled for the housekeeper to join them as they headed across the dusty street toward the small door that led to Ewan’s rented apartment.
Chapter 30
The housekeeper didn’t make any effort to conceal her disdain for the condition of the small apartment. She reprimanded Zak in a language Ewan couldn’t understand, her voice rising as she pointed to various issues that displeased her: the overflowing rubbish bin, the scattered litter on the table, half-eaten food strewn about, and the general state of disarray.
When Zak appeared to offer a response, he received a swift clip around the ear, which prompted him to start nodding, muttering apologies, and immediately taking action.
He began picking up the numerous empty food packets, beverage bottles, and related debris, drawing the curtains open and attempting to tidy the small, worn sofa to make it presentable. The housekeeper loomed over him, hands on her hips, as if inspecting his progress. She continued to scold him, pointing out various issues and giving instructions for Zak to address them.
Ewan found this situation puzzling.
The woman, whom he had only met a few hours ago and had been introduced as a housekeeper, now seemed to be in control, issuing orders to her employer. However, this housekeeper had also claimed that she had ‘saved’ Zak from a life as a street child. Ewan couldn’t grasp the dynamic here—who oversaw whom?
If this woman had the ability or competence to take in street children, why was she then employed by the now adult child she claimed to have rescued? As he observed Zak receiving more directions and admonishments while being trailed around the apartment, Ewan realised he was essentially standing motionless in the middle of the room, contributing truly little to the proceedings.
To be helpful, Ewan offered assistance, but the housekeeper turned to him, indicating that she would deal with him next. She demanded Zak’s phone, which he surprisingly handed over without protest. The housekeeper began tapping away on it and then told Zak,
“There. There is a list of what you need to go and buy that will allow me to transform this dirty little den, or whatever it is you two have created here, into something more presentable. You cannot return it in this state.”
Ewan was further perplexed by this statement.
It seemed that the housekeeper was fully informed about the situation.
She knew that Zak was staying there with Ewan, perhaps even what Zak was doing for him.
She also seemed to be aware of the next steps, involving cleaning the small, humid, dirty living space.
Ewan was then expected to start residence in the house where he had woken up that morning. Trying to make sense of it all and determine if he had any say in the matter, Ewan waited as instructed, watching Zak being hurried out of the door. Zak moved with a sense of urgency, behaving as if he were under tight time constraints and couldn’t afford to return even a moment later than instructed.
Once the housekeeper had closed the door, she gestured for Ewan to sit at one end of the worn sofa, taking a seat at the other end. Ewan couldn’t help but feel a mixture of apprehension and curiosity as he waited to hear what she had to say.
“That boy,” she began, referring to Zak, “is not a bad boy. He is a very damaged boy,” she continued, her voice carrying a blend of explanation, education, and a touch of sorrow.
“I won’t delve into the details; that’s for him to share if he wishes. But you need to understand that there’s a reason I took him in. As I’ve mentioned, I try to help the street children as much as I can. I was homeless as a child, so I do what I can to assist them. But when I found this boy, his condition was dire, and he was deteriorating. So I had to do more. Yes, he’s rough around the edges, but he’s caring. For some reason, he’s chosen to help you with whatever you’ve asked of him. He also seems to have developed quite a fondness for you,” she said, locking her gaze with Ewan, who sensed that he might not like where this was heading.
Ewan braced himself as the housekeeper continued,
“I see that this apartment has only one bed. I know what he’s capable of, and I’m aware of his past actions. I need to understand if there’s a genuine plan here or if this is all some kind of ploy to gain his trust. I don’t need to know the details of what’s happened in here, but I need to be assured that you won’t take advantage of him. This has happened before, and it took me a long time to make things right.”
Ewan was taken aback by the accusations once again, making him feel like he was being labelled as a tourist with unsavoury intentions.
He felt compelled to clarify the situation and firmly insisted that there was a genuine plan. He had hired Zak as a security guard to ensure his safety. The absence of a second bed was due to his own oversight when renting the apartment, coupled with his assumption that the process in Mozambique would be swift, making Zak sleeping on the sofa seem unimportant. Ewan mentioned that Zak appeared fine with it, but the housekeeper promptly reminded him that Zak had spent most of his formative years sleeping on the floor.
Seeking more insight, Ewan questioned further about the circumstances that led to Zak being taken advantage of, but the housekeeper didn’t provide explicit details. She hinted at it being related to videos and the internet from a few years ago.
Ewan had an epiphany, recalling the events from the previous day and the implications of Zak’s reaction. He assumed that this was connected to Zak’s past and the reason the housekeeper had stepped in to protect him.
The housekeeper then added a grave layer to the conversation, mentioning that Zak didn’t even know his real name. ‘Zak’ was a name they had chosen, but they had no information about his true identity, parents, or any official records, making him essentially non-existent.
She also acknowledged her dissatisfaction with some of Zak’s activities, like taking on pretend security jobs and occasionally selling his time for money. Yet, it seemed to be one of the few viable options for someone who officially didn’t exist and was much preferable to his previous life with the gangs.
Ewan’s scepticism led him to inquire about the unusual dynamic between Zak and the housekeeper. He questioned how she, despite being referred to as a housekeeper, appeared to be in charge. He found several inconsistencies in the story that needed clarification.
“Yes, that might appear unusual,” the housekeeper explained, “but it’s by design. I’ve made it clear to Zak many times that I don’t require or want payment. My sister, whom you haven’t met yet, often poses as a cook when visitors are around. She’s also very close to Zak.”
She shared how both women had played a pivotal role in Zak’s upbringing after rescuing him from the streets.
The housekeeper continued, explaining that due to the locations Zak preferred to live in, luxurious mansions on the city’s outskirts, they preferred not to draw attention to themselves. A wealthy young man with two staff members would raise no suspicion; people would assume he inherited money or had gained wealth through less-than-legal means.
However, if a young man lived with two middle-aged women, it would lead to many questions and suspicions, either about the relationship between the two women, or one of the women and Zak or the dynamic between all three. While the housekeeper admitted that they could easily handle some of the rumours and suspicions, she believed that it was better to avoid any unwanted attention. She emphasised as Zak officially didn’t exist, and his chosen profession it was essential to attract as little suspicion as possible.
Adding a final detail, the housekeeper mentioned Zak insisted on providing payment to both her and her sister, despite their contentment with their living conditions. He felt indebted to them for rescuing him from a life on the streets and being the closest thing he had to parents.
Ewan turned away and gazed out of the window, deep in thought about the information he had just received. He recognised his own shortcomings in judging character, but everything he had just learned provided a new perspective on the situation.
In an odd way, Ewan felt a strange sense of relief about his own past. His troubled upbringing seemed almost luxurious compared to the hardships Zak had endured. Ewan began to question his need for revenge on his parents, considering that Zak didn’t even know who his parents were.
The revelations also shed light on Zak’s actions and behaviour in the past days. It seemed Zak had been taken advantage of at least once before, which explained his guarded nature and reluctance to let people in. It also became clear Zak, like Ewan, preferred living on the fringes of society, but in a different manner.
Ewan lived on the edge by avoiding personal interactions whenever possible, while Zak chose to reside on the city’s outskirts, looked after by two women who protected and cared for him. He took random jobs found online from strangers, ensuring minimal ties with others after completing his tasks.
Ewan furrowed his brows, his curiosity growing.
He pressed the housekeeper for more details, eager to understand the significance of the story she had shared with him.
But her response left him wanting.
She told him he could do as he pleased with the information and her primary intent had been to provide him with insights into Zak’s background. She hoped this knowledge would assist Ewan in navigating the peculiar plan he and Zak were developing.
However, she also issued a stern warning, cautioning Ewan grave consequences would befall him if she ever suspected him of taking advantage of Zak.
He found her final warning to be incredibly hypocritical. Zak had openly admitted earlier that his initial intention had been to scam and exploit Ewan for all he was worth. Ewan couldn’t help but see the double standard at play.
Zak being held up as a virtuous figure. The housekeeper was benefiting from the arrangement however it was now criminal for Ewan to even consider taking advantage of Zak. He contemplated whether it was worth pointing out this discrepancy but was interrupted when he heard the apartment door opening.
Zak entered the small living room nervously, the only time Ewan had seen him act this way. The only time before when there had been anything that looked like nerves was the meeting with the Somalis. When Ewan sensed Zak had felt a lack of control over the situation.
He supposed he was feeling similar now, not knowing, but presuming what had been going on in the small, humid living room since he had left it, sent out to buy cleaning supplies.
Zak placed a number of plastic bags containing the items he had been sent to purchase on the small worktop in the tiny kitchenette and looked inquiringly towards the housekeeper. Almost as if she was expecting this look, she nodded and confirmed that everything was fine. She had dealt with things and for him not to worry. Much the same way a mother would speak to a son reassuring him that she had solved a problem.
Ewan presumed there could have been no way that this conversation could have been preplanned and certainly Zak’s look when he entered the room was one of not being aware of what had happened whilst he was away.
So, Ewan could only presume this was not the first time this housekeeper, come saviour, come mother had taken it upon herself to have such a conversation with one of Zak’s associates. Almost if Zak was expecting if he let Ewan into his life, one of these such conversations was due to happen at some point.
Ewan presumed, for a minute maybe getting ahead of himself. Forgetting up until only twenty-four hours earlier his relationship with Zak had been only of employer and employee. Considering, maybe due to the information the housekeeper had divulged, this was the reason Zak had not been forthcoming with information about his background.
The housekeeper then, as if conducting a well-organised symphony, clapped her hands to signal the beginning of their cleanup operation. She rose to her feet and inspected the bags Zak had returned with, nodding in approval as she surveyed his choices. She wasted no time and began opening various bottles and sprays, fervently dusting, polishing, and scrubbing every square inch of the apartment.
Zak and Ewan couldn’t help but feel like children in her presence as they were instructed to swiftly pack their belongings, ensuring they left nothing behind. The housekeeper watched closely to confirm no items were forgotten in the process.
Packing was an effortless task for Zak, given he had never kept much in the apartment. He seemed to have developed a discrete system for his clothing to be delivered, though he never revealed the identity of the provider. Ewan now assumed it was either the housekeeper or her sister, considering their knowledge of the apartment’s location.
Ewan, on the other hand, faced a more time-consuming task as he contemplated which of his baggy black tops and trousers to take with him.
