Fire of Caveat - Part 6

It was a leisurely, sunny Sunday morning. The view over Table Mountain was exquisite. The birds were twittering in the big oak tree next to the patio and the waterfall with its pond created a perfectly, relaxed ambience.
The Walsh tradition was to have Sunday breakfast on the patio.
Gustav and Veronica prepared a lovely, fresh summer continental breakfast for the family. With lots of fresh fruit from their own orchard and freshly baked pastries with lovely home baked bread and berry jam that was self-made by her mom. They were silent whilst setting the table and breakfast outside.
Veronica was Gustav Johnsons’ daughter. She grew up in the Walsh household and was considered part of the family. Her dad and mom have been working for the Walsh family over twenty years. The Johnson’s have their own home just a few kilometres from the estate. Her dad is the “butler and driver”. Her mom: Bethel is the chef and keeps an eye on the maintenance of the house. Bethel isn’t feeling well today, so Veronica is assisting her dad.
Veronica studied at university with the assistance of Uncle “Wash-wash”, as she called him; who passed away last year. She studied to be a Veterinarian and is busy specialising as an Exotic animal veterinarian.
With her deep blue eyes, short black hair; tucked neatly behind her ears and her tall slender frame, she may as well be a model.
She is very enthusiastic! Although she is older than Carlton, she is overwhelmed with love for him. She was so disillusioned when he came home with Marcha pregnant…. Sophia is such a sweet little girl and the love and tenderness she feels for the little girl, doesn’t affect what she feels for Carlton.
Veronica is dressed in jean shorts, a thin strapped dark blue t-shirt, that shows the softness of her shoulders and a low front cut, showing her curves. It will have many a men staring, no matter what his age.
She thinks no one knows about her feeling for Carlton. Her dad doesn’t say a word but he can see the passion she has for that boy. He sighs: “She just doesn’t know the whole story behind Carlton Walsh.” Gustav will never give up the secret of the man who over the years became his best friend and confidant.
He shook his head, thinking about the accident: “sad, sad, so sad…….” Veronica looked up at him: “What did you say daddy?” He sighed: “Ah, my child, I’m thinking of Mr and Mrs Walsh….so sad….” She walks over to him and touch his arm softly: “It’s okay dad…”
Marcha comes clicked-clack down the stairs, her usual self, quacking like a duck, in her squeaky voice calling Carlton and Sophia for breakfast. Veronica stiffened, her whole bodily expression changed and her dad couldn’t help but smile.
When they heard Carlton coming down the hallway swearing, Veronica blushed and made sure her hair and clothes was pleasing.
Carlton, walked out to the patio, even though he was bursting with anger he couldn’t help but smile. Her shy smile, the blue eyes, the blushing cheeks…. he fell in love with Veronica when he was still a young boy. Ridiculous, she wouldn’t be interested in a younger guy like him….
The twins joined them and Gustav excused himself to go attend to his wife. John insisted that Veronica join them for the delicious breakfast they prepared.
Marcha’s lip immediately stiffened, she doesn’t like Veronica. She sees the way Carl look at her; like a love sick puppy and Veronica is always blushing when Carl is around. No one noticed Marches’ changed attitude or even cared.
It was a lovely day and for a while they all forgot about their problems, they laughed, made jokes and enjoyed themselves.
They were just about to have a last cup of coffee, when the phone in the study wring. They all seemed surprise, few people know their private number….
It was a phone call that changed their life’s forever…….


Who was the call from? Why did Carltons mom kill his dad? Still so many questions unanswered.