Love is tragedy

THE ARREST

*Day 32. Friday.*

*5:01pm. Container 14. Katwe.*

The knife was in the air.

Then it was on the ground.

"ON YOUR KNEES! HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK!"

Officer Damian and two other officers had Mr. Kato on the floor in 4 seconds.

Cuffs clicked.

Mr. Kato was screaming. "Do you know who I am?!

I have judges! I have police! I have—"

"You have rights," Officer Damian said. "And you just violated a court injunction.

And threatened murder. On tape."

Hassan picked up the recorder from Jimmy’s shirt. Light still blinking.

He held it up. "We got everything, Mr. Kato."

Jimmy was breathing hard. Ribs on fire.

But standing. Trying to remain calm in that unyielding tension and atmosphere. All eyes focused on Mr. Kato.

Mr. Kato looked at him. "You little—"

"Save it for the judge," Hassan said.

They dragged him to the car.

As they passed, Mr. Kato spat at Jimmy’s feet.

"Friday wasn’t the end," he hissed. "It’s just the beginning."

"Then we’ll be ready," Jimmy said.

*5:20pm. Katwe Police Station.*

Statements. Again.

The recorder was logged as Exhibit A.

The 100k as Exhibit B.

The video from the window as Exhibit C.

The DPC shook Jimmy’s hand. "Son, you’re brave.

We’re charging him with attempted murder, extortion, and contempt of court.

No bail this time."

*6:15pm. NTV News.*

Jessica was watching on her neighbor’s TV.

Breaking News: _Businessman Arrested in Katwe Extortion Case_

Footage of Mr. Kato in handcuffs.

Hassan speaking: "This is a win for every young person being exploited."

Jessica cried. This time from relief.

*Day 33. Saturday.*

Court again. Remand.

Judge denied bail. "Flight risk. Threat to witnesses."

Mr. Kato was taken to Luzira.

Brian’s case was merged with his.

*Day 60. One Month Later.*

Buganda Road Court. Final ruling.

The judge read for 20 minutes.

"Guilty on all counts. 12 years."

Gavel.

It was over.

*Day 90.*

The 100k was returned. The 50k too.

Total: 150k.

Plus the 4.5k they had saved.

154.5k.

They paid 6 months rent in advance.

Sula gave them his old container. "For free.

To start your boda business. Clean."

Hassan helped them register it. _Jimmy & Alex Riders Ltd._

*6 Months Later.*

Bukoto. Morning.

Jimmy was riding. Shoulder healed.

Alex was dispatch.

Jessica was cutting hair in a small salon they rented.

"Beauty by Jessica."

No more night deliveries.

No more Mr. Kato.

No more Brian.

At 6pm they closed shop and went home.

To a house with a TV. And a hair dryer.

And no debt.

*Night. Same house.*

Jimmy, Jessica, and Alex sat on the floor.

Counting money. Not debt. Profit.

42k for the week.

"Remember Day 1?" Alex asked. "200k loan."

"Remember Day 30?" Jessica asked. "83k short."

"Remember Day 32?" Jimmy asked. "5:01pm."

They were quiet.

Then Jessica said, "Love is tragedy."

Jimmy shook his head. "Love is what survived the tragedy."

Outside, a boda passed.

No one flinched.

The war was over.

They had won.