26


VENUE: RUPPERT & JAMES CHAMBERS

Barrister Ben was sitting behind his desk reading the day’s newspaper as a cup of scotch stood half filled on the table. His mind was far away as he thought about his life as a whole. At thirty five, he has two kids and no wife, he is comfortably rich and well to do, but he doesn’t have a family being run by a woman. The only set of people he sees as family as his two children and his twin siblings.
“I must marry Lol.” He said a little bit aloud just when a knock sounded on his door. “Who goes?” He asked.
“Barry.” The person outside the door replied.
“Come in.” He urged.
The door opened to reveal his funniest colleague, the clown and comedian of the chanber which housed almost seventy established barristers, thirteen Senior Advocates and two professors of Law, as well as over one hundred emerging law graduates. But the funniest thing about the man is, while being funny and being a clown, he is one of the best in the team. He is a specialist in handling cases involving the use of hard drugs. And one of his heroic deeds came five years ago, the year Ben joined R & J as a graduate.
Barrister Barry was defending a drug addict who after being arrested underwent a rehab process to cure him of his addiction, a period when Barry made the court believe his client was out in the cold. Six months later, when the case reopened, Ben was drafted into the team to enable him learn how things worked. The forty year old Ben as at the time knew he might not win the case, but he believed he can win the case if things go as planned. And so on the day of the trial, the prosecuting counsel for the government came with a whitish substance known as cocaine and presented it as an exhibit. The defence counsel through Barry took the exhibit and poured the content in a plate after which he started defending the obvious truth of the matter.
“My lord, I don’t know if the police of the opposite counsel are without an expert lab technician. First of all, this substance is no cocaine. It is a combination of some pain killing tablet and ginger. Hence, the smell and the hotness when you taste it.” He had defended. “You can have a taste if you doubt me.” He added as he passed the plate to the judge who foolishly picked a pinch and took it to his mouth. Immediately, a standby photographer took a clean shot. “Now, you have tasted cocaine and you are as guilty as my client. We can now have an out of court settlement. I rest my case.” With this, Barry had sat down.
This was five years ago, and five years later, Barry is forty five years old and the deputy director in one of the departments.
“Why are you doing this?” Barry asked as he picked up the cup of scotch and downed the content.
“So, you still drink?” Ben asked.
“No, I haven’t taken alcohol for over a year now. But seeing this gave me a nostalgic feeling about the past.” He replied as he sat down. “Don’t you think you should drop this Barrister Joe’s murder case?” He asked.
“No. And why should I?” Ben asked.
“No, I just think you should cos I don’t see you winning this case. But because of that girl Lola, you took it up, knowing that this law chamber is in support of the Joe’s family. You took the case and is fighting tooth and nail on the platform of Ruppert.” Barry continued.
“You won’t understand.” Ben waved it off.
“Then make me understand.” Barry said.
“You still won’t understand.”
“Is it because I am a clown? You think I don’t have a brain? Remember, I moulded you into the lawyer you are today.”
“You are high on scotch.” Ben laughed.
“Have you heard that R & J are in support of the prosecutor?”
“No?” Ben replied.
“Okay, in case you don’t know. Late Barrister Joe spent ten years here as a young lawyer and made his name with R & J. He was murdered and his son, David is back from the states to pursue the case to the end. R & J are considering the option of giving his son the platform to run and fight the case.” Barry paused, to enable Ben digest the epistle.
“Are you sure?” Ben asked.
“Yeah. Now, you can’t fully run as an independent or private lawyer, especially not against your employers. This is how you finally lost your Lola girl, because when it matters most, you couldn’t win a case for her.” Barry stood up. “You’ve got more scotch?”
“Check inside the fridge.” Ben replied.
“One option is resignation, but I’m sure you know you don’t have a name outside here. You are Benjamin of R & J. I love that.”
Ben sat all confused as he thought about the latest revelation.

Chaii... More grease to your fingers as u type.

Thumbs up!!!

OMG! Is Farouk really dead?

Lemme hope that Ojo is smart enough to decode Farouk's last statement.

Nice story bro. I'm enjoying this.

Wahale dey ooo wahala dey oooo omo see danger Danger wahala dey in p square tone

So brother, Farouq die come die with story update?

27

LOLA

I woke up this morning all happy and refreshed. Going about my early morning chores like I had no worries, afterall, it is only in a matter of time before my morning sickness came around to say 'hi.' Even though I want to make sure I covered enough ground before then.
I went about my job with my undivided attention until my phone rang. Who is calling me this morning? Was the question on my mind as I went into my room where the phone was. Only one name kept popping up, and that's Ben. He has made it a habit to call me everyday before 6AM and at night before 10PM.
I looked at the screen, but it turned out to be Bukky calling.
"Hi Buks." I said on answering the call.
"Hello Lola, where have you been? I've been to your hostel more than a million times, but I kept meeting your absence." Typical Bukky, always going straight to the point.
"Good morning." I replied, a smile on my face.
"Forgive my manners, but save greetings till another day, the time-table is out." This sent shivers down my spine.
"You say wetin?" I asked.
"You better start coming back now, rememer how we have waited for this day. We are graduates after this exam. Therefore, come back now and leave when the storm is over."
It was after Bukky's explanation that I realized that I have missed a whole lot of school activities. Being a final year student, I know how risky that is.
"I'll be in school later today." There and then, I finalized an impromptu journey back to school.
"I'll be waiting." She replied. "So, how is Ojo.....?"
I sat down to ponder on what my friend just told me and how to manage the situation without one affecting the other. For the next few weeks, I have to manage my morning sickness, exams and the developing feotus which is always running around my womb.
"You are up?" Mum's voice brought me out of my reverie.
"Good morning mum." I greeted with a fake smile.
"Good morning and how...." She was saying when she paused to look at me intently. "Are you okay?" She asked.
"Very well." I replied.
However, she wasn't convinced as she kept her eyes glued on me, probably trying to read whatever is wrong in my eyes or mind. "Your morning sickness right?" She asked.
I nodded in affirmation.
"Don't worry, you'll be fine. It is like that for the first few months. Just be strong." She added.
"I hope so."
She moved closer as she checked my eyes and temperature. "I have finalized your relocation to your Aunt's place. You'll leave this afternoon, and return after we have informed your father about this pregnancy."
This is another problem I have with my parents. Always deciding for me like I was still a kid. "But mum...."
"No buts. You'll start your ANC there and you'll be fine." She cuts in.
"I just got a call from school that the time table for our exam is out. I can't be in Aunty's place. Ijebu ode to Abeokuta is not a trip I can make daily." I explained.
Mum kept quiet for a while as she stared intently at me. I could hear her breathe quicken, which only meants she is angry.
"I see no reason why you had to get pregnant now. Of all the times in this world. When I feared you'll misbehave was when you just gained admission. I expected you to be intoxicated by the unrestricted freedom you had. Why now of all times?" she paused. "Lola, you got pregnant before your final year exam, what were you thinking?"
I quickly went down on my knees. "Mummy, please keep your voice down."
"I won't keep my voice down. You are a disgrace to this family, to womanhood." As if my plea added fuel to the raging fire.
"Dad must not know this. At least not now and not this way. Mummy please."
Everything went quiet suddenly just when a knock was heard on the door.
"Mama Lola." It was the old professor.


--tbc...
Sorry guys, for my absence. All I can say is sorry.
More updates coming up.

Egbon ur head dey there for dis update wey u give us so

Wat will happen 2 ojo nw

I'm here. Nice job

nice job

Following bumper to bumper....

Wow! As always you'r always hitting it. Wedone

D9ty7 come nd update nah

Update already nah....biko

D9ty7, when are u updating dis piece?

28
LOLA


"Dad! I am going back to school this morning." I said as soon as he walked into my room.
I couldn't remember the last time he entered my room. Maybe he has never entered my room, who knows?
"Is that a greeting?" He asked as he leaned on thhe doorpost.
"Good morning sir." I replied.
"So, you said?" He asked, meaning I should repeat my earlier statement.
"I am returning to school today, the timetable for the examination is out." I replied.
"It is long overdue. Thank God you stil care about having a first degree, even if you seem to have the thoughts of a man all over your head. Getting a first degree shows my money didn't go down for nothing." He paused to look around the room. "I want to believe you are not expecting anything from me? Afterall, you are not supposed to be home during this period, therefore, I am not supposed to give you money during this period." He said with a tone of finality.
"But....." I wanted to argue.
"No buts." He cuts in. "The last allowance I sent to you is supposed to last you for a month, and you came back home three days after recieving the money. And all the while you are home, you don't have to spend a dime, there is food at home, you have nowhere going."
I left my mouth opened in shock as he explained 'how things should be' to me. I looked at mum but she looked lost as well.
"If at all you must spend out of the money, it shouldn't be more than five thousand naira. Leaving you with twenty five thousand naira. Do you understand me?" He asked as he shifted away from me to face his wife.
"Darling, I came to ask if you were part of the women who suggested that a contribution be made towards financing the pastor's family problems?"
"It was a decision supported by all the good women." Mum replied.
"Really? Next sunday we are moving to another church." He said and walked out of the room.
I wasn't surprised at his last response. Dad is not really a believer and failed to see the part of the scripture which says; men of God should be cared for. Therefore, dad would never pay a dime in church for the Pastor's upkeep or anything. The reason we have attended three different churches in the last five years.
"Do you think he heard our conversation?" I asked mum once dad was out of earshot.
"No, I don't think he did." Mum replied.
The room fell silent for a few seconds. "But mum, I have spent the money with me on going to see Ojo." I said breaking the silence.
"Don't worry, I will give you fifteen thousand naira."
That's why I love this woman. "But mum, I'll buy foodstuffs with the money, how much will I be left with?"
"Then take foodstuffs from home to save money." Mum replied.
"What about the stress? I can't carry load."
"You are in charge of your destiny. Take foodstuffs and save money, or do otherwise and go broke after a week." With this mum started walking out of the room. "And remember, you will register for your ANC from the money." She stopped to say before finally moving out.
__________ Two hours later, I was all packed and set with my handbag and small travelling box. Fifteen thousand naira save in my bag, the thought of how to survive kept ringing in my head.
He picked the call after the second ring. "Hello Ben, it's me Lola." I said immediately.
"Hello Lola, how are you?" He asked.
"I'm fine. Please are you in office. I need some money, I promise to pay yo back." I quickly stated my reason for calling.
"I'll wait for you. Please be fast." The line went dead.

--tbc....

For more, visit; www.penprimus.com

29

--*--
VENUE: INSIDE THE RUPPERT & JAMES CHAMBERS
Barrister Ben was busy packing his personal stuffs which comprise mostly of books from his now to be former office. His five years relationship with the American based law chamber had finally come to an end. He has as a matter of self principle lost his job after he had gone against the directives from the tops guns in the firm.
A sharp knock sounded on the door.
"Yes, come in." He said to whoever was outside.
The door was pushed open and Lola walked in.
"Hi." She greeted.
"Good morning." Ben answered, barely taking his eyes off what he was doing.
"What are you doing?" She asked as she dropped her handag and portable travelling box.
"Where are you going?" Ben expertly skipped the question by asking another. Typical Nigerian!
"I asked you a question." Lola pointed out.
Ben gave a snorty laugh as he stopped all he was going and walked up to the window.
Like a Hollywood scene, Ben remained in front of the window, deep in thoughts as he weighed his chances, particularly at getting a new employment to at least finish his present case.
"I'm leaving." He blurted out.
Lola's eyes widened in shock, but she quickly controlled it. "You resigned?" She asked.
"Yeah." Ben lied.
"Why?" By now, she was approaching him where he stood.
"The relationship sort of went sour. I am not getting the needed support." He replied, thought this time truthfully.
"Hope it won't affect the case?"
"It won't. Another chamber is willing to take me. I'll finish up the case with them. The deputy director is a friend." Ben explained.
"What about the pay? I know this place pays the highest."
Ben smiled. "The pay is not very much, but at least, it is something. All I have to do is increase my consultation fee to make it up." He explained.
Suddenly, Lola felt tongue tied. Even though she had told him she needed some money. But now with the latest development, she doesn't feel the need to compound his woes.
"So, I am returning to school. The exam time table is out." She announced.
"Waoh! The last hurdle into becoming a graduate." The excitement was evident in his voice. "Hope you are well prepared? Seeing that you have been preoccupied with Ojo's case. But not to worry, do your best, I will speak to the Dean of your department."
Lola didn't know what he was talking about, but she smiled nonetheless.
"That's fifty thousand naira. I'm sorry that's all I can afford." He said pointing to a bundle of naira notes which was on the table.
"Thank you very much Ben. It is more than enough." She said giving him a tight hug.
Once she let go of him, her brain went into calculative mode, thinking of how to spend and where to share the money. First, she needs to update her notes and assignments, and she would pay a classmate for that. Secondly, she needs foodstuffs and finally, Ojo.
______ After spending close to an hour with Ben, during which they talked while she helped him pack, she was finally enroute the park.
------------------------
Since the news about Detective Farouk's death broke out, Sharon has been a shadow of her former self. Thought Ben is always too busy to notice, and moreso, he only gets home late at night, during the time when Sharon only served his meal before retiring to her room.
Even if Ben noticed, he won't be able to place what exactly was wrong with her. Ojo had concluded.
"Sharon, are you okay?" Ojo asked when he noticed that her eyes are still glued to the Television even though the movie ended five minutes ago. "Sharon!" He nudged her.
She snapped out of her reverie. "You said?" She asked.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"Yeah." She replied.
Ojo wanted to probe her some more, but his ringing phone interrupted the phone. It was Lola.
"Hello." He said into the reciever and kept quiet for a few seconds. "Yes, I am at home." "No, just me and Sharon." "The supermarket? Okay, I'll be there." By the time he ended the call, he was on his feet adjusting his shirt.
Sharon was staring at him intently.
"I'll be back in a jiffy." He said and without another word, left the house.
______
He met Lola outside the supermarket with a shopping bag as well as her handbag and another travelling box.
"Hello baby." Lola smiled as they hugged.
"Travelling?" He asked.
"Yes. My exam starts in a week........
By the time they parted ways, with Ojo walking back home, he was ten thousand naira richer and two shopping bags filled with things he might need.
"God bless Omolola." He thought with a smile, but the smile disappeared as soon as he saw a man dressed in white following him.
He remembered meeting the man on his way to the supermarket, now he was following him. Just then it hit him; HE IS BEING FOLLOWED. By who? He couldn't answer as he quickened his steps before breaking into a run.

--tbc...

Thanks for the update

At a time, i feel its getting to lenghty.....buh i like the story tho'

Ojo don enter wahala again?

See, don't shed any blood again o.

vickkydgreat:
Master d9ty7 why did u abadon bloodbond

Wow !nevr saw such a piece dat grab my attention nice wrk plz continue

Diz foolish suspect is always complicating issues

30
--*--

It has been over an hour since Lola left for Abeokuta and Ben had finally left Ruppert and James. One of the best lawyers, one of the most bankable and marketable without advert has left the firm without a major send off held to honor and appreciate his services over the years.
Ben was deep in thoughts as he car was held up in traffic. He could remember the high profile cases he helped handled over the last three years and the ideas he had given the team in his first two years as an employee. All of which brought the firm to the fore as a major force to reckon with in the industry.
"Ogbeni, move your car na." A LASTMA official screamed as he hit the hood of the car with his fist.
"I'm very sorry sir." Ben found himself saying before engaging the gear to move forward. Looking into the rear mirror, he realized he had caused another hold up himself.
Despite apologizing to the officer, he(the officer) is not done yet. "If you have a problem don't drive. Maybe na woman matter dey kill am so." The officer added as his colleagues who were closeby bursted into laughter. But thanks to the free movement of cars, Ben quickly sped away.
Once he was away from the scene, he allowed his mind wander as to the reason he was down. First, he lost his job, even though he was on his way to get another one, then it hit him, Lola! The way she looked at the beautiful lady, she looked pregnant. Being a father of two, he had seen similar signs he saw in his ex-wife in Lola.
"Could she really be pregnant?" He asked himself as he pulled up inside the premises of Akinwunmi & co legal chambers.
Being a regular visitor at the firm, he knew his way around and a couple of people recognized him as he made his way up to the Deputy Director's office.
"Ben the law." John, an old friend of his, also a lawyer and the deputy director at Akinwunmi & co.
"Good afternoon John, how you doing?" Ben who had no time for joking around replied.
"I'm good. Take a seat." John said pointing to an empty seat. "How is the family? Your kids, your siblings?"
"All good." Ben replied.
John excused himself as he went into an ajoining room which served as a mini bar and store. He returned with a bottle of beer and a glass cup.
"Chilled beer to step down man." John joked as he dropped them on the table.
"John, how far? Do I have the space?" Ben asked the pressing question.
"You mean the job right?" John replied.
"Not necessarily a job. A space where I can see materials, run around, rub minds. And a platform." Ben quickly replied.
"I'm sorry Ben, but my hands are tied. You were sacked at Ruppert. Moreso, you are in our black book here. You've done us more harm than good with your expertise." John explained.
"I was just doing my job. And moreso, you should take me, I'll be a great asset."
"I'm sorry, but it is against our policy. We don't team up with our enemies no matter their repentance."
------------
Ojo allowed his mind wander as he took to his heels, with the stalker behind him. He couldn't fathom who could have sent men to harm him, as he could bet his last kobo that his stalker was out to harm him.
Thanks to his athletic body which he had kept fit and alert over the years, running to him seems like jogging, but whoever the hooded man behind him was, he looked fitter as running to him seems like walking or taking long stides.
As soon as he took one last turn leading to Barrister Ben's house, the deserted part of the estate, Ojo glanced back just in time to see his stalker pull out a dagger. Brand new and shining.
"Jeez!" He exclaimed as he increased his speed, but something else caught his attention.
"Alabi the gardener?" He asked himself as he slowed down. "Yes!" Ojo screamed as he diverted to the right where a middle aged man was trimming the flowers outside a house.
Alabi was one of his co-workers at his former place of work. While he(Ojo) was the driver, Alabi served as a gardener. He(Alabi) was also among his other co-workers who ran away the same night their boss was murdered.
"Get off me you mad man." Alabi screamed, but when he had the opportunity to see his assailant's face, his struggles died down. "Ojo?" He asked with eyes widened.
Ojo immediately delivered three quick punches to his face.

--tbc...

Ojo na mad man!

Person dey pursue you, you still get time dey fight!

soon Ojo may die.

Lilyomi2:
soon Ojo may die.

Story don finish be that

TOmmyJidex:
Story don finish be that

Isn't he annoying?

TOmmyJidex:
Story don finish be that

Isn't he annoying?

Lilyomi2:
Isn't he annoying?

He's not o


Na that Ben's wife I dey suspect


No weapon fashioned against Ben shall prosper...

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