Thanks for the update

Well done...but the update too small after so long a break...more! more!!

Hmm, you are really good

NEVER PUT TOO MUCH TRUST IN FRIENDS

TANGENT - Duhu - Hausa for Darkness - Coming up with his name took longer than I thought it would. I was hoping for a name that would shed light to his character and give a hint to his past without constraining his future but then I found this word and I was like abegi who cares I like how this sounds

CHAPTER 24


From those seated at the table, there was not a word. Each were content to watch how this predicament would unfold. None within were ordinary, their lack of surprise at Ola’s entry constituting a tell tale sign. As they sized up Ola, he in turn scanned the room. There were those he recognized, there were strangers and there were some he was expecting to see that weren’t here. Power changes as easy as the seasons change from wet to dry. The tirade continued, every eye on him waiting expectantly for what action he would take. Ola did not rise to the occasion, a few unable to hide their disappointment. A loud and obvious cough soon rang out interrupting the one whose long winded diatribe seemed to have no end in sight.

“Do my words not ring true?”

His momentum cut, a displeased Gaddo turned to the man seated beside him. There was much of the man, rolls of fat barely hidden behind a large light blue agbada. His chair was larger than the others, custom made specifically to withstand his bulk. Beads of sweat rolled down his face in defiance of the air conditioned room, threatening eyes like cowry shells embedded in a large hairless coconut. In his meaty hand was an oversized handkerchief now wet with what sweat he could reach. Gaddo looked with unbridled disgust at the perspiration causing the top of the man’s bald head to shine.


“Sir...”

His light blue agbada darkened at a visible pace around his neck.

“Well what is it. Spit it out!”

There were raised eyebrows from some in the room when they heard the sizable man refer to Gaddo as ‘sir’. Though the fat man was over a decade older than Gaddo, this would not elicit such a reaction within their circle. Rather it was who the man was and what it meant. Each person’s role in the scheme of things was not always known by the rest, but what this man represented was no secret. Everyone in that room had at one point or another made use of his services. For him to be in the pocket of Gaddo before the will had even been read, they could not help but wonder what incentive had been offered.

“He is here”

The answer came from somewhere else in the room. It was a soft voice carrying a timbre that ignited the lust of every man for at least a moment. She sat there, a veil hiding her features from the world. Not a wisp of her hair could be seen, tucked away beneath a dark scarf wrapped and piled on top her head. A single gloved hand rested on the table, fingers splayed ever so elegantly. To her left the governor of Lagos sat, his gaze on her in total worship. It was blatant whose team he was on.

“You found the courage to show up Duhu. Tell your bitch to return to where the rabble are.”

“Afraid she’ll reveal what a little man you hide beneath all that pricey clothing”

Gaddo’s face contorted, his shoulders visibly shaking in a fit of rage. Before he could clap back, Lottanna cut in.

“It is time.”

She turned to each of her brothers, her veil hiding whatever emotion she might be showing to each. With a wave of her gloved hand, the windows darkened while two men swept past Ola and Malaozi holding a strong box between them. On it, in thick gold letters was the family name ‘OGIUWU’. At the side a lock with a fingerprint pad. With reverence they placed it at the middle of the table and left.

No one spoke. Everyone’s eyes firmly locked onto the metal box before them, the name seeming to pulsate gold in the darkened room. Its contents would begin a new age. Only a few of those present had pledged themselves to either of the two legitimate children. Backing the right horse before they were declared successor would bring about the most benefits but it also came with the greatest risk. It was well known how vindictive Gaddo was. If the will and testament declared him successor, those who supported his sister would not get off lightly. Due to these hidden dangers many remained neutral. None had extended a hand to Duhu. Partly because he couldn’t be found but mostly because a bastard becoming successor was as likely as a female masquerade.

Seeing the box placed on the table Duhu turned to leave.

“Wait.”

A single word caused him to pause.

“I want nothing to do with your father or his inheritance Lottanna”

Gaddo let out a shrill laugh

“Who do you think you are fooling. Trying to run before you are humiliated when your name is not even mentioned in the will.”

“Du… Ola you are an Ogiuwu as much as I am”

Lottanna said while rising from her seat, her body covered from neck down in loose fitting grey attire. Round her neck a ring hung on a thin low riding chain.

“Lottanna why do you bother with him.”

Gaddo moved to the strong box and pressed his thumb to the fingerprint pad, those who had pledged to him waiting with bated breath. The sound of a mechanism releasing was clearly heard. With a hand, he reached to open the box but the lid wouldn’t budge. Lottanna still had her eyes on Ola’s back. Gaddo brought his second hand to help, straining to lift the lid. It wouldn’t budge.

“Ola at least wait till it has been read, please, for me.”

Each word as smooth as silk, honeyed with every drawn breath, soothing a little bit the discomfort his ears felt from the altitude.

“I came to fulfill his last wish, nothing more. I have no interest in your games Lottanna. I’m leaving this forsaken city after this.”

With that said he turned to watch it play out. Ola couldn’t see the corners of her lips curve slightly behind the veil but a shiver crept up his heart as it appeared. It drove away any enjoyment he was about to have watching Gaddo fruitlessly struggle with the lid. Frustration coated his face as he shoved it to no avail. His hand made a fist and struck. It was a poor decision, the pain shooting up his arm and forcing him back. Lottanna stepped up, pressing her thumb on the pad. Once again the sound of a releasing mechanism was clearly heard. The governor beside her watched her every move. When it stopped she reached to open the lid but paused half way.

“Little brother, it will not open for me.”

Her words shocked everyone there. Immediately the governor chimed in.

“You haven’t tried. Only you are worthy to open the box my lady.”

With her face turned to Ola she replied the governor beside her.

“The box will rise on its own when it is truly unlocked.”

Twitter - @just2days

E-mail - just2day@yahoo.com

Thanks for reading

tonyxxx:
Wishing you a safe trip bro. & i hope you would compensate us with a long update when you get back.

Thanks. Guess i kinda dropped out of existence after the trip.

donteanz:
Honestly, I'm A Loyal Fan Of Yours Just2day. Do Me A Favor By Mentioning My Moniker When The New Update Finally Comes Up.

Woah now I feel really bad about the long hiatus. Fingers crossed I am revitalized and can churn out chapters like a machine. Thanks a bunch

AvatarMode:
Good work man..you write so well

Encouraging words. Really appreciate them

dimssy:
Thank you for the updates.

I really dropped the ball on the updates didn't I

CHAPTER 25 TUESDAY OCT 9

Hmm, it's for ola. update today o

CONCEAL YOUR INTENTIONS

CHAPTER 25

Destinies grip on one’s soul is relentless, tenacious, unforgiving. After the shock of Lottanna’s words, all eyes fell on Ola. There was a qualitative change in the way those in the room looked at him now, shifting from mild interest. Though not directed at her, Malaozi felt a heavy, formless pressure weighing on her chest from these gazes. Her legs struggled to support her, seeming to have forgotten their strength.

In the Negev desert her teacher had once mentioned a similar phenomenon. It was her second month in that strange new land. ‘Incapacitating your opponent before the first strike is thrown, that is dikuy’ she heard him say, two days worth of water strapped to her back and a compass in hand. Those were the last words he uttered before driving away, leaving her in a barren desert five days walk from the training grounds. Malaozi thought long on his words as she waged battle against the relentless sun high in the sky. Struggle for survival soon took precedence, all else forgotten. Each new step became harder and harder to take, the past erased when her foot lifted. The endless desert showed no signs of abating. All was sand, fleeting and ever changing beneath the surface. Her mind strove to resist the onset of dehydration as hallucinations soon followed, Calls from her past came from the distance, beckoning her to leave the path she was on. Her grip on the compass tightened as she ignored the pain from her flayed heart. Turning from the images she trod on, passing out at days end. When she woke, no longer was she in the thrall of the endless sand.

Even with the pressure bearing down on him, Ola weathered it like an Iroko tree in September. One of the only three women seated at the table licked her lips when she observed him standing strong, her tongue darting out like a snake tasting a smell. Small rectangular glasses rested on a large nose that flared with each breath. Wisps of white interwoven with the black of her tightly packed hair. Many here knew her as Madame Agwo but very few outside the room had the courage to say it even behind her back. What trick are you trying to pull you dried out corpse. Ola did not think for a second his father would leave the family business to him. You know to well I would burn it all to the ground; an offering to her tomb. Faced with his half sisters words, Ola was not moved, remaining where he stood.

“Sooner you do it the sooner you can return to the life you left.” Lottanna said

“Stop it sister, you think i’ll allow him go near it! I must have used the wrong finger.”

She ignored Gaddo as he tried again, her focus soley on Ola who was not swayed. It wasn’t enough to make him take a step. She sighed, wishing her little brother wasn’t so stubborn.

“Ola, thirteen is such a young age to experience the true bloody nature of this world.”

Her words spread confusion round the room, minds spinning to decipher the meaning behind them. All except Ola. A small bomb detonated in his mind, a certain light in his eyes pierced the veil she wore with a ferociousness that forced her to take a step back. The temperature of the room fell a couple degrees, the heavy set man’s sweating coming to a halt. Ola moved, each footfall heavier than the last, the single image of one koroba haired person filling his mind. Whatever her words meant, Ola’s reaction was enough for those within the room to deduce a few things. She had threatened him and it was a threat Duhu could not ignore. The ambitious ones among them salivated at the thought of grasping such a weakness while others who were keen to Duhu’s past dreaded the thought of being the target of his rage. None could look away from Duhu as he made his way to the box but he had eyes for only one person in that room, his half sister.

“There’s no way I’m letting you near this box Duhu.”

Gaddo, seeing his half brother a foot away turned to block him.”

“Scram”

A single word spoken by Duhu. It was neither a shout nor a whisper but when it was heard, those in their seats felt a primal urge to leave, run, do whatever it took to escape that room. They resisted, the weight of their station lending them strength. Gaddo who took the brunt of it felt his heart go erratic, his legs became a stalk of lemon grass, sending him straight to the ground. Fear and humiliation fought to become the dominant emotion rampaging through his body. They were soon destroyed to be replaced by another; hate. For all the venomous words he spat at Duhu, he had never hated him with the intensity he did now. No longer would he be content with just the family business, they could no longer exist under the same sky he swore in his heart.

The path clear Duhu reached out, his thumb pressing against the pad. Through it all his gaze never left his half sister. The sound of a mechanism releasing was heard in the deathly quiet room. The lid began to lift, the golden Ogiuwu name shining brighter. From within the box came a deep voice that was no stranger to anyone within the room.

“I, Sir Ogiuwu of sound mind and body hereby leave all…”

Twitter - @just2days

E-mail - just2day@yahoo.com

Thanks for reading

pacifust058:
Thanks for the update

Thanks for sticking around

donkelz:
Well done...but the update too small after so long a break...more! more!!

lol yeah, i'll increase word count after this week. Focusing on being consistent in updating first. Thanks for taking time to comment and your enthusisasm

queenitee:
Hmm, you are really good

High praise. Blush worthy. I'll strive to live up to it. Appreciate the comment

CHAPTER 26 OCTOBER 11

Bro you're just too good

Hmm, ola ola

ALWAYS SAY LESS THAN NECESSARY

TANGENT - I’m not a saint, more of a sinner. We broke the 10,000 views threshold my DARKIES. Thanks for chipping in and I hope the story manages to remain entertaining for a little while longer. Here's a long chapter to that regard

CHAPTER 26

Each spoken word thrummed with an ethereal power rendering all within its influence spell bound. They hung on every letter, resounding note and refined inflection. It gripped their minds body and soul refusing to let go. For Ola, he was no less affected. Father. The thought was filled with a host of complex emotions. It had been years since he had heard the man's steadfast speech. Even his requests came off as commands. There was but one choice when Sir Ogiuwu voiced his will, the few who thought there was a second were no longer of this world. I am still here.

The eyes of the powerful gleamed with religious fervor as they waited for destiny to show them the way. It wouldn’t be long now. For those who had remained uncommitted, their thoughts spun as plans were revised on how to gain favor once Lottanna or Gaddo’s name was announced. The hearts of the few who had already sworn allegiance to one of the children beat harder than those who had remained neutral. They, be it through courage, incentives, coercion or downright threats had joined a ship to sail into a bountiful harvest or sink in utter despair. Even now that Ola’s hand had orchestrated the opening of the box, none believed there was even a glimmer of a chance he would be the one to inherit.

“I, Sir Ogiuwu of sound mind and body hereby leave all…”

“...control of the Ogiuwu family business to my seed…“

“... whose submitted candidate is able to win the next Lagos governor election.”

The moment held suspended for longer than it should, no one daring to breathe as the implications came crashing down. The first to react was the man who sat beside Lottanna, current governor of Lagos, Ndubuisi Lawal. Lips quivering, his ‘Abeti aja’ fell from his head revealing a U-shape baldness. He was barely a month into his first of what he was sure would be an easy two term appointment with the Ogiuwu’s backing. But now… In his climb to the governorship he had made more than a few enemies, actions that he willingly took with the thought he would have eight years to neutralize their existence. He turned to the woman beside him, his adoration now tinged with fear. There was nothing to see, Lottanna’s face hidden behind the veil, her body motionless, giving no hint to her thoughts. The voice was not done.

“Each given 15% of the family stake to aid their candidate to victory and the attainment of POWER.”

The last few letters swam in the darkened room, stirring and igniting the spirit of every person sitting at that table. Their insatiable hunger to attain greater heights grew beyond its previous borders, schemes and thoughts flowing as the river Niger at its apex. They gauged Gaddo and Lottanna, divining who would reign supreme.

“Is this a joke!”


The roar came from the floor where Gaddo’s butt still kissed.

“I won’t accept this!” It is mine! No one will take my inheritance from me! I don’t know what trick you are trying to pull Lottanna but you won’t get away with it.”

“Gaddo, would you like to repeat what you just said.”

She turned to her brother who was rising from the floor. Her words made him pause, hand faltering from the steady gaze from behind the veil.

“I can do whatever I want.”

Gaddo snapped back, his face a storm. In his hand was the Abeti aja that had previously fallen.

“Your dog seems to have forgotten his ears.”

With more force than needed he tugged the hat back unto a speechless Lawal’s head. ‘I am a governor’ he thought, his body doing nothing as his head was manhandled by this boy half his age. ‘I decide the fate of millions...’ another thought by the governor as Gaddo patted his head giving the arrangement of the hat a satisfied once over.

“When she throws you away for someone more palatable you can come to me. I’ll have a place for you. My sister tires quickly of ugly things.”

He did not bother to gauge the reaction of Lawal, turning instead to those seated at the table.

“For those seated who are yet to pledge to me, don’t wait too long. I am not know for my patience.”

A few averted Gaddo’s gaze when it swept over them while some met it evenly. When his scan reached Madam Agwo a strange scene occurred. It was born and died in an instant, none but Ola catching the exchange. Gaddo had dodged her expectant gaze much like a sheep would dodge a wolf. Why Gaddo was playing the role of sheep, Ola did not understand. Seeing he did not have the support of the majority in the room Gaddo turned to his sister.

“Will you truly fight me for this sister?”

“This will not be a fight between us two.”

“Are you saying I am not worthy to be your opponent!”

Gaddo was rabid now. First his half brother humiliated him, now this woman chose to see him as less than.

“You chose to see my words that way.”

“Then tell me sister, what do your words mean?”

She could tell he was reaching the point where reason would be thrown shot and buried without a funeral. It was self evident he was itching for a fight after the day had not gone as he expected. ‘Mother had spoilt him beyond reason’ she thought, an audible sigh escaping her lips.

“Ola can shed light on it as a third party.”

With one line she deftly shifted Gaddo’s building sea of resentment unto the shoulders of another, a tactic that was not lost on Ola. ‘Up nepa’, went the bulbs in the heads of many, illuminating a forgotten fact; there was a third seed. A wrench was thrown into previously concocted schemes and machinations. The idea of completely disregarding the bastard child was toyed with and summarily discarded. 15% of the family stake was enough to make even a fool from the street who knew nothing an instant major player. Duhu was no fool and more than a few in that room knew it. A number of undecided who had been toying with immediately throwing their weight behind Lottanna or Gaddo began to reassess their decisions. Among them was a tall, skinny man sitting opposite Lottanna. In his early forties, putting aside the Ogiuwu children, he was the youngest in the room. Large dark sunglasses hid his eyes and quite a bit of his face but one could still see a faint resemblance to Gaddo and Ola. It would not be too much of a leap if one guessed they were related in some way. On bone like wrist were cowry shell bracelets that clinked a sorrowful rhythm when he moved. By his side a wooden staff rested against the table, every inch covered with ornate carvings. The space between him and those seated to his left and right were greater than the space between anyone else in the room. With the casual glance one would note the emptiness was intentional.

Once again Ola was remembered by all, the spotlight landing squarely on him with the aid of his half sister. Constantly the orchestrator of my headaches. It was not new to Ola, half the fights he had been in when in Secondary school having been cause and effect of his half sisters flippant conniving tongue working from the shadows. He had celebrated for a different reason from others when she skipped a class and graduated early. Surviving another year with her in the school would have been near impossible.

“You going to answer or have you forgotten how to speak.”

Gaddo couldn’t resist digging into Ola. He was left disappointed as Ola ignored him. Still he refused to let sleeping predators lie.

“So he has forgotten to talk. As one older and better let me help you.”


With a sneer he pointed at Ola with his left hand, his right moving in a sweeping gesture.

“Is there anyone who will support the bastard?”

A few were surprised at such a brazen question. These were people used to backroom dealings. Never showing one’s hand so publicly was one key to their achievements. To be asked to declare so openly for one in this setting was to make an enemy of the other two candidates.

“Will no one rise to declare for this discarded and unwanted trash?”

Gaddo was relishing his moment watching as none rose from their chairs.

“Trash will always be trash no matter how you dress it up. Remember that, impure blood.”

As he said those words, two at the table stirred within their seats, their legs filling with strength.

“I relinquish the 15% stake.”

The two who were stirring froze, Ola's declaration ringing heavily in their ears. Gaddo laughed. It filled the room, his face full of disbelief.

“Relinquish… Do you know what that word means? Do you dare!”

“My words are my truth. One that has not a sliver of courage cannot understand it.”

“Ola don’t do this.”

Lottanna’s words were surprising. Each time I think I understand her goals she manages to confuse me even more a second after.

“Fool that is what you are. Truth? Who will believe you. Words as empty as a newly hollowed out calabash.”

“I know his Secretary is watching this. Bring me something to sign.”

Ola said, his hand only now leaving the fingerprint pad. Beneath the loose dress she wore, Lottanna’s body shook.

“Quit with this farce Duhu. Once you climb the back of a tiger, falling off means death.” Gaddo said, whichever outcome being one he would be ecstatic with.

Less than a minute later the double doors opened once again, a woman strolling in with a leather bound folder in one hand and a small box in the other. Coming off her was a fragrance that calmed the heart and mind of those who breathed it in. White stiletto heels left an arch in her lower back adding grace to her walk, the men following her every sway. Brown hair piled atop her head, ending in a chignon bun held together by a solid silver chinese hair pin about a foot in length. A simple white blouse and black knee length skirt completed the ensemble. In front of Ola she opened the leather bound folder, inside a contract relinquishing his 15% stake. There were puzzled looks. The speed at which all this had been arranged made it difficult for one to believe these items had not already been prepared beforehand. Lottanna’s hand lifted as if to say something only for it to fall back to her side in silence.

Next to see the dim light of the world was the contents of the box. Inside, there were no pens, ink or blotter. A single silver pin about the length of a finger rested beside a pure white cloth. The point of the pin gave off a foreboding gleam. There were no words between the woman and Ola, his left palm merely extending to her. With a practiced motion, the silver pin was grasped by her, breaking Ola's flesh, a globule of blood taking its time to form at the tip of his finger. The pain was instant and fleeting. Without wasting time he held the tip over the bottom of the parchment and squeezed. A single drop felt the pull of gravity, flying through the air, watched by all, to land on the contract. The paper drank it greedily, staining the off white color a coppery red, a weakness flooding over him.

Twitter - @just2days

E-mail - just2day@yahoo.com

Thanks for reading

queenitee:
Hmm, it's for ola. update today o

Sadly it was and wasn't for Ola. Update was dropped o lol Thanks for commenting

Mczigx:
Bro you're just too good

Kind words. Will continue to struggle to make it a reality. Thanks for taking the time to comment

Bros! The suspense too much! I doff my hat for you!

Wow, speechless

donkelz:
Bros! The suspense too much! I doff my hat for you!

Appreciate the enthusiasm. Thanks for the commented validation and interest.

queenitee:
Wow, speechless

you are sweet. Your comments are encouraging. Thank you severely

SO MUCH DEPENDS ON REPUTATION. GUARD IT WITH YOUR LIFE

CHAPTER 27

With a crash one hand struck the sturdy wooden table, waking all from their stupor, the blood now dry. Ola’s fingers dug in, steadying himself with a stubbornness born of will. The Secretary’s arms stopped inches away, her brow furrowing as her expectation was circumvented.

“Are we done?”

It was a dead tone Ola used while addressing the Secretary. She still thinks I'm going to fall. A lacquered finger reached up, tapping a steady rhythm on plump lips, unable to hide her growing interest. Without a word she picked up the contract, lips sensual, blowing gently on the coppery stain before folding the paper and placing it beside the silver pin in the box. Picking up what was hers, she left the limelight to stand beside Malaozi who still remained at the door.

Many unblinking stares landed on Ola. From agitated gulps to shivers, the fear they felt was expressed in a variety of ways. It was a difficult concept to accept, voluntarily relinquishing power. If given a choice to sell their mothers for even half of that 15%, they would in a heartbeat. A couple had already done it for much less. Greed was the foundation of the edifice they lived in. What Ola had done shook this core and they could not accept it. ‘There must be some agenda we are not aware of…’ some thought, returning his actions to a realm they could understand. Their experience soon kicked in, composure returning as more ideas in line with their world trickled.

“Fool and a coward. You know you have no chance and try to use this farce to gracefully exit.”

Gaddo spat.

“I have no more time to waste here, let's go!”

His shoulder nudged Ola’s as he swept past.

“I still owe you for the little party you prepared for me at the border.”

“Party? What party? The loss of blood has addled your brain.”

There was a trace of confusion in Gaddo’s answer; enough for Ola to catch while still sounding genuine. Has he gotten better at lying? For Ola, Gaddo had never been difficult to read. Could someone else have orchestrated the ambush on my way from Osun… His head turned to his half sister who had a reassuring hand on the Governors shoulder. It was a hard pill to swallow but not a surprising one. Still he was not sold on the idea. That boys description of the man who came to the village was definitely Gaddo’s dog. Highly unlikely he would be lying after the death of that little girls mother. I wonder what path he chose. Ola was pulled out of his thoughts when he saw his half brother had made a detour.

Reaching the doors, Gaddo flashed a wide smile at Malaozi, ignoring the Secretary.

“You are too pretty to serve that waste Duhu. Come and I'll shower you with splendor well beyond that burgundy jacket you wear.”

Cold eyes greeted him in answer. Displeasure turned the corners of his mouth.

“I will have you. It's up to you if it will be easy or hard but I will have you.”

Swinging open, he stormed through the doors, the morning far from what he had envisioned would be his glorious moment. Two men followed close behind, one fat with sweat springing from every pore as folds of skin ebbed and flowed with the pull of his gait. Ola was unable to hide his disappointment as his half brother left unscathed. She is never that gentle with me. Gaddo’s departure opened the floodgates, the room emptying till only the Secretary, Malaozi, Ola and his half sister remained.

Lottanna faced the floor to ceiling windows, lips close enough to smudge the glass if she tried. With a wave of her gloved hand, the darkened windows became clear, the muted morning sun streaming in.

“How did you know I wanted to talk to you Ola?”

“Does it matter?”

“No, no it doesn’t.”

There was a gulf between, spanning beyond the physical distance created with her at the windows and him at the large table fixed in the center of the room.

“Won’t you come to my side?”

The question swept over him in waves, each crashing on his sandy beach revealing more and more layers. Ola remained where he was, his mind in overdrive.

“You read too much into things Ola.”

His thoughts came to a halt. She’s in my head. Her back was to him, stance straight and strong. Side by side they now stood, both gazing out the large windows to the city beneath their feet. Grey clouds floated nearby, their destination a mystery. Ola could see the Union Bank building below them, and farther away the Necom House skyscraper whose tower's tip struggled to grasp the height he currently stood. A slew of toy cars remained motionless on a bridge, their drivers a speck going nowhere. Further still, the ocean, a beast of blue and green and white refusing to be tamed.

“Remember when we use to bathe together…”

“No I don’t.”

The question would be a strange one to those who did not know his half sister.

“Ola dear, we both know you are unable to lie convincingly to me.”

“...”

“You were so cute with your little…”

“Yes I remember.”

Ola quickly cut in, not allowing her finish what he suspected would be...

“I was young.”

“You were six Ola.”

“I was clueless.”

“You were innocent Ola.”

“It was against my will.”

“You were laughing Ola.”

“...”

“I haven’t seen your laugh in a long time.”

As they talked their faces did not leave the sight of the city behind those translucent windows.

“Threaten me like that again Lottanna and…”

“There is no need for you to finish that sentence; our father can only die once.”

“Then tell me, why send a hit squad to kill me on my way to Lagos.”

As he spoke he turned, keeping every bit of her covered state in his line of sight.

“I did no such thing.”

Her answer didn’t surprise him. Making things easy would not be in line with who his half sister was. I still can’t tell when she’s lying. He ran a hand through his hair.

“I leave no favors unanswered Lottanna.”

“There is no one that knows that better than I.”

He could tell there was a hint of a smile behind those dark curtains.

“When will you cast the Lagos Governor aside?”

“So you are interested in father’s game; what makes you think I'll cast him aside.”

“No, I’m leaving this forsaken city as soon as I escape this building.”

"Are you really done with this world Ola?"

"Yes, I think I am."

“Fate has a strange way of toying with us.”

“Do you know something I don’t?”

Silence met his question, body turning away from her to gaze out into the city once more before speaking.

“Lawal has too much scandal around him. With the family united re-election is still assured but with a divided house…”

“What would you have me do Ola?”

“Considering his four year term is in its infancy it leaves a lot of room for you to…”

He caught himself, stopping mid sentence. Now he was sure she was smiling behind that infernal veil. He turned to leave.

“No, I’ll leave. I suspect you aren’t done here Ola.”

While he mulled over her words she left his side, a wave of her gloved hand ending Ola's view of the city. Juvenile. He turned to chew her out and was gifted a scene of his half sister’s lips pressed to Malaozi’s ear. Seeing this, Ola rushed over. This can’t be good. By the time he reached them his half sister was gone.

“What did she say? Don’t believe her.”

“You have something to hide? Doesn’t matter. We are done. I think you know your way back to Osun, ‘Pastor’.”

Never had he heard the word 'pastor' said with such disdain. Leaving those words behind, Malaozi followed the path of the others out the door. Ola felt a slight thump in his chest with each step she took. An inexplicable urgency to shout 'wait' welled up in him. His lips parted to emptiness. It had been a little over a day since they met. Surviving two life and death battles doesn’t mean our paths are to be linked forever... maybe it does....

“Wait.”

Malaozi’s foot hung in the air, an action that surprised her. ‘I’m done with him’ was her thought. Why her body obeyed this call her mind could not fathom. She did not dare think with her heart. While Malaozi struggled to bury her possible truths, Ola confronted a new variable; the utterance had not come from his mouth.

The Secretary watched them both, the corners of her plump lips curved upwards. How she had made her voice sound exactly like his, Ola felt nothing but amazement for. A feeling that was immediately wiped by a Malaozi who was now marching back to him. If looks could kill I'd be on my fifth life or is it sixth.

“What now?”

It was the tone she used when she was an inch away from talking with her piece. Tell her it was the Secretary. The smile on the Secretary’s face made him scrap that plan. His lips parted to say anything to buy time, the Secretary cutting in before he could get it out.

“Your father left you something. If you and miss could kindly step back into the room.”

“Whatever it is you can keep it. Or toss it into the canal for all I care.”

“This, you won't regret accepting.”

“You don’t know me enough to say.”

“But your father does.”

“Talking is a waste. Malaozi let’s go.”

A hand on her shoulder he guided her out the door, half the time expecting her to break it.

“I’ll ensure no harm befalls the sister khadijat and that little one; Eduvie if I remember correctly.”

There was no hard line nor malice. Delivered much like she was negotiating the price of tomatoes at a Thursday market and not the lives of flesh and blood similar to hers.

“Lottanna wouldn’t go through with it. She has no reason to now.”

“True but what about Gaddo. He is bound to find out about them sooner or later. I have the power to make sure that does not happen.”

“Threatened twice in a day and its not even noon.”

“It is not a threat young master, merely a favor being granted to stave tomorrows misery.”

“Favors, I repay ten times. Very well, let’s get on with it. Where?”

“Here. If you’ll kindly take a seat.”

“I’d rather stand.”

“Miss how about you?”

Malaozi made no moves. Seeing they would not be seated, the Secretary waved her hand. The room dimmed even further, in front of them was a man sitting on an oversized armchair with a full head of white hair. Fingers caressed the head of a skinned beast draped over the chair, its face immortalized at its most ferocious, fangs bared. Steely eyes pierced the two dimensional into the world, crossing the divide and drilling into Ola.

“Son.”

Twitter - @just2days

Email - just2day@yahoo.com

Thanks for Reading

Welldone Bro! This is a terrific suspense filled story. More Grace and Mb for You!

What? He isn't dead?

queenitee:
What? He isn't dead?

It's Hologram

donkelz:
Welldone Bro! This is a terrific suspense filled story. More Grace and Mb for You!

Those mb run out quick lol. Great looking out. Thanks

nastynic:


It's Hologram

Good catch, though maybe a bit too advanced a tech. Sticking to more available 2d sources. Thanks for commenting

queenitee:
What? He isn't dead?

Hmmm... Though tempting, can't be having too many people pulling a back to life.

CHAPTER 28 ON OCT 20TH

..........

COURT ATTENTION AT ALL COST

TANGENT : Seems a few people have sent me emails through nairaland. I see the notification on nairaland but the email doesn't reach my box. Just a heads up.

Madame Agwo - Agwo is an Igbo word meaning snake. Do with the info as you will. lol


CHAPTER 28

Even projected on a screen, Sir Ogiuwu rippled with authority, his very being weighing on one's soul. There was an aura of domination pressing down on the weak forcing them to revere. He was not a young man, yet there was not the slightest evidence of frailty. If one had been told he slaughtered the beast himself there would be no doubt nurtured.

“I had the last laugh old man.”

Ola spoke to the pre recorded message of a dead man whose body he still had not witnessed. Beside him, Malaozi was unable to suppress the longing she felt deep down; a hand stretching out toward the display.

“Son.”

He paused, hesitation evident and foreign on his chiseled face strewn with contours. Ola had known the man as one who spoke sparingly but never had he seen him struggle as he did now. There’s nothing you can say to make me join your game.

“She is alive…”

On the screen, he grew visibly older, the sentence uttered seeming to sap his vitality, pain discernable in iron grey eyes. It was too vague, the world containing billions of ‘she’ but for some reason watching his father struggle to say such a mundane line sent Ola’s heart racing. The blood in his veins pounded to the rhythm of Ekiti women making ‘iyan’ for dinner; steady, precise and relentless. From where he stood he could see the man in the recording was about to speak again. What was about to be born into Ola’s world, he wasn’t sure he was ready for. Wait… From the depths of his soul the thought came, wishing for time to prepare. Time to ready himself for the earthquake that would shake his very foundation. Ola’s lips parted but nothing came out.

“Your mother... she is alive.”

To his knees he fell, the physical shock unable to come anywhere near the psychological. Eyes glazed over, unable to withstand the impact. Not once did he think to doubt his father’s words. Alive… He had dreamt of it. During the darkest of nights in boarding school; when a child’s imagination ran at its most wild. A visiting day where he would see her coming through the gates like all the other mothers, arms laden with treats and a smile that would dazzle the sun. Then he would take his time laughing at those who dared mock his loneliness during such days. The dream could not last forever, the end of night bringing with it the reality of his life; isolation. That nurtured hope died one day. He couldn’t pinpoint when, merely woke one morning realizing the dream no longer came. Questions flooded Ola’s heart, each one bursting to be the first asked.

“I cannot answer the questions dear to you. If you want the truth to it all, there is but one way.”

A tightly closed fist struck the marble floor, fingernails digging and breaking skin. Ola felt none of it. From where he knelt he could see the old man gather strength through sheer stubbornness, a familiar trait.

“Power!”

With a thunderclap, the sound came through, possessing the magnificence of a king. It burnt its way to Ola, igniting a hunger in him he had long since let smolder. A furnace sprung to life, flames of desire raging to untold heights. From his knees he stood, red running through the gaps between fingers, finding its way to the floor in slow steady drips. The hate for this man who spoke to him from the past had not lessened but for now he set it aside.

“Where is she?”

Ola talked to the screen as if he could be heard; a futile gesture.

“Control the governorship of this state and you will glimpse the true hidden darkness of this country.”

“Tell me where she is?”

Sir Ogiuwu rose to his feet, a towering figure.

“There are tigers and leopards hidden within the forest. You must become the lion... without weakness.”

“I need to know where she is...”

Ola’s speech cracked, drowning, dripping with a desperation Malaozi was unable to attribute to the man she had spent over a day with.

“Your mother is within this hidden darkness. Governorship won’t be enough to find her but it will be the foundation you will need.”

An answer that only brought more questions, driving Ola to the brink as he drowned further.

“Only with the Presidency in your grasp will you be able to pierce it all and find your mother.”

Sir Ogiuwu’s eyes closed as he allowed himself a moment to caress tightly guarded and treasured memories.

“Trust no one OluwaDuhu... except for her.”

Malaozi felt her temperature rise, mouth dry from the heat as two men’s gaze fell on her. One broken and another with a hint of tenderness. ‘How did he know i’d be standing to his right?’. An unnecessary question, unimportant to her current situation. ‘Trust…’ a complicated expression on her face as she glanced at Ola who had returned to staring at the screen with life and death eyes.

“Little one, I can only ask you to watch over him. Your debt to me has been more than repaid with your loyalty. In his quest, I promise you too will find what you seek.”

She was at a loss. Swept up by the moment she nodded her head, a weight settling on her heart as heavy as a mountain; duty.

“I look to you to succeed where I have failed… son. Travel whatever road you must to gain the pinnacle.”

“Where is she… where is she… where is she…”

Over and over he asked the now black screen, unable to look away even as the man within had faded to nothingness. Malaozi could do not but watch and listen to Ola as the minutes ticked away.

Twitter - @just2days

Email - just2day@yahoo.com

Thanks for Reading

VincenzoZhuxu:
i do really like the way you twist this story it always keep me in suspense tumb up for you this is good piece

Appreciate the validation, means a lot. Suspense can be difficult to handle and so easy to get wrong. Nice I got lucky this time.