₦airaland Forum

sorry guys, I kinda thought I'd posted the last update. Yeah that one up there. Guess I was wrong or something. I don't know. (posted it somewhere or failed to check your network connectivity before...* thinking out loud.)

pardon me.. I got carried away

So sorry for the delays.

pls enjoy.

SAMUEL ALAKARA

'Who were you talking to?

Bukky asked as she barred the door behind her. Had she been there listening to my conversation on the phone? What did she hear? Well, it's for her good anyway.

As a philanthropic and business tycoon, I've always loved my wife so dearly. I believed in destinies. I was destined to be her loving husband. However, I wished that the feelings I had grown to have for her, she'd feel same towards me. Over the years, I began to doubt it all and here , I found myself- a first gentleman and husband to the ever-busy-as-a bee , President Bukola A. Alakara.

Times like these made me icky. Now, I jerked and turned to behold her grandeur.

“ Oh it's your vice president. He wanted to know if he could be of any assistance to us in these trying times' I said.

“ Orji Casmir Chukwuebuka will never accept reality. Needless to say he is my deputy a million times over, he will never stop trying to be more than his rank in power.” Bukky said as she pulled her shoes.

“ Nobody is an island you know' I felt bad saying this ” Remember he stood by you when you were admitted. After the gunshot injury at Benin city. For months , he waited for your recovery and when you did scale through, eventually, he gave power back to you. He is a good man”

“He could have as well been praying I never resurfaced from the comma . His intentions are not genuine, trying so hard to be kind to me because of the party.”
“ You should not judge from the cover. Read the book first” I said.

Bukky was not in the mood for advice. She wanted to do the questions. She asked me why I had not gone to see my business Clientelle the last Saturday, that's yesterday “ I thought you had a meeting with the Swiss contractors - why didn't you go as you often did every two weeks.”

“ It was can- it was cancelled...the project will still need re-evaluation for another two months...and besides.. I think ... I believe its best I stay around you in these times. You need all the support I can muster.”

Bukky shuddered. She said “ These times are just a phase. They will pass. ' she then asked ' And service? Today? You missed that too. Again”

“ Oh that! Next week-”
“ The third time in a row”.
“ I know, but-”
“ There are no sides here , Mr Samuel Alakara!” She cut in“ you either stand for something or you fall for nothing”

Now, she stood up and paced toward a mini bar. She took a cup and poured herself Amarula cream milk, gave me a cup filled with same content. The smile on her face said every thing about her appreciation of the glass wares. Our personal house aid had done her job accordingly. Nice girl indeed. I thought out loud. Such a sweet sensational girl.

“ To us!'
“ Yeah. To us! And a lifetime fuelled with arguments and strong bonding afterwards” I retorted

She gave a sour grin. “ That's rude. I hate it when you're being too unethical'
“ C'mon my dear. I was only joking!
She poured another glass and walked past me towards the comfy cushion.

“ The boy is Joe's son' the words came out of her mouth like she had been thinking about them all through the night.
“ Which Joe? I turned and continued” the name rings a bell”

“ Yes it's does. The same Joe. Demolition Joe.”
My heart skipped a beat. I know Joe. Very well. Poor thing Joe had died mysteriously. May his soul rest in peace.

I said.“ Him. Oh him!

“ Yes him”
“ Small world. Did you tell him you knew his father?
“ It was not necessary” She paused. “ But why him. Why the poor young man? Could'nt have been just him. There are a thousand and two billion people on planet earth. Why him? Well--”

She stopped when she caught me staring at the wall opposite. I've always felt that these walls had ears. And maybe someone was watching us.
“ Stop it! She snapped.“ Why do you keep doing that?

“ I dont know. I guess- well it's nothing”
She relaxed into the cushion and drank from a water can. She had taken it from a cupboard. She took out a chest too from the same location.
Slipping drugs into her mouth, she gulped down with a throat of water.
While at this, I thought deeply about what I knew and what I'd just heard. I remembered the things I had done. Sacrifices of self realisation- goals and dreams. I wanted to tell her things. To let her know whats going on in my mind. I feared that she might react negatively. I must endure, the only way to be a saint. It was the only way to atone for sins and achieve novena.

“ So you are just going to let him work for you without telling him the truth about his identity?
“ Not exactly. He is a criminal. Criminals don't deserve the truth. You use them. And toss them. But this one” she paused.” He has a golden heart. He deserves a second chance.”
“ So what's the plan? I asked her.
“ Why should I tell you?
“ Because I care and I want to know what you are thinking?
She smiles“ How sweet. ” She kissed me on the cheek as she strode past me again. This time towards the bedroom. “ I can't tell you. Not now- ” She paused and must have caught me staring at the concrete wall opposite again“Sam. Seriously, you have to stop doing that. Its getting creepy.”

“ Why? I replied.

Why what? Its not healthy. She replied.

“ I mean. Why wont you tell me anything?

“I'd have to kill you afterwards. Strictly confidential. National security demands it”
Her tone sounded drunken. But I knew she wasn't. It was just her nature sometimes, to do things reactively. She left me in the sitting and barleyed into a nearby master bedroom.
“ It's late dearie” she called out ” make sure to get a good night sleep. ”

I replied reluctantly“ Yea- Good_ good night.” Now, I surreptitiously checked the time. It was Ten fifty-nine pm. On a Sunday night.


Next Episode loading.. pls stay tuned. Thank you

enirock:
Yay Creeza is back. Same to u dear. I missed ur updates. Hope u are good?

yes brotherly! I only had a busy but not too busy week prior this update. Thanks for the concern.

SAMUEL ALAKARA

` Who were you talking to?
Bukky asked as she barred the door behind her. Had she been there listening to my conversation on the phone? I wondered. What did she hear?
Whatever it is, I hope she doesn't believe a thing about it. Its all for her good, anyway.

As a philanthropic and business tycoon, I've always loved my wife so dearly. I believed in destinies. I was destined to be her loving husband. However, my only wish was that, the feelings I had grown to have for her, she felt same towards me. Over the years, I began to doubt it all and here , I found myself- a first gentleman and husband to the ever-busy-as-a bee , President Bukola A. Alakara.

Times like these made me icky. Now, I jerked and turned to behold her grandeur.

“ Oh it's your vice president. He wanted to know if he could be of any assistance to us in these trying times' I said.

“ Orji Casmir Chukwuebuka will never accept reality. Needless to say he is my deputy a million times over, he will never stop trying to be more than his rank in power.” Bukky said as she pulled her shoes.

“ Nobody is an island you know' I felt bad saying this ” Remember he stood by you when you were admitted. After the gunshot injury at Benin city. For months , he waited for your recovery and when you did scale through, eventually, he gave power back to you. He is a good man”

“He could have as well been praying I never resurfaced from the comma . His intentions are not genuine, trying so hard to be kind to me because of the party.”
“ You should not judge from the cover. Read the book first” I said.

Bukky was not in the mood for advice. She wanted to do the questions. She asked me why I had not gone to see my business Clientelle the last Saturday, that's yesterday “ I thought you had a meeting with the Swedish contractors - why didn't you go as you often did every two weeks.”

“ It was can- it was cancelled...the project will still need re-evaluation for another two months...and besides.. I think ... I believe its best I stay around you in these times. You need all the support I can muster.”

Bukky shuddered. She said “ These times are just a phase. They will pass. ' she then asked ' And service? Today? You missed that too. Again”

“ Oh that! Next week-”
“ The third time in a row”.
“ I know, but-”
“ There are no sides here , Mr Samuel Alakara!” She cut in“ you either stand for something or you fall for nothing”

Now, she stood up and paced toward a mini bar. She took a cup and poured herself Amarula cream milk, gave me a cup filled with same content. The smile on her face said every thing about her appreciation of the glass wares. Our personal house aid had done her job accordingly. Nice girl indeed. I thought out loud. Such a sweet sensational girl.

“ To us!'
“ Yeah. To us! And a lifetime fuelled with arguments and strong bonding afterwards” I retorted
She gave a sour grin. “ That's rude. I hate it when you're being too unethical'
“ C'mon my dear. I was only joking!
She poured another glass and walked past me towards the comfy cushion.
“ The boy is Joe's son' the words came out of her mouth like she had been thinking about them all through the night.
“ Which Joe? I turned and continued” the name rings a bell”

“ Yes it's does. The same Joe. Demolition Joe.”
My heart skipped a beat. I know Joe. Very well. Poor thing Joe had died mysteriously. May his soul rest in peace.
I said.“ Him. Oh him!
“ Yes him”
“ Small world. Did you tell him you knew his father?

“ It was not necessary” She paused. “ But why him. Why the poor young man? Could'nt have been just him. There are a thousand and two billion people on planet earth. Why him? Well--”
She stopped when she caught me staring at the wall opposite. I've always felt that these walls had ears. And maybe someone was watching us.

“ Stop it! She snapped.“ Why do you keep doing that?

“ I dont know. I guess- well, just let it pass”

She relaxed into the cushion and drank from a water can. She had taken it from a cupboard. She took out a chest too from the same location.
Slipping drugs into her mouth, she gulped down with a throat of water.

While at this, I thought deeply about what I knew and what I'd just heard. I remembered the things I had done. Sacrifices of self realisation- goals and dreams. I wanted to tell her things. To let her know whats going on in my mind. I feared that she might react negatively. I must endure, the only way to be a saint. It was the only way to atone for sins and achieve novena.

“ So you are just going to let him work for you without telling him the truth about his identity?
“ Not exactly. He is a criminal. Criminals don't deserve the truth. You use them. And toss them. But this one” she paused.” He has a golden heart. He deserves a second chance.”
“ So what's the plan? I asked her.
“ Why should I tell you?
“ Because I care and I want to know what you are thinking?

She smiles“ How sweet. ” She kissed me on the cheek as she strode past me again. This time towards the bedroom. “ I can't tell you. Not now- ” She paused and must have caught me staring at the concrete wall opposite again“Sam. Seriously, you have to stop doing that. Its getting creepy.”
“ Why? I replied.
Why what? Its not healthy. She replied.
“ I mean. Why wont you tell me anything?
“I'd have to kill you afterwards. Strictly confidential. National security demand it”

Her tone sounded drunken. But I knew she wasn't. It was just her nature sometimes, to do things reactively. She left me in the sitting and barleyed into a nearby master bedroom.
“ It's late Dearie” she called out ” make sure to get a good night sleep. ”
I replied reluctantly“ Yea- Good_ good night.” Now, I surreptitiously checked the time. It was Ten fifty-nine , pm. On the Sunday night.

TBC

theOGN:
I'm glad I decided to take this challenge. Not going to lie though, at some point I became super lazy, and there's this one day I just didn't feel like sitting down to write. I spent the entire day rereading an old book (and I'm not a fan of rereads, even if it's my favorite book. I'd rather pick up a new one). Long story short, when night came and I realized I couldn't go to sleep without writing anything, I got up and wrote, and wowza, the words started flowing(it's one of those days I had an uncompleted challenge).

So yeah, I'm glad I did this, and I'm glad I pushed myself because at the end, I came out with a 55k-word-half-ugly-half-fine-book.

Lastly I'd like to say thank you to everyone who supported and encouraged me in one way or the other.

Gracias

Congrats

MATHEW
That's the American embassy. Isn't it? I said.
“ Yes. You see right there, she picks up the dial. A while later, she paused to look at the camera above her. That's towards us. But she is back on the phone again, almost immediately”

“How did you come about this info? I enquired. I sat up on the chair, one hand clinging tightly to the cigar, while the other gripped firmly to the tab. Adjusted sideways to accom' my weight on the leather sofa.

“ I have my tentacles spread all over” Itoro responded.
“ Realy? My balls for Christmas! ” I said enthusiastically! Good job Itoro” So what happens? I can't see anymore. Is that it?
“ Let me show you” He reduced the video's speed, starting all over from the beginning“ Please take a good look.... there - right there... A glitch when she stared towards the camera... That moment. She glanced to her right, but it's so fast the camera couldn't catch it”
“ Who was there?
“ That's the mystery, sir. My sources tell me she had a lot of friends. It could have been one of them or anybody. ”

“ Okay? More?
“ Now, look closely. Before she glanced at the camera. Go a little backwards. Yes there , right there. The expression on her face. It changed. After the glitch, she seems so scared” Itos paused and zoomed in “ See. Her eyes tell a lot about her state of mind.”

“ There is a missing clip. It's not complete.” I recounted.
“ Obviously the point sir, the footage was edited or tampered with”
“ Good one Itos. ” I applauded him with a pat on the back.
“ She must have been distressed” Itoro forwarded the clip again “ Here . She drops the phone and glance rightwards again. Immediately, as if a magical wand is waved her hand bag is now on her arm and she is walking out the embassy”
“ Where to? I asked.
“ To God- knows- where- land”
I said again“ Who was behind the scenes?
“ I have no idea. Neither does my source”
“ Fine. We will dig in ourselves and find more. First, I want every officer in the Capital looking for this woman. Find her and bring her in for questioning. Operation “ Stella Chaltone Capella ” issue the memorandum ASAP”
“ Keep this footage off the records for now. Let no other eyes see it, except the president . Only if necessary” I said while grabbing my coat from the sofa's arm and emptied cigarette ashes into an ash tray on the table.
“ Okay---sir” Itoro bellowed, feeling proud.
For once in our joint career, I actually thought he did a nice job. He should add that to his achievements portfolio. Sure to come in handy in the future. Alot went through my mind when I left him in the lounge and zoomed off to get more packets of cigarette and a nice lunch.




KELLY
Seth got real mad at me. He had tried everything he could think of, yet I still hoarded the pass code. There were times when he thought I wanted to say them, I'd slip up with full knowledge of uttering rubbish and then plead that they should stop the torture of the senators and the whole thing entirely.
“ Arghhhhhhh!!!” He screamed at one point and nearly fired a warning shot at me. He held himself and slapped a soldier instead. “ This will be the last time I'll say this” Seth said for the umpteenth time, only this time around his eyes were bloodshot red with anger. He hoped to convince me that he was running out of patience- it petered out.
“ Okay. Wait ! I said amidst tears. I looked at the senators. They were in a sorry state of humanity. Their gray hairs had spiked, noses bleeding furiously, wreck of soars and bruises all over their bodies. As if something came over me, I was going to say it. .
` I -”
`What? I can't hear you!
“ I can- I - can't” I mumbled.
“ You what?
` I ca-”
Seth's attention was drawn away when his phone rang. The person on the other end of the line seemed eager to relay a piece of info to him. He listened.His eyes darted from left to right, without him uttering a word. He was sweating. He had had a really long , stressful day.
" Okay" He paused, continued after a turn ” I have the codes...Yes !!.. Yes!! No! I've got it under control... We should make demands? Who?... The Alpha? How soon??... I ran late on schedule, the doctor is so stubborn. .. We kill two birds with one stone then!

He sighed as he walked round my chair, giving me a stern gaze. He turned round again before facing the senators. “ As soon as possible. Yes. The device is activated and on standby... Why would I lie? Trust me it's activated. I said yes, it is...alright , belive me. I'll keep you abreast of the turnaround...”
He hung up his phone, took out the Sim card and broke it. He installed another.
“ Alright” Seth said ” Boys! That's enough for the day. We don't want our guests dead . Yet. Life is precious . Because we are zealots does not give us the right to kill at every opportunity. It's an abuse of power”.
It dawned on him that he needed to act fast or else his power and control would be shattered to shrapnels. What the hell is he going to do to get those codes? It occured to me that he wasn't really the one in charge of all these. So he took orders from someone else. Interesting!.
“ Cut the men loose. Give them good food.” His eyes rested on my already weak and frail frame. He knew I was surprised. I felt the same way. The look was written all over him. It screamed so loud.
“ We will continue sooner than later. And- trust - me- you - will- give-me - those- codes”
“ I'm sorry, but-”
“ Shhhh! It's okay. It's okay- shhh. Don't apologise yet” He said ' let's see how sorry you will soon be”

He retracted his palm from my face as I stared away. He turned and walked out while spitting an order to his men ” Throw her into the cell with the other prisoners. All of them.

To be continued later (today)



pls like and share. Thank you.

enirock:
Thanks boss for the dedication
I have been occupied by a cultism thread for a while
As for the country my brother "think at your own peril"


Lovely updates.- here I was thinking Seth was the saints of them all yet he is passing current into men old enough to be his father "aye ma let o"

That � and it's contents
this is getting interesting as we wait on what the police have gathered and their next steps


Please keep the updates coming... We/I am waiting

Thank you so much. Happy Sunday �

Woahh! Tayo the sharpshooter... wanted to chop Funke and just clean mouth... issorite. Breeze have blow, the nah saw fowl nyash. Lol

Interesting. What kind of health issues is David fighting with though? I'll find out soon enough.

please continue.

Keep it up dear. Just write, you will edit later and all the gaps will be filled. Trust me. It's never easy writing and editing at the same time. . . Your challenge is just eight days left... wow... Way to go. way to go ( applauding)

Your comparison makes no sense if you are actually a literature student or one who enjoys literally works. How can you compare two great men against each other? funny. but I rest my case. ( And my keyboard auto- correct keeps playing damn tricks on me)

Chinua Achebe left his mark on the sands of time.
And so is Wole Soyinka . There would be no basis to compare them at all. None. Except you use the Nobel prize for literature as your benchmark then Wole has an edge over the great Chinua.

God bless you

Good morning, dear reader. To be continued. Have a nice read, and a great day.

“ Okay ! Fine.”He said “Let's behold how long you can endure before yielding. Ken!”
He plugged the other terminal. The zap of electricity travelled in nano-seconds up the slings of chains and more sparks as the invincible energy transported in form of lightning into the bodies of the senators. It came like epilepsy. He had murdered one of them on the jet, now he was tryna kill these two ? What's happening?
They yelled and gave out painful garnishment of their teeth. They vibrated and wriitted crazy spasms like people under a demonic anointing. Have you seen epileptic patients under a seizure attack? Yeah. There were two here. Live action.
“ Stop. Please stop.” I said with pity on them. Now realizing the scenario.
“ The password. You can stop this yourself”
Devin yelled back.
“ Noooo! Please stop it ” I cried“ Stop it . I beg you”
“ The codes.”
I put my head down and stared at mah feet. Tears fell upon those dusty bare toes.
“ Please stop it. Make it stop ” I cried .

No one listened.
Caught in the midst of crossroads, a knew very well that I'd still die if I gave him the codes. The senators would still be killed. They would all die. I knew this fact. There can only be one way out to all these except a miracle occurs. Only a miracle can save us now.
★★
MATTHEW
The time was two twenty six pm, Sunday, GMT+1. The location was a lounge in the guest wing of the ASO Rock Villa. We had converted it into a work station. For the meanwhile. I stood near the window and had just been on a call to my family living in the Plateau, Jos . Up north of the country. It was a long way up there and I missed them even more. It's quite different from the city of Benin in Edo state. I felt closer to home from there than the national capital. Strange isn't it? Maybe I had become so used to the locals in the south-west region. And a part of me felt at home there, than this capital. Maybe.
Itoro stood from a seattee.
He said “ Boss. So far, these are all I've gathered”
I turned away from the window , I had lit myself a cigarette minutes ago and blew the rings of smoke towards the room, making a cloud of white crystal fog. They disappeared within seconds of being created.
“ Shoot, I'm all ears”
Itoro informed me of his latest findings and how he had also discovered the blogger's site- the same from the Lagos airport. “ I'm keeping tabs on him”
“ More. This one will really spark your curiosity”
“ What's that ? Let me see” I collected the tab from him.
The young lad came round and bent upon the shoulders of the leather sofa, peering from behind to show me, with much enthusiasm, all he had discovered.

Episode Five

KELLY GREEN

My feet tried their best to keep up with my laziness. I dragged along but they continued. I felt the breeze touch my skin and sweat pores on my neck became ventilated. A leaf glazed my neckline when it fell nearby and with it went a droplet of sweat. It was obvious the previous night's weather had really fuvked the tree branches- so fuvked them that they started to shed. I felt strong arms grabbing me on both hands. They pulled me along, both palms tied together. The pain in my head tinged and I was blindfolded. I heard loud talks, moving trucks or cars. The voices again: male, razzed and drunken. A few, arrogantly loud; lullabies from tree tops, sparrows maybe, then a consistent pecking sound: definitely a wood pecker. This is a forest, no doubt. The birds came again, disturbed melodies trying to warn me of the dangers ahead. With my eyes covered, my other senses became useful.
“ Sit her down” A familiar voice ordered when we arrived our destination. My captors brought me into a shaded, wind blocked room.
The pain in my skull riveted. I shivered all through the night. This morning, before I could regain consciousness and recall where I was , two hefty men came, whisking me out of the dark room.
An arm tapped my shoulders. It pushed me down. The cold metal chair kissed my jeans and the latter carresed my bum in effect, transferring cold shivers up my neuropathic sensors. They travelled all the way up my spine.
“ Take off the fold”
It came off. I blinked and immediately shut them close. My eyes gradually accommodated the rays of light as I twinkled. I was brought into a tent. A well equipped one for that fact.
Seth offered me a glass of milk and seven loaves of bread. “ You should eat! You need the strength” his deep voice came again.“ Go on. Eat!”
Denial. Deep thoughts. I refused. My muscles ached.
“I'm sorry about last night” Seth apologized and returned the tray to a table nearby. He took pain killers and some antibiotics. He provided a glass of water too.
With hesitatation, I replied“ I don't need your hospitality”
“ Kelly, take the meds. Your aches and pains will sublime. Vincent's blow messed you up pretty bad. The pistol gave you a concoction but thank Heavens you are not damaged. ” He paused hoping I'd reconsider ' I need your brains. Intact, I mean”
“ Whatever happened to the official miss Kelly?
I said with shock and terror, all induced with a feeling of uncertainty.
A sour grin grew on his cheek. ” Special occasions call for special utterances. Now take the meds and stop being a sissy” His voice became deeper.
I obeyed.
He offered bread which I declined. He took a bite as if to assure me it's not poisoned. I took it from him. Not out of trust but because my intestines were burning with wild hunger.

“ I'm not interested in killing you. At least not yet. ” He said again.
“ You are of no use to me dead , now!

He had changed his dress into a combatant ready apparel. He seemed ready for a war. I shrugged the idea off my mind. Another man brought in the briefcase. My eyes rested on the silver piece of box on top the table. I turned backwards when someone entered the tent. He had parked one of the cars outside. Probably one of the cars they used last night. Concentration became vital. This was getting serious.
My eyes trailed Vincent when he walked in. I didn't take note of Seth who had pulled up a chair opposite. My hatred for everyone in the room grew intense. Then my mind travelled back to the incident on the airplane just before my capture.
_________
____________
“ What do you want? Out of fear , my voice had began to fade.
I'd almost spilled my heart out. My blood vessels pumped up and turned virtually greenish-red with fear. These were terrorists, I needn't a soothsayer to confirm it.
“Nothing we can't have if we want to ” Seth had replied “ Get up ! I said up!
This order, I obeyed. Seth grabbed the case from the table. He took out a serum and syringe from the bag his subordinates had. He drained the serum and the vial shattered as it kissed the cabin floor. In seconds he stabbed the syringe deep into his veins. He had taken off his suit, so swiftly that one hardly noticed untill now.Like loyal sheep blindly led to Utopia, the four agents followed his footsteps and did exactly the same. Only God knows what the content of that vial was. Nevertheless, his eyes were entirely monstrous in color. At that moment, just then, a wicked smile grew on his face.
He walked up to a means of communication strapped to a wall. He pressed a button clip while focusing on his preys- me and the senators ofcourse.
“ Move to that side” he gestured toward me“ I said move. Join them. The four of you. Up !! I mean stand up. Don't you just sit there-- get up-! Now!!
He focused on the phone (intercom) “ Vincent ! Open the shaft! It's time and get your ass down here”
“ Yes boss” a voice replied from the other end.
Seth sat down and opened the briefcase. The AIO came alive.
He forced my thumb on the screen. I resisted. He got what he wanted. Then he typed in the codes. They were wrong. How grateful i felt that i had changed them just before we left the hotel. Next time, when I get a feeling in my gut, no excuses, just gonna do it right away. Geez thank goodness. I thought.

“ The password, please' He asked with confusion “ You changed them. Fuvck! ” He yelled.
This made me jerk but I kept mute literally.
He prolly understood my fears. He banged it close. He grabbed a parachute. Tossed them to me and I caught them in mid air, to avoid their impact on my face.
“ What are these for? I asked.
“ You are coming with me” He replied “ Smart girl , you just bought yourself more time.”
“ Please spare my life' Senator Preye began. He was the third of them” How much do you want? 10 million , 80? 500 million? Name your price. Just name it. I can have it wired to any offshore account of your choice. Any- any where , even in heaven. I have a wife and children, please. I do- I don't , I don't want to die. They - they will suffer. They will suffer o. My kids will suffer o.”
Seth smiled.
“ I can't believe he said even in heaven” Seth cajoled him “ You think it's all about the money? You think this is about half the money you loot and spend anyhow'
“Please. What do you want? A contract? What is this all about? You want girls or even a jet like this one?
Seth eyes popped. The man was on his knees already pleading and sweating. “ You can give me those too?
The man nodded.
“ How kind . ” Seth said “ well I do not need your money or girls or even a jet. Not even in hell, sir ”

“What? Why ? Please nah” The senator became desperate. I guesed it from his tone.
Seth said “ really” he chuckled and added“ are you begging?
He turned to his men, one understood. “Not this time. Can you imagine? Corruption at it's peak” He continued with a smile still looking at his man who had been laughing too.The man collected the briefcase and along with two others, he made way to the rear of the plane. The shaft was already opened. Seth turned and in a blink, a gunshot followed. At the end of the action was a dead senator Preye.
“All I want is your fucking miserable life! Seth retorted in anger. At the second bang, the remaining among us nearly gave up our ghosts. Particularly, myself.
“ You both are coming with me too” He pointed at Danladi and Tamuno“ Or do you have a better offer than him?
He waved at the dead body "On Earth maybe?”
They nodded sideways in unison.
“ Let me have that ring of yours. I like it” Seth told Tamuno. The man quickly pulled and gave it to him. “ Oh this is nice. Really nice. Thank you sir”
“ No problem at, I'm glad you like it ...sir” Tamuno said with a forced smile .
“ Oh sure I do...Sir”
When Vincent arrived , he was given a serum . He was the co- pilot of the plane.
“ Did you take care of him? Seth asked.
“ Sure boss I did. The bird's on autopilot for three minutes. The captain is knocked out for like- well- I was kind to an extent, he will be out forever.”

Vincent continued“ I triangulated the camp on the map. We are safe to descend into the sky”

“ Good. Grab those two” Seth cut in“ I'll take the lady. She is mine”
The men escorted us towards the end of the plane after passing through two cabins. “ Move-- move-- keep moving” came Vincent's voice.
Height phobia and all the shock I had absorbed , left me half awake , half dead. Everything seemed surreal. But hell, Bleep me, I just got kidnapped on a jet. What can be more real than this? Nothing. Damn. Seth strapped the parachute unto my back. He forced the mask on my face and decompressed the air in it.
---------------
--------------
“ And these too” Seth said as he cut the ropes that tied my palms together.
“I'm sorry” His words brought me back to the present day and time. Indeed these were all real and I'm not dreaming. I just got kidnapped. Hell no. This is impossible.
He drew a small stool closer and divided the space between us. A sense of comfort returned to my arms. Only if I could, I wanted to forfeit my fist on Seth's face.
He turned the briefcase , grasped my thumb and for the second time in forty eight hours he pressed it on the screen. The machine came alive.
“ The password. Please. Miss Gretel” Seth begged.
Words and sentence became strange to me. They were far away from my lips. Was it fright? The punch to the head? Or internal tussle? I followed my instincts. Keeping a promise I had made to myself the previous day.
“ The pass code please. Miss Gretel” Seth said again “ I'm asking nicely”
I hated being called Gretel. One person did the act of evil- which I considered a good one then- without restraint : Mom. I kept mute.
“ No , don't touch her” Seth stopped a rogue agent trynna lay a finger on me
“ Please. The codes”
Why so emotional? Why does he fuvcking crave the password with so much passion? Why does he want to arm Caiden- a very lethal weapon? My best friend in the whole world , but dangerous in the wrong hands. He had evil ways of getting to people. This won't work me bro. Nah. No brute nor force, just the silent treatment. Yet I said without blinking his way.
“ My father will make you pay for this _ this redolent act of evil. On the day of Reckoning, you will surely pay”
“ Uuuuuuuuu!!!!? I'm scared. Hahahaha. ” He mocked me. Motherfuvker. He mocked me. Great! I'm done with this nigga.
“ I'd love to see him try” Seth was simply unbelievable.
My eyes grew dimmer with shock. A tear rolled down my cheek. It was so hot that it burned the surface where it dried. Literally.

“ Quit the drama” Seth stood up,“ I know alot about you. So much than you can imagine. Spoilt brat from YALE University. Rich and stubborn. Had a passion for athleticism. Mom passed on. Switched careers and excelled in the new one. Wow ! Dad's never at home. Does he even care? Hmm I wonder.” He leaned forward “ Yet, I'm begging. Just give me the password. And I promise I'll send you back to Daddy in complete piece.”
My heart bled. I really missed mom. God are you up there? Someone come save me. I need an angel right now. Bitter tears chocked me inside and out.
Where are you? Come on! Please Superman. Somebody, save me. Can't take this pain no more.
Implying “ No” to his earlier request , I shook my head. The consequences of giving out such sensitive codes to him was grave and terrible. A million lives were worth more than mine. Although, I wasn't ready to die just yet. It was fear. At the moment, Dad's words came to mind.
“- the result will be bitter and trust me you won't like it” had I known?
“ Boss let me handle her. She will say the words” Vincent's voice came from behind.
“ No . Don't” plainly , he said “ No one touches her. Except I say otherwise”
“ Seriously? Time is ticking ”
“ And we don't have any. Yes, I know but I still stand my ground . No!” Bellowed Seth without looking at Vin.

I became really afraid. Really.

“She tried to escape last night at the drive. She bit my arm! She fucvking bit my arm. !! What else will she do for you to realise she isnt worth our time” he continued“ I suggest we puncture both her eyes, then beat the hell out of the tityy motherfuck-”
A loud bang cut him shut. The bullet reported diligently within milliseconds as it drove itself sweetly and painfully into Vincent's forehead.
I jerked. In twenty four hours, I have seen quite alot of dead bodies. The corpse of Vin lay lifeless on the floor. My eyes went to his shoes. Similar to AJ's . They were high class and probably foreign . Maybe Italian . Vanity . I thought.
“ I get to decide who is worth my time . Me " He yelled “ Me. Not any one of you. Nobody. Clean this mess” Seth said to his men.
He tucked away his Makarov nine- mm. Just like those you see in the movies used by special forces agents and military of the United States.
He stared into my eyes and squatted in front 'f me. I retreated from his attempt to grasp my palms. Dickhead, keep your filthy hands way from me. Bitcch.
“ I'm sorry about that. No one will touch you again. Just give me the words ”
I nodded sideways. I'd rather die . I wasnt afraid anymore. My heart and mind were made up.

“ Fine!” Seth yelled. He rose to his feet.
“ Ken. Get me the senators. Bring those old fools. And get the shock absorbers. Connect them to the car battery. ” He continued “ You think we are playing here? Insult on injury. Do that quickly”
Within minutes, everything was done just as he ordered the boys. Agent Ken was his new right hand man.
“ Tie them up. Both hands outstretched and hang each to those wooden poles. Let them go barefooted. Pull those masqurade-like agbadas.

I watched as things began to unfold right before my eyes. Very fast indeed.
“ Pour them water. Two buckets each” He continued.
Both men shuddered as the cold water enveloped their skins- bare chests and half soaked their trousers. Kendrick kick-started the Jeep and the engine revved. He alighted almost immediately from the driver's seat. The absorbers were attached to the binding chains. One thing remained: to connect the absorbers to the car battery.
“I wont ask politely again” Seth warned for the last time. “ The damn password”
For a second, I was confused.

enirock:
Enjoyed the incorporation of the nairaland part, it made me laugh uncontrollably. The country is looking like one I know (looks out the window before its termed hate speech). The journey is becoming interesting as we wait anxiously. Now I see what the Bible meant when it stated that we "wait on the lord"
Creeza we waiting on u
Thanks for taking your time to lesson the pains and anguish of this lock down. We/I am grateful

Lol, you know... if I'm reading parts i find very funny. I just know others will too. Lol. Thanks for the humorous comments.

which country is that? Lol I hope it's not what I'm thinking... And the lockdown will soon pass, we will be up and busy again with our lives.... worry not.

I'm grateful. The last post was specially dedicated to you...

The Same Night

KELLY
A quick jolt and bump snapped me out of my prolonged knockout. I guess I had passed out during the “Fall”
Strange, as it felt I tried to figure out where I was. The only familiar figure after a brain racking session and unconslidated confusion was the small wrist watch round my wrist. Mom had given it to me on my 14th birthday. The wrist watch has never moved since then. It had always been broken. I had tried fixing it but mom had said it would work again one day : By itself. Funny things parents would tell their children to make them feel better. All of a sudden I missed mom with great and unimaginable passion.

“Just like all broken relationships will still find ways to mend.” She had said while stroking my hair with tenderness and love. Sweet creatures, they are. All mothers. “ He loves you so much baby. Remember this fact”
A tear drop blinked from my left eye and touched the wrist watch. Indeed it became my most priceless gift.

Reality caught up again and I tried to recall how long I had been out, cold.
There were six people inside the same location with me. It was like a box, with glasses. Four actually or windows. It is moving. Yes, it's a car.
I moved my palms. Stiffened. Only now did I see the bound holding my palms tightly together. And it was night outside the cars. Trees and shrubs everywhere.

Beside me was Tamuno on the left and Seth at the far left. Closeby on the other side was a man named Vincent and two men at the front who were new to my memory.
Another jolt came, mildly.

“ I envy you a bit” Seth said, seeing I had come through“ let's say I admire you. Your ability not only to just sleep soundly and beautifully when you like but also your academic prowess and outstanding achievements so far. You deserve some accolades, baby!” He said.

“ When I was your age” He continued after clapping alone - two claps actually, “or maybe older. I hated school. I was never at home either and my mom abhorred me for this rebellious acts. Most times I found comfort in the hands of escorts at brothels and clubs” He paused “ Yet, ofcourse. I never learnt to command the English language, but I was forced to ” He began to laugh, having realized he was the only one talking. Vincent joined him. The two agents at the front joined. Even Tamuno wanted to.

“What's funny? You this mad man!” Seth asked “ huh? He referred to Tamuno ” You think this is funny? Is it?
Tamuno shook his head in disapproval.
“ Better. My dear Kelly. I was forced into studying and learning the language just to make sure. Just to make absolutely sure that-- it's crazy, the whole idea, it was , believe me, given I never liked it. Yet now I'm grateful I did. Hell yeah! I'm grateful I did”


I had heard enough. He seemed too proud of his evil deeds. Such self righteousness erked me. “Eeeerrpheerrrppp! Disgusting.

“ Why are you doing this? Where is the car headed? Stop this madness. Please, I beg of you”

“ Calm down Ms Kelly” Seth admonished ” You will soon find out why I can't stop this madness”

With that statement, he revealed a headmask which hadn't been visible before. He covered Tamuno's face and patted his shoulder.
“ Good boy! Keep this up and I may kill you last of them all”

He gave out a wicked shrill of laughter. Vincent's laughter was even more scary as it came thundering into my ears. Another black head cover appeared from behind Seth's back. It was now within view and I noticed a bag beside him, near the left door.
Is he going to cover my face..?

Fear tightly gripped it's claws round my spine. I could feel my heart race, leap and bounce like a hotball of meat. My temperature wasnt normal no more. Like Im thinking “this aint funny, wtf is happening?

Out of impulse, I did what anyone in my condition would do.
I screamed. Kicked. Bounced and twisted. My legs kicked the driver's ear. The car skid off it's tracks with a loud screech like rubber grinding over a sulphur coated metal.

“ Let me out!”
“ Shit! Seth yelled when he hit his head against the window. The derailment of the car had affected him. He didn't expect it.
“ Let me out of here! I want outta here!” I hit Vincent with my right elbow.
He fought back. He held on to me. I bit his arm. It was so intense that the impact of my teeth on his flesh was like a dog clenching tightly to it's breakfast.

“ Damn it. She bit me! The biatch bit me” He said and groaned.

I tried the doors. Jammed. I could see Seth from the driver's mirror. He used his left hand to bring Tamuno's head foreward while he stretched to grab me with the other.

“ Fuxk it! Arrh She bit me!”
The driver almost regained control when I accidentally kicked his head, again. This time I was even happier than the first attempt.
The other agents in front joined the war of three men against an angry lady who fought for her life. I was not ready to loose this one.
Vincent groaned in pain.
“ Damn. ' He yelled out in anger
It was sharp. Short and painful. I did not know what hit me. And the last thing I saw was a white beautiful light that exploded in my head.


I woke up later and found myself on the floor inside a dark location. I still felt the unceasing sharp pain behind my skull. I mumbled but the words didn't come out right. I heard myself saying quietly“ Please. Let me out of here. Let me out. I promise I won't be stubborn anymore. I won't be stubborn again. Daddy! Please let me out. Daddy let me out.”

I went into a trance and it was nice being twelve again but the feeling of joy turned a nightmare when I was whisked away from the garden and off mom's palm. Dad came yelling from the backyard porch and argued with mom on a lot of things, Instantly I was locked up in the basement by dad.
His only reason being that I defiled his order and still played with his expensive toys.

“ Daddy.. please let me out?? I sobbed. I could see both my parent arguing from a distance. Mom begged but Dad was non-submissive to her pleading. He said “ She went too far this time..”
‘ She is only a child, Arnold. She will learn. Please...” Mom pleaded.
Then their voices became inaudible and I couldnt see them no more. Just someone approaching and it was blurry.

“ Mom?” I paused” Is that you? I said faintly as I relaxed into the arms of an angel. Or was it my imagination?
★★

Today, Sunday
Abuja

IFE

“ And he said : Itoro you are mad. I guess your senses are the most vital ingredients for your village new yam festival.” Itoro said “ How can you be trying to crack a case where there is none? The man died as you know, trying to prove to his wife that he was Superman”

I laughed again.
“ Then.. I said: there was something there. Maybe he was forced into the act.* But Mathew gave me this stern look like a lion targeting the neckline of it's prey. After which, he replied : The man must have been a weakling then. He took Viagra and died on top of his wife at the third round...Come, are you sure you are not related to him? Your people can be funny sometimes and do crazy things. Eheh! Don't give me that look young man. Am I lying? Calabar people, fear them' Matthew contined‘they have sexual fantasies of machines and robots.”

I held myself from laughing and asked “ Really? Hmm. I think it's the lady's fault. The man was only doing her bidding. I'm guessing: Matthew must have been very mad at you right? Even when your were making sense”
“ Of course- that was even the first time we met in Calabar. And he-”
Itoro was cut short when a familiar figure walked into the chapel. It was obvious he would have to leave.

Jerry had entered the Chapel where I had been chatting with Itoro for a while now, since the church service ended.

The president had been present too. She had arrived late into the service and left before anyone else after the closure. However, I had a conversation with her, briefly. Then Itoro had taken over when he saw me alone and quiet inside the chapel. He had asked me a few questions. They led to now. This point in time.

“ Hello! ” My boo boo said“ Here you are”
“ I'll be on my way now” Itoro chipped in.
“ Sure!”
“ It was nice talking to you” Itoro said as he grabbed some files.

“ Yes. Same here. You made my Sunday!
Itoro acknowledged Jerry who stood, staring at him. I noticed he was not so insecure anymore, unlike he had been at Benin- City. Strange!

“ I'll just- Excuse me. Okay ” Itoro tried to pass through the isle.

Jerry was in his way.
“ Uhmm ... Okay. Lemme pass. Just ... Coming through if you don't mind”

“ Oh sorry! ”
As Itoro dazzled in confusion, we both wondered what was wrong with him. He left and returned only milli- minutes later. He had forgotten something.
“ Uhm... I forgot ”
“ Your pen. ” I replied when I noticed it.

Itoro brushed his files against the arm of a seat. Everything crumbled to the floor. Impulsively , I bent down to pick up the files- I was sitting. And Jerry assisted.

Itoro joined us after a second of delay. I hit my head against his forehead during the collision.
“ Ouch” I blurted.“ That hurt”
“ I'm sorry. I'm really sorry about that.”

“ Don't worry. You will be fine” Jerry said as he helped “ I've got this. Bro”

“Thanks. Sorry, I - I”

“ No problem” I said “ Easy-pizzy. I'm fine”

Itoro zoomed off like the wind chasing it's ancestry. Incredible pace and I was awestruck.

“ Funny guy” I broke the ice when he was out of sight. A lot went through my mind from our discussion earlier. I had noticed he was trying too hard to impress me. I enjoyed it sha. But Nah! He ain't my type. Someone else was on my mind.

“ Indeed” Jerry cut in “ But smart nerd.”
“ The nerds are always smart and funny” I retorted.
“ Yet this guy is cool. He is good at his job” My boo said.

I told him that a while back he had been so insecure. Thinking that Itoro was making passes me. He smiled. He said jealousy can make a man do crazy things.

“ Obviously, and you missed service”

He smiled cheaply and squinted twice “ Have I been to one in years?
“ pagan!
“ Hahahaha”
“ Like seriously, it's not funny” I added.
He stopped laughing.

“ The president was here though” I continued “ she even threw questions at me”
“ Like ?
“ Nothing much. My name. Nativity. How long I've been with you. Those other boring stuffs”
“ Hmm. So I'm boring” He played about it.
' Are you for real right now?
“ Ohh. We are kidding around right? Sorry your highness”
“ Better! Tell me, what happened in her office? How'd you even find me here?
He answered my last question, first. “ Sam told me that I'd find you in the Chapel”
“ Sam? Who is that?
“ Madam President's security adviser. Samantha Walsh. The fair lady that's always around her like a shadow”
“ Oh! The skinny pretty-goddess of a lady”
“ Yeah. The pretty-goddess of a lady” He said.

“ Hope you are not even thinking about it” I attacked him. Mischief was written all over his face.

“ Me? What? Never ” he became defensive“ when you are here. I blind ni?

“ Jerry. I don't trust your last sentence. You -” I pointed at him“ I've got my eyes on you. If I so much as suspect anything... ”

“ Relax baby. Relax. What's yours is yours. I go dae your body like skin tight.”

“ Awnnn..” I cooed “ Thank you and I'm not even willing to share” My seriousness returned.

It came suddenly to me as I recalled an event.
“ Shadows! Remember the night Ray was arrested.
“ And what about it?
“ All those officers in the shadows. The lightning and the thunderstorm”
“ Yeah go straight to the point”
“ And I was shocked to see you were still alive” a grin stretched on his face“ Ray must have been too. And Matthew ordered him to lay down his weapon. Which, of course he refused'”
“ He released fire.”
“ Yeah he did. He fucking did” I said ” and_”

“ Shuush. This is the house of God”

I chuckled“ Okay ” My undertone resurfaced “ Okay. Okay . He did and you jumped Matthew off the way to save his life.”

“ Damn. Ray was fast” He said ” And if not for Charlie's phone, this bullet on my chest would have been inside rather.
“ He told me you were killed” I said.
“ The mother fuvker had-”
“ Uh- huh. See who corrected my ethics a while ago.”
He laughed. “ Okay. The guy had shot and left me for dead in a field. And I came for revenge”

“ Yet , I was the one who made him loose balance remember? I smashed his skull from behind with the bottle of wine he poured me”.
“ Ife the gangster. Oshheeyy!! ” He paused” and you created an enemy for yourself that night”
I learnt from the best and had no regrets whatsoever.

Suddenly, my mood changed again. As caring as always he noticed and enquired what had happened.

“ Sometimes, I feel like there is a part of me that just want to be free. Like a chained soul that wants to roam freely” I knew I was not telling him everything, just beating around the bush. I was scared of his reactions if he got to know everything.

“ Stop saying stuffs like that-- you don't really mean them do you?
“ I do. The feeling started when we arrived Abuja ”
“ Alright. Everything will be fine. You had me believing you wanted to come here.”
“ I did”
“ It's okay. This case will be over soon and we will go wherever you want to”
I asked him about the case at hand.
He told me everything from the beginning , through the resemblance and the miscellaneous stuffs.
“ Hmm. This one is quite strong” I replied and breathed twice.
“ Matt even says we look alike- me and you, you and I. The two both of us” I teased him, trying to pull his legs and pull my mind away from negativity.
“ The ' one' two of us? I know. He told me same, in the past. Only twist being : I'm finer than you are”
“ Ta- I'm fairer than you are. You black mamb-” I bit my lips to exaggerate the forthcoming words. See this chocolate skinned nigga, forming melanin poppin.

“ Not fair” He corrected, jokingly ” Finer, like finer.”
I hissed.
“ Still think I'm boring? He teased me
I hissed again” Nonsense! In your mind o! Fine boy! I'm just managing you. Finer ko plier ni. ”

He laughed and threw his grasp round me. Squeezing so passionately, that I felt like the luckiest girl alive. Oh I don't want this to end. Squeeze me. Love me. Hold me, baby.

“ Ife !!!” He said again still hugging me.

Before this one starts feeling himself to do rubbish inside church, and I know I can't resist him, I better form and push him away. Local woman can't can

“ Leave me- le- a-ve me!” I said.
“ Make me!.
“ Is you that know o” I said again“ Ehen, talk to me oga.” I finally had a reason to end the hugging“Are you really going to help them - rescue the hostages I mean.”

“ Definitely” He said, releasing his grip round my bosom.
The answer came like a wind in autumn to the shores around my ear. I had something else in mind, eating me up. Yearning to be said. To be set free. A part of me eagerly begging to be free from it all.
“ Can I tell you something baby?
“ What's it? He asked, looking deep into my eyes.
How do I start? Sadly, I said“ Dad called again. Today ”

“He did?

“ Uh huh!” I feigned calmness. But it was obvious that my eyes gave me away. Jerry will have to find out the whole truth. Sooner or later.

“ What did he say?” He asked, gazing at me with so much enthusiasm.


To be continued.

@bigbauer

I'm honored. Thank you for enjoying it.

@EbonyQueen001, your words are too kind. Made my day. God bless you

sis dorcas must have seen everything... hmmm. Continue my dear @penshalom

@rachealfst, thanks dear. I'm glad too. I see your works. They are simply amazing. You have achieved quite a lot my dear. Congrats. Smiles.


@ultimategeneral, Please do come back. Smiles. Thank you for sticking around am excited to have you on board.

@bigbauer You are welcome sir. Respect.

@enirock, bro. I'm here. I'm here. I'm back... Sorry for the delay....Dont be so mad at me. Thank you for taking your time to read and dropping constructive criticism. They encourage me to do more. God bless you

With due respect Ma'I began “ I think there is a pattern somewhere. All these can't be happening randomly. There is a link. We just have to find it”
“ You think so” The chocolate skinned man , sitting opposite, asked.

“ I have a deduction ,sir. Not yet a theory.”

“ His excellency, the first gentleman” Bukola began as she referred to her husband, the man on the left “ thinks these are lone wolves- crisis of turbulent times, as he puts it”
At once, I remembered what Itos had said earlier that same day at the crime scene. I could not stop but wonder if the young lad was still awake or sleeping in the guest lounge of the Aso Villa .

“ If I may say this Ma” Al Hassan killed the silence“ My men will get to the bottom of this in-”

“ Enough already!” President Alakara bellowed “ Don't feed me that Chicken sauce anymore. Since Morning, You 've repeated those same lines over and over again”

“ Sorry Ma”

“ Pity yourself”

“ Yes Ma'am”

The man on the left cushion smiled. He scoffed and sipped away from his cup. He shook his head in a funny way.

“ How do we tackle this puzzle, as a team? She focused on me” I need all hands on deck”
Shit. You need my ass on deck. I had wild thought in my head. las las,na me go work all the work, I thought in pidgin English.

I rampaged on every positive situations and outcomes. The umpteenth of them being that Aremu was in the hospital, though alive , he had sustained minor injuries- major at least , to an extent and would be active fully by Monday. The doctors said he needed rest. So he will get enough. Let's put him out of the picture for now.
Then. There was only one option. Just one left. I guess.
“ A rough link. If I put it lightly” I wished I had said that but instead I uttered“ Someone can still help us. I know a young man.”
“ Help? Did you just imply help? The man at the corner said “ You must be joking” He had a very nice accent. Polished and squeaky clean.
“ Your Excellency, he is a formidable asset”

The POTFRON asked “ Is he a soldier? She seemed tired.

I declined“ He is a criminal.” I paused to ascertain the reactions on their faces- three of them“ And currently serving two and half years term of house arrest. He was key to the capture of the kingpin who attempted to end your life , Ma.”

“ You mean Ray's Ally” She raised an eyebrow.
“ Past ally , now enemies”
“And this enemy of my enemy-”
“ Is a friend ” I completed it for her.
“ And I'm not sorry to say this too, madame. I lost alot of good men on that fateful night- a stormy one indeed. Men I considered brothers but that criminal or ex- criminal- he saved my life”

“ Good! Where is he now?

“ I can have him down here in the next available flight ”

“ Please do so. As we wait to hear from the abductors ”

Immediately, the door slammed open, the military officer at the door tried to prevent a white man and his body guards- two of them- from barging into the office. I somehow recognized one of the two men: Gerrard.

“ I demand to see her! ” The man in front said with authority.
“ Sir, you've violated our laws of diplomacy” S.A Sam said as she blocked the Whiteman who had a well curled and relaxed grey hair.

“ Under diplomatic laws. I have the right to see her- more especially if it affects me or any other expatriates. The United States in particular”

“ Sammy, ” President Bukky called “ Please let him in”.

Samantha slightly shifted sideways when the man gave her an elbow bump. His two body guards stared furiously at the military personnel.

“ Leave us please” My GCFR said. The three men and woman obeyed, leaving only the ambassador at the door.

“ Mr Green” The man at the left corner said“ It's so nice to see you”
Mr Green had other thoughts. He said disapprovingly“ With due respect, Mr. First gentleman, sir. I currently don't have the time to exchange niceties. Yet I appreciate the effort you're making. Thank you”
He turned to the President.
“ The news are all lies! A jolly good fellow would realise these are cooked up stories. No casualities? No passengers except the pilot- God bless his sacrificed soul-” He laughed “ I hardly believe any of these. Prove me wrong madame President”.
He paced up and down frantically.

“ Calm down ambassador” President Alakara said“ We are yet to confirm if she was on board. The news-”

“ The news?' He cut in“ why the lies?

'It's to reduce panic among the masses'

“ Oh! Believe me, md. President, standing before you is a freaking shit hole of panic. Imagine my daughter arrived Nigeria yesterday and your D.S.S - your - they deemed it unworthy to inform my secretary. Or the consulate at Lagos” he sighed.“ And guess what?

“ Calm down sir”
“ No, guess what?
“ Okay” she followed with the cue.

“ I woke up this morning and my secretary's gone. AWOL.”

“The same D.S.S agents were having breakfast at the embassy's cafeteria. Now, honestly, tell me: Of what importance are they to me there. Huh? Mere observers ?
No one told me anything. My soldiers, able-bodied men- at the embassy, no one saw anything. My secretary disappears just like that. MiA . ” He scoffed“ I can't believe this- and you know what- you know , they actually said they saw her drive off the premises and that was it. Just like that-- piffft. Off radar she went. GPS disconnected. And now

He sighed heavily before reality dawned on him “ Now my daughter is missing too. Gawd!”

“ Take it easy sir” Bukola placed a palm on his shoulder from behind.
“ How did you find out about your daughter?
“ Her friends from New York called my direct line” he chipped in calmly.


“ We are doing our best, sir” I interrupted“ thanks for the info you shared. We will take the lead from here. For now-”
“And you are?

“ This is detective Panshark” Bukola said“ He is incharge of the operations and coordinations at field level”

Mr Green was not impressed. He said plainly after being down-casted“ Please find my daughter”

“ Be patient with us sir-” Alhassan said before he was cut short by Mr Green's outburst.

“ Don't tell that. Save it for the press!”

“ And those agents at the embassy are worthless. I don't need them there anymore. I never did. I told you so from the inception of it all.”

“ I will repatriate them to the Villa” Bukola suggested.

Bukky signalled and quietly urged me to do something quick. I acknowledged and excused myself. It was so weird to experience inferiority complex being displayed by my country men because a white man stood in our presence. This is our country for God's sake. We should be the ones calling the shots, and not the other way round, bickering and trembling at the mercy of some white-haired man because somehow, he considered himself a high being and closer to God. Yea, call me a racist. I accept.

But then again I understood, it's not easy loosing you only daughter to the cold arms of terrorism. I wondered what I'd do if I was in his shoes. Too bad.

While I made way for the door, Mr Sam Alakara - the first gentleman followed closely and we both exited the office and the heat of Mr Green's anger.

President Bukola called out“ And Matt! Please get your P.A Mr Itoro to see me. ASAP. Please.”

“ Sure! I'd do just that”

Indeed I will.


To be continued.

Episode Four

Lagos Airport, Saturday, 6:55PM

Reporter KELECHI

I had followed up the latest news and trends and was still fascinated that the news of the senators arrival and that of the mysterious lady had not surfaced online.

Does it mean I am privy to such info? I thought and tapped away on the steering wheels. I had been a blog photographer for years now but have never really realized my true calling- a top notch journalist.

As I tapped , my other arm flickered and flipped the contents displayed on my iPhone.
I had followed the convoy from a reasonable distance up untill the airport where my car broke down again. Eventually managed to push it off the traffic while waiting for my mechanic. Ages now, and the man seemed really pre-occupied.

I chuckled to a story I was reading on Nairaland platform . A young student of University Of Benin was pictured tied up and bound with electric wires. The said student had been accused of collecting NEPA bill from his Co - tenants in his off K hostel and wasted the money on gambling. He had lost everything to virtual sports on bet9ja platform.

In effect , his neighbors gave him to NEPA officials as payment for the bills after he had received beating of his life and brain formatting slaps.

A caption was imprinted on the photo as such“ When you play Alabi with strongmen's money and you loose. Just know that you are lost forever”
I read through comments, cracking up my ribs with laughter. Some people were praying for the young man to be freed from his village people . Some said it was God's will. “Can you imagine?” I exclaimed. “Ah!” When I saw a comment “ Chai another Buharideen on a leash..aboki infested mumu”

Nigerians are really savage.
The trolling was endless and many
others: well , like me, was just here to read comments and laugh.
I was tempted to upload the pictures I had taken earlier. But then I stopped and pushed the car’s door. I needed fresh air.
A group of men were coming out of the arrival terminal . At the same time Lagos State patrol and police officer came swarming into the area like bees. Something's wrong. I thought and joined a handful of puzzled on Lookers and wondered what had happened.
★★

MATTHEW

Itoro Abasi and my humble self arrived Lagos on a commercial airliner. Inspector Al Alhassan had informed the State patrol and district police of our arrival. It was arranged that the meeting should be of Paramount importance.
I had no idea what to expect but I had been briefed on board the plane through a SAT phone. I met with the CP's assistant who told me that a distress call had come from a hotel waiter and that a former police officer was shot. He survived miraculously.

“ Is he an SS agent? Itoro interjected when the uniformed officer dished out the info . He replied and mentioned the officer's name.

“ Oh! Old Johnny Aremu”. I retorted.
I lit a cigarette and breathed in the cold night's air before inhaling the tobacco smoke. “ The old boy took a bullet? Where is he now?


“ His shoulder was banged pretty bad. He has been called by the DSS headquarters for debriefing. He left just a minute ago before your arrival and now air borne to Abuja with a medical personnel who is attending to him“

Itoro took notes. He observed. I carefully looked around for details. The police had installed a road block. No car went in or out of the premises , people were perturbed, discriminately searched and scrutinized. Just then, I noticed a young man staring at me. In affirmation to my instincts, I nodded and exhaled hot air, my windpipe was on a cruise as I took another draw of the cigar.

“ Itoro ! ” The lad came. I continued“ I just found a likely suspect”

I showed him the man who looked more like a photographer with his iPhone. He was taking random pictures. He stood next to a car and narrated to an officer who asked him to park his car well.

“ He does not look like any. I think he is just a concerned citizen”
“ Rule no1. Itoro! Everyone's a suspect. Including us. Never skip that part. Including us“

I returned to the CP's debriefing. Asked him a lot of things and especially, the time the plane had left ,the registration and the where exactly it went off radar.
“ The plane never left” The man began “ It's still in the hanger. It was diagnosed with mechanical issues but the truth is that the engine was tampered with”

“ The engineers?
“Disappeared. Likely on the plane that left”
“ Which plane? I asked.

I inhaled another round, looking confused ”I thought you said-”
“ A jet registered by an anonymous name with an offshore account. It's an Airbus 250. Taxes are paid by a Swiss bank. We can't track it to any individual”

“ With all the techs you posses?
“ We are under-equipped and understaffed sir-'
“ No..no ...don't start that chapter on me about how the government is not doing well in terms of -”
“ Sir, all I am trying to say is : only the D.S.S would have such gadgets. Yet I doubt they , you know , ” He shrugged.

“ By God- ” I swore “ I love this country”
And then continued“ The agents on board?

“ Ghostworkers. We have records of two. One white man and the other a Black individual. The rest, no trace of data anywhere, all erased. Even the pilot's presumed a suspect but I doubt he is one of them. We ran a background check and we found out that his family had been murdered- today- all of them. ” He paused “These plotters must be really smart”

“ Damn! I'd give them that. They upped their game.”
“ Excuse me-” The CP 's assistant said as he turned to collect a phone from his junior staff“ Acting CP here.” He trailed off a little.

My thought raced off widely. It dawned on me that we were chasing the wind. Another thing struck my fancy about the fact that the CP's Assistant was a doubting breed.

“ We have a problem , Sir” the man returned.“ A jet has just crashed in Lokoja.” His eyes were red with shock.
I felt empathy trickling down my spine.

“ What are we up against here? The man said “ Sir? ”
“ What's your name? ” I asked not in a haste to draw conclusions.
“ Thomas. Sir”

No wonder. The thought flashed in my head.

“ I have no idea now. We'll find out soon” I replied the man's question.

“ What's the registration of the jet?

“ it's an Airbus 250 , sir!”

I became dumbfounded.
My P.A returned after asking the photographer a few questions. Itoro said the man had opened up to him and plainly said “ he was just a photo blogger , who's car broke down on the wrong side of the road at the wrong time. Badluck saw him at the airport this night to take pictures”

“ Good!
I reached for my phone, took it out of my coat and dialed the inspector's number.
I acknowledged the CP's ( Commisioner of Police) Assistant as the man left to question airport personnel.

My boss, the inspector General, was sympathetic on the phone when called me back to the capital that same night.
“ But we just got here”
“ What's the situation on ground?
“ The jet is gone. Death row. I presume-”
“ Yes we know of that fact- the girl's father is on our necks. He is even threatening the President. Imagine!”

“ I can imagine his pain sir. But threatening the President? That's far. Its tantamount to treason in all ramifications”

He says it was a wrong decision to have allowed the DSS take charge of his guard and that of other expatriates.

“ Speaking of which-' I cut in” The database of the so called agents have been wiped out. We have a mole. And it hurts to say this sir, but I think we are chasing blank theories here. Our best bet, A.J and he was assaulted by the terrorists. Lucky for us, he is still alive. ”

The convo ended with Alhassan requesting my presence in the Capital.
Itoro enquired about the the content of the call. I gave him a warm shrug and looked intently into the eyes of the blogger who stood at a reasonable distance.

“ Tell him not to post my pictures on any site or blog. Else I'll sue him to violating my privacy ” I paused“ I have a feeling he knows more than he is sharing. He'd better not play with us”
“ He won't. I guarantee. Besides this case is still classified. The public has no idea what's really going on. The officers and security men have been strictly warned against reeling out info to the press”

“ Did you get his contact address?
“ Yes I did ”

I drew the last of the cigar stick and stamped on its buffer when it touched the ground. Then nodded in appraisal. “ Gear up boy! We are going back to Abuja”

“ Arrrrghhhh. This night? What for?

I glanced at the blogger one last time then paced toward the airport entrance while my P.A followed closely.

“ The President demands my presence. We going to the squared office. ”

★★★

ABUJA. 10:20 PM

I arrived the Aso Villa and was asked to wait outside by the President's S.A ( Security Adviser)We had left Lagos at about eight -twenty pm. I checked my wrist watch, it was ten twenty pm.(10:20pm).
I had been waiting for ten minutes- which seemed like forever- after which I was called upon.

“ Detective? ” The S.A began “ the President will grant you audience now. Please follow me”
We left the A.C blown lounge and went through a corridor leading toward the Squared office. The AC installations on every corner of the building made me shiver, having no idea what to expect but I knew I was up for some lashing and tongue battle , questioning too. I hoped against hope that it wouldn't be so.
When we arrived, an armed military guard at the door paved way for our entrance. The S.A knocked.

“ Come in please” A male, word commanding voice acknowledged.

The knob of the door's handle twisted and in seconds we were both standing in the squared office.
Inside it, a middle aged man in uniform stood at the right corner of the large office. Towards the left of the office on a well decorated cushion and table to match, sat another man: chocolate and handsome, even at his age of fifty two. He had a semi round face. His brown eyes sparkling as he poured himself a glass of whiskey.

At the centre of the office, on the floor was a well crafted piece of art in marble tiles that actually depicted the Nigerian coat of arms in golden and silver stripes. My eyes trailed this beauty , then forward , and finally arrived at the desk on the north side of the room.
Across the desk, someone sat but the figure backed the men in the room and ofcourse the S.A.

“ Your excellency” I acknowledged the handsome man on the left.
He waved casually. That meant peace to me. First impressions always mean a lot.

“ Inspector, sir” I shook the other man on uniform.

“ Thank goodness you came, Panshark ” My boss, the IGP ,Mr Alhassan said and sighed a relief.
It was his voice we heard earlier.

I acknowledged the man with a nod. The S.A said to the President, after she cleared her throat“ Excuse me, your excellency” she began while directing her attention to the one who sat across the desk.

I looked to the windows on the left and the moon was at an observatory position, high up in the skies. The window's interior frames were beautifully adorned with green and purple curtain blinds at the edges- pulled and hooked - Each had embroidery of marvellous designs.

“ Your excellency? The S.A began, again“ Detective Matt Panshark is here. Just as you ordered”
The President turned and stared intently into my face. There was a spark of hope, something like relief on her’s. My confidence level dropped forty bars below. Madam President was without doubts a very beautiful woman , even at her age of forty-nine.

Bukky Alakara retained her seat as president after the assassination attempt on her life.
It had been 12 months ago, by the kingpin Raymond Ajayi.
Many critics were of the opinion that she had staged the attempt on her life to garner sympathy. The revolution attempt by the terrorists was averted, she nearly died while fighting for her life in the hospital. Every criminal the government could lay hands on in the past were put away. Her government enjoyed peace up until this moment and she needed a resolution to this latest crisis as the nation and a disturbed ambassador Green was in no doubt mounting pressure on her to act speedily.

She stood up from her seat and picked up a remote control. She was dressed in a smart native regalia that highlighted her feminine uniqueness as she walked towards the centre of the office with ease and comfort.

“ Have you seen the news, Matthew? She said calmly.
“ Yes Ma'am, I-”

She pressed a button and the tv above the entrance to her office, came on. There was a news of the airline jet that crashed in Lokoja. Although it was very late at night, the news had been the headlines on every channel since the evening. She stopped changing channels.

“ Why is my administration under siege from terrorism, Matthew? Her words were calm and calculated.

I had no immediate explanations. Neither did my superior, Al Hassan.

“ You may leave now, Samantha” President Bukola said to her S.A “And you, sit down” she gestured towards me and Inspector Al Hassan.

EPISODE 3- What If??

18 hours Ago

SETH
SEVEN Cars trooped out of the five star hotel at Nine-thirty A.M. Kelly and three agents boarded a black Lexus Jeep. The senators, each enjoyed their black Tundra. I sat in a silveCanCamry 2.5 Two thousand and Seventeen model car( Toyota) just like the remaining agents. This was a purposeful distraction.
★★

Reporter NDU KELECHI
I was amazed as my bad luck earlier had turned around into a fortunate scene. My car broke down just across the dual lane opposite the entrance of Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Banging angrily at the steering Incaught a glimpse of people entering a convoy.
Luckily, I spotted a familiar senator and took pictures immediately. I took pictures of one certain young lady. Oh my she is attractive! I was almost drooling. Definitely, she wasn't from these parts of the world. This would help boost my blog page if it turned out to be first hand gossip.
I wondered what could have happened behind closed doors? From the news lately, these senators were last seen in a representative mission to the States. What then where they doing here? Un-announced!

Wow! I exclaimed.

Deciding to try my luck again and fortune smiled back as my car engine ignited. Quickly but un-suspectedly, I snailed behind the entourage. If the drive would take less than fifteen minutes, then it was enough for me, I guessed after checking my fuel guage display near the steering.
★★★
SETH

“ Thank you.” Just one more please. Oh! Thank you. Kelly told the hostess as she received a cup of tea.

On board the airliner, we enjoyed the VIP cabin of the very expensive jet. The Airbus 250. The seats were arranged in such a manner that each individual had enough private space. The second class cabin accommodated the air marshals which were the DSS agents . Six of them and virtually unarmed. Including one white man.
I sat in the VIP cabin and could not take my eyes off Kelly. When the air hostess left, I focused even more intently at this object of marvel: Kelly. I tried to understand her.
She did not blink my way. Rather engrossed in her book than worried, she adjusted her glasses and lifted not even an eyebrow .
She inhaled hot air from her cup when it kissed her lips.
A senator , Mr Tamuno had his eyes on her too. He had his eyes on her since the first day at the airport- the very first day she arrived.
I had noticed this fact. My eyes went to the man's ring again. Such a beauty in the wrong fingers.
The rest of the senators were busy with the news on Satellite TV. They said nothing and I wondered if they were dumb. It's awkward for senators not to talk much.

I trailed back to Kelly as she rubbed her palms against the silver coated briefcase.
Her palms returned to the table. I followed her with these eyes again.
Tension was ripe in the air. Silence had a place on board the plane. I felt it.

She stood up and impulsively jolted upwards too. Foolish. Lost my self there for a second.

“ Don't worry. Just want to ease myself” she said.
“ Okay . Thought you needed something. I would have loved to get it for you”
“ I'm fine. Thank you!” She insisted.

Two minutes ater, I brought out a bag from under a cupboard. It had been placed there a week ago by a maintenance crew. They had sneaked into the hanger of the airport, gained access into the Airbus 250 and kept the bag safely inside the board.
I looked into it after unzipping. There were parachutes, serum vials and injections, .45 semi auto pistols, and oxygen masks inside it. zipping it close, I made way to the second class cabin.

“ Come with me” I beckoned on two black agents.
When they arrived the former location, I gave them eye signals. They understood.
I gave them the bag. They walked into the other cabin, trailing into the left corner.
At this moment, I caught Tamuno staring. I smiled but Tamuno did not smile back.

“ Oh Bummer! I thought.
“ What was that?
“ Nothing of importance ,sir'” I replied Mr Tamuno.
“ Just protocols”
“ Okay . If you say so” The man looked away indifferently..
★★★★

KELLY

I relaxed into my seat once more and continued my chore. I opened the briefcase case. Everything seemed in place so I banged it close again.
I had left a while ago into bathroom to cool off my nerves which where already geeting the full heat of after anxiety. Those prying eyes. Those unrepentant goddamn prying eyes. Phewww!
For a split second it dawned on me that I was the only lady on board , excluding the air hostess.
“ What if--?” Nevermind! -' I swept the thoughts under the carpets in my mind’s chambers.
I felt prickly heat running down my spines even with the a.c on. What the heck's going on. Relax Gretel, relax Kay... You got this.
I took myiPhone from my bag, checked my previous messages and then opened gallery of photos.
She slided through and saw one where she posed with Mom after winning a gold medal in inter-house sports. The nerdy goalkeeper indeed.

“ What are you doing? Agent Ken ? Wait . What the-” A voice cried out from the second class cabin. It had an American- Canadian accent to it.
I swirled. Shock and curiosity made me feel uneasy.

A bullet sound cut the man's scream short. A struggle was heard amongst two other people and then momentary silence as another bullet followed.
I shrieked. My heart quickened it's pace.
The senators were awfully terrified too as it was written all over their faces.
“ What's going on? ” Senator Danladi , a christain Hausa asked.
I had learnt his name from my research the previous night.
Another gunshot followed. It pierced the cabin door on the left- just few inches behind the dignitaries.
I screamed and revved out in fear, bending over with my arms over my head. My voice could blow out lanterns from kilometres away.

“ Stay calm . Everyone , stay calm. This is absolutely under control.” Seth thundered his voice. It clouded mine. He pulled out his Makarov 9mm auto and confidently walked into the cabin where the noises came from .
A female voice shrieked out from the other side of the door.
Another gunshot came. Then a body slammed the door open, with so much force you'd instantly realise that the corpse had been kicked.
It was the air hostess. She laid on the cabin floor- lifeless.
Seeing this , I dare not scream. Okay Bleep it I cant hold it back. I screamed even more. And more. And more.
Seth Walked into the cabin accompanied by four agents.

“ Lady” he began with so much power in his voice” and gentlemen!!!

I began to shiver involuntarily. I was right all along not to trust this devil.

“ Keep calm and you won't get hurt”
“This is not a hijack ” he continued and turned towards me“ This actually, is a kidnap”.

★★★★★

MATHEW PANSHARK
The police prevented the press men from poaching evidence and entering the premises. The “ yellow ” tape ran from one part of the the compound to the other. The front gate had been ripped off.

“ This is madness. I mean , what species of lunatic bloodline runs in these criminals? They made sure they entered the compound , kill every security officer standing and sleeping- if that applies- , eliminate the entire household. Not just that, they set the whole house on fire!!! ”
It was with so much pain in my black heart that I exclaimed “Kai” when I passed through the lines

“ I don't think these killings and kidnappings are linked. Boss , I think they are lone wolves” Abasi Itoro said while trying to keep up with my pace.

“ You're very foolish Itoro” I stopped, focused at my P A and sighed.
“ How can you suggest such a thing? Listen my friend, murder is murder; Kidnap is kidnap which can equally lead to murder, but these two are occurring at the same time. Last week a distressed neighbor reported the abduction of a law firm jury, a case that happened right under our noses here in Abuja and we are yet to crack it and now, this court clerk, his poor family , all murdered in cold blood?

I paused and gripped the young man's collar” How else do you wish to explain that? Well ” I let go of the collar“ logically and factually, they seem co-rellated. We don't just know yet”

“ They are just victims” Abasi Itoro blurted out. Rather shockingly.

“ Yes. Victims that are both law firm workers. Trust me I've seen butchers being slaughtered by cattles , but not two butchers in one week” With that I paused, an idea crossed my mind. I somehow waved it and said “ Itoro you're still a young man. What I just said, keep it off your records. Be a good policeman. You will need it someday”

A CID agent walked up to us. Obua Godday, a seasoned expert in forensics and criminal analysis. He was our guy. My guy in the CID since my promotion to detective grade I- the highest rank in field ops of the police force- below the IGP- and this happened before I relocated from Benin City to Abuja.

“Matt, it's terrible here. I mean these people where- whoever they were- they are animals”
“ What do you mean? I replied with questions.
“ There were kids. Three of them, each stabbed in the eyes, both eyes, and shot right through the chest”
“ One of the kids was a little girl, about four and this tall” he demonstrated “ Sophie was her name. Matt these people were my friends. I knew their family”
****--
Itoro's face changed in countenance. I noticed and put up a hard shell. Don't flush in the presence of younger policemen. This was just another rough day in the job. At 45, I had seen quite alot to know that life could end any minute.
I asked after the parents.

Obua's reaction was predictable. He shuddered, sighed and sniffed. He was pained indeed, obviously. He said they were killed too “ ...but some signs of bruises on Mr Lawani's - the father of the house--”

“ Sorry. Mr who? ” I interjected.

“ Mr Lawani Saraki- rings a bell?

“ Don't worry. Continue”

“ Some bruises on the muscles around his cheeks, he was tied to a chair and made obviously to watch his kids being executed. Then the climax. They set the whole place ablaze. The fire fighters arrived just in the nick of time to save evidence of all I have narrated, else we would chasing the winds. Lucid mortise was delayed by the fire's heat but rigor mortise had already started taking place after two hours.”
I tapped the man's shoulder, walked past him before I came staring upon the bodies.

“ Do you know the Mr Lawani? Itoro asked me quietly.

“ Not exactly. All I remember is that I sent alot of criminals to jail and he was the court clerk in most notorious cases.” I paused“ This could have been anybody's handi-work”
Indeed these were perilous times. The life of a police officer is a hard one. Only the brave could sleep peacefully at night. The gory remains of caked blood. The sight of bodies in plastic bags. It was all terrible.
I stared at the man- all burnt- half blackened and disfigured, tied to a chair in the middle of the living room; A lady on her knees holding a cushion, arms strapped to them, legs outstretched- probably had been raped- and on her neck was a deep mark of slice, a matchet perhaps. All these were in black -charred meaty remains
I sighed. Anger ravaged my soul. My P.A trailed off to another room in the one storey building. I took out a memopad and a tape recorder. Filed out a report. My P.A got details from the forensics team as they scanned the environment with high tech devices. They swept it for finger prints and body fluids. Anything at all to serve as exhibits or evidence.

“ Nothing Boss.These cons were smart ! They left no trace of their presence here. ” Itoro began“ Thankfully, I gathered that the CSO is missing. His body is no where to be found. That's if he is even dead.”

“ Do you have a picture?

“ Yes . Here. But we ran a background check, his face doesn't have any filth to it”

I was up to something. I took my eyes off the pictures. I raised a metal pallette which had been blackened by the fire's coal. My eyes had been on it for a while . A teddy bear which was savaged from the fire's fury and scorching, only an inch was burnt.

I scanned it. I told Itoro that they tried but they were not perfect. I raised the teddy with gloves on. I said these were footprints- shoe prints actually, on the teddy. I saw markings.

“ High grade. From the prints, Italian, maybe Peruvian. I've seen similar prints often. I don't know. Somewhere. Can't recall” I said “ This is hard but we will crack it. Tag it and give them to Obua. Hey! ” I called him back“ Tell him it's not for dinner. I'll buy him biscuits later”

Itoro nodded and went off with a smile on his face. The evidence rested in a plastic bag within his palms.

At that instance I began to mumble in anger and soliquoy in a thousand languages that only a mad mad could understand. These criminals will never stop at anything to evoke evil on earth.
I monlogued continuously. My phone rang few minutes later and I slid the dial right wards. The man on the other end , my boss, the inspector General goes all formal and tells me to get down to Lagos immediately. We had, according to him, a disaster at hand and a gruesome uprising.

“ Like disaster in disaster, or crisis in dilemma?

“ It's worse Panshark” the man uttered“ This is bad . Very bad. Why am I lamenting? Ah!! Just get down to Lagos ASAP. Take Itoro with you. I can't have these things happening in my tenure. They are too much. The president is on my neck ”

“ But sir , I'm already on a case”

Inspector General Abdul Alhassan was not moved. “ Bull shit ! ' Shaq I said bullshit. Bull crap . Abandon that case now! I will have someone else on it ” he said “ I trust you on this intricate one”

I told him it was terrible at my location.

“ And your job and life will be terrible if you don't get your heavy ass down to Lagos now. ”
I cursed the gods of the police force and my life. Muttering incoherent words and cursing the day I agreed to all of these. Police life and stress.

“ Okay sir” The line went dead.

However, I signed out and surrendered all my memos to one of the guys at the intelligence department. Bernard, a fine young gentleman. I called out to Itoro while filling out some details on a white template sheets- A classified doc for detectives- I autographed my trademark “ sha-ark” Signature.
One way or the other, I wanted to crack this mystery myself and still prevent further crimes. I'd find my way back to this case. I promise. Even just for the sake of the little girl, Sophie. I will be back.


To be continued.

enirock:
I have been figuring it out for a while but I guess with these updates I might be drawing a conclusion
we wait to see what that briefcase really contains and why Devin has been paying it so much attention and Kelly equipping it with a voice recognition or AI.
it's beginning to seem a detective thriller but I will not arrive at that conclusion yet

Dont conclude yet sir. These walls have ears. But then, I really appreciate. I will post an update today. Sorry for the delay...