₦airaland Forum

ArrowAssassin:
This is my first plot idea which I have a manuscript for already.

It's about a married lady, her name's Diana. She is always on business trips most of them but she is not what she seems. Her husband Tunde doesn't know that she is an Archangel. The Archangel Stronghold is a clandestine black ops agency that has helped in protecting the interest of the country since 1964 when it was founded. Nigerians don't even know it exists.

One of the rules of the Archangel Stronghold is that the offspring of an Archangel must be handed over to the Council to begin brainwashing. Diana has a son, Aaron, 6 years old and will go lengths to make sure they don't get him.

I won't reveal more than that on this thread. Drop your whatsapp numbers and let's get in touch.

The genre is going to be an Action Thriller. For those who watch movies, see Bourne Ultimatum, Elektra and La Femme Nikita.

Anything can change as your opinions are extremely important.

#MakeWeCollabo

now I'm really interested. Besides I like the idea of bringing it home, like the Nigerian Nikita.

ArrowAssassin:
https://www.nairaland.com/2580334/wants-collabo-fiction

You might be interested.

Oh before I forget.

Great story.

I am, but be more detailed. I mean like everything involved.

drtwist:
nice work...... Take ur time out we are always waiting dear. Good things don't come easy you know

awww! So nice, thanks for understanding.

unlimitedbosco:
Crixina where are you ? Mods pls fp

guys, I'm terribly sorry, I can't complete this piece for now, when I'm a bit relieved, I will. Pls bear with me.

Guys i know how this may sound, but you just have to understand please,
I'm going to be away for a while, just bear with me, it's so hectic for me. i promise to come back with goodies

Happy Sunday guys, I'm glad to know that some of the pioneer followers of this thread are still here, and thank you all for your lovely comments.

No, you don’t, you need to tell me all about your life in the last six months, we need to have a long talk, she said using that tone she does when she wants to get some gossip out of me, we both giggled like kids,
What’s your deal with Lucas? A guy who would go that length to protect you, and please tell me he doesn’t own this magnificent place, please start talking already, Rosie said impatiently,
Okay, where do you want me to start? Where I lived in a beach house for two months or when I learnt how to shoot a gun?
Rosie’ eyes popped open,
Come on, it’s girls night, we will have a long night of gossip, I said.
Oh my! Rosie exclaimed as she got up running into the bathroom, what time is it? What time did we sleep last night?
She asked, as she gurgled the tooth paste in her mouth, next thing I heard was the shower running, in less than ten minutes she was out,
I’m late again, I have tons of work on my desk to wrap up, I still have to get home and change, I stood up opening the wardrobe ajar, feel free to ransack,
Wow! There is something you are not telling me about this Lucas, he stocks up your wardrobe, she asked as she went through the clothes, no big deal, Elliot used to do that too, maybe I was so carried away with fancy clothes I couldn’t see the truth,
Why are you smiling? She asked when she saw me beaming at her,
I just missed this, a normal life with my friends and family, I feel like I’m starting to get it back, it’s like yesterday was actually the first time in six months I have made a good lead, I’m so glad to know part of my family is okay,
And you why are you so hasty, since when did you start being conscious of going to work early? I teased Rosie,
Today is different, Paul Dylan is flying into town, he has a big case he just landed, so he will be in town to go through the case files, I don’t want to get on his bad side, the guy is mean both in and out of the court, Rosie joked, but when she turned, I wasn’t smiling,
What is it? She asked,
Paul Dylan? i asked, yeah my boss, the guy that owns our firm.
In ten minutes, Rosie was all dressed, after hearing Paul Dylan, I didn’t think about any other thing, I dragged Rosie to the other wing of the pent house, Lucas, Jerry and Steve were sitting around the table, my guess was that they just finished breakfast,
Good morning guys, Rosie greeted them delightfully, but I just gave all of them a weak smile, I was still mad about the night before,
Rosie, Adeline is coming up to make you girls breakfast, then if you want to go to work, Max will take you, Lucas said paying more attention to Rosie, I knew he was up to his games as usual, so I ignored him,
Thanks Lucas, but I really must be on my way, and about someone taking me to work, I don’t want that, I’m fine on my own seriously, but it is quite risky out there, Lucas tried to push,
I insist on going alone please, Rosie retorted,
Birds of a feather, Steve whispered obviously referring to me, as they all smiled,
Well, I knew you would say that, so I might have tampered with your phone last night, if you are in any trouble, we would know, Lucas said, while Steve smiled proudly, that alone told me they must have planted their usual micro chip on Rosie’ phone,
Rosie says Paul Dylan is in town, I spoke in a high tone that got all of them turning to look at me,
Excuse me, Rosie said,
That big case you were talking about is our case; he is going to be representing Elliot in court, that’s why I want you Rosie to handle this case,
What!
Excuse me!
They all exclaimed, I don’t know who said which, but I waited for them to get off their surprise state, and then I continued again,
No No! No! No! No! That is not happening, Lucas stood up protesting, are you crazy? Do you think people just walk into the court room and start representing others, are you high on something?
Please Alice, tell me that was a joke, Rosie said, no, Rosie, it isn’t, I’m sorry, what’s wrong Rosie, are you not a lawyer?
An inexperience one, I have never defended anyone in court before, all I do I sit down in the office and work case files, well, it’s about time you went to the court room,
Rosie, please tell your friend she is crazy, in fact, why I’m I even debating this, it isn’t going to happen, Paul Dylan has won more cases in this country than I could ever think of, he represents murderers, robbers, politicians, name them, and somehow he still finds a way to set them free, all you have to do is be able to afford him and you are good to go,
Alice, Paul Dylan has never lost any case, no matter how steep it is, Rosie added,
Well, he is about to make history, I retorted,
Alice, I work for the guy for crying out loud, this guy has been winning cases even before I dreamt of going to the university, I can’t Alice, I’m so sorry,
Rosie listen to me, I dragged her to one side, I know this seems out of the ordinary, I have faith in you, I have seen you work case files, I have seen you put one and one together, in fact all I see you do is help win cases that Paul Dylan takes credit for, you are good, even if you don’t know it, remember when I asked you why you don’t take up cases in court, can you remember what your response was?
Yes, I said I’m waiting for the right case, the one that will blow open my career, Rosie replied,
Yes, yes Rosie, this is it, I want to help you make your career, this case is a piece of cake, we just need the right evidence, which we will find, Rosie, Rosie look at me, someday you will thank me for this, I promise you,
Rosie, don’t listen to her, Lucas screamed,
I don’t know Alice, this might even begin with losing my job at the firm, and it might not still end well, we are talking about my career here, I need to go to work,
Rosie, Wait! Think about it, I will help you win this case; the world will know your name at the end of this, just think about it.
Have a nice day, I will see you later in the evening, be safe, I said, as she returned a weak smile while Max appeared and walked her to the door.
I went back to my apartment, had a shower, by the time I came out again, Lucas and Jerry were gone, I had to go down to the technical room, where I met Steve busy with his toys, he looked in charge, because it felt like Trevor even answered to him,
Steve, where is Lucas and Jerry?
They went out, he answered without taking his eyes off the screen,
Do you know where they went to, I asked again,
He hesitated, then said no, I knew he was lying or hiding something so I left him without a word, Adeline brought me something to eat, after which I fell asleep, I must have slept for about to three hours, I woke up feeling light, I decided to check on Lucas again, I made up my mind not to go so strong on him this time, I walked to his side of the pent house, after calling out for a while, I had no answer, I decided to walk in, Lucas was in the shower, immediately the thought of our almost sexual encounter last time popped into my head, but I blocked it out as fast as it came,
Hello! Who’s there? Lucas called out, but I didn’t respond, the next thing I knew a gun was in my face,
Whoa! Hold it there, it’s just me, you go to the bathroom with a gun? What happened to “this building is well secured”, I quoted him is this about Elliot?
Sorry, I’m not used to people sneaking into my bedroom, he said opening up his wardrobe,
Maybe I should go and come back later, I said turning around to leave,
No! I’m sure I can still get dressed with you in here, before I could turn he was already in his boxers, I kept struggling with the thoughts in my head,
Do you want something? He finally spoke to relieve the awkwardness between us,
No, yes, I stuttered, I know we have been having a lot of disagreements on certain issues lately,
Have we? He interrupted,
First, you made me think that you were just sitting around with no plans, while you were actually watching over my friend, making contact with the Jamesons and…
I stopped midway,
And what? He asked,
Saving my family, Lucas, when were you going to tell me? I thought we promised not to keep each other in the dark, anyway I’m trying to say a sane person wouldn’t be busy fighting you, a sane person would have just been grateful and would have said thank you,
So that’s why I’m saying thank you right now for all you have done for me,
It’s okay, he said, then smiled. That awkwardness came back; I quickly took care of it by changing the subject,
So where did you guys go to? I asked,
He hesitated for a while like Steve did, then he spoke,
I went to see Ted James,
Who is Ted James, I asked, he is my lawyer; he just flew into town, I was a bit disappointed, look, I know I’m having a hard time agreeing with you on Rosie, but you have to understand that this is for the best, if we let Rosie do this, she could lose or she will lose the case, that means I might go to jail, you might too, all of us might, and that is one thing I don’t want, Lucas said,
What if this Ted James loses? Would you be glad going to jail then?
He won’t, so you trust him but you can’t trust Rosie,
Yes I do trust him, because he has represented me before, he is experienced and he is good at what he does, please Alice, understand this, it’s for our own good.
I didn’t argue further, but that didn’t mean I agreed with Lucas,
Besides, I have some good news, come on, he said, some minutes later, Jerry, Steve, Lucas and I were all seated in the living room of the penthouse,
Skiter just got to me, he sent me this, and he opened up the pictures on the screen, it is confirmed that this is the building Elliot is keeping Gloria and Alice’s parents, but this place is heavily guarded by his thugs, Skiter said they might be about eight to ten of them, there are two entrances to the building,
Four! A voice echoed from the door, we turned, it was Naomi, I know this place, this is where I was first taken to, two of those entrances are in this basement, there was a door in the basement I was locked in, which leads out to the highway, two people will be outside those doors, that’s how I got shot, I didn’t think they will be anyone out there,
I’m sure they will be guards here, here, and here, she said pointing on the screen,
Skiter also told me that he suspects that something big is about to happen, three days ago, this guy was brought in, he goes by the nick name Scorpion, Lucas enlarged a picture of a man with ragged beards, I have done business with him a couple of times, a notorious killer, arm robber, in fact he is a true definition of a criminal, rumours has it that even the police fear him,
So what is he doing with Elliot? Steve asked,
Whatever it is, it’s not good, that’s why we need to get our people out of that place as soon as possible, Lucas added, I was already infuriated, I could feel the goose bumps on my body, I was shivering like the room just suddenly became colder,
Good luck with that if Scorpion is involved, I once saw this guy kill a guy by just snapping his neck, Naomi added,
You know this guy too? Steve asked,
Yeah, she does, a business transaction we did, Lucas retorted,
Are you okay? Jerry asked me, I couldn’t respond, so I just nodded,
So what do we do now? He turned to ask Lucas,
We create a diversion, I snapped at once standing up and walking towards the screen while all of them just kept staring at me, Naomi said there are two doors out of the basements, which I’m sure that’s where they are being held, we create a diversion out here in front which will draw all of them out, while we sneak in through the basement and rescue them.
Okay, but what kind of diversion? Steve asked, it was like he asked for all of them, because they all turned to me expectantly,
I hesitated, I couldn’t believe I would even think that, but we were talking about my parents, I couldn’t imagine what would happen to them,
How about a bomb blast, I finally spoke,
It was as if they were transported out of the room suddenly, there was silence for some seconds, like I said the worst thing in the world, but well it was,
Were you some kind of criminal in your old life? Steve asked,
And I thought I was crazy, Naomi added,
Lucas just stood up and went straight to the bar, I think I need a glass too, Naomi said to Lucas,
Alice, I’m a bit worried about you, I mean what happened in the morning and now this, Jerry whispered to me,
I’m not crazy Jerry, I waited all along to hear the plan, nobody came up with one, I thought of one and you guys now think I’m crazy, okay, let’s say you are not crazy and we decide to go with your plan,
How the fuckkk do we get a bomb? Lucas asked, Lucas, you are not seriously considering what she just said, Are you? Jerry asked,
Oh God! We have more than one crazy person in the house, Steve said draining his glass of whiskey, but I just turned to Lucas,
You are going to call Avery,
What? Who? Lucas and Jerry both asked at the same time,
How do you know about Avery? Lucas asked,
Maybe, I’m just good at snooping around,
Who the fuckkk is Avery? Jerry asked again
Some militant buddy of Lucas, and right now he is about to help us, I said grinning,
And I thought I knew everything that goes on in here; Steve said pouring himself a drink,
If you don’t, be rest assured Lucas, I will find Avery myself and go on as planned, I walked out leaving everyone dazed.

After what seemed like an eternity of throwing questions around among the ladies, the men decided to come in,
What’s going on here man? Connor spoke first,
Calm down everybody! Lucas spoke in a confident and serious voice; we all know why we are here, Evans,
Rosie, do you remember the night Evans was killed? Lucas asked Rosie, his face had assumed that state it was always in each time he was trying to intimidate someone, and I guess Rosie was intimidated from the look on face,
Uh…yes… she was with me, in my place, she finally spat out the words,
Okay Good, Lucas added, now Sarah, do you really believe Alice killed Evans,
What’s this about? Connor interrupted,
Connor, please just let Sarah answer the question, Lucas said,
Uh, no…maybe… I don’t know, what is going on here, All I can remember is that she barged into the house the day before Evans was killed and made some trouble, and that night Evans was shot,
Would that have been a coincidence, I would say she had motive, right now, I’m sitting across the table from her and I don’t even know what to believe, so please someone should just say something.
I wanted to speak, but Lucas raised his hand in a gesture to shut me up,
Fine, I will make it simple, Alice had nothing to do with Evans’ death; she was framed and I will prove that to you, Evans was murdered at about nine thirty P.M that night, that same time Alice was at Rosie’s.
She may not have pulled that trigger, she may have paid someone to do it, we are not stupid, and Lucas why are you defending her, Sarah snapped,
I didn’t do it, I snapped, but Lucas hushed me again,
Evans was killed by his brother, Lucas broke the ice,
What? Rosie, Sarah and Connor exclaimed in unison,
That’s ridiculous, Evans had no brother, and he never mentioned any, Sarah added, her voice trembling,
That’s because he didn’t even know he did, he doesn’t just have a brother, but he had brothers,
Lucas picked up his tab, clicked some keys, some pictures were displayed, he dropped in a way that Rosie, Sarah and Connor could view them clearly, they were pictures of Evans and Sarah, Rosie and I, Evans and I, Lucas, even a picture or two of all the Jamesons, and they were all pictures dating far back as a year or two years ago.
I could see the surprise on their faces, even that of Rosie who had already seen some that afternoon,
You mean someone has been watching my family? Connor asked with a voice that suggested maybe fear and anger,
Yes, and that person killed Evans, he was watching all of us because somehow we are all connected to Evans, he knew us, our every move, he was just waiting for the perfect opportunity, and Alice somehow presented him with that. Lucas continued confidently like he was giving a lecture, he sounded so convincing that he had me believing all over again,
How the hell do you know all this? Rosie found some words at last,
And who is this person because you obviously sound like you him? Connor added,
He is my brother too, we are all brothers, he clicked another button and a picture of Elliot filled up the Screen, he was watching me, not knowing that I was watching him too, Lucas said,
Elliot! Rosie exclaimed, turning to look at me as if to confirm if it’s true, so I nodded,
Rosie, he is not who we thought him to be, I added,
But … Rosie tried to speak, but what? Lucas quickly asked, he has been coming around, when the heat of this whole mess was on, he came around to check on me, he was even telling me that he can’t believe you would do a thing like that,
Jerry Lucas and i exchanged surprise glances,
When was the last time he came around? Jerry finally spoke,
About three weeks ago, he came saying he was worried about you Alice, that if you ever called me or come around, I should let him know,
Oh my God! Sarah exclaimed, is this guy targeting all of us, because I think I have met him somewhere too, I’m trying to remember where,
Shit! He is making contact, this is what I feared, Lucas added,
Is my family in any trouble? Connor asked, obviously scared,
Yes, I remember, he approached me in Evans’ funeral, I didn’t really pay attention, there were a lot of people coming around to pay their condolences, but there was something about him, he said he and Evans were friends, that he wasn’t in the country, he just came in when he heard of the funeral, he assured me that he would do everything in his power to find you, Sarah said, nodding to me, he had this certainty and confidence in his voice, I didn’t even catch his name,
Son of a b..itch! When exactly did he leave me to meet you? I asked,
How do you mean leave you? Sarah asked, I could see the curiosity on Connor and Rosie’s faces, I didn’t know if telling them that I spent time with Elliot would be a bad idea, so I turned to look at Lucas who nodded assuredly,
I have been with Elliot for the past three months or so, when the Police was looking for me; he was the first person I called after I found out I wasn’t just wanted by the police, but someone had sent a group of men after me too, I was confused, I had nowhere to go, I didn’t know who to turn to, so I called him, I didn’t know he was even planning to make contact, I made his job easier by calling him first, he pretended to be protecting me, he gained my confidence and trust all in a guise to point me to Lucas as the person responsible for everything, I believed him until I met Lucas, well things didn’t turn out the way he planned it, I didn’t even know what his plans were, but I ended up finding out the truth.
Oh my God! Oh my God! What is going on? Why is he targeting us? Why is he targeting me? Sarah kept freaking out,
That’s why I called us all here, I want to keep us in the loop, and I want us to all watch out for Elliot, there is a reason why he watched us all, because in one way or the other we are all connected to Evans,
We don’t even know if what you are telling us is true, even if it is, we don’t want any part of it, my sister has been through a lot, besides he can’t even get to us, Connor objected
You think so? This guy is crafty, calculated, I’m sorry to admit it, but he is smart, he has played every one of us in one way or the other, he will find a way to get to us, it may not be today or tomorrow, it may be next year, but he will always find a way, this guy is sick for God sakes, Jerry said in a manner I think must have convinced the Jamesons,
What do we do? Sarah asked,
Sarah! Connor exclaimed as if to urge her not to give in,
Connor please, this guy is dangerous, mum and dad are in this photographs too, are you not scared because I am,
Sarah, we are a powerful family, we can handle this Scumbag, in fact all we need to do is just blink and he goes away, Connor stated with pride in his voice,
Oh sorry, maybe I left some things out of Elliot’s profile, Lucas said sarcastically,
Elliot Jeremy, son of the head of customs, though that part may not matter bebecause if there is anyone that hates him more than I do right now is his father, but the point is he is the step son of Felix Duke,
Minister of Justice? Connor asked,
Yep the very one, Lucas answered in his sarcastic tone, and the mother is a successful businesswoman, you must have heard of Gladys Duke,
The woman that owns Treasure tours? Sarah asked,
You have got it covered then, Lucas teased again, not to mention the big bad wolf himself, Elliot’s maternal grandfather, Chief Wallace Jeremy, a one time assistant inspector general of police, though retired but still very influential. So you can see that Elliot knows what he is doing.
I haven’t really heard anyone tell me of my involvement in this, and what does this Elliot guy want from me? How do I get this guy to stay the hell away from me? Rosie finally spoke after a long time of silence, I felt bad for her, I saw that look on her face that she has each time she is scared or uncertain,
Rosie, there is a reason I approached you and the Jamesons, I knew Elliot would try to get to you all, that’s why I finally called us all here, I want us to work together, Elliot was arrested for murder, but he was released because there was nothing to hold him yet, his family will make sure this case doesn’t see the light of day, that’s why I need you Sarah and Connor,
This morning, I just received a letter of summons, but I know that is pure B.S because they are trying to turn this around, Rosie that’s where you come in,
So what do you say Guys? Lucas looked from the Jamesons to Rosie, Connor and Sarah both exchanged glances,
I will personally love to meet this moth..er..fuc..ker, so I say we are in.
I knew you guys must have gotten the crazy idea that I’m part of whatever this is, but the truth is I’m not; Rosie spoke in the car after a long silence, I’m so scared to even go back to my own home, you don’t have to go, we could stop by your home, pick up whatever you need, then you can come with us, until we are sure you are safe or until we figure out how to really keep you safe, Lucas said,
I can’t run away or hide out, where are we even going to? Rosie was really freaking out, I hadn’t seen her that edgy before,
Jerry pulled in. we made our way through the basement,
Where is this place? She asked again this time her voice was trembling, but I understood her, it must have been the dark basement, I kept wondering what she would do if we get to the lounge, or when we pass through the club, my thoughts were interrupted by the loud music from the club,
Rosie pulled my arms at once, where the hell is this place Alice?
Jerry must have read my expression when she turned to Rosie and said,
Calm down please, I know there are a ton of things you don’t really understand, but just calm down and I promise you, you will soon.
A club? She screamed as we made our way past it and took the elevator straight to the pent house, I was surprise the dinner table was already set, I could see the surprise Rosie had from the elevator, when we stepped into the pent house, it was like her anger had disappeared for a moment, she was awed, I could tell because I was too the first time,
Rosie, welcome to my humble abode, what may I offer you? Lucas sounded sarcastic again, I couldn’t tell why he was in that mood that night, but something kept hinting that he was on to me,
What? Is this your place? How?
You told me you work for a consulting firm, Rosie stammered as she let the words out,
I chuckled, quite ironic! I said, at least it was the first time I had a chance to get back at Lucas that night,
What really is going on here?
Rosie, I’m sure by now Elliot must have figured out I have gotten to you, you are not really safe on your own anymore, stay here, until I can handle this,
Why should I trust you, I can’t help you with Elliot, as far as I’m concerned, I have no business here, I’m not even sure where I am, I have a life okay, I work, I’m a responsible person, I can’t live my life out in a club or wherever fancy place this is, and ultimately I don’t want to live a criminal life or die or lose my parents or any of my family member for that matter, I can’t be caught up in the web of whatever this is and finally I want to GO HOME, Rosie went on whining, I was boiling with anger, I was hurt, the Rosie I know would have trusted me, stood up for me, she would have at least have the courtesy of asking how I survived after she handed me over to the police, she would have had my back, I tried to suppress the anger, I tried to understand her, I tried to put myself in her shoes, so I decided to speak,
Rosie, we said we needed your help because we need a lawyer, I bloated the word out without thinking, I could see the surprise in Jerry and Lucas’ faces, but I had to say something to try and convince Rosie to stay,
You got to be kidding me, Alice, are you crazy or what? You want me to defend you in court?
Is this some sick joke or what? Look, I had a good life, until you showed up this afternoon, I don’t even know what to believe, and do you know I was scrutinized by the police for a whole month because they thought I was an accomplice in a murder case, it almost wrecked my career, I know you are my friend, but the last month has changed a whole lot of things about me, I have learnt to see things differently so listen…
No, you listen to me Rosie; I have really tried to understand you…
Alice, Lucas interrupted,
No, you hold it there, I will deal with you later, I snapped at him, and then turned back to Rosie; you think I asked for this? You think I wanted to be caught up in this?
I had a normal life until six months ago, damn, I already had a picture of the life I wanted in my head; first I found out that the man I was in love with left me for another woman, still trying to process that, I heard he was murdered, and then next thing I was hunted down by the police, in the last few months I have seen myself fighting for my life, kidnapped, held at gun point, trusted the one person that has been responsible for my misfortunes,
And Rosie did you know that my parents had been kidnapped and are probably been tortured, and right now standing before me is who I thought to be my best friend telling me about how perfect her life is, and how it is about to be ruined by my misfortunes, so Rosie you want to tell me how your life has changed in a hundred ways, I can assure you mine has in a million ways and most of it are not good ways,
What happened to you? What happened to trust and friendship, we used to have each other’s backs, and we used to stand up for each other,
okay, you are trying to tell me how I ruined your life, I could also say that for you, because part of what I’m going through is because of fighting for you, with that, I stood up angrily, walked to Lucas’s laptop on the table, clicked on a few folders, Kelvin’s pictures came up, I swiped the laptop to Rosie’s position so she could see well,
You remember him Rosie?
He works for Elliot, do you think he did choose me because he likes my face, no he did to get back at me for having helped you, something you are not even grateful for, so it’s either you trust me and help or you get the hell out, and I mean forever.
I couldn’t believe I said all that, I didn’t even realize I was raising my voice until I saw all three of them stare at me in disbelief, I could feel my pulse racing,
Jerry tried to talk to me, but I interrupted almost immediately,
And you speaking of friendship, I thought you were my friend, you knew all about Lucas’ plans and you never told me, don’t speak to me right now, I walked out on them heading to my apartment.
An hour later, I heard a knock on the door, it must be Lucas, I thought, the door wasn’t locked so the person pushed open, it was Rosie,
What are you doing here? I thought you would be home by now, I said not really
looking in her direction,
I just came by to say I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have judged you, I wasn’t sensitive at all, I guess I was just overwhelmed by this whole situation, the truth is that I’m scared, and I don’t know what to do, so I might have freaked out a bit,
More like a lot, I said,
I’m sorry, she said again looking really sincere, I hadn’t seen that in a while,
I’m sorry too Rosie, you are right, it’s because of me you are caught up in this, but we will come out of this together and strong okay?
I have missed you; I brought you a gift, not really a gift though, because it was yours,
She brought out my phone from her handbag,
Oh my God! Rosie! Thank you, I need to call my sister, I have been so worried about her, but she smiled,
Why are you smiling? I asked, curious,
Rita and Uncle Andy are fine; I think Lucas didn’t just get close to me to protect me,
What are you talking about? I asked again,
Rita and Uncle Andy are in one of Lucas’ family houses out of town,
What? I asked in a surprise tone, he told you this? How come I didn’t know about this?
I need to go talk to Lucas right now.

where the pioneer followers of this thread, Ka52y, biddieluv,Tha Ruthlxx, murphymakum, drtwist and the rest...?

Felinize:
Crixina thanks a lot you re d best

thanks.

almadebe:
Really lovely story. Still I read. More ideas to ur brain crixina dear.

thanks.

mariamferanmi:
Tanx crixina 4 d update!!!! Don't knw wat to say again, pls keep it up u are rili talented!!! I envy ur brain.

thanks dear, i'm sure you have something i would envy too.

Okay Alice, relax, calm down! What are even saying, Jerry asked as Lucas kept grinning as if I was going crazy, so where are you going to?
I know what Elliot is trying to do, he wants to play dirty and clean at the same time, it’s about time, I did the same, and if you know what is good for you, you will wipe that grin off your face, and get all your friends who have been in contact or known about Elliot in, starting with Naomi, I said walking towards Lucas, and with one swift, I dragged out the pistol from the back of his jacket, I know you guys are not okay with my going out, so you will try to follow me, but let Jerry do that instead of Max, I added as I ran off to my apartment, changed into my a jean and Tee shirt with my favourite black boots, I took out a backpack from the wardrobe, tucked the gun in, Lucas had earlier returned my tab, I took that too and a few other items and ran off through the basement.
The air outside felt different, I hadn’t been out much on my own since this whole thing began, the last time I went out was to see Mr. Edgar which didn’t count because that happened in the night, and Lucas still found a way to follow me, I had been spending the last few months of my life with criminals, so finding and tailing someone was one of the skills I picked up, I looked at the recent gold Christian Dior watch on my wrist I found in the my wardrobe last week, it was already eleven P.M, though I confronted Lucas about the watch, he said it was something he does for the girls who work with him sometimes, but I knew that was a lie, when I kept asking why, he feigned the excuse that I had been through a lot in the last few weeks, he wanted to do something nice for me, but he had no idea how to, so Adeline suggested the watch, I couldn’t argue any further, because the watch was damn beautiful. I slid my sunglasses on, stopped a cab and headed for Tasties.
Tasties was a fast food restaurant opposite Paul Dylan LLP, the law firm my best friend Rosie works, well, it was almost twelve P.M, and I knew she would be coming in for lunch at about anytime from that moment, so I bought a bottle of water and went to the secluded part of the fast food restaurant, one thing I always admired about my country was that the crime dies down with the media heat, so it was easy to walk past people, though I still felt like some eyes were poking, they were actually the least of my problems, I was more worried about Elliot sending someone to blow my brains out on the street, I kept staring around to make sure I wasn’t being watched.
Some minutes later, Rosie walked in; I hadn’t seen that face in ages. When I saw her, tiny drops of tears circled around my eyes, she looked so beautiful in her outfit, she looked healthy and happy, for a second there, I was about to change my mind and walk away, but that wasn’t the time to, so I boldly walked up to her, she was already talking to the attendant,
Well, well, long time no see, I whispered into her eyes, she turned and for a second, I didn’t think she did recognize me, but when she looked closely through the sunglasses, her mouth dropped wide open, I could see the surprise in her eyes, then she slowly carried her lunch walking away,
Rosie Wait! I said walking up to her,
What are you doing here? She asked with a tone of resentment,
Are you mad at me right now, because I’m thinking it should be the other way round, you gave me up, I said raising my voice a bit,
You think I had a choice, I didn’t know what to believe, I don’t still know what to believe, I came to see you after you were arrested, I heard some guys broke you out of police custody, and you disappeared for months, no one has heard from you since, I don’t think I should even be talking to you right now.
You really think I did all that? I asked impatiently,
Like I said, I didn’t know what to believe, you remember Kelvin, I know what you did to get him off my back, yeah, Kelvin was a jerk, but I couldn’t believe you could do that either which got me thinking what else you are capable of, I mean you may not have done it, but I’m sure you had friends who helped you.
I chuckled, you obviously don’t know the half of it, Life isn’t that simple as you think, anyway I don’t have time right now, if you really want to know the truth, wait for me at city plaza by seven P.M, I will meet you there,
And why would I do that? She asked with contempt, I took off my sunglasses and looked her in the eye, she was a little bit scared, I held her hands, Rosie look at me, I’m innocent, I promise, this thing is far more complicated than you could ever imagine, I will tell you everything when we meet. I said convincingly, but she withdrew her hands from mine which meant she still doubted me,
Listen to me, you better be there by seven, and you better not come with the police or anyone, I said in a threatening tone,
Are you threatening me? She asked,
Rosie, it shouldn’t be me you should be worried about, you should be worried about these people, I took out pictures that Elliot or Lucas might have taken of us, spreading them on the table before her, honey, these pictures were not taken yesterday nor were they taken last week or even six months ago, they were taken a lot longer than that, so, I’m hoping you will put one and one together,
I could see the fear in her eyes spread through her body, as she picked up each picture, looking at it intently,
I stood up, Seven P.M, city plaza, and alone, I bent down kissing her lightly on the cheek, you look amazing by the way, I whispered as I walked out of Tasties leaving Rosie staring like she just saw a ghost.
When I stepped out of Tasties, Jerry was there with Lucas’ SUV,
I told you not to come, I said as I slid into the front seat, but he just smiled
Where are we going?
To Pristine Medical centre,
What are we doing…wait a minute, Sarah Jameson, I mean how…
Jerry watch the road, I interrupted,
Does Lucas know about this? I mean how are the Jamesons involved in this, he screeched to a stop, Alice, you are taking a risk, what’s your plan?
Jerry, Lucas doesn’t need to know everything, I won’t idly sit while some sick evil bastard kills my parents, I have been with Elliot, you have too, by now, you should know how he makes his move, but it’s obvious you don’t, he is not going to make it that easy on us, that’s why I’m going to get help,
What help Alice? Did you even think this through, because it sounded like you just cooked up this plan immediately you found out about Kelvin, your friend Rosie, do you know you are putting her life at risk, if you were being followed, that means Elliot now knows that you are trying to get Rosie involved so he might try to hurt her,
Listen to me Jerry, that’s why you need to drop me off and go back to protect Rosie for me at least until I get her to listen to me, Elliot is going a long way for this, Kelvin? I don’t know if this going to work, but I need to do this,
I need to call Lucas, Jerry said,
Well you may but not until I’m at pristine medical centre, please I beg of you, go back to Rosie please,
What about you? He asked concerned, I will take care of myself.
I stood outside pristine medical centre, classic private hospital, off course, what did I expect? It is owned by one of the richest family in this country, even the security at the gate was an eye opener to what the inside would be like, and I knew that getting in there alone was a risk, so i made a call ahead of time.
Sam was waiting for me by the gate, he quickly threw his arms around me when he saw me, Sam I’m so glad to see you but we don’t have much time, just make the call,
Sam called, but the phone rang the first time without response, Alice, you do know she is a very busy person,
I know, just try again,
Sam, how are you doing? I’m so sorry, I’m busy right now, I just came out of surgery right now, and I have another in two hours, I signaled to Sam to tell her that it will only take a while,
Sarah, I know, this will only take a while, it’s about Evans, Sam said, I could hear the pause on the phone,
Okay, where are you? She asked,
I’m at the gate, why don’t you come in; I will meet you in my office, No, Sarah, I can’t, security might not let me in, especially with the surprise I came with,
Can you please come down? Sam requested stammering
What’s this about Sam? She queried skeptically, Sarah please I know it’s weird, but please just trust me. She ended the call.
Maybe she isn’t coming, Sam said,
Or maybe she might be coming with security, Shit! I exclaimed, let’s shift away from here,
We walked into another building few meters from the hospital gate, I watched closely, few minutes later, she walked out alone, I looked around to make we weren’t both being watched, then I crossed over to her,
When I got close to her, she looked like she saw a ghost, that was the second time I was getting that look that day,
Hi, my name is Alice Daniel, I said, taking off my sunglasses,
She took her phone from her pocket showing it to me, I pressed just one number on my keypad here and the entire security force in this building is on you,
What the hell do you want? She said,
Sarah Jameson, I’m not here to cause any trouble, I’m just here to tell you who killed Evans, I need your help,
Do you think I’m stupid, how dare you come here to lie to my face, she asked with her voice trembling like she was trying to hold back the tears building up,
I don’t expect you to believe me, I didn’t even hear Sam walk up behind me,
Sarah, she is right, she was framed, Sam said in a soft tone, Sam how could you even believe her?
What are you doing with her?
The person responsible was arrested about a week ago, Sam said,
What? She seemed surprised,
Why did I not know this? Who is the person?
I promise I will tell you everything if you can meet me by seven P.M later today by city plaza, it’s a long story, but you might want to hear it,
You expect me to trust you? She asked,
No, Sarah, I expect you to trust yourself, it’s entirely up to you, besides if you don’t show up, that means I can’t help you too then,
What is that suppose to mean? She asked,
See you by seven P.M, Sarah Jameson, I got to go Sam, I will see you later, I ran off calling the next available cab as Sam walked Sarah back through the gate.
My next stop was the chemistry department of my university, I knocked at professor Anthony’s door and entered, she didn’t even lift up her head to look at me, classic lecturer technique, I was sure she hadn’t still recovered from her son’s death, she was pale, Sam told me what she is going through,
Ma, I need to talk to you, I finally said,
About what? She asked without still lifting her face up,
Ma, I’m Alice Daniel, she was spooked, she lifted her face up and looked at me for like few seconds, then she got up, walking slowly towards me,
Ma, it’s about Evans, but before I could say any other word, she hit me across the face, my son was killed because of you, she said amidst tears, I held my face as the stink sunk,
No, Ma, you are wrong, he was killed by his brother, she sank back into the chair crying, I know, I know, it was my fault, I should have told him the truth, I should have protected him from my mistake, it’s my fault, she broke into a loud cry,
That was when I realized she struck me because she was in pain, she blamed herself for Evans’ death. I walked to her side holding her and comforting her while tears also went down my cheeks,
Michael told me everything, he also feels I’m in danger, so he wants me to leave town, she said wiping the tears,

Ma, he is right, it’s too risky, Elliot might come after you, he is a sick person, I said,
No, I’m not running, this man took away my son, I’m not going to let him run my life, if he wants to take mine too, he can’t come do it.
But Ma, Just when I was about to persuade her more, a student knocked and came in,
We are ready for you Professor,

Dear, I have to go; I have a class to teach, she said gathering her things as she we both walked out of her office, I hugged her and promised to see her again soon as I stepped out of the department, Jerry was there waiting,
I told you to watch over my friend, I said authoritatively,
Rosie is fine, we need to go.
Lucas was already at the basement entrance waiting, I came of the car, from his face, I could tell I was in trouble,
Don’t even start please, I said as I walked past him,
Alice! Wait up, you don’t pull a stunt like that and expect me not to ask questions, you just bolted out of this place without telling anyone of your plans, I thought few weeks ago, you asked me to trust you, and I have been honest with you, what was today all about? Do you know you didn’t just risk your life; you risked all of our lives, including those you went to see?
Alice, I’m talking to you, you can’t just ignore me, and he held my arms,
Lucas, where is that fire you had in you when I first came in here, remember how you threatened to kill me a couple of times, why have you suddenly gone soft, Are you being sentimental because he is your brother?
Oh! Alice, don’t be ridiculous, he snapped, I’m being careful,
Careful? Tell me your plans Lucas, Elliot is five steps ahead of us, and you are still being careful, look, if you are not ready to get your cousin back, I will definitely get my parents back with or without your help whatever it takes, if you will excuse me, I have a meeting by seven, I shoved him aside heading up to my apartment.
By six thirty, I had freshen up, changed into a short black gown, but still wearing the same boots I wore earlier, Lucas, Steve, Jerry were in the Lucas’s private lounge, I was surprised to see Naomi,
Where the hell had she been? I thought, but that wasn’t my business, as I stepped in, everyone went quiet, I could see that look in their eyes, I felt myself blushing, Lucas dropped his glass, walked up to me in a way that he was so close I could feel his cologne on me, I shifted an inch back,
I’m coming with you, he whispered, Jerry is too, it’s either that way or you are not leaving this building, I saw already that I couldn’t win that particular time, so I yielded, I climbed into the back of the SUV, and in less than twenty minutes we were in city plaza, we waited in the car for about fifteen minutes neither of the party showed up, just when I was about getting frustrated, Lucas asked me to get down, I didn’t know why until we walked a bit from the car, I could see Rosie sitting on concrete that served as chairs in the plaza, she looked even more beautiful in the night light, she was wearing a short gown too, and a flat sandal, I saw Lucas dial a number, at the same time Rosie looked into her phone, then turned, as she walked up to us, I could see the surprise on her face, I was surprised too,
You! She pointed to Lucas, what’s going on here?
Lucas, do you know Alice? Rosie asked,

You two have met before? I asked, just when we were still trying to figure out what’s going on, another SUV pulled up, I saw Sarah step out, but she was with someone, they walked towards our direction,
Hi, Connor, Lucas said shaking hands with Sarah’s company
Hi, Sarah, he hugged Sarah, kissing her on the cheeks,
Alice, this is Sarah and Connor Jameson, and this is Rosie, Alice’s friend, he made the introductions, grinning and winking at me mischievously, we were all confused,
I guess we should head to Bells, or Connor do you have some other place in mind? Lucas asked,
I think Bells is okay, he replied,
We will be right behind you, Rosie will join us, Lucas said, holding Rosie by the hand,
Lucas, what’s going on? Rosie asked, but Lucas kept smiling mischievously at me, when we all got into the SUV, Jerry and Lucas both gave stared at me and laughed, I knew I had been played.
We turned into a certain place called Bells, off course, it was classy, anywhere Lucas or the Jamesons choose to go would be classy, before I could say Jack, a table for Six was set, Lucas ordered some expensive wine,
Okay, now that we are all seated, can someone please tell me what the hell is going on here, I snapped,
Yes, I would really love to know, Rosie added,

You asked me to meet you here by seven, maybe you should be the one telling us, Sarah snapped,
She asked you too, Rosie turned to Sarah, and did you ask her to meet you by seven?
Rosie turned to me again, what the hell is going on here?
Yes, maybe Alice should enlighten us; Lucas finally spoke still having that mischievous smile on his face,
I had a feeling it was going to be a long night.

I told you, I packed everything out; I can’t risk it now,
Everything? No one has access to it not even Max, peter…
No, no one, especially not now that we have a mole, he replied with certainty,
Then how is Naya getting her supply?
Naya is getting Mescaline? He asked surprised, and there is no security footage of who is supplying and obviously she is the only one getting it, it’s about time I talked to that b..Itch,
No, I got this Lucas, I told you.
By the time I got down again to the club, Naya was already three sixty degrees on the pool, She had a great body, so stripping did look good on her, she was so wonderful there that for a moment I wondered if I could be that flexible, but then again if I was on mescaline, I’m sure I would have been, when she finally made it down, she went straight to the bar which I followed her, I’m sure Lucas and the rest were watching because I knew they were all in the technical room,
Hey Naya! Nice one there, you know I haven’t actually seen you do that before, I teased,
Thanks Alex, she said, obviously high, it’s Alice, can I talk to you for a moment please, and we walked to the bathroom,
Amira told me about the supply, how there is really none going around, but you obviously have some, I want to know how you are getting yours,
What the hell are you talking about? She chuckled and staggered, I don’t know what you mean, if you will excuse me, I have work to do, she tried to walk away, but I dragged her back,
Naya, I know you are the mole, you have been erasing security footages from the server in the technical room courtesy of the access you have through Trevor, I also know that you are giving out information about this whole place to someone,
So what will you do, asks Lucas to kill me like he killed Whiskey? She said through clenched teeth, if anything happens to me, my friends on the outside will make sure this place burns to the ground, she said walking away, and she barely made it out the door when Max and one of Lucas’s guys dragged her away.
Lucas, you can’t lock her up in a cell, when her friends don’t hear from her, there is no telling what they will do,
Your job is done Alice, I can take it from here, Lucas said angrily,
No, because you are putting my parents’ lives in danger, you are putting Gloria’s life in danger too,
Yeah, Alice is right, Jerry added,
What will you have me do then? Lucas asked
Let me talk to her, I said convincingly
Fine if by tomorrow morning, she doesn’t talk, that b..itch will … Lucas said walking out angrily.
I opened up the cell, I stood there staring at her, reflecting on the moments I was also in her position, helpless in this cell,
Did Lucas send you to torture it out of me, she chuckled, when you first came in here, I thought you were different, how could you even be with someone like Lucas, what is it?
Money? Or you just love with bad guys, do they turn you on? I thought you were smart; obviously you are dumb like the rest of them,
No, Naya, you are the dumb one because you don’t even know what you are doing, you don’t know who the people you are risking your life for are, I know what I’m doing, and do you know why I came here in the first place?
I came here because of my parents, my family, so whatever I’m doing, the risks I’m taking, I’m doing it all for my family, so you would understand if I do something rash,
Lucas must really be stupi.d , in fact all of you are, to think that everyone here is as stup.id as you all are, when I heard you guys were looking for the mole, I knew sooner or later I will be found so i told my friends and they arranged a bit of an insurance in case you tried anything funny, so killing or hurting me will only end up exposing you guys for what you really are, heartless criminals
So kill me, kill me she screamed,
So what is the insurance he said he had put in place, did he ask you to trust him like he ask me to, did he tell you, he was going to protect you like he told me, I asked moving towards her,
Who are you talking about? She asked,
Did Elliot lie to him like he lied to me, I asked screaming,
Who the hell is Elliot? She asked, but the anger in me had already reached the surface as I got close to her, held her by the hair, now listen to me Missy, I twisted the hair while she screamed,
Elliot has my parents, and I swear if anything happens to them, I will burn you alive, so you better start talking now, but before I knew it Jerry rushed in dragging me out, that’s when I realized it had gone too far,
So much for let me talk to her, Lucas said in a mocking tone.
The next morning, I still insisted on talking to her,
Have you come to strangle me again, she asked, but I ignored her, opening the cell door wide,
No, Naya, I have come to make you an offer, two offers actually,
The first is tell me everything I need to know and I will let you walk out of this cell, talk Lucas into letting this go,
I’m waiting to hear the second offer, she said mockingly, but I walked towards her slowly, then I bent before her,
Or I take a drive to Fifth Avenue, what’s her name,
Blessing? She is pregnant right? About five or six months right?
You will stay the hell away from my sister b..itch, she snapped, getting up, I pushed her down,
Oh! so you do care about your family, or doesn’t that insurance include your family? If you are willing to do everything to protect your sister and her family, you will understand how far I will go to find my parents,
So tell me where the fu..ck Elliot is keeping my parents?
I don’t know anything about your parents; I don’t even know anything about an Elliot, I have been spying on everything here and reporting to a guy who pays me a whole lot of money, all I needed to do was give out somes information, erase our meetings from the footage, while he pays me money in return,
What’s this guy’s name? I asked,
I don’t fucki..ng know, she snapped,
You are lying!
I said I don’t know, he just comes and goes like every other person,
Where do you guys meet?
In my apartment mostly,
Just then Steve appears at the door, come on, we found something,
I think she is telling the truth, Elliot might not have risked coming here, I think it’s someone else, I said as we all gathered in the pent house,
I managed to pull some of the footages, the images are distorted, so I couldn’t really get the face, this was all I could get, Steve said pulling up an image on the screen,
I don’t think that is Elliot, I said, we all agreed it wasn’t Elliot,
Skiter said he got something, Lucas spoke,
What? Skiter was working for you too, I asked,
Not really, he was working for Elliot, but Elliot gave him up for a reason, he thought I will be ruthless enough to kill him, he wanted Skiter dead and he thought I would help him do his dirty job, after I made Skiter understand that, he was willing to spy on Elliot for me,
How can you trust him? I don’t because I had someone spy on him, and so far he’s been doing a great job, so I understand what you did there with Naya, I understand the power of persuasion,
Skiter said ever since Elliot was released, he moved to their mansion in hilltop estate, they doubled up security, though some friends are allowed in so he couldn’t really figure out which of them might be working with Elliot, but there was a particular guy that came in more than three times in the last week, he wasn’t so certain until this guy was allowed in by Ten P.M last night, that would have been the second time he came around yesterday,
He just sent this picture; he enlarged it on the screen,
Holy shit! I screamed,
Jerry, Lucas and Steve all asked in unison what?
Kelvin! I spat out the name,
You know him? Jerry asked,
Yes, I do, Elliot is really one twisted guy, I said as the anger resurfaced, get Naya up here.
Naya identified Kelvin as the guy she has been meeting.
How the fu..ck do you know all the criminals in the world? Steve teased, he was dating my best friend, after I told them of my encounter with Kelvin, they all stared at me in surprise.
You broke into a guy’s house and blackmailed him with hard drugs, and I thought I am the devil, Lucas said smirking, obviously Elliot must have known about it,
Or I might have told him, I added,
Guys, I need to take this call, it’s from Gloria’s mum, Lucas said leaving with his phone, well, we were trying to upgrade our systems and make it un-hack able especially now that we have found our mole, and I hope we can muster a little trust now, Steve said winking at me with a smile which I returned back as he walked out.
How are you feeling? Jerry asked,
I don’t know what to say,
Alice, you are really a strong woman, I have never met a woman so courageous and brave like you, with all that has happened, you are still this tough, even after finding out about Elliot, you are one hell of a person, your family is so lucky to have you, a child that will fight to the death for them, I admire that,
I blushed, because I hadn’t heard those nice things in a while,
Thank you Jerry, no, I’m serious, I mean a daughter that will risk all, a friend that will go that far to blackmail a guy to save her best friend, you are one tough cookie,
That doesn’t count, I was crazy back in school, we both laughed, but the big question is how you guys did it, put up a good face for months with Elliot, I asked,
It wasn’t about Elliot Alice, it was about you, we were all there to protect you, he said, I felt that blush come back again,
What did he do to you guys?

Not me directly, it was Steve, about three years ago, Steve wrote this algorithm for a telecommunications company, it was big, I’m talking millions of Naira, it could have launched him to a new level, but some days before he was to meet with the telecom guys, robbers broke into Steve’s family home stealing everything, in the process Steve’s dad was shot in the leg, they made it look like it wasn’t about the algorithm but we knew better, what we didn’t know was who did it, a year later the program was launched by the telecom company, Steve wanted to sue them, but that would have meant a whole lot of money, it was only when Lucas came along that he introduced us to an insider who told us who sold the algorithm to the company, Steve cannot still recover from it, that was Steve,
For me, I have never really liked Elliot, so when Steve told me about Lucas, I gladly accepted the chance.
I stood up walked to the bar, pouring us two glasses of scotch, here is to bringing Elliot down, I raised my glass,
I will drink to that, Jerry raised his too.
What do we do now? I asked as we all sat on the breakfast table,
We wait for Skiter to get back to us, he said he has been following Kelvin for a while now, but he has no leads to a location yet, besides Naya decided to help,
She is what now? A double agent, I asked as we all laughed,
She felt bad for you after we told her everything, well not everything, just what she needed to hear, has you guys talked since then? Jerry asked,

I don’t think I want to talk to her yet, I snapped
I didn’t trust her remorse, so I tapped her phone and kept close surveillance on her so if she contacts or anyone contacts her, we will know, Steve added,
Yeah, that’s my guy, I teased, in the last two days, the tension on our necks had been reduced, I had never seen Lucas relax in the company of anybody the way he did with Jerry and Steve, they talked and laughed, I could really see the man behind the façade, though sometimes he tried not to get carried away by still keeping his distance and tough looks, but I knew better,
We were still having breakfast and teasing each other when Adeline appeared, she always did look good especially with the official look, her tight skirt, with a beautiful shirt and perfect heels to go with it, I wasn’t still sure what her job description was,
Lucas, I’m sorry to bother you, but this came in for you, she opened a file bringing out a letter,
Adeline, couldn’t this have waited, I’m having breakfast for God sakes, Lucas said,
Well, I think you might want to read it now, Adeline insisted,
Lucas quickly ran through it, then chuckled,

What is it? I asked, he just passed the letter to me, it was a court summons.
Oh my God! He is suing you for kidnapping, murder, defamation of…you are to appear before the court on the 22th of November 2014, that’s about a month or two from now,
That should give me enough time to be ready, Lucas said
Oh my God! I exclaimed,
What again? Lucas asked, Elliot is suing just you to court, this says nothing about me,
So, did you want him to sue you too? Steve asked in a sarcastic tone,
No, he isn’t involving me because he intends to take care of me before then, because he knows I might testify against him, I got to go, I said getting up in a hurry,
Where are you going to? They all asked at once, do you really think Lucas is stupid enough to leave evidence for you to find, my parents, Gloria, me, you, Naya, anyone that can link Elliot to all of this , he will try to kill us all,

Lucas stop freaking out, pacing and getting agitated won’t help, when you act like this you can’t think and when you can’t think, you can’t help me, I said sounding a little selfish two days later as Lucas paced in his private lounge,
You think I don’t know that, this is the third call I’m getting from my aunt today,
But what happened all these months, why wasn’t she worried when she didn’t hear from Gloria?
Elliot’s twisted version was that she was on the outs with her folk, I asked,
Unfortunately he was right, okay, now I get it; the best lies are always the ones closest to the truth, I quoted him smiling, he gave me a soft smile too which didn’t last,
It’s true, Gloria left home, about seven months ago, after she came back from the university of Sussex with nothing except a growing drug habit, when she got here, it got worse, my aunt and her father were really mad, so they reacted as parents, she left the house to come be with me,
Uh! Uh! Isn’t that like a fish being taken from a pond to a river, or how do they say it now, from frying pan to fire, I said interrupting and teasing Lucas,
What do you take me for? I’m not that bad, besides I wouldn’t do that to my cousin or my aunt, that’s the closest to family have got, he felt a little bit relaxed as he sat down gulping the water he left on the table,
In those few months with me, I saw my cousin change, somehow I ran a personal rehab for her, it worked, I saw her drug problems gone, I didn’t even know she was always snooping around, putting pieces together until she confronted me about Elliot, she already knew a lot, she offered to go in with Jerry and Steve, but I couldn’t let that happen, but she was too stubborn, after what she did to Peter one of those days when I asked no one to allow her out of her apartment, I knew she could take care of herself, I guess she had been learning all that stuff in England rather than studying, besides I had Jerry and Steve keeping their eyes on her, I feared something like this might happen.
I chuckled,
What? Lucas asked
Gloria, Jerry and Steve, they were all so good at what they did, there was this weird vibe about them, one minute they act so close, the next they are just this different people.
Where are you going? I asked as Lucas stood up walking briskly out of his private lounge,
To the technical room, I need to go over those footages again; there must be something in there about Elliot’s Bleep…ing mole we skipped, that’s the only lead we have for now,
Lucas, Trevor and his people have gone over those stuff, besides there are thousands of them,
Exactly, that’s why we must have missed something, besides an expert will do the job better,
What do you mean?
Steve and Jerry are on their way, he said still moving ahead of me,
Lucas, this is no time to look at obvious places, you won’t find answers there, think outside the box, Elliot and his mole must have taken the security cameras into consideration, fine, it’s a good thing Steve is coming around, he might help, but we have to have alternatives, I told you I have a plan,
Isn’t it about time you said it, he snapped, Lucas was obviously agitated, I knew he cared about his cousin, listen, remember my parents are in this too, so I understand how you feel,
How about Naomi?
What? Lucas asked like he wouldn’t think Naomi could do it, no, she isn’t the one, he replied,
Why, we are talking about a mole, so it wouldn’t be one of the cleaners or the cook, we are talking your closest people here, if you really want to find out the truth, you have to start from the likes of Max, Naomi, Adeline, Amira…
Stop! Stop! I would have known long time ago if any of these people were involved,
Would you? I asked, if there’s anything I have learnt from Elliot, it is that you don’t know sometimes know people even the ones you think you do, if you have doubts about this, let me handle it, every single person that has access to you must be involved in this and when I mean every single person, that includes Jerry and Steve.
What? He asked in surprise, but I just looked at him, nodded and took my leave.
We soon got everyone into Lucas’ private lounge, one at time, we spent two days doing that so they won’t be any suspicions, some people actually met Lucas, others just went into an empty lounge after about some minutes of waiting, Lucas will call them that he left the lounge, that he is somewhere else,
The logic was simple, we placed Elliot’s photograph on the table, and the mole will definitely react to Elliot’s photograph which there after we will follow up to see who puts out a call to Elliot or any strange number, so far no one reacted, at least no one knew what we were up to, Trevor was also on the list so he wasn’t manning the security systems, Lucas and I were,
This is crazy, Lucas exclaimed as Naomi walked into the lounge,
It’s crazy now because Naomi is in there, I asked,
No, it’s crazy because these guys are all clean; I run a check myself on them,
Okay tell me, how did Elliot kidnap Naomi? I asked,
Does it matter, he snapped, yes it does for two reasons, I snapped back, first I want to know you are not just sentimental, second reason is that I want to decide what to do to her if I ever find out she knows where my parents are, I threw the words angrily at Lucas,
Naomi was good at what she did, she came in here just like Amira and the rest, but she was good, she knew how to deal especially in the drug business, we were on one of those deals, we were suppose to meet these guys on sea to give them the supply, but they had a plan to double cross us, I went with just Max and Naomi on my cruise, things went bad, she took a bullet for me, Alice she almost died, when we got back, she was bleeding seriously, and like with what was her last breath, she told me she was in love with me, that she loved me from the moment she saw me, but I didn’t feel that way about her, but the smart thing to do would have been to say I loved her too, even if it would have been a lie, but I freaked out and just bluntly told her I don’t feel that way about her, I almost lost her,
So when she finally recovered, she asked us to talk about it, but I turned her down again, like a typical woman, she started flirting with men, clients to make me jealous, but I wasn’t, then she started skipping work, when I confronted her, she told me she is seeing someone and she might leave, that someone was Elliot, somehow Elliot connected her to me, before I could do something about it, Elliot had her kidnapped and tortured her for information, that was about the time you were kidnapped too, that’s why that lady told you her name was Naomi, it was to further paint me bad, because Elliot knew somehow you would find out about Naomi, the point is even with all the torture she didn’t give me out,
How do you know she didn’t, how do you know Elliot didn’t somehow get to her, how do you know she wouldn’t even help Elliot to spite you,
Alice, you just have to trust me on this one, besides since she came back, I have kept her out of the loop, just in case Elliot did get to her. When we turned to stare back into the screen Naomi was shredding Elliot’s photograph angrily, I guess we will have to find another photograph, Lucas said,
Fine, I will back off, but if I find out that she is dirty, I will kill her, so now it’s just Jerry and Steve, I said
Good luck with that, Lucas said with sarcasm in his voice.
It was Amira’s turn, she didn’t even look at the photograph, when she noticed Lucas wasn’t in the lounge, she headed for the bar, took out one of Lucas’ favorite scotch and gulped it down,
Bit…ch, she’s always craving that scotch, Lucas said as we both laughed.
What about Steve and Jerry, you do know they are going to react differently, they have seen Elliot before or you didn’t consider that when you cooked up this little plan of yours, it sucks okay, Lucas said, he was right, but we still have to try, they may still react differently,
Is that why you have been avoiding them ever since they got here, Lucas asked, obviously he did notice I was avoiding them,
Lucas, you will forgive me if I’m not so big on trust right now.
Dude! I’m in the lounge, where are you? Jerry asked as he stood staring intently at Elliot’s photograph,
Errrm.. Sorry, I will meet you there right away, Lucas stammered, and then he turned to me, so what now? Steve reacted same way too, so we ended up with nothing, Naya, Vee and the rest were loose ends too.
Jerry, Lucas and I were in the penthouse when Steve bolted in,
So what now, after the little show you two put up there, he said pointing to Lucas and I,
How do you mean? Lucas asked, you think I don’t know what you guys have been up to, witch-hunting? Or should I say mole hunting? I can’t believe you guys would think that I am a mole,
Jerry chuckled, you guys knew? I asked,
It was Alice’s idea, Lucas quickly added, off course it was, she stayed with the bad guy for months and she never figured it out, suddenly her perceptive skills are incredible,
Oh yeah Steve, maybe I’m a little careful because I don’t want to make the same mistake again, I’m sorry if I don’t really trust anyone right now, I snapped,
I’m not asking for your trust girl, I’m just asking you not to point fingers when you aren’t sure, for God sakes, I upgraded most of the systems used in here, and there are airtight, so I was the mole, you wouldn’t even come close to finding out, because it would have been airtight like my work, he snapped back, that was typical Steve, always seizing every opportunity to brag.
You guys are Elliot’s Bleep..ing friends, how do I know this isn’t part of Elliot’s big plan, after all everyone is been lying to me around here,
You don’t, Steve snapped again,
Hey! Hey! Hey! Guys! Calm down, it’s okay, I understand everyone is tensed up right now, but we have to be focused, and this is not how to go about it okay, Alice, I know you are skeptical, but you are not the only one that has a personal vendetta against Elliot, we are all here to work together,
Yeah Steve and Jerry are Elliot’s friends, but I brought them in for a reason, Lucas finally spoke, so I say we all stop this melodrama and work together, yeah right, because if you guys weren’t busy witch-hunting, you would notice that someone has been deleting security footages, Steve said,
Trevor? Lucas exclaimed, I’m not sure, because if he was the one, he would have tried to cover it up, but when I pointed it out, he seemed surprised too, but before Steve could even finish the sentence, Lucas was already on phone, he seemed furious,
Lucas, now is no time to act rash, if you threaten him, or try to torture him, and he isn’t the mole, you will be tipping the real mole off, take it easy, ask him questions, who knows he might flinch,
When Trevor arrived, Steve, Jerry and I left, leaving them both alone,
Ten minutes later, Lucas called us three back, Trevor said some guys from the tech come in to the server room from time to time, but when I pushed he said he has been having a girl over in there constantly,
Who is the girl? Steve asked,
Naya!
You mean Naya, Amira’s friend? I asked,
I’m so going to kill that b.iitch if I find out…Lucas said, as he breathing plummeted , no, you are not, you are going to let me handle this, I snapped,
Mean while, Steve will try to retrieve those footages, Trevor will invite her over; nothing will change, because we don’t want to risk tipping her off.
Hey! What sup with you? Amira asked as I knocked and entered her room? She was already getting ready for the night, she seemed kind of nervous,
Amira, Are you okay? I asked,
Yeah, I am, I’m just nervous about tonight,
Why? I pressed on, nothing, she replied smiling shyly,
Come on, you can talk to me,
Okay, ever since those law enforcement guys turned this place upside down, there has been no supply,
Supply?
I asked raising my eyebrow, okay I get it, I know what you mean, even Lucas’s guys can’t even get a hold of it, I’m always so damn nervous without that stuff, I wonder how Lucas wants to keep this place running without that, that b..itch won’t even share some of her stash,
Who? I asked,
Naya,
Then if you can’t get a hold of it, how is Naya getting hers? I asked
This place runs on connection baby, you meet the right people, you get the right things, but I always end up on my a..ss, I thought Bleep..ing Lucas should give me that privilege, she smirked,
You know what? I will see what I can do, I said,
Yeah! I trust you bae, what’s your deal with Lucas anywhere, has he finally settled for one pu..ssy? She said sounding very vulgar, but I just smiled knowing she was already drunk; I went up to the pent house,
Lucas is your errrm, I stammered then added supply still in circulation?

Felinize:
yesssss but still waiting 4 d update

Happy birthday to you,wishing you the best.you will get a post birthday gift tomorrow morning, I'm sorry.

Felinize:
Pls crixina resurrect our updates don't just bury it like that. #expecting a birthday gift 4rm my op#

is today your birthday?

That means I should give you an update today for a birthday gift.

Happy sunday folks!

I had never seen Lucas so shaken the way he was, we both couldn’t believe our ears, I had this all planned out, so now why don’t you tell me about your own plans.
Well in that case, I will just have to torture Silas here, who I’m sure after a few touches; he will flinch and start talking, Elliot’s face instantly changed,
He doesn’t even know where they are, Elliot said,
Then before we knew it, Elliot swiped his gun and shot Silas in the head,
What the fuc…k, I screamed,
Uh! Uh! Now he can’t talk anymore, Elliot said with no emotions as Lucas pinned him down on the chair holding the gun up to his head,
I knew you would do that if I provoked you, and you did, so now I can do this, Lucas whistled, Emmanuel and two policemen walked in,
“YOU ARE UNDER ARREST FOR MURDER; YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT… YOU ALSO HAVE A RIGHT TO AN ATTORNEY”
What is this?
Are you sure you really want to do this? Elliot said, but he didn’t seem shaken at all,
You are all so going to be sorry, Elliot screamed, I watched as they cuffed him, dragging him out, but before he was taken out,
He turned to me, Alice, you have no idea what you are doing, you know what they say about two elephants fighting, I will see you in court, but before he was dragged out, I placed my arms around his wrist dragging him back, then I moved closely to him, so he could feel my breath,
Elliot, I WILL SEE YOU IN PRISON.
Alice, are you okay? Lucas ran towards me,
Don’t! I snapped,
Fine, Max is waiting outside, please go straight with him to the Pent house, I will meet you there; I walked away without even looking back. As it turned out, it was a horrible day for me.

Tell me everything! I want to know everything, I snapped at Lucas, who was sitting in the living room of his pent house with a glass of whisky, after the day I had, I deserve to know everything,
We are suppose to deal with this together, Elliot is your brother and Gloria is your cousin? and you didn’t think I deserved to know all that, I said pacing, but Lucas just sat there ignoring me, Lucas, you need to say something, he stood up and wanted to leave, but I blocked him,
Lucas, you aren’t going anywhere until you start talking,
We are brothers okay, he screamed, we are all fuc…king brothers and when I mean all, that includes Evans,
So you see, my life is fu…cking twisted, he said shoving me aside, and headed to the bedroom, I couldn’t believe what I heard, did he say Evans?
Which Evans? The one I knew which is dead and was killed by Elliot whom I thought was an angel not until today and which also happens to be Lucas brother who I now just discovered is Evans’ brother too?
I found myself sitting on the floor, and then pouring down my throat the whiskey Lucas left on the table, i didn’t know when I passed out on the floor there. I was awaken by the chills from the floor, it was five A. M already, I rushed into Lucas’ bedroom, he wasn’t there, but few minutes later, he came barging in all sweaty,
Where have you been?
Alice, listen to me, I know how desperate you are to have answers, but this sh.iit is no more about you, in fact I will appreciate it if you let me deal with problems of my own too, but just so you know, Elliot is coming after me, I needed to make sure he has nothing on me, because sooner or later, this whole place is going to be invaded, and I don’t want to be caught in the web, you heard him, he has a mole, which by the way I’m going to find out soon enough,
Wait! I don’t understand, but Lucas don’t you think we could help each other, work together, if you just tell me everything, we have a common enemy, believe me this is all a puzzle and every piece matters, so I think I am one of those pieces, Lucas please, I just want to know what I’m dealing with here,
Okay, fine, but think of this as a problem that started about thirty years ago, you might want to take a seat, he said twitching his lips.
Elliot, Evans and I share the same father, but different mothers, Evans’s and Elliot’s mums went to the same university; they were all final year students when my father met Evans’ mum, everything was fine until my jerk of a father started sleeping with Elliot’s mum, Evans’s mum never knew, but when she did, she was hurt and heartbroken I guess, but they were already out of school by then, ready for national service, by the time she knew it she was already pregnant, she kept it from my father and everyone, she cut all ties with him, she made sure she never saw my father again, my father is an opportunist, he didn’t care about Elliot’s mum, he just wanted to get close to her family money, Elliot’s maternal grandfather was the assistant inspector general of the police force as at the time, it was all good, until the big fish came along, my mother, though she was schooling in the states then, she came around for vacation, that’s how my opportunist father met her, when Elliot’s mum found out, she told him, she was pregnant and tried to tie him down, but my father bluntly refused, denying the pregnancy, because he saw a bigger opportunity, my grand dad was the head of customs, besides he was smuggling drugs and all sorts of things, when my grandparents discovered my mum was pregnant too, they threatened my dad into marrying her, my dad saw it as a win situation, because my grandfather got him into the customs service, introduced him into the drug business, but problem was that my mum and him, they never liked each other, so he extended his hate to me,
Lucas paused, I could see the pain in his eye, as he walked over to the refrigerator, bringing out a bottle of scotch, for once I was beginning to understand what he was going through, so I stood up collected the bottle of scotch from him,
It’s six A.M, water will do, I said as I took out a bottle of water and gave to him,
So how did you know all these? I queried, I never did not until three years ago, like I said my father and I never saw eye to eye as I was growing up, so I was closer to mum’s family, they introduced me into the family business, I started making my own money at a tender age, I only visited my mum once in a while in my father’s house, on one of those occasions, I met a guy who worked as a gardener, instantly something didn’t feel right about him, I mean he was good looking as a young guy, spoke good English which showed he had some form of education, but he worked as a gardener, I asked my mum about him, he told me how nice he was, and how my father likes him, he even had access to parts of the house workers did not, handling some of my father’s building projects, anyway the feeling was mutual because the day my mum introduced me to him, I saw that look on his face, for a guy like me who has had his fair share of criminal activities, I recognized that look, so I paid close attention to him, but I wasn’t really convinced until the day I caught him snooping around my father’s study, opening documents, tampering with his laptop, he seemed like he knew exactly what he was looking for, so I had him followed and investigated,
Let me guess, that person was Elliot, I asked
Yep! He replied, taking another gulp of water, I realized he was following my father, asking unusual questions, so I got my guys to dig up some stuff on him, it turned he was the son my father denied years ago, so I followed Elliot’s every lead, which also led me to me to a woman my father was always seeing in secret, sometimes they met outside the state, I became more curious, i broke my father’s password, hacked into his system, read the mail he exchanged with this mystery woman, there were lots of them, pregnancy test result from years ago, Evans’ medical records a lot that further pointed me to the truth, I guess my father wanted to meet him, get to know him, but the woman won’t let that happen, she was scared of what that might cause, though they were careful enough not to divulge some information, but I pieced it all together, I guess Elliot might had known that too, that was why he was following her too,
At first I was so angry that my father was busy fathering bastard children around, he wanted to meet Evans, yet he hated me all my life, I could see that pain again in Lucas’s eye, he tightened his muscles as he spoke, but I looked at him with reassurance. he was relaxed again as he continued, so I paid professor Anthony a visit, I threatened that I was going to publish the story, then tell Evans, she begged me not to, she told me everything, I went to my mum who also confirmed some parts of the story, all the puzzles were fixed, truth be told Alice, I hated Evans, I hated Elliot, I wanted to kill them both, I was so angry and filled with hate,
The first time my hatred for Evans began fading, Lucas paused,
What? I asked, with anxiety, but he looked at me straight in the eyes, was the day his silver colour corolla ran into a girl, and he went out to apologize, the girl didn’t go easy on the slap, Lucas added. Instantly my eyes watered, my cheeks hurt from the efforts I put in to control the tears that was building up,
You saw when Evans and I first met? I asked with a voice that was breaking from the tiny sobs, but he didn’t reply, he just stood up and entered a combination code on the wall which opened a safe, he brought out a box of pictures, I could have sworn I had seen my entire life in the last three years before me in pictures, he brought out another file containing the pictures he took of Elliot following Evans, some were pictures of him, some were pictures of Silas trailing Evans, tears ran down my eyes as I saw Evans, it was as if he was still alive,
Off course, you won’t want to see these ones, they were pictures of Evans and Sarah Johnson, I looked at them, but I didn’t feel pain anymore, I missed him in that moment, I wanted him to still be alive even if it meant being with another woman,
But for what is worth, I think Evans was happy and in love here, he raised a picture of me and Evans, than he was here, he raised a picture of Sarah and Evans, I guess he was just with Sarah for the money, he was truly the son of his father, a Michael after all,
What?
Your father’s name is Michael? I asked,
Yes, why?
Michael Rajah?
That’s him! He said in a mocking tone, oh my God! The current head of customs, I know your father, when Elliot and I were… yes, I know Alice, that was my father and Professor Anthony talking at the funeral, Lucas completed my statement.
Oh my! He was the man in the custom suit, Professor Anthony told my father that someone came threatening her, I guess she must have described me to him, my father instantly suspected me, few weeks after Elliot was killed, my father almost killed me and my mother literally, thinking I did it, she locked up my mum for days, Lucas said as he stammered, his voice broke, he could no longer talk, so he paced for a while, that was the first time, I told anyone about Elliot, I had to tell him everything, he was so devastated, he tried to be there for Evans’ mum.
It was my fault,
What? I asked,
I could have warned him earlier, I could have protected him, I didn’t know Elliot was capable of such, I should have protected him, he said trying to hold himself together, Alice, he was my brother, after watching him for a long time, the way he treated you, the way he went about his life, my hatred was just gone, all I just wanted was a brother, a friend, he was different from us, it’s no wonder my father loved him, but I failed, I never even got to know him. Tears sprang up again in my eyes as I listened to Lucas talk, he did have emotions after all,
I will take that scotch now, he said as he stood up, swallowed his emotions and walked the refrigerator.
That’s why we have to walk together to take this son of a b.itch down once and for all, I said, my courage had suddenly returned with full force,
Since he couldn’t do this the dirty way, he will go to court,
Then we will fight him in court, I mean look at all these evidence, we could gather all these and use it against him, I insisted,
You don’t get it, do you? Elliot’s maternal grandfather is retired, but he still has some guys in the government, Elliot’s mum is married to the minister of justice, a position he got because of his father in law, now there are after my family, yesterday my father called that he is missing some important documents, they want to finish the fight they started years ago, my mother’s family home was attacked last week,
Why? I asked,
I don’t know, but fortunately my grandparents were both away on vacation in London,
Lucas’s phone rang, he picked it up immediately, then when he dropped, that was Emmanuel, Elliot was granted bail yesterday, his lawyer will be paying us a visit tomorrow,
How… his lawyer?
Paul Dylan, have you heard of him, he is the best in the country; Lucas said looking a bit shaken,
Actually I have. I replied,
Elliot is one step ahead, we have to move too, if not this guy will run us over, we were still talking when we heard some noise from the living room, we rushed out, it was Max and some of Lucas’s guys,
What is going on? Lucas asked,

Guys from the National drug law enforcement agency are here, they say they have a warrant to search the entire building, and there are not just here alone, some guys from the military are with them, they say it’s precautionary measure,
Let’s start from the basement, one of the agents said, he looked tough,
What? There is no basement, Lucas replied, are you sure about that? Another asked,
After what seemed like a long argument, we were all led to the basement,
THE TANK to be precise, Lucas’s little lab, I was almost going to faint, Elliot is really winning, but Lucas was awfully quiet, he maintained a straight face, when the lab was finally open, it was as empty as the word empty, not even a shard of glass, I was so confused, could it be that we were somewhere else,

All the test tubes, vacuums, everything was gone, the agents went round, even into the inner room where Lucas had stocks up his delivery, everything was gone, I turned to look at Lucas, but he still maintained a straight face, even Max and his other guys seemed surprised too, they checked other basements, but they were all cleared out,
Officers are we done here? Lucas finally spoke; they talked for a while and then they left,
Lucas what was that? I asked when we finally got back to the pent house,
Those guys were tipped off, not many people know of the basement, he said angrily,
I beg to differ Lucas, A lot of people do,
Elliot was right about the mole; I need to find out whoever that person is,
Lucas, it’s we now, not I, and I think I have a pretty good idea. I said but first I need to cool off from all these, it’s been a long morning.

I stood in front of suite 15 in Fresia’s palace, my heart beating, can I do this? I thought, before I pressed the button, the door swung open, I jumped into his arms, and he held me tight,
When the receptionist told me it was you, I couldn’t believe it; he shifted back while still placing his hands on my shoulder to gaze at me, as I looked into his eyes, I fought the urge to just explode, maybe at least confront him,
Are you okay Alice? I mean why are you here?
You know why I’m here, the inner me spoke, but I shut it off,
Elliot, I’m okay, but I won’t be for too long, we have to get out of here, I said as I somehow managed to fake the fact that i was panicky,
Where are Jerry and the rest? We have to get out of town, go somewhere, I started pacing,
Relax! Calm down and talk to me, what is going on? How did you get here? I thought Lucas had you on lock down,
Aren’t you listening to me, Elliot, he knows about us, I started crying, while he rushed to my side,
Alice, calm down and talk to me, Elliot said drawing me back to himself,
This is my fault, I should have listened to you, I shouldn’t have gone to meet Lucas, he knows about us, he knows everything, he will hunt us down, Elliot, he is going to kill us all, I said, as I broke into loud sobs, while he kept patting me on the back,
You know what?
You are a little bit agitated, you have to relax, I promise you, nothing will happen to you or anybody, nobody will hurt you okay, relax, he said, moving me slowly to the bed, for a moment, I wished all these acts he put up were true,
Can I get you anything to eat or drink? No, please just listen to me, let’s get out of this place, I’m begging you, Lucas is capable of anything,
Try and relax, we will talk about this later.
I couldn’t relax, I kept wondering if Elliot had bought the act I just put up, I kept wondering if he is seeing right through me. now that I know the truth, I have to put up my best act, besides Lucas was right, the only way I could face Elliot without spilling my guts to him before time is dealing with my feelings, accepting the fact that I loved him and he played and betrayed me, it wasn’t easy, but I had to do it fast before Elliot figures out I know the truth.
Be yourself around him, like you were before, Lucas urged me four days ago, I didn’t have a choice.
Let me get you something to eat since you have refused to sleep, Elliot interrupted my thoughts, giving me a soft smile,
How could he be these two persons? I thought as I forced out a smile too, but I was so scared of getting poisoned that I asked for cereal, corn flakes to be precise,
You are different, even your diet has changed, he said smiling, my pulse raced a bit, am I failing at this? Is he beginning to notice the changes, I thought,
Stay with Lucas for one day and I swear you will be different, I said acting like it was so bad, but if it was that bad why did you keep telling us you were fine, he asked with a tone of curiosity, because Elliot, I couldn’t afford leaving Lucas without getting answers, if not, the point of being there would have been defeated, I didn’t want you to be disappointed, I said reaching for his hand and stroking it tenderly, he squeezed it in a manner of assurance,
Don’t worry, you are safe now, okay, he said, did he hurt you in anyway, he asked again,
No, if by hurt you mean torture, he did not, but psychological I was hurt, I saw a lot of things in there that almost drove me nuts, I said pretending to want to cry,
It’s okay, it’s okay, don’t cry please, don’t talk about it if it hurts you, the important thing is that you are safe here,
Elliot, no, we are not, aren’t you listening to me, you never even asked how I got here?
Lucas found out about us, the tab, he planted a chip on it, he locked me up in a cell for weeks so he could get me to tell him about you guys, he knew I wasn’t alone, though I didn’t tell him anything, but he found out his own way, Elliot he is planning something big, I said sobbing as he quickly rushed to my side holding me tight, but I shoved him slowly away, he took my parents, Elliot he f..ucking took them,
How are you so sure? Did you see them? He asked,
No, I didn’t, but after he found out about you guys, he released me from the cell and said if I ever tried to run, he will kill my parents and all of you, Elliot, before I left, Lucas told me he is keeping me there for a purpose, he said in three days it will all be over, I was so scared, I didn’t know what to do anymore, he monitored my calls, he kept an eye on me,
How then did you escape? He asked, handing me his hanky
The first two weeks after he brought me out of the cell, he put security on me, and threatened me, so I figured out the best way to go about this is to end his trust and assure him I won’t leave, I did and bit by bit the security tension was reduced, besides he traveled, that gave me time to plan my escape, but three days ago when he came back, I didn’t have a choice, I just walked out of the club, nobody stopped me, nobody questioned me,
Elliot, that’s why I think Lucas will come after us, maybe this was his plan all along, he wanted me to run so he will use me to get to you, now I have led him to you, Elliot, I’m so sorry, I just didn’t know what to do, I started crying again,
Alice, it’s okay, you did good to have left, I might not have been able to protect you there, but now I can, it’s good you came back, he said hugging me, I will call Jerry and the rest and asked them to leave the beach house immediately, besides I missed you, I was so worried about you, I almost asked Jerry to come in, since we didn’t hear from you, I’m so glad you are back,
He lifted up my chin, so that I was looking into his eyes, and gave me a wet kiss, the kiss didn’t feel different, it felt the same way it did some time ago, I kissed him back, the kiss was almost leading somewhere, when he broke free, I have to call Jerry and the others.
Oh God! Is he convinced? I thought, I remembered Lucas and I deliberating on what to tell Elliot four days ago,
When he asks how you got away what will you say? Lucas asked,
I will just tell him I just did, or what do you suppose I say?
Elliot isn’t stupid; he might suspect something is up, so you need to be convincing enough, Lucas stated, I chuckled,
What? He asked, I remember Elliot preparing me like this, on what to say, how to act around you, I just feel I am being tossed around, I said frowning,
I understand, that’s why I am asking you to let me handle Elliot, Lucas said sounding a bit frustrated, no, that’s the point, I objected, I want to make my own decisions from now on, I don’t want anyone telling me what to do or where to go, because in the end, I end up getting deceived,
Are you sure you are ready for this, because you are raising your voice again, Lucas pointed out, I am, I quickly snapped because I didn’t want him putting off another day because he thinks I am not ready, okay, so what do I say? I asked,
The best lies are often the ones closest to the truth, tell him everything except the part where we know he is involved, Lucas said,
After that what happens? I asked.
I couldn’t get Jerry on phone, so I spoke to Steve, they should be here by tomorrow; Elliot’s voice interrupted my deep thoughts,
Tomorrow?
Why can’t they get here today? I queried sounding worried, But he just smiled,
Alice, relax! You worry too much, they can take care of themselves, they will be here by tomorrow, I managed a soft smile, but he kept starring at me as his soft smile began to disappear, he face looked more serious, so I walked up to him,
Why did you just stop kissing me earlier?
How do you mean? He asked, you just used calling Jerry as an excuse to walk away from me,
What’s going on Elliot, talk to me,
Did Lucas…errm…
Have sex with me? I completed his statement, yes, he replied shyly,
I chuckled, No, he didn’t, he never even asked for it, but he did try to set me up with one of his clients,
And guess who that was? Hon. Abass
What? The commissioner for…
Yes, exactly I replied, we both laughed, Elliot you won’t believe what our so called public figures and leaders do behind closed doors, I initiated a conversation which we both dwelled on to avoid the pain I was feeling inside, I was trying so hard not to spill my guts, which I think I might have succeeded, I was looking forward to the next day where things will blow over, I hoped and prayed that everything go as planned. For some reason, that night, Elliot refused to get in bed with me, I didn’t give much thought to it because truth be told, I don’t think I would have been able to bear the thought of us having se.x, not after knowing him for who he is, though I wasn’t quite sure of why he had chosen to do this. I couldn’t just wait for the next day to come.
As we sat at breakfast table, we talked about how the day would be,
You will stay here, I will go into town to check on a few things, make sure Jerry and the rest get here in time, then we will all think of what to do, Lucas cannot keep riling us up,
What do you mean? I thought we are leaving town, I asked,
This is no time to leave town Alice, you didn’t when the going was tough, when you had no idea of what to do, why do you want to now?
You want to abandon your family now? Do you even know what is happening to them right now especially after you ran away, a guy like Lucas is dangerous, it’s time to fight, no more running, Elliot seemed more angry than he was yesterday, his mood had suddenly changed, just then his phone rang,
My breath was instantly raised, I suspected the hour had come as he picked the call walking away from me towards the bedroom; I strained my ear to listen to his conversation,
Hello!
What? Yes, yes, I will be right there; I knew it was time,
Look baby, I have to get into town right now, a friend is in trouble, I will be right back,
Is everything okay Elliot? Yes, everything is fine, I will be back before you know it, and he rushed out. That was my cue. I waited some minutes, and then I headed out too.
Stop! Stop! Stop! I urged the taxi driver, I knew Elliot was heading to the ware house, I didn’t anticipate he will be stopping somewhere, i was surprised to see Lucas’s cab guy immediately I stepped out of Fresia’s palace, what the hell are you doing here?
Get in, Lucas sent me, he is already in the ware house, and our guy is half way there, I jumped in the back seat.
Why is he stopping, I asked the cab guy?
‘There are many entrances to heaven’, he quoted Lucas; Lucas must really have a lot of influence on people around him, we watched from a distance as Lucas stepped out from the car, looked around as if he is possibly trying to see if he was followed, then he turned into a road that wasn’t tarred,
What are we waiting for, follow him, I ordered the cab guy,
No, Lucas asked to wait for his call before we proceed,
Why didn’t he tell me all these? I snapped as if I was talking directly to Lucas, in exactly ten minutes, Lucas called,
He says we should take the main entrance into the ware house, then when we get close we wait for his call again, a part of me began panicking, I had a feeling that if we aren’t careful, this might get messy, we waited outside the ware house as Lucas had asked, I kept pacing because I didn’t know what was going on, I was anxious, at a point, I couldn’t wait anymore, I marched towards the ware house despite the cab guy’s attempt to stop me, when I got closer, I heard voices, the gate was opened, so i tiptoed in, but the voices coming from the large empty hall stopped me, I realized that Lucas wanted us to take the main entrance because he knew Elliot will take the back road, he wanted us to get there almost after Elliot got there,
Silas! Silas! Silas are you there? Elliot called out as he stepped into the warehouse, I quickly ran to the back where I could see and hear clearly, I was surprised to see Silas gagged and tied up to a chair, I guess Elliot was too, as he rushed to drag out a concealed hand gun that was tucked at the back of his waist, but there, was Lucas already pointing a gun directly at his head,
Well, well, hello there brother, Elliot said grinning,
Brother? What does he mean by that?
Is about time you showed up, I was beginning to think you wouldn’t, I mean after all this time, long time, no see brother,
I am not your brother, Lucas said clenching his teeth and tightening his fist around the gun, off course you are, but I’m sure we will have time for a family reunion much later, you know if you shoot me, a lot of things will go wrong, first a lot of people will know what an evil murderer you are, like Alice for instance, remember you tried to kill her after you kidnap her and her parents, she escaped, and….
Really? You think so? Lucas interrupted him,
I couldn’t take it anymore, I walked in,
You see, I didn’t think so, Lucas said smirking at you,
Alice, what are you doing here? Elliot acted surprised to see me,
Shut the fu…ck up you son of a bitc.h, I said gritting my teeth as I tried to fight the anger that was building up, but Elliot just started laughing hysterically, then he stopped abruptly,
What were you two fools thinking? That I had no idea that you knew about me and you, he turned to me, and you came running back yesterday, oh! Did you really think you were fooling me?
From the moment you walked out of my beach house, I had a contingency plan, when you started feeling comfortable with Lucas, I knew something like this might happen, so I was prepared for this, so don’t think for a second that any of you played me , rather I played you, Elliot said bursting into a hysterical laugh again,
So it was you, it was you all this time, I said as tears flowed down my cheeks, you killed Evans and framed me up,
Where the hell are my parents? I screamed running towards him while Lucas rushed in and stopped me, still pointing the gun at Elliot,
Oh Sweetie, don’t take it personally, this had nothing to do with you, you were just a pun in my chess game, off course you couldn’t have even seen the truth even if it was starring you in the face,
You used me you bastard, I screamed
Oh! That wasn’t hard; you gave up yourself to be used,
Now sit down! Sit down, Lucas ordered him pushing the other chair to him, he reluctantly sat down,
Do you guys even have a plan?
Oh! Was it to come here and kill me? He began laughing hysterically again,
One more word from you, I will fu…cking put a bullet through your mouth, Lucas snapped angrily,
No, you won’t, Elliot snapped back, Lucas pulled the trigger, for a second there, things were about to go sideways when Elliot quickly added,
Not if you ever want to see Gloria again, we both retreated when we heard Gloria, Elliot stood up again, pacing
Lucas what would you tell your dear beloved aunty, she loves you like her own son, all she knows is that her only child went to visit her cousin, how would you explain that her only child died in you care, especially when she gets her corpse with a note that said
“I was killed because of my cousin Lucas” Elliot said in a way that infuriated Lucas, as Lucas punched him in the face,
Where the hell is she? He screamed,
Lucas wait a minute! What is really going on here?
First, he called you brother, now he is saying Gloria is your cousin? Can someone tell me please?
Oh! Alice, poor Alice, I was always honest with you, Lucas didn’t tell you? Elliot said,
Tell me what? I snapped,
Shut up you son of a b.itch, Lucas ordered
No brother, let’s talk about this; I’m sure Alice would love to hear this,
Lucas here is my brother, I mean half, but he is still my brother,
I am not and will never be your brother, Lucas screamed as he pulled the trigger,
You won’t if either of you ever want to see your loved ones again, Elliot said in a serious manner, I had never seen that part of Elliot, so he was really the devil all along,
You always fall for the Amateurs brother, like Naomi, he grinned, Elliot said, you knew Naomi? I asked,
Lucas is really keeping you in that dark, isn’t he? He began laughing hysterically again,
Oh! But at least I figured out Alice and now she knows the truth about you, what was the point of all these anyway?
What was your plan? Send her to stab me in my sleep? Lucas mocked,
No, brother, unlike you, I see what others don’t, I take my time, kill you? No, I wouldn’t need to send someone to, she was there for something bigger, but it turns out she wasn’t useful, so I really didn’t care anymore,
And what was that? Lucas asked,
Don’t worry; have got another mole, it turns out I couldn’t use Naomi either, she also outlived her usefulness,
How do you think I knew about Steve, Jerry and Gloria, how do you think I knew you were getting uncomfortable, he turned to me and how do you think I knew about all your lame plans.

Thank guys, i will try to update today.

joykito:
wow! this is awesome God bless u. i am in love with this write up the best so far i am happy we still have great mind in our generation u r surely one of us. keep up the good work and pls for God, Allah sake do well to update as soon as possible
just a request from someone addicted to ur evergreen writeup

thank you, I appreciate that. In fact I appreciate all the encouragements I'm getting from this forum.

About the update, I know what it's like to want to read more. I wouldn't mind updating everything, but sometimes I just get so busy that I miss the thread myself, but a promise is a promise, we will definitely see this write up to the end.

For a second, it seemed like the earth had suddenly shifted and I was standing at the edge of it ready to fall off, my mouth opened, my head spun, my vision kept alternating between blur and sharp, the room suddenly became hot, I started sweating profusely while my feet went cold,
You! I finally spoke, you son of a b.itch, how much? How much did Lucas pay you?
How much did he pay you to betray your own friends? You were lying the whole time, a fuc..king traitor, we trusted you, and we believed you, was this about money you evil bastard? I screamed as my hand reached out for the brandy bottle hitting him with it as he blocked the bottle with his hands causing it to spiral to floor and scatter in a thousand pieces, Lucas quickly restrained me while I kept kicking, screaming and struggling to break free,
How much were you paid? I kept repeating that,
Calm down Alice, Calm down, those were the words I kept hearing as my rage kept burning, ten minutes later we were all seated again on the table, though I was still angry, I prayed for an opportunity to lay my hands on a gun or a knife or even a bottle, but Lucas clearly knew that when he asked for the bottles to be removed from the table.
It isn’t what it looks like, Jerry finally spoke, I’m sure it isn’t I replied trying to calm my nerves, Alice, it’s hard to say but the truth is Elliot has been lying to you, he is not who you think he is, the anger gushed through me again as I found myself reaching out to hit him, but he grabbed me holding my hands firmly,
Don’t you dare, I said through clenched teeth,
Listen to me, open your eyes; Elliot has been lying to you for months now, that video you saw was real, you know within you that things are adding up, but you just don’t want to accept the truth, he screamed,
There is no truth here, you are the liar, you all are liars, I said pointing in Lucas’ direction who was comfortably calm, you were working with Lucas this whole time, I couldn’t help the tears; I broke down on the floor as I let the tears fall freely, Jerry came and sat beside me,
I’m sorry this is happening, but it is the truth, think about it, the only person that ever believed you were innocent was Elliot, he helped you for months, why did he ever do that? Have you ever asked yourself that?
Maybe because he was better than you, I said amidst tears, no, Alice, because he had plans of his own,
Lucas who had been sitting quietly there sipping his brandy suddenly stood up, Naomi can give you give us a while alone?
Excuse me, what? She replied harshly, I want you to leave us, he said harshly too, moving closer to her.
I won’t leave, why are you always shutting me out? after what happened, the least you could do is to stop pushing me around, I think I deserve that, I almost got killed because of you, and to even think that it had to do with her, she said pointing to me,
No, you brought that on yourself, don’t even try to put that on me, now get your a.ss out of here, Lucas’ eyes darken and his face got more serious than ever, Naomi left angrily,
Alice, look, I know all this is too much to take in but it is the truth, and I have one last thing to prove to you, after that, you can do whatever you want, Lucas said spitting the words out of his mouth as if he is trying to hide the pain he is feeling,
What are you talking about? I asked,
Elliot is right now in Fresia’s palace, but tomorrow at about noon, he will be going somewhere and you might want to be there.
Where?
It’s a surprise, Lucas cut in, I’m damn tired of all these surprises, I screamed gathering my shoes as I bolted out of the lounge, I didn’t know what to do, I was so confused, I tried to sleep, I couldn’t,
Are you okay? Lucas asked as he knocked and entered, that tea I drank yesterday, I need some, I ordered rather than request, I was still fussy,
Alice, two nights on a row, it is addictive, you asked if I was okay, I’m not, and the only think that could make me sleep right now is that, so if you really want to help, start there, few minutes later, Adeline brought in a tray containing a flask and a mug with two teabags, i drank it immediately as Lucas kept watching me intently, I couldn’t read his expression, I didn’t even care,
I know it’s kind of hard, but I’m still here, he said softly, yeah, people always tell me that but… you know what? Just leave, I snapped, i locked the door behind him and climbed into the bed.
Where’s Jerry? I asked as Lucas and I sat eating breakfast, he left, he answered without looking at me,
For the record, I still don’t trust you two and whatever this is, I will get to the bottom of it, he chuckled, Alice, we both know that’s a lie or you won’t be sitting here with me,
Tell me, how did Elliot find you? He asked,
You see, that’s my point, because Elliot didn’t find me, I called him, he smiled as if to say I have no idea, Elliot has been leading you to clues, showing you want you wanted to see, and I must say he did a good job, especially with the part he led you to me,
So you knew about Elliot all this time? Off course you did, Jerry has been filling you in, I answered my own question; wait a minute, Is Steve and Gloria also on this? I asked again, but he just smiled and I got my answer,
Oh my God! You said Elliot led me to you, so Elliot knows you; this isn’t really about me, is it? This is about you, I said dropping my spoon as I connected the dots, then why me? Tell me Lucas? I raised my voice,
It’s a long story, he replied as he placed the napkin back on the table, adjusting his tie, hold on! Elliot and I first met three years ago; does it mean this is deeper than I think?
Smart girl! He said winking at me as he stood up from the table, I told you it’s a long story, but have got work to do, be ready by eleven thirty, he said as he disappeared into the elevator.

By noon, we took the entrance we came in from the other night into the building, I had a feeling where we were going wouldn’t be pleasant, so I dressed in a jean with a tee shirt and a pair of black boots, somehow I had always been comfortable in boots especially since I assumed a different life six months ago, my suspicions were confirmed when I saw Lucas on jean and boots too. A little fear crept into me but I dismissed it immediately I saw Max and the taxi driver from the other night,
I turned to Lucas, what are you doing?
Taking a taxi to avoid being followed, he jumped into the seat beside the driver, then slid his aviator sunglasses on, I jumped into the back seat and the driver zoomed off, we drove for about thirty minutes, then the driver turned into a road that wasn’t tarred, as we drove further in, something felt familiar about it, then Lucas ordered the driver to pull over, he did, then he turned to me and said we will go on foot from here,
I looked further and saw a tiny path in the bushy surroundings, we are going this way, and he pointed to the path,
I chuckled, Lucas why on earth do you think I trust you enough to go into this bush with you?
Because if I wanted to kill you, I wouldn’t even have to bring you out here, and also because this is where your final answer lies, he then drew out the hand gun he gave me the other night,
I’m sure you know how to use this, hold on to it, if that will make you feel better; he smirked, turning into the path which I reluctantly followed.
What’s that in your back pocket? I asked as I saw something gorging out, binoculars he replied, we will need it, as we kept going, the surroundings became more and more familiar, I spotted an anthill,
Hold on a second! I know this place, I said stopping,
You mean like from five months ago, he smirked again, come on it’s right over that hill, we had to cross a little stream, I almost tripped over a marine algae when Lucas rushed to hold me so I don’t fall, his hands mistakenly brushed my breasts and for a few seconds, there was kind of an emotional trigger as we both looked into each other’s eyes, realizing that, he quickly withdrew and I shoved him aside not wanting to even imagine anything, I rushed up the hill and he rushed up behind me,
From the hill there I looked down, I almost tripped over again when I saw the house from a distance,
Oh my God! That is the… place you were kept in few months ago, Lucas completed my statement, that’s Elliot’s warehouse or whatever, he added, my mouth went dry again,
Ware house? I managed to ask,
Yeah, from the outside it is just an empty space, but the basements are where it all happens, he said looking into the binoculars,
What happens? It depends, drugs? Kidnapped victims, arms dealings,
Really? Is that all you can come up with? Why are you trying to spin all this on Elliot? I asked,
And why are you trying so much to trust him even when the truth is right in front of you? He screamed at me clenching his teeth,
You want answers, there! He handed me the binoculars, I looked into it, I saw the gate open and Elliot came out with someone I recognized,
Silas! Oh my God!

What! Lucas asked sharply, I know that guy, just then another car pulled in while Elliot and Silas were still there discussing, a lady came out of the vehicle, I looked closely, it was Naomi, I recognized her, she was the nasty b..itch that tried to kill me unfortunately I shot her first, she looked well, she must have recovered from the bullet wound, she walked up to Elliot, hugged and they kissed, the binoculars fell from my hands, I stood there with my eyes and wide open, Elliot looked different from the person I knew, like a completely different person.
Are you going to make it down the hill, Lucas asked in an I-told-you-so tone.
As we made our way back through the basement into the club, I stopped at the bar,
What are you doing? Lucas asked, but I ignored him,
A bottle of your finest whiskey, I told the bar man sharply, do you want to talk about this?
No, I don’t, I answered sharply,
Alice!
Lucas, I said I don’t want to talk about it, I took a long gulp from the bottle, as we got to the pent house, I walked straight to my apartment locking the door behind me,
The next afternoon, I woke up drip fed with saline, Lucas was sitting beside me, I couldn’t move my feet or any part of my body, my mouth was bitter and I felt nauseated,
What happened? I murmured,
You downed a whole bottle of vin jaune and passed out, what the hell is wrong with you? What if something bad happened? He said sounding a bit pissed, then he heaved a sigh of relief so now do you want to talk about it?
No, I don’t, I snapped,
Fine, he stood up and walked out.

It took me three days to get over the shock, the fourth day, anger started seeping in, I snapped at Adeline, I broke a couple of glasses, worked out seriously in the gym, hitting the punch bag like my life depended on it. Lucas had tried to talk to me about Elliot, but I kept ignoring him, but I knew I had to face this once and for all, so I walked up from the gym to the pent house looking for Lucas, he wasn’t there, when I came out from the shower with the towel around my chest, he was there waiting, he gave me a stare I could see lust written in his eyes,
A silly idea popped into my mind, Elliot hurt me in many different ways, though I had been fighting the pain by trying to pretend I wasn’t hurt, the more I pretended, the more hurt I was, I thought of many ways to deal with it, I couldn’t even come to terms with the situation, if I have to deal with Elliot, I had to first of all deal with my feelings for him, erase whatever we may have had in the past few months, find a way to hate him more than I already had, what better way than to have sex with the guy he probably hates, so without thinking, I dropped my towel, as far as I know Lucas has had his fair share of women, he was fearless, he is all I could call good, bad and ugly, he was most times unpredictable, nothing takes him by surprise because at least in those last few days, he had proven to me that he was always two steps ahead, but I couldn’t explain the surprise and fear I saw in his eyes when he saw me standing there right before him n.aked,
Isn’t this what you have been looking for, I see the way you look at me sometimes, don’t you fantasize about you would love to f..uck me, I said walking towards him slowly and seductively, then I sat astride on his legs, pressing my b,reasts towards his mouth, while I lifted up his face kissing him violently,
Yeah, yeah, that’s more like it, I murmured as he kissed me back, then pushed me to the bed, pinning my hands to the bed as he kissed me violently, I wriggled my hands out of his grip while I kept struggling with his zippers and I kept lifting up my pelvis so I could feel his hardness, but he took one long last kiss and jumped away from,
No way! He laughed like he was high on something, you almost got me, I know what you are doing, you are hurt, you are mad at Elliot, so you use me as an escape hatch, you are using se..x to distract yourself from the pain rather than facing it, I can’t believe you are doing this, I mean I’m always the one using people,
quit whining Lucas, it’s just se..x and admit it you wanted it too, that’s not the point Alice, the point is se..x can never take away what you feel, you just have to deal with it, he said, closing the door behind him. Two hours later I went back to Lucas in the pent house, he was busy on his laptop,

I want Elliot arrested, I feel I should do this right; Lucas broke into laughter, arrested for what? A guy that could plan all this and play you for months, no offence there, don’t you think he will see it coming especially with our messed up system, he may have even have some buddies in the police force, I should know, I do, even if you succeed in getting him arrested, this will definitely end up in court, are you ready for all that?
So what do you suggest I do?
Take him out, he said sternly,
Take him out like kill him, I asked with a scowl on my face, I told you Lucas I’m not a killer, and if you go behind my back to kill him, I will kill you and I’m dead serious about that,
Alright ma’am, I will just follow your lead, but you have to think fast, because I’m withdrawing my guys out from their cover, a guy like Elliot is smart, he will figure it out pretty soon, I hate being taken unaware, Lucas added.
And he was right; I had to think of something pretty fast…

I walked briskly to one of the security aides at the door who tried to stop, but I pushed him off walking briskly into Lucas’ lounge where he was confidently sitting on the bar stool smoking one of those big cigars that had an awful smell, and sipping from a glass of wine,
We need to talk, I said rudely, I can see you missed me, he tried to bring on weird his sense of humour, but I kept a blank face,
He got up from the bar stool and walked towards me, the look on your face tells me you found the little gift I left for you, I have always known you are a smart girl and sometimes you are so predictable, he said grinning,
I’m tired of your stupid games Lucas, whatever you cooked up on that tape, I don’t buy it, so I think you are the predictable one, I replied,
No, that’s where you are wrong Alice, you buy it, that’s why you are still here, your eyes are beginning to open, but you trying to convince yourself that what you are seeing is not true, you recognized the person on that tape, he snapped, how would I have when you blurred out the truth, for all I know you just manipulated that to convince me, so since you are trying so hard to do that, why not let me see the full tape,
Oh! I can’t wait, but you are not just ready for it, you can’t even handle the little you saw, I can imagine you fighting yourself, trying to tell your mind that everything you are beginning to know is a lie, but you are smart you are even doing better on figuring it out, I heard you made a call out to the Jossy car rental services, that’s a good move, but also very stupid, he said, blowing out the smoke in my direction,
And why is that? I asked in an annoying tone,
Because you are getting closer to the truth, and you know what the truth does sometimes, he said smiling,
Well, I’m willing to take that risk, and I’m glad you know that I’m getting closer to the truth, so do well not to stop me, because if you do, the truth will just become more obvious,
What is that supposed to mean? He asked assuming a serious look; it means I’m going to Jossy car rental services, I said cocking my head to one side expecting him to object, but he just took one last sip from his glass of wine,
By all means please, I was a little bit surprised that he obliged,

And alone, I quickly added knowing that he might ask one of his goons to accompany me,
Alice, I’m not the bad guy you are looking for, I might be someone else’ bad guy, but not yours, I’m just looking out for you, that’s why I will let you go, but if you decide to try anything stupid like running back to your friends, he paused and gave me a look I have never seen before, then he continued, don’t say I didn’t tell you so, believe it or not I’m not the bad guy here,
Lucas had never spoken like that to me, for once I saw a different person, the person that actually owned the room I saw some days ago, but I wasn’t about to fall for that, as far as I know he was up to one of his mind games,
Well, thank you, I said in a mocking tone, but I’m not running anymore, I’m fighting this time, I said turning to walk out, then I turned again,
There’s one more thing I need you to do for me, I added.
I didn’t realized that Lucas had paid for the cab I boarded until the man dropped me off in front of Jossy car rental services at about eight P.M, they run a twenty four hour service, it’s no wonder they also have killers as their clients, I thought as I stepped out of the cab, my plan was to ask the cab to wait and take me back, at least when I got back I would have figured out a way to pay him, I can’t even remember the last time I handled my own money, I didn’t have access to my account since I became a fugitive, I have been living off people, but immediately he dropped me, he zoomed off without asking for money, then it occurred to me that someone must have paid him, who else if not Lucas, I’m sure he did when he decided to be part of my plan, first he decided to help out by giving me the little information I needed to know about the manager.
I was a little nervous to walk in there, I knew why I was, but I had to do it anyway, I walked into the reception, the lady I met there gave me a warm smile,
Good evening, please I would like to see the manager,
Errrrm… I think he is about packing up, but I could help you with whatever you want, she said, but I insisted I wanted to see the manager, it will just take some minutes I promise, it’s urgent please, she spoke into the telephone, then paused to ask for my name, when she dropped, she told me to walk down the corridor to the third door on the left.
She was right, the manager was about packing up, and he looked tired and not so pleased to have a client at that time,
What can I do for you Ma? He asked trying to be polite,
I’m sorry to bother you Sir, but someone rented your green colour Nissan pathfinder six months ago, to be precise, on the 29th of march 2014 with this particular license plate number, I placed the paper on the table in front of him,
May I ask who you are and why you want this information?
Well, my name is Alice Daniel, his face instantly changed and I know he must have recognized me from the T.V or papers six months ago, he became uneasy, he adjusted his tie, picked up his phone,
I drew out the hand gun I collected from Lucas, safely tucked at the back of my jean where it was concealed safely under the jacket I wore, I pointed it at him,
Please sit down and don’t move Mr. Edgar, I know you recognize me and you weren’t just going to give out the information easily, so I brought a little something to persuade you, I’m not a killer, so I’m not going to hurt you, but you have to help me not to, by not doing anything stupid and giving me the information I need.
What do you want? Please don’t kill me, He said stammering and sweating, I just need to find who rented that Nissan, he clicked open the records on his desktop with his hands shaking, he scrolled down to six months ago, a lot of people rented cars that day, my eyes quickly darted to the Nissan pathfinder, same plate number, the name said J. Rowlings, I checked the address, the person used Evans’ address,
What a creep! Why use your victim’s address? I wondered, I didn’t recognize the phone number, now Mr. Edgar, print it out for me, he quickly did, then I pushed him aside and did a trick Steve taught me, wiped that entire information from the server. I folded the print out neatly into my pocket,
Now Mr. Edgar, walk me out the door, and don’t make any stupid move, act normal if you don’t want your brains blown out, do you understand me?
He nodded still sweating, for a minute I marveled at what a loaded gun could do, the power it wields, he did as I told him, when I got to the reception, I talked out loudly so the receptionist could hear me,
Thank you so much Mr. Edgar for your help and turning to the receptionist, I gave her a warm smile which she returned same as we stepped out,
Now, call me a cab, I held the gun up a bit to his waist, but before we could move, a car flashed its headlights at us, I turned, and held Mr. Edgar back, then Lucas stepped out,
C’mon let’s get out of here, he must have noticed I was holding a gun to Edgar, I held Edgar as we walked to the car and I shoved him aside as Lucas zoomed off into the highway.
Why did you follow me, I told you not to, my voice was flat, but he ignored me,
Did you find what you were looking for? He asked and kind of sounded genuine, I did, I replied, and then why didn’t you kill Edgar?
What? I’m not a killer, why should I kill him?
Because Edgar might call the person who rented that car and try to warn him, then your life will be in more danger than it already is, I gave him a long stare,
Or maybe you still think I’m responsible, he asked as he flashed me a soft smile, no, he won’t because I wiped the number off his server,
He gave me a soft smile I have never seen before, you are smart Alice, and you are right, you are not a killer, our eyes locked for a while and for the first time I didn’t know what to make of Lucas,
I started contemplating the possibility of the fact that he might be telling me the truth, though I almost smacked myself for thinking that, he pulled into a street, where are we going to? I asked,
Well there are many entrances to heaven, he said grinning, I don’t want to risk anybody seeing us, as he pulled in through a back gate, Max was there to take the car while we made our way down a basement that led into the club,
Whoever designed this building, I murmured, are you ever going to tell me what you found out? Lucas asked as we got into the elevator heading to the penthouse, I ignored him, as we got into the penthouse, I took out the gun from where it was concealed and gave it to him,
Thanks for this and goodnight, I said walking away leaving him there with that same look he gave me in the car.
I kept tossing on the bed despite the cold shower I had and the air conditioner in the room, I was worried, the more I searched, the less I found,
What is really going on? I missed my family, the life I had, I missed my friends especially Rosie, and here I am lying right in the home of who probably is or is not responsible for all I’m going through,
Lucas was right, I think I had recognized the person in the video, but I didn’t want to believe he was right, but as I laid there with my thoughts, I didn’t know what to believe anymore,

Who the hell is J. Rowlings? I sat up retrieving the paper from my jacket and placed it in front of me, then it hit me Adeline…Amira…Vee…Naya… there are all not real names, there are aliases,
Oh my God! J. Rowlings… J. K. Rowlings, he is a writer, I read one of his books, oh my! Everything just came flooding like a memory that was locked away; I jumped from the bed with the skimpy night wear I wore, but that wasn’t the time to care, it was about two A.M, I didn’t care about the time too, I walked briskly to the other wing of the penthouse, I met one of Lucas’ security aides, don’t these guys ever sleep? I thought as I approached him,
Where is Lucas? I asked, he is down in the lounge.
In less than Five minutes, Lucas came up to the penthouse, smelling of alcohol, it seemed like he was high and drunk, I didn’t care as long as he was sane enough to answer my questions.
What is it Alice? You told me you had a library? Where is it?
Where is it? Calm down! He said, I need to see the library, he walked me into his bedroom, he pressed a button on the wall and the glass like ward robe swerved slowly revealing an entrance that ushered us into a large room filled with books, I knew that was no ordinary ward robe.
The library was a marvel, it had the digital section, all the paintings he spoke of the other day hung neatly on the wall, there were lots of shelves which the books were neatly stacked on, it was beautiful,
I noticed he didn’t speak as we stepped into the library, so I turned and caught him staring at me, it was have been the skimpy night wear, but I didn’t mind,

I need a particular book by J. K Rowlings, I asked pacing around the shelf, the guy has written a million books and why are we even here at this hour? Lucas asked walking towards me,
It’s a book about a detective and his girlfriend, who is also a detective,
Are we having a book review or something? He taunted again,
Just fuc..king help me okay! I screamed, but he looked at me surprised as he walked over to the lap top on the large table, brought it on and tapped a few keys as lights flickered on the projector, then the following words came on in bold,
THE MYSTERY MAN BY BEN ROWLINGS, the shock flowed from my brain to my knees as they could no longer hold my body, I fell slowly to the cold floor, all my denial in the last few days came to reality, though I still struggled to not accept it,
Alice, can you tell me what’s going on? Lucas asked feeling left out, at first I was skeptical, but when I looked into his eyes again, I could see that he was really concerned and he never understood anything since that evening in the car, for once he felt like he was losing control of things, he was hurt, and in that moment I could see that somehow he was truly as confused as I was, so I gave the paper to him,
That was the print out I got from Edgar, the name of whoever rented that car,
J. K. Rowlings, like the author, he asked confused again,
J. K. Rowlings is just an alias,
I don’t still get it, he said, then he turned and looked at the screen again,
Holy Sh.it, wait a minute! You know “the mystery man” he quoted Ben Rowlings, you know who he is don’t you?
No, I don’t, I said as tears streamed down my cheeks,
Yes you do, he said, we both were silent for some minutes, then he spoke again
Maybe it’s time for one last piece of truth Alice, he said walking out while I sat there crying my eyes off.
Here! Drink this, you will feel better, Lucas handed me a mug,
What is it? I asked,
Think of it as tea, just take a few gulps, it will help you sleep well, i drained the content of the mug in a bit, I began sweating, few seconds later I got drowsy.
I woke up to a not so familiar environment, oh my God! How on earth did I get into Lucas’ bed, I got up immediately, I felt light, I looked at myself just to make sure he didn’t… I cringed at the thought, I opened the door out into the living room, and there he was on his laptop,
What the hell happened last night?
How did I get into your bed?
I hope you didn’t…
Didn’t do what? Defile sleeping beauty?
Sorry princess, I don’t do dead bodies,
Dead bodies? Are you saying I was dead…I mean, what the hell really happened last night,
Oh my God! Please tell me that tea…
Relax! It was nothing, but I trust you are relaxed now, because there is someone I would like you to meet today,
Who? I asked sharply,
If I tell you, then where’s the surprise in that? He said giving me a soft smile.
I spent most of the day going over what I found out the night before, I tried to fight the conviction I was beginning to have, I wished with all heart that it would all be a lie.
At about eight P.M, Adeline knocked on my door; Lucas wants you to be ready by nine P.M,
Okay I said, but she gave me that look she always did each time she wants to tell me something she senses I may not like,
What? I asked sharply recognizing the look,
Lucas insists you wear the green gown and the silver colour strap sandals, Adeline said, before I could even say anything,
I know, I know, I told him you may not like that, but he insisted the meeting is formal,
A formal meeting?
With who? I asked surprised,
I don’t know. She shrugged.

About forty minutes later, I was already in the elevator heading to the lounge, dressed in a green flowing gown with a corset that was few minutes away from gushing out my intestines and a silver colour strap heels, Adeline had wrapped my hair up and did her makeup tricks, I liked myself more. Lucas truly had great taste in fashion, but I didn’t understand why he always wanted me to dress up, and somehow I always felt intimidated by his fashion sense, which explains why I was always not comfortable with the dress up thing, which got me back to thinking of the formal meeting, he didn’t mention anything about a formal meeting.
I stood at the entrance to Lucas’ private lounge, the sight of the security aide turned my stomach because it reminded me of when he brought me food in Lucas’ cell and wouldn’t talk to me. I decided to dismiss the thought and focus on what Lucas has cooked up, the lounge was chilly as usual, and to think that I’m wearing a gown that barely covers my body, as soon as Lucas saw me he stood up in a gentlemanly gesture, he looked nice in the suit he wore with a blue tie, he did know how to clean up pretty well, I didn’t know if he stood up out of courtesy or he was trying to anticipate my next move, because he wasn’t alone,
Naomi was sitting comfortably on the table, she was all dressed up too, she wore a red gown almost as beautiful as mine, her face was heavily made up with her annoying red lipstick, I instantly felt angry, maybe Lucas plays dress up too with her, I could care less, but why am I here with this woman, I couldn’t hold it so I spoke out,
What is going on here Lucas?

Take a seat Alice, he said sternly with a serious look on his face and those dark piercing eyes, I sat down, there was a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice, two bottles of red wine tucked in another bucket and then a bottle of brandy, I couldn’t really read the expression on Naomi’s face as we both exchanged glances, the glass in front of her was almost empty, which was an indication that she had been drinking,
Oh! At least we are allowed to drink, I picked up one of the bottles of brandy, opened it and poured a considerable amount into a glass and gulped it down like my life depended on it.

Lucas received a call, all I heard was yeah, and then he ended the call and gave me a grin, I ignored it,
Five minutes later, the light went dimmer that it already was, then someone else walked in, I paid less attention when the door opened, but I noticed Lucas became more focused, so I turned, the stranger wore a suit too, I couldn’t really tell the colour because of the dim lights, but as he approached our table, there was something familiar about him, at first I thought the brandy had kicked in, but when he got closer, Lucas stood up and said,
Alice, meet or should I say re meet Jerry.

I sat there in Lucas’ lounge for the next thirty minutes, I couldn’t really process all he had said, is he trying to convince me that he didn’t kill my parents? There were so many things Lucas just said that I haven’t told anyone, if he doesn’t have my parents, he probably knows who does,
NO! NO! NO! Alice, you can’t be this stupid, don’t believe him, he is trying to hit your emotions hard, he is trying to play a game here, it is his specialty, don’t fall for it, No! No! Don’t fall for it, my thoughts kept spinning, on my palm was the number Sam gave to me, I quickly got up, found a pen and paper, wrote it down before the ink fades away. I tried to shut down my thoughts. I didn’t really have a good sleep because i kept having nightmares.

The next day, I woke up quite early, by 6 A.M, I was dressed in a sweatpants and a sweatshirt with a pair of sneakers, whoever stocked up the wardrobe thought of everything, then I quickly remembered that I’m not allowed to go out, but then I had to at least try to, so I pressed the button on the door, I had never had to use that button which I was told to use if I needed anything, but that day I needed something, I was startled by the ring of the telephone on the bedside table, I had never really paid attention to it, maybe because I never had a chance to use it, I picked it up immediately,
Good morning! Do you need anything? I recognized the voice, it was Adeline’s, yes, I do, I didn’t bother sounding polite, I need to go for a run, I need to clear my head, and can you handle that?
She paused for a while, then she said I will be with you in a second, I kept pacing until some minutes later there was a knock on the door, I opened up, it was one of Lucas’ security aides,
Great! You are being asked to go with me right?
No, as a matter of fact, you are being asked to use the lounge gym, he said giving me a grin,
Let me guess, your boss, whatever! Let’s just go, I replied rudely, the gym was a standard one, I wasn’t surprised, some of those workout equipments I had no idea how they were being used, there were a few people in there working out, immediately I walked in someone I figured out to be one of the gym assistants walked me to a machine, I didn’t even know how it was called, nor did I know how to use it, but I saw it a couple of times, so he went ahead to explain,
Go ahead; it will just be like you are actually jogging he said, giving me a shy smile apparently noticing that I haven’t used it before.
In about an hour, I was back to my apartment, Adeline was already there with breakfast, so I just had to take my bath, I told her to tell Lucas that I will love to see him, but she reacted in a way that made me question her,
I’m sorry Alice, Lucas is out of town, but hopefully he will be back in three days, he replied, but I saw him last night, when did he leave and where has he gone to? I asked feeling a bit frustrated because I wanted to talk to him about last night,
He left this morning, though I can’t tell where he has gone to.
I decided to use those three days in finding out some things, Lucas said I should think and search, maybe it’s time to really do that.
Where is Naomi? I asked trying to my best to conceal my tone in case she had heard of our little melodrama last night,
I think she is in the right wing, I cocked my head as to tell her I don’t understand what she means, but she just gave me a smile, where we are right now is the left wing of the penthouse, Lucas stays in the right wing, oh! I see, I said with a little amusement,
The names here are epic; I managed a little smile as I headed to the right wing as they called it,
I pressed a button as the glass door slide open, the large part that served as the living room was quite empty,
Hello! Hello! Naomi I’m sorry about last night, I just want to talk please, Hello! I called out again, but there was no answer, I walked towards the other large part which I guessed would be the bedroom, kitchen and all that, that place was way bigger than what I imagined or even saw on the blueprint, I guess Skiter just gave us the part he had access to, Hello! I called again,
Well, maybe I shouldn’t go in here, I might be a trap, besides cameras may be watching you right now, I thought, but the courageous part of me disagreed, you said you wanted to find answers and now you are right in the secret chamber and you want to turn back, how foolish! The courageous part of me urged strongly,
So I went further, opened up the second glass door, Lucas really had high taste, he made his bedroom his personal fantasy land, from the large double bed and clean white shirt to the soft but outspoken colour, to the paintings on the wall, the centre pieces were amazing, not to mention the fact that it was overlooking the blue waters, the air in there was different from the persona of Lucas I knew, something told me that he held that bedroom sacred and so they may be some amount of answers there, for a minute there I was lost in the beautiful sight of the room, i went to the wardrobe, which was made with glass too, Lucas must have a thing for glasses, I tried to slide it open, but it was locked,
Wow! That’s a first; I thought he doesn’t lock things, since he has… oh my God! Cameras, they may be cameras and if they are, I may have already being captured, but I didn’t really give a damn anymore, then something unusual struck me, the rose vase beneath the bed on the floor, I quickly remembered Mr Abass’ hotel room, how they hid the camera in the flower vase, I rushed towards it,
Yeah! I got you, I beamed as I carefully removed the flower and looked underneath, what I saw wasn’t a security Camera, but a tiny micro device, something like a memory card, I looked at it well, I realized it was the same device Lucas planted on my tab,
Then why is it here? I took it immediately, replaced the flower and rushed out without looking back, I went straight to my apartment, i checked the sides of the T.V like Lucas did the other time, I saw a tiny slot, I inserted the micro device, it fit in perfectly, then a dialog box popped up asking if I want to play device I should press okay, I did, a video began playing, at first all I just saw was a moving vehicle on a road, then the road got familiar, i looked closer, it was one of the highways in town, then it struck,
The moving vehicle was a green colour Nissan pathfinder, my pulse instantly plummeted as I paid close attention to the video, for after what was about some minutes of driving, the driver turned left into an area, I didn’t recognize at first, but as I kept looking, I realized it was Evans’ street,
Oh my God! I realized what the video was all about, I was about to witness a murder, he turned into Evans’s compound, I couldn’t sit anymore, I stood up and began to pace, then the car stopped when it got to a place I presumed was in front of Evans’s apartment, then the Nissan’s door popped open, someone stepped out, as soon as the person stepped out, his face went blur,
What the fu..ck! What is Lucas doing? But I looked closer even with the face blurred, I could still pick out distinctive features, this person seemed so familiar, I kept watching up to the point where he got into Evans’s apartment, then everything went blur, then the sound ceased, and after about five minutes, I heard the loud sound of a gunshot, then the video ended, I felt the tears rush to my eyes like a pool of water,
Why is Lucas messing with me? why is he doing this, I sat there crying for about thirty minutes, then I played the video again, I noticed the licence plate number, so I wrote it down, then it hit me like a bomb,
Lucas deliberately left his apartment open for me to find this video, he told me he wasn’t going to help me, that I was going to figure it out on my own, so maybe he is leaving me clues to fix the puzzle for myself, I got up immediately, called for Adeline,
Adeline, I need to borrow your phone, I said in a commanding voice, just in case Lucas had asked her not to give it to me, but she handed it to me, I was almost tempted to call Elliot, but I didn’t want to blow my chance with Lucas, besides I wanted to be careful, so I dialed the number Sam gave me, he picked,
Hey! Sam, it’s Alice,
Oh my God, Alice, where are you,
Listen to me carefully Sam, I need your help and I need it fast, I want you to reach out to Emmanuel, Evans’ cousin, now take a pen and paper, write down this licence plate number, tell him to find out who owns that car,
Do you understand me? Yes, he replied, but Alice, what’s going on?
Sam please just do this for me, I can’t really talk now, but this has to do with Evans’ murder, I promise I will tell you everything later, I will call back later in the evening to find out how far you have gone.
Emmanuel is Evans’ maternal cousin, they were very close, Evans once said that Emma like he called him was like the brother he never had, Emmanuel works with the state security service, I remember pestering Evans about what Emmanuel does for a living when I found out that he acts weird at times, cautious, and observant, and could ask tactical questions, it took Evans a while to tell me that, and he begged me to not talk about it, I saw Emmanuel during Evans’ funeral, he was so broken, he couldn’t even hold himself together anymore, he just had to cry out, so I felt I was giving him the chance to help bring whoever killed his cousin to justice and somehow I knew he wasn’t going to pass on the offer.
I called Sam again later that evening, I didn’t care if my calls were monitored, but if Lucas wanted to prove he doesn’t have a hand in this, then he shouldn’t care about my findings, immediately Sam picked, he handed it over to Emmanuel,
So are you trying to say you didn’t murder my cousin because he left you for another woman, Emmanuel attacked,
I almost yelled at him, but I controlled my emotions, if I did, would I be looking for who did, look, it’s either you believe me and help me look for whoever did this or you sit there and say things to make yourself feel better,
Sam, are you there? That plate number I gave you is the number of the car you told me about, so did you guys find anything?
Yes, I put my sources to it, they said they will get back to me in an hour, so we will call you back then, Emmanuel reluctantly spoke.
No, I will do the calling, wait! Wait! That was Sam’s voice,
Are you okay Alice? Are you safe?
Yes I am, just get the plate number, I ended the call.
That car belongs to a rental company, whoever used that car rented it that day, Emmanuel’s voice from the other end resonated through the phone, it seemed like he was angry,
Sh.it! What is the name of the rental company?
Jossy car rental services, I know the fuc.king manager, maybe I should be interrogating his arse, he probably does business with criminals too he said,
Hold on! No Emmanuel, don’t try anything stupid, this situation is way messier than you know, I know you are the law and you feel you can handle this, but it’s way steeper, what are you talking about? Unless you are involved and you don’t want me to find out, he replied harshly,
Sam! Sam! Are you there? I screamed into the phone, tell him not to do anything stupid or he will be killed, I know how to handle this and I will sure keep you guys posted,
okay, okay Alice, but you have to tell us what is fuc.king going on? Sam replied,
I promise I will, I said as I hung up.