BraniacX:
Phew!
Finally
Welcome back from e-siberia D9ty7

Thanks bro

Eniqurl:
Maybe u shld give us 2 more updates tonight

Let's see how it goes...

35

After almost a month of loosing his job with the Ruppert and James legal outfit, and weeks of driving through the streets of Lagos in search of any chamber willing to take him in. But most of the legal chambers are only impressed with his CV, not his decision to defend the murderer of a leading legal practitioner, a Senior advocate. But even if he wasn't defending Ojo in court, someone else will. He deserves a fair hearing as guaranteed by contitution.
The weeks of searching for another chamber to fly with was followed by another week of searching for an office space. Maybe it was time for him to stand alone afterall, he has the experience, expertise and CV to win clients over.
"The whole of this floor goes for five hundred thousand naira sir." The caretaker of the building said.
"Can't I just take a part of the floor?" Ben asked.
"No sir, considering the type of business you want to run. The last law chamber we had on the fourt floor took the whole apartment on the floor." The caretaker replied.
"I will give you four hundred and eighty thousand naira." Ben said.
"Caretaker fee is fifty thousand. I can't tender four hundred and thirty to the landlord. Moreso, we need to do some repairs."
"I will do the repairs myself." Ben replied.
The caretaker paused to observe Ben for a moment. "Are you a lawyer or a business man?"
"Both." Ben replied laughing.
"Are you writing the check or giving me cash?"
"Cheque." Ben replied.
Once he tendered the cheque to to the caretaker, he was given a temporal ownership to fill where he got familiar with the terms of renting an apartment in the building.
"The rules are quite simple." He thought.
Ben walked towards the window and looked out onto the busy streets of Lagos. "At last." He breathe.
Just then his phone started ringing. "Barrister Ben on the line, how may I help you?"
He ended the call moments later with a smile on his face. "I haven't set up my office, I have clients already." He said as he punched the air excitedly. "First things first, furnitures." He thought. "And a secretary."
His phone buzzed, signifying him of a new text message. "And money to execute this project." He said before opening the message which reads;
Meet me at the pub down Anthony street at 6:30. Do not fail me. From Barr David.

"Who is Barrister David?" Ben thought as he scrolled through his contacts for the man who is to handle making the furnitures for his new office. "Do not fail me. He has nerves and guts. Nonesense." He concluded as he slipped his phone back into his pocket and busied himself with more important things.

--tbc..

34

--*--
Even though it wasn't in his character to eavesdrop people's private conversation, but last night he couldn't resist the temptation to try it for the first and only time. Ojo was coming into the house through the kitchen after he had gone to switch off the generator, but a loud voice attracted him. The voice which belonged to Barrister Ben sounded angry while another voice belonging to his wife seemed calm.
"Vickie, you have no place in this house. Not anymore." Ben said angrily.
"Ben, you know every human is liable to make mistakes at least once in a lifetime. The most important thing is realizing that you made a mistake and trying to make amends." Vickie explained.
"No. The most important thing is making one that can be forgiven or overlooked." Ben replied. "Vickie, you went too far."
"But no one paid me attention in this house. You treated me like trash, Kelvin treated me like I am his wife or like I depend on him. Sharon had no respect whatsoever for me. You even tried to make my kids hate me." Vickie poured out.
"All coming from who? Victoria! You are a drama queen and it doesn't work on me. Try a different tactics. But for your info, we are done and dusted." Ben replied. "And if you'll let me sleep. Goodnight."
Silence took over the room as Ojo heard the clicking sound of a switch, which could only mean the light has been put off. To say he was disappointed would be an understatement. Just as he made to drag his feet away from their door, he heard Vickie sniff.
"Okay then, divorce should be the next thing." She said. "And be ready to part with half of your properties." She added with a tone of finality.
"I don't care. And the court will decide, not some mushroom counsel of yours." Ben replied.
"And the eight million naira you owe me." Vickie announced. "I want it before this week runs out. I am leaving your house tomorrow. Goodnight."
Ojo needed no soothsayer to tell him it was time to leave and get some sleep which he did.
Waking up this morning, he had some unanswered questions bothering him. And he hoped to find answers to them pretty soon.
He looked out through the window to see Ben cleaning his car. He took his eyes to the wall clock, 6:05AM.
"Where is he rushing to this early?" Ojo thought as he walked out of the house. "Good morning sir." He greeted his host.
"Hey! Ojo. How was your night?"

--tbc...

33
–*–
Ojo walked out of his room into the living room and immediately made to go back.“Don’t even think of going back.” Ben’s wife, Vickie said forcing Ojo to stop in his tracks. “Where were you going in the first place?” She asked.“To check if my clothes have not fallen off the line outside.” He lied.“Did you wash?” She asked.“Yes… Last night.” Ojo replied.“Oh! I thought you wanted to return to your room because I am seated here.” She said. “You know, no one seems to like me in this house. My husband, Sharon, Kelvin. And they are trying to turn my kids against me.” She complained.“Sorry about that. But I think you should talk to a family member and not me.” Ojo said.“Really? A family?” She asked. “Who is a family? The person you are able to see and talk to is family.” She added. “Come sit.”Ojo found himself walking towards a couch, afterall, he had no cloth outside.“Did you know why I moved out of my matrimonial home?” She asked.“No.” Ojo shook his head.“Ben was never in love with me. He has always loved a lady from his university days. He got married to me because I waspregnant. It wasn’t like I trapped him, but it just happened.”Ojo listened attentively especially at the similarities her story bore with his. Even though he truly love Lola, he never stopped loving her even after she trappedhim with a pregnancy he wasn’t ready for.“We got married and as advised, I did all I could do to make Ben love me. All was begining to work out after the birth of my son, but my plans got disrupted when his siblings moved in with us. Meaning Ben was going to cater for them, he worked extra hard and while half of his attention was on his job, the other half was on his kids and siblings.” She paused.Surprisingly, Ojo could see a tear drop from her eye. Even though he didn’t want to believe her story, he found himself pitying the young lady, afterall he has onlyher side of the story.“Do you know Kelvin?” She asked to whichOjo shook his head. “He is Sharon’s twin. You must have heard about him.”“What about him?” He asked.“He started making sexual advances at me to the point of trying to molest me oneday while I was taking my bath….” She paused. “I couldn’t take it anymore….” Sheallowed her voice trail off.“And you didn’t tell your husband?”“He won’t believe me.” She cried.“You assumed or you once told him something and he didn’t believe?” Ojo asked.She fell silent for almost a minute, during which she let her tears fall freely.“Let me tell you a secret….”The front door opened and Sharon walkedin.“Hey! OJ.” She greeted Ojo.“Welcome.” Ojo replied.“Thank you. I got the ingredient for the pepper soup. Wanna help in the kitchen?” She asked.“Sure.” Ojo replied standing up. “We will talk later.” He said to Vickie who nodded.Once inside the kitchen, Ojo set to work with washing the meet while Sharon prepared the pepper for blending.“What were you discussing with that witch?” She asked.“Nothing much. We were just pickin topics all over.” Ojo replied.“Sure?” Sharon asked, suspicion written allover her face.“Yeah.”
–tbc….

Y’all noticed Sharon calling Ojo OJ? When did that one start?
For more, visit; www.penprimus.com

32
LOLA


I walked into the reception area of a private hospital downtown and a pettite nurse ushered me to a seat. Also seated were other pregnant women whom I believed all came for a session with the doctor.From my observation, none of the womenlooked less than five months pregnant because their bumps were very visible.“I came to see the Doctor.” I said to the nurse in almost a whisper.“Wait for your turn.” She replied and made to leave, but I grabbed her hand.“Please I need to see him now.” I pleaded.“Madam, there is only a doctor on duty this morning. And these women who came before you are waiting to see him too. You just have to wait.” The nurse explained calmly.I have heard a lot about nurses, especiallyNigerian nurses. I heard most of them have this pettite stature which makes them look and act smart, running and moving from ward to ward, responding to patients being brought in almost imediately. Another thing I heard is their ability to talk or gossip as the case may be. Their free times are usually spent gossiping, about the patient whose husband is a known womanizer and all that. The third thing is their temperament.I learnt an average Nigerian nurse will only talk to you calmly once and the second time will be angrily.Though the nurse in front of me fits into the first category in terms of stature, I haven’t seen her gossip, and with the way she has kept her calm while talking to me has proved the assertions wrong.“There is a socket space over there, plug in your phone and let it keep your company.” She said smiling.“I hope that’s your station?” I asked pointing towards the table where two other nurses sat. “I may be tempted to come over and chat you up.” I added laughing.“That won’t be a problem. Provided you will tell the Director you called us for a chat.” She laughed too. “Just keep calm, it will soon reach your turn.”Just as the nurse advised, I kept myself busy with my phone, running through the social media and reading news. By the time it reached my turn to see the doctor, there were about seven other women behind me. As I stood up with my bag, thenurse who attended to me earlier called out.“You see, I told you.” She smiled.I could only smile in return, but the smile faded immediately because I just ran into something….. Someone, a man.“Hey! Watch where you are going.” He called out.“I’m sorry.” I quickly replied.He held my gaze for a moment, adjusted his shirt before stepping aside.I proceeded to ascend the stairs, but stopped after climbing three steps. His face looks familiar. I thought as I looked back at him.“How come he doesn’t recognize me?” I asked myself.He is Barrister Jackson, the man I slapped at the restaurant a few weeks ago while waiting for Ben.“What is he doing in Ijebu Ode? In the same hospital that I am?” I thought, because I could remember seeing him almost everywhere I am since the slap incident. At the court room, at a church crusade in Ikeja to a conference held in dad’s department.“Could he be stalking me?”

–tbc…
For more, visit; www.penprimus.com

teamplayey:
. . .This is unlike d9ty7. I hope he is ok?

Yes boss! I'm okay

31



Ojo allowed his anger get the better of him as he kept delievering heavy punches on the battered face of his one time colleague.
"How dare you all run away? How dare you leave me to suffer? Who among you killed the Barrister? Why did you all run away?" Ojo asked all at once, and funny enough, he gave the man not even the chance to digest the questions, not to talk of providing answers.
"Ojo, this...." The man was saying, but a punch to his lips stopped him. Being a man not to give up. "This won't...." He ducked another punch. "Help." But unfortunatly, another one hit him on the neck which made him growl out in pain.
"These ones will kill each other o. Better go and seperate them."
By the time he was forcefully pulled up, Ojo was panting heavily.
"What is the matter with you two?" A man asked.
"Hold that useless man very well.... Hold him." Ojo panted, but it was too late, as Alabi took to his heels, and after running a few yards, he jumped on a bike. Ojo remembered the bike to be Alabi's.
"What is the problem young man?" Those who stopped the fight asked.
Ojo merely adjusted his shirt before walking away.
After walking a couple of blocks, he remembered his stalker and by the time he glanced back, there was nobody.
"Where did he go? When did he leave?" Were the questions on Ojo's mind as he pushed open the pedestrian gate. But he stopped in his tracks when he saw a new car he had never seen around parked inside the compound. A black Honda CRV.
"Who owns this car?" He thought as he proceeded into the house.
He could hear the kid's chatter from where he stood which forced him to look at his time piece; 1:45PM. It is not even time to close yet.
"Uncle Ojo! Uncle Ojo!" The children screamed as soon as he walked in. A young lady who is either in her late twenties or early thirties sat on the couch operating an Ipad.
"Mummy, this is our Uncle Ojo." Junior, the youngest of the two children said. "Uncle, this is our mummy." He completed the introduction.
"Good afternoon ma." Ojo greeted the lady who gave him a smile.
"Good afternoon sir." She replied. "My children have told me a lot about you. And it is nice to finally meet you."
Ojo could swear on the grave of his ancestors that he liked the woman immediately. Such a beautiful and nice woman. Why then did she leave her marriage in the first place? Mystery.
"It's nice to finally meet you too ma." Ojo replied.
"Call me Vickie." She corrected.
Once the pleasantries were completed, Ojo walked in, but instead of going into the guest room which served as his room, he walked into the kitchen where he had heard sounds.
"Hi." Ojo said as he walked in on Sharon who was doing the dishes.
"Our Uncle Ojo is back." She mimicked her nephew's voice.
"How you dey?" Ojo asked.
"Call me Sharon." She replied mimicking Vickie.
Ojo smiled. "Who is she?" He had asked before realizing how stupid his question was. "I mean, where has she been all these while? That no one talks about her. Not even her children."
Sharon smiled. "How was your outing?" with a wink.
Ojo without thinking dipped his hand into his pocket and gave five thousand naira to her.
"What for?" Sharon asked.
"That is what my outing yielded." Ojo replied.
"No, you've always wanted catfish pepper soup. This money would be perfect to prepare one." She said excitedly.
"I'm glad you've finally pulled yourself together." Ojo remarked.
Just then the pedestrian gate burst open and an angry Ben walked in. From the kitchen, Ojo could see the fire in his eyes.
"Come out here Vickie. You have no business in that house."
Ojo threw an askance look at Sharon who winked. "You called him?"
"What do you expect?" Sharon laughed. "Just sit back and enjoy the fight and make sure sey you no interfere." She added as she walked out of the kitchen.
Ojo who had more than one pressing issues left the kitchen for his room.

--tbc...

30
--*--

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

--tbc...

29

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

--tbc...

28
LOLA


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

--tbc....

For more, visit; www.penprimus.com

Here I am

27

LOLA

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


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

26


VENUE: RUPPERT & JAMES CHAMBERS

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

25

OJO

I was sitting inside the reception area at the central police department alongside Barrister Ben who choosed to accompany me to meet with the Chief investigator.
“I still can’t believe Farouk is dead.” Ben said, a little bit loud, enough for me to hear.
“Same here. Such a young man.” I replied.
“And we have come a long way. Since the days of writing UTME and every qualifying exams. He was my bestman.” He went on. “And my ex-wife liked him a lot.” I have never seen him talk about his wife.
“But the police must bring his killers to book. Justice must prevail.” I replied, ignoring the fact that I myself needed as much justice as possible before wishing someone else.
“And to say he never told me where and how to get the evidence to defend your case.” The latest revelation sort of melted my heart, my hopes and dreams. All the beautiful starts all seem to have gone down the drain.
“God will lead us aright.” I blurted the only thing that came to my mind.
“Welcome sir.” The police officers on duty greeted a new man who was clad in suit and this seems to bring me out of my reverie.
“Is the DPO on seat?” He asked.
There is something familiar about the new man’s voice, but I kept my cool.
“No sir, but the IPO is on seat even though presently in a meeting.” One of the officers replied.
“Okay, so I’ll have to wait until he is done right?” He asked as he took a seat beside Barrister Ben. “Good morning.”
“Yeah, good morning.” Ben replied.
“Are you a lawyer?” The new man asked just when the Inspector in charge of the case walked in.
“Good Morning Barrister Ben.” Inspector Noah greeted.
“Good morning sir.” Ben replied as he shook hands with him.
“Are you the IPO?” The new man in suit asked.
“Yes, and how may I help you?”Inspector Caleb replied.
“I am Barrister David. Son of Late Barrister Joe, I want to believe his case is being handled here?” He asked.
“Definitely! It’s nice to see you sir.” Noah said as he shook hands with the man all over again. “Let’s go into my office.”
“But, officer, I have been sitting here all day.” Ben protested.
“I’m sorry Barrister, but the man of the case is here. The new prosecuting counsel. Let your client wait behind for me.” Inspector Noah replied as he led his guest to his office, while Ben stood in shock.
“You know what? Ojo, you’ll wait behind. I need to get to the office right now. Once the IPO is ready to meet you, give me a call.” Ben said and with this, he hurriedly left the police office.
I returned to my seat, deep in thoughts that I didn’t know when I slept off.
I didn’t know for how long I slept, but when I woke up, the barrister who went in with the Investigating police officer was standing before me.
“You killed my father?” He asked.
I calmly stood up, while rubbing my eyes to ascertain if it is a dream or real.
“You had the nerve to kill my father despite the fact that he was your helper. You betrayed him cos some rich politicians gave you huge sum to pull it off.” For a moment, I wish somebody can just come to my aid by playing the footage from that night.
“Listen to me young man. No matter how much you collected to kill my dad, you will spend everything fighting this case. I know you have a good lawyer, but be prepared to change him soonest.” With this, he walked away.
I stood in confusion as his last words kept replaying. “Why will I change Ben from being my lawyer?”

--tbc...
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24

OJO

As the ray of sun hit my face, I squinted as I tried to cover my eyes. Just then I heard the door into my room open, forcing me to turn away from the window to look at whoever was just coming in.
“Good morning.” Sharon greeted. “I’m sorry, I never knew you are awake. I should have knocked.” She added.
“Good morning, how was your night?” I replied.
“Splendid and yours?”
“As you can see, I am just waking up. That tells how good my night was.” I replied, drawing out laughter from her.
“Uncle Ben would like to see you.” She said.
“Okay, tell him I’ll be there in a minute.” I replied discharging her.
Once she was out of the room, I walked into the bathroom, brushed my teeth and rinsed my face, after which I left for the living room.
Barrister Ben was having breakfast when I entered and immediately, he rounded up his meal.
“I will have my breakfast later.” I replied when he asked if I would like to be served.
“Okay, the reason I called you is nothing serious, but at the same time it is something serious.” He began. “First of all, we are starting your discharge argument today. I have prepared the notes based on what Farouk told me.” He paused to drink from his tea cup before continuing. “And with the evidences from Detective Farouk, we can be confident of laying a good precedence before the actual trial.”
“I really appreciate all that you have done for me. Despite the fact that you do not know me or anything. You gave me the benefit of doubt, took me into your home, gave me food and still went out of the way to defend me in court, including inviting your detective friend. I really appreciate it.”
He smiled. “It is always a dream of mine to be a Public Defender. So, I am only fulfilling that dream.” He replied. “And moreso, Omolola who introduced you to me is someone I respect a lot. She can’t ask for one thing and I won’t give her double.” He added.
There and then, I made up my mind not to let Omolola slip from my hand. Even though I am assured as she is pregnant, but the world is a crazy place, anything can happen. But, not succumbing to the craziness of the world will only make nothing happen.
“Are you with me?” He asked.
“Yes sir. I am.” I replied.
“Did you get my question?” He asked.
“Not really.” I replied.
“I asked you what is between you and Omolola?”
“I don’t seem to understand that question.” I replied, letting my confusion become obvious.
“I mean, she introduced you as her first cousin, but all I have seen you exchange everytime you are together are more than family glances. They seem intimate…..” He explained.
I wanted to reply, but the sound of his ringing phone stopped me.
“Hello, who is this?” He said on picking up, probably trying to let the caller know his call won’t be given much seriousness unless he or she does the introduction.
“What?” I could see his face crease in shock. “When did that happen?” He asked. “Oh! My God.” He wailed as the call ended.
“What’s the problem sir?” I felt the need to ask and so I did.
“Farouk was found dead outside his gate this morning.” He replied.
“What?” I exclaimed as I felt yet again, my hope crumbling before me.
Sharon rushed into the living room. “What is the problem?” She asked.
“Detective Farouk is dead.” I replied.
As if hit with the butt of a gun, Sharon fell to the ground and passed out.
OH LORD, FROM WHERE WILL MY HELPER COME?

--tbc....
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