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Chapter Twenty Two



The thunder rumbled at the dark sky as Abigail pulled her car to a stop at the front of Andrew's apartment. She was there for the first time, giving him a surprised visit on a Saturday morning.  She got down from the car and made her way toward the front door, knocking.

The door was opened by a very pretty woman with a smooth black skin, and Abigail expression fell on seeing her. Who was she and what was she doing in Andrew's apartment?

"Good morning," the woman greeted with a smile.

"Go...good morning, I...is Andrew home?" Abigail asked.

"Yes," she left the door and let her in.

"Thank you."

"Have a seat," the woman said and walked out of the sitting room to inform Andrew.

Abigail settled down in the chair wondering who she was. Andrew told her he wasn't married. She let out a soft breath and glanced round the richly furnished sitting room before letting her eyes rest on the TV that was broadcasting a live program.

Andrew emerged from the staircase with a perfect smile. "Abigail? How'd I get so lucky."

She met his gaze. "Lucky?"

"To have you here in my apartment," he smiled. "It's a blessing."

She smiled. "Who is that woman?"

Andrew paused halfway into the chair and laughed. "Angela. She's my elder sister. She just returned from Texas two days ago for a visit."

Abigail let out a soft breath and met his gaze. "I thought she's your wife.."

"Oh," he laughed. "Let me introduce her to you."

"Never mind," she said.

"Do you care for a drink?"

"Hmm...soft drink."

Andrew smiled and walked toward the refrigerator. He pulled out a can of malt, then a glass cup and returned to her. He poured the drink into the glass cup and handed it to Abigail.

"Thanks." She took a sip and placed it on the small table beside her and met his gaze. "You won't believe my manager he's Jessica's cousin."

"You don't mean it." Andrew leaned forward. "How did you know about it?"

"It was him that told me," Abigail lifted her glass and took another sip. "He was trying to run away from James."

"Why?"

"He had sold his gold."

"Are are serious? Didn't Jessica said it was stolen?" Andrew leaned forward.

"It was stolen by her sister who only admired the beauty of the artifact, not knowing the worth, and she sold it to my manager."

"How did James get know about it?"

"That's what I can't say." She took another sip from her glass. "You James, don't you?"

He let a breath and stared at her. "Who did he sold the gold to?"

"A stranger whom he claimed he met at Alade market, and the funny thing was that the buyer played him."

"How?"

"The buyer played him by sending a fake bank alert of five hundred thousand to his phone." She shook her head.

Andrew let out an explosive breath. "This is serious. Are you sure he was saying the truth?"

"He showed me the alert he received on his phone, and this morning I went to the bank to confirmed it."

Andrew stared at her for few seconds. "I would advice you to keep him out of your organization. I wouldn't want James after you anymore."

"He was in my office with a resignation letter, but I rejected it." She met his gaze. "The guy is important."

"What do you want to do about him?"

"I'm trying to see if I can talk James out of it."

Andrew signed. "And you think James would listen to that? Just let him go. I don't want anything to connect you and James anymore, you know who he is."

She shook her head. "James is going to kill that poor boy."

"There's little you can do about it. How would you locate the buyer? I don't want you to get involved in this, Abigail. You've been through a lot and it's the right you sidestep from anything that screamed James."

Abigail lifted her glass and took a sip. She placed it on the table then, picked her ringing phone from her handbag. "Hello?"

"Madam, The taxi man that usually come to pick Bode from work just told me Bode got hit by a car last night when he was running away from some men." Abigail's casher said from the other end.

"What? Got hit my a car, did he survived it?"

"The man said he was rushed to St Moses hospital, close to his apartment."

"Oh my God.." She ended the call and pulled out a long hard breath.

"What is it?" Andrew leaned forward.

"Bode. They've got him. He was knocked down by a car when trying to escape. He's at the hospital." She picked her bag from the chair. "I got to go."

"Where are you going?"

"To the hospital." She hurried toward the front door.

"Wait," he said. "I'll go with you."

"I can't wait, I will see you later." She walked out and closed the door behind her.

In less than thirty minutes, Abigail pulled her car to a stop at the front of the hospital and hurried out of it. A police patrol pickup was parked at the premises with four police men around it, all staring at Abigail as she made her way toward the entrance of the hospital.

She stopped and stared at Spenky who was coming out of the hospital.

Spenky met her gaze. "Hi, good to see you again."

"Where is James, and what have you guys done to my manager?"

"Your manager?"

"Yes, the one that got hit by a car last night."

Spenky felt surprised. "You knows him?

"You heard me."

"Oh, I..."

Abigail just turned and hurried into the hospital and approached a nurse at the front desk. "I want to see the accident victim that was brought here last night."

The nurse met her gaze. "I'm sorry you can't see him."

Abigail frowned. "Why can't I see him?"

"It was an order given to us."

"An order? By who?"

"You can approach the policemen outside," the nurse said. "They're the ones watching over him."

Eyes narrowed. "You can't be serious?" She turned and hurried out of the hospital.

She met Spenky who was about to enter his car. "Excuse me."

Spenky turned and met her eyes, one hand on top of his car. "Yes."

Abigail stopped in a few feet away from him. "Why can't I see him?"

"Who?"

"My manager."

"It wasn't my order," Spenky said.

"I don't care whose order it is," she said in annoyance. "I need to see him, now."

Spenky stared at her for some seconds. "I'm sorry I can't do that. Maybe you should talk to James."

She took her phone and dialed James number, and James picked on the first ring. "James?"

"Yes."

She let out a soft breath to calm her anger. "That guy you admitted at the hospital is someone close to me. He's the one handling my business. I would appreciate if I could have a few words with him."

Silence fell at the other end.

"James?"

"Where are you?"

"I'm a the hospital, being denied an access to see him."

"Okay, I will get back to you in a minute."

Abigail ended the call and stared at Spenky who picked his ringing phone and held it to his ear.

"Yes, sir." Spenky said into the phone. He ended his call and met Abigail's gaze. "Come with me."

Bode was in bed, eyes closed, bandage all around his head and a heart heart monitor beeps above his head. Abigail stared at him in pity and sat at the edge bed.

Bode blinked his eyes opened at the sound. "Ma..ma.."

"It's okay." Tears welled up in her eyes. "You will be alright."

"Wa..ter," he managed to speak.

Abigail spotted a bottle of water on the table beside the bed. She picked it up and poured a few content in a glass cup, then put her hand under his neck and brought the cup gently to his lips. He took a small sip and she placed the cup back on the table.

"How can we trace the buyer?" She asked.

"I..I..don't.. Know."

"What about the Hausa man you met before the buyer, can you recognize him?"

"He..his name..is Alhaji.. Musa." He coughed, and his eyes were changing colours.

"Don't say anything," Abigail said. "Just relax, okay?"

The heart monitor began to behaved abnormal and Bode began to stretched his body, about to give up.

"Nurse!" Abigail screamed. "Somebody help!"

About three nurses, rushed in...

©Harry Enomamien..2010

All rights reserved.

ebonyfaf daviesblaze Oluangelkay classicladyk dotyoung rukidanty babyurgly1 Ann2012 Izaray aprilwise labelle123 Godwindanielboy mikelife15 pinkie2018 Yusuf2 Bulcglay Giwa80 Isyben timstone pweetgiftofgod Okuchris ndy87

Chapter Twenty one





Abigail nodded her head to the music playing out of her car stereo as she got hooked in a morning traffic. She was heading to her business place for the first time in many days. She had left her business with her manager whom Juliet had introduced to her, and the guy had performed more than she had expected.

For the first time in many years, she felt her real self, sound and happy. Things were beautiful just the way it used to be back in the days. She smiled, thanking God for restoring back her happiness. God had really been good to her through all her challenges. She smiled to the thought of thanksgiving as she pulled the gear of her car from N to D, driving forward.

She couldn't stop thinking of Andrew since the last time they met. He had been asking her to accept his love, that she was still giving a thought. Could he be the man that would give her the everlasting happiness that she had ever wanted? She hadn't really had the time to know much about him, but the guy had been nice to her since the first day she met him in his office, a very caring man. She smiled with a renewed sense of anticipation. She hadn't felt that way for a very long time.

The parking space of her business place was occupied with cars, and she rolled her car, parking directly at the front  the supermarket.

Abigail stare at a dozen or more customers as she stepped inside. She advanced happily toward the cahier who was busy attending to a customer.

"Aw..good morning madam." The young lady was happy to see her boss.

"Bimpe, how are you?"

"Fine ma."

Abigail smiled. "Hope everything is going on fine?"

"Yes madam, everything is fine."

Abigail nodded. "Where is the manager?"

"He has not been to work since two days, I'm still expecting him if he would come today, but he usually comes early."

Abigail checked her wristwatch and met her gaze."Okay I will call him on phone." She turned and walked away.

She walked around the big supermarket, taking note of everything before walking into her office. Her office was demarcated with transparent glasses that she could see through it. She settled down in her chair, opened a file that was on her table and began to go through it.

A slight knock brought her gaze toward the door, and her manager walked in with a worried look on his face. "Welcome madam."

She stared at him with a frown. "Bode?"

"Madam..." 

"Why have you not been to work?" She queried.

"I'm sorry ma."

"So this is how you've been playing with my business, abi?"

"No madam," he met her gaze. "I was having some issues that took my time."

"What was more important than your job? Now look at the time you're coming to work."

"I'm sorry madam."

Abigail signed and shook her head. "You can go, but always let me know if won't be available at work."

"Thank you madam." He said and remained standing.

Abigail met his gaze. "I say you can go."

"Madam, I...I want to tender my resignation letter."

She narrowed her eyes. "Why?"

"I...have some serious issues I'm battling that I have to relocate."

Abigail pulled out a soft breath, leaned back in her chair and met his gaze. "Are you alright? Why will you want to abandon your job after building this business up to this level?"

Bode turned his eyes toward wall and let it remained there for few seconds. "I don't have a choice. I'm afraid I may go to jail if I don't leave the city."

"Jail? What have you done?"

"I..."

"Sit down."

"Thank you ma," he settled down and met her gaze. "I traveled home few days ago to see my sick father.."

Abigail narrowed her eyes in surprise with her arms crossed over her chest as she silently listened to her manager. She was short of words.

"...they've threatened to arrest me." Bode added.

Abigail let out a long hard breath. How funny her manager got involved in this case. She leaned forward. "You're going to stay."

Bode shook his head. "I can't, madam. I don't want to go to jail."

"I will defend you."

He sighed. "It seems you don't know what I'm talking about, I can't risk it."

Abigail cast him a pitying look and let out a soft breath. She knew how he felt. She had been there and James would make him a scapegoat if they couldn't trace the buyer. She wanted to tell him she knew about the gold, but that would scare him away and she doesn't want that to happen. She met his gaze. "You have to trust me," she told him. "You'll have to do as I say till I find a way to settle this matter. It's not going to be easy but I promise you nothing will befall you."

Bode nodded. "Yes ma."



The rain was pouring heavily by the time Bode left work. His mind was crowded with so much thought as he stared out through the window of a taxi that was taking him home. He had never been scammed in his life, and the way he was played surprised him a lot. What was he going to tell the owner of the gold if they finally traced him? They're going to find him because one of his family will surely lead them to him. Those thought were killing him slowly, and he was filled with bitterness.

The street lights were off, leaving the street in total darkness as the rain and the thunder continued to have their way through the night. The taxi pulled to a stop at the front of his apartment, and he alighted, then hurried toward his front door to get out of the angry rain.

He stopped at once, standing in the rain as he noticed two men knocking on his front door. Who are those people? Fear gripped him as he heard a sound behind him. He turned to see two other men coming out of a car at the other side of the street, coming toward him in a hurry.

Bode widened his eyes in fear, then pulled his eyes back to the ones at his front door, they had noticed him and they were also coming after him. The next thing that came to his mind was to run, and without delay, he took off and the four men chased after him in the heavy rain.

"Get him!" James screamed, breathing heavily behind his men as they chased after Bode.

With all his strength, Bode ran out of the street to the main road. Without his notice, a coming vehicle in a full speed swept him off the ground into air. All Bode could see was darkness as he landed at the center of the road, blood gushing out of his mouth.

"No!" James screamed, falling to his kneels. "My gold.."

The taffic built up immediately, all cars were on stand still, and a few good Nigerians rushed into the rain, running toward Bode.

©Harry Enomamien.. 2018

Godwindanielboy:
How alert go show and no money deposited. Different ways of scamming sha.

Bros, you never hear....

24hoursreporter

Boss, I would appreciate your comment rather than quoting a whole chapter.

Thanks for reading

Chapter Twenty







All sort of noise filled the air as Bode walked through the street that was crowded with market women selling along the street. The earthy smell of vegetables competed with unpleasant smells that would make you think why people eats ponmo. He walked slowly with a small bag hung on his shoulder toward some men standing along the street asking passerby for foreign currency.

Bode counted himself lucky to have purchased the artifact from Kate, knowing she didn't know the worth of what she had sold. He left the village earlier than he had planned just in case Kate changed her mind in selling the gold. What bothered him was if it was a real gold or not, and there he was to confirm it.

"Oga, you get am for dollar?" An Hausa man approached him. "Na me I be Alhaji Musa. Me I go change am for any amount you get."

"No," Bode said. "I just want you to help me check something out."

"No problem," Alhaji took him to a corner.

"This," Bode brought out the artifact from his bag. "How real is it?"

The man grew quite still as he examined the artifact, but out of professionalism, not wariness. He looked with bright eyes of one who recognised greatness. "You I go sell am?"

"Is it a real gold?"

"This one I no be better gold, walahi," the man lied. "But me I go buy am."

Bode felt disappointed as he heard it wasn't a real gold. "How much will you pay for it."

Alhaji looked at it again and met Bode's gaze. "Me I go pay am for twenty five thousand."

"Let me have it," Bose signed. "I can't sell it for that amount, besides I need to confirm it from someone else."

"Haba, aboki na." The man said. "Walahi, walahi this one I no be real gold. I go give am for you thirty thousand, gasikia."

Bode stared at it again. "Make it fifty thousand."

"Oga, me I try, walahi."

Another man who had been watching them from the other side of the street approached them and stared at the artifact. "Wow..this is beautiful, really stunning."

Bode met his gaze with a slight smile. "Yes it is."

"Is it for sale?"

Bode nodded. "Yes."

"Haba," Alhaji said. "Me I don buy am for the thing."

The other man ignored him and stared at Bode. "How much are you willing to sell it?"

"Give me hundred thousand." Bode said.

Alhaji met Bode's gaze with annoyance. "Na me I first buy am. Me I go give am for you hundred thousand."

The other man stared at Bode. "Are you willing to do business with me? I will pay as much as five hundred thousand for this beautiful sculpture."

That's a good amount of money. "Do you have the cash with you?"

"No," he said. "But I can transfer it on my phone into your bank account."

Bode nodded. "Okay, let's do that."

Alhaji wasn't happy with the man. He stared at Bode with more seriousness. "Me I get am for cash."

"Don't worry," Bode said and followed the man to where his car was parked.

In less than three minutes, Bode received an alert of five hundred thousand on his cellphone. He smiled happily and handed the artifact to the man. "Thanks."

The man collected it with a bright smile while Bode watched him drove away.

Bode happily walked along the road, with the thought of how he was going to spend the money. I will pay my rent and add the remaining ones to my business. He smiled and pulled his eyes toward an ATM machine, then he decided to withdrawn some money, at least to enjoy himself in a bar with his friends.

He waited about five minutes on the line before his turn. He brought out his card from his wallet and slotted it into the machine, typed in his password and waited for the processing.
He widened his eyes in disbelief. How come? His account balance showed eighteen thousand naira, which had been there before. what! He quickly brought out his phone from his trouser pocket and checked the message he had received, he could see five hundred thousand been deposited to his bank account. How come it doesn't reflect?

"Bros, give someone else a chance if you're not withdrawing," a guy behind him said with a frown.

"Sorry," Bode stepped aside.

He decided to wait a few more minutes to try again. But would he received an alert if the money wasn't transferred to his account? He was felt so confused as he brought out his ringing phone from his pocket. "Hello?"

"Bode?" His mother's voice came from the other end.

"Mama?"

"Some men are here right now looking for you. Where is the gold you collected from Kate?" Her mother's voice was very harsh.

Bode was shocked. "Some men? But Kate sold the gold to me."

"Pease return the gold immediately, the men threatened to arrest me and your father if you refused to bring back the gold. It was a stolen gold."

"Stolen?" His eyes felt narrowed. "But Kate said she took it from Jessica's apartment na."

"Jessica stole it, if you want to see me and your father alive, please return the gold quick, quick.."

Bode was confused. How this is happening? "Mama I just sold it away."

His mother screamed from the other end. "Ah! You better go collect it back before you put us in trouble."

"I sold it to a stranger."

"Stranger? Find the person quick, hello? Hello?"

Bode stood still as he ended the call. He felt so confused not knowing what to make out of the situation. He approached the ATM machine again and slotted his card, but his account balance still remained the same, eighteen thousand naira.

He put his hands on his head as he realised he had be scammed. "Ah! I'm finished."

©Harry Enomamien.. 2018

Giwa80:
This story is superb.

Thanks boss.

Cheers!

Okuchris:
I've Been hooked up in this story since morning.
its lovely and interesting.

Thanks for reading..

Enjoy.

Bulcqlay:
wahooo, to be sincere, this story really keep my boredom today, it was indeed very interesting, more knowledge to your brain sir, well done. kudos

Thanks dearie... God bless you.

chivera018:
I am in sambisa forest, care to join me ?

I'm coming, let me quickly take my AK47 and my bulletproof.

Where is Chivera018? Oya show face o

mikelife15:
Mr harry God bless u plenty

Amen....

mikelife15:
Mr harry God bless u plenty

Amen...

daviesblaze:
Just when i taught i've seen it all.
Good work harry

You asked for more

Godwindanielboy:
Thanks for the mention and for the update. God bless. Keep it up. James would make a good police/investigator.

Thank you bro.

ebonyfaf daviesblaze Oluangelkay classicladyk dotyoung Geemoni71 Chivera018 Missmossy rukidanty babyurgly1 Chris2face Ann2012 Izaray aprilwise labelle123 Godwindanielboy mikelife15 pinkie2018 Yusuf2 Donyai

Chapter Nineteen



Lola funeral service took place in sixty-year-old Anglican can church. The auditorium overflowed with people, mostly celebrities, dressed for elegant mourning and waited quietly when Abigail and Andrew took the last open spaces against the back wall. The front seats were occupied by Lola's family and friends. Abigail could see the mourning relatives. Lola's husband cold eyes stared at his wife's coffin as if his soul lay inside, leaving his body lost on earth. Beside him were his kids and Lola's mother, her hair completely hidden by a black hair tie.

Abigail was very sad for losing a wonderful person like Lola. She thought about herself. She would have be in her grave if it wasn't James who saved her from Jessica, who would have escaped without being caught. She silently thank God for her life, but sad about Lola.

The bishop took to the pulpit for an opening prayer.

Abigail stared at Andrew. "What?"

"Over there." Andrew nodded toward the direction.

"What is it?"

"Brothers and sisters," the bishop intoned. "Before coming here, I have a hand time coming up with something to say about the deceased."

"James."

"....there is so much to say about Lola Daniels, that I don't even know where to start."

"James?" Abigail leaned her head forward.

"By the window from the right."

James was sitting in middle of two of his bodyguard. He wore a suit that matched his black hat.

"Oh, what is he doing here?" Abigail asked.

"Paying respect to the dead, maybe."

She stared at him. "He's not that bad then. He has a heart."

Andrew glanced at her. "I can see you've begin to like him."

"He saved my life."

"Yes," Andrew met her gaze. "He did."

Lola's coffin was carried out by six men, three at each side toward the church cemetery. The crowd sang along with the melodies coming out from the trumpeters and drummers as they all walked toward the cemetery. After a merciful brief graveside service the crowd scattered to their cars.

"Hi."

Abigail turned to see James, two of his men behind him. "Oh, hi."

"How is you?"

Her smile started from side of her lips and spread to the other. "I'm good, thanks."

"Sorry about your friend."

Abigail nodded with another half smile. "Thanks for coming."

Andrew stepped up to them. "James," he offered him a hand shake. "Good to see you."

"Yea, but I'm still finding it hard to forgive you for letting me lose that murderer to the government."

Andrew laughed. "I'm sorry."

"I still have a chance of getting my gold," James stared at him. "But if I fail to get it, you're fired."

Andrew laughed and watched James walked away. He knew he won't give up on the gold, and he doesn't think he had chances of him getting it.

Abigail stared at Lola's husband for few seconds in pity, wondering how he would feel about his wife's death. She felt sorry for the man and walked toward him. "Hi."

He stared at her with a face so hunted.  "Abigail, right?"

"Yes, I'm sorry about your wife."

The man just nodded. He had reached the point in his grief where words no longer help.

"Really sorry."

"Thanks," he said and walked away.

Abigail stared at him silently as he walked toward his children, and sadly shook her head.

"Come on, let's get out of here." Andrew appeared at her side.

Abigail met his gaze and they walked toward where Andrew's car was parked.

"Should I drop you home?" Andrew asked as he drove out the church premises.

"Where else do you suggest I should be?"

"My place." He smiled.

She glanced at him. "Your place?"

"What do you think?"

"I think I should be home."

He laughed. "When last did you had fun?"

"Long before John was murdered."

"That was a long time ago." He glanced at her. "You need to relax, Abigail, to enjoy yourself and have whole lot of fun.''

''I know."

''Glad to hear, 'cause all work without play makes Abigail...''

''I'm not dull."

Andrew met her eyes. ''Darling, you need a man.''

The comment brought a quick frown to Abigail's face but gave herself a shake and glanced at him. ''What makes you think I need a social life?''

''Come on dear, you and I knows you need a social life."

Abigail favoured him with a smile. ''I don't need a man." She said. "What's on your mind."

"I think am in love," Andrew ended with a wink.

"With?"

"I'm not going to say it," he gave out a soft laugh.

Abigail smiled.

*****

Jessica's mother was outside the house washing cloths under a very big mango tree when she saw a white jeep pulled to a stop at the front of the house. She raised up her head up and stared at the three men that came out of the car. She studied them carefully as they advanced toward her.

James and his men left Lagos just after the graveside service to Owo, in Ondo state to locate Kate. It was a try that James decided to take, he wasn't sure if he would get his gold from this source.

"Good afternoon."

"Welcome sir," the woman said. "How may I help you?"

"We're from Lagos," Spenky said. "We want to see your daughter, Kate."

The woman pulled herself up. "Hope there is no problem?"

"No problem," James said. "We just want to have a few words with her."

The woman stared at them thoughtfully for few seconds. "Are you sure there is no problem?"

"No problem madam."

Kate walked out of the house with a wrapper tired around her waist with a Barcelona Jessy. She studied their faces and met her mother's gaze. "What is going on?"

"They're here to see you." Her mother said.

James stared at her. "You're Kate?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"Can I talk to you alone for few minutes? It's about Jessica." James said with a blank expression.

"Aunty Jessica? Okay." She took a step forward.

"Where are you going?" Her mother asked.

"We just want discourse something, it's about aunty Jessica."

"What has she done again?"

Kate ignored her mother and followed James toward where the car was parked.

"I believe you're aware your sister is in jail."

"Yes, I know." Kate met his gaze.

"She would be released in few days time," he lied.

"Serious?"

"Yes, only if you're able to provide the gold artifact that is with you."

She narrowed her eyes. "Gold artifact? But I don't have any."

"Jessica said you took it from her apartment," James voice was calm. "And that gold was stolen by your sister from the person she murdered."

Kate was silent for few seconds. "But I didn't take any gold from her apartment."

"Do you want your sister to remain in jail for the rest of her life?"

"No, but I didn't take any gold." She said thoughtfully. "The only thing I took from her room was a sculpture of a male and female, not a gold."

A trace of smile appeared on James's lips and it vanished quickly. "That's it. A sculpture of a male and female, right?"

"Yes."

"It's not just a sculpture, It an artifact, made of gold."

Kate released the breath she had not know she held. "Gold artifact? Are you serious?"

"Yes, that's why we're here. We want to take it back so your sister can be freed from jail."

Kate scratched her head with her right hand. "I didn't know it was a gold, I just sold it three days ago."

"You did what?" His voice was cold.

"I...I sold it to one of my cousin," her voice trembled. "I didn't know it was a gold."

Anger bubbled in James, but he controlled himself. "How much was it sold?"

"Ten..ten..thousand." She stammered.

James felt like giving her a hot slap but he held his hand. "Where is this cousin you sold the gold to?"

Kate met his cold eyes and it frightened her. "He lives in Lagos."

"Good, you're going to follow us to Lagos to show us his residence."

She pulled her gaze away. "Since he left for Lagos, I've never been to his house."

"Then, how are we supposed to get him?"

"I have his phone number."

"What about his parents?"

"They live down the street."

He stared straight in her eyes. "Takes us there."

©Harry Enomamien.. 2018

Ann2012:
Thanks for the update boss

Ya welcome

chivera018:
I hope Abigail marries before the story finish.

I hope so too.

oluangelkay:
thanks for the mention. it means alot to me. meanwhile, I hope all works well for Abigail. I can't wait to attend her wedding.

You're welcome....

Enjoy!

Ruqayaharik:
Superb, thanks boss

Thanks dearie.

Enjoy

mikelife15:
u are really good at this bros

Thanks bro

Chapter Eighteen





Juliet held Abigail's bag in one hand as they walked out of the hospital with bright smiles on there faces. The doctor joined them as they got to the car park, and met Abigail's gaze. "Madam, don't forget to take your drugs, and remember you need a lot of rest."

Abigail smiled. "I will, thanks."

"Thank you doctor." Segun offered him a handshake.

"You're welcome."

Juliet put the bag in the boot and held Abigail's hand. They both settled in the backseat while Segun rolled the car out of the premises.

Juliet paved through her bag and brought out her ringing phone. She stared at the cellphone screen, then glaced at Abigail. "Your dad."

Abigail slid her gaze to her. "Pick it."

"Hello?"

"My daughter, we're in Lagos." Abigail's father said from the other end.

"Where exactly are you?"

"Hmm...Ojota park."

"Okay, stay right there I'll send my driver to pick you."

"Thank you my daughter, we're waiting."

Juliet ended the call and pushed in a number. She held the phone to her ear and spoke with her driver a few more minutes before ending it.

Segun glanced at her through the inner mirror. "Why don't we just drive down there and pick them up?"

"No." Abigail said.

Segun cut a keke Napep and took a quick glance at Abigail. "Why?"

"I would prefer the driver to pick them."

"Segun nodded. "Alright."

Few minutes later, they were home. The gate was wide opened by the security man and Segun rolled the car into the compound.

A young lady in her early twenties walked out of the house toward them. She said her greetings and collected Abigail's bag from Juliet, walking back into the house.

Abigail stared at her. "Who's that person?" She asked Juliet.

"My maid." Juliet said. "I employed her about two months ago."

They walked into the sitting room. "You need it," Abigail said. "But you need to keep eyes on her, those maid can funny at times."

Juliet laughed. "She's a nice girl, and a very good cook."

Abigail went slowly into the chair and pulled her eyes toward Segun as he walked into the sitting room.

"I'm glad you're home." Segun settled in a three seater leather chair and met Juliet's eyes. "Prepare something for Abigail to eat, and our visitors."

Juliet smiled and stared at Abigail. "You need something hot, like pepper soup."

Abigail laughed. "Exactly."

The door bell caught their attention as it rang.

"Come in." Segun said.

Juliet's driver walked in with Abigail's parent behind him.

"Aww..welcome." Juliet walked toward them.

"How are you my dear?" Abigail's mother embraced Juliet.

"Fine ma.."

Segun got his feet and prostrate toward Abigail's father. "Welcome sir."

"Stand up my son," the old man held him up. "God be with you."

Abigail got to her feet, staring silently while her mother hurried to her side and pulled her into embrace. "Olowo ori mi...(My dearest daughter) sorry dear."

"Abigail?" Her father stared at her. "Omo Akin. (Daughter of her father.) You made us proud."

"Thank you papa." Abigail met her mother's gaze. "Welcome mama."

"Jomoke!" Juliet called out to her maid while the young lady hurried into the sitting room.

"Ma'am."

"Carry those bags into the visitor's room." Juliet said.

They all sat down and Segun brought out a bottle of wine from his bar and offered his visitors. "Thank you very much." The old man said with a smile.

"You're welcome sir," Segun smiled.

The old man opened the drink and poured it into a glass cup and began to pray for Segun. "As you have been taking care of my daughter, God will also take care of you." He added.

"Amen.." Segun smiled beautifully. "Thank you sir."

"Let me go prepared food for us." Juliet told Abigail and left the sitting room.

The old man took a sip from his glass of wine and handed it to Segun while Segun sipped a little and retuned it to the old man. Abigail's father poured more wine into the glass cup and handed it to Abigail's mother.

The old woman collected it and began to also pray for Segun, thanking him for being nice to her daughter. "God will bless you my son."

"Amen...."

Abigail stared at her mother as she perused the golden liquid. "Mama?" She said.

"Yes my daughter."

"Do you remember Segun?"

Her mother stared at her thoughtfully. "That former boyfriend of yours?"

"Yes."

Her mother sighed. "Was it not that good for nothing boy that made you went through all those challenges. If he had been responsible would you walk away from the relationship and fell into the trap you fell into?"

Abigail smiled and met her father's gaze. "Papa do you remember him?"

"Yes dear," her father said. "I remember telling you to stick to that young man. If you hadn't listen to your mother, you wouldn't have been to jail."

Her mother frowned. "You've started again. Why do you always put the blame on me?" She hissed.

The old man stared at his wife. "Who am I to blame?"

Abigail pulled out a soft laugh and met Segun's gaze. "I'm sorry to say this, but I have to say it because of my mother and I guess this is the right time to say it."

"Abigail?" Segun tried to stop her.

Abigail ignored him and met her mother's gaze. "Mama this is Segun."

Her mother narrowed her eyes in disbelief. "How possible?  Is he not Juliet's husband?"

"Yes he is," Abigail said. "He's the owner of this house and everything in it."

"Oti o.." Her mother stared at Segun silently and buried her head in shame.

Her father shook his head and Stared at his wife. "You see."

"I tried to forget what you made me went through, because if it wasn't you, I wouldn't have been to jail."

"Abigail stop," Juliet walked into the sitting room.

"Let me speak, Juliet." Abigail said and met her mother's gaze. "You poisoned my heart against Segun just because he was poor then,  that he wouldn't do me any good. You made me dumped him because you wanted me to get married and give you a grandchild. But today you're sitting in his houses." Abigail smiled.  "It's a pity you didn't even recognised the Segun you condemned before me."

"Abigail please," Segun pulled himself up. "It's all in the past and for Christ sake. It's a joyful day, Abby."

Abigail offerd Segun a perfect smiles. "Thanks Segun, it a beautiful day."

"Sure it is," Segun said. "Let's celebrate."

Abigail slid her gaze toward her mother. The old woman was so ashamed where she sat with her eyes toward the floor and Abigail, was pleased.

*****

"Kate!"

Kate ignored her mother's call and remained in bed with her gaze fixed on the novel she was reading.

"Kate! Are you not there?" Her mother yelled from outside the house.

"What?" Kate got out of bed angrily. "I'm coming."

"Come outside here, idiot," her mother said. "Someone is asking of you."

Kate hurried out of the house wondering who could that be. "Aww...Bode..."

Her cousin smiled and pulled her into his embrace. "Katty Katty.

"Bode, long time." She was happy to see him. "When did you land?"

"This afternoon."

"Come, come let's go inside." Kate held his hand. "You forget us for village."

"Not like that," Bode said as they got into Kate's room. "Lagos is not easy o."

"That's what you Lagosians always say." Kate laughed. "Look at you, you're looking healthy and fresh."

Bode laughed and sat in the only chair in the room. "It's not as you think, Lagos is too expensive."

"But you're doing well."

"We thank God." He smiled.

Kate pulled herself up. "What can I offer you? Beer or soft drink?"

"Don't worry yourself."

"No o..." Kate insisted. "At least a bottle of soft drink will be okay."

"Okay."

"I will be right back." Kate walked out of the room.

Bode leaned back in the chair and stretched his hand to pick the book which Kate had left on the bed. His eyes met a shining object, a sculpture of a male and a female. He got to his feet and walked toward Kate's dressing table. He lifted it up with one hand and studied it carefully. "This is beautiful," he said.

The door was opened and Kate walked back into the room. "Here is it," she held a plastic bottled of Pepsi.

Bode met her eyes with a smile and collected the drink from her with the other hand. "What's this?"

Kate stared at the sculpture in his arm and smiled. "Its a sculpture, but I called it the gods of love because of the way they held each other tight."

Bode returned to his seat with it. "It's beautiful, where did get it from?"

"It was one of the gift presented to aunty Jessica during her birthday some years back." Kate settled on the edge of the bed. "I took it before she could see it, because I know she wouldn't let me if she knows about it."

"You remind me," he met her gaze. "Sorry about Jessica."

"I hear o," Kate pulled her gaze away. "Na so we see am o."

"Was it true she killed those people?"

"She did. Only God knows the devil that went into her."

"Why na.." Bode said in pity.

"Let's talk something else, I don't like talking about her because it always make me sad."

"Well.." Bode placed the sculpture on the floor and opened his soft drink. He swallowed a few content then lifted the sculpture and met Kate's gaze. "I would like to have this."

Kate stared at it. "You like it?"

"I love it." Bode smiled, studying the sculpture if it was a real gold or not.

Kate laughed. "If it is something else I would have give it to you, but this one is very special, I like the way it use to brighten my room at night."

"Really?" Bode's eyes were on it. "I will to buy it from you."

"Why na..." Kate quizzed her face. "I'm not selling jo."

"Please na..."

Kate stared at the sculpture again. "Okay, how much will you pay for it?"

Bode smiled. "I will give you ten thousand."

"Ten what?" Kate said happily. "Oya, oya bring it and take it away."

Bode brought out his wallet with a perfect smile. He counted ten thousand naira out of it, and handed it to Kate.

©Harry Enomamien.. 2018

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Chapter Seventeen



Jessica was sitting on the floor, not in her richly furnished apartment with maids and loved ones, but behind the bar, where she would spend the rest of life. She brought up one hand to wipe the tears that felt hot on her cheeks as the memories of the past flooded her mind.

She cried, not because she was jailed; she deserve that much for killing two innocent souls, but for her family. How would her husband feels among his colleagues? Would he be able to live with the thought that the mother of his children was a murderer, living behind bars? Would people ever be nice to her kids knowing their mother was a heartless killer? She closed her eyes with so much pains in her heart and cried.

She never thought that someday she would be where she was, after five years of committing the crime. She used to be outside, free and happy. She wept for the life she had left behind.

"Stand up."

The voice brought her back to reality. She raised her head to see a prison officer and she wiped her tears.

"Someone is here to see you." The female officer said and opened the gate of her cell.

Who could that be? She thought. And pulled herself to her full walking out of the her cell room.

She was lead into a large room. A big iron protector separated the inside from the outside. Two other prisoners were in there attending to their visitors. Jessica took her seat in few distance from other inmates, eager to see are visitor.

Finally, she saw him walking to her direction. She frowned and got to her feet, but resist the temptation to walk away.

James stared at her for few minutes, then drew the chair back and settled in it.

"If you're here to ask about the gold," Jessica said. "I'm sorry you won't get answers."

"Sit down," James said calmly.

Jessica ignored and folded her arms over here chest. "What do you want?"

James stared at her in annoyance, but he knows when to control his anger. "Please sit down."

Jessica stared at him for few seconds and returned to her sit.

"What's the use," James said. "You're here now, it doesn't make sense keeping something to get useless in a corner, or in a place where no one would find it. Moreover, there's no chance of you laying hands on it anymore." He leaned forward. " Why not give me back the gold, I will reward you."

"It was stolen," she said. "And that's the truth."

James let his eyes roamed over her for few seconds before he spoke. "How am I suppose to buy that?"

"You said it. I'm here now," she heaved a breath. "What's the use of lying."

"You have beautiful kids," his voice was very low. "It would be a bad idea to sacrifice their lives for your crime."

Jessica frowned. "Leave my children out of this. I told you the gold had been stole, and it happened long before they were born."

"Then you have to save their lives by telling me where to find the gold."

Jessica blew out a long breath. "I took the gold home after John was killed. It was my birthday and everyone were present. I kept it in my room and found out two days after my birthday it wasn't there anymore. I searched everywhere but I couldn't find it."

James nodded. "What about your boyfriends, girlfriends, or any relatives?"

Jessica turned her gaze away thoughtfully. The only person that was with her during the time was Kate, her younger sister who was the only one that has access to her room. Could she be the one? "My sister..." She said slowly.

"Your sister? Did you ask her about it?"

She met his gaze. "She's just a village girl who doesn't value such, and always tells me whenever she wants to take any of my property."

"Where can I found her?" James asked.

"What are you going to do her?"

"To see if she took the gold."

"I doubt it." She said. "Please don't hurt my sister."

"All I want is my gold." He said. "Tell me where to find her. You never can tell, she may be the one that stole the gold, If you're telling me the truth."

She met his gaze. "She stays in the village with my parents."

"Which village?"

"Owo, in Ondo state."

James nodded. "How do I locate her?"

Jessica stared at him for few seconds before giving the address. "Promise me you will let me know if she's the one that took the gold."

James nodded and pulled himself up, walking away.

"James?"

James stopped and turned to face her.

"If you meet Abigail, tell her I'm sorry," Jessica said. "Tell to please forgive me."

"I will." James turned and walked away.


******


Abigail curled up under the white bedsheets staring at the wall that was decorated with mounted boxes of gloves and oxygen hoses. She had spent the last few days feeding reporters, and was finally down with a fever from what she went through in finding John's killer. She was sad for death of Lola, wished she was alive, and she wept silently.

The privacy curtain flew back in theatrical flair and a young nurse stepped into her space. "You have visitors waiting to see you." The nurse said with a slight smile.

Abigail shifted from her position and met her gaze. "Who are they?"

"Mr and Mrs Olusanya."

"Oh, let them in," she took the sheet away and pulled her legs to the side of the bed, sitting.

The nurse smiled and walked away.

"Oh, my dear...how are you?" Juliet said as she walked toward Abigail, sitting on the edge of the bed and put her hands around her.

Abigail was happy to see her with Segun. "I'm getting better."

Segun smiled and sat in the chair beside the bed. "Happy to see you save."

Abigail managed a weak smile. "Thanks."

"When Juliet told me about the investigation, I never thought you would succeed in finding the killer." Segun said. "I'm really proud of you."

Abigail smiled. "That was the work of God."

"Your parent called me last night," Juliet said. "Asking about you. They've heard about the news and your father was very happy about the it."

"Really? I will call them later."

"They're on their way to Lagos, and they may arrive any moment from now."

"You're such a stubborn lady, Abigail." Segun said. "With all I told you to forgive your parents, still you refused to call them all those while?"

"I was more engaged in the investigation," Abigail said with a soft smile. "Sure, I've forgiven them."

Juliet smiled and put her hand around her shoulder. "This worth celebrating."

"Celebrate?"

"Yes," Juliet smiled. "Your success."

Abigail stared at her with a very bright smile.

"I spoke with the doctor, he said you can be discharged." Segun said.

"You going to stay with me for a while till you're fully sound." Juliet said.

Abigail nodded. "Thanks dear."

"No thanks."

"Happy birthday in advance," Segun smiled.

Abigail stared at him thoughtfully. "Aww... tomorrow is my birthday..."

"See you," Juliet laughed.

"Don't blame me na..." Abigail met her eyes. "My mind is just too occupied to remember my birthday."

Segun got to his feet. "Let me see the doctor so we can get out of here."

Abigail nodded while Segun walked out.

"How did you managed to find the killer?" Juliet asked. "Gist me."

Abigail smiled and narrated the story to her, and felt sad as she mentioned Lola. She was the reason she succeeded in finding the killer...

©Harry Enomamien.. 2018

“I’ve realized one thing,” I said, dotingly hugging my much-married wife.

“What?”

“The opposite of love is not hate – it is indifference.”

Donyai:
So where is the goldr??

The gold is with person that stole it.

yusuf2:
Nice story, but I remember Lola was killed after been pushed of a building, how did she manage to reappear in the final scene?

Thanks for pointing it out, I didn't see it, It was supposed to be Abigail, not Lola.

Thanks for reading