Blood Lives Here - Episode 11

© Brian Ngoma

(Unedited)

Ludo's phone rang.

She looked at it and looked at Hunter.

"Cut the call!" He ordered her.

"It’s my mother!" Ludo yelled.

Hunter's forehead formed furrows.

"What do you want with me?" Ludo reached for the door handle.

"Just sit. Will you?"

Ludo stopped fidgeting and sunk in the seat.

"How do you know the Hamuumbu's?"

"Are you the eldest son?" Ludo asked.

"Don't ask me questions, answer me."

"I don't really know them I just met them a few days ago. Did they send you? Tell Elise that I'm taking the soft copy."

Hunter looked at Ludo irritated.

"Wait.... You just killed Mr. Jabulani. That means she didn't send you.

"At least you can think," Hunter said.

Who are you? What do you want with me?" Ludo inquired.

Hunter face palmed.

"Young girl, will you shut up?"

Ludo went quiet.

Hunter sighed.

"Who are you?" Ludo asked again.

Hunter stared at her through the rear view mirror.

"I'm sorry," She pinched the bridge of her nose.

There was silence. Hunter was wondering if he had the right girl despite following the physical address given to him by Mr. Visashi. The girl in his backseat was nothing he expected. He remembered how swift and easy it was working with Hilary. She was intelligent, brave and courageous. He didn't have to say anything, just by looking at him she read his mind. It was unfortunate she met her fate that way.

"Did you write that book?" Hunter asked after much thought.

"Which book?" Ludo asked back.

"About the Hamuumbu's?"

"It’s not with me, it’s with Elise."

"You have the soft copy."

"Is that a question?"

"I'm telling you. I need a copy."

"Didn't you get it last night? You were in my room."

"Would I be here if I got it?"

"How did you get in the house?"

Hunter scratched his beard.

Ludo was silenced.

"Let's go and get it," Hunter started the car.

"Why are you interested in it? Why is everyone interested in my book? It's just Fiction i told them."

Hunter didn't answer her. He drove to her house and parked outside.

"You know what to do," he said unlocking the backseat doors.

Ludo reached for the handle.

"You saw what happened to your friend. If you do anything stupid, your parents will pay for it."

Ludo turned her head to face him. How can a man be so cruel and ruthless like this? She thought to herself.

As soon as she got out of the car, Melanie opened the gate from the inside.

"Ludo!" She shouted happily upon seeing Ludo.

Ludo was still standing by Hunters car.

Melanie ran to Ludo.

"Hey where have you been?" Melanie hugged Ludo. "That time you texted me I was on my way here. Who is in the car?" Melanie bowed her head to look at Hunter.

Hunter avoided her eyes and put the car in reverse. He drove out of the street leaving the two girls standing.

"Did I do something wrong?" Melanie asked.

"No, he was just leaving." Ludo answered hoping she could never see him again. "What are you doing here? Its late," Ludo checked her phone.

"I was waiting for you and now its late I don't even know how I'll go home," Melanie frowned.

Ludo knew Melanie wanted to be told to spend the night at her house.

"You can sleep over," Ludo said.

"Are you sure?" Melanie’s face brightened.

"Yes. Its late you can't go home. Just call whoever it is you need to call at your place."

The girls got into the house finding Ludo's parents sited watching TV. Melanie had said goodbye to them and they were surprised to see her back in the house. Ludo asked her parents if Melanie could spend the night. Zamiwe was hesitant but Joe agreed right there. Ludo and Melanie went to the bedroom. Melanie had already eaten but Ludo said she was not hungry insisting Mrs. V spoiled her with food that day.

"So who is that bearded man?" Melanie asked Ludo laying on the bed.

"No one," Ludo answered.

"Hmmmm, is he hubby?"

Ludo looked at Melanie surprised.

"You can talk to me you know," Melanie said.

"No he's not. He just drove me home."

"We'll hear," Melanie clapped.

"I'm tired let's sleep," Ludo changed into her night dress.

She handed Melanie her spare pajamas.

"Evan is difficult Ludo," Melanie said after Ludo switched off the lights.

Ludo said nothing. She was thinking about the bearded man and what he could do to her parents. She thought about Mr. Jabulani. Even though she didn't know him that much, she knew he was a good man. He had warned her about the Hamuumbu’s and dying like that because of the people he worked for was cruel.

"Ludo are you asleep?" Melanie asked.

"I'm trying to sleep but with you talking I don't think I can sleep," Ludo answered irritated.

"I do everything for him. I try to please him in whichever way I can," Melanie complained. "But immediately he's done with me, he looks at me as if I'm trash."

"Leave him."

"I can't. I'm falling for him."

"I don't know anything about that. Melanie let's sleep. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Ludo. Thanks for being my friend."

"Whatever," Ludo whispered.

"You are funny Bestie," Melanie said pulling the beddings.

Hunter drove to the car Mr. Jabulani was driving. Apparently, no one had noticed that there was a dead man laying by the car. He parked his car just a few meters from Mr. Jabulani's car and walked to it. He carried Mr. Jabulani's corpse and put it in the backseat. He drove the car out of the neighborhood and left it miles away from Ludo's place. He knew Ludo was already involved with the Hamuumbu’s and having Mr. Jabulani's car found around her areas would implicate her and he was not done with her yet. He went back to his car.

From the time he had been back in the country, he had never gone to his house. He spent the few days in a lodge but his money was running out, he had no option but to go back to his place. The only worry he had was that his house was being watched especially after that time he talked to the strange voice on the phone. He decided to drive back to the house. He had exchanged his Chevrolet for a Volkswagen for fear of being found. He reached the area and surveyed it from a distance. It was as quiet as he had left it. There was total darkness. He could only see the light coming from the backyard where his carnage was. He got out of the car and ran to the fence. He climbed it and peeped to check if there was anyone. He jumped over and hurriedly but carefully found his way to the backyard. He paused to hear for any movements. Hunter had animal instincts, he could sense danger and identify certain smells as human. After careful observation, he concluded there was no one at the backyard. He opened the Carnage and turned off the light. He did the same in the house. He drove his car into the compound and parked it behind the main house. He got into the house and didn't switch on the lights. Everything was as he had left them. He sat on his couch and sighed. On his left was a picture of a young girl smiling and waving. Hunter grabbed the photo and looked at it. He stroked his beard and slammed his hand on the table. His eyes become dark as night.

Erica stood in front of her mother's office door in the house nervously. She had planned what to tell her the the past two nights but with her mother, she couldn't be more prepared. Just by been at the door, she was sweating and shaking. Seeing Naveen two nights ago meant a lot of things for the Hamuumbu’s but she wasn't worried about all that, she was only worried about what her mother would remember if she mentions the name Naveen to her.

"What are you doing there?" Evan said pushing her aside and entering. "You haven't been home for two nights."

Erica just stood there motionless.

"Why are you standing there like a robot Erica?" Elise asked.

Erica entered the office and grabbed a sit.

"I need reports," Elise looked at the both of them.

"I met up with Mr. Jacksons from Bank of Zambia and I think the deal will go through," Evan said smiling."

"Don't think you should be sure Evan," Elise said annoyed. "I taught you better than that."

"I'm sorry I'm sure."

"What about you Erica?" She shifted her attention to Erica.

Erica lifted her head and looked at her mother.

"Talk, we don't have all day."

Erica couldn't get words out of her mouth.

"She did nothing. She was probably banging that low life," Evan said. "She just returned this morning."

"Evan shut it!" Erica yelled.

"Let her talk. I can see she has something to tell me," Elise said. "Talk to me Erica."

"I met Naveen the other night."

"What?" Elise asked.

"Naveen Patel?" Evan asked too.

"Yes," Erica answered.

"Oh my God, I don't like this," Elise said.

Erica bowed her head.

"I thought he was out of the country," Evan said thoughtful.

"Apparently, he seems to be back."

Elise sunk in her chair.

"If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have been worried," Elise looked at Erica.

"She messed up," Evan said.

Erica didn't say anything.

"You had to sleep with the enemy. I'm still not over that," Elise said.

"I know mom," Erica shifted uneasily in her chair. "I can fix it."

"You are not fixing anything Erica," Elise said.

"What do we with him?" Evan asked.

"Are you stupid?" Elise looked at Evan. "What do you mean what do we with him?"

Evan looked away.

"At the moment nothing. Let's just wait for his move," Elise said. "I can't help it but wonder why Naveen is back at the same time this manuscript was discovered."

"What are you thinking about?" Erica asked.

"I think Ludo is working with the Patel’s," Elise answered.

"I doubt," Evan said.

"There's no place for doubts in our world Evan," Erica said.

"I propose we start watching Ludo 24/7," Elise said.

"Is that necessary?" Evan asked.

"What's wrong with you?" Erica asked him.

"Nothing. I just don't think she has anything to with this. I think she was used," Evan responded. "I did a background check on her. She's clean and she's epileptic. Come on."

"That makes her unusual suspect and unusual suspects are dangerous," Elise said. "I already talked Mr. Jabulani. He will be following her each and every move."

"Mr. Jabulani?" Erica asked.

"Of course. I just wonder where he is. He was supposed to report to me this morning," Elise looked at her phone.

"He's on his way. That one he's a loyal puppet," Evan said.

"He's better than two of you combined," Elise looked at Evan and Erica. "Now i want you Evan to close the deal with Mr. Jackson. Schedule a meeting with him as soon as possible. We cannot take our chances. With Naveen back in the country, we have to secure our deals. Go and work on it now," she dismissed Evan.

Erica was still standing waiting for her assignment.

"I think that Jean of yours has weaken you," Elise snorted.

"No mom."

"Don't you dare talk back when I'm talking Erica."

"Sorry."

"Now i want you to meet with Mr. Mpundu of Mpundu Real Estates. We have to ensure he buys from us."

"Do whatever is necessary and don't disappoint me. Bring out Jezebel not this weak soul I'm seeing here."

Erica gasped.

"You look worried. Is Naveens return affecting you?"

"No mom. No."

"I hope so. Get out of here i need to work."

O'Brien had not heard from his friend Kent for a while now since that time at the club. He had decided to visit him at his office. Kent’s secretary knew him well. As he passed her, she just smiled at him and nodded that he was in.

"You have been missing in action my man," O'Brien said as he sat down.

"O'Brien my friend. Long time," Kent smiled.

"You just bailed on me last time."

"I know man. I'm sorry."

"You had a horrific face on you. It was like you had saw the devil himself. Leaving me alone in the club."

"I'm sure I was tired."

"Are you sure?"

"Very sure my friend. What has brought you here?"

"Aren't we drinking some?"

"It's a Saturday."

"All the better."

"Kate will kill me."

"Since when Kent? Kate is okay with you drinking as long as you go early home."

"You know her well," Kent laughed.

"There's a rumor around the city that you people here have a book containing the secrets of the Hamuumbu's."

"The Hamuumbu's?" Kent asked.

"Nalishuwa Hamuumbu. The man with stroke and all the controversy," Obrien answered.

Kent’s face was numb.

"Don't tell me you don't know him," Obrien said.

"I don't know him."

"Which part of Zambia do you live in?" Obrien asked jokingly. "And to think of it, you an editor. You should know about such things."

"It must be another publishing company wanting to publish it then."

"Publishing it?"

"That's what I heard."

Kent felt his stomach move. He didn't know how to tell Obrien that he knew about the book. He was scared he might also put him in danger.

"Anyway, finish up we leave. My wife also tells me to get home early these days."

The two left Kent's office. While outside, O'Brien told Kent he had forgotten something from Kent's secretary and needed to go back.

"What did you leave?" Kent asked.

"Asked her to print something for me."

"Hurry up," Kent said while opening his car doors.

O'Brien rushed back in and found the secretary standing nervously and looking around.

"Did you get it?" O'Brien asked.

"Yes. This will put me in trouble sir," Kent's secretary answered.

"Not even a single soul will know about this don't worry," O'Brien said. "Now give me."

The secretary knelt and got a copy of Ludo's manuscript from her table and handed it over to O'Brien.

"What do you want with it?" The secretary asked.

"Someone is willing to pay a huge sum of money for it. Don't worry I'll square you too," O'Brien put the manuscript in his bag and waved goodbye to the secretary.


To be continued

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The Bodyguard - Episode 17

By Tisa Phiri

I woke up in the hospital bed, moving as I felt my head pounding like I was hit to the wall. I slowly blinked and opened my eyes, setting my eyes on the white ceiling board. The bulb light touching my eyes making my eyes blink in seconds before they could settle in.

"Hey Paula..!" I heard dad's voice, "welcome back" he smiled coming closer to my side. He held my forehead and smiled in relief.

" I was so worried my baby, how are you feeling? " he asked

"Where am I dad?" I asked instead.. "what happened?"

"You are in the hospital Paula, you had an accident two days ago. I was so worried, thank God you are finally awake " he added.

"The doctor said you sustained minor injuries and a blow to your head, but you will soon be okey there is no major damage on your body."

I right that moment remembered, the last time i saw Ackim and the accident.

"what happened to Ackim dad.. how is he?" I asked clearing my voice.

He moved closer to me and tried to say something but i could read it before he did. I knew my father and he always failed to hide things from me. I definately knew something was wrong and I feared for the worst.

"Tell me dad" I said trying to sit up.

"Calm down Paula" he told me concerned..

"No No No, please dad Dont tell me to calm down. what happened to Ackim? "

"Am so sorry to tell you this my daughter, but Ackim didn't make it, the vehicle was burnt to ashes. He somehow saved you before it blew. There's no way he could have survived, the police are still looking into it to find out what happened that day and I promise to do all i can to get to the bottom of this" he added..

I didn't hear the rest of his explaination my heart felt like it was slowly stopping. I was loosing my breath..

" it can't be" I whispered with the little strength that I was left with.

"no he can't die on me like that dad, he can't. He told me he would protect me, he just cant back out when I just started living my life with him.." i cried..

My father looked at me. I could see he was also feeeling bad, but for me my Ackim wasn't just a body guard. He was the man of my heart, the one who changed my life in minutes.

I recalled his words in the bushes.. "I will protect you with my life and would fight in the war front for you my Paula"

"no!" i shook my heard as I sat down my vision blurred from the tears.

My father tried to comfort me but that wasn't the time.

"please leave me alone for some time dad" i told him as a river of tears rolled down my cheeks. He patted my back and slowly walked out.

"You can't do this to me Ackim" I cried.

" you didn't just come into my life, make me feel like a queen for a day and leave me. how dare you!" i screamed in the pillow held in my face, everything around me seemed to be falling apart.

I cried for almost 2 hours my eyes were puffed, the memory of him pushing me out of the car so vivid it blocked my breathing.

"He died trying to save my life" I thought, as I looked outside the window from the room I was at the hospital.

I looked at some couple seated on the bench outside watching their baby girl play around with some flowers.

"You could have at least given me a chance to have a family with the man I love my God" I whispered..

"what reason do you have for giving me so much love in a short time and grab it before I could even enjoy it further?"

I was devasted I crawled back to the bed and cried until my strength was gone. My tears had dried at that moment but the pain in my heart was so gigantic. I even wished I could shed more tears because they gave me some kind of relief..

*******

A few days later, I was discharged and was taken home. I hardly spoke, only when dad asked something and it was mostly one word answers.

Upon entering the house I walked to Ackim's room, he's bed was neatly done. The blue bed covers looking so clean and neat like he had not used them before.

I sat on his bed and remembered the days I saw him in his room.

One day I had walked in while he was just from taking his bath. He sat on the edge of the bed with a towel wrapped around his waist. I walked in without knocking..

"Hey !" He called out when he saw me turning to leave after I realised my mistake of not knocking.

"Am sorry I didnt know you are not dressed" I told him.

He had smiled showing his bare muscline chest move up and relax. I swallowed hard, just the sight of him like that made me want to jump on him.

"Oh my God how do I forget him?" I shed some tears

"it's so hard." I slowly walked to his closet looked at a small photo he had put on top of a file. He was smiling wearing his Zambian army combat. He was a slightly younger but as handsome as I saw him last.

I held the photo to my chest.

"I miss you my body guard, please come back home please." I sniffed as i broke down again.

Walking out, i took my dad's car keys before dad could notice and drove out. Straight away I went to the site of the accident.

My stomac felt empty at the site of the burnt car. One couldn't even recognise the range rover, it was all ashes and the remains were only a frame which too was black and covered in ashes.

I sat down besides the road and mourned my lovely Ackim for hours. I couldn't even say good bye.

"I am not ready to let you go yet my love" I whispered as I touched the ashes..

"am still waiting, just in case you decide to come back to me..."

I later decided to drive back to the city. I couldn't get myself to go home yet so I thought of driving around.

At some drinking place I saw a group of guys and one of them looked familiar. Slowly, I drove by observing them it was him, the guy who had kidnapped me

'Kakoma'

I looked at him for another minute, being sure it was trully him. Remembering what Ackim had explained about him, I knew for sure he had something to do with what happened..

I increased the speed as I passed the place. Driving back home, ireached home in minutes, walked inside like a mad woman and went straight to get a gun from my dad's office.

I saw him in his study and tip toed outside, the gun hidden in my hand bag.

"It is time to stand and fight back Paula" I whispered to myself as I placed the key in the ignition.

"For Ackim and for all this pain, I will fight back!.."

To be continued

Read more here - www.youngicee.com/category/the-bodyguard

Stalked By A Mafia - Episode 17

A story by Tisa Phiri

Scar looked at his boys. He glanced at them for some time without saying a word.

"Boss " one of them spoke up.

"We have never seen you like this, this is really getting to you. Just say the word and we will do whatever you want to avenge your woman`s loss"

" yeah" the other guy added.

" lets go and destroy Chile already. we have the guys and we can hire others if need be."

Jo who was seated opposite Scar spoke up too.

"we all saw what happened this morning on the news and am sorry to tell you guys that we have some more bad news for all of us." He started.

"That business man we robbed the gen sets and Jeep has teamed up with Chile. we don`t know how but he`s in kabwe and right as we speak he`s funding Chile. he wants us all dead."

" what? " all the guys in the room asked as everyone shook their heads and all this time Scar was quite.

"what now? Are we going to sit f wait for them to come got us" They all looked at Scar.

He cleared his throat..

"you know l what guys? i have never asked anything rather than loyalty and none of you has ever disappointed me. Now listen to me. we all knew that our lives were not so much assured in this job, we all signed in knowing the danger involved. I know some of you have families and people to take care of, that`s why i will not ask any of you to put your lives on the line for me anymore.

You all have a choice, either to be with me on this or not. I will not force anyone to be on this war.

what is coming is big and very personal, its probably going to change all our lives. so decide now. Before we start anything" he sighed closely staring at them all.

It was quite for a while and then Ken spoke first..

"boss" he said.

". you are right we have always done what you said and all of us are loyal to you and i for one is not leaving you alone to face this war. we worked and fought hard to be were we now and i will fight with you till the end. Thanks to you my family has a better life and they will inherit a good fortune too if anything happens to me, am with you Boss all the way." He raised his hand.

one by one all the guys decided to stay with Scar. Jo was the last to speak.

"Scar, you are more than a friend to me boss. You have been with me and taught me more than stealing cars and machines man, am not going to let you in this alone. we are brothers man. I have known you when you were still Aaron and i was the one who pushed you to this years back. So am not going to abandon you brother to the death we fight together!" He shouted looking at Scar who nodded gently.

"Thank you all guys for all this and your words, nothing will give me so much courage than knowing you my brothers are besides me as i fight my enemy. I am not a believer in God, but if any of you is, pray that this battle favours us. we have to hit before Chile does and as we finish planning here this evening i want you to promise me one thing, anyone who will make it out alive. Make sure you keep an eye on my son and my woman. " they all nodded in agreement before they went in plotting and sketching their plans to attack Chile.

Scar drove home to his mother after taking and planning with his boys. They would attack Chile`s hideout the following night. He parked outside his mother`s house and stood by his car for a while. He had no idea why he was even there. After almost 10 minutes of standing outside, he knocked on the door and his mother opened for him..

"Aaron" she called him.

" what are you doing here this time? i mean you never visit me in the night." She asked concerned. He went and sat down on a sofa.

" mom," he started.

"I want you to know i love you very much and if anything was to happen to me. i want you to live on and continue in happiness. I want you to know its not your fault i lived my life the way people will say. It was all my doing and you never failed me. Life had its turns on me and all my decisions were mine alone."

His mother looked at him surprised

"My son, i don`t understand you. you are a hard working person and you have made it in life with your hard work. what will people say about you? "

he smilled at her..

"you always say the sweetest words mom" he smiled.

" yes." she told him..

" you deserve that my son and more. " he laughed.

"you are the best mom in the world mother " he said kissing his mother on her forehead.

"I got to go mother" he said standing up to leave.

"wait a moment" his mother stopped him. she went to the kitchen and brought a plate of food.

" I prepared your favorite meal this evening like i knew you would come." She handed him a plate.

He smiled

"oh mother! sweet potatoes with groundnuts? this is good thank you."

He ate as his mother watched him.

she could feel it in her heart something was wrong with him but Scar had always kept to himself. He never expressed his feelings since he was a child and his mother always had a hard time getting him to open up. He hugged her good bye as he went out.

"I put something in the account mom did you see it?" he asked as they walked to his car.

"No" she smilled

" i will check my phone later. Maybe the message came i didnt see it."

" okey good night mom" he said as he started the car engine.

"Good night Aaron and God bless you." She smiled as she waved at him.

********

He reached home and found Sila and Zac in the sitting room. Zac was watching cartoons as Sila looked at nothing in particular.

"Hey guys! " he called out.

"Hey!" Sila said looking at him. Zac greeted him as well his eyes still glued to the TV. Scar sat quitely looking at Zac and later stood.

"am going to bed now." he said patting Zac on his shoulders,

" good night big boy" he told him.

"Good night" Zac answered without looking away from the TV.

Sila followed him the moment he closed shut the bedroom door.

" anything new?" she asked him. :you don`t look good at all. would you mind to tell me what happened? "

"Sit here" he patted the bed besides him. Sila sat next to him.

"I dont have good news unfortunately. Chile has teamed up with a big business man from Lusaka and their mission is to hunt me down and kill me. He doesn`t only want what i stole from him. He wants my head on the platter as well." He sighed

"Oh Aron that sounds bad i dont know what to tell you. what are you going to do now?" she asked concerned..

"I dont know yet Sila. but i have planned to attack before they do, then i might stand a chance to beat them.,"

Sila shook her head.

"does it ever end Aaron? this your fighting and killing each other like animals is this what you people live for? "

" life is a battle Sila" he responded his eyes on her.

"i really wish i met you way back.

You know what?" he smilled.

" you are the light that has shined in my dark life and with you besides me right now is more than what i would ask for. promise me you will be a strong woman and fight hard and protect our Son. He doesnt know me and i think he should never know his father was a common thief if anything happened to me."

Sila looked up at him.

"dont speak like you are saying good bye Aaron dont you dare. no one is dying tomorrow or anytime soon."

He smilled as he held her waist,

" this my dear woman is what i choose years back and the price of what i have done. I can not promise you more than today because my tomorrow is not certain."

"but..." Sila almost talked..

"shshshshsh" he whispered to her.

"i dont want you to be sad, on the contrary you deserve a better man and a good life. I am not certain about my life tomorrow but, but i am certain of one thing. I love you with all my Mafia being" he smiled as he kissed her.

" Allow me to enjoy being with you tonight. Let me have some piece of happiness again"

she smiled and held him close relaxing in his arms feeling his steady pulse from his chest as he stroke her back gently.

"whatever you say Boss" she whispered.

He smiled and closed his eyes burying his head in her chest.

To be continued

Read more here - www.youngicee.com/category/stalked-by-mafia

Restless - Episode 46

® 18+ SNVL
© Oyinloye Oluwatosin Emmanuel


The Agent stopped and looked left and right after spotting the label "10C" at the lintel area of the door. He knocked gently on the door and waited for a response. He waited for about a minute before he knocked again. Another minute passed without getting a response and he knocked for the third time, this time harder than the previous times.

He waited another thirty seconds and then decided to proceed in. He put his right hand in his pocket and held the gun handle as he placed the left hand on the knob. He turned it and it opened easily. He pushed it in and stepped in slowly, his eyes scanning around the room quickly.

The bed was empty and so were the chairs in the room. He closed back the door and moved further in. He began to hear some sounds and he looked in the direction of the bathroom where it was coming from. It was a sound of a tap or other water outlet running.

His eyes located a briefcase on the table and he walked carefully and as noiseless as he could to the place. He briefly examined the briefcase for a moment and then glanced again towards the bathroom, being conscious that the person in the bathroom could step out at anytime.

He stepped away and looked around the room again quickly, his eyes searching for the bomb vest which he was told was hidden under the man's jacket. He glanced again at the briefcase and at the door of the bathroom again. He took another moment to search around for the bomb vest one more time. He had assumed that the man would have taken off the bomb vest first before going into the bathroom. He moved closer to the bathroom and put his ear close to the door to listen for a while. He heard the continuos sounds of dropping of water from the tap but there were no other obvious sounds to signify the presence of someone in the bathroom. He hesitated for a while before he walked back, now to the wardrobe. He opened it and began to check all the segments quickly, trying to find where the bomb vest was placed but after searching for a minute, he found nothing and closed back the wardrobe frustratingly.

"Hello!" he spoke on top of his voice as he walked back towards the wardrobe. "Hello sir, I'm here from the room service." he said again and placed his ear against the door.

He got no response nor did he notice another sound apart from the same water sound. He turned the knob of the door and pushed it in gently, still greeting out loud.

He bounced in after peeping carefully and finding no one. He pointed his gun at all corners and saw nothing except the water running from the tap into an almost filled bathtub.

He moved forward and closed the tap quickly. He took out his communicator again as he proceeded out of the bathroom.

"Hey boss, he's no longer here. Can you check the surveillance cameras and tell me where he has moved to?"

__

"Hey Boss... Hello..." the voice sounded out loud in the communicator in Samantha's hand. She silenced it and dropped the communicator into the wide pocket of her cloth.

She and Henry were now at the back of the hotel facility, both of them now dressed in blue overalls and caps, a uniform for the cleaners working in the hotel.

Henry had a garbage bin trolley which he wheeled gently in his hands, heading from the backyard of the hotel to the front yard. They stopped at the left side yard of the building behind a garbage truck. Someone jumped out from the driver's side of the truck and joined them at the back. It was Dave, dressed in a separate uniform which carried the same logo as the logo on the truck. Another man dressed in the same uniform as Dave joined from the other side of the vehicle - Cole. The boot of the truck was opened and both men helped to roll in the garbage trolley. Samantha and Henry followed into the same place as the trolley. The men at the front seats got back into their seats and soon they drove out of the place.

_

Twelve Minutes Later.

"Damn it! Start a search right away, we got to locate Agent Tam." Agent Marvel made instructions to the other agents who had arrived as backups for them.

His colleague had informed him immediately that he wasn't able to speak to Agent Tam and also told him how he met the room 10C empty. The two senior agents had then hurried to the control room after more trials to reach their boss, there they met the surveillance area in disarray and could not find their boss there.

They then rushed out to meet the backup team that had arrived to help them.

"Mr. Collins, you need to get us someone who can access the surveillance control room systems. We have to check what happened here and the movement of our agent who came in here few minutes ago." Agent Marvel said to the hotel manager as they walked back hurriedly into the surveillance control room.

"The other staffs who has passwords to the systems are not on duty this night, I'm not sure if I still remember all the passwords." the manager replied him. He opened his mouth in shock as he saw all the men in the building , either layung unconsciously in the seats or on the floor carelessly. "I need to call the police right away."

"We called them already and they're on the way," Agent Marvel replied him quickly. "Don't be bothered, these men aren't dead, they've been only put to sleep."

"I still need to contact the police myself..." the man was saying when someone barged into the room and interrupted them.

"Agent Tam is not answering the communicator, neither is he answering his phone calls, there are no signs of him around the first and second floors." Agent Marvel's partner said to him.

"He's got to be somewhere around here, he wouldn't leave without letting us know." Marvel replied as he turned to him. He turned back when his colleague got to the spot he was. The manager was already on one of the seats, the man who was previously seated there was now laying on the floor unconsciously.

"The medical team is here already and are on their way to this block," the agent said to Agent Marvel.

"Stay here and watch till he gets to access to the surveillance footages, I gotta check around with those guys, we need to locate Agent Tam immediately." Marvel said to his partner and turned to make his way out of the place.

His phone began to ring as he approached the door. He took it out and checked the caller. He stopped to answer the call when he saw it was from Agent Elkim.

"Sir..." he said into the mouthpiece after answering.

"Agent Marvel, retreat the team right away. The targets have left the vicinity," the caller's voice said from the other end.

"Yes sir," Agent Marvel replied in a firm voice. "But we do have a problem sir, we can't reach Agent Tam."

"They took Agent Tam with them," Elkim replied.

"Sir?" Marvel did not fully grasp even though he heard clearly.

"Tam was taken away by the men, the chairman was called now with Tam's phone."

"Oh! F*** it," Marvel cursed in low tones, taking off the phone from his ears temporarily to ensure the curse wasn't heard by his boss. "Sir, can we get the surveillance records before retreating?"


"Retreat immediately, don't wait one more minute. Steve and his team would take it up from there."

"Immediately sir!" Agent Marvel answered firmly. He turned back towards his partner and the hotel manager.

"Agent Marv, there's no surveillance record here," Marvel's partner said to him immediately he turned.

"Never mind, we've got to retreat right away," Marvel said in response. He uncocked his gun and returned it into his pocket.

_

Bexford, Bethanna.

Paul Edwards paced about his verandah behind his bedroom in a pensive mood. He had different thoughts and questions running through his mind.

He was dressed in his night robe. He had just taken the shower that night when he got the call on his phone showing Tam's caller ID. He answered, expecting to hear Tam's voice but was surprised to hear the voice of the same man who had been calling to threaten him with his grandson's abduction.

The man claimed to have kidnapped Agent Tam and sent pictures to prove a minute after the call ended. He also claimed to have more dangerous plans lined up for Paul and the FOX. The call left Paul more confused than he was before and it was cut from the caller's end before he could even ask questions.

Paul Edwards was fearless, and even though he was confused at the moment, he was still confident that he had all it took to overcome the challenge, he only needed to figure it out.

His phone began to ring again and he checked to find Elkim shown as the caller ID.

"Agent Elkim," he said into the phone.

"Steve and his men are now on it," Elkim replied on the other end.

"We need results Agent, we need to do something quickly."

"What do you suggest sir?"

"I'll have to get into the case personally, " Paul replied and then paused to clear his throat. "Someone is trying to get me dirty and I've got to stop it before it gets to the world."

"Agent, you are too old for this" Elkim warned.

"This involves me Elkim, I'll get into trouble if I don't get in."

__

Two Hours Later

"Listen up guys! This is the game plan," Henry spoke out loudly as he walked into the living room. He had on an armless white top and black shorts. The rest of the team except for Jennifer were sitting at the dining table and had just finished their dinner but were yet to get up as they took some time to gist. They all looked in Henry's direction as he called their attention. "This Agent is a senior agent that would be able to mention the other top agents who knows about Austin Edwards still being alive and I'll like for us to act immediately he gives us the names, that means we've still got work to do tomorrow, a lot of work."

"I've been thinking boss, how do we get him to talk?" Cole asked thoughtfully. "Like you said, he's a senior agent and I do not think it would be easy to break him."

"He doesn't need to go through torture to be broken," Henry said with a mischievous smile. "He's gonna be broken when he sees me."

"Hmm," Cole nodded thoughtfully and turned back to face the rest of the team at the table.

"I'm wondering why we did not attack Paul Edwards directly," Dave put in.

"Paul Edwards as a single man is a very difficult nut to crack, but attacking him would be attacking the whole FOX team, that would be a stupid move for us to take at this moment." Henry explained.

"So, if we get the names of the FOX men with the knowledge, how would it help us move forward?"

"Getting the names of men with the knowledge would also give us names of men who are allied with the Red Wolves like Paul Edwards," Henry answered.

He waited for a while and looked at their faces each to entertain more questions but he got none.

"We might have to switch roles tomorrow, I'll take the technical and intelligence support and would have Jenny assisting me in case I have to step into the field fully. Cole would be on the field with you two tomorrow, " He took a brief pause again. "So, you need to rest perfectly well this night."

_

Henry walked back into his room after taking the dinner that night. He heaved a sigh of tiredness as he took off his armless shirt and sat at the edge of the bed. He opened his eyes to see his reflection in the mirror. He stared for a while and before he knew it, he was caught up in another journey of memories.

He saw himself sitting in the same position on a bed but in the master bedroom of the house he built for his family. His wife was sitting behind him and had her hands wrapped around his bare chest. He held her palms in his as he felt the softness of her front region against his back. His son was running around the place, munching some snacks in his mouth happily.

He was still in ecstasy of his joyful memory when he heard his phone ringing. He heaved a sigh as he was brought back to the present. He got up and reached for his phone. He checked the caller, it was Sheila.

To be continued

Read more here - www.youngicee.com/category/restless

Treasure17:
Wow. Interesting I must confess.
Thanks for the update.

izaray:
I love the actions in this story
Op well done

Thanks guys

Doubra12:
great story man

Thanks

The Bodyguard - Episode 16

By Tisa Phiri

.....Paula....

He sat a few steps away from me. I felt bad he was creating that distance between us again..

"how could he not see I wanted him?" I wondered.

Regretting not responding to his kiss earlier that morning. I was too shocked with what happened back at home but that I was caught unaware. The feel of his lips on mine was so breath taking. I just started to enjoy and thinking of joining in but he withdrew leaving me speechless. Seèing him pacing around outside made me realise he had feelings for me but just like me thought I was not interested.

The running away from the people who were following us gave me such a scare I thought I would die, he's driving skills were perfect. I was glad we saved us both.

I looked at him as I sat in the car with the door opened. I had dropped my legs out facing him. He was standing and leaning on a small tree bark. Ackim had told me we had to wait A bit longer to avoid going to the road.

I knew protecting me was his job but honestly I had been thinking he did more than that. Even just for my father who sent him to do almost everything for him.

Sometimes I felt bad he had not found his family yet. I was begining to doubt if dad's people were really looking into it seriously. It had been over 5 Months and Ndola wasn't such a big town that someone serious would fail to find his family. I was glad he hired his own investigators, maybe finding his family will put his life at ease.

I looked at him again realising I was lost in my thoughts. The sun had shone in his face creating some drops of sweat on his forehead. it was almost midday and the skys were clear. I looked around us, we were surrounded by small trees and long glass. Silence hovered around us one would wonder what we were doing in the middle of the Bush.

The environment reminded me of the day I met Ackim, only that then it was green and the ground was wet. But now it was mid August and becoming hot .

The outline of his muscles in his checked grey and black short sleeved shirt and black soft jeans on his bottom indeed gave him a look to desire. I had fallen for his looks, he was always casually dressed but had a perfect choice of clothes and he had this sence of cleanliness.

Ackim always kept his things in order, unlike me, he even knew how to prepare good meals. The only thing I knew how to prepare were scrambled eggs which was the only thing I learnt from my mother. I couldn't cook so to say.

I was stattled when Ackim called me. I didn't hear when he asked me something.

"Soŕry" I apologised coming to my senses,

" what did you say?" I asked the now smiling Ackim. He walked to me and handed me a bottle of water.

" hey! you have been quite and thoughtful for some time" he started..

"don't worry we will soon head back home your father just called to let me know the driver I calledd picked him and that his on his way home." he addded still standing by the open door holding it with his left hand.

"Oh good" I managed to say..

"so when are we supposed to leave this place?"

"I am for the idea that we leave when it's a bit dark so we avoid any more attacks on the way back. The disadvantage is that there is no other way to Solowezi from heŕe and I fear those guys know that and can create an ambush for us " he said seriously his protective instincts turned on.

"Are you okey ?" he asked looking at me

" can we stay here for a while ?"

Yeah I guess" I sighed liking the idea of being with him alone. He was still standing next to me and i thought to myself,

"this is the perfect moment to show him and tell him what I feel"

"Ackim!" I called him in a stead tone.

"yes!" He responded paying attention like i was about to ask him about what he just told me, unknown to him. I was having a hard time spiting what I was just about to say.

"Whats up?" He asked when i was still silent.

"Come closer" I finally said more like ordering him. He moved close still holding the car door.

"closer" I said when he left a small gap between us. I saw he was becoming kind of worried but stil did what I asked. I almost laughed at his face look but instaed I smiled widely.

I held his neck with my two hands and drew him close enough that he's eyes met mine.

"Ackim tell me, what do you feel about me?" I asked still focused on his calm eyes their depth expressing some strong emotions as I leaned my head on his chest still seated on the car seat and him pulled close to me. I had pulled him between my legs and his front touched part of my body.

He almost said something but didn't, Instead he too held my head and gave me a passionate kiss. Taking his time making sure o felt his dominance.

This time i didn't let the chance pass so I kissed him back intensly making him draw closer to me. He held my waist and pulled me to himself without breaking from the kiss. In minutes I was breathless, I wanted to stop and look at him but he made no effort to withdraw, playing along, I clung to him so tight and heard him moan in pleasure. His soft lips pressed so hard on me and his tongue deep in my mouth.

Until he finally stopped and was panting, he let a smile..

"wow! That was..." he paused.. "unexpected?" I completed his sentence.

"No, a dream come true" he smiled leaning his forehead on my chest.

I smiled looking at the bush from his back.

" mmmmmn am I a dream to you Ackim?" I asked touching his color bone. His head stil leaning on me,

He raised his head and looked at me, instead of answering the question he asked me..

"What do you feel for me Paula?" I let a laugh..

"clever uh.. ?" I said shaking my head he just asked back my own question and I hated being the first to tell him what I felt.

"Well you are handsome and charming...." I mentioned two other things and he cut me short. "to the point Paula.." he ordered.

I smiled, if I didn't know better I could have thought I was shy but I thought no ways...

His intimidating atitude turned me on and I liked him when he was being in charge. I always loved a man who would put me in control and not the other way round.

yes? " He asked impatiently. I couldn't hide it anymore so I told him how I felt.

"I fall in love with you the very day I met you" i answered looking at his eyes.

"But why didn't you tell me ?" He asked as he placed his hands on my waist giving me strange shots all the way to my spine.

"I don't know" I murmered not liking the question which made me uncomfortable.

" I gues it's a man who should ask a woman to be with them first, here in Africa." I spoke honestly.

He smiled slightly...

"Mmmn dont tell me you too believe in African culture." he teased..

"Am born from an African father remember ?" I asked smiling back..

He asked me several other things about my boyfriend , what I expect in a relationship. How possible it was to have an afair when he was just a bodyguard and I the daughter of a wealthy and powerful man.

I spent almost 30 minutes answering his questions and he just stood there listening and changing positions of his hands on my body, he would hold my waist, my back, rub my earlobes, place his finger on my nose.. Driving me crazy making me whisper some of the answers whilst my eyes closed shut automatically.

I felt him relax and smile at that, he was enjoying the effect he had on me and i hated being so vulnerable i was almost going for his zip.

"I see" he whispered in my ears. "you don't care if people say you are with your bodyguard of all handsome and rich guys out there?"

He asked, pushing his hands in my back and pulling down the zip to my dress. I gasped at the feel of his hands on the skin on my back and he ordered..

"answer Paula?" I moaned as he drew his hands around me rubbing my nipples gently. I was glad i didnt wear a bra.

"I don't " I whispered..

"mmmmmm, I didnt hear you" he groaned holding my nipples and making me wanna pee in my pants, his other hand went down my dress running the top of my underwear and I was almost screaming.

"Come on Ackim why are you doing this to me?" I asked desperation in my voice.

He smiled but I couldn't open my eyes to see his teeth, his working hands were driving me crazy. He then removed them, pulled up the zip of my dress, smiling when I opened my eyes.

he spoke up,

"Because I want you to be sure of what you want my Paula. I want you to always imagine my hands on you everytime you look at another man and I want you to remember the feel of my lips and my beating heart" he paused kissing me gently

" and always know i am the only one capable of making you feel this way, am the only soldier that would die in the war front just to protect you from any danger. Even when i die today I will always be close to you and do my best to comfort you, because you will now be mine.."

"Ackim" I tried to stop him, his words pierced my heart and I knew no other man could ever make me feel like him. I realised his deep and sentimental words went deeper than what i could hear.

He continued..

"I have never loved anyone the way I love you my coloured girl. Even being with Lisa was a way of running from being so close to you even when it was killing me inside. " he said with a frown..

"you have made my mission to protect and make you happy."

I couldn't take anymore, I held his head and pulled him tto myself

"I love you so much Ackim" I told him..

"I will die for you Paula" he responded kissing me passionately.

We made love and it was epic, like it was the first and the last. His body on mine as we lay in the back of the car was nothing i ever imagined would be possible. With his every touch I felt what I could vow i could never feel with any other man.

At exactly 17 PM, we started driving to the road each one one lost in their own thoughts.

He held my hand as he drove the car.

" I love you" he whispered..

"never forget that."

I nodded my head with a smile

"i love you more" i responded smiling..

We just got to the main road, Ackim steadily joined the tarmac. With a bang our vehicle was pushed off the road and all i can remember was seeing Ackim move to my side and in a rush pushed me out.

I fall down to the ground and the last thing I saw was the range rover blow in flames in front of me, as

my eyes closed and I went dark...

To be continued

Read more here - www.youngicee.com/category/the-bodyguard

The Bodyguard - Episode 15

By Tisa Phiri


Ackim...

I woke up about some hours later, realising I had fallen asleep in Paula's room. Rubbing my eyes I looked at my watch. It showed i had been in Paula's room for over 4 hours. It was 4am.

I looked at the still sleeping Paula. she had pushed her sheets one side, the dress was lifted high up almost showing off her pants. Quietly, I pulled the cover and placed it on her body leaving just her head out. she didn't make a move so I just watched her beautiful face for a couple of minutes and left to my room.

Mr Benson had gone out of the country that week so I had to pick him. He called me he was coming back that very day at 10 am and asked me to be in Ndola at the airport so I pick him up.

Mr Benson had other drivers but lately he had trusted me more than his old drivers.

I Decided to have a quick bath. I was to started off at exactly 6 hours if I had to make it on time. After I was done preparing myself, I went to tell Paula I was leaving.

She was already up ..

"Good morning" I greeted her.

"Morning Ackim.. slept ok? " She asked.

"Yeah.though I spent the whole night on the couch ..remember ?" I asked giving her an eye to indicate she told me to.

She smiled shly..

"Oh yeah? That sucks" she giggled. "sorry I was trouble I was just too wasted. I gues I had too much to drink" she added as she combed her hair.

"it's okey"

"though it seemed you drunk to purnish yourself for something, good you are okay now, I guess.guess"

She looked at me and smiled.. nodding her head.

"yeah am fine now " she said almost like trying to convince herself.

"Well good, I just came to let you know am going to pick up your father from the airport.."

"Oh no.. !" she screamed.

"I forgot he's coming back today. what the hell! oh my God Ackim am going with you, i promised dad I will be there."

I looked at my watch..

"unless we start off now we will be late" I informed her looking at her still in a towel.

"Of course.." she stood

" let me just dress up." she took a step and the towel fall down leaving her complete nude body exposed.

Instead of looking away I looked at her and I was frozen,

"oh my!" I heard myself scream inside. she just stood there also storned, for some Seconds none of us did anything.

Coming back to my senses I rushed to pick it and cover her and my move startled her too, we both bent down to pick the towel and I caught her hand.

The moment was like time had stopped. I followed her hand as she lifted the towel without letting go of her and part of the towel I was holding.

I couldn't take it anymore. I set my eyes on hers and she didn't look away either, slowly I moved my hand up from her palm to the shoulders. I touched her neck and she gasped.

My mind was like it had been switched off. I can't even remember what was controlling me but I pulled her close to myself my eyes still focused on her. She stood there like waiting for me to do something or maybe say something..

slowly and in a gentle way I pressed my lips on hers. I kissed them and she just let me without responding, a few Seconds later I withdrew..

"Oh my God! Paula am so sorry, i i. .." I couldn't finish my setence i felt so ashemed of myself. I failed to control myself and I felt terrible not knowing what she was thinking about me.

I apologised again and ran when she just stood there saying nothing.

I went outside not looking back, reaching the car I put hands in my pockets and paced around.

"Damn it! Ackim!" I cursed myself. "self discipline and control." I reminded myself of some of the military virtues. I paced around waiting for her so we start off. I knew I was in trouble.

"how could I.. oh God!" I frowned still confused my heart was pumping fast I could feel it in my palm.

When she can out about 15 minutes later, I couldn't let myself look at her. I even wished the trip was concealed. How was I going to drive with her seated so close to me for hours.

"It will be a long day" i thought to myself as i opened the door to let her in..

She said thank you and hopped in walking round to the driver's seat and wiped my sweaty hands.

"Forgive me Paula" I managed to say when I gained courage about 20 minutes after we drove in silence.

" I don't mean to. am trully sorry I did that" I spoke softly.

She looked at me.

"what did you do?" She asked like she wasn't there when it all happened.

I struggled to mention the word and when I finally said..

"I kissed you.." it came out more like a wimp and not a sound.

"It's okay" she sighed casually.

"am sure you were just caught up in the moment" she added camly....

I was glad she wasn't mad at me. so i tried to relax and fastened my seat belt as i increased the speed.

We had moved for almost an hour and where minutes away from Chingola town when I spoted a car following us.

I didn't tell Paula anything but i tried increasing the speed, the black Noah following us also increased speed.

My instincts warned me something wasn't ok. So I that moment i warned Paula to fasten her seat belt.

"I think someone is following us" i told her..

"What?" She asked looking at the side mirrow. I steped on the accelerater and increased the speed to 180. few minutes later a Grey Pajero came from behind the Noah and I saw he was catching up, coming direct at us.

"Shit !" I shouted. I let him get closer because I couldn't go beyond my speed unless i was alone.

"Hold on Paula!" I alerted her and swayed to the other side of the road as i stepped on the brakes, the tires screeched making a sharp noise.

The Pajero passed us at great speed leaving us behind and I quickly turned into the bushes, luckily the range rover would pass easily even in rocky grounds so I drove through the bushes at 120 km/hour, leaving a clear path where the vehicle passed.

I saw a clearing ahead and drove past it, thankfully the place was rocky. It meant if our persuers where following us they would not know which way we went from that spot.

I drove in cirles for an hour just to make sure we lost them and finally decided to stop in the middle of the bush.

"Are you okey?" I asked Paula who was still holding on to the seat scared.

She nodded.. "yeah am fine" she breathed out loudly.

"was just scared we would die" she said panting..

I moved out to her side and opened her door..

"you are safe now" assured her holding her hands.

" take deep breaths" I instructed trying calm her down.

A few minutes later she was calm. i removed the phone from my pockets and text her father about the incidence. He didnt respond and i decided to tell the driver from ndola where he had some other businesses to go and pick him.

"What happened out there ? Paula asked.

" why are people trying so hard to kill me Ackim, what have I done?" She cried.

I felt for her but I couldnt get close and comfort her, for fear of repeating my mistake for that morning.

"it's alright Paula, soon all this will be over." I tried to assure her..

" if my plan works, within a month I should be able to know the cause of all this. Am on yo something that I trust will give me a solution and help me put a stop to all this"

"Are you sure Ackim?" She asked looking at me.

"Am really fed up of not having the freedom to move about and do my own things, am even thinking of going back to Austrilia and live there away from all this." She complained..

"but i cant just leave my father alone here" she added crying..

If you can't wait, read the complete story here - www.youngicee.com/category/the-bodyguard

The Bodyguard - Episode 14

By Tisa Phiri

I slowly closed the door and walked back to my room, feeling bad about Paula. I couldn't bare seing her cry but I couldn't really understand what was going on with her.

" was she crying because I didn't pay attention to her or there was something she really wanted to tell me and i played a blind eye?" I wondered as I sat on my bed .

I knew how I felt about her but I also knew I wasn't her type nor class.

I recalled her asking me if she wasn't beautiful and what came to my mind first was that someone had disapointed her and she was feeling less of herself. I even thought of the possibility she wanted me but then, I shook my head..

"no way." I was nothing close to what she could probably want being her body guard and practically her employ didn't give me so much courage to place myself to her level.

"No Ackim forget it" I shrugged trying so hard to surpress the urge of going to her room and hold her in my arms.

Moving out of my clothes I took a quick bath, as I wiped the water on my head, my Phone rang.

"Helo !" I answered carelessly, it was Lisa , Paula's Secretary..

"yes babe are you coming tonight? " she asked her voice excited..

"oh no!" I screamed in my head. I had forgotten I had a date with her.

" oh sorry Lisa" I told her honestly .

"I completely forgot we planned to go out today."

She lashed out her temper shouting..

"I knew it Ackim. I don't even know why we are in this relationship. you always forget the most important things for both of us it's not fair.!"

I was just listening on as she talked.. she was too loud for me I don't even understand why I had to pick a noisy woman out of all the women I saw around. I actually thought she was funny and cheerful. someone who would help me calm my feelings for Paula but I was wrong. Instead of being funny I realised she had a large mouth and that got to me. I was however not the type to easily give up What I started so I tagged along the past month.

"It's okay Lisa" I calmed her down.

"I don't say am not coming am actually preparing to come there right now." I heard her sigh. I knew I got her, for some reason Lisa could do anything for me. I bet that's the main reason I was still with her.

I quickly dressed up in my causal clothes and grabbed the keys to the car I was given to be using if I was going anywhere alone.

Just as I switched off the light and turned to head outside I met Paula standing by her bedroom door, which was opposed my room. I was given that room so that I could of course keep an eye on her and get to her if anything went down unexpectedly.

"Where do you think you are going this late?" she asked almost in an intimading voice like to let me feel she was the boss..

"Am going out but will be back before 22" I told her looking at my watch. It was slightly past 19 hours..

"well, am going out too " she said bluntly.

"but if you are busy it's okay I can just drive myself" she added walking back in her room.

"Oh no.. you can't!" I quickly walked to her.

" you know i won't let you go out alone especially in the night. Remember your father said..."

I couldn't finish my sentence and she burged in.

"well my father should know that am woman and not a child to be escorted by some body guard everywhere" she responded her facial expression serious..

I felt she was still upset with me but letting her go out alone was out of question I would never allow myself do that, risking her life. So I walked to her and grabbed her hand.

"Am sorry you feel that way but it's my job to protect you. I won't leave you alone. so if you are going out I am coming with you."

She looked at me and sighed deeply

"you know what? since you are going out too then we will go where you want to go in that way I won't make you councel your outing " she smiled.

I knew what she was asking would make Lisa uncomfortable and myself too. But if I had to put her safety first it was the best thing to do. besides, I could at least keep the promise to be with Lisa that night.

"Okay then" I told her finally

"let's go am having a date with someone though, so if you are ok with it then we can go" I added..

She looked at me and ignored my last sentence..

"whatever.." she shrugged..

"let me change then.."

She came out a few minutes later wearing a red dress reaching up her knees exposing her light and soft thighs. It was tight too and very sexy, her black heels added to her height and she was now slightly taller than me. she looked perfect with her hair falling on her shoulders, covering part of her cleavage but I still could see the skin of her round breasts.

I swolled hard as she walked towards me. she really did her best to punish me that night. my mouth went dry and I let her lead the way and followed without saying anything.

I opened the the door to the Range Rover and she hopped in leaving her dress moved up wards. She made no effort to pull it down and my brain was scattered.

I drove in silence to some place where they were playing live music by some popular band in town. she then cleared her throat as I was parking the car.

" who is your date Ackim?" she asked me. Realising i had not told her about Lisa.

"Lisa." I answered not looking at her..

"oh I see" she said in a low tone.

"so you decided to pick on my Secretary of all women." She accused sadly.

"Am sory I didn't take it that way" I tried to defend myself..

" it's just that am.."

I couldn't complete my word and she interrupted again..

"do you love her?" She asked looking straight into my eyes like trying to ascertain if I was being truthful.

I felt bad I had to discuss that with her but i had to answer..

" I don't know" I said honestly .

" we started dating a few weeks ago and am not sure about us so far."

I saw her smile and shake her head..

" mmmn you are complicated Soldier" she said in her father's tone. which he used when referring to me as soldier, As she opened the door and stepped down.

I walked close to her my eyes searching everywhere for any signs of danger, satisfied nothing seemed unusual, I walked behind her as we entered the reception of the hotel hosting a live band.

Lisa walked towards me with a smile. she too looked great in her silky short dress outlining her well shaped hips. But for some reason I felt Paula had nailed it more than anyone in that room. even some other guys stared at her as we walked and I couldn't help feel jealous.

Lisa's smile faded when she saw Paula. i knew that would happen so i had no choice but to escalpate myself. Paula was greeting some elderly man it seemed he was some manger for the mine at that point Lisa grabbed the opportunity and pulled me aside.

"What is she doing here Ackim. ? " She asked furious..

"calm down Lisa I had no choice but to come with her, she wanted to go out and you know i can't let her go alone. so instead of cancelling my date with you i thought it's better I come with her" I explained to the now mad Lisa..

"It's always about her Ackim" she scolded..

"you never have time for me but you can go anywhere, anytime with time her."

"Don't tell me you are jealous of the person who pays both of us." I told her my eyes watching Paula who seemed not to mind my absence. I then cut Lisa off as she almost said some more.

"Let's sit down already" I suggested leading the way to the table..

Paula was calm all the time and she and Lisa said less to each other. I was so uncomfortable I almost ran out to get some air, but leaving Paula without guard was risky so I played it cool and tried to bring up some small talks. Paula was drinking heavily and by the time it was 23 hours she was drunk. i had a couple of wine glasses and didn't take any more. I had to stay sobber.

At exactly 23 30 i told the ladies we had enough for the night. Paula staggered and almost fall but I was quick and grabbed her. she let a laugh and held my neck..

"I cant walk Soldier" she whispered in a drunk voice.

I could see the rage on Lisa's face but I ignored her, lifting Paula she Leaned her head on my shoulder closing her eyes as we walked to the car Park.

I had to drop Lisa first since she was just brought by her friend on her way to the hotel after i told her i would delay a bit.

All the way Lisa was quite and I knew i will pay for that the following day. Paula fall asleep in the back seat where i placed her.

After dropping Lisa I drove back to the mansion..

I lifted Paula to her room, removed her shoes and put her in the sheets to sleep. before I could stand from her, she opened her eyes..

"Ackim.. !" she called me.

"What is it Paula?" I asked..

"don't leave me alone here" she whispered closing her eyes.

"please am scared" she added.

" I will sit there then" I told her pointing at the small couch besides her bed.

When I noticed she had fallen asleep I tip toed to the door to escape, then she lifted her head slightly..

"hmmmmhmmmh dont" she shook her head

" sit there.."

I walked back deafeated and sat on the couch. she raised her eyes to look at me again and in a few seconds fall asleep.

I watched her quitely wishing I could crawl in and sleep besides her, but i dared not. Dozing off, i too fall asleep on the couch.

To be continued

The Bodyguard - Episode 13

By Tisa Phiri

.....Paula...

4 Months past, and I grew so much in love with Ackim, everytime i saw Him my heart felt vulnerable. Even just him shake my hand or giving me a hug made me wanna cling to him and scream my heart out.. "I love you!"

But I had come to learn that in African culture it was kind of off for a woman to tell a man who had not proposed you loved them and from what I noticed with Ackim he was a man who prefered him going after a woman and not the other way round.

I had seen how Shila the house keeper at the lodge always flirt around him but he showed no interest in her, not only her but other women too. Especially at the office in the mine, he completely ignored any lady that acted in a way to lure him. so I gathered well, let me not rush myself.

I was believing he didn't have interest in me, like he was always taking me more of a job than a woman. He was always concerned about my well being and nothing more, it hurt me a lot that my efforts to show him I considered him more than my body guard failed

I recall one day we sat together watching some movie, dad was out. I saw he wasn't even interested in the movie but he stayed on just to make sure I went to sleep before him. I tried telling him to go and rest but he insisted he wanted to finish the movie too.

I deliberately dozed off and moved closer to him placing my head on his shoulders. He didn't make any movements. His eyes fixed on the TV. I withdrew later on frustrated and went to bed before the movie could even finish.

"What is wrong with him?" I asked myself upset.

" am I not that attractive or maybe he doesn't just like me?" I fall asleep feeling sad.

The following morning I called my friend from UK. I told her about Ackim and the strong feelings I had for him.

"Oh my God Paula" she had said.

" if the guy have the looks you are telling me and he's the one your heart longs for. Then go for him girl you have nothing to lose. At least try and when you find he's not intrested then you move on" she suggested. .

"Plus someone here is still longing to have you, in case all that fails" she went on referring to my ex boyfriend..

"Oh no i won't go back to that womanising jerk" i told her.. "remember he still goes out with that stupid girlfriend of his . Oh please don't even mention his name, am better off alone that with that lieing and cheating jerk just because he has it all, money and looks. No Thank you!" i shouted raising my hands as we chated on a video call.

So I kind of followed my friend's advice and I decided to comfront Ackim. I was suspecting he was in some kind off afair with my Secretary but since I had only seen her from home where i had been working from for months, I had no proper conclusion they were together. I just had to try my lucky.

It was not easy for a person like me who had wealthy and beauty to find love, every man I met seemed more scared of my status and never dared to come any closer. so I felt really lonely.

Every guy I felt attracted to ended up being far from me. This time i wasn't going to let the one that my heart beats for just slip through my hands.

I called him one day when he walked in holding a file. I wore a bum short and lifted my legs on the couch deliberately. I did some proper make up and let my long hair lose around my neck . I knew I looked hot.

However, when Ackim stopped after I called him, it seemed I wasn't looking the way i thought I did. He didn't even look straight at my face.

"come sit here." I called him and he excused himself to put the file in his room.

I threw the small pillow I was holding at the wall feeling rejected but I was determined to face him. So , when I noticed almost 5 minutes had passed and Ackim wasn't out of his room yet I stood up and walked to his room before I could debate myself out of the idea..

I didn't even knock, I just pushed his white bedroom door open and entered. There he was standing his hands in the pockets. I looked beyond him his file was on the table. I glanced back at Ackim his calm face staring at me without giving me clues of what he was thinking about.

"Mmmn" I started..

"I see you are still putting the file" I teased..

"I um um ...am sorry I was just about to head to you" he stammered..

"but since you are already here am sure you can tell me why you called me. do you want to go somewhere I escort you?" He asked quickly.

I let a laugh.

"Ackim you are unbelievable, so you mean all i am to you is work right?" I asked seriously.

He kept quite and I felt bad.

" tell me, am I not beautiful enough for you? Or am not your

type?" I asked sounding pissed.

"No no no..!" he said coming close. "Paula you are very beautifull and attractive too. Don't ever think otherwise. But why are you upset with me?" he asked..

Sounding so stupid like a child.

I couldn't take it any more. It was clear the guy had nothing for me so without another word I walked out and ran to my room tears falling from my face.

Ackim followed me and before I could close the door he steped in..

" Paula are you okey?" He asked concerned.

"just leave me alone!" I screamed laying on my bed. He stood by the door way and watched me for a minute. He wanted to say something but i screamed at him again and he slowly walked out closing the door.

That night I cried myself to sleep my heart broken.

To be continued

Episode 45 continued

Twenty Five Minutes Later.

"We just confirmed that the white car is after you Cole, just drive into the hotel." Cole heard Henry say to him through the earpiece plugged in his ears.

"Okay," Cole replied and immediately turned on the indicator of the car.

He moved to the slow lane and reduced his speed drastically. He looked into the side mirror and caught a glimpse of the white car before he turned towards the gate of the hotel.

He looked outside towards the white car as he paused briefly at the gate to undergo the security check. He noticed the white car had also reduced it's speed and was indicating.

"You can proceed."

He heard one of the security men say to him and he looked forward immediately. The bar gate was raised for him and he drove through immediately. He turned the steering wheel in the direction he was pointed to and drove through the roadway to the car garage.

He looked into his side mirror and noticed that the white car had gotten in without spending half as much time as he did for the security check.

"I think these guys after me are members of the FOX," Cole said into his mouthpiece as he stepped out of the car.

"Yes, they are. Their Identity cards got them in quicker," He heard Henry's voice replying him.

"Alright, I'm going in." He said and closed the car door gently. He looked with his side eyes and noticed the white car already driving past him.

He proceeded calmly and unruffled to the entrance of the hotel building. He entered and walked straight to the reception, he displayed a card which showed his room number to the receptionist who stepped back and searched the drawer for some seconds. She finally took out a key and handed it to him.

"Welcome back sir," she said with a smile as she watched him go.

"Thank you," he answered and proceeded quickly towards the staircase. He noticed through his side eyes three men walk in through the entrance to the reception as he climbed the first step on the staircase. He continued quickly without acting like he had seen them.

"Good evening, I'm Agent Tam of the FOX." a man smartly dressed in a black suit greeted the receptionist. He took out his ID card and displayed to the lady.

"Good evening sir, how may I help you?" the receptionist asked the man, her eyes scrutinizing the other two men who were behind the man on suit. The two others were putting on waist coats on their shirts instead of suit jackets.

"What room is that man headed for?" Agent Tam asked.

"Which man?" She squinted at him.

"The one who left here some seconds ago."

"Room 10C," the receptionist answered.

"How do I get to room 10C?" the man flanging Agent Tam by the right side asked.

The receptionist stared at Agent Tam's face as if to ask for permission to answer the man.

"It's on the third floor, and it's the second to the last room by the right if you go through this stair case." the receptionist answered, pointing to the stair case.

The man who asked the question looked around quickly, he spotted the entrance to the restaurant and a man in the hotel attendant's uniform going in with a tray in his hands. He dashed in the direction immediately.

"Where's your control room?" Agent Tam asked.

"The manager's office?" the receptionist asked back absent-mindedly, her eyes still on the man who went in direction of the restaurant.

"Yes, your control room." the Agent replied in a harsh voice.

"Ermm.. Sorry, I'm not authorized to give such information," she stammered as she picked the landline on the desk. "I'll call someone you can talk to."

_

Cole looked back through the hallway as he approached the end of the hall. He stopped at the door where he saw the label "11D". He looked left and right again before he turned the knob and pushed open the door. He stepped in quickly and locked the door behind him.

"One of the men would soon be on his way to room 10C," Dave said to Cole as he entered.

Dave was sitting in front of the table, a laptop was in front of him where he watched the live stream from the reception and other parts of the building. Cole walked straight to the wardrobe and picked out a different set of clothes. He began by taking off his leather jacket and shoes at the same time. After that, he took off the attached beards and moustache. Then he quickly walked to the mirror with a napkin and carefully wiped off the makeup on his face.

_

"Agent Tam, I'm on the first floor now," the agent said into a small device as he walked from the staircase into the hallway. He was now dressed in the restuarant's uniform which he collected from the man he saw walking into the restaurant.

"Do you have Marvel backing you up?"

"Yes, he's following at a slower pace." Cole replied.

"Okay, that guy could be extremely dangerous, you have to be very careful." Agent Tam replied. "We have backups on the way."

"I would need feedbacks from you, are you close to the control room already?"

"I'm in the control block already and would soon be allowed to access the security cameras section."

__

"Be careful," Agent Tam said once again into his communicator before putting it into his pocket.

He was in a hallway with the head of security for the hotel and they were walking to the surveillance cameras room. He stopped after getting to the middle of the hallway. "What happened to all these rooms? Why does this place look scanty?"

The security head also stopped and stared at him. He shook his head gently and then looked around for a moment before checking the time on his phone. "Some of the workers have gone for dinner and the rest are probably busy in the offices. Can we please proceed to the surveillance room?"

Agent Tam looked around for one more second and then proceeded further with the security head.

They stopped when they got to the door of the surveillance room. The security head knocked and waited for a response.

Soon, they heard footsteps approaching the door, it stopped when it seemed the person had reached the door and was probably checking their faces from the peephole.

"Good evening sir," they heard a female voice as the door opened. The person who opened the door stood behind the opened door, instead of being at the entrance.

The security head proceeded in first while Agent Tam followed after slowly.

"Where is Dennis?" The unsuspecting security man asked as he proceeded further without looking at the person who opened the door.

Agent Tam glanced at the face of the lady who opened the door and watched her as she closed it back and locked it.

"Where is Dennis?" Agent Tam asked again after looking around with no one answering him.

Close to the wall were about ten systems arranged on a long semicircle table, four men and one lady could be seen sitting in front of a computer each, all of them were sitting upright and had their hands stretched out in the keyboards but only one of them had his hands busy on the keyboard.

Agent Tam looked around and suspected at once that something was amiss with the way the people were sitting behind the system. The screensaver on the different systems apart from one were on and that showed a sign that they had not been used for a long time, the contradicting element was that all the men had their hands on the systems. He looked back again and stared at the face of the lady at the door.

Samantha stared back as she walked slowly towards them. The Agent turned back to look at the security head and hurriedly walked towards him.

The security head was already so close to them before he noticed that there was something wrong. He increased his steps forward and touched the man sitting in front of the middle system.

His eyes widened in shock as the man fell sideways after he was touched. He looked around quickly and noticed that all the people sitting except for the one whose fingers were active on the keyboard were all unconscious.

"What the hell is happening here?" The security head asked in an alarmed tone as he made to turn back. He glanced quickly at the active man again and noticed he wasn't one of the workers in the hotel.

The both of them turned as they heard the cocking sounds of guns.

"Don't make any stupid move men," Samantha said to them, pointing guns from both hands at each of the men. Henry also pulled out his gun and rose from his seat.

To be continued

Read more here - www.youngicee.com/category/restless

Restless - Episode 45

®18 + SNVL
© Oyinloye Oluwatosin Emmanuel

20:42PM
Alexis Park, Bexford, Bethanna.

Paul Edwards drove alone in his car into the Alexis indoor car park. It was night already but the well positioned halogen lights in the park provided enough brightness as day light.

The car park was almost empty. It was usually full at noon times when office workers and other car users had their cars to go to work. At that time of the night, the number of vehicles in the place was very scanty.

Paul Edwards drove into one of the parking spaces and turned off the engine. He took off the seatbelt and pulled out his phone quickly, he was about to dial a number when he got an incoming call.

"I've got my eyes on you," the caller said in a slow voice. "I watched as you drove in, stay put and I'll talk to you in few minutes time."

"Don't keep me waiting," Paul replied in a confident tone, without any trace of fear or panic in his voice.

The caller ended the call without replying him.

Paul let out a sigh as he took the phone off his ear. He took out the car keys and opened the door quickly. He stepped out slowly, looking around the place carefully. He was sure that whoever invited him over to the place was already in there and was probably watching him from where he was.

He closed the door gently and slowly walked to the back of the car. His confidence and fearlessness was evident in his walking steps and the way he looked around.

He was a man of average heights and well built body, and even as he approached sixty years of age, he seemed to grow stronger with his age. He had been in the force for over thirty years, the first eight years spent in the Bethanna Military Service while the rest of the years working out the FOX corporation.

He stepped out totally from the parking space to the roadway and looked left and right. He stared again for a while at the right side before he advanced forward towards the opposite parking space. He had about three revolvers around his body and easily accessible to his fingers. And contrary to his agreement with the caller, he had informed the FOX team in charge of finding the boy about the planned meeting at the park and they were closeby listening through some devices placed on his body.

After a few minutes of pacing and looking around, he began to hear some sounds and he quickly looked towards the direction. He saw the gate of the park shutting down slowly. Some of the lights in the park began to go off, especially at the center where he stood. He raised his brows to see if there was anyone close to the gate but saw none, then he heard some sounds behind him again and quickly looked back.

He spotted the man coming out from behind a Mercedes bus at the far end right corner. He turned slowly and stared intently at the man. The man was dressed in all black with a leather jacket and had a car key which he rolled continuously in his hand.

Paul Edwards took in a long deep breath as he waited and watched the man coming towards him slowly. The man's face was not very visible because of the position of the light behind him.

"Chairman Paul Edwards," Cole said in a calm voice as he got closer to the man. He stopped directly opposite him when he was about four metres away from the man.

"Who are you?" Paul Edwards asked in a confident tone. "And where is the boy you took?"

"I thought your grandson died last year, why do you seek him again?"

Paul Edwards peered at him intently, being careful in choosing words to respond with. Even though he had ordered men check around before his arrival, he knew it was still possible that a transmitting or recording device was around and he decided to be careful in choosing his words so as not to implicate himself.

"We had an agreement before I came here, and that's why I'm here, not to answer questions from you."

"You want to see your grandson again? Then you've got to answer my questions." Cole replied him .

"What do you want young man? Name your price and let's get the hell out of here."

"Good one Paul, what I want is a complete list of all top members of the Red Wolves and how I can locate them."

Paul squinted at once and then looked around quickly to be sure no one was watching or listening. He took three steps forward closer to Cole.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"You heard me right Paul, I want a list. A list of all the top members of the Wolves." Cole maintained firmly.

"You're talking trash, the FOX is yet to find out who the top members of the Red Wolves are."

"The FOX may be yet to, but you know the Red Wolves already and you can tell us who the top members are."

"Are you... Are you sick in the head or something?" Paul asked with a frowned face.

"No Agent, I'm fine. You are the one who needs now to decide between your grandson and your reputation or your allegiance to the Red Wolves. I know this makes you indeed feel sick in the head but you have no choice than to decide."

"You're mistaken man, I have nothing to do with the Red Wolves. I lead the FOX agency and we are determined to bring down every member of the Red Wolves as soon as we can."

Cole let out an evil smile. He took a step closer to the man and stared him directly in the eyes. "I know you are hard and would not succumb but I'm here to let you know you should expect the worst in the next forty eight hours."

"Who the hell do you think you are to threaten me?" Paul Edwards barked at him as he turned to leave.

"Oh!" Cole turned back, staring at the man with raised eyebrows. "I'm not me, I represent a body that's seeks justice for the nation, we're here to stop the terror you've agreed with the enemy to cause."

Paul heaved a sigh of frustration as he watched Cole turned back again to leave.

"And you think you would leave here alive?" Paul asked.

Cole turned back partially and raised a part of his lips smiling mockingly. "Who will stop me from leaving?"

"The six agents, three hiding in the blue coloured car by the right and the three others outside the park?" Cole asked with a chuckle.

Paul Edwards chuckled back. He had expected whosoever he was going to meet to be also ready and detailed but he didn't know what extent it will be to.

"And you think you can escape them all?" Paul asked in a mischievous voice.

"I don't need to escape them," Cole replied and flashed his whole set of teeth mischievously. He took some steps forward until he was a step away from Paul.

Paul observed his face well now. He had never seen him before and had no idea of who he was or where he came from.

"I'll walk away without being stopped," Cole said again pointing a finger to a small chip attached to his shoulder.

"Oh shit!" Paul cursed in his mind as he looked into the small video transmitting bug. Before coming to the park, he had ordered that the whole place be scrutinized and that the surveillance cameras should be made to stop working at eight pm. He was however glad that he had been careful in replying Cole's questions.

"How is that going to save you from being arrested by the FOX tonight?" He asked with a confident tone and then watched as Cole began to unbutton the black jacket.

He unbuttoned it to the last and and then pulled apart both sides revealing what he had behind the jacket.

Paul raised his brows in shock.

"I'm sure I don't need to tell you what this is," Cole said as he buttoned back up. "But for your information, it has a six kilometres impact energy."

Cole turned back immediately and began to walk back to the place he came out from. Paul's phone began to ring at the same time.

"You know what would happen if it gets detonated," Cole continued in a louder voice as he walked away.

"What of the boy you took?" Paul shouted back at him.

Cole stopped again after hearing his question. He was already at the back of the Mercedez bus. Without saying anything, he continued walking and entered into the driver's side of the bus.

Paul stayed and watched him get into the bus and kick on the engine. Cole drove the vehicle out of the parking space and proceeded towards the entrance in the same direction Paul was standing.

Paul moved slowly away from the road. His phone began to ring for the second time. The Mercedez bus stopped when it got beside Paul.

"Whenever you want your grandson back, you call me with news that you are ready to give me the list I requested of you."

With that Cole drove out of the park and zoomed out of the Alexis facility.

Paul took out his phone and answered the call.

"Follow after him at a reasonable pace, but do not shoot, he's putting on a bomb jacket. Ensure the jacket is taken off before any attack on him is attempted." Paul said into the phone.

"Roger that sir," the voice from the other end replied.

Paul ended the call and searched out another number to dial from the contact list.

"Where are you Steve?" he said into the mouthpiece of the phone. "Meet me at the roundabout after Alexis Park, I need to see you right away."

He turned and walked quickly to his car. He got in and zoomed out of the car park, followed by a blue corolla.

Restless - Episode 44

® 18+ SNVL

© Oyinloye Oluwatosin Emmanuel

Samantha quickly took out a row of bullet to fix in her revolver but the second man pulled out his gun and pointed it at her. The man from the top floor who threw the explosive ball had also come down and was pointing at her from the back.


Samantha froze and looked at the faces of both men from both sides. She knew the trigger would be pulled if she made any dubious move and it would mean instant death for her.

"Go on your knees and drop that thing," the man behind her said in a commanding tone.

She went down slowly with the gun placed on the floor and gently placed her knees on the ground, her hands going up simultaneously.

The man behind moved closer to her and picked the gun from the step it was dropped.

"Place your hands behind you," the other man said as he took out an handcuff to use on her.

Samantha obeyed and had both hands placed at the back. The man who picked her gun stepped in front of her and put the gun forward very close to her body. The man behind was already fixing the cuff on the right wrist when Samantha delivered a blow to his groin with her elbow. She grabbed the wrists of the man holding the gun in front of her and pulled it up as she got up, she also delivered a kick with her knee to his belly. She turned back with her hands still holding the wrists of the man and landed another kick with her knee to the face of the man who was bent behind.

She dodged a blow from the front and gave the man a headbutt on his chest. The man fell back against the handrail and she replied him with another headbutt, this time on his face. The headbutt hit his nose hard but Samantha also felt some pain on her forehead. She released the hand of the man where the gun was and the pistol fell to the stairs and bounced till it got to the last step to the landing.

The man behind tried to pull out his gun which he had pocketed but Samantha turned just in time and struck his face with the handcuff which was still stuck to her right hand. She faced front to see the man in front already with a knife, trying to strike her. She caught him by the wrist immediately but the force pushed her back and she collided with the man behind and fell to the step below. She rolled down to the next step and turned to see the man with the knife already above her. She was lying on one of her hands and it seemed impossible to stop him from stabbing her this time. Her eyes blinked as he raised her body and she pulled out her hand.

There was a loud bang.

The man with the knife dropped to the floor after a bullet got into his back. There was another bang, and it was a bullet entering into the forehead of the other man. Samantha looked up to find Henry standing up at the top of the stairs. She heaved a sigh of relief and picked herself up. She groaned silently as she felt some pains in her back and arms, especially around her shoulder and elbows.

"Let's get out of here Sam, we'd take the elevator and then go out through the back door. Cole is waiting for us already." Henry said to her as he rushed down the stairs.

He got to the last step before the ninth floor and he stopped to peep and confirm if anyone was in the corridor.

____

Benuit State, Bethanna.

"He's on a face cap perfectly carved to cover his face from cameras hung from the ceiling," Kahn said to Hutton.

They were seated in the backseat of the same car. Only the driver was seated in front and briefcase was placed on the passenger's seat in front.

"Can I have a closer look?" Hutton asked as he stretched forth his hand to get the tablet device Kahn was looking into.

Kahn handed the device to him and leaned back with a sigh.

Hutton moved the footage some minutes forward and paused at a point. He zoomed it and focused on the face of the man. The only part that wasn't covered from the cameras coverage by the face cap was the chin of the man.

"Who could this be?" Hutton asked aloud, although rhetorically.

"I just forwarded the shots to Jessy and she should be matching his face with others to confirm who he is?"

"This doesn't look like the FOX's job, this man's mission is in no way related to the FOX's investigation." Hutton said thoughtfully.

"Then who else could be after us?"

Hutton heaved a sigh. He zoomed the picture again and stared at the face hidden behind the face cap for a moment. The man's facial features were totally different from who he was expecting it to be.

He looked at Kahn's face briefly and then took in another breath as he rested his back.

"Spill out what you got to say man," Kahn said to him with questioning eyes after noticing Hutton had something in mind which he wasn't saying.

"It doesn't make sense, but..." Hutton paused again and looked at Kahn's face. "If the FOX isn't behind this, the only person who could be is Carl Winston."

Kahn widened his eyes and then stared at him awkwardly. "I thought we've talked about this already."

"Yes, but there are still no proofs that Carl Winston is dead." Hutton insisted. "Two agents were killed that night and we are yet to confirm the death of the most dangerous one."

Kahn shook his head. "Hutton, how do you come to these conclusions?"

"Why don't you take a journey back to activities before the kidnappings began like I did?"

"What do you mean?" Kahn asked.

"Before Richard Brad was kidnapped and murdered, two of those men who he selected to attack the families of the agents already died. I don't think this is a coincidence," Hutton explained.

Kahn squinted thoughtfully for a moment. He remembered that after the plan to murder the FOX's agent had been properly cooked, they had given the full responsibility to Brad to execute without dictating or getting involved in his selection of men to carry out the job.

Kahn knew he had no reason to doubt Hutton's investigation and discovery of link in Brad's death to two previous murders. He was sure Hutton would have properly carried out his investigation and would have left nothing out.

"If this is true, then we have to cease the attacks until we get Carl Winston totally out of the way." Kahn said thoughtfully.

"I'm not sure yet if it is really Carl Winston, I only said it could be." Hutton said, mentioning his words slowly and one after the other.

Kahn glanced at him, wondering why he was sounding so unsure again.

"Carl Winston or whoever is behind these attacks against our men is very intelligent and skilled, we can't afford to take a drastic decision that would grant him an upper hand." Hutton added.

"So, what do you suggest?"

"The attacks would continue, while I'll go after whoever it is."

Kahn widened his eyes in shock at Hutton's word. "What are you talking about? That's against our initial plan, we can't step into this fight yet."

"Kahn, the game plan has to change sometimes. We need to take drastic measures to confront drastic situations."

"And won't that spoil the whole show?"

"The show is becoming unbalanced already, stepping in now would help us make it balanced." Hutton replied in a confident tone.

"We have to bring this to the rest of the board," Kahn suggested.

"No!" Hutton disagreed strongly, taking a quick glance at his face. "It would take the board a lng time to make the decision and that would slow down things. You gotta trust me on this Kahn."

Kahn stared at his face for a while with uncertainty in his eyes. He closed his eyes and shook his head slowly.

"I don't like this idea," he said as he opened his eyes and stared at Hutton. "But I'll trust you like I always do, please do not disappoint me."

"I have never disappointed you or the board Kahn, I would not do that this time around." Hutton answered in confident tones.

Kahn nodded slowly in response.

___

EPA, Bethanna

THE FOX CORPORATION

Paul Edwards had been unable to keep his mind at rest since he was informed of the kidnap of his grandson. There were two things at stake, his grandson's life and his reputation as the FOX corporation chairman. If the world got to know that his son who was said to have died in an explosion was still alive, it would deal him a big blow and he would have no choice than to resign as the FOX's boss. He knew he couldn't hide the truth for eternity but he was waiting for he right time, the time when the public's opinion about his grandson being alive would no longer matter.

After personally going through footages, he found nothing to lead him to the kidnappers. He retired to his office and tried to brainstorm on the best way to get his grandson back alive apart from the FOX rescue team which he had already launched.

He sat in the swivel in the office alone, moving from left to right and back as several thoughts ran through his mind. He was confused on what to do about the situation and he could not publicly discuss it with the FOX board as most of the board members knew nothing about his son being alive.

He was still so deep in thoughts when the phone which he placed on the table began to ring. He picked it up and checked the caller. It was an unknown number.

He raised a brow as he wondered who he could be that had his personal number without he having the person's name stored on the phone.

He answered the call.

"Hey Paul!" A gruff voice sounded. "Your grandson is with us, can we meet at the Alexis Park this evening?"

Source - www.youngicee.com

Stalked By A Mafia - Episode 16

A story by Tisa Phiri

Scar woke up early for a long time he had never felt so rested and he had slept without night mares. He looked at Sila`s face, her head lay peacefully on his chest. he watched as her chest moved up and down slowly as she breathed.

"she's so tender and delicate" he thought to himself.

"maybe there`s a God somewhere for sure. he just sent this perfect thing in my hands. i dont even deserve her" he thought to himself.

He remembered the day after he had raped her, he regretted and felt bad, the only thing he could remember at that time was her cry as he forced himself through her tightness. He never even told anyone about the rape but his conscious always reminded him of what he had done. He later on decided never to drink and get drunk. He could only take 2 glasses of wine per day. His only way of releasing his stress was through smoking.

At some point Jo decided to get him a woman. she was quite decent a bank Teller. she was a beautiful woman but all Scar was attracted to her was her body, in fact hated her guts and love for money.

He always satisfied her in that area anyway so he had no issues even though Jo insisted he let her around he decided to dumped her and paid her off for her services especially when he suspected her having another man.

It was actually a relief that she was out of his life and he had never bothered himself with another woman till he spotted Sila in town and fall for her instantly.

Here he was with her, He gently stroke her hair.

"what do i do now? my life is all bleeped up with my enemies probably hunting me down right now? i need to keep this woman and my son safe."

he was deep in thoughts when his phone vibrated. He checked the caller and it was one of the boys. "boss switch on the TV there`s something you have to see." The voice came through sharply.

He slowly put Sila`s head on the pillow without waking her, walked to the living room in his robe, turning on the TV he was stattled by what he saw on the News the reporter was reporting a house burning down in flames.

"This came in in the early hours of today. we do not know the cause of the fire and the police have established that there were no any human remains from the house fortunately." the reporter explained..

Sila who had followed Scar in the room saw the news.

"on my God !" she screamed raising everyone in the house.

" Aaron thats my house. Someone burnt down my home and i have no where else to go." she cried loudly as Aaron hugged her.

Maria and Zac came to the room and Zac cried upon seeing his home burn on the TV.

"mom!" he shouted,

"they burnt our house and all our things."

Sila walked to him and hugged him. "am so sorry sonny... sorry" she held the boy and cried with him.

Maria who stood watching cried too as she watched the fire men trying to put out the fire.

Scar lifted Sila up.

"You need to be strong for Zac stop crying now and look after him" he whispered to her.

"Come with me for a minute" he held her hand. Sila wipped Zac`s tears,

"go with aunty sonny okey." She told him.

"am coming."

"Am so sorry Sila this is happening to you.Its all my fault. you need to stay far away from me, am a cursed man" Sca cried.

"See i destroy everything i touch." He shook his head really feeling bad about the way things had turned out.

Sila cried in Silence.

"don`t you see Aaron? my life is over, that house is the only thing i had worked for my whole life. i paid for it with everything i had and it took me years to finish paying that brother in-law of mine for the house. That proud fool almost took advantage of me over that house. It was my only pride the only thing i had to leave for my son in case i died today and now its all burnt to ashes." She sobbed.

" My family hates me because of Isaac, they think of me as a disgrace cause i got pregnant at 18 and threw away my future. where will i go now tell me? Where?"

Scar shed tears too

"its all my fault am sorry, i should have stayed away from you had i known this will happen. stay here for a while. i know Chile did this and he wont stop till he gets to me and now he knows you. he will try destroy me through you. please i know its hard but i have to find that fool and kill him myself." He mumbled.

"Kill him?" Sila asked suprised.

"how can you even talk of killing somebody proudly like that? " she made a face.

"You have to understand Sila, that`s the only way to get rid of people like me. its either him or me. I promise if i had to die it will be until you and Zac are safe.

Look at me Sila" he shook her.

"i have made a lot of mistakes and wrong choices in my life but knowing you in this short period is the best choice i have ever made, believe me nd if i died today just know that i love you and our Son more than anything. You, Zac and my mother are the most important people in my life, let me see my guys" he told her before walking out.

"someone will bring you clothes and please feel free to prepare and eat anything you want. If you need anything the workers can help you. you are safe here chile knows better than come to this house. There are guards everywhere and I doubt he even knows this place." Je added.

"Take care" Sila managed to say when He had finished talking.

he smilled..

"and come back alive" she added.. "I will " he smilled

"especially if i have to come back to see your face again."

Sila sat down and cried. she had lost her home and now was hiding from a murderer. Funny how life can turn over night, just yesterday she recalled being happy and at peace with her small family. watching her favorite serie and laughing. Now all was in the past.

she sighed as her phone rang, it was her Mother.

"Helo" she answered..

"Sila" her mom spoke up

" i just saw the news. are you and your son aIright? " she asked...

"yeah mom we are okey. thank God we slept at a friend`s house so we were`nt inside.."

"oh thats a relief Sila we were worried about you." Her mother responded.

Sila sighed, her mom was the one who always showed a bit of concern in her life.

"so tell me what are you going to do now? " her mom continued.

"i dont know yet mom i am still confused." she answered.

"oh poor child" her mother said. ,

"you always have to face the most difficult things of all your friend. we have no money to help you now but you can call your brother in-law am sure he can help out. He has lots of flats there maybe he can lend you one as you try to settle down again." She proposed to her.

"oh mom thank you but no. i would rather stay on the streets than call that proud fool for help. He almost raped me before i paid him for that house remember...? "

"Sila you are so stubborn, when you change your mind call him and ask for his help. I even heard he`s in Kabwe right now." Her mother insisted.

"forget it mom am not doing it." Sila shook her head as she hang up.

"that proud brother in-law, he always wants to get glory. but i wont be used for his foolish pride and ego" she murmured to herself.

To be continued

Blood Lives Here - Episode 10

© Brian Ngoma

Jean admired Erica as she walked to him. As usual, she didn't disappoint. She looked as beautiful as a rose. He was glad she was his despite knowing what are family subjected her to. Jean kept telling himself that everything she did, she did for the good of all. He avoided dwelling too much on what she did because the last time he did, he cheated on her and was on the verge of leaving her.

"Hey handsome," Erica pecked him.

"You look stunningly awesome," Jean said holding her hand walking into Dil Restaurant.

They were led to a table Jean reserved for their dinner.

"Why this place?" Erica asked.

"They offer the best Asian and Indian food," Jean answered assured of himself. "And you know I'm a sucker for Asian food."

"Yeah i know," Erica said looking around.

"Do you know anyone here?" Jean asked.

"Not really."

"You keep looking around as if trying to spot someone."

"Sorry about that. Let's eat."

They started having their dinner in silence each enjoying their meal. They finished having their main meal and were having desert talking and laughing.

Jean sighed.

"What is it?" Erica asked.

"Your family have never liked me," he answered.

"I know and there is nothing you can do about it," Erica took a bite off her apple pie.

Jean's face turned sad.

"You don't need to worry about them though. The fact that they can stand you is a step further to acceptance," she told him.

"But we are getting married soon. I need their approval."

"Jean!" She directly stared at him in the eyes.

"What?"

"Everything is fine. Can't we just enjoy our time together?"

"Okay."

They changed the topic and started talking about their wedding which they were happy about. They hadn't come up with the date yet but they equally agreed for it to be soon.

"Jezebel," a man shouted behind Jean.

Erica's eyes widened dropping her spoon.

Jean turned around to see who had called his fiance. It was a young handsome Indian man.

"It has been long ey," the man said walking past Jean's chair.

Erica was still quiet bewildered.

"This must be Jean," he smiled.

"What do you want Naveen?" Erica finally spoke.

"I see you still remember my name. For a moment there, i thought you had forgotten my name," Naveen said. "And I'm glad this is still your favorite restaurant."

"You have been here before?" Jean asked.

Erica ignored Jean and looked at Naveen, "What are you doing here Naveen?"

Jean despaired.

"I never stopped coming here, this place has the best Indian food, you remember?," Naveen answered. "I didn't expect to meet you here."

"What's happening here?" Jean asked angrily.

"Forgive my manners," Naveen said. "I'm Naveen Patel."

"Jean Chibesa," Jean extended his arm.

"How do you know my fiance?"

"Jean!" Erica yelled.

"Long story ending in heartbreaks and broken family bonds," Naveen looked at jean. "Nice to finally meet you Jean," Naveen smiled. "Let me leave you two lovebirds enjoy your dinner," he looked at Erica. "It was nice seeing you again Jezebel," he smirked.

Naveen left Jean and Erica and went to sit at the table far away from them. Later on, a girl joined him. Erica couldn't stop staring at him. From what she knew, Naveen was out of the country. It was a surprise for her to see him in the restaurant.

"I'm not comfortable with the way you're looking at him," Jean said.

"Let's leave, I'm tired," Erica said grabbing her purse.

"If you say so but who is he?" Jean asked.

"No one, a son to my family's greatest enemy," Erica stood up.

"Who?"

"Farhan Patel."

"The Farhan Patel?"

Erica looked at Jean irritated.

"One of the richest people in this country? The Farhan Patel?" Jean touched his head.

"Get over yourself Jean. He's not even that rich."

"He said something like ending in heartbreaks. Did something happen between the two of you?"

"Forget about it. Take me home."

"I thought we are spending the night at my place."

"Okay Jean let's get out of this place."

Ludo woke up on her bed feeling a headache. She looked around and saw her laptop was still there intact. She checked herself and was just alright. She checked the closets to see if there was someone in there but there was no one. She heard a knock on her door. She slowly went to the door and stood still while her ear was pressed against it.

"Ludo its Nancy," Nancy whispered from the other side.

"Are you alone?" Ludo asked.

"What do you mean am I alone?" Nancy asked surprised. "Of course I am. Open the door."

Ludo opened the door. Nancy entered and checked the room.

"Looking for something?" Ludo folded her arms.

"I heard a scream. What happened?" Nancy asked.

"Nothing I just fell," Ludo answered.

"That didn't sound like a fall scream."

"Ohh so there are types of screams now? What other types are there? Laugh scream, angry scream," Ludo joked.

"I'm not joking Ludo," Nancy said seriously. "Was there someone here?"

"No Nancy."

Nancy looked at Ludo suspiciously.

"There was no one, I just fell," Ludo defended herself.

While they stood they heard the front door opened. They both rushed to the door and found it was unlocked and wide open.

Nancy looked at Ludo scared.

"There was someone here," Nancy said.

"I don't know," Ludo shrugged. "Perhaps a ghost."

"I'm going to tell your parents," Nancy said.

"No!" Ludo yelled. "Why would you do that for? They are sleeping. Dad doesn't like to be woken up especially around this time," Ludo looked at the watch on the wall.

Last thing Nancy wanted was to disturb her boss.

"Someone probably broke in and you saw them."

"I saw no one. Maybe you didn't lock the door properly."

"I locked it."

"Are you sure?" Ludo asked.

Nancy hesitated.

"You see, you forgot," Ludo said. "I'm going back to bed now, see you in the morning."

Ludo went back to her bedroom. She remembered the first time she met the bearded man. That was the name she had given him. Seeing him in her bedroom was scary. She never thought she would meet him again. She went to her laptop and wondered why he said it would be a bad idea to delete the soft copy of her book. She closed the laptop. After thoroughly checking her bedroom, she decided to sleep.

"Where were you last night?" Kent asked Kate.

"I was at work," Kate answered.

"That late?"

"Yes. I was marking some test papers for my pupils."

"I hope you weren't doing what I think you were doing."

"What's that now?"

"Melanie?"

"Noo," Kate answered defensively. "I was at work trust me. You told me not to pursue her, I heard."

"Yes you don't have to, those are dangerous people," Kent told Kate. "I Don't even know that family's name," Kent wondered.

"Did something happen?" Kate looked at Kent.

Kent got nervous. He was scared at what that man would do to Ludo. He gave him the address. If Kate knew what he did, he would be in trouble. He didn't even plan on telling her. It was his secret to keep.

"Honey?"

"Nothing love. Nothing," Kent snapped.

"If you say so," Kate said. "I'll be leaving now. Aren't you dropping me at work?"

"Let me just finish this."

Ludo woke up to Kate's text message inviting her over for lunch. Being a Friday, Kate was knocking off at 12pm. Ludo told her mother about the invitation and she was happy that Ludo would go hang out with Kate than that Melanie. She didn't tell her that she didn't like Melanie. If it wasn't for her husband who insisted that Ludo hang out with Melanie, she would have chased her the second time she came.

"You can go sweetie," Zamiwe said. "You have been moving around lately."

"Like dad says, outdoors is good for the body and mind," Ludo joked.

"What time did you come back last night?"

"When I got here, Nancy told me you had just gone to bed."

"How did it go with Mr. Visashi?" Zamiwe asked. "Any feedback."

"Not yet but he said his team are looking at my manuscript. As soon as they finish, they will get back at me."

"Okay, be patient," Zamiwe smiled. "That man your friend came with, he looked too sophisticated for your friend Melanie."

Ludo laughed.

"Mum!"

"I'm just saying. Melanie seems to be a mess and that man..... Hmmm I don't know."

"He's her boyfriend. Deal with it," Ludo said.

Afternoon came, Ludo found herself looking for Kate's physical address in Chilenje. She was told to stand at Shoprite and that Kate would come pick her up. While standing, she saw a car pass by her moving slowly. She couldn't see who was in it but the figure somehow seemed to be staring at her.

"Ludo!" Kate exclaimed.

Startled, Ludo yelled, "Mrs. Visashi!" She walked to her.

"I'm sorry I took a lot of time, I didn't have anyone to leave the food with," Kate said.

They walked back to Kate's house with Ludo looking over her shoulder. She felt eyes on her but didn't know who could have been following her. Remembering what happened the previous night, she was scared that the bearded man was on her tail, but why? She asked herself.

"Thanks Mrs. Visashi, I enjoyed the meal," Ludo told Kate as they were washing plates in the kitchen.

"Don't mention it Ludo," Kate said.

"You also have a beautiful house, did I mention that?"

"Yes you did when you reached here," Kate laughed.

"Oh yea its beautiful. So its just you and Mr. Visashi?"

"Yes just the two of us."

"Doesn't it get lonely sometimes?"

"It does yea especially when he's not around," Kate sighed. "But he ensures he's ever around."

"Good for you."

They finished washing the plates and went back to the living room to watch TV.

"So Melanie?" Kate looked at Ludo.

Ludo flinched.

"What about Melanie?" Ludo asked.

"You guys hated each other back in the day."

"It was her who hated me. I never hated her."

"You must have a forgiving heart," Kate touched her chin. "Because I witnessed the things she did to you. One time she even evoked a seizure."

"It is what it is Mrs. V.," Ludo's eyes were on the TV.

She felt Kate's eyes on her searching and wondering.

"So where does Melanie stay?" Kate asked.

It then hit Ludo that she didn't know where Melanie lived. Kate's question had put her in a tight spot. Ludo knew the question didn't just come from anywhere, it had a motive. It was obvious that Kate knew and she wanted to find out if Ludo knew it.

"Melanie?" Ludo asked back.

"Yes Melanie."

Ludo hesitated.

Kate's phone rang.

"Hold that thought," Kate answered her phone.

Ludo quickly texted Melanie asking her where she lived. Fortunately, Melanie texted right back that by the time Kate finished talking on the phone, Ludo had her answer.

"Makeni," Ludo answered. "She just moved there. She used to live in Chawama."

Kate looked at Ludo and then the phone.

Ludo ignored her.

"She has rich parents?" Kate asked further.

"I'm not comfortable talking about Melanie Mrs. Visashi," Ludo said. "If you don't mind.

"It's okay honey," Kate didn't want to push her. She had a lot of time, she had to be patient. "Can I bring you some ice cream?" She asked her.

"That would be nice," Ludo smiled.

Ludo left Kate's house smiling. She had a nice time with her. She knew Kate was a good person but very inquisitive it was irritating. For a moment, she had forgotten about the car she saw and the bearded man. She got into a bus and headed to town. Her mother had told her to buy some groceries on her way back. She went to Society mall along Cha Cha road. It was getting dark and Ludo hated being outdoors in the dark. She hurriedly bought the things she wanted and headed to the taxi rank. There were no Cabs. She waited for some minutes and a cab pulled over, right by her. She got in without even looking at the driver.

"Marshlands," she told the driver with her eyes on the phone.

The car started off.

"There's a car following us," the driver said.

Ludo didn't ear what the driver said but she recognized the voice. She raised her head and peeped at the driver and saw who it was on the rear view mirror.

"Don't faint again please," Hunter said.

Ludo didn't move.

"I come in peace."

"Is this a kidnap?" Ludo asked looking at the doors.

"No. I just want to talk but someone is following us. Obviously they are following you. They have been on you all day."

"Talk about what? I don't know you," Ludo jumped for the door handle.

Hunter quickly locked the doors as he tried to concentrate on the road.

"Let me out!" Ludo screamed.

"Young girl, be quiet. I just have some questions for you. I'm not harming you."

"Please let me out," Ludo was on Hunters back punching him.

Hunter got irritated and pushed her back to the backseat.

He slowed down the car waiting for the car behind him to pass. Ludo was on the back screaming and shouting. Hunter ignored her as he tried to catch a glimpse of the driver of the car he had suspected to be following Ludo.

"Damn not again," Hunter said. He stepped on the gas and started following the car.

"What are you doing!" Ludo yelled as she saw that Hunter had passed her turn into her house street.

"Just shut up young girl," he answered. "I'll kill you. Shut it and don't you dare try to call anyone."

The command in Hunters voice was nothing to ignore. Just a word and anyone did as told.

The car in front of Hunter's car stopped. Hunter parked behind it and got out of the car and locked the doors. Ludo watched him go to the car and stood on the passengers door as he talked to the man in the car. Ludo was busy trying to find her way out of the car but she couldn't. She gave up and started watching Hunter from the car. Within seconds of talking to the man in the other car, Hunter aggressively pulled the man from the window and got him out.

"Mr. Jabulani!" Ludo yelled.

She saw Hunter punch Mr. Jabulani ruthlessly as he begged for his life. He couldn't even raise a punch, hunter was as big as a gorilla. Hunter banged Mr. Jabulani's head againts the car and kicked him hard. Mr. Jabulani was on his knees when Hunter grabbed him and strangled him.

"Nooo!" Ludo shouted in terror.

Ludo watched as Mr. Jabulani gasped for air till his eyes shut down. Ludo had just witnessed Hunter kill a man.

He walked back to the car. Ludo moved to the far left side of the backseat as she shook and looked at Hunter horrified. Hunter got into the car, locked the doors and wiped the blood on his hands with a cloth.

"Why did you kill Mr. Jabulani?" Ludo asked shakingly.

"So you even know his name. He burned me not too long ago. He saw me with Hilary and snitched."

"Who is Hilary?"

"None of your business."

"But did you have to kill him?"

Hunter turned around. Ludo could see the hideous face she was scared of. The beards made him even look more horrifying.

Ludo moved back trying to hide her face.

"Welcome to our world young girl. BLOOD LIVES HERE," Hunter started the engine.



Read the remaining parts here - www.youngicee.com/category/blood-lives-here

The Bodyguard - Episode 12

By Tisa Phiri

I walked slowly to the door way the people watching me in silence. I didn't know whether to call Mr Benson and tell him they got his daughter again or go after them searching all directions.

Then I heard a car park outside and the door banged. I was still in the same spot when Mr Benson walk towards me and I knew the moment of judgement had come, before he could reach me I saw Paula behind him with a running outfit, headsets in her ears and she was sweaty.

"Oh God" I sighed in relief.

" she had just gone for her morning run." I heard my inner voice calm. I ran to her and asked her if she was okay ignoring her father who stood aside watching me.

Paula looked at her father and back at me..

"am fine Ackim " she spoke her eyes wide open surprised that some people were watching and my facial expression showed worry.

" what's going on here ? " She asked me..

"Um.. um am sorry I was just thinking that maybe they got you" i explained looking at her and her father..

"What are you talking about Ackim?" Mr Benson asked me also shocked.

I indicated we sat in my room

" let me explain sir" I told him realising that Simon had not called him. If he had I thought, he was going to understand me.

So I led them both to my room and people started withdrawing, those in the rooms went back in and the workers went on with their business..

I explained what I found at the unfinished building and how I told Simon to call Mr Benson.

"I don't receive any calls" he told me

" and I came here to see my daughter first before coming that side to see what was with that guy you caught yersterday."

"Am sorry Sir." I apologised..

" it's just that I secured the guy and I didn't think he would outsmart 3 guys, now we need to move Paula out of here" I suggested before he could say a thing.

" am thinking the enemy might not be politically involved, otherwise they would go direct for you and not your daughter or probably they could have made some demands for you to drop a position or something.

Mr Benson shook his head and stood..

"what do you think is going on Acki?" he asked me wiping his forehead

"all this while I thought it was my political enemies, now you say otherwise?"

Paula was quite and just looked at me as we spoke her headsets now hanging around her neck .

"If I may Sir" I suggested..

"let me try give you my theory."

"sure go ahead" he insisted sitting down again..

"I think this was engeneered by some local people who are sort of jealousy of you and your success. They feel intimated that their fellow African can acquire so much wealthy and controlling their economy. if it were A white person they would gladly accept but they are kind of jeaslousy for you a fellow black man." I went on giving him details of my theory. I even told him how I was now suspecting Simon.

"It's kind of Akward that he was left alive and the two guys killed. I told him to ask for your help before leaving the building but he didn't. If my suspicions are correct we won't find him at the building. I have to go and check sir " I told him..

Mr Benson told me to go ahead and investigate more and give him an update. he told me to move with Paula to his house

"it's safer that side because there are a lot of guards. If you are right it is Simon who is the mole, then it should be safe but still I need you close to Paula and protect her" he told me before leaving my room.

"I have to go and check on the building for Simon" I told Paula.. "just get your things and go with your father for now, I will join you later" I told her..

she walked close to me and smiled,

" I heard you screamed your lungs out for me." she teased with a smile, i smiled back..

"I agree I was so scared" I told her honestly. she held my shoulder and rubbed it gently

" take it easy soldier" she whispered..

"will meet at home" she added before leaving my room..

I watched her go and went out as well. I had to confirm my suspicions of Simon. I was almost certain he was a betrayer, otherwise he could have called in for help.

Upon reaching the spot I left him I found he had disappeared. some blood stains drying on the ground..

"I knew it" I whispered to myself wishing I had carried him with me. Now I was back to square one.

I drove back to the Benson's house as I was directed i stood in front of a mansion. it was true the man had money. I could bet it was the biggest house in Solwezi.

I was led inside by one of the workers, Paula welcomed me. she had changed into black shorts and a sleeveless body top, her flat tummy properly outlined, her long hair let loose. she looked good but I couldn't get to think of her past the fact of her just being the person I had to protect anything else was to be ignored..

******

4 Months later... The situation had calm down it seemed the danger wasn't that much. I had gone several times to the forest guy's residence but I didn't find him nor his family. He had put someone on rent in the house.

One day I went back to the Krall to go and have a talk with the fat woman and ask her something about the gang but she declined seeing the guys gather there for some time. she however told me the name of the guy I was looking for that he was called Kakoma ..

she was quick to mention that i was not to tell a soul about our discussion after I handed her some cash.

I had no luck finding Simon, I looked and asked around the lodge for him but all was in vain. I however never asked Shila a thing. The time I tried she went on her mission to seduce me, but I turned her down and couldn't finish asking her further questions.

I went to Paula's house, After talking to the lady at the bar..that was of course my new home Mr Benson's mansion. I was working several other jobs for him especially to do with investigations of some mine workers in cases of disputes.. he also sent me out to deliver and collect some equipments for the mine and I was pleased with the pay..

Since everything was provided for me I saved most of my income. Mr Benson told me he was still trying to find my family but I didn't want to rely on his word, so i hired my own investigator. The time i had passed through Ndola I was told my father had moved out of the barracks after retiring but I couldn't risk going inside to ask more. I wasnt ready to face the commander and explain my case just yet. so I had the idea of hiring a private investigator to help find my family....

Walking inside the house I found Paula watching TV her legs lifted on the arm of the couch.

" hey Soldier" she called out.

"come here" she said patting the couch near her. I looked at her swallowing hard.

" let me put this in my room" I told her showing her a small file i was holding.

I stood behind my bedroom door and closed my eyes my heart raced. lately I was avoinding Paula cause i didnt like the strange emotions i was having around her and to stay focused, i had found myself a lady i was dating for the past month. She was the Secretary to Paula.

To be continued

Read more here - www.youngicee.com/category/the-bodyguard

The Bodyguard - Episode 11

By Tisa Phiri

I woke up the following morning and before I could open my eyes I felt my head pounding loudly. I had a serious headach. I sat up my eyes still closed, opening them, I saw a small note besides my pillow.

"I had a good time.. you are so sweet Ackim.. later."

I shook my head and peeped in my sheets then I realised what I just did the previous night. I was so disapointed with myself.

"how stupid Ackim" I hit the wall.

"I was so wasted I couldn't control myself? Damn ..! "

I really felt disgusted I had sex with a woman I didn't even know and the fact that I allowed a woman to come after me, instead of me hunting her pissed me off.

I quickly took a bath. It was almost 7 hours in the morning and I had an appointment with Mr Benson. I had to finish the night's job and interrogate the guy I kidnapped. I was supposed to go earlier but now it was evident that wasnt possible. i was already late.

I wore the last pair of clothes Paula had bought me, a grey cargo pant and a muscle t-shirt. I didn't like the way it outlined my upper features like I was in some kind of beauty contest but I had no time to worry about looks. I pulled on the black sneakers I had worn the previous day, took some water from the small fridge and headed out immediately.

I met one of the female workers coming to my room with a try of breakfast..

" i will pass that" I told her pointing at the food..

"maybe some other time.. "

"But sir" she almost said something but i cut her short..

"not now dear, am running late" i told her without looking back..

Upon reaching Puala's door, i stood to knock but dropped back my hand right back..

"maybe she's still asleep" I thought to myself.

"I gues I will see her when I come back" I sighed walking ahead in the lit passage.

As I passed the reception I saw Shila talk with another worker. she wasn't in her uniform and was holding a small hand bag. I guesed she had knocked off without paying attention to her I went outside and got in the car I was given the previous night.

Before I could start the ignition, Shila knocked on the window wearing a big stupid smile. Irritated, I pulled down the window..

"hey handsome!" She smiled..

"how is your morning? "

"Am fine and I don't have time to waste" I scolded without looking at her. I saw her frown from the corner of my eye.

"Oh so you are ignoring me after sleeping with me?" She asked in a low voice..

"you know what? whatever your name is am not playing your games. what happened last night was a mistake and it won't happen again. I was drunk and you just had to take advantage of that so let me warn you, stay away from me and find a toy to play with.." i snapped.

She opened her mouth to say something but I started the car and drove out. I saw her hold her waist and watched the car as I drove away. I just had to put an end to the nonsense. knew such women were a danger to a man and I wasn't ready to be caught up in silly issues. I looked at the wide road ahead of me and accelerated the car.

In 10 minutes I was at the unfinished building the guys I left guarding were no where to be seen as I got out of the vehicle. I rushed inside and my heart skipped when I found 2 dead bodies on the concer floor. looking around the place I tied the guy and it was empty only a rope placed on top of the chair I tied him too.

"What the hell is going on here?" I shouted loudly my echo going round the big house i was in. I hit the wall twice and blood come out of my left knuckles, adding to the frustration I already had that morning.

I heard some winning from outside and when I ran out the back yard I found Simon laying down the ground his legs with some deep cuts and a bullet wound in his right shoulder. He was so weak I feared he might die in my face.

I quickly lifted him and took him in the front.

"what happened here? " I asked him.

"The guy manged somehow to get loose when all had dozed off. he shot at us, the two guys died instantly, but I somehow survived. i tried to escape but couldn't. Before he left he cut me up in the legs and left me to bleed to death" he explained crying in agonising pain.

"How long was that Simon?" I asked him looking at my watch.

"About 30 minutes ago "

"dammt ! that fool !" I screamed hitting the small stones on the ground.

"how could 3 men fail to handle a that guy ?" I shouted forgetting he was injured.

"you are all useless!" I addrd frustrated.

"Call Mr Benson and tell him what happened. let him send someone immediately to take you to the hospital" I instructed as i started the car engine .

I took off at a high speed leaving some tire prints on the wet ground. I had to get to that thug's house before he escaped.

I parked in front of his gate with screeching tires my mind racing, everything seemed to be slow like time had stopped.

With a kick I opened the door and ran inside my gun pointed. searching all the rooms I found the house empty, he was gone and he took his entire family.

"uuuuhhhhuhuhuhh!" I scremed looking up the roof my blood raising causing me to sweat.

"shit ! Where could he be?.."

In an instant I remebered Paula back at the lodge. she was unguarded..

"oh no.. !" i said running back to the car like a mad man.

In less than 10 minutes I was running inside the lodge screaming..

"Paula! Paula! Paula!" I shouted as all the people watched me, some guests came out of their rooms and looked out as i passed them they looked surprised. with A bang I opened her door and it flew wide open.

"Paula! Where are you?" I called heading to the bathroom when I noticed her bed as empty and un made. The bathroom was empty and I felt so weak.

"oh no!" I whispered holding my head with my gun still in my hand.

I felt a sharp pain in my heart. I had just failed my job. In fact I felt useless feeling disapointed with myself for getting so wasted the previous night and to top it lay with a strange woman I had no idea exactly who she was.

"Ackim What have you done?" I scolded myself hopelessly.

To be continued

Episode 43 contd

Henry delivered more blows to his face with the butt of the gun before he finally landed a kick to his chest to send him to the ground.
The tall, hefty man fell to the ground heavily. Henry placed a knee on the floor by his side and pulled his head up. He pushed in the mouth of the gun into the man’s mouth.
“Do you know the other exit out of this place?” Henry asked.
The man shook his head to signify a No.
Henry glanced at the door for a second before asking him another question. “Do you still have other men outside?”
The man nodded in response.
__
She ran down the staircase with light steps as the man kept on firing in her direction as he moved closer. She stopped when she got to the ninth floor landing and stood by the handrail edge of the stairs leading down from the ninth floor. She looked up from there and began to fire as she noticed the man was coming after her. He ran back to dodge and fired back in her direction.
She dodged for a moment and looked again to check for him. She fired another bullet up even seeing any trace of him. She tried to fire another but the bullets in the gun were already exhausted.
She turned back to look as she heard sounds of footsteps, but another sound caught her attention and she looked up again to see a small explosive call thrown from up to her direction. She fled down the stairs immediately and jumped over the handrail to hasten her movement down as the ball went up in flames.
The impact of the explosive ball was blow but it contained enough vibration and energy to kill one or two persons as it was designed.
Samantha jumped down to find herself in front of two other men who were on their way up. They looked like ordinary security men and she couldn’t tell if they were a part of the enemies but before she could decide, one of them had already charged towards her.
She dodged his punch by bending down and she hit him in the belly with the gun in her hand. He staggered back and missed a step on the stair, he fell to the side holding the rail for support.
Samantha quickly took out a row of bullet to fix in her revolver but the second man pulled out his gun and pointed it at her. The man from the top floor who threw the explosive ball had also come down and was pointing at her from the back.
To be continued

Read more here - www.youngicee.com/category/restless

Restless – Episode 43
® 18+ SNVL
© Oyinloye Oluwatosin Emmanuel
Samantha finally got to the stairs which led to the tenth floor and reduced her walking speed. She mumbled some words to Cole through the mouthpiece before pulling out her gun. She could heard some voices and sounds of footsteps and she could tell that close to five people were in the corridor. She stopped just at the last step of the stairs and peeped into the corridor to catch a view. She saw five men standing close to the entrance Cole directed her to, all dressed in blacks and having guns in their hands. She could tell that there were more people who had stepped into the place.
___
For a moment after the complete blackout, Henry thought he had made the wrong choice of button to push but suddenly again, the lights came on and the laser fence began to fold up in reverse order of how it built. Henry heaved a sigh of relief as he realized he made the right decision of which button to turn off.
He picked his phone quickly and unlocked it again, he noticed that the signal bar was becoming stronger. He paused for a moment as he began to hear some sounds from outside. He knew at once that he now add company. He switched to his call dialer and dialed Samantha’s number.
___
She carefully and quietly from some steps back to the midway landing and then three more steps downward to hide her head behind the handrail.
“Cole, I have not seen Henry but there’s a heavy presence of unknown gunmen here.” She said into the mouthpiece of the communicator.
“Can you also try reach his phone?” Cole replied him and Samantha dipped her hand into her pocket to pull out her phone quickly.
She took a moment to quickly look up to see if anyone was coming in her direction from above. She returned her focus to the phone after confirming that no one was coming. She was about to dial Henry’s number when she got an incoming call from him.
She swiped up the green phone icon immediately and put the phone close to her ear.
“Henry where are you?”
“Get directions from Cole and come in my direction immediately, I got into some real big trap and I think I’ve got some company now.” Henry replied.
“I’m very close already and I can see the men, I’ll join you in a second.”
“Be careful,” Henry warned before ending the call.
Samantha kept her phone and held her gun firmly in her hand, she was about to start moving up when she heard sounds of footsteps coming closer. She stopped to listen for a while and then looked up the stairs through the spaces on the handrails. It was a just in time to see a man who had stopped halfway down before the midway landing pointing his gun in her direction. The man must have noticed her slight movements behind the rails.
She moved away quickly before the two bullets could reach her and she fired a random shot back at him. She moved down from the ground of the next floor to the first step on the flight and watched from there. The man who fired at her was still firing as he ran down the steps.
She held the revolver firmly and watched as he moved to the stairs close to the floor. With calculated steps she moved to front of the stairs and fired two shot at the man. One of the bullets went straight into the man’s chest and he dropped to the ground.
She climbed a step up and looked up to see if anyone else was coming. She began to move up slowly and carefully when she suddenly saw a man flip over from the other side and landed on the handrail. Before she could direct her gun to him, his kick hit her at the top of the shoulder which slammed her back to wall behind.
He landed on his feet to the stairs, a foot on the fifth step and the second on the sixth. Before she could make a move, he grabbed the wrist of the hand where she held the gun and sent a punch into her belly, slamming her back to the wall again.
She replied with a kick which landed close to his groin, making his waist hit the handrail but he still held on to her wrist. He launched forward with a kick from his knee but she stopped it with her left hand and stamped a kick on the lap on his left leg, making him hit his waist against the rail again.
___
Henry pulled out his second revolver after returning the tools into the purse and into his jacket. He moved slowly to the door and listened for a second before opening it carefully. He could now hear the footsteps carefully as he stepped out of the room. He saw traces of men moving in the next room through the transparent glass walls and he could tell they were coming in his direction.
He turned back into room and closed the door. He stood by the door and held the guns firmly in his hands
Soon as expected, the footsteps began to sound closer in his direction. He kept still and waited patiently.
Soon he noticed a hand had touched the knob from the back and was slowly pushing the door open. He waited till the person stepped in and then delivered a kick to the groin, he followed with a bullet to the chest as the man fell against the door.
He peeped and stepped out immediately with his fingers moving close to the triggers of the guns in his hands. There were three men in the room, one was already moving towards the door but had stopped on the way on seeing what happened. The other two were close to the entrance door. Another man could be seen through the transparent wall just close the door. His speed and swiftness was triple of theirs, he released the bullets to the men’s bodies as he began to move with quick light to avoid being aimed at successfully.
After gunning down the first three men, he fired a shot through the glass towards the man at the back of the wall but missed as the man was already alert. The man fired two shots back at Henry through the same part of the glass wall and it created a larger crack on the wall. Henry’s eyes searched around as he approached the entrance and he located the men behind the other transparent wall approaching his direction.
_
The man lost his grip on Samantha’s wrist when his waist hit the handrail but charged back towards her immediately and landed a hard punch at the top of her shoulder, making her stagger back and rammed into her with his shoulder, slamming her body hard against the wall.
She grabbed his body firmly and pushed him hard against the handrail again. She raised her head up and then followed with a punch to his belly. He tried to push her but she stood firmly with her left hand holding one of his arms, she then struck him in the face twice with the revolver in her hand. He tried to take advantage of her one- second pause to strike back with a head butt but she dodged it and grabbed his neck, putting his neck under her armpit. She kicked him hard in the belly twice with her knee and then raised his head up again, she struck him three more times on the face with the butt of the gun and pushed him away, down the stairs. She repositioned the gun in her hand quickly and fired a bullet into his body. She walked quickly to his body where it rolled to the landing and quickly picked out a gun from his pocket. She understood that he had refused to use his gun on her but had chosen a hand fist instead because he wanted to take her alive and probably find out why she was there.
She turned her neck and looked up to see if anyone else was coming yet but there was none. She rose up and quickly climbed back up the stairs to the tenth floor. She was already hearing sounds of gunshots and she knew that it was already going down with Henry in the place. One of the men turned and fired a quick shot at her but she quickly dodged behind the wall of the staircase.
__
Henry approached the reception wall carefully after gunning down five men. He stopped by the wall when he got to the door. He cocked one of the guns he had taken from one of the men who attacked him. He peeped out and looked left, just as he looked right, he saw someone already charging towards him with a gun raised in his hand. Before Henry could raise his own gun and fire, the man had already fired two shots at him which Henry quickly dodged by entering back into he room. He stayed behind the wall and waited for the man to come in.
He grabbed the man’s hand by the wrist and raised his gun as he directed his own revolver to the man’s face but the man was also swift and had pulled his wrist up too, making Henry fire his bullet into the ceiling instead.
The man launched a kick with his knee into Henry’s belly and tried to push him away but Henry stood firm and maintained his grip on the man. Henry twisted his hand and turned him around swiftly with force, hitting the man’s back and head hard against the wall. The man stamped a foot against Henry’s knee but Henry’s leg remained firm on the floor and unmoving. Henry launched a kick with his knee into the man’s belly, both men still holding the wrist of his opponent’s hand where the gun was.
The man pushed Henry with so much force that he skidded a metre back, he grabbed Henry’s arm with the second hand and made a swift turn to Henry’s back, trying to twist his arm but Henry made a quick twisting and leaping movement, making the man’s twisting attempt fail. Henry’s gun had dropped from his hand by the time he landed on his feet but he hand was also free from the man’s grip. He was able to grab the man by the arm, close to the shoulder and pull him forcefully. He grabbed the arm with both hands and then slammed him hard against the wall. He followed with a kick to the man’s back and as he was about to grab the man’s neck, he noticed a man coming towards the entrance door already. He pulled out the revolver from the hand of the man in front of him and fired into the body of the new man immediately he appeared at the entrance.
The man in front turned immediately and kicked Henry on the chest before Henry could point the gun to him. He grabbed Henry by the hand and tried to take away the gun but Henry grabbed him by the neck and flung him away towards the center. The man fell on his butt but managed to quickly rise. Henry did not slack but followed up with a kick to the man’s face before the man stand upright. The man staggered back holding his face with both hands. Henry followed up with a punch to his chest from the left side, the man took his hands off his face and before he could open his eyes to see, Henry had hit his face with the butt of the gun.
Henry delivered more blows to his face with the butt of the gun before he finally landed a kick to his chest to send him to the ground.

Read more here - www.youngicee.com/category/restless

Restless - Episode 42
Trapped 2

® 18+ SNVL
© Oyinloye Oluwatosin Emmanuel

As he took another step forward, he heard a strange sound and quickly turned his neck. There was a wall made of multiple thin red lights building from the left corner of the room close to the door. In a few seconds, it formed a wall around the center of the room, leaving out the computer systems and the large screen and putting him in center of the fence.

Henry could feel the heat coming from the lights. He knew what it was. He was trapped!




Henry's mind worked quickly and his eyes began to search around for a switch which could be somewhere inside the fence but there was none. He however noticed two switches outside the fence, one at the back end corner and the other the front end where he first noticed the red blinking light. He took out his phone and unlocked it quickly. He observed the network signal sign at the top bar of the phone for a moment. He noticed it was fluctuating and was quite sure that it was a result of the laser fence surrounding him. He dialed Samantha's number and it took a while before it connected.

"He...llo," he heard her voice sound out when she finally answered, the bad network making the line sound unclear.

"Samantha, I'm trapped in a laser fence, I need you to come in my direction."

"Hello...Please speak again, I didn't get you clearly."

"I'm trapped in a room, I need you to come in now." Henry repeated.

"What do you want me to do? Should I come in or do something else here?" Samantha asked, her tone making it obvious that she did not hear his initial request.

"Please come in," He shouted into the phone.

"He...llo, are you with me?" she still didn't hear him.

"Come in," Henry replied back tiredly. He then cut the call quickly and opened the text messaging app.

I'm trapped in, I need you to come in quickly in my direction.

He clicked on send after composing his message. He watched as the sending icon rotated for some seconds before showing the failed mark appeared. He heaved a sign and then clicked on the resend icon. The process repeated itself and he clicked on it the third time before it was marked as sent.

He returned to the call dialer and searched for Cole's number. He dialed and put it close to his ear.

"Hello boss, we've got the young man with us." Cole voice rang in immediately the call was answered.

"Cole, I'm trapped in a laser fence. I need you to come to the Magic Complex immediately."

"Boss... Can you hear me?" Cole asked from the other end.

"Hey Cole, I can hear you. I'll send you a text message now," he replied before he ended the call and switched to the text messaging app again.

He typed in a text message and clicked on send. It failed five times before it was finally sent at the sixth time. He exited the message box with Cole and switched to check if the message he sent to Samantha had been delivered. It was yet to be delivered.

Henry returned his phone to his pocket. He took another look around but found nothing new. He then began to look around the ceiling. There was no way he could make a hole in the concrete ceiling.

____

10:02AM

Benuit State, Bethanna

Benuit International Airport.

Hutton and Kahn walked in front with three men flanging hem at both sides. They were all in black suits but only Hutton and Kahn had black ties and white collared shirts on. The other men had round neck shirts under their suit jackets.

Hutton had dark eye glasses on his face which covered his eyes from public view and also shielded them from the sun.

He was tall, of a slightly huge body, an oval tight face and a pointed nose. He was a naturally handsome man but the dark eyeglasses he wore made him look dangerously evil. His dark and coiled hair made him look more attractive it responded swiftly with it's movement to the wind blowing in his direction. Hutton walked carefully but swiftly and had his head placed straight at all times.

Elvis Kahn on the other hand was shorter compared to Hutton. He had a more slender figure. He kept a clean shaven hair unlike Hutton whose hair was full His moustache and neatly shaped beards gave him a distinct look at all times. His round dark eyeballs could be seen moving to and fro at every point in time without his eyes moving.

They had just arrived from Bexford and were heading for the Wolves Strategy House in Benuit. The men flanging them had their traveling bags and other effects. Kahn held a phone in his hands while nothing could be seen on Hutton's hand except for the wristwatch held firmly around his wrist.

On their way out of the airport hall, Kahn stopped to answer a call. The rest of the men including Hutton waited for him to finish with his phone conversation.

After the phone call, Kahn locked his phone and moved closer to Hutton.

"Someone broke into our magic complex hall," Kahn said to Hutton.

"I knew that was going to happen, but never thought it would be soon." Hutton replied, an evil smile forming on his face.

"He's trapped in the laser fence and I have instructed our men to keep him captive," Kahn said to Hutton as they continued walking towards the car park.

"Ask for a picture to be sent to us, let's see what he looks like."

"I've requested for that already, I'd receive it before we get to the car." Kahn replied.

___

EPA Hill, Bexford Bethanna.

"I want this to be kept as top secret," Paul barked at the six man team lined up in front of him as he paced about in front of them. Agent Elkim was standing beside him and the grey haired Agent was standing behind, close to the back window. "Let's get this done as quick as possible, I would ensure you get every reinforcement as soon as you need them. Now, go get the search started, my grandson must return to me whole and hearty"

Paul stopped and watched as the men filed out and closed the door behind them. He turned an hundred and eighty degree and said to Elkim, "That boy must be returned safe and sound."

Elkim followed him as he began to walk to the exit door behind.

"I think we should get Steve's team involved, they've been following the kidnap case of Richard Brad." Elkim suggested.

Paul Edwards stopped and turned to Agent Elkim. "Are you in anyway saying this is related to Richard Brad's kidnap?"

"I can't say for sure Agent Paul, but it just comes almost at the same time with the two kidnaps."

"My son has no relationship with Richard Brad and Henson, this cannot be related." Paul said in a frustrated and confused tone.

"Then, we should wait and see what this new team comes back with," Agent Elkim finally said.

Paul Edwards heaved a sigh and turned after a moment of staring thoughtfully. He walked out and Agent Elkim followed him, leaving the grey haired Agent who had been watching them quietly.

_____

Ten minutes later, Henry was still trapped in between the laser fence. He was now bent on the floor, with a torchlight in his hand and looking carefully around the area where he knelt.

"The sensor has got to be somewhere here," Henry said to himself and then looked up again. He peered at the left side for a moment, trying to see if what he was looking for was on the wall. The red lights however made it difficult for him to see the walls she he could not tell if there was anything there. He turned, still on his knees and tried to figure out the exact point he stood when the lights in the room came on. He stopped at a certain point he thought it was and pointed his torch light at the point. He took out his purse from the inner jacket, he opened it quickly and placed it on the floor. He took out some tools strong enough to take out a tile from the tiled floor and arranged them on the floor. He began to dig along the lines which joined the tiles together.

It took him close to a minute to take out the first tile. He picked his torch quickly and pointed the light to the space created. The only thing he could see was the tarred floor. He dropped the torch and moved forward to the tile in front, he was able to take it out in less than fifteen seconds. He pointed his torch and looked again, there seemed to be nothing there and he was about to drop the torch when he noticed a blue coloured material at the edge. He pointed the torch at it and observed properly.

He heaved a sigh as he noticed something which looked like what he was searching for. He dropped the torch again and picked the tools, he took out the next tile and could now see the pipe clearly. He dug a hole in the pipe with the tool and saw the cable in it. He picked his tools quickly again and took out the tile beside the new space. He took two more tiles off after that before he saw the box where the pipe led into, a plastic box. He opened the box and saw the connecting wires and the sensor. He pointed his torch at it for a while and studied it closely. He noticed three switches connected to the sensor. He knew one of them would be the switch which triggered the light, another would have triggered the laser fence but he couldn't tell what the third switch was meant for. He studied for some more seconds to know the two which were switched on.

After he identified the two switches which were turned on, he had one more challenge which was knowing which of the buttons was for the laser fence. If he turned off the other switch, it could cause a total shut down of the system but he was sure the security would be configured in a way to ensure the laser fence remained on even after the total system was disrupted.

He hesitated for a moment and considered the chances he had. He was sure the people who installed the security would be there any moment soon. If he took the risk of turning off one of the switches, he could either set himself free or remain in captive but if he decided to do none of them, he would still remain captive.

He studied both buttons for a while and identified one which was the most likely switch for the laser fence. He decided to take the risk and turn it off. His fingers couldn't touch the switch because of the arrangement and connection in the box. He picked up a screwdriver-like tool and carefully inserted it. It touched the switch and he pushed it gently, turning it off.

There was a complete black out, and total silence engulfed the room.

___

"I'm on the second floor already, should I take the elevator?" Samantha said into her mouthpiece as she hurried up the staircase.

"No, continue with the stairs, the elevator would get more attention to you and could get you trapped." Cole's voice sounded in her earpiece.

"Okay... Are you still trying to reach him?"

"Yes, it's not connecting. He probably is somewhere out of signal."

"Please continue trying, I'm really not sure if he wants me to do something outside or if he was calling for me to come in."

"Just keep moving up, I'll be there soon to help you with whatever he wants you to do outside."

"Okay," Samantha replied and increased her walking steps.

She was headed for the tenth floor and Cole had described the exact place for her to go.

She finally got to the stairs which led to the tenth floor and reduced her walking speed. She mumbled some words to Cole through the mouthpiece before pulling out her gun. She could heard some voices and sounds of footsteps and she could tell that close to five people were in the corridor. She stopped just at the last step of the stairs and peeped into the corridor to catch a view. She saw five men standing close to the entrance Cole directed her to, all dressed in blacks and having guns in their hands. She could tell that there were more people who had stepped into the place.


To be continued

Read more here - www.youngicee.com/category/restless

oluwadabira111:
I love the story,but the story is way way below the standard you set when you wrote tarasha,the story is so unrealistic, and not on tarasha level,but sha u can still improve coming from one of your ardent reader starting from the days of inseparable in 2014.

Alright, Thanks for your feedback.
I'll like to know what parts are unrealistic, so I can make changes

ernestita3:
( captivated) means attracting , pls check for its usage too. also " I hid a gun in d bushes" hw many guns and hw many bushes.?

ernestita3:
Pls help check for d meaning of d word, "eloded."
cos hav not seen such word in my dictionary. But u r doing great. keep it up. I still remain your broad. am following u. do well to leave a reply.

Hmmm, I'd have to get your comments to the writer.

Blood Lives Here - Episode 9

© Brian Ngoma

"So how was work mom?" Ludo asked Zamiwe.

"Great my daughter," Zamiwe smiled as she passed Joe a plate of veggies.

"How about you dad? Business?"

"So so, its doing well," Joe answered. "How was your day?"

"It was fine. Boring for the most parts," Ludo chuckled.

"What did you do?" Zamiwe asked.

"Nothing as usual. I just watched TV," Ludo sighed. "I wanted to apologize for the way I talked to you two the other day."

"It’s okay sweetie, you apologized already. We saw the texts," Zamiwe looked at Joe smiling.

"Yes baby, we saw them. And we are glad you felt bad about it. We weren't upset with you; we were just worried," Joe added.

"I know. I'm sorry it will never happen again."

Ludo and her parents were having an early supper. Zamiwe and Joe and discussed that they should be spending more time with their daughter. They were willing to put their differences aside for Ludo. They wanted to be there for her always. They finished eating and went in the living room to watch Television. They all sat quietly all lost in their thoughts. Even though silence spoke volumes, they were all glad that they had each other in that moment.

Ludo's phone which was on the table rang.

She looked at her parents.

"Answer it," Joe said.

Ludo hesitated to get it.

"Sweetie answer it," her mother added.

Ludo reached for the phone and saw a strange number. Had she been alone, she couldn't have answered it but with her parent’s eyes on her, she didn't want them to suspect a thing.

"Hello," she answered nervously.

"Hi Ludo!" Melanie said excitedly.

"Hi Melanie," Ludo excused herself and went to the bedroom.

"What is it Melanie?"

"I'm outside your house and guess who I'm with?"

"Outside my house?" Ludo asked surprised.

"Yes Ludo."

"We have come to get you for dinner."

"I just ate sorry. I don't think I can go out this evening."

Melanie didn't say anything.

"Melanie are you there?" Ludo asked.

"Hi Ludo," Evan said.

Ludo felt weak in the knees.

"Hey," she said.

"You need to come out, my mother is inviting you over."

"I can't. I have to...."

Before she could finish talking, Evan cut the call. Ludo sat in her bed shaking. As she was thinking about what excuse to make when they call again, her mother called her from the living room. Ludo went to the living room and found Melanie and Evan had found their way into the house.

"Sweetie, your friend Melanie is here," Zamiwe said.

Ludo walked to the couch her eyes fixed on Evan. As she looked at him, she remembered how he wickedly treated her the other night.

"Hi Ludo," Evan faked a smile.

"Hey," Ludo said.

She sat down not knowing what to say nor do. Looking at how impatient Evan was, she knew she was wanted back at his house.

Evan looked at Melanie.

"We are going to have dinner and we thought of bringing Ludo with us, do you mind if she goes with us?" Melanie asked Joe and Zamiwe.

Joe and Zamiwe looked at each and then at Ludo. Ludo really wished they could say no.

"Its fine with us," Joe said. "As long as you promise to bring her back early."

"She will be back before you even know it," Evan said his eyes on Ludo.

Ludo kept playing with her fingers nervously.

"Then we should go," Melanie stood up.

"Sweetie, aren't you changing into something warm?" Zamiwe asked Ludo.

"I'm fine this way mom," Ludo stood up.

"She's perfect," Evan added.

Melanie looked at Evan feeling Jealous.

The three walked outside to Evan's Jeep parked by Ludo's gate. Evan got into the car and before Ludo could get in, he said, "Oh and I almost forgot, bring your laptop with you."

"Laptop?" Melanie asked.

Evan was irritated by Melanie’s questions.

"Yes Laptop Melanie," Evan answered.

"What for? Aren't we going for dinner?"

Evan didn't know what to answer. Ludo saw that he was tongue tied. She ignored what he asked for and got into the car. Pissed at Melanie, Evan drove the car.

Kate walked into a strange neighborhood of Chawama. It was her first time going there. She had heard many stories about Chawama on the NEWS and read in newspapers. The sun had just set and she knew she had to go home to prepare supper for Kent. Kent called and texted her but she ignored him. She didn't want him to start asking questions and probably get worried. She reached a house and looked at a piece of paper she held in her hand and told herself that she was at the right place. As she walked in the compound, she heard her husband’s words in her head, "Don't pursue Melanie." She didn't want to think about Kent in that moment, she told herself it was her little secret, Kent didn't need to find out. She reached the front door and knocked. An old woman came out of the house eating sweet potatoes.

"Sorry to bother you this late Gogo," Kate said.

"It’s okay my child," the old woman said with a friendly smile. "How may I help you?"

"I'm looking for Melanie. Does she live here?"

"Melanie?"

"Yes Gogo."

"That troublesome girl ah. That one was handful."

"I'm sure she's the one," Kate said.

"She used to live here together with her aunt but they shifted."

"Do you know where?"

"I don't I'm sorry."

"Thank you Gogo," Kate waved the old lady goodbye.

She left the compound assured that Melanie was lying. Looking at the place, there was no way Melanie could afford the car she was driving the other day. As she left the compound, she found a number of missed calls from her husband. She knew he had knocked off and was on his way home.

"Mr. Visashi, I'm off now," Kent's secretary told him.

"Alright, I'm leaving the office soon too. See you tomorrow," he said.

Kent finished up his work for the day. He texted his wife that he was on his way home. Usually, when he texted, she replied in a heartbeat but this time, she didn't. He locked his office and went to the parking lot to his car. Before opening the door, he decided to call Kate. She didn't pick up his calls.

"I'm sure she's cooking," he said out loudly.

He got into his car and drove out of the company’s premises. As soon as he got into the main road, he heard something move in the backseat. He tried to turn his head to check.

"Just drive!" A voice commanded.

Kent breathed heavily. His hands became sweaty.

"I want the manuscript!"

Hearing the word manuscript had become daunting now. Everytime Kent heard it, he sensed danger.

"I gave them," Kent said shaking.

"Who did you give?"

Kent tried to peep at the man through the rear view mirror.

"You don't want to see me trust me."

Kent's eyes quickly concentrated on the road.

"Who did you give?"

"I gave it to one of the sons. He came to claim it."

"Copies?"

"No copies, i also told him that i don't have copies. Why won't you people leave us alone? Leave the girl alone. Ludo doesn't know anything about this," Kent mentioned Ludo's name regretfully.

"Ludo?"

Kent sweated even more.

"Who is Ludo?"

"No one."

"Mr. Man, i have come a long way for this and you telling me nothing won't do you any good. Do you know how many people die of road accidents in this country?"

"Please don't hurt her, she's innocent."

"Who is she?"

"She's the one who wrote it."

"I see. Park there."

Kent reduced the car speed and parked. He kept praying the man behind him wouldn't do harm to him.

"Write her address here."

Kent got a pen from the compartment and wrote Ludo's address on a piece of paper.

"Don't hurt her," he passed the paper without looking back.

Kent heard the back door closed as quickly as it opened. He got his head out to see who it was but couldn't see a thing. When he peeped through the rear view mirror, despite the view not been clear, Kent saw that the man was bearded and very huge.

"I thought we were going someplace to have dinner," Melanie complained looking at Evan who was driving into his parents’ house.

"Change of plans," Evan said his eyes fixed on the gate.

"But baby..."

"Don't call me that!" Evan yelled.

Melanie looked at Ludo ashamed of herself. Ludo knew all along that Melanie was just used in this game that was being played. Pity and naive Melanie, Ludo thought to herself as she got out of the car.

"This way," Evan looked at Ludo.

Coming out of the house was Erica all dressed up in a long blue dress. She looked at Evan, Melanie and Ludo and rolled her eyes.

"Where to?" Evan asked.

"I'm going to have dinner with Jean," she replied.

"That low life."

"Don't you get tired of insulting him?" Erica asked Evan.

"I will never get tired. That's what he is."

"I don't care," Erica said.

"Did he even bring back the rover?"

"Is it yours?"

"It belongs to the family."

"Evan you can hang if you want. No one talks about how much you spend on whores," Erica looked at Melanie. "Go in mom is waiting. Someone will die tonight if not lucky," she looked at Ludo and off she went.

Ludo and Melanie walked to the house while Evan trailed behind them. On their way, Evan had been texted by Elise that he should tell Ludo to go in the living room.

"Melanie let's go and eat," Evan led Melanie to the dining room.

"What about Ludo?" She asked concerned.

"Ludo will join us later. She has to talk to mother first."

"Your mother likes Ludo," Melanie said looking back at Ludo walking to the living room.

Ludo went to the living room and it was as quiet as a graveyard. She hesitated to sit down. She walked to the door and looked at Evan and Melanie walking to the diner. She wished she had followed them but she was told to wait in the living room. She composed herself and entered the room and sat on the couch. As she sat, she heard something move behind her. She quickly turned around but there was nothing.

"This place creeps me out," her breaths thickened.

"Hello my child," Elise said entering the living room pushing Her husband's wheelchair.

Ludo stood up holding her breath. She had been startled.

"You look tense," Elise said.

Ludo folded her hands.

"Sit down my child," Elise pointed Ludo to the couch.

"Why Am I here?" Ludo asked.

Elise tended to her husband. She made him comfortable in the wheelchair while recognizing Ludo's presence.

"This is a lot of work," Elise said. "But as they say, in sickness and in health. I still love him," Elise touched her husband's face.

Ludo stiffened.

"Coming to your question. I have been reading and something interested me in your book Ludo. You are talented, I give you that."

"Thank you. When am I getting my manuscript back?'

Elise jolted upright and her facial expression changed to what Ludo couldn't tell.

"Oh you can keep it i don't mind," Ludo said.

"I know i said i believed you but the more I read, the harder it is to believe you Child."

"What do you mean?"

"Who sent you to write?"

"I'm getting tired of that question Elise. I don't mean to be rude sorry."

"It's fine dear. I need to know."

"I wrote that myself."

"How? Do you know this family?"

"I Didn't know you people existed till the first day i came here."

Elise studied Ludo. She stood up and went to a drawer, opened it and got the manuscript from it. She looked at it and opened it. She walked to Ludo and gave her the manuscript.

"Read there; where it's highlighted."

"I know what's here already. I wrote this."

Elise smiled.

"That part right there happened the exact way you wrote it."

Ludo's eyes brightened. She quickly read through the passage feeling her heart pounding.

"Yes it did. Does that give you a clue of what I'm capable of?"

Ludo didn't answer.

"You see. The way I was back in the day is the way I am today. Nothing much has changed. So tell me, who sent you?"

"No one. I don't know how this is coinciding but trust me i know nothing."

"I really want to believe you Ludo but you are making it hard for me," Elise sighed. "How are your parents? Your teacher Kate? I know you have a spot for her. Your friend Melanie who is here?"

Ludo knew she was being threatened.

Elise shifted in her chair.

Ludo saw Elise's husbands face saddened like he was trying to tell her something.

Ludo felt someone standing behind her.

"Don't look back," Elise told her.

Ludo felt cold.

"One last time, who sent you to write about us?"

"No one," Ludo answered breathing heavily.

"Is it the Patel’s?"

"I don't even know who the Patel’s are please believe me," Ludo begged.

Elise sighed. Ludo looked at Elise looking at someone behind her and then she nodded.

Ludo closed her eyes. She felt the figure behind her step towards her and in a split second stepped away from her.

"Open your eyes child," Elise said. "Go home now. My driver Mr. Jabulani will take you home.

Ludo opened her eyes and stood up.

"How about Melanie?" Ludo asked.

"Melanie is Evan's guest. You were my guest and have let you go."

"And Ludo I need each and every copy you have on this manuscript. Be it soft or hard. Understood?" Elise asked.

Ludo nodded leaving the room her eyes on Elise's husband who was also looking at her.

She was driven home by Mr. Jabulani who didn't say a word to her till they reached. He just looked at her once or twice. By the time they got home, it was around 11pm.

"Do whatever they tell you. If you mess up, it's either you will live miserably or your family will," Mr. Jabulani said.

Ludo looked at him blankly.

"And don't try acting smart, those people are ten times smarter than you," Mr. Jabulani said leaving Ludo at the gate.

Ludo quickly entered the compound with her eyes everywhere. Luckily, Nancy had spent the night at Ludo's. Ludo called her to open the door for her.

"You took long," Nancy whispered.

"I know," Ludo whispered back. "I'm going to bed now. Goodnight Nancy."

Ludo went straight to her bedroom and locked the door behind her. She removed her laptop from the bag and sat on the bed. She didn't take Elise serious before but she was slowly being convinced that what she wrote about was truly about the Hamuumbu's. She opened the document on her laptop.

"I should probably delete this," she said out loudly biting her nails.

"That would be a bad idea," a voice said behind her.

Ludo froze.

Ludo's finger was on delete shaking.

"Don't press that button."

Ludo heard the voice nearer.

Ludo slowly turned her head to see who it was.

The footsteps got even more closer.

"You!" Ludo yelled.

"What? The sick girl?"

"Don't kill me," Ludo's voice sunk as she slowly fell on her bed fainting.

Shit!" Hunter cussed.

More episodes are available here - www.youngicee.com/category/the-bodyguard

Blood Lives Here - Episode 8

© Brian Ngoma

Elise couldn't put the manuscript down. With each page she flipped, she wanted to flip more. The amount of information and deep secrets she had read in just the two chapters she read were overwhelming. It went as wide as uncovering what they did as well as some important deals their company; EEE Group of companies did . She closed and looked at the manuscript and thought about Ludo. Where did she get all the information? She asked herself.

"Mom!" Erica called her.

"What Erica? I'm busy," Elise answered.

"I have brought Mr. Jackson," Erica said.

"The Accountant who ran away?" Elise asked curiously.

"Yes mom."

Elise quickly stood up and went to her daughter. She looked at her and smiled.

"You are just like me; you know that?" She asked her.

"Yes mom. You taught me to be you."

"How did you find him and Where?"

"Jezebel did the work," Erica smiled.

"Where is he?"

"He's in the dark room, he thought he was going to get some," Erica bitterly laughed.

Erica and Elise went to the darkroom where they found Mr. Jackson screaming for help. Apparently, Mr. Jackson was an accountant for Triple E group of companies. He stole a huge sum of money and fled the country. Erica had some information that he was in the country. She traced him and lured him sexually.

"I'll handle it from here my daughter," Elise told Erica. "You can go rest now."

"But I want to......"

"No Erica let me handle it, ... Go and rest and probably take that low life fiance of yours out. What is his name again?"

"Jean," Erica rolled her eyes.

"Yes Jean. Go now," she dismissed her.

Elise entered the darkroom. As soon as Mr. Jackson saw Elise, he started explaining himself. She looked at him disgustingly as he bickered endlessly.

"Shut up!" She shouted.

Mr. Jackson went quiet.

She smiled, "You know what kind of people I hate. Those who take things they didn't work for. I hate such."

"Mrs. Hamuumbu I'm sorr...."

"Didn't I just tell you to shut up?"

"Sorry."

"Do you know the impact your actions had on my companies?" She circled him. "It was a blow and it took me months to cover it up. I had to make sacrifices."

Elise stepped away from him and stood at the door. She looked at him and nodded her head.

"I pity you Mr. Jackson. You were my favorite accountant. You had a bright future and now its bleak. You have brought this on yourself," she opened the door and there stood a tall huge bald man.

Mr. Jackson screamed.

"He is all yours Ethan," Elise said.

"Is that brawler?" Mr. Jackson cried out.

Elise looked at him and answered, "That's how you know him. He's my Ethan." She paused. "Do as you please with him my boy," she touched Ethan’s shoulder.

Elise walked out of the room as Ethan entered. She locked it. She heard the screams from inside. She heard each and every punch till Mr. Jackson couldn't let out his voice. Satisfied, she walked away with her head high and pride reigned supreme.

"Sit down Ludo," Zamiwe told her.

"What is happening?" Ludo looked at her father. "Why is he here?" She pointed at the police officer. "Am i in some kind of trouble?"

"Sit down sweetie," Zamiwe looked at Ludo.

"We called him when we thought you went missing so he was just making a follow up and probably ask you some questions," Joe answered.

"I told you I was at Melanie’s. Why would you want to question me?" Ludo looked at her mother.

"Your parents are just worried about you," the police officer joined.

"I'm not talking to you excuse me," Ludo said. "Mom!"

"Ludo please!" Zamiwe begged her.

"I can't take this," Ludo stood up. "Just one night out and you are acting like this. Have I ever done something like this before? Am i not allowed to have some fun?"

"Wait Ludo it’s not like that," Joe said.

"You people are selfish," she stormed out and ran to her bedroom.

Zamiwe couldn't believe her ears. Ludo had never talked to them like that before. Hearing her bedroom door bang, she knew it wasn't a good time to talk to her.

"We are sorry officer," Joe told him. "I guess we are just over reacting. Our daughter was just having fun."

"Its fine," the officer said and left the house.

Ludo felt bad after talking to her parents like that. She knew she didn't have to come out like that. It was her fears that clouded her judgement. She was projecting them to her parents. There was a knock on her bedroom door.

"I'm sleeping!" Ludo lied.

"Ludo it’s me Nancy, I have brought you breakfast."

"I'm not hungry."

"I have the other key with me. I'm entering now," Nancy unlocked the door and entered.

Ludo looked at her with a dull face.

"What? Your parents gave me the key. They want you to eat," Nancy put the tray on Ludo's bed. "Eat something now."

Ludo was hungry. She pulled the tray close to her and started eating. Nancy watched her as she ate.

"Your parents are worried about you," Nancy said.

"I know but they don't need to be. I'm perfectly fine," Ludo said as she drunk her tea.

"You went out without saying a thing and you came back with a friend they never knew. It got them worried."

"I have known Melanie since grade 10. She's a good friend," Ludo said.

"So how was your first sleepover?" Nancy asked excitedly.

"It was a sleepover," Ludo replied.

"Details. What did you girls talk about?"

"Stuff."

"What kind?"

Ludo was growing impatient with the questions. She pushed the tray to Nancy indicating she was done and wanted her gone. Nancy read between the lines and got the tray and left. Ludo got her phone and texted both her parents saying she was sorry for the way she talked to them.

Kate went to the administration at her school to see the Deputy headmistress. She walked into the office and found the Deputy having her lunch.

"I don't like being disturbed when I'm eating Kate," the Deputy joked.

"You are just a foodie," Kate said sitting down. "That looks yummy."

"I'm not giving you anything," the Deputy laughed. "How are you?"

"I'm fine Rosaria," Kate answered. "How are you and the family?"

"Family fine. I'm fine as well."

"How is our editor husband? Isn't he now the Director of Book world?" Rosaria laughed.

"He's still getting there."

"How may I help you Kate?"

"I need information on my former pupil."

"What kind of information?"

"Just everything about her."

"You know you can find all that on Facebook. Kids these days put all their information on social media."

"I know but a lot lie."

"Which one?"

"Melanie Chalwe."

"The stubborn Melanie. I hated that girl God forgive me," Rosaria laughed. "Let me see."

Rosaria put her plate on the table and went to grab a file from another office. Kate waited for her till she came back.

"I think this is it," Rosaria handed a file to Kate.

Kate went through the file and something caught her attention. As the file read, Melanie was an orphan. The time she was in school, she used to live with her aunt. Her aunt couldn't afford to pay her schools so she was being sponsored by FAWEZA. Kate didn't want to leave with the file lest Rosaria suspected anything. She just noted the important things she needed.

"That will be all," she handed back the file.

"Why did you need the file?" Rosaria asked.

"I just needed to find out something," Kate said. "I recently bumped into her."

"OH. Alright."

"Thank you. Lunch is over, I'm heading back to class now," Kate stood up.

She got outside the administration block and called Kent.

"Hello love," Kent answered.

"I think that girl Melanie is lying," Kate said.

"I told you not to pursue that Kate. Leave it be. The girls spent the night out. What's the big deal?" Kent asked.

"I don't know," Kate answered. "Something doesn't feel right."

"With you, everything doesn't feel right."

"But...."

"No buts let's just live our lives. Forget about that."

Kate got quiet.

"I'm at Ludo's now. I'm here to tell her about the manuscript," Kent sighed over the phone.

"Well good luck, see you later."

"Don't pursue Melanie anymore. Leave it. You understand?"

"Yes Kent. I have stopped."

"Good," Kent cut the call as he entered Ludo's compound.

Kent knew that Ludo would eventually ask about the manuscript. He figured before she asked him, he had to go and talk to her. He found her outside reading a book.

"Mr. Visashi!" She exclaimed upon seeing him.

"Hi Ludo," Kent said nervously.

Kent sat down. He greeted her and told her about how worried he was when she disappeared. He didn't know how he would go about telling her about the manuscript.

"So the manuscript," he paused.

Ludo looked at him.

"The thing is," he stammered. "It hasn't been approved. My colleagues say it needs a lot of work."

"Ok!" Ludo said.

Kent was surprised by the manner Ludo took the news. In all years that he had dealt with rejected writers, after telling them about their work been not approved. He would have to start comforting them and giving them tissues to wipe their tears. Never had he came across a person who was as calm as Ludo when told the bad news.

"So you're okay with it?" He asked her.

"Totally yea," she answered.

He inhaled and exhaled relief.

"My advice is that you start working on a new novel. Make up your own world, something like that. People these days love that kind of thing. You are a great writer."

"Sure."

"I'll send the manuscript next week. Is that okay?"

"Cool."

"Okay I'm going back to work now. Take good care of yourself and always tell your parents when you are going out," Kent laughed as he walked to the gate.

Ludo looked at him. She could tell he was scared. She knew there and then that they got the manuscript direct from him and he was threatened too. Ludo only wanted to forget about the ordeal and she was doing pretty good.

A few days into the book, four chapters to be precise, Elise stumbled into something that made her furious. A dark secret that only she knew, was in Ludo's manuscript. She paced around her bedroom.

"How could this be?" She threw the manuscript. "This is impossible."

Elise grabbed her phone and summoned Erica and Evan. They were all in the house planning out their tasks. She found them sited in the TV room. Erica and Evan could tell that she was upset when she came in and dropped the manuscript on the table.

"Who else has this?" She looked at Evan.

"I don't know," he answered.

"If there are other copies out there, they have to be destroyed right away," Elise said in a fury.

"What is it mom?" Erica asked.

"A few chapters in this and I ......" Elise couldn't get her words out. "Bottom line, everything on this has to be destroyed."

"Okay mom," Evan stood up and dialed Mr. Visashi's number.

"Who are you calling?" Elise asked.

"The editor."

Evan called Kent three times and he wasn't picking up.

"This coward of a man," he growled.

"Try again," Erica said.

He called again and was answered.

"Who is this?" Kent asked.

"It's your friend Brains," Evan answered.

"What do you want?" Kent asked.

"Don't be rude now," Evan said. "Here is the thing. I need all the copies of the manuscript you gave me."

"That was the only copy."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"And if you're lying?"

"I'm not lying I promise. If there is a copy, then it’s a soft copy."

"I guess that would be with Ludo, right?" Evan asked.

Kent didn't answer.

"Okay bye then. Pass my regards to Kate," Evan cut the call.

Elise and Erica were looking at him. He put the phone in his pocket and faced them.

"What?" Elise looked at Evan.

"He said he doesn't have any copies. This was the only one he had."

"But?" Erica inquired.

"There is a soft copy. It's with Ludo."

"Get her here now!" Elise commanded and stormed out of the room.

Erica and Evan looked at each other.

"You are getting her," Erica pointed at Evan.

"No I'm not, I have more important things to do," Evan said.

"I got her last time. I'm not going there again," Erica said.

"You don't have a choice."

"No No No."

"I have an important video meeting with Mr. Richards from Bank of Zambia in the next few minutes," Evan checked his watch.

"You are being unfair you know; why do I always have to do the dirty work?" Erica complained.

"I don't know," Evan shrugged. "Maybe because you're dirty."

Erica looked at him angrily.

"You two!" Ethan stood on the door.

Erica and Evan shook when they heard his voice.

"Hey brother!" They said at the same time.

Ethan walked to where they had stood.

"You're always quarreling," he looked at Evan.

The two were silent.

"Sometimes I don't believe that we are twins Evan," Ethan said. "The only good thing about you is that you're intelligent. Other than that, you're one useless piece of crap who spends money on useless things and whores."

Evan gulped.

"Little sis. Our Jezebel. The mighty LovePeddler," Ethan turned to Erica.

Erica clenched her fists.

"What?" Ethan noticed. "You want to beat me up?" He laughed.

"No," she answered nervously.

"Let's end this discussion. Evan you are getting the girl. Its final."

"But."

Ethan looked at him.

"Okay brother."

"Now let me find out why mother is bothered," Ethan walked out of the TV room.

Elise couldn't sit down. She looked at her husband on the bed who did nothing but only managed to move his eyes. Ethan walked in and stood at the corner of the room.

"I don't know how she knows," Elise fidgeted.

"Know what mother?" Ethan asked.

Elise bit her nails nervously.

"I did something bad a long time ago."

"Still doing bad, aren't we?" Ethan smiled wickedly.

"This is no joke Ethan."

"Then tell me I sort it out."

"Here, read for yourself," she handed him the manuscript and pointed at a paragraph of a page. "I'm being referred as Eliza in it."

Ethan grabbed the manuscript and read;

AND THERE SHE STOOD FILLED WITH RAGE, THIRSTY FOR BLOOD ALL BECAUSE OF LOVE, ELIZA STABBED HER BEST FRIEND OF TEN YEARS MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MORE SHE DID IT, THE EASIER IT BECAME AND GOOD SHE FELT. LOOKING AT THE DISFIGURED FACE OF HER FRIEND, SHE KNEW SHE HAD WON HIM.

THE LIONESS HAD STRUCK AGAIN.


To be continued

Read more here - www.youngicee.com

Blood Lives Here - Episode 7

© Brian Ngoma

Ludo entered a room. From a distance, she saw a round table. A voice called her to sit. She hesitated but another angry voice ordered her to sit down. As she walked to the table, she saw four people sited but couldn't see their faces. She felt sweat on her forehead but couldn't wipe it, her hands were suddenly tied. She looked at the figures in front of her but the moment she sat down, she stopped hearing their voices but could only see their heads move. There was a blood stained knife on the table. She felt something move behind her. She wanted to shout but couldn't. One of the figures in front of her stood up and started walking to her. She felt something hairy on her shoulder. Her body was filled with Goosebumps. She slowly moved her head to check it out and it was a tail. The figure coming towards her picked the knife from the table. She heard a silent roar and knew there was an animal behind her; not just any animal but a vicious one. The animal lurked behind her. Using her side eye, she saw green eyes glowing. She closed her eyes in anticipation to either be stabbed or be devoured.

There was silence. She heard a door been unlocked from a near distance and it opened. Ludo opened her eyes to Elise standing in front of her holding a tray of breakfast.

"Bad dream?" Elise smiled.

Ludo looked around. She was still in the beautiful guest bedroom she had been put the previous night.

"Yes," she wiped her sweat.

"You need to bath. You are sweater."

"I know," Ludo sat upright looking at Elise.

"Well bath and eat. I'll be in the garden with my husband. You'll find me," Elise smiled and left Ludo alone.

Ludo took time to get out of bed. She was hesitant to eat the food. She didn't know these people and the way the children mistreated her the previous night, she knew she didn't have to trust anyone. She finally managed to bath. When she came out of the bathroom, she found some clothes on the bed. She didn't change into those, she decided to remain in hers. She went downstairs and found Erica and Evan arguing about something. They stopped when they saw her. She stood looking at them.

"Go to the garden," Erica told Ludo rudely.

"I don't know where the garden is," Ludo said.

"Take her," Evan said.

"Why me?" Erica looked at him.

"Let me deal with the LovePeddler in my bedroom," Evan left.

Erica told Ludo to follow her. They got out of the house and went to the garden which was located on the right side of the backyard of the house.

"There they are," Erica pointed Ludo to her parents.

Ludo walked slowly to the garden.

"You're up now," Elise smiled at Ludo.

Ludo nodded.

"Take a sit."

Ludo sat on a garden chair.

"My garden gives me peace of mind," Elise said inhaling slowly. "This is my favorite part of this house."

"What do you want from me?" Ludo asked. "I want to go home."

"Aww. Look at you. You miss your parents, right?"

"Yes."

"It has come to my attention that you have a condition. Is it true?"

"Yes I'm epileptic. Been here makes me vulnerable to the seizures because I'm not taking my meds."

Elise looked at Ludo with a sad face. It was as if she understood and felt what Ludo was saying.

"Look at my husband," she turned around. "Nalishuwa Humuumbu. My Tonga Bull."

Ludo tilted her head to see him. She saw him on a wheelchair staring at some flowers.

"That is my husband of 47 years. We got married when we were teens. We were madly in love," Elise looked at the blue skies. "He got sick 11 years ago."

"What is his problem?" Ludo asked.

"Stroke; the doctors say. We have had several operations and treatments but nothing seems to work. He doesn't even speak now."

"That's sad."

"He built everything from scratch. Everything we are today, my children and I owe it to him."

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"You see my child. When you are charged with the responsibility of taking care of people who you truly love and a threat comes from the outside, you tend to do anything to protect them. Wouldn't you do the same my child?"

Ludo was confused.

"So let's talk about the manuscript," Elise moved her chair to Ludo's. "Tell me, who paid you to write about us?"

"No one. I told your children the same thing."

Elise took a long breath.

"Yes they told me. Unlike them I believe you," she smiled.

"Really? Why?"

"Yes my child," Elise answered.

Ludo was surprised. How could she believe her just like that? She asked herself.

"Are you letting me go?"

"You are not a prisoner here my child," Elise said. "I'm just asking for a favor."

"What?" Ludo asked feeling her heartbeat race faster than usual.

"Don't tell anyone about what happened here. I'm sure you wouldn't want to do or say anything that would put your parents in jeopardy. Would you?"

"No."

"I thought so. And one other request. Whenever I need you here, you are required to come without hesitations. There is so much we have to talk about; me and you. I like you. You remind me of me when i was young."

There was something about Elise that Ludo couldn't figure out. It was in between friendliness and dangerous. Whatever it was, Ludo didn't want to bring it out.

"I agree," Ludo said.

"Melanie will take you home. Oh and one other thing, you spent the night at Melanie’s. You two were catching up after a long time."

Evan and Melanie showed up in the garden. Melanie was glowing. She couldn't hide the smile on her face. Evan was disgusted with her, he couldn't even look at her.

"Melanie child, how are you?" Elise asked her.

"I'm fine madam," she answered.

"Don't call me madam. Call me Elise," she smiled.

Evan looked at his mother in shock.

"Alright Elise," Melanie said.

"I'm sure my son has told you everything, right?"

"Yes."

"Alright. Then we are settled. Take Ludo home, she misses her parents. Ludo you can now go."

Ludo couldn't believe her ears. She was being let go. Melanie called her and off they went.

Evan and his mother stood watching the two girls go.

"Did you give her the car keys?" Elise asked.

"Yes mom."

"Good."

"Why did you let her go?"

"I didn't let her go you fool. You almost blew this up."

"It wasn't my fault. It was Erica's."

"You and Erica are both stupid brats. Just one simple task and you want to cost me everything have built."

"Mom I told you I'm not good at this kind of work. I'm called Brains for a reason. I don't like getting physical, that is for Ethan."

"You have to learn."

"No mom. Where is Ethan by the way?"

"Taking care of more important matters. Did you take care of your little mess?"

Evan faced down.

"Tell me you took care of it."

"She's gone mom. I think she's dead."

"Well, good. She was a distraction. How about the man she was working with?"

"My men are still looking for him."

"They better find him and take him out," she paused. "I want you to go and meet Mr. Richards from Bank of Zambia. You should leave the manuscript with me. I haven't read it. Its time I read it. "

"Finally, something interesting," Evans face flashed.

"Go now," she dismissed him.

Elise walked to her husband. She stood in front of him while he stared at her expressionlessly.

"I will take care of it I promise," she directly looked at him in the eyes.

Kate reached her house worried. She had a strange feeling about Melanie. She was glad that Ludo was back home with her parents.

"Did she come back?" Kent asked Kate.

"Yes I left her at her place," Kate answered. "I told you she would be back."

"Where was she?"

"She was with Melanie."

"Who is Melanie?"

"My former pupil. They were in the same class. I used to teach them both."

"That's good. Then she's safe."

"Something is wrong; I can feel it. Did that man come again at your office?"

"He didn't. I pray he never shows up again."

"So what will happen to Ludo's manuscript? You have to tell her," Kate advised.

"I will call her to my office tomorrow so that I talk to her."

"Good. Let me take a bath now," Kate went to the bathroom.

Zamiwe left Ludo's bedroom door with sadness written all over her face. She saw Ludo was crying but couldn't let her talk to her. She went straight to her bedroom and sat on the bed looking at a portrait beside the bed. She thought about how simple everything was before Ludo's sickness started. She was happy with Joe. She had a good job working as a journalist until she was forced to stop and study nursing to take care of her daughter. The situation at hand, made her feel even worse. She didn't know what happened to her daughter.

Joe entered the bedroom talking on the phone with the police officer. He was reporting to him that Ludo had come back safely. After finishing talking, he put the phone on the table and sat next to Zamiwe. He could tell that she was sad.

"What happened?" He asked.

"She slammed the door on my face," Zamiwe responded.

"She need some time. I'm glad she has a friend. At least she won't be in doors that much. Outdoors is good for our daughter."

"I'm worried Joe. She was crying. I hope nothing bad happened to her," she rested her head on his shoulder.

"What could possibly happen to our daughter?" Joe smirked. "She's fine. She was just having fun with her friend."

Ludo woke up the following morning feeling tired. She just wanted to spend the whole day in bed. She was trying to make sense of what had happened to her. It all seemed like a nightmare that she had woken up from. For a minute, she wanted to believe it was but when Melanie called her, she knew everything that happened was real.

"Hi Melanie," she answered the phone.

"Hey Ludo, how are you today?" Melanie asked.

"I'm fine thanks. What can I do for you?"

"Evan told me to call you and check up on you."

Ludo felt a sharp sting in her heart.

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I don't know what you were doing there but it was a blessing finding you there. Evan told me they had found you wondering their street lost and they decided to take you in. He said you also had a seizure."

Ludo sighed.

"I didn't know you still have those. I'm taking the car; would you accompany me?"

"No Melanie I'm resting. I'll talk to you later," Ludo cut the phone.

Melanie had been lied to. She couldn’t even think because she was pampered and she liked Evan to comprehend the situation. Despite Ludo whispering in her ear that she needed help, Melanie didn't even suspect a thing. Ludo got out of bed and went to the living room where she found her parents obviously waiting for her. With them was the police officer that had talked to Ludo's father.

Hunter waited the whole night in a club for the owner but he didn't show up. He had been tipped that the owner was in town. Been in Madagascar had made him to start looking for people who owed him because he didn't have much. The man he was waiting for had given him a job a year ago but didn't pay him.

"Sir cleaners are here; would you mind?" The bartender asked Hunter.

He looked at him.

The bartender stepped backwards.

Hunter growled.

He got up from the chair putting his shades back on.

"You say your boss didn't come back?" He asked without looking at the bartender.

"No sir," the bartender answered nervously.

"Say what?"

"He didn't come in sir."

With Hunter's experience, he felt lies in the bartender’s voice. In that moment he forced himself into a passage which he was denied entry the whole night. He walked straight into it while the bartender shouted from the distance to come back but he ignored him. He reached a door and kicked it.

"So you're here?" Hunter said clenching his fists.

"No I just got here," a man responded. "I have your money," he opened a drawer.

Hunter looked at him furiously, "You kept me here the whole night waiting for you. Your men couldn't let me come here."

"I just got here Hunter please, here is your money."

Hunter walked to the man, grabbed the money from his hands and counted.

"It’s not enough," he stared at him.

"You can come next week for the rest."

Hunter grabbed the man by his shirt and pulled him. He lifted him up and gave him the devil's stare. The man had known he was facing death in its eyes.

"Please Hunter."

"Give me one reason I shouldn't break your bones now."

"Please I have a family."

"Is that a reason?"

"I know something you might be interested in."

"What could that be?"

"I know you escaped from Zambia."

"So?"

"There's a rumor circling around that there is manuscript about the Hamuumbu's."

"Manuscript?"

"Yes. It's a story about them but not only is it a story but everything in it is factual. Apparently, all their enemies want to grab the copy of it. It is believed that it exposes them."

Hunter dropped the man on the floor.

"Are you certain?"

"Yes Hunter."

Hunter picked the notes on the table and walked to the door. He turned around and said, "If I ever find out you are lying to me, I will kill you and your whole family. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," the man gulped.

Hunter left the office.


To be continued

Read more here - www.youngicee.com

Restless - Episode 41
Trapped

® 18+ SNVL
© Oyinloye Oluwatosin Emmanuel

05:48AM

"They're here," Cole announced to Dave who was sitting beside him in the car. Dave sat up and looked through the window at the driver's side where Cole was sitting.

They could see the headlights of a vehicle coming afar off with another vehicle behind it. They waited and watched until the vehicles turned into the road where their car was parked and continued their movement.

"Let's move," Cole said to Dave as he pulled out his gun.

Cole waited few more seconds for the targeted vehicles to move farther away before he kicked on the engine of the car and drove into the road. They followed immediately after and soon got close enough without drawing any suspicion.

"There are three men in the Jeep behind," Dave said after peering for a moment.

"And there are four in the car in front, our target and his father should be sitting at the backseat." Cole put in. "So, how do we go about it?"

"We'd take the driver of the Jeep out first and fire the tyres," Dave answered him. He paused and stayed silent for a short while. "Then we go after our target."

"Alright," Cole said as he increased the gear.

They leveled up at the left side of the Jeep and slowly wound down the window. Dave had his gun cocked already in his right hand. His eyes met with the driver's eyes and he made a mischievous smile as he raised his gun.

He could already see the alert look on the faces of the men even before his gun was raised. He knew they were also security men and were conscious that there could be an attack at any time.

Before any move could be made by the men in the Jeep, Dave fired two shots at the driver and also fired a bullet into the front tyre of the Jeep. The Jeep lost control totally and swerved off the road into the drain.

Cole zoomed forward immediately after the shot and followed after the car where their target was. The driver of the car in front had now increased his speed in response to the gunshot sounds heard from behind.

Dave stretched out his gun again and aimed at the left back tyre of the vehicle. It took him about fifty seconds before he fired the shot, the bullet got straight into the back tyre which deflated immediately and resulted to a decrease in the speed of the vehicle. The driver of the car tried to accelerate even with the bad tyre but Dave fired another shot and it got into the second tyre, resulting to a drag in the movement.

Cole wound up both front windows of the car as he leveled up with the car.

The men at the front seat of the vehicle fired at the assailants' vehicle but realized that it was bullet resistant. The assailants' vehicle swerved to the front and stopped.

"Keep your heads down and don't get out of this car until I say so," the man sitting at the right side of the car said to Austin and his father who were at the backseat. He opened the door and carefully stepped out, using the door as a shield.

He had barely gotten out when he began to hear sounds of gunshots on the vehicle. He ran quickly to the back of the vehicle and hid temporarily. He quickly brought out a telephone.

Dave stepped out of the car, firing shots towards the driver's side of the vehicle. He saw the driver already stepping out and about to turn towards him. The driver was able to turn with his gun but had a bullet into his chest before he could shoot.

Cole also stepped out of the vehicle with his gun. The two partners bent to hide their bodies behind the vehicle as they moved closer to the vehicle where the target was. Both squatted by the headlight at the two different sides. Dave gave a signal to Cole before they began to proceed slowly.

The man behind the vehicle had just finished making his call and moved close to the edge to peep. His eyes met with Cole's eyes as he peeped through the right side and he quickly pulled back and hurried towards the left.

Cole fired two quick shots at him. One went wide while the other hit the car and affected the tail lights.

The man turned to the left side and waited at the edge. He peeped and his eyes met with Dave's again with a gunshot following. He moved slowly to the wondering what he could do when he another gunshot sounded. At first, he only knew it was from either of the two men but he didn't know what they shot at. There was another gunshot and he dropped to the floor as a bullet hit the back of his right foot from behind. Another shot was fired from under the car again and it entered into his back.
____

8:32AM

EPA Hill, FOX CORPORATION.

"You called for me sir," Agent Steve said after the normal salutation to the chairman.

He was in Paul Edward's office and the man was sitting behind the table in his seat. He had fingers of both hands locked into each other and his elbows placed on the table.

"Can you explain to me the reasons for embarrassing Mr Daysman?" Paul Edwards asked, staring into Steve's eyes.

"Sir, I didn't mean to embarrass him. It was only part of our investigation," Steve replied.

"But you made an allegation against him without having a proof," Paul Edwards replied in a calm voice.

"All details in our investigations pointed to him and we were so sure..."

"You were so sure but you had no proof!" Paul fired at him.

"Sir, we're still very sure. I'm certain the documents he provided us are doctored." Steve said in defense.

"What proof do you have to back these claims?" Paul asked with his brows gathering.

Steve was silent.

"You've got to apply caution Steve, you cannot go accusing people without substantial evidence." Paul continued. "The FOX goes underground to confirm suspicions first before accusing. What you did yesterday was the operation of the police and should never repeat itself, and I shouldn't get the news that you trouble Mr Daysman anymore.

"Understood sir," Steve answered in a firm voice.

Paul dismissed him with a wave of the hand. Steve saluted again and turned to leave.

Paul picked the phone on his table which had been vibrating since he began to talk to Steve. He answered the call.

"Hello!" He said into the mouthpiece and listened for a response. His eyes widened and he got up slowly in shock as he heard the caller relayed the news of the attack on his son's vehicle.


____

08:24AM

Magic Complex, Bexford

"I'll tell you if there's any need to come in," Henry said to Samantha as he took off his seatbelt in the driver's seat. He turned the rearview mirror to himself have a clear view of his face. He fondled his attached beards gently and also touched the moustache. He returned the rearview mirror to the previous position and pulled out a face cap.

He opened the door and put a foot outside before he put on the face cap.

"I'll be back Sam," he said before closing the door and heading for the magic Complex building.

Samantha moved to the driver's side of the car after watching Henry until he disappeared. She pulled out an earpiece and a small device which looked like an iPod.

___

Henry navigated through the complex carefully, moving straight in his targeted direction. He got to the entrance and entered into the first room where the office of the receptionist was. There was no one except a lanky man sitting behind the table. He was bent down, trying to pick something under the table when Henry walked in.

He quickly raised his head quickly and stared at Henry. A frown appeared on his face as Henry got closer.

"Hey Man, what can I do for you?" He asked, surprised at the way Henry was charging forward.

"Good morning," Henry greeted and stopped just in front of the table. "I heard you have good halls for meetings in here, I'll like to have a quick look at them."

The man squinted at Henry and then raised a brow. He recalled that someone had also come the day before to make enquires about halls in the building.

"Who told you there are halls in this place? This is a private center, not public."

"Private center? Owned by who?" Henry asked with raised eyebrows.

"Who are you and why are you asking me that question?"

"My name is Richard," Henry answered and faked a smile. "Can I know who owns this place now?"

"You need to get the bleep out of here now," the man replied him in an angry tone.

Henry smiled and then looked towards the entrance into the inner part of the section. He looked at the man's face again and then stood up straight, he proceeded towards the entrance without a word to the man.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?" The man fired and got up quickly to his feet. He followed after Henry immediately.

Henry turned sharply and grabbed him by the neck with the fist. He lifted him up, taking his feet off the ground and turned him towards the wall. He tightened his grip on the man's neck for some seconds more before he slammed him against the wall and released him to fall to the ground.

He stared at the man on the floor for some seconds and watched him wriggle in pain, then he bent down slowly and grabbed the man by the neck again and then slammed his head on the ground, making him fall unconscious. He got up and flashed a look to the back to see if anyone was watching, there was no one in sight. He then dragged the body quickly to the back of the table to hid it from close view. He pulled out his gun and hid it in his fist behind him as he proceeded in through the inner entrance.

He found himself in another room, empty but larger than the first and demarcated with transparent glass walls. He carefully proceeded in through the entrance and moved slowly towards the door he could see before him.

The door opened quickly as he touched the knob, he pushed it in and stepped in. The room was just like the previous. He proceeded into another which was different. The wall at the other end was made of bricks instead of transparent glass. The ceiling was made of white POP materials and the walls and the ceramic floor was sparkling white.

The soles of his shoes made sounds as he proceeded and he gradually reduced his walking steps until he began to tiptoe to eliminate whatever sound was coming from his shoe. He got to another door and turned the knob like he did with the first and second but this turned only without the door opening. He bent down to check what kind of lock it had. After observing for few seconds, he pulled out a purse from the pocket of his inner jacket. He opened the purse and took out a set of four tools from it. He returned the purse into the inner pocket and kept his gun in his trouser pocket temporarily. He picked in his right hand the first of the tools which looked like a tiny screw driver. He pressed the pointed edge of the tool and it flattened into the shape of a key.

He inserted the tool into the keyhole and tried to turn it but it proved difficult. He tried again and there was no success. He stopped and stared at it for a moment. He realized that if he applied more force than he was already applying, it could cause the tool to break in the keyhole. He took out his purse from the inner pocket again and brought out a liquid in a small tube, he applied the tool around the surface area of the keyhole and then returned the first tool and the tube into the purse. He straightened the edge of the second tool and inserted into the keyhole. He turned it and it was softer but the door did not still opened. He removed it quickly and put in the third tool. He turned it and the lock made a creaking sound as it unlocked. He unlocked it quickly and returned all the tools back into the purse. He pulled out his gun again before pushing the door open gently.

He peeped in first and stepped in slowly. The room was almost completely dark as the only source of light in it were the reflection of the sunlight through the curtains of the closed window which was still enough to reveal the computer sets at both left and right side. There was also a large screen hung at the top of the middle wall.

Henry took out a small torch light and turned it on before closing the door behind him. He looked around quickly, pointing his torch light to the wall but could not find any switch for the florescent bulb at the center of the ceiling.

He noticed a red light on the ground at the left corner of the room, a sign that some electrical appliances were turned on.

He proceeded slowly and carefully, his eyes searching around and the torch from his light moving from one corner to another. He had just taken five steps towards the center when the bulb at the center of the ceiling turned on and brightened the room. He stopped and looked up as bulbs at the corners of the rooms also turned on with the air conditioner starting to work.

He turned quickly and looked around, he also looked down to see if there was anything or a sensor which could have triggered the lights coming on by themselves. He found nothing tangible. He took in a deep breath. He was sure that someone somewhere would have been alerted about his presence in the room.

He looked around the room again. The lights had revealed more of the things in the room and he could see the cameras at the corners of the ceiling. He took a quick glance at the computer systems in the room, wondering which of them he could use and try to hack into.

As he took another step forward, he heard a strange sound and quickly turned his neck. There was a wall made of multiple thin red lights building from the left corner of the room close to the door. In a few seconds, it formed a wall around the center of the room, leaving out the computer systems and the large screen and putting him in center of the fence.

Henry could feel the heat coming from the lights. He knew what it was. He was trapped!

To be continued

Read more here - www.youngicee.com/category/restless

The Bodyguard - Episode 10

By Tisa Phiri

"Oh" i breathed out as I waited for the person to completely show himself. luckily the boy of about 10 years old walked with his hand rubbing his eyes, he didn't see me. Quickly, I doged and stood at the back of the sitting room door. he slowly walked to what seemed like a convenient room. I sighed with relief as he closed the door behind him..

I waited for what seemed like forever for the boy to come out almost irritated the boy was wasting my time. I had to drag his father or whatever their relationship was before the entire house woke up..

My phone however gave me away, it's loud tone filled the house at the moment the boy walked out. I struggled to turn it off and by the time i succeeded, the boy in the bathroom came out and screamed on top of his voice..

" Thief thief ! " He screamed alarming the entire house. In seconds everyone was running out to the passage others in undies only.

The guy I followed came out holding a gun but I quickly pulled the boy and held a gun to his head .

"Drop it or i blow his head off." I warned sternly the woman who seemed like his wife started shouting and crying as 5 other kids joined in the noise .

"Shut up! " I shouted still holding the boy at gun point.

"you," i said pointing at the guy.

"let's go out " I instructed letting him go ahead of me. I could see his facial expression that he was dying to fight back but the fear in the eyes of boy I was holding giving him no other choice. He slowly walked to the outside and I pushed back the boy, closed the door behind me with one hand pointing the gun at the guy I followed.

" to the car !" I shouted..

Instead, he charged at me. I was however faster than him so I hit him in his face with the gun, he fall back and realising I wasn't going to kill him just yet. he came for me again, this time i shoot one bullet in the air and he froze.

I heard the kids screaming inside the house at the sound of the gun.

Mr Benson's guys also ran to the house and they both grabbed the guy before me and dragged him to the car outside.After securing him with some ropes, we dumped him in the trunk and drove away.

I called Me Benson and instead of the lodge he directed me to one of his incomplete buildings.

" take him there and have the guys guard him. I want to be there as you talk to him tomorrow. You will go back to the lodge and rest.."

" Yes sir!" I answered sighing deeply.

Later after doing as told, I took the car keys from Simon and drove to the lodge leaving Simon and the guys to guard the thug. Instead of going direct to the room I sat at the small bar inside the lodge and ordered some beers. Since I was told I could order what ever I wanted, I didn't have to worry about paying the bill.

I was there deep in thoughts as I drunk, that night's activities just reminded me of how I had helped In the kidnapping and murder of some high government official who according to general Loko was getting in their way. For some reason, General Loko always used plural whenever he addressed us and sent us to do his dirty works he would always say ' we'..

Unfortunately I never got tbe chance to know the other people invoved in the deals he had.

I recalled how one day he made me and the other guys burn some thatched houses with people inside.

"Kill them all ! " He ordered us

"or you die in their place, people in this area are dull and can't use their brains to vote wisely, so I want you to kill them and burn their homes before voting time" he added holding a gun in our faces.

I remember reaching a certain house had saw a small boy hidden in the corner as th bodies of his dead parents lay in front of him. I looked around and when I saw no one was looking I went to the boy and lifted him to the bushes nearby. I quickly rushed to get his mother who i had noticed was still breathing. I tried saving her and when she was conscious, told her to hold her son and stay put until it was quite.

she murmured some blessings holding my hand and I quickly ran back to other soldiers.Thoughts like that always gave me sad feelings.

Looking at my phone i saw some missed calls from Paula, but i didnt call her back.

"she's probably sleeping" i thougt to myself. It was past mid night. lifting the bottle, i poured half of it in my mouth, I looked at the TV mounted on the wall and I could barely make sense of the match being played, my mind was occupied.

I drunk some more and didn't realise Shila was watching me from a distance. After an hour of drinking I slowly pushed the chair I sat on and staggered a little before I stood straight and headed to my room.

Going straight to the bed and as I unbuttoned my trousers I saw Shila standing in the corner with a short Skirt showing off her body contures.

"What are you doing here?" I askee almost in a whisper. I was drunk...

She just smilled and walked closer to me, pushed me down and sat on top of me without giving me a chance to say another word. she pulled out my t-shirt and started working her had hands on me. I tried to resist her but she made things difficult when she pulled down my jeans and squized my sacred man.

I lashed out and pushed her down going for her breasts, she smiled naughtly enticing me to go on.

With the period I had stayed without a woman, well, it came like a bonus for me. I went into her with full force and she responded with some kaonde moves sending me to some places I had not visited in 5 years.

I don't know whether it was the beer or that girl was really good in bed but I was fully satisfied after I had calm. I fall asleep instantly....


The story is far gone on the site, you can continue reading it through the link in case you can't wait for updates here - www.youngicee.com/category/the-bodyguard

The Bodyguard - Episode 9

By Tisa Phiri

I cleared my throat after driving for about 5 minutes in silence.

"so what's your name?" I asked the driver

" and how long have you been working for Mr Benson? "

"Am Simon" he looked at me adding a Kaonde surname which I couldn't pronounce.

" so" I sighed.

" Simon it is," I said looking at him. He was very tall and dark, in fact very dark if I may add.

He answered my second question after negotiating some potholes ahead if us his long hands holding the steering tight. I was almost becominy bored with his driving, he was too slow but I let it pass for that day..I was always a fast driver and with the emmergence of the case at hand I really wished he could go faster.

"I have worked for the big man for almost 4 years now" he told me when the road was finally smooth.

"Well you must know much about him and his family?" I giggled leading him to say more.

"Not much" he declined.

"all i do is run small errands for him and sometimes am asked to drive him or his spoiled daughter around."

Something clicked in me..

"what?" I thought to myself.. 'spoiled' well, that was something. Judging from his expression, I could tell he was either jealousy of Mr Benson and his daughter or he was Paula's admirer. I kept to myself though. I didn't want to show my concern in that area, so I played along just to take as much information as I could.

"You know these people just come from God knows where and think they can just take our mines" he added.

I smiled sheepishly..

"yeah you know, you are right. it's somehow not fair aiii" I continued just to encourage him to speak out his heart. It's easy to find clues from people working close because they might just give you an idea of what is trully going on around someone's life, especially the type of Mr Benson, the rich and famous.

So I let him say some more but what came out later was just some words that indicated jealousy and envy. I even discovered he did nothing worth talking about in terms of education he only managed to pass in 2 subjects at grade 12, though he was still holding on to the fantasy of persuing further studies.

I received a call as I was busy analysing the driver Simon.

"Helo!" I answered at the second ring of my phone.

I was told to wait at some place and I asked Simon if he knew where the place was, he nodded.

We had been driving for almost 25 minutes by then and when we came to a halt. Simon pointed at some bar on the outskates of town..

" that's the place" he pointed at a small thatched building with a small poster written, Welcome to Chinsaka's Krall.

Instead of waiting for the other guys Mr Benson had sent, I told Simon to driver back further away from the Bar, walked there slowly as usual hands in my pockets.

I was greeted by a fat and light in complexion woman who smiled or maybe I can just say grinned widely exposing her yellow teeth, which I could notice even when it was almost getting dark.

"Helo!" I greeted her back in my poor kaonde. she smiled and instead answered back in Bemba.

"stranger ?" She asked, I smiled at her..

"I would prefer visitor" I suggested.

"What can i offer you" she asked as she indicated me to sit down.

"oh not yet" I said politely.

"Am waiting for someone but I would love to ask you a few questions" I added before she walked away. she stood close to me and I almost regreted calling her back she had a strong scent of sweat, rather a combination of dirty and sweat.

"What kind of people do you normally have here?" I asked her smiling as I pretended to be checking her out. I could see her coming on to me and I had to use it to my advantage..

"All kinds" she said raising her hands like saying 'the whole' world. I let a laugh in my head. she trully wasn't exposed at all and according to her that was the best Bar in the whole world.

"Well I love it here it's quite and nice. who are those guys then?" I asked her further pointing with my eyes at some group of boys seated in the corner with their table filled with bottles of Mosi and Castle lagers.

"Oh those are the top boys in Solwezi" she whispered..

"don't dare mess with them" she added getting closer to my face.. "their boss will soon be here, you will see" she told me..

"okay then thank you swity " I said with a flirt smile..

she rigggled her big behind as she walked back to the counter. I shook my head.

" wonders shall never end .. how posible is it for this old hag even think I would lay with her.." I asked myself laughing almost showing off my teeth before I composed myself and concentrated.

Their was something fishy about the group in the corner. Though the lady didn't say much I could tell the Bar was some kind of meeting place and hide out for the bad guys. I slowly walked to the counter and ordered a bottle of water just to make sure I had a good sight of the guys in the corner. In seconds I counted 6 of them, probably drug dealers and thieves. I thought. I took a couple of seconds to grasp atleast 3 of their faces, satisfied. I walked back to my table but before I could sit, I saw their leader walk in.

They were few other people in the bar but it's like he got everyone's attention. I looked closely without him noticing, he was the guy I was looking for.

My skin grew some goose bumps, not that i was scared but my couriosity grew large. I almost went for him but I tried to pretend pressing the small buttons on my phone as he passed by my Table. I could bet his eyes where on me but I didn't raise up my head to look at him, my looks were obviously foreign and probably better than theirs. I knew for sure he would not recognise me to be the person who knocked himout in the forest. since he never got the chance to see my face.

My phone beeped and I walked out, two guys stood by the small road leading to the bar. I quickly realised they were the ones sent by Mr Benson then called them and told them about about the guy inside.

"Let's wait for him here" I suggested.

"there are 7 guys, it won't be easy for us to confront them straight on. we are out numbered.."

Almost an 3 hours later, the guy walked out with two other guys with bottles beer in their hands, we durked in the car to avoid being seen and as he opened his Corona car parked a few meters from us. I whispered to the driver to follow him. The two guys with him remained behind and We saw him join the road alone.

We drove behind him for almost 15 minutes before he joined a township road, the street lights shining on us and I instructed Simon to reduce the speed and follow at a distance.

He parked at a well built house, with a short wall fence, it was incomplete. I knew then that our guy was involved in some shoddy business for him to have bult such A house for himself. He didnt look like one who was working nor Educated for that matter.

I decided to watch his house for an hour from outside, satisfied there was no one outside, i told the two guys with me to wait outside as I climbed the small wall fence and jumped inside..

Slowly I went in through the back door. I had to be fast cause the lights were giving me away, I was too exposed..

The good part is the guy was so drunk he left the door open so I pushed the handle and opened it.

I was inside a room with some cheap sofa and a small screen LG TV. As I debated which room to go to I froze, in the passage. Someone opened some bedroom door and I stood like a statue...

"Dammit!" I screamed in my head.

To be continued

Blood Lives Here - Episode 6

© Brian Ngoma

Erica sat in her range rover waiting for her fiancé Jean. She saw him coming from a distance with a woman talking and laughing. She grabbed her cigarette. She looked for a lighter but couldn't find one in the car. Jean and the woman separated and Jean went to Erica's car. As soon as he got into the car, she started shouting at him. Jean was used to Erica's tantrums that he would just watch her blub till she got tired.

"Are you done Erica?" Jean asked her.

"Who is that LovePeddler?" She eyed him.

"A workmate," he responded looking away.

"Hhhhmmm. You also said the same about the last one till I found out you were shagging her," she said.

"How many people do you LovePeddler around with in the name of family business?"

"You wouldn't be here if i wasn't doing that. Don't you ever dare question what i do. I hope you are saying the truth because you know what happens to your whores," Erica said.

Ignoring her, he asked, "What was the urgent call about?"

"I need your help."

"Can't this wait, I'm still working."

"No it can't," Erica started the car.

"Wait Erica, I didn't tell anyone I left," Jean told her.

"Don't worry that's my family's company," she drove out of the parking lot.

They didn't say much but both looked at the road. Jean was accustomed to Erica picking him up from work like this to run errands with her. One thing he had learned dealing with Erica was never to ask questions. He knew what she was capable of. In many occasions he had witnessed her wrath and questioning her was not even a thing to think about.

"We are here," Erica said looking at the street.

Jean was quiet.

"So here is what I want you to do. Go in the backseat and hide properly," Erica looked at Jean.

"Hide?"

"You heard me," Erica's forehead puckered.

Jean didn't argue. He found himself in the backseat waiting for Erica's next order. Erica drove in the street looking around. She reached for her hunters dry bottle and sipped on it.

"Well, I'll be damned," she chuckled.

"What?" Jean asked peeping.

"Just the girl we are here for," Erica changed lanes. "I want you to make her unconscious once she gets in. You hear me?"

"Unconscious?"

"Yes. Don't kill her. At least not yet."

Erica hooted the car countless times until she parked on the roadside. Jean looked at her leave the car. He couldn't see clearly but there was a girl she was talking to. Erica talked to the girl and came back with her after some minutes. Jean hid himself properly behind the front passengers seat. He listened to Erica make conversation with the girl. When she rolled up the windows of the car, he knew it was a signal to attack. He quickly emerged from behind the girl and wrapped his strong arms around the girl’s neck and strangled her.

"Don't kill her," Erica turned the car around.

"I'm not killing her," Jean said while he struggled with the strangling as the girl was resisting.

Finally, he managed. She was powerless and became unconscious.

Jean exhaled, " she's a tough one."

"You are just weak," Erica expelled her breathe in a whose.

Jean looked at her as he dragged the girl in the backseat and laid her on the seat. He moved to the front seat and took a sip from Erica's bottle.

"Who is she?" He asked.

Erica looked at him. "Some girl."

"You just made me strangle someone and you are saying some girl."

"I don't think I need to explain anything to you Jean. Do I?" Erica asked.

Jean ignored her.

"If any consolation, her name is Ludo."

Jean looked at Ludo laying unconsciously in the backseat and wondered what she could have done to find herself in opposition with Erica.

"Take me back to work Jezebel," he scolded her.

"You know I hate it when you call me Jezebel. You are not supposed to call me that, its not for you. I'm your girl," she complained.

Jean noticed he had hurt her feelings.

"I'm sorry love."

She didn't respond but drove.

"We are going home to drop the package together."

Jean knew her decision was final. She drove them to New Kasama where Erica's parents’ house was located. It was a beauty of a mansion. Just the house itself would make someone think they were in heaven. The electric gate opened and gave a view of a water fountain. Beautiful flowers surrounded the whole yard and was tidy. There was not even a single piece of paper. The house was located at the centre surrounded by beautiful flowers and two swimming pools on the right and left. There was a stable at the far end of the compound. Strong built men could be spotted guarding the premises. Erica drove in and parked her car just by the entrance to the house.

"Isn't that your brother?" Jean asked.

"If it isn't Mr. Brains," Erica rolled her eyes.

Erica and Jean got out of the car. Two men came and went to the car. They opened the back doors and carried Ludo to the house while Brains walked towards Erica and Jean.

"If it isn't Jezebel and her slave," Brains said.

"Cut it out Evan," she walked passed him.

He strongly held her hand and said, "You don't call me by my real name in front of your slave."

"Leave me," she shook herself off him. "Jean let's go."

"Wooo wooo, wait," Evan blocked Jean. "This is family business. I knew you probably had a hand in this but we'll take it from here."

Jean looked at Erica.

Erica bowed her head.

"Shooo shooo, off you go," Evan pushed Jean.

Erica threw her keys to Jean.

"Do you realise that the rover you are making him drive has given him a ticket to kitten?" Evan asked Erica as they entered the house.

"Just shut up Evan!" She yelled at him.

"I don't even know what you see in that trash," he said.

"That trash will soon be my husband."

They entered the house and walked straight upstairs to a room they called the dark room. They found one of the guys who took Ludo inside standing motionless.

Evan looked at the guard and he just nodded. They entered the room and found Ludo sited on a chair still unconscious.

"Are you kidding me?" Evan looked at Erica.

"What?"

"This is her?" He pointed at Ludo.

"According to the picture you showed me and the name, its definitely her," Erica grabbed a chair and sat.

"Can someone wake her up!" Evan yelled.

The man on the door hurriedly entered and poured cold water on Ludo. She slowly woke up to a strange room and people. She touched her neck which was hurting.

"You can go outside now," Evan ordered the man.

"Where am I?" Ludo asked scared.

"Don't worry darling," Erica rubbed her eyes. "I don't like the light in this room," she complained.

Evan looked at her and reached for the manuscript in the drawer of a table. He walked to Ludo. Ludo recognized the manuscript.

"The Family that kills together, stays together," Evan read the title.

"Is that my manuscript?" Ludo asked.

"Ludo Sakala?"

"That's me!"

"Then it’s yours."

"Where did you get it?"

"Doesn't matter. What matters is where did you get all the stuff you wrote about in this manuscript of yours?" Evan rubbed his chin.

Ludo couldn't fathom was happening.

"Where am I?" She was finally coming to her senses.

"I don't like that question," Evan clenched his fist.

"I asked you a question Ludo," Evan knelt before Ludo with the manuscript in his hand.

"I don't know what you want. Please let me go," Ludo tried to get up and run for the door.

Even let her pass him. He looked at Erica.

"My pleasure," Erica stood up.

Ludo couldn't open the door. She screamed for help.

"You should listen to your elders," Erica said as she bounced on her toes.

Before Ludo could turn around, she felt hands in her hair and found herself been dragged back to the chair.

"It hurts," she cried out.

"All your fault," Evan said stepping aside.

"Now sit like a jumbo," Erica's eyes were burning with fury.

Ludo sat back in the chair shaking.

"Let's start again," Evan tightened his tie and walked to Ludo. "The manuscript. Who gave you the information in it?"

"That's my information," Ludo answered.

Evan and Erica laughed.

"It’s true. I didn't plagiarise it, I wrote it alone," Ludo defended herself.

"If you think you can play with us, you're wrong," Erica gave out a bitter laugh.

"I don't know what's happening honestly. Whatever it is you think I did, its not me please."

Evan and Erica looked at each other.

Evan nodded at Erica.

Erica drew in a long breath and walked to Ludo.

"Do you know we are showing you mercy?" Erica asked Ludo.

Ludo looked at Erica expressionless.

"We have a brother. Me and him," she pointed at Evan. " As a matter of fact, his twin. Everything we are doing here, he would amplify it. So before we take you to him. Tell us who gave you the information."

"No one. I wrote it myself I promise you. Is it Mr. Visashi? Isn't he happy with my work?" Ludo questioned Erica.

Erica looked at Evan, "Who is Mr. Visashi."

"An editor who wanted to publish her book," Evan answered flipping the pages of the manuscript.

"No darling its not Mr. Visashi. What you wrote in this manuscript talks about us. I'm sure you know us and you are just pretending," Erica was getting angry.

"I don't know you people," Ludo dropped a tear.

"Let me just break the ice," Evan stepped forward.

"Don't," Erica stopped him.

"What?" Evan asked. "If she admits to it, we will just kill her."

Ludo continued crying.

"What if its not them?" Erica asked Evan.

"Who else can want this information to be public apart from them?" Evan pushed Erica away from Ludo.

"Is it the Patel’s?" He folded his hands.

"I don't know what you're talking about please let me go," Ludo sobbed.

Evan's chest rose and fell with rapid breaths. He looked at Erica and nodded his head. He jerked Ludo's head in the direction of Erica.

"Look at her!" He shouted furiously.

Ludo cried.

"That is Jezebel in your book."

"Hi," Erica waved at Ludo.

"And guess who Iam?"

Ludo couldn't get her voice out in between sobs.

"I'm Brains. And my brother, well my brother. You don't need to meet him. I hope you don't meet him."

In that moment, Ludo's eyes turned white. Evan let go of her and stepped backwards as he looked at Erica in shock. Ludo fell on the floor and started shaking.

"What have you done?" Erica asked Evan.

"Shit!" Evan cussed. "She's sick," he adjusted his tie.

They left her in the room and went downstairs. They didn't have anything to say each to other. They had been given a task which was simple and it was obvious they were failing. They both knew that if they didn't get the information from Ludo, they would be in trouble.

"What do you think?" Erica asked Evan.

"I don't know. She seems innocent and she's sick. Damn!"

"Don't let her sickness fool you. She knows something."

"The Patel’s have a way of making their minions die with a NO. I wouldn't be surprised. Those Indians," Evan fidgeted.

"Sir there is a girl outside saying she wants to see you," the maid told Evan.

"Who is it?" Evan asked.

"She said she's Melanie."

"What the hell? How did she get in?"

"I don't know sir but she said you are expecting her."

"Who is Melanie?" Erica asked.

"Some random chic I banged last week. I can't believe I gave her the address."

"You are already over Hi.......?" Erica asked him.

"Don't mention her name. I don't know where she is. It gets me worried," Evan's face turned sad.

"Sir what should I tell her?" The maid asked.

"Go tell her to wait. I'm coming."

The maid left.

"This Ludo?" Evan stiffened.

"Let's wait for her to calm down. She will curl," Erica said. "And what do we do with her when we find out she's lying?"

"Get rid of her."

Ludo woke up. She tried to figure out what was happening around her. She remembered what was happening and ran to the corner and entwined herself. She cried for her parents but had a feeling they were far away.

The door opened. An old classy lady entered the room with a glass of water in her hand. She walked to Ludo without saying a word and handed her the cup.

"Drink my child," she said.

Ludo got the cup and drank the water in a flash.

"Who are you?" Ludo asked moving backwards.

The lady smiled and told Ludo to stand up.

"Let's leave this room," she held Ludo's room. "Someone has to work on the light in this room."

Ludo and the old lady walked downstairs. As soon as they reached the floor, they found Erica drinking from a bottle of wine which she let go of once she saw Ludo and the woman.

"Mom!" She shouted. "What are you doing here?"

Ludo let go of the woman and stepped away from her.

"Don't be afraid my child," she looked at Ludo. "Last I checked, this is my house," She answered Erica.

"But we thought you and Ethan are out of the country," Erica tapped her foot.

"Lioness leaves her den and this is what happens," she looked at Erica.

"I can explain mom," Erica said shaking. "It is Evan's fault."

"What is?" Evan asked entering the room. "Mom!" He equally yelled. "What a surprise!"

"Who is that?" She asked Evan.

Evan looked behind and Melanie was awkwardly standing there.

"I told you to leave," he shouted at her.

"I'm not going until you tell me the truth," Melanie said. "I thought you said you loved me."

"When will you ever grow up Evan?" His mother asked disappointed.

Ludo recognised the voice. She looked over and saw Melanie.

"Melanie!" She called her.

"Ludo!" Melanie called her back surprised. "What are you doing here?"

Evan, Erica and their mother looked at each other.

"You two know each other?" Erica asked.

"Yes. From high school," Melanie ran and hugged Ludo.

Ludo whispered in Melanie's ear, "Help me please."

"Girls break it off," Evan's mother said grabbing Ludo's hand. "Evan. Take good care of your guest. It's late. They are spending the night here."

"But mom."

"No buts. Sleep with her in your bedroom," she commanded him. "Melanie are you okay with that?"

"Yes mom Iam," Melanie answered excitedly.

Erica looked at Melanie disgustingly.

"Now you young lady. Let me show you where to sleep. We have a lot to discuss tomorrow," Evans mother told Ludo.

Ludo was led to a beautiful guest bedroom. She was told to take a shower. She was given food to eat.

"Now rest my child," Evan's mother told Ludo.

"Why are you been nice to me?" Ludo asked.

"Sometimes my children behave like animals. I wouldn't blame them because I raised them like that," she sighed.

Evan's mother stood up.

"Wait madam! The manuscript? Your children are saying I ......"

"Shhhhhhh. You have to rest now," Evans mother told Ludo. "By the way you can Call me Elise," she closed the door behind her.

Ludo could hear that the door was locked from outside. She got up and went to the windows but they were also locked. Ludo couldn't do anything but wait for the following morning. What the day held for her, she didn't know. All she could do was pray and hope that things wouldn't be as bad as they had been on that day.

To be continued

Read more here - www.youngicee.com/category/blood-lives-here

The Bodyguard - Episode 8

By Tisa Phiri

I walked to his vehicle as Mr Benson opened the door.

"hey Ackim!" He shouted..

"you okay?"

"Am fine Sir.." I responded

" and your daughter too"

"Good," Mr Benson answered..

"so what do we have here ?" he asked as I lead him to the storage room where I had tied the shooter.

"I managed to catch him Sir but I was waiting for you for the next step" I told him standing in front of the now wide awake guy, his dark scared face held high. I felt the urge to knock the pride out of his funny face but I had to play cool in front of my new boss.

Mr Benson bent down and asked the man almost in a whisper..

"who sent you? Tell me now who sent you to kill my daughter or else I will be forced to get you killed."

The stupid guy let a laugh and shook his head...

"you are wasting your time" he said rising his eyes at Mr Benson.

I saw his face frown. he was upset. He raised his fist and hit him in his face and to his surprise the thug started laughing historically.

"is that all you have got!" He shouted amid his laughter.

I knew I had to come in at that point..I too let a laugh in my head, though I didn't dare show it. Mr Benson's blow couldn't even make a small boy spit a piece of meat from his mouth.

I then went forward and hit the guy , my blow broke his nose instantly and he started bleeding. Before he could take in the first blow, I gave him two more and his face was a mess.

"Now" I sighed calmly..

" I am certain we understand each other." I paused and walked around him trying to defeat him psychologically.

I knew a person like him was only good for jobs like shooting and hitting people. He had nothing close to a spirit of endurance. Just that moment I saw his fear emerge. I could bet he didn't anticipate that action from me.

I continued in my silence and I could see Mr Benson wondering what I was doing. Then I pulled a small tin from the empty tins in the corner, placed it in from of him as he's head bow down blood oozing from his mouth and nose.

I sat on it looking at him

" now" I sighed rubbing my fist.

"are you ready to start talking?"

He raised his head to say something and then spat.

" you won't get a thing from me man."

Oh I see," I told nodded, still calm.

I almost stood up to give him another blow but before it could reach him he screamed..

"ok ok! Stop I will tell you everything I know.."

I could see Mr Benson pay much attentuon now

" listening" I responded..

The guy explained he was hired by some guy to shoot Paula.

"this guy just gave me the photo of the lady and I have been looking around for her since yesterday, that's all i know.." he winced.

"Give me his name!" I shouted back.

"I don't know I swear!" he pleaded.

" we don't ask for names all you do is pull out the job man and get my money, thats it.."

"Well, how clever.." I chuckled and gave him a second round of beating until he finally explained the place he was hired from and he gave me the description of the guy who hired him.

Satisfied, I nodded to Mr Benson who was watching in silence.

"I think I have seen the guy he just described" I told him when we stood outside.

" how? Where?" Mr Benson asked surprised..

"Yes sir. He is one of the guys who had held Paula in the forest. I knocked him down, am sure they know she's alive and they are trying to finish what they started." I added as Mr Benson listened attentively.

"Good Job soldier.. " he commended.

" I will get some guys to check out the place he just told you."

"Of course Sir" I told him..

"if you may, let me lead the group." Mr Benson smiled..

"does it mean you are staying?"

" I am sir" I smiled back.

" I will take your offer, though I only have one request."

"What's that Ackim? " He asked me.

"Well I think you should help me find my family in Ndola. am sure you have a lot of connections. I need to know about there whereabouts so I can easily go back home when am done here."

"Sure thing soldier" he assured me..

"right away I will hire someone to investigate."

" Thank you" i shook his hand.

"I will take care of him" I added pointing inside.

"probably hand him to police later."

" yeah.." he answered as he walked away

" Keep me updated. Whatever you need just make a call" " he said walking away.

I pressed the guy some more to make sure he didn't hide anything else. I told one of Mr Benson's men to call the police and hand over the shooter after the mission was complete.

I walked inside the lodge and found Paula hugging her father

"good bye" dad she told him.

" I will see you later" he responded as he nodded his head at me.

Paula told me she had to go to her room.

" I need to get rid of these clothes.. " she scoffed.

"sure" i nodded looking at her skin jeans which were dirty from the point she lay down at the shoot out in town.

I walked to my room too. Opening it, I found Shila cleaning my room whilst she hummed to a song.

"Hey! " I called out. Instead of the dirty look she gave me the day we arrived, she that moment wore a wide smile.

"hey stranger !" she shouted back cheerfully.

"looking hot!"

I looked at her and smiled back.

"wow..I thought I disgusted you the first time we meet. I didnt know you were friendly" I teased as i put my hands in my poackets .

"Sorry about that" she said raising her hand.

"just that you looked um....... you know" she shrugged patting the bed to finish placing the sheets.

"It's okay" I told her still standing next to the door. I had not closed it.

"Am Shila" she introduced herself extending her hand to greet me.

"I know." I smiled grabing her hand and shaking it

"am Ackim" I added.

" it's a pleasure to meet you again."

"Yeah sure, same here hot guy." She winked, before walking past me close enough to rub her shoulder on mine..

"call me if you need anything " she whispered

"Oh women!" I muttered to myself.

"She is not bad"

Instead of going shopping that afternoon Paula Told me she made an online order of clothes from Lusaka and that they would be delivered the following day.

"you just had to?" I asked her as a sat in her office. I was waiting for the guys Mr Benson told me would join me to check the place the shooter guy had told us.

"Yes I had to. You need clothings, at least dad Will bring me something from home." She shrugged

" mmmn great then" I said standing as my phone beeped.I received a text with details of the place we would meet the other guys. I was to be driven by the guy who drove us earlier since i wasnt so familiar with the places around Solwezi.

"Stay inside." I told Paula before walking out

".from now on you dont leave my Sight without my permission" I added.

She raised her Hand and saluted teasingly.

" yes Sir! " I laughed and left the room with long steps. It was action time and that reminded me of the army and General Loko's camp only that, this time i was doing it for a good cause, thats what I thought anyway.

"Lets go" I motioned to the driver as i got in front of the car.

"step on it man!" I ordered

"we are Running out of time..."

To be continued