Episode 1

The road was free from traffic and only a few vehicles were passing by on the road. It was quite early in the morning after all. Janet wondered what her husband would say if he found out that she was traveling so early but she had decided to make an early trip to Lagos before noon. The distance between Osun and Lagos is more than a few miles journey; she would have to make it to Ibadan before taking the long expressway to Lagos. Segun wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea of her traveling to Osun on her own in the first instance. “Why can’t they fix the wedding on a weekend like normal people? Why does it have to be Thursday?” Those were the words from Segun when she told him about the wedding invitation. “The couple wants to have the wedding on the same day they met each other.” Janet had told him. Segun had been reluctant about letting her go alone with their daughter but he had to give in at the last minute.
Janet smiled and looked at her eleven-year-old daughter Precious, who was fast asleep in the back seat. She looked so innocent as she slept, Janet felt so sorry for the poor girl, she had to force her up from bed so early in the morning. She thanked her stars for providing her with a man like Segun who loved her daughter as if she was his own.
Just then Janet’s phone ranged, she hurriedly picked it up. It was her husband, Segun Balogun.
“Hello sweetheart, how was your night?” He greeted warmly.
“Well It was okay, how was yours?” She asked in a teasing tone.
“You know I don’t sleep too well when you’re not around. I kept dreaming about you.” Segun said.

“Well, Mr. Lover man. You won’t have to wait for much longer because I’m on my way back to Lagos.”

“No no, wait for a little while longer, it’s way too early.”

“I would but I’m already on the road.”

“What? You’re kidding right?”

“Nope, I’ll be home in a few hours,” Janet said laughing at her husband’s shocked expression on the phone.

“But why would you do that? It’s too risky I’m not in support of this. What do I always tell you about traveling by this time?”

“Well your daughter insisted that she wanted to see you today,” Janet said pulling the daughter’s card to avoid more tongue-lashing.

“Alright give the phone to my little angel.” Although Segun was angry about Janet’s decision he always calms down when Precious was involved. When her biological father who was Janet’s first husband, Jude died six years ago in London. Janet had traveled back to Nigeria to start a new life and that was when they met, it’s been three years since they’ve been married with no child but despite Segun’s family’s pressure to marry a second wife he had refused to do so. Precious was like his own daughter and he loved her with all his heart, perhaps it was due to the love he had for her mother or maybe it was just because the little girl was irresistibly loveable, whichever way he felt he shared a unique bond with her.

“Well she’s asleep; maybe I’ll call you back when she wakes up,” Janet says.

“Alright I wish you a safe journey but let this be the last time you will try such a dangerous thing,” Segun said.

“Sir, yes Sir!” Janet says and they both laughed before Segun broke the call.

Janet continued driving for a short while before she looked in the rearview mirror and noticed something strange.

A black Hyundai with tinted glasses has been following her for a while, sometimes creeping up behind her. “Am I been followed?” She says to herself, a bit frightened she was. “Okay there’s no need to panic the car is just probably heading to Lagos as well.” She told herself but just to be sure she decided to drive around in circles.

First, she got on the opposite lane and drove back for a while before making a U-turn and getting back on the first lane. She looked in the rearview mirror to see if the car was still following her but it was gone. She sighed and laughed at herself for panicking the way she did, wondering what Segun would say when he heard about this. He would probably laugh at her and say I told you so.

She looked back to see if her daughter had woken up, but lo and behold there it was creeping up behind her car, the black Hyundai.

Episode 2

Segun Balogun was in the kitchen fixing a breakfast whilst getting ready for work when his phone rang. It was his wife calling.

“Hello dear. Is she up?” Segun said, glad he was going to speak with his daughter.

“Honey I think I’m been followed,” Janet said frantically.

“What do you mean followed?”

“Someone or some people are chasing me.”

“Calm down and listen to me there is no need to panic.”

“I’m trying to calm down but this black Hyundai has been following me for a while now and it’s been trying to overtake my car, what if they are thieves or kidnappers? Honey I’m scared.”

“Where are you?” Segun asked, Janet, told him her location then he said. “Alright listen if you keep heading straight ahead there is a police checkpoint very close to that area, make your way there and let them in on the situation, whatever you do, do not let the car double-cross you, and please don’t panic, I’m on my way,” Segun said and rushed into his room, threw a shirt on, and grabbed his car keys.

“Kayode! Kayode!!” He yelled for the gateman and the young lad rushed out of his quarters. “Open the gate.” He said and drove out of the building in a rush. The gateman was left wondering why his boss was in such a rush.

Later that Evening… Segun, Janet, and three police officials were in the living room. Detective Kola who happens to be a very good friend of Segun was asking Janet some questions.

“Did you manage to get the car’s plate number?” Detective Kola asked.

“No, I w-was too scared,” Janet said, still a bit shaken from the experience.

“Okay, can you make any facial recognition?”

“No, the glass was tinted.”

The Detective asked her a few more questions which mostly yielded a negative response as well.

“Okay, looks like you were being followed by some carjackers or robbers but thankfully you got to the police checkpoint in time and they fled.” The detective said.

“See, I told you they were just some highway robbers, now relax and loosen up a bit, there’s nothing to worry about anymore,” Segun said to his wife.

“No, I don’t think they were robbers. They had many chances to double-cross me but it felt like whoever was driving that car was taunting me and ever since I arrived back home I just can’t help but feel like I’m been watched.”

“Did you meet anyone at the party may be an old friend or foe, someone who might do something like this just to spite you or maybe pull a prank on you?” The detective asked.

“There were lots of old friends and families at the party since the groom and I are from the same family.” Janet was silent for a while. “Although I did meet Paul.”

“Who is Paul?” Segun asked.

“He’s Jude’s younger brother,” Janet said.

“Jude is your late husband right?” The detective asked.

“Yes.”

“What did he say to you when you guys met?” The detective asked.

“He didn’t say a word to me; he merely gave me a disdainful look and walked away.”

“Why would he do that?” The detective asked.

“Well, Jude’s family hated me and blamed me for their son’s death. Maybe that’s why he acted coldly towards me.” Janet said.

“There we have it; it was Paul who did it.” Segun declared clasping his hand together.

“I’d rather not jump into conclusion Segun.” The detective said whilst taking notes. “Who else was at the party?”

“Like I said there were lots of people,” Janet said wondering if she would have to give the list of all the guests.

“Was there anyone at the party, who knew the details of your travel, did you tell anyone what time you were leaving and where you are staying?” The detective asked.

“No,” Janet said thoughtfully. “But I did meet my best friend Susan; we haven’t met since I left London. She told me she just got back and we exchanged contacts.”

“So you told her all about your travels?” The detective asked.

“Yeah but Susan would never do such a thing, I trust her,” Janet said.

“How can you claim to trust someone you haven’t met in three years?” Segun asked.

“I know but Susan is a very good friend,” Janet said.

“Be that as it may, we’re not ruling anybody out. I still think that this is just a case of a failed highway robbery.” Detective Kola said. “But just so you can be rest assured, I’ll send some of my boys here to watch over your house for a few more days while the investigation is still ongoing. Hopefully, we’ll catch the perpetrators very soon.” The detective said and shook hands with Segun before he left.

Episode 3

It’s been a week since the incident and everything has been normal. The detective did manage to track Paul down and detain him for a while until he managed to prove his innocence with an alibi. Susan visited Janet at her house telling her she had relocated to Lagos and now they would be seeing each other every day. The police officers had returned to their duty since there had been no sign of any creepy stalker throughout the week. Precious had resumed school since their holiday was over.

It was a Monday morning and Janet decided to go shopping for foodstuffs. Segun had wanted to hire a housemaid to ease her of the chores but she had insisted that despite being a businesswoman she could still make time for her husband and child. While she was buying stuff in the market, Janet had an awkward feeling and she felt like someone was staring at her. This was weird since she was in a crowded market after all. On her way back to her car she noticed that a shadow was creeping up behind hers, when she stops the shadow stops, when she slows down it does the same. She turned around to see who it was but the person disappeared through the crowd.

Janet felt like she was overreacting again this is the first time since the incident that she would be out in public without officers escorting her, maybe that’s why she was feeling a bit uneasy. She got to her car and drove back home.

Janet drove into the compound once Kayode opened the gate for her. She greeted the jovial lad who wanted to help her with her load but she politely declined.

Janet stepped into the living room and was met with the shock of her life. The whole place was scattered, the chairs were turned over, the pillows were tossed everywhere, and the paintings that used to be on the wall were lying all over the floor.

“What happened here?” Janet said and then she looked up and saw the writing.

YOU WILL REGRET IT. Was clearly written on the ceiling in red paint.

Janet dropped the goods in her hands, her heart was pounding, her legs were shaking, her breath was labored, and she screamed as she ran out of the house.

Startled by her scream, Kayode ran out of his quarters in a frantic state.

“Madam, what happened?” He asked.

But Janet couldn’t find her voice as she kept pointing at the door in a horrified manner.

Segun rushed home from work immediately he got a call from his wife that someone had broken into the house. Accompanied by his best friend Lanre, Segun drove into his compound where a police vehicle was already parked, the two men rushed into the house. They found detective Kola and some police officers already seated in the living room, Segun paid little or no attention to the condition of his living room but was rather focused on his wife who seems a bit traumatized from the experience.

Segun ran over to his wife and embraced her, grateful that she’s unharmed.

“Where’s Precious?” He asked.

“I told my mum to go and pick her up from school and have her spend the night over there. I don’t want her to see the house like this.” Janet said.

Segun exchanged pleasantries with the detective then he looked up at the ceiling and saw the writing.

“You will regret it.” He read out loud. There is only one person who will regret it and that’s the person that’s pulling these stunts to traumatize my wife. Segun thought to himself.

“Segun, I….” The detective began but Segun cuts him off.

“I thought you said this will never happen again, didn’t you say there was nothing to worry about. Now look what has happened, someone had the effrontery to come into my house and leave a threat message for my wife. How is that even possible, now I’m not safe in my own house?” Segun lamented.

“Segun, Listen to me.” The detective said.

“I’m done listening to you, Kayode! Kayode!!” Segun yelled for the gateman who came rushing in almost immediately as if he was already lying in wait. “Where were you when this happened?” He asked angrily.

“I—I, I was….” Kayode stuttered.

“You were what? What were you doing when someone broke into my house?” Segun was not the type of man that gets angry easily, in fact, this was the first time he would be yelling at his gateman but he couldn’t hold his rage when his family’s life was at stake. Lanre rushed forward to calm him down and urged him to listen to the detective.

“Listen, Mr. Balogun.” The detective began. “You and I have been friends for a while now and you should know that I would never do anything that would put your family’s life at risk, so I’m telling you to trust me on this case because we already have a good suspect.”

“Who?” Segun asked.

Episode 4

“Who is it?” Segun asked.

“You do know my aunt Sandra, right?” Janet said.

“Yeah, is she not the one that’s helping you to monitor your store?” Segun said.

“Yeah and remember I told you how some of my stocks have been missing recently so I approached her a few days ago and told her that if she cannot account for the missing goods then she can no longer manage my shop,” Janet said.

“Why didn’t you inform me before you made that decision? So what if some stocks are missing then we’ll buy new ones. Did I ever complain to you that I can no longer fund your business?” Segun said, clearly displeased at his wife’s decision to break family ties because of money.

“It’s not about the money dear. It has more to do with trust I can’t do business with someone that I’m unable to trust.” Janet said.

“Alright, what did she say?” Segun asked.

“Well, she flared up and called me all sorts of names, before walking out in anger. She later sent me this message.” Janet said showing her husband the message on her phone screen.

The message read, “You will regret what you did.”

“And that has led us to believe that she’s the one behind all of this.” Detective Kola said.

Segun nodded. “Then what are you waiting for? Come with me, I’ll lead you to her house right now so you can make the arrest.”

“Your wife already gave us the necessary details but we have to make some necessary procedures before we can make an arrest, but be rest assured that she’ll be in our custody by tomorrow morning. The message is more than enough evidence against her but we shouldn’t make any rash decision, we need to apply caution.” The detective said.

“So what now? We just sit here? What if the criminal comes back here?” Segun asked.

“That’s not going to happen; I’ll be leaving two of my officers behind to secure this place. You have nothing to worry about.” Detective Kola said reassuringly. “In the meanwhile, don’t touch anything in this living room leave everything as it is, it’s getting late already and I know you guys can use some good night rest, so I’ll send some of my team experts over here by tomorrow morning to see if we can get a fingerprint or any other evidence that can help us in our investigation.”

“Thank you very much detective,” Lanre said, shaking hands with the detective.

The detective exchanged pleasantry with Segun as well before he left, while his officers stayed behind at the gate.

Segun told Kayode to return to his quarters but should be more vigilant next time. The young lad nodded and left.

“Lanre,” Segun turned to face his friend. “I don’t think I’ll be coming to work tomorrow, so I’m going to need you to look after the company instead, you know you’re the only one I can trust and there’s going to be a board meeting tomorrow morning so you’ll have to be there early.”

“No problem buddy,” Lanre says with a smile.

“Thanks, blood,” Segun says and shook hands with his friend before bidding him farewell.

Segun turned to his wife and cajoled her to the bedroom upstairs, the couple couldn’t go to sleep until it was very late at night when they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

The next morning, Janet woke up first and decided to fix some coffee in the kitchen so she heads downstairs and was met with a shocker. The whole living room was tidy and everything was in its rightful position. She looked up at the ceiling and the painting was gone as well.

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Episode 5

Janet rushed back in to wake Segun up.

“Honey, did you clean the living room during midnight?” Janet asked.

“No, Mr. Kola said we should leave it as it is.” He said.

“Well, the place is all tidy and spotless right now.”

“No way!!” He said.

“Come and see for yourself.” She said.

Segun rushed downstairs with her and his mouth fell open when he saw how tidy the living room was.

“What?” He exclaimed. “Kayode!!” He yelled as he rushed outside, the officers had fallen asleep on their chairs and were snoring loudly. The sound of Segun’s voice jolted them up from their sleep. Kayode also came out from his quarter.

“Kayode, why did you tidy up the living room?” Segun asked.

“No oga, I didn’t do anything; I haven’t left my quarter since last night,” Kayode said.

“Sir, what happened?” One of the officers asked,

“Someone broke into my house last night and erased all the evidence while you were still on your watch, that’s what happened,” Segun said.

The officers shared a glance at each other, knowing they were going to get queried when their boss arrives. Just then the detective arrives with three officers.

“Segun these are the guys who are going to help inspect the crime scene.” The detective said.

“But there is no crime scene anymore,” Segun said.

“What do you mean?” The detective asked.

“Come and see for yourself,” Segun said leading him inside.

“But I told you not to clean it up,” Kola said as he enters the living room.

“We didn’t, we met it like this when we woke up,” Segun said.

“I think whoever left the threat came back to clean it up,” Janet said.

“Which means someone broke into our house again, twice on the same night even with your boys around,” Segun said.

Kola gave his officers a stern look and the two exchanged a glance with each other again and then hung their heads low.

“Have you at least arrested Sandra?” Segun asked.

“Yeah, she’s with us, we’ve been questioning her but she has refused to confess to the crime. Janet let me have a look at that message she sent to you.” The detective says.

“Yeah, sure,” Janet said and went to pick her phone from the bedroom.

She came back with a worried look on her face.

“What happened?” Segun asked.

“I can’t find my phone.” She said.

“What? Are you sure you’ve looked for it properly maybe it’s under the sheets?” Segun said.

“I’ve looked everywhere, I can’t find it.”

“Alright, hold on let me call your line and see if it rings,” Segun said and then he dials her number. “Switch off.”

“That’s weird, I don’t remember turning it off,” Janet said. “Could it be that someone came into our room and took my phone?”

“No, no that’s impossible,” Segun said.

“Well, then how do you explain this?” Janet asked.

“Is there a way to recover those messages?” Kola asked.

“Not that I know of,” Janet said.

“Uhmm, alright here’s what we’re going to do….” Detective Kola said.

Episode 6

“Your aunt sent you a text that you will regret it and someone left the same message in your house, then your phone which has the incriminating message goes missing, I believe all this is connected to your aunt in some way,” The detective was saying. “But we mustn’t also forget the fact that this stalking began when you traveled to Osun, which was before you started having issues with your aunt, and the fact that the stalking stopped after we arrested Paul but it started occurring again after his release.”

Janet nodded to this, “You think maybe he gave a false alibi?”

“No, his alibi was genuine but that doesn’t make him completely innocent.” Detective Kola said whilst stroking his chin in deep thought.

“So what do you suggest that we should do?” Segun asked.

“Well, we don’t have any evidence to prosecute Sandra so we’ll have to release her sooner or later but here’s what we’ll do.” The detective says then he walked over to a painting on the wall and looked at it closely. “Ah ha!” He exclaimed.

“What is it?” Segun asked.

“Looks like our suspect is not as smart as he thinks.” The detective says. “There’s a bit of stain on this painting, it must be a fingerprint. Do not touch this painting, I repeat leave it as it is, my men and I will come back here as early as tomorrow morning to have a look.”

“Why wait till tomorrow morning why not take it with you now?” Janet asked.

“Yeah, why not?” Segun added.

“We can’t afford to move the painting else we might contaminate the evidence. Don’t worry my men will be here by tomorrow morning.” Detective Kola said and starts heading out, Segun followed him.

“I still don’t understand why we have to wait till tomorrow,” Segun said when they got outside.

Kola looked sideways suspiciously and then drew Segun closer. “Listen, there is no stain on that painting the culprit wiped everything clean.”

“Then why did you say….” Segun was saying but Kola cuts him off.

“I believe your house is taped and someone is listening in on our conversations, I’m sure that’s how they came to know about our plan. So now I believe that whoever it is must have heard what I said.”

“And then they’ll come back to remove the painting,” Segun says now catching on.

“Exactly, but this time we’ll be waiting for them.” Detective Kola said, and Segun nodded.

This is such a brilliant plan, it might just work.

Later that evening, detective Kola had positioned his officers in strategic places around the building, with the hope of nabbing the culprit when he/she comes in to remove the painting. The detective had instructed Segun and his wife to go about their normal daily activities, so that the culprit will not suspect a foul play.

Segun and Janet sat in the living room, watching TV until 9:00 pm.

“Honey I’m feeling sleepy,” Janet said loudly.

“Sure, let’s go to bed, dear,” Segun replied, raising his voice as well, then he turns the light off.

The two made their way upstairs to their bedroom; Segun saw detective Kola hiding behind the kitchen cabinet and gave him a wink. Now the stalker is going to be in for a shock, he won’t know what hits him.

All was quiet and peaceful for the next thirty minutes, and then an hour went by still nothing, two hours…. The detective was starting to doubt if the plan was going to work when the door to the house opened and a beam of light from a torchlight illuminates the room, Kola couldn’t see the person’s face but he could tell that he was a man. The man was muttering a word that the detective could not hear from the distance. Instead of walking towards the painting as expected the figure started heading towards the stairs that leads to Segun and Janet’s room, still muttering a word softly. Kola felt the culprit hopes to inflict harm on the couple so he decides not to waste time any longer.

“Now!!” He yelled a command to his men who were patiently lying in wait.

Soon the room was filled with officers as the man jumped in shock at the sound of Detective Kola’s voice; he dropped his touch and fled out of the room. He was running towards the gateman quarters when one of the officers caught up with him and wrestled him to the ground.

By now Segun and his wife were out of their room and heading out of the house to see who it was.

“Help! Help!! Oga, help me, they’ve caught me.” The man was screaming.

“Wait, I know that voice,” Segun said.

Detective Kola walked up to the man and beams the torch in his face. “Kayode!” He exclaimed.

The young man was shocked when he saw that his captors were men in uniform.

“Kayode, what are you doing here?” Segun asked.

“Oga,” The young man began, trying to catch his breath. “I woke up this evening to ease myself when I saw someone sneaking around the building, so I grabbed my torchlight and followed them but then I lost the person and didn’t know which way they went so I decided to come in and wake you up so that you can call the cops, just as I entered I was calling you but I couldn’t raise my voice because I don’t want to alert the thief so I decided to head upstairs and wake you up.”

“Then why did you run when you saw the cops?” Detective Kola asked.

“I didn’t know you were officers, I thought you guys were thieves and I decided to run for my dear life,” Kayode said amidst tears, the young man just got the scare of his life.

“Oh, I forgot to inform you about the plan,” Segun said realizing what just happened.

“Alright Kayode, this person you saw which way did they go?” Kola asked.

“I don’t know, I think the person might have gone inside,” Kayode said.

“Okay, you two, man the entrance,” Kola says to two of his officers. “The rest of you come with me.” He says to the rest and they all went back into the house. “Segun, switch on the lights.” The detective says to Segun, he saw no need to keep the lights off since the stalker already knew they were on to him. Segun switched the lights back on and his jaw dropped.

“The painting is gone,” Janet announced.

“How?” Segun asked.

“Looks like the stalker outsmarted us,” Kola said.

“How?” Was all Segun could mutter again. Then he noticed a trail of tissue paper leading up to the bathroom. “What’s that?” He asked.

“Looks like a trail.” Detective Kola said and starts following it. “Wait here.” He says to Segun, Kayode and Janet whilst his officers followed him.

“Wait here,” Segun said to Kayode and Janet, and then followed the detective.

Janet looked at Kayode. “Wait here.” She told him.

“Aah madam, don’t let me wait here, I’m scared.” The young man said.

“Alright, let’s go,” Janet says to him and they both followed the rest.

The trail ends in the bathroom where the painting was hung on the window with writings on it. “Nice games but now it’s my turn to play.” Those were the words written on the painting in red ink.

Janet stared at the painting with wide eyes; her fear returned in double folds, she could only wonder what was going to happen next.

So captivating and spellbinding. Following to the end.

Episode 7

Segun and the Detective returned downstairs arguing amongst themselves.

“I thought you said your men were professionals, so tell me how the stalker was able to enter my house and even left another threat message right under your noses.” Segun lamented.

“Segun you need to calm down.” Detective Kola said.

“Calm down? How can you tell me to calm down when someone is threatening the life of my family and I?”

“Just listen to me; you need to trust me right now,” Kola said, and then he called Kayode over. “The person you saw, did you manage to catch a glimpse of their face?”

“No,” Kayode answered.

“Well can you give a description of their features?” Kola asked.

Kayode described the person he saw as much as he could remember. Detective Kola nodded and said. “I think it’s time for us to bring Paul in for another questioning.”

“Whatever you want to do, do it fast I don’t want the stalker to make good on his promise,” Segun said.

The detective reassured him that nothing would happen to him or any member of his family.

Two days later…. The detective had managed to track Paul down, he had remained in Lagos ever since he was released and that alone was enough reason to make him the prime suspect. While Paul had insisted that he was innocent of the allegation, he had been detained at the police station and was due to appear in court the next week.

It was three in the afternoon and Janet just got back from her shop and was in the kitchen cooking something to eat when her phone rang. It was her mother. Oh! She exclaimed she had totally forgotten that she promised Precious that she would come and pick her up today. Whilst Precious enjoys her grandmother’s company, it was difficult for both Segun and Precious to be apart for more than a day. Their father and daughter’s relationship was so strong that Segun had mandated her to bring his daughter home today. She’s probably the one calling with her grandma’s phone.

“Hello dear,” Janet says as she picks the call.

“Hello, Janet.” It was her mother on the phone her voice sounds worried.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” Janet asked, anxious over the way her mother’s voice sounded.

“Why didn’t you tell me that you’ve come to pick Precious from the house? I’ve been looking for her all day.” Her mother said.

“I haven’t come to pick her up, oh.” She screamed her heartbeat racing.

“Ah but when I woke up this morning I looked all over the house and couldn’t find her.”

“What are you trying to tell me? You mean my daughter has been missing since morning and you’re just telling me now.”

“I thought maybe she went out to play with the neighbor’s kids, but now they are all telling me they haven’t seen her today. So I felt maybe you’ve come to pick her up.”

“Aah, mum you have killed me oh.” Janet screamed. “You must find my daughter for me; my daughter must not go missing oh.”

Janet broke the call and grabbed her car keys. She ran outside and phoned her husband.

“Segun where are you?”

“I thought I told you that we have a meeting today in Abuja that’s where I am now.” Segun answered.

“When are you coming back?”

“I won’t be back till tomorrow, what’s going on why is your voice trembling?”

“My mum just called me now, Precious is missing.”

“What do you mean she’s missing?”

“My mum hasn’t seen her since morning; my daughter is nowhere to be found.” Janet sobbed.

“Okay, don’t panic just yet. Call Mr. Kola and let him know, tell him I’m on my way home as well.” Segun said, with a sign of apprehension in his voice.

JustCruise:
So captivating and spellbinding. Following to the end.

Thanks. I'm glad you like it

Episode 8

Segun, Janet, Detective Kola, and two officers were seated in the living room.

Segun had his chin rested on his fists pondering. Janet just sat still staring at the door as if her daughter would walk in any moment; her eyes were swollen from crying all night.

‘Who else knew that your daughter was with her grandma?” Detective Kola asked breaking the silence.

“No one, just me, my husband, and my mother herself,” Janet said.

“Are you sure no one else knew?” Detective Kola asked.

“Uhm, I remember telling Susan about it when she visited and asked of her,” Janet said.

“Susan?” Segun exclaimed he never approved of that woman, she always appears to have ulterior motives and he had severely warned Janet to keep her distance from her. “Did I not warn you about that woman?”

“Susan is a very close friend of mine, and she would never do such a thing.” Janet defended.

“Close friend my foot, you guys have been away from each other for three years don’t you know that people change?” Segun said.

“Not Susan.” Janet reinstated.

“Not Susan?” Segun hissed. “Just pray that nothing happens to my daughter due to your foolishness.” Janet was seeing this new side of Segun, the man he knew would never get angry no matter how provoked he gets.

“Our daughter.” Janet corrected.

The detective took some notes and then turned to Segun. “What about you Mr. Balogun did you inform anybody?”

“Unlike some people. I greatly value my daughter’s safety, so the answer to that is no.” Segun said.

“Well, your friend Mr. Lanre was here the other day when I told you that Precious would be staying with my mother,” Janet said.

“Uhm yeah, and what has that got to do with the case?” Segun asked.

“Maybe he is the culprit,” Janet said.

“No way!! Lanre is like my own blood brother.” Segun said.

“Okay so now we have two main suspects, Susan and Lanre.” Detective Kola says.

“It’s not Susan,” Janet said.

“It can’t be Lanre,” Segun responded almost immediately.

Episode 9

“It can’t be Lanre, I know what I’m saying,” Segun argued with his wife.

“And what makes you so sure?” Janet asked.

“Apart from the fact that I trust Lanre like my own flesh and blood, he was with me during the meeting we had in Abuja, so he couldn’t have done this,” Segun said and then turned to face the detective. “Mr. Kola I want nothing more than to find my daughter as soon as possible, and I believe probing Lanre would not yield any result and we’ll just be wasting our time and the more time we waste discussing this issue the more danger we are exposing my daughter to. Go and arrest Susan because I’m sure she knows something about this, do whatever it takes to bring my daughter home, I’m begging you.” Segun says holding his palms together as he pleads to the detective.

“It’s alright Mr. Balogun, we will surely try our best and I can assure you that your daughter will return home safely.” Mr. Kola said and then turned to Janet. “Madam we will need you to give us the address of Madam Susan’s residence, she’s here in Lagos right?”

Susan nodded and reluctantly gave the detective Susan’s address.

“I still don’t believe that Susan is involved in this,” Janet said to Segun right after the officers left.

“I guess time will tell but whoever it is I’ll make them pay for involving my daughter in this,” Segun said and cajoled his wife who was still sobbing. “Don’t worry dear; I’ll make sure that, Precious comes back to us, safe and sound.” He reassured his wife.
***
The detective returned two hours later that day. He was accompanied by two officers.

“Have you arrested her? Has she confessed?” Segun inquired. The detective gave no response.

“Why are you silent?” Janet asked.

“Madam, is this your friend?” Detective Kola showed Janet a picture of a woman lying dead on the floor with a bullet in her head.

“Oh my god, what happened to Susan?” Janet exclaimed; she was petrified.

“We found her dead when we got to her house. She was shot in the head and her lifeless body was lying on the floor of her living room.”

“Oh dear God!” Janet said clasping her mouth with both hands in sheer horror.

“Who would do such a thing?” Segun asked.

“That’s what we don’t know,” Detective Kola said. “The neighbors claimed they heard no noise coming from her apartment, we are at a crossroad here.”

“Where’s she?” Janet asked.

“Her body is on its way to the morgue.” The detective replied.

“I still can’t believe this, Susan is dead?” Janet exclaimed, her body went limp and she collapsed in Segun’s arms.

“Kayode! Kayode!! Open the gate.” Segun yelled. Segun rushed his wife to the hospital.

At the hospital, the doctor told Segun that his wife will be okay. He said she collapsed due to exhaustion. The doctor would later discharge Janet that same day and told her to stop worrying and get more rest.
***
Segun was sitting in his office with his head hung down in deep thought. It’s been two days since his daughter had been missing and they still had no clue of her whereabouts. Detective Kola told them to calm down that investigation was underway but Segun couldn’t calm down, his daughter’s all he ever thinks about. He could no longer do anything properly, he couldn’t focus his mind on his work or any other thing apart from his daughter. His wife’s condition hasn’t improved much either she’s refused to eat or sleep, Segun was worried that she might harm herself before their daughter is found.

Just then, Segun’s friend Lanre comes in with a frown on his face.

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Different twists

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Episode 10

“Segun!” Lanre called when he noticed that Segun hasn’t noticed his presence.

“Oh, I didn’t see you come in,” Segun said rubbing his face with his palm.

“Has there been any progress on your daughter’s case, have they made any findings on her whereabouts?”

“No progress oh,” Segun says spreading his arms in the air. “We were told to be expecting ransom call from the captors but up till now we haven’t heard anything.”

“Oh that’s terrible, I’m sure God will interfere and bring those people to justice,” Lanre said.

“Amen. I pray so too.” Segun said.

“I actually came here for a different reason not knowing that your daughter is still yet to be found,” Lanre said.

“What’s going on?” Segun asked.

“Well, it’s about the recent contract that you awarded to Mr. Collins.”

“What about it?” Segun asked.

“You should have awarded that contract to me instead, after all, I’m your best friend,” Lanre said.

“Hold on, hold on. You and I know that Mr. Collins is more qualified for this project than you are and the last two contracts were awarded to you so I felt that Mr. Collins should have this one instead.”

“Qualified?” Lanre flared up. “Look who’s talking about qualification, what qualifications do you have? If not for the fact, that you were fortunate to have inherited your father’s company.”

“Ah ah. Lanre it’s not up to this now, why are you getting angry all of a sudden.” Segun said.

“It’s more serious than you think,” Lanre said raising his voice. “I struggled to help you build this company after your father died and everyone felt you won’t be able to sustain the company. I was the one who helped you maintain this business and now that the business is booming you want to sideline me. I knew it, ever since you got married to that witch, you call a wife….”

“Watch what you say about my wife,” Segun warned.

“I’m not saying anything wrong; I’m just telling the truth. That Janet is the witch that is influencing you to turn against me can’t you see how she has made you turn your back on your family members? Now she wants to ruin our friendship, I will not stand for it.”

“Ehn ehn.” Segun nodded knowingly and gets off his chair and walked up to Lanre. “I get it now, it makes perfect sense to me now.”

“What?” Lanre sneered.

“So you feel my wife is hindering your source of livelihood that’s why you started taunting her, right?”

“What are you talking about?” Lanre asked.

“I never expected this from you Lanre, so you are the stalker?”

“Guy I don’t understand what you’re talking about, what are you trying to insinuate?” Lanre said his voice was soft now.

“You don’t understand, right? Don’t worry I’ll make you understand.” Segun said and then he rushed to his desk and retrieved a pistol from it, and then he aims the gun at Lanre. “Where is my daughter?”

“Segun, Segun please don’t let the devil use you. I don’t know where your daughter is.” Lanre said now shaking like a jellyfish.

“You don’t know? No problem I’m sure when the cops arrive you’ll confess to them.” Segun turned to pick up his phone and Lanre used that opportunity to hightail it out of the room. “Lanre! Lanre!! Come back here.” Segun yelled after him but he was gone.

“Who would have thought that Lanre of all people would do such a distasteful thing, who knew that Lanre harbored so much hatred for my wife and family? I never knew that Lanre could be so greedy.” Segun said to himself.

Segun hurried to pick his phone to call the detective when a message appeared on his phone. “If you want to see your daughter again. Come to this address…. And you’d better come alone, or else….” The message read. Then another message came in that contains an address. Segun sighed and clenched his fist. “So this is how you want to play it Lanre, no problem. I’ll play your little games but you’d better not harm a hair on my daughter’s head or I’ll make you regret it.” Segun said and then he placed the gun under his shirt and grabbed his keys.

While Segun was driving on his way to the address he was given, his phone rang. It was Detective Kola. Segun picked the call but made up his mind that he wasn’t going to reveal the address to the detective, for his daughter’s safety he had to go alone.

“Hello Segun, where are you?” Detective Kola asked.

“I can’t tell you where I am right now but the kidnappers just sent me a message to meet them at an address and I’m on my way there,” Segun said.

“Listen, Mr. Balogun, don’t do anything stupid. Send me the address and we’ll handle it.”

“I’m sorry Mr. Kola but my daughter’s life is at stake here. I need to go alone.” Segun said and breaks the call.

Segun arrived at the address soon enough and found it to be an abandoned building in the most secluded part of Ikorodu. The house is not an uncompleted building but is in major need of renovation. It was getting late and the sun was setting as Segun gazed at the building for a while and he made up his mind. “If my daughter is in there nothing is going to stop me from bringing her out.”

Segun walked into the building and slowly makes his way to what appears to be the living room, and there she was, sitting at the dining and drawing on a white cardboard, Precious.

“Precious!” Segun exclaimed and ran up to her.

Precious jumped with excitement and hugged him tightly.

“What took you so long? I’ve been waiting for you,” Precious says to him.

Segun looked her over trying to make sure she wasn’t harmed, she looked perfectly fine. “Honey are you okay? Did anyone harm you?”

“I’m fine.” She replied with a smile.

“Where is he? Where is, Uncle Lanre the man who brought you here?” Segun asked gazing around the room.

“It’s not Uncle Lanre that brought me here,” Precious says.

“Then who was it?” Segun asked.

“It was my dad,” Precious replied.

“Your dad?” Segun asked in a confused manner.

“Yes, my daddy’s back from London,” Precious said.

“No honey that’s impossible, that man is dead,” Segun said.

Precious shook her head dismissively. “No, he’s not…” She looks past Segun and points. “look, he’s the one standing behind you.”

Segun froze and slowly turned around. He saw a man standing in front of him with a smile on his face and a frying pan in his hand.

Segun instantly pulled his gun and aims it at him but the man knocks the gun out of his hand before he can take a shot, and then knocks Segun out by clobbering him in the head with the big frying pan.

Wow what a twist. It's becoming more addictive everyday.

Interesting

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Episode 11

Segun woke up with a throbbing headache, Precious sat next to him on the couch.

“Dad said he didn’t mean to hurt you that he had to stop you from shooting him,” Precious said.

“Where is he?” Segun asked.

“He’s in the kitchen, making dinner,” Precious said.

Just then, the man comes out with two plates of food in his hands.

Segun took a closer look at his face illuminated by the dim bulb that was hanging on the ceiling. Segun couldn’t believe he’s the same man that he saw in some of Janet’s old wedding photos; he is indeed Jude, Janet’s first husband but he’s supposed to be dead so how come he’s still alive.

“I hope you don’t mind, the pasta might be a bit soggy. Cooking is not really my fancy.” Jude says as he sets the food up, on the table that was in front of the couch, he placed one plate in front of Segun and handed the other one to Precious.

“Don’t eat that!” Segun yelled to Precious who was about to start eating her food, the little girl looked at Segun in a baffled manner, wondering what he was getting so worked up about.

This forced a short laugh from Jude. “You really think I’ll poison my own daughter?”

Segun snared at him. “Stop calling her your daughter.”

“Then what should I call her, hmm?” Jude inquired.

Segun gazed around to see if he can find anything to attack Jude with so he can get out of here with his daughter. Jude is a tall and heavily built man with the looks of an ex-convict and Segun knew he probably won’t stand a chance in hand-to-hand combat. He sets his eyes on the flower vase that was lying on the table.

Jude noticed this and smiled. “That flower vase won’t serve you any better than the gun you tried to use earlier. Trust me, I don’t want to hurt you I just want to talk, it seems our first meeting has set off on the wrong foot. So let’s start afresh.” Jude says extending his arm for a handshake. “Hello, my name is Jude Orji.”

Segun looked at his hand and traced his eyes back to his face; he still couldn’t believe that this man is standing in front of him. “You’re supposed to be dead,” Segun said, there has to be a possible explanation for this.

“That is absolutely correct you know,” Jude says withdrawing his outstretched arm. “Given all the things that I have been through during the past couple of years, indeed I ought to be dead but here I am alive and well no thanks to your wife.”

“What are you talking about?” Segun asked, he has decided to keep Jude talking long enough for him to find the perfect moment to strike.

“Precious, why don’t you go inside your room and finish your food while I’m having a conversation with our friend.” Jude says.

Precious got up from her chair and says to Segun. “Eat your food before it gets cold.”

Segun smiled and nodded. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” He told her and then she ran off to the adjoining room.

“Now tell me why have you come back after fooling everyone to think you were dead, why are you stalking my wife and troubling my family?” Segun asked in rage, now that his daughter was out of harm’s way he was ready to slug it out with Jude.

Jude smiled and calmly said. “The only person who was fooled here is you by your own wife; she’s been lying to you all this while.”

“My wife would never lie to me.”

“Didn’t she tell you that I was dead and buried and yet here I am? Just listen to me Segun and you will know the truth that your wife is the devil herself.” Jude said and Segun decided to listen to him for a little while longer. “Almost a decade ago after I got married to my wife Janet, all was peaceful and full of love until we had our first daughter Precious. Afterward, the doctor revealed that Janet’s womb has been damaged an incident that occurred due to her earlier wayward lifestyle, Janet had damaged her womb during series of abortions she had long before we got married. Janet never informed me about this till we got married and after we had our first child through surgery the doctor said he had to remove her womb….”

Segun was shocked at this revelation and could barely control the emotional trauma he was feeling. So Janet has lost her womb yet she kept such a big secret from him all these years, no wonder they haven’t had any luck of having children, but the doctor always told them that nothing was wrong with either one of them but he has always suspected foul play given the fact that Janet had always refused to visit any other doctor.

“I never blamed her for this, I mean it was all in her past,” Jude continued. “But then her attitude changed towards me, she started acting cold. She told me she knew my family was already planning to get me a new wife in Nigeria that would give me a male child, and no matter how much I tried to make her understand the fact that I would never do such a thing she was adamant and thus prevented us from visiting Nigeria again, not even for Christmas like we used to do. Even then she still didn’t stop acting cold towards me so much that I started wondering why I was the one paying the price for her mistake. Then I found out she was using my money to build a house here in Nigeria, she was already planning to set herself up when she gets to this country and when I confronted her about it she told me she was just securing her future and that of her daughter. She said ever since I found out her secret that I have changed and she could no longer trust me. I was shocked, to say the least, but all that was nothing compared to what she did next….”

Hmmmm

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Episode 12

“She poisoned me,” Jude said.

Segun sat there baffled and shocked as he listens to Jude. He couldn’t believe that he was talking about the same woman he got married to. Segun wanted to convince himself that Jude was lying but the story makes too much sense and the painful look on Jude’s face shows that he was telling the truth.

“It was a miracle that I survived, but I did. When the doctor told me I was poisoned, I knew it could only be one person, the same woman that makes every meal I eat. When I confronted her, she didn’t deny the accusation but started crying and pleading that it was an accident, that she did it because she felt I was going to leave her with nothing and return to Nigeria to get married to a new wife. I don’t know who had been feeding her with all those lies or maybe she just needed an excuse. I’m sure any normal man in his right senses would either kick her out and file for divorce or get her arrested right away. But for the love I have for my daughter I had to let it slide, filing for divorce will lead to a battle for child custody which I might not win because I feel the case will favor her, and I didn’t want to get her arrested for the sake of the love we once shared. So I let her be, but I stayed away from her. I stopped sleeping in the same room with her, stopped eating her food, and stopped talking to her. I thought this would make her change but instead, her bitterness grew each and every day. So one faithful day,”

“I was in my room when I heard a loud shriek. I rushed to the living room to find out that Janet had cut herself with a knife. Her arm was bleeding from the cut and I rushed to restrain her from causing any more harm to herself with the knife. I snatched the knife away from her hand and then she started screaming and calling for help, I was trying to calm her down when the neighbors rushed in to find her arm bleeding and a knife in my hand. She cried foul and said I was harassing her with a knife for no reason. To cut the long story short, I was arrested and the news read ‘Crazy husband molested his wife with a kitchen knife.’ And that was it. My fate was sealed, I got six years imprisonment and Janet took off with almost everything I owned.” Jude said. “She didn’t even let me say goodbye to my daughter.” He added.

“I—I can’t believe that Janet would do such a thing,” Segun said.

“Well she did, so for six long agonizing years, I was in prison. And when I finally got out? She had her thugs waiting on the outside to finish me off but I wasn’t the same man I once was. Prison life has changed me, and her thugs didn’t stand a chance. I came back to Nigeria and I found out that Janet told my family that I was dead and my mother passed away due to the shock. You could only imagine how angry I was, so I made up my mind to get her back for everything she did. I discovered that she lost all the money she stole from me to fraudsters who promised to help her set up a business here in Nigeria, now she has found a rich dude who will take up her responsibilities. That’s you, Segun.”

“You mean to tell me that she only married me for my money?” Segun asked.

“That’s the sad truth,” Jude said and then continued his story. “I was staying with my friend in Osun, patiently waiting for the right moment to strike, to finally get my revenge and I had my opportunity when she came into town for a wedding. I followed her the next day when she was leaving and I won’t lie to you all I wanted to do was run her off the road and get rid of that devil once and for all but then I saw her, sleeping in the back seat of the car, it was my little Precious right there and then I realized what had kept me going. I realized what I really wanted was not revenge. The only real reason why I came back was for my daughter. So I made up my mind that I would get my daughter back by any means necessary. So I started stalking and taunting her, I wanted to make her life a living hell till she’s ready to give my daughter up. I didn’t do it alone though, I had some help from her friend Susan who gave me all the information I needed. Turns out even her best friend wasn’t in support of what she did to me.”

“So then, why did you kill Susan?” Segun asked.

“I did not kill Susan. Janet did.”

Segun was shocked.

“She found out that Susan was working with me and had her eliminated before the police could arrest her and get any information from her. In the same way, she hid her phone from the detective and said it got stolen because she knew they might find some incriminating messages between her and her hired thugs. While you guys were busy investigating the case and trying to find out who the culprit is, she had her thugs searching for me all over the town because she knew her secret will be out if I was found.” Jude says and then he gazed towards the entrance. “They are probably on their way here right now. Which is why I called you here tonight.” Precious walked out just then and Jude called her over.

“Precious told me how much you love and care for her, so I feel you are the only one I can trust her with. I called you here so that you can know the truth about the devil you married and to leave my daughter with you, please keep her safe.” Jude says handing Precious to Segun. “Now, go!” He added.

“What about you?” Segun asked.

“I need to stay behind and end this here tonight, I’m tired of running.”

“Listen, let’s call the cops. I have a friend who can help us.”

“There is no time for that, just take my daughter and go,” Jude said and just then a gang of eight men walked in, they were armed with knives and machetes. Precious gripped on to Segun’s hand in fear.

Their leader, a man with a red bandanna on his head and a cruel smile on his face eyed Segun and Jude curiously. “Wetin be this?” He said in pidgin. “Just two boys and a little girl? Why I come bring my whole squad? I thought this was going to be a challenge.”

“Who are you?” Jude asked.

“The name’s Scorpion.” The leader replied with a sneer.

“Alright Scorpion, let this young man and the girl go. I’m the one you want.” Jude said.

“I can’t do that, my friend, you see I have clear orders to kill everyone in this building except the child.”

“And who gave those orders?” Segun asked.

“You’ll find out… when you’re dead.” Scorpion said and turned to his men. “Break their bones, don’t harm the girl just bring her to me.”

With that, the men charged at them, Precious screamed and ran back into her room. Segun wanted to go after her but two thugs blocked him in his path, brandishing their machetes in the air.

Meanwhile, Jude knocked one of the thugs senseless by punching him in the head then he struck another with his knee and a kick to the head. He dodged a blow and hits an uppercut on another. One of the thugs tried to hack him with his machete but Jude caught him and head-butts him, knocking him down as well.

Segun dodged a machete strike and grabbed the flower vase he had been eyeing on the table. He smashed the vase on one of the thug's head and stabbed the other one with the broken piece.

“Bring me the girl,” Scorpion ordered one of the thugs who started heading for the room.

“Stay away from my daughter!” Segun yelled, he picked up a chair and slammed it on the thug’s back, the old furniture shattered into pieces from the impact. Segun picked up two of the chair's broken legs and started clobbering the thug with it.

Two more thugs got up and rushed towards Segun who proceeded to clobber them with the wood pieces as well.

Meanwhile, two thugs were making their way to the room as well. Jude rushed at them and shoved one hard against the wall. Then he wrestled the other one to the dining where Jude tossed him through some broken furniture. Then he noticed that some thugs have managed to pin Segun on the floor, Jude rushed at them and kicked one in the head then he grabbed another and pulled him off Segun who managed to break free from the third one by kicking him in the ribs. Segun noticed that Scorpion was making his way to the room and rushed at him with the broken pieces of a chair. He tried to strike Scorpion but the latter dodged, and Segun tried to hit him again but he parried the blow. Scorpion kicked Segun in the head and knocked him to the ground with a smile on his face but just as he was making his way to the room Jude blocked him in his path.

“Stay away from my daughter.” Jude snarled.

“You’ll have to stop me first.” Scorpion said with a smirk on his face.

“Gladly,” Jude answered.

Jude throws a punch at him and he dodged, he tried to strike Jude with his knee but Jude blocked with his elbow. The two were throwing punches at each other and both men were dodging and parrying until Scorpion managed to get a kick on Jude’s shoulder which the latter followed up with an elbow to Scorpion’s nose. The blow stunned Scorpion for a while and before Jude could capitalize on the chance, some thugs had pounced on him, and by the time he managed to wrestle them off Scorpion was ready with a straight kick to the chest that sends Jude flying into the door to Precious room, the door was too old and weak to support his weight and Jude went crashing through it.

Precious screamed and ran out of the room when one of the thugs tried to grab her. Jude tried getting up but two thugs held him down and another one held Segun. Precious ran for the door and bumped into Janet who was just coming in with two other guys who were wearing black suits.

“Mummy,” Precious hugged her. “Those guys are trying to hurt us.”

“Don’t worry darling, I’ll handle it,” Janet said, faking a smile. “You should go and wait by the car outside.” She said. Precious hesitates. “Don’t be a naughty girl and do as you’re told,” Janet said when Precious refused to leave. The girl could see right through her mother’s fake smile.

“Janet, what is the meaning of this madness. Tell them to release us.” Segun yelled.

Janet walked up to Segun. “Let go of my husband.” She said to the thug who did as he was told.

“Don’t call me your husband,” Segun said.

“Don’t tell me you believe any of the lies he told you?” Janet said.

“You’re the liar here, Janet. You told me that Jude is dead, and yet, here he is. Was he lying when he said you framed him? Have you truly lost your womb? Are you not the one who sent these thugs?” Segun asked. “Answer me!” He yelled.

“I see you’ve made up your mind... I’m sorry it had to come to this, Segun. I really loved you,” Janet said, and then turned to the two men in black suits. “Kill them,” she ordered

“No! No!” Precious yelled trying to rush over to Segun and Jude but Janet stopped her and started carrying her out of the building.

“One day you’ll realize why mommy has to do this; it is for your own good,” Janet said to her.

“Wait.” Scorpion said while Janet was standing at the door. “I can’t let you do this.”

“What?” Janet exclaimed.

“If you are willing to do such a thing to the man you supposedly love, I can only wonder what you have in store for me. You’re the most dubious person I have ever met and I’m sure the only reason you brought these men in here is so they can finish me off after the job is done. I’m not a kid nor am I new to this business.” Scorpion said.

“Well, I’m glad you know I can’t trust you enough to let you live, Scorpion. You’re notorious for blackmailing people and I can’t risk this secret getting out. Hope you know that your men are working for me now.” She said with a smile.

“Sorry boss but she’s paying us a lot of money to finish you off.” One of the thugs said and then tried to slash Scorpion’s throat with his knife. Scorpion dodged and strikes him down with his fist. Then he pulled his gun out and pulled the trigger before one of the men in black suits could shoot at him. Jude broke away from the thugs and wrestled the other guy in black suits to the ground and knocked him out with a couple of punches to the head. Segun was wrestling with another one of the thugs a few feet away. While Scorpion was busy blowing his thugs head off with his gun.

Janet grabbed her daughter and ran out of the building when she noticed a police vehicle arriving. Jude went after her.

Detective Kola and his army of police officers rushed into the building and the thugs surrendered their weapons as soon as they saw the cops. The officers arrested every one of them and Kola rushed over to Segun who was injured and bleeding.

“Thank god you’re still alive, Segun,” Kola said.

“How did you find me?” Segun asked.

“We traced your phone,” Kola said.

“Where’s my daughter? Where is Jude?” Segun asked.

“Who is Jude?” Kola asked.
***

At the back of the building, Janet was trying to escape and she was dragging a reluctant Precious along when Jude caught up with her. She turned around furiously and aimed a gun at him.

“Stop following me.” She yelled.

Jude raised his arms up in a sign of peace. “I don’t want any trouble from you. I just want my daughter back.”

“You should have stayed back in London, you should have stayed dead. Why did you have to come back and ruin everything?” She asked furiously.

“I just want my daughter back, that’s all I want,” Jude said.

“No!” Janet yelled. Precious was screaming and trying to break away from her. “You don’t care about me; you don’t care about my daughter. Now, go to hell.” Janet yelled and then she pulled the trigger at the same moment Precious broke free from her hold and started running towards her father but she ran straight into the bullet.

Precious groaned in pain and fell right into Jude’s hand. The gun fell from Janet’s trembling hand as she watched her daughter’s body going limp and her eyes drawing close.

“Precious! No! Precious!” Jude wailed in anguish.

“Freeze,” Detective Kola yelled at Janet as he arrived with Segun.

Segun looked down and saw Precious in Jude’s hand.

“What’s wrong with my daughter?” Segun said and rushed over to her. “Precious! Precious open your eyes daddy is here.” Segun said, crying profusely.

***
Janet was arrested and charged to court for the murder of Susan and her own daughter, Precious. The court sentenced her to life imprisonment where she became mentally unstable due to the emotional trauma she suffered from killing her own daughter.

Segun finally got married again after a lot of persuasion from his friends and family to give love a second chance and he had two beautiful kids with his new wife.

It took the support of his family members to prevent Jude from taking his own life but seeing no reason to remain in Nigeria, Jude returned to London where he hoped to start a new life….

Thank you guys so much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the story. cheers

Lesky3:
Thank you guys so much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the story. cheers

Wow, well done.

Lesky3:
Thank you guys so much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the story. cheers

Thanks for the story