Lyzbet:
Thank you for the update, Larry, How's your son doing?

Update 86

VI

“When will mom and granny return,” Isreal asked his father the following day.

Basket shot him a look that threatened to engulf Israel in flame. “Listen to me, Israel. Let this be the last time you will ever ask me questions about those women. They have done something unforgiveable; I don’t want to set my eyes on either one of them again. You need to deal with the fact that those two are no longer a part of this family.”

Israel began to shake visibly. He was finding it hard to believe that the happy family he grew up in had suddenly been reduced to this; in the stroke of a hand, everything had suddenly fallen apart. First it was the disappearance of his brother Danny; now his mother and grandmother had left him too. He could not help but think that every that was happening was his fault; he felt like they had left him because they wanted nothing to do with him. Sooner or later, the only family member he had left would also leave him – his father; that scared him so much that he began to shake. The thought of being alone in the world and having no one to love and care for him filled him with dread. His father had just told him to forget his mother, including his grandmother too. How could he forget people he cared so much about?

“Please I want to see them,” pleaded Israel, “Can you take me to visit them? I promise I will come back. I won’t run away. I promise.”

“Israel, do not ever bring up this conversation again.”

But the boy would not give up so easily; this was about his family and he would not be silenced for asking for answers he deserved to know.

“What about Danny” he asked, “When is he returning?”

“Danny is never returning,” answered Basket, “He’s not your brother. He has never been your brother from the beginning.”

Now this was what brought tears to the little boy’s eyes. He was finding it very hard to process the overwhelming piece of information he was getting here. How could it be? How could Danny not be his brother? Things were not making sense. He grew up with Danny; he knew Danny all his life – how in the world could Danny not be his brother?

“He’s-he’s not my brother?”

“Yes, he’s not. He’s the son of a thief, and he has returned to his father. That is another truth you have to deal with. I understand that you may be finding all these things hard to believe, but that’s the reality. Sooner or later you are going to find out the truth; I decided it was better for you to find out about it now rather than later. Daniel is not your brother; as a matter of fact, he is someone you must avoid. Stay away from that boy whenever you see him. Like I said, he’s the son of a thief; nothing good can come from someone like him. Things may not make sense to you now but they will be as you grow older.”

“Who is his father?”

“A bastard called Peter Black.”

Israel repeated the name as if it was something he was tasting for the first time; he wanted to feel whether it was sweet or bitter – the name wasn’t bitter in his mouth. “This man called Peter Black is a thief?”

Basket nodded. “Yes, he was a thief. I was the one who put him in jail. But he came out of jail a week ago and took his son.”

Israel frowned. “So Danny is his son? How come the son of a thief had been living with us?”

Basket stared at his son. “It’s a very long story. I’m afraid you won’t be able to understand.”

He knew Israel was smart enough to understand but he was reluctant to tell the boy about the true story because he was afraid that his son might hate him for all he did. Israel didn’t necessarily have to know the true details about him and his old friend Peter.

“All you need to understand right now is that Danny is never your brother.”

“But he’s my best friend, Dad.”

Basket shook his head. “No, he’s not. He has never been your friend. Stay away from him as much as possible. He’s the son of a thief; there’s nothing good about him. You are way better than him. I can see it now. You are a lot better than him because you don’t have the blood of a thief flowing in your veins. You do not carry the curse that has always been with Peter all his life. You are safe; as long as you stay away from Danny, you will be all right. This family will be all right. It’s now you and I against the world. As long as we stick together, Israel, no one will be able to tackle us. You and I together are formidable against any force out there. Israel, this is the time for you to be focused. The pride of this family lies on your shoulders. You are a true, bona fide, Balewa, and so it is your job to protect the honour of this family. Do you understand what I’m trying to say, Israel.”

The boy felt his father was fighting a war with someone but he doesn’t know who the person was. He suspected that enemy must be the man called Peter Black, but still he didn’t know what the fight was all about. He was confused why he had to be put in the middle of all these. Clearly his father wanted him to hate Danny, but he couldn’t see how that would be possible. He and Danny had been through so much together; it wasn’t easy for him to just hate Danny for no reason – he wasn’t programmed that way. But then again, like his father had said, he had the responsibility to protect the Balewa name.

Before Israel could nod or shake his head, Basket’s phone suddenly rang. From the hidden caller’s identity, he could guess that it was Peter Black calling. He left Israel in the living room and went to the bedroom.

“Why are you calling me? We have nothing to talk about.”

“How is your health, Basky?”

“My health is none of your business.”

Peter sighed at the other end. “Regardless of everything that has happened between us, I still care about you. You may find that very hard to believe, but it’s the truth. You were my first friend; you mean a lot to me.”

“I don’t want anything to do with you, bastard. Who told you about what happened to me. I guess you have been talking to Rhoda again. Have you been sleeping with her again? I won’t be surprised if you have. You have always wanted everything that belonged to me. You can’t just help it; you desire my life so much that you are stealing my family from me. You are such a pathetic bastard, Peter Black.”

Peter sighed again. “You know, many years ago, these words would have hurt me. I might have even shed a few tears, but I have learnt to live with your hurtful words; they don’t hurt me anymore. Now, they sound like blabbing.”

“Really? Are any of my words lies? Now that you have taken your son; I suppose you want a mother for him. Who could be the best mother if not Rhoda? At least that’s the mother he thinks he knows. Since your own wife is dead, you think you have to steal my wife too.”

Peter chuckled and said, “Calm down, Basky. Your wife is not with me. I heard you sent her and your mother out of your house. You are losing it, Basky, you’re really losing it. Because of me, you are forsaking the people who truly love you. Your hatred for me has blinded you from reasoning right. You have a perfect family and your ruined it because of your silly anger. Now you have lost a wife and a mother. Has it not occurred to you that you are now all alone in the world? Everyone is beginning to see the monster in you.”

“Whatever happened to my family is all your fault,” seethed Basket, “If you had not crawled out of the hole you belonged in all these would not have happened. It’s all your fault and I will continue to hate you for it.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong. I only came to take what belongs to me. I won’t allow my son to remain under your roof after all the terrible things you have done.”

“What are you talking about? What terrible thing have I done? Am I the one responsible for your wife’s death? Was it me who killed Roberto Bonifacio? There is only one evil person between me and you, and I know it’s not me. You caused the death of your wife, and that truth will be with you for the rest of your life. And your minions – the ones who call themselves The Black Follower – killed Roberto Bonifacio.”

“I am still dealing with the death of my wife. It’s a wound that will remain with me for the rest of my life. I know that for sure. I am brave enough to face my fault. That’s what differentiates me from you. I know where I err and I take responsibility for my actions. I’m unlike you who hide under the cloak of the law while you do terrible things. You cause the death of someone who doesn’t deserve to die, and I still wonder how you are able to live with yourself.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Tony. I’m sure you must have forgotten about him, just like you have forgotten all other people you have brought down.”

“Who the hell is Tony?”

“Exactly what I thought.”

“Oh! You mean the slowpoke?”

“Damn you, Basky! His name is Tony. Tony Erabor.”

“You think I had him killed?”

“You are responsible for his death.”

“You think I’m a monster like that, Peter?”

“I wouldn’t put anything past you. You are a snake, Basky – there’s no line you won’t cross just to please your ego. You had him condemned to death because you knew that was going to hurt me.”

“Tony isn’t dead, Peter.”

There was silence at the other end. “What did you just say?”

“Tony is alive. I didn’t have him killed. I only made you think I did. I wouldn’t have him killed. He’s a retard; he’s not in his right sense. He didn’t even know he committed any crime. I wouldn’t condemn someone like that to death. And because I knew how much you cared about him, I had him put in a mental institution where he’s being treated. You think you know me but you don’t. Like I said, I’m not the monster here, it’s you.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Why don’t you check the psychiatric hospital in Yaba? As far as I know, that’s where he’s been kept for almost ten years now. I didn’t kill your friend, Peter; I’m not that cruel.”

“Thanks for the information, Basky. Have a nice day.”

“Wait, I hope you’re not planning to do what I’m thinking, Peter. If you try it I’m going to hunt you down. You have your freedom now, I will advise you to enjoy it while it lasts. I know you well, Peter Black, you can’t go a month without committing a crime; and I will be here to put you back in jail. I have your key, Peter, I always have your key. You can never escape from me indefinitely. Do you want to know the truth? I dare you. I dare you to commit a tiny bit of crime. I can’t wait to drag you back to jail.”

There was a brief silence at the other end.

“I wish you best of luck this time, Basky.” Peter said and hanged up the phone.

Abosede512:
Thanks for the update, God bless you brother, how is your son, my regards to him and your wife

LarrySun:
The final update of Black Maria 4 (Nemesis) will drop next week.

LarrySun:
The final update of Black Maria 4 (Nemesis) will drop next week.

Update 87

***

The following morning, Warden Kareem received a call from Murphy, just as he had hoped; it was as if the call had been made on cue. He had initially been wondering whether he would have to accommodate Solo in his house for another night. It wasn’t like he hated Solo or anything; but if the news about harbouring an ex-convict in his house got out there, it wouldn’t do good for his career as a prison warden. And so when Murphy called he was filled with joy.

“Your friend is right here with me,” Kareem said immediately, “Come and take him, please.”

“You mean Solo is out already?”

“He’s been out since two weeks ago.”

“Okay, sit tight. We’ll come over there soon.”

“How will you be able to locate us?”

“Calm down, warden; I know where you live with your family.”

“Oh my God.”

The call was disconnected.

A car pulled up in front of the gate about two hours later. Kareem quickly went to meet him at the gate before they stepped into the compound; he surely wouldn’t allow Murphy of all people into his house. And he hoped to make the meeting as speedy as possible. If he could ensure that his wife never found out about this new guest he would be glad. His wife had a strong retentive memory and might recognise who Murphy was. As he walked out of the house, he made Solo follow behind him.

Kareem was surprised to find two men step out of the car. Murphy, the one he knew, was clearly a lot older than the second person. Kareem wondered who the partner was. Solomon was clearly glad to see his old prison buddy. The two men ran to each other and hugged warmly. Murphy even had to lift Solo up in a tight embrace. It had been over ten years since the two had last seen each other. As they hugged, tears ran down the corners of the eyes of both men.

“How have you been, Solo?” Murphy asked. “You look a lot thinner. What’s going on with you? I expected you to be in wild wealth by now.”

Solo shook his head. “I’m lucky to be alive. Senator Bankole almost killed me. I had to run for my life.”

“What! The bastard tried to kill you? How would he try something so dumb?”

Solo shrugged. “Well, I’m just happy I’m alive. I’ve been living in the streets for the past two weeks since my release from prison.”

“So you’re saying that the senator did not give you the money he owed you?”

Solo shook his head.

“That bastard!” seethed Murphy. “I’ll make him pay.”

“Woah! What’s going on here? Are you guys talking about the same Senator Bankole I know? The same ex-deputy governor?”

Murphy nodded. “The same person. That man is dirty. He has to be punished.”

“Do you guys realise what you are talking about? That man is very powerful. What in the world does he even have in common with you?”

“He owes my friend sixty million naira and I intend to make him pay the money.”

“Sixty million what!” Kareem could not believe his ears. “What’s going on here? Please tell me before I lose my mind.”

And so Kareem was told about the deal the senator had with Solo, and Solo in turn narrated the experience he had with the senator and how he woke up in a secluded location – he narrated basically everything that led him back to Warden Kareem. When he was done, the warden whistled loudly. “Oh my goodness! This is very serious. Are you guys sure you are ready to pitch yourselves against the senator?”

“We have the upper hand here. We know about his dirty little secret,” said Murphy’s partner.

“And who are you, please?” Kareem asked the younger man.

“My name is Yinka,” the recipient stepped forward and extended his hand for a shake. “I know Peter Black. I knew him before he went to jail.”

“Good,” said Kareem, “Do you know where we can find Peter Black?”

Murphy and Yinka stared at the warden in shock.

“Wait, you mean Peter Black is out of jail?”

“He was released last week,” said Kareem, “I don’t understand why you guys don’t know he’s out. The news about his release was broadcast on the radio and television. How could you have missed it?”

“We’ve been too busy to sit before a radio or TV,” Murphy said.

“I think we need to locate Peter Black before doing anything. I’m sure he will know the right way to deal with the useless senator. If anyone can bring someone as powerful as Senator Bankole down, it would be Peter Back. Hell, the man dealt with Otunba.”

“So it was Peter Black that was responsible for Otunba’s death?” Kareem was shocked once again.

“You didn’t know that?” Solo was surprised, “He didn’t directly kill the man, of course; he used the man’s greed and impatience against him. Peter systematically used both Warden Mike and Otunba against each other without getting his own hands dirty.”

“Are you guys talking about the same Otunba that terrorized me in prison?” Murphy said.

Solo smiled. “Yes, the same person.”

“That monster was one of the reasons I broke out of that prison. He threatened my life. If I had been there any moment longer he would have had me killed.”

“Well, he’s the same person Peter Black strategically got rid of.”

“Where do we find Peter Black now?” Kareem asked. “I don’t think anything can be done right without him.”

“Maybe you’re right,” said Solo, “maybe he doesn’t want to be found yet. If he wanted to be located, he would have revealed himself since the moment he got out of jail.”

“I know where we can find him,” Yinka suddenly said, “I have a good idea where he would be.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’ get into the car,” Murphy said excitedly.

Murphy, Yinka and Solo trooped themselves into the car.

“Thank you, Warden Kareem, for everything. You are a good man. My regards to your family,” said Solo. “I think I will be fine now.”

“Shut your mouth,” whispered the warden, “I’m coming with you guys.”

***

“When are mom and Israel coming?” asked Danny as he spooned a morsel of rice into his mouth.

“They will join us very soon.”

“This is the same thing you have been saying since two days ago,” complained the boy, “You kept me here and didn’t allow me to go out. I hate this place.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll leave very soon. I promise.”

“Have I been kidnapped?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Did you kidnap me?”

“Of course not.”

“Then return me to my family.”

“That’s not your family.”

“You’re a liar!” screamed Danny, “Take me back to my family. I miss my brother. I miss mom. I miss grandma. I don’t want to stay here anymore. Take me back to my family.”

“Listen to me, Junior; they are not your family. I am your family.”

“Stop calling me Junior! My name is Daniel Balewa. My name is not Junior.”

“We both agreed to change your name. You are no longer Daniel Balewa. You are now Junior Black.”

The boy frowned. “Junior Black? Why are you giving me your surname?”

“That’s because you were never a Balewa. You are a Black. You are the bona fide grandson of Ade Black.”

“I don’t understand what you are talking about, sir.”

“All I’m trying to tell you is that I am your father.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am.”

“How could you be my father? I don’t know who you are. I saw you for the first time just two days ago. How could you be my father?”

“I went away for a long time. You had to stay with the Balewas pending the time I would return.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Peter sighed. He rose up and picked up the frame picture of himself and Maria.

“Look at this picture. Do you see this beautiful woman? That’s your mother. Her name is Maria.”

“My mother’s name is Rhoda Balewa.”

Peter threw up his hands in the air, frustration was slowly creeping in. “Okay. Would you believe me if Rhoda told you the truth?”

The boy’s eyes lit up. “I’m going to speak with mom?”

“As a matter of fact, I’m going to call her on phone right now.”

He brought out the Nokia and dialed Rhoda’s stored number. The phone rang for a moment before it was finally picked up.

“Hello Rhoda, this is Peter Black.”

“Hi Peter. How are you? I’m with my mother-in-law. We are on our way to the east.”

“Good. Rhoda, Junior would like to speak with you.”

“Junior? Who is Junior?”

“The boy you all decided to name Daniel without seeking my consent.”

“Oh I hope there’s nothing wrong. Why would he want to speak with me now?”

“He would like to ask you a question. I want you to reply him honestly. He will know if you lie to him.”

“Okay. Give the phone to him.”

Peter handed the phone to the boy. “Hello mom,” the child's gentle voice came to the phone and Rhoda suddenly realised how much she missed him. Tears ran down her cheeks. She had wanted to see him before leaving for the village but her mother-in-law would not allow it.

“Hello my darling,” she said, trying to hold herself together. “How are you doing?”

“I don’t like it here. There is no light and I miss you and Izzy. Is Izzy there with you? I want to speak with him.”

“Unfortunately, honey, Israel is not here with me currently.”

“Peter has been telling something I don’t understand.”

“Danny! Come on! Peter is not your mate – don’t ever call him by name again.”

“Um, he actually insisted I call him by that.”

“Really?”

“Yes, you can ask him,” replied the boy sharply, “Anyway, he has been telling me some things I don’t understand. I would like to find out from you, if you don’t mind.”

“He’s your father, Danny. He’s right.”

Danny became silent for a moment. “What about Izzy and you? Are you my mother? Is Izzy my brother?”

“I will always be your mother, honey; and Izzy will always be your brother. But your real mother is Maria. I’m sure he has told you about it.”

Tears ran down the boy’s face. “Will I ever see you again, mom?”

“Of course you will. Very soon, we will meet again, I promise.”

“What about Izzy? Will I ever see him again?”

“If God wants you and Izzy to be together, nobody can stop it. For now, you have to listen to everything Peter tells you. He’s your father. He will take good care of you.”

Danny nodded slowly. He was handling everything in a very mature manner that belied his tender age. “Goodbye, mom.”

“Goodbye, my son.” Rhoda wept bitterly.

“Take good care of Izzy and granny.”

“I-I will try my best.”

The call was disconnected. Danny handed the phone back to Peter.

“Do you believe me now?”

The boy nodded slowly and asked. “When are we leaving this place?”

“In a couple of days’ time. My job here is almost done. I promise you I’m going to take very care of you. We will be best of friends. Oh I’m going to teach you a lot of things about how to survive in this world.”

“Where’s my mother?”

Peter suddenly looked sad. “I’m sorry, Junior.”

“She’s dead, isn’t she?”

Peter nodded. “She is.”

Danny stared at the picture and a wry smile crossed his face. “She’s really beautiful.”

“She’s the most beautiful woman in the world, Junior.”

Then a knock suddenly sounded on the door. Peter was instantly on the alert. He whispered to Danny, “Go into the bedroom right now, lock it and don’t make a sound. You only open it when you hear my voice.”

The boy nodded in understanding. He took the framed picture along as he left. He could not stop staring at Maria’s face. It seemed to Peter like nothing mattered to the boy anymore than the picture he was holding.

The knock sounded again. Peter suddenly felt a little bit of déjà vu. It seemed like the event of the past ten years was about to replay itself. No one was supposed to know this place; this knock only meant trouble. He went to the door but didn’t open it immediately. He looked through the keyhole but he could not make any sensible shape from the little opening.

The knock sounded the third time, this time it was harder. Peter breathed in heavily and breathed out again. He would not allow anyone to take his child away from him. He would rather die than let that happen. Whoever was at the door would have to go through him before getting to his son.

He slowly unlocked the door and opened it. To his surprise, he was staring at a bespectacled elderly man at the doorway.

“Hello Peter Black,” the man greeted, smiling at him.

“Who are you and what can I do for you?”

“It’s such a great privilege to meet you again. I had been waiting so long for this day to arrive. I read the news about your release in the newspaper two days ago. I have never been happier since then. I got this address from the personal information you gave."

“Who are you, please?”

The man slowly removed the glasses. “You don’t recognise me still?”

Peter stared at the man as the recognition slowly occurred to him. “I know you – you are Doctor –”

“Exactly! I’m Doctor Rukewe from Fortress Hospital. The same hospital where your wife –”

“I know,” said Peter impatiently, “Why are you here? What can I don for you?”

“I have something very important to tell you, Peter Black.”

“Say whatever you want to say, Doctor. I’m very busy.” Peter knew he had to leave this place as soon as possible. The location had been compromised. This was the same doctor that had given him up to Basket ten years ago. He didn’t want anything to do with the man anymore – he was not to be trusted. The fact that he got this location meant he might once again report him to Basket. As soon as he discharged the doctor, he would take his son and get the hell out of here.

Doctor Rukewe sighed and said, “This is so heavy to say, but I’m going to say it anyway.”

“What the hell is it, Doctor?”

“Maria, your wife, didn’t die. She’s alive.”

TO BE CONTINUED…

WATCH OUT FOR THE FINAL BOOK IN THE SERIES
(BLACK MARIA 5: RETRIBUTION)

All these other books by Larry Sun are available for download. Don’t miss these amazing novels:

Black Maria (Books 1, 2, and 3)
The Brand of Cain
The Paradox of Abel (The Sequel)
Kanu: The Journal of a Rogue
Let The Guns Speak

Some of his short stories include:

The Coffin of Errors
Dark Tears of Babylon
Christopher
Lucas – A Sequel to Christopher
A Merry Christmas
The Nemesis of Daddy
On Wings of Insanity
The Curious Case of Boda Meko

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