Kaycee9242:
still waiting

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OlufemiWhit:
I never late

You are right on time, bro.

Hello wonderful fam,

Hope you guys are all doing fine?

I'm so sorry to have kept you guys waiting. I got snatched away by family obligations ni ... baby's things, you know .

My wife just delivered a baby girl!

Anyways, don't let me bore you with my father's things, jare!

So, what do I have for guys?

Well, I'm very happy to inform you that the much awaited Jewel from the Ghetto 2: The Return of Shakirah is NOW OUT and available on major online stores (Okadabooks, Smashwords, Amazon etc.)

For those who want a head start, hurry to Okadabooks to get your copy now:

https://okadabooks.com/book/about/jewel_from_the_ghetto_2_the_return_of_shakirah/26442

However, updates will start here soon.

Thank you all for your patience.


Àdùkẹ́!
...My Story, My World.

Like my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/adukestories/
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bluntboy, rayvelez, jerrybakermillz, nextlevel10, phoenixchap, pascalbenz, bejeria101, Sarang, TRACYPETER755, Bolaji299, joromi36, emeraldlife, Queenflourish, YINKS89, Faspen, alphacyborg, abubakarbabang7, OlufemiWhit, GoldenVivi, TheAngry1, Kelvin30286063, sooperrescue, genius43, skubido, Folashadee, oloyedprince1, YoungBruzzy, tonexyx, Marvelous352, rukidanty, Joislim, ADUKKY, Arom21, Peppergroove, becca2017, cortix, kingin55, aprilwise, Eronsammy, HORLADSTAR, IAmXcessiz, Alliswelleumas, jeweltab, PreshyG, Ruibii, OlufemiWhit, devilmaycry1, Ann2012, chinonyinye, Felixdgreat, Phyllis195, Philgo, Jasmine4, AvatarMode, portablefola, Godwindanielboy, rosalieene, Mufahsa, ProfClassic, Kormforth, Gucciqueen38, DemiKOL, kingphilip, kensteven16, josepphh, Hollavick, babajeje123, ayox1, cyndy1000, herosakin777, stizzy, Joislim, Missmossy, officialbazor, Ayomideen, kingin55, IAmAmbrose, Xeynab, queenitee, Xedy, mattobi, tjquib, imranMotunrayo, moseph, asagbaesiri, mcjesuspikin, odunmba, Mourin, Rophie, Forkim, nekkygracie, Joylove0267, devilmaycry1, harjibolar10, Uniquechild, Printriteng, jesvic91, odurombi, izaray, Kendrick80, pweetymhi, Hantonia, franklin000, debbycreamy, Mustybad, toyhin123, Pacifus058, Mtbail, excelmerry, Favouritetega, Solomonakindoyin, ifiokjohn, Kelvin4luck, Juniorangel, chigozie69, bigkuba, NaijaTushboy(m), yungnot(m), frankiemorasky7, zephaniah11, Otarkpa, LightQueen(f), Slimynonny, Stevenbright(m), juninhouj, kaycee924

Jewel from the Ghetto 2: The Return of Shakirah

Published by
Qudus Oko-Osi

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2019 by Qudus Oko-Osi

The right of Qudus Oko-Osi to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the copyright laws.

ISBN: 9780463272589

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the Publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles or reviews. For information email: okoosiqudus@gmail.com.


Other Titles by Qudus Oko-Osi:

Prisoner of Love
Jewel from the Ghetto



Dedication

To Taiwo and Kehinde, my beautiful nieces, daughters of Yetunde and Quadri Adesoji Oko-Osi.


Acknowledgements

My profound gratitude to my ever loving Nairaland and Facebook fans. Their wonderful and upbuilding comments bolstered my confidence in my writing ability and encouraged me to write this sequel to Jewel from the Ghetto.

Plenty thanks to Bukola Olaniyi and other beta readers for making out time to read and share their thoughts on the manuscript.

Travel.usnews.com was a helpful resource in providing information on the British Virgin Islands.

Above all, my heartfelt appreciation to Jehovah, the God of All Wisdom.

***





ENRAGED

For her, there was no time for parties. She stood still—on a spot—outside the gate. Feet and arms wide part. Fingers not clenched but spread out. Head raised heavenward and eyes closed. For five full seconds, she drew in air and let it escape through her mouth slowly. The stance was that of someone in deep meditation or, rather, of someone who had surrendered herself to be possessed by a spirit from heaven. And when she opened her eyes, it was as though a demon had actually possessed her. Her eyes thinned out. Her pupils vanished into their sockets. And her lips tightened into a straight line. There was no doubt that the prison had changed her, albeit not for good!

The eyes glittered. It was a glitter fuelled by hate and vengeance, and these dangerous emotions had one target—Simisola! This vengeance was now her driving force and the hate her lifeblood. And with vengeance and hate came no mercy. This was the return of Shakirah!





Àdùkẹ́!
...My Story, My World.

Like my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/adukestories/
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congratulations sir

JamesKudooski:
Hello wonderful fam,

Hope you guys are all doing fine?

I'm so sorry to have kept you guys waiting. I got snatched away by family obligations ni ... baby's things, you know .

My wife just delivered a baby girl!

Anyways, don't let me bore you with my father's things, jare!

Congratulations Sir

shakira should take it easy ooooo!! b4 we change am for am, op well done we dy ur bk

[quote author=JamesKudooski post=77050472]Hello wonderful fam,

Hope you guys are all doing fine?

I'm so sorry to have kept you guys waiting. I got snatched away by family obligations ni ... baby's things, you know .

My wife just delivered a baby girl!

Anyways, don't let me bore you with my father's things, jare!



Lol come and bore us with it jhooor.. anyway, congratulations sir, am so happy for you.. i pray that she shall live to fulfil her destiny in Jesus' Name, amen.

JamesKudooski:
Hello wonderful fam,

Hope you guys are all doing fine?

I'm so sorry to have kept you guys waiting. I got snatched away by family obligations ni ... baby's things, you know .

My wife just delivered a baby girl!

Anyways, don't let me bore you with my father's things, jare!

So, what do I have for guys?



However, updates will start here soon.

Thank you all for your patience.

Congratulations to you and your family

Good day sir. I'd like to get this story, however, I can't have access to okadabooks at the moment. Can I please pay directly to you to get the pdf copy?

Blackween:
congratulations sir

Thanks so much, sis.

Ann2012:


Congratulations Sir

genius43:


Congratulations to you and your family

[quote author=becca2017 post=77053212][/quote]


Thank you, all. Really appreciate you guys.

Ochyglowsglows:
Good day sir. I'd like to get this story, however, I can't have access to okadabooks at the moment. Can I please pay directly to you to get the pdf copy?

Ochyglowsglows, thank you for your interest in the book.

Please pay into the account below and send a mail to okoosiqudus@gmail.com:


Account Name: Qudus Adeyemi Oko-Osi
Account No: 2832013934
Bank: Ecobank

Thank you.

JamesKudooski:
Hello wonderful fam,

Hope you guys are all doing fine?

I'm so sorry to have kept you guys waiting. I got snatched away by family obligations ni ... baby's things, you know .

My wife just delivered a baby girl!

Anyways, don't let me bore you with my father's things, jare!

So, what do I have for guys?

congratulations!!!!

JamesKudooski:
bluntboy, rayvelez, jerrybakermillz, nextlevel10, phoenixchap, pascalbenz, bejeria101, Sarang, TRACYPETER755, Bolaji299, joromi36, emeraldlife, Queenflourish, YINKS89, Faspen, alphacyborg, abubakarbabang7, OlufemiWhit, GoldenVivi, TheAngry1, Kelvin30286063, sooperrescue, genius43, skubido, Folashadee, oloyedprince1, YoungBruzzy, tonexyx, Marvelous352, rukidanty, Joislim, ADUKKY, Arom21, Peppergroove, becca2017, cortix, kingin55, aprilwise, Eronsammy, HORLADSTAR, IAmXcessiz, Alliswelleumas, jeweltab, PreshyG, Ruibii, OlufemiWhit, devilmaycry1, Ann2012, chinonyinye, Felixdgreat, Phyllis195, Philgo, Jasmine4, AvatarMode, portablefola, Godwindanielboy, rosalieene, Mufahsa, ProfClassic, Kormforth, Gucciqueen38, DemiKOL, kingphilip, kensteven16, josepphh, Hollavick, babajeje123, ayox1, cyndy1000, herosakin777, stizzy, Joislim, Missmossy, officialbazor, Ayomideen, kingin55, IAmAmbrose, Xeynab, queenitee, Xedy, mattobi, tjquib, imranMotunrayo, moseph, asagbaesiri, mcjesuspikin, odunmba, Mourin, Rophie, Forkim, nekkygracie, Joylove0267, devilmaycry1, harjibolar10, Uniquechild, Printriteng, jesvic91, odurombi, izaray, Kendrick80, pweetymhi, Hantonia, franklin000, debbycreamy, Mustybad, toyhin123, Pacifus058, Mtbail, excelmerry, Favouritetega, Solomonakindoyin, ifiokjohn, Kelvin4luck, Juniorangel, chigozie69, bigkuba, NaijaTushboy(m), yungnot(m), frankiemorasky7, zephaniah11, Otarkpa, LightQueen(f), Slimynonny, Stevenbright(m), juninhouj, kaycee924

presently present....
thanks for the invite!

JamesKudooski:
bluntboy, rayvelez, jerrybakermillz, nextlevel10, phoenixchap, pascalbenz, bejeria101, Sarang, TRACYPETER755, Bolaji299, joromi36, emeraldlife, Queenflourish, YINKS89, Faspen, alphacyborg, abubakarbabang7, OlufemiWhit, GoldenVivi, TheAngry1, Kelvin30286063, sooperrescue, genius43, skubido, Folashadee, oloyedprince1, YoungBruzzy, tonexyx, Marvelous352, rukidanty, Joislim, ADUKKY, Arom21, Peppergroove, becca2017, cortix, kingin55, aprilwise, Eronsammy, HORLADSTAR, IAmXcessiz, Alliswelleumas, jeweltab, PreshyG, Ruibii, OlufemiWhit, devilmaycry1, Ann2012, chinonyinye, Felixdgreat, Phyllis195, Philgo, Jasmine4, AvatarMode, portablefola, Godwindanielboy, rosalieene, Mufahsa, ProfClassic, Kormforth, Gucciqueen38, DemiKOL, kingphilip, kensteven16, josepphh, Hollavick, babajeje123, ayox1, cyndy1000, herosakin777, stizzy, Joislim, Missmossy, officialbazor, Ayomideen, kingin55, IAmAmbrose, Xeynab, queenitee, Xedy, mattobi, tjquib, imranMotunrayo, moseph, asagbaesiri, mcjesuspikin, odunmba, Mourin, Rophie, Forkim, nekkygracie, Joylove0267, devilmaycry1, harjibolar10, Uniquechild, Printriteng, jesvic91, odurombi, izaray, Kendrick80, pweetymhi, Hantonia, franklin000, debbycreamy, Mustybad, toyhin123, Pacifus058, Mtbail, excelmerry, Favouritetega, Solomonakindoyin, ifiokjohn, Kelvin4luck, Juniorangel, chigozie69, bigkuba, NaijaTushboy(m), yungnot(m), frankiemorasky7, zephaniah11, Otarkpa, LightQueen(f), Slimynonny, Stevenbright(m), juninhouj, kaycee924

present sir

And I wasn't mentioned but am following

DemiKOL:


congratulations!!!!

Thank you, Demikol

DemiKOL:


presently present....
thanks for the invite!

you are welcome and please take your seat.

moseph:
present sir

I see you, moseph. You are welcome.

damselposh:
And I wasn't mentioned but am following

Oh-oh! sorry for not mentioning you.

EPISODE 1
(CHAPTER ONE)

Somewhere in Apapa, Lagos.

THE MASSIVE WALLS OF the prisons eventually came into view. The moment they drove through the gate, the convicts were welcomed into the embrace of an atmosphere that was frighteningly calm. There was a chill that came with this place that unnerved them. They looked around. Bad idea. Nobody needed to tell them that they just drove into one of the scariest prisons in the country—one reputed for holding the country’s most vicious criminals and that housed a maximum-security prison, a medium-security prison, and a women’s prison.

Minutes later, the Black Maria sputtered to a halt in front of the women’s prison and the convicts came down. For a moment, Shakirah took in the impregnable cream coloured wall and the intimidating green entrance. Above the entrance, on a green rectangular post, the name of the prison looked down on them as if it had a life of its own. It was the name that sent cold shivers down the spines of those who dared to look upon it. It was KIRIKIRI WOMEN’S PRISON!

She turned to Risi. Big mistake. One glance revealed she was as good as dead inside. Beads of sweats converged on top of her nose. Her extremities shook uncontrollably in spite of her efforts to keep them in check. Another quick glance at Nicole and she could bet Nicole was close to peeing in her pants, that is if she had not done so already. Her leg muscles tightened and she wore an expression of someone considering running away. If only it was possible.

For the next few minutes, Shakirah did not take her eyes off the inscription. Her demeanour was still and her chin was raised high. Chewing gum was now a luxury, so she chewed the cud slowly but determinedly. This was now her home, her world, and the blue uniform would be her only form of clothing for the next five years! But one thing was sure, she wasn’t going to cower or brood over this reality like a lost child, the way most of her mates were now doing. No! She would rather walk through the entrance shoulders high, chin-raised, and face whatever ‘monster’ lied on the other side head-on! But deep inside those eyes was something hidden, something strong, something sinister—a burning feeling of hate and fury. It wasn’t hate for this Godforsaken place but a reflection of her desire for vengeance against Simisola whom she perceived as the architect of her woes.

After the check-in process, they were led in single file to a general cell. Shakirah had heard many terrifying stories about the cell. It was an overcrowded cell where new inmates were first taken before being assigned to their cells because of the congestion of the facility. And it was where they got their first baptism of fire. It was where spirits were broken and any sense of self-worth was taken away. It was where inmates called their relatives and begged for money to buy some temporary freedom from their abusers. The inmates called it the Welcome Cell; outsiders called it a house of horror! The cell was usually ruled by the strongest, the meanest, the Alpha-female called the ‘Provost’ or ‘Marshall’ and there were several such cells.

After a short orientation which was not more than a handling down of instructions, the warders ushered them into the cell, locked the iron-bar door, and left them to their fate. Shakirah knew that the next few minutes or perhaps hours would be rough. She was prepared. She whispered to Risi and Nicole, “You might want to stay close, babes.”

Immediately, a horrible stench rushed at them. Nicole’s stomach muscles tightened the moment the miasma seeped through her nostrils. She bent over, held her stomach with one hand and covered her mouth with the other trying to hold back the retching feeling that was threatening to rip her gut apart. Shakirah pitied her. She was far too fragile for this kind of life. Shakirah’s narrowed eyes darted over the filthy cell and realised it was a lot worse than the stories she had heard.

It was dingy, damp, and dimly lit. Several inmates huddled together at a corner while others sprawled on the bare cold concrete floor. They seemed unbothered by the presence of the new arrivals. At the far end was the water closet or, rather, what was left of it—the sight of which was enough to send one to the casualty ward. Risi shifted from leg to leg restlessly. No doubt, the unsightly sight had started chipping away her spirit bit by bit. At the other end were three double-decker bunks occupied by those Shakirah suspected were the lords of this hell. But she knew that even among the lords there would be only one alpha, the Provost.

“Who rules here?” she demanded in a steady, low-pitched voice.

Time stood still at the sound of her voice. All heads turned in her direction. Not that the voice was intimidating, they were only shocked that someone dared ask the question. All the same, the question was unnecessary because the answer was obvious. Right there reclining on one of the bunks was Poison whom the other inmates called Big Mama. She was the ‘Provost’ of this particular hell. Two inmates, one on either side, were fanning her with their tops and a frail older woman was massaging her legs. Poison was big, a tomboy with big scary eyeballs that appeared to be too big for their sockets. She rolled up one of her sleeves to the shoulder to reveal a well-drawn tattoo of Medusa. She was the hit-man for a secret cult group during her university days. She was still as deadly as she was back then.

Equally shocked, Poison sat up and with one movement of her eyes, those attending to her stopped instantly. By the time her eyes settled on Shakirah, they grew even bigger. Nobody had ever challenged her authority and seeing that the fool who just asked the forbidden question was none other than an over-bleached, skinny girl was even more baffling. She expected to see someone massive and imposing.

She said nothing. She only scoffed. She hardly spoke. She communicated mostly through eye movements and bodily gestures. Whenever she talked, then there was going to be blood. She looked at Shollybee and Toxic, two of her ‘generals’. They were the strike force usually at the forefront of inflicting pain whenever she gave the order. She nodded in Shakirah’s direction and immediately, they marched up to Shakirah and stationed themselves one on each side.

“You wan know who dey rule for here?” Toxic answered in Pidgin English. The voice was far too gruff for a lady’s. Shakirah’s voice only sounded like a baby’s babble in comparison. “She dey wait for you. Oya go greet ya mama.” She shoved her forward.
Shakirah walked steadily and deliberately to Big Mama and stood in front of her, planting her feet firmly on the ground in a wide stance, looking at her straight in the eye, and chewing the cud slowly.

“On your knees!” a third general standing close to Big Mama snarled.

Shakirah stood still, unshaken by the voice.

The effrontery got Big Mama mad. Her eyes glowed like embers. She roared, “Did you not hear that you should kneel?!” The voice sliced through the air with the force of thunder.

The other inmates scampered at the sound of the voice. Shakirah too was shaken. She dropped on her knees immediately with eyes looking down at Big Mama’s feet; they suddenly became too heavy to hold her gaze. She wondered if Poison was really a lady or a man. Small wonder they called her Big Mama!

The generals guffawed but the other inmates stayed mute. They pitied Shakirah. Shakirah just made Big Mama talk! No, she made her scream! There was going to be blood!

“A ṣé ó tì ẹ le!” Shollybee taunted. “Ló wa fẹ máa show aroma.” She added in Yoruba meaning, “So, you are this chicken-hearted and you were showing off.”

Poison’s sidekicks guffawed again. Risi held her breath and Nicole buried her face in her palms, shaking her head slowly. She couldn’t muster up the courage to watch what would happen next. “Not good. This can’t be good,” she mumbled.

“Hmmm ... where ... where do I start from?” Big Mama drawled as she rubbed her fist in her palm and stared at Shakirah as if contemplating the ideal place to begin the torture.

Shakirah slowly looked up until her eyes found Big Mama’s. The icy stare almost unsettled Poison. Shakirah offered, “I have an idea.” She smirked. “Why not start from your face.”

“Huh?”

Shakirah spat into her face with disgust. The thick spittle smeared across her nose bridge and flowed sluggishly down her nose. It smelled.

Toxic and Shollybee sprang forward to strike but Big Mama raised her hand and they halted. She was going to deal with the bastard herself. She wiped the spit off her face. She ground her teeth until the chattering sound became loud and clear. Her lips twitched and she cracked her neck from side to side. She sniffed and swiped her finger slowly across the space between her nose and her lips.

“Ah, fool! Why did you do that? You just woke the viper,” the frail woman muttered to herself.

The other inmates made a hoot of pity. They understood those gestures perfectly, especially the sniffing and swiping of the finger part. That was her usual reaction before opening the floodgates of horror!



To be continued ... Watch Out for the Next Episode!

NB: The book is NOW AVAILABLE on online stores. For those who don't want to wait for each episode to be released, get the book here:

1. OKADABOOKS: https://okadabooks.com/book/about/jewel_from_the_ghetto_2_the_return_of_shakirah/26442

2. SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/930731


Àdùkẹ́!
...My Story, My World.

Like my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/adukestories/
Website: https://okoosiqudus.wixsite.com/author

EPISODE 2
(CHAPTER ONE)

“You dared spit on my face, corpse?” Big Mama roared. And in one swift movement, like a viper’s tongue, her hand flickered out and grabbed Shakirah by the throat.

It was so fast that Shakirah didn’t see the hand coming. Big Mama squeezed it. Shakirah screamed in pain but the sound only came out muffled. The pain was excruciating. Big Mama stood up and lifted her off the ground. Shakirah reached up with both hands and grabbed Big Mama’s hand with all her strength, trying to pull it away from her throat but the grip tightened more around her throat. Her legs started dangling in the air. She grunted. She was choking. She knew she had to do something fast. She swung her leg and thumped a heavy kick below Big Mama’s abdomen. Big Mama yelped and her grip loosened immediately. Shakirah fell to the ground. She held her throat, wheezing and coughing as she tried to catch her breath. She could feel the blister that burned into her neck like a hot coal.

“Idiot! Now you die!” Big Mama snarled and went for the neck again.

This time she was going to snap the neck in two; no need for mercy! Shakirah saw the hand this time and quickly rolled away. She turned around and grabbed the hand with both hands, drew it to herself and buried her teeth into the flesh. The taste of blood filled her mouth. Big Mama groaned in pain. She pulled the hand away frantically, wiggling the fingers and blowing air at it with her mouth.

That was an opportunity for Shakirah. She bull rushed at her like a mad bull in a rodeo. The head-butt rammed into Big Mama’s stomach and sent her crashing into the bunk she sat on a while ago. The metal bunk squeaked, flipped over and crumbled down with a rattling clang, Big Mama with it. She grunted, pushed the bunk away, and bounced back on her feet. She clenched her fists, tilted her head backwards, and vibrated. She clenched the fists so hard that her nails dug into her palms. She felt the wetness of blood yet felt no pain. All the power, all the rage, and all the murderous intent in her were all wrapped into one furious scream that sent tiny bits of spittle flying in the air. She charged forward.

The inmates scurried further towards the wall as far as possible from the enraged provost. The frail woman was not so fortunate. Big Mama grabbed her neck and flung her away. The poor woman gasped in pain as she crashed into the other inmates who had packed themselves to a corner of the cell, leaving ample space for the fighters to battle themselves to the finish.

Shakirah couldn’t stomach her anger at such cruelty. “Now you just over-did it,” she barked and hurtled towards one of the bunks. She hopped on it and bounced onto the second and the third in a zigzag manner. She was as swift as a cat. Then she jumped high and landed on Big Mama’s back, driving her nails deep into her neck. Big Mama felt wetness around the fingernails. It was blood—her blood! She yelled some more. The agony was indescribable. She pulled Shakirah’s hands trying to yank her off but Shakirah hung on like a rucksack.

Poison swung left and right forcefully but Shakirah wouldn’t let go. Rather, she buried her nails deeper into the flesh like anchors and Poison rewarded her with more agonising screams. They both swayed from one part of the cell to another crashing into one bunk after another and letting out screams and grunts. Finally, Big Mama thrust backwards with all her might and rammed Shakirah’s back against the metal bars. The bars squeaked. Shakirah screamed. Big Mama yanked Shakirah hands off her neck and flipped her forward. Shakirah somersaulted over and landed with a loud thud on the concrete floor some distance away. The concrete was cold and harsh. She could feel it. She whimpered in pain.
Big Mama sniffed and did the finger swiping gesture again. She rushed towards Shakirah with heavy stomps. This time around, she was going to stamp Shakirah to death and she would make sure she didn’t miss! Before Shakirah could move a muscle, Big Mama was already over her with her big foot raised up above Shakirah’s face. The sight of the foot over her face scared the hell out of Shakirah. How could a woman have such a massive foot? She wondered. Only one stomp from it was enough to splash her brain all over the place. The foot came down with rage but Shakirah managed to roll away at the nick of time. It landed on the ground inches from her face. The force sent a strong vibration through the ground. Shakirah swung to her feet and with a catlike reflex poked two fingers right into Big Mama’s eyes. When fighting someone with this pedigree there was nothing like fighting with honour, fighting clean. No, you fight dirty!

Big Mama staggered backwards. She yelled. The pain was killing. The scream was deafening. And the echo resonated several cells away. It was as if poisoned arrows were shot into her big eyeballs. She held the eyes and waddled some steps backwards. The scream didn’t stop. The pain didn’t subside either. It was obvious she was losing the battle but she would never lose to this skinny brat. God forbid! A lot was at stake—her ego, her dominance, and all the goodies that came with being in control. No! She wasn’t going to go down like this. All it would take to remedy the situation was only one deadly blow—she knew it. She braced herself up and began to swing powerful blows in Shakirah’s direction albeit blindly. Shakirah back stepped. Each punch made a whooshing sound as it sliced through the stiff air.

Shakirah remembered what Scorpion told her the day he followed her to Orita Junction to beat Spark to a pulp for assaulting her. He had told her that an opponent, no matter how strong or big, was most vulnerable the moment he started throwing blind punches. His exact words thereafter had been, ‘Just wait for the opening—that point when your opponent swings so hard that he leaves himself open—and all it takes thereafter is one powerful uppercut to his jaw and the fight is won.’

Her opponent had started throwing blind blows and all she had to do now was to wait for the opening. ‘The more blind blows your opponent throws, the more frustrated he becomes and the more frustrated he is, the sooner the opening shows up.’ Scorpion’s words kept flowing inside her head. And those words made more sense now that her opponent snorted with each disappointing miss!

Seconds later, Big Mama threw the deadliest punch so far but blindly again. That was what gave her away! Shakirah spotted the opening and with all her might sent an uppercut below Big Mama’s jawline. A cracking sound was heard and she reeled backwards, crashed into the metal bars and fell on her buttocks. Her generals looked at each other wide-eyed. They couldn’t believe their eyes. Mighty Big Mama just fell!
Shakirah approached and raised her fist high up aiming to send down a final blow across her face.

“Stop, please! I surrender!” Big Mama begged, panting heavily and squirming in pain.

Shakirah lowered her hand slowly. She turned to Big Mama’s generals, legs planted wide apart and hands clenched into fists. Her hair was now scruffy with bruises on her face, neck and back. She breathed in and out slowly but deadly. She raised her voice, “Is there no one else?!”

The generals looked at each other, fear-stricken. They said nothing.

“I said, is there no one else?!” This time, her voice thundered louder.

There was pin-drop silence.

“Good! Then we are done here!”

She walked down and sat on the only bunk that was still standing and shouted orders like a commander that she now was. Risi, with Nicole right behind her, sauntered across the cell to Shakirah, puffed up with pride.

“Ìwọ, ìwọ, iwọ́, ati ìwọ,” Shakirah barked in Yoruba, pointing at Big Mama’s generals one after the other. “Ẹ kò óṣì wa si bi. Abi Ṣango fẹ́ pa ìyálàyá yín ni?!” (You, you, you, and you get your worthless selves here. Or do you want to be struck down by the god of thunder?!) Her eyes sparked like she just became a goddess of lightning herself.

The fear-stricken sidekicks moved forward nervously. Shakirah made them rearrange the bunks. She chose the most comfortable ones for herself, Risi, and Nicole. The remaining ones she gave to the neediest and banished Poison and her now wingless generals to the worse corner of the cell where they had to sleep on the bare concrete floor. As their punishment, they had to do all the disgusting chores of the cell.
That was the day Poison lost the Big Mama title and her wings. It was the day Shakirah grew her own winds—the very day she became the Alpha-female of the Welcome Cell. And that was the day Shakirah took the first step towards taking control of her fate!

As time went by, Shakirah waxed stronger and stronger in power and control. She became Risi’s and Nicole’s protector as well as that of the powerless. Risi had only six months to spend with them and she allowed herself to be reformed. Shakirah, however, fuelled her quest for dominance and power, engaging in one battle after another, clipping the wings of the oppressive ones until she gained control of the entire women’s prison. She continued to gain the respect, love, and support of the oppressed. And with each victory, she became more determined and confident until she eventually earned herself the moniker, Shakirah, the Badass Queen!



To be continued ... Watch Out for the Next Episode!

NB: The book is NOW AVAILABLE on online stores. For those who don't want to wait for each episode to be released, get the book here:

1. OKADABOOKS: https://okadabooks.com/book/about/jewel_from_the_ghetto_2_the_return_of_shakirah/26442

2. SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/930731


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...My Story, My World.

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Shakirah....the badass queen

Thanks for the update OP

Op you're doing a nice work. Feel its going to be worth the wait.

Thank you

Tanks for the update

Ann2012:
Shakirah....the badass queen

Thanks for the update OP

You are welcome, Ann2012.

chisiudeh:
Op you're doing a nice work. Feel its going to be worth the wait.

Thank you

You are welcome, chisiudeh.

skubido:
Tanks for the update

Skuuuuuuibido, wagbayi, paddy mi.

EPISODE 3
(Chapter Two)

Lekki, The Williamses’ Residence.

IT WAS EARLY IN the morning, perhaps too early for the tension that was rocking the Williamses’ residence. Nicole’s mother was shouting at the top of her voice and throwing her hands in the air in dramatic gestures. Too much drama for two best friends.

”Agnes, I can’t believe you could do this to me,” she shouted, waving her finger accusingly.

“Do what exactly, Ronke?” Mrs Williams was lost.

“T’ọba ni omi ló máa se ẹ́jà jinà, á sọ́pè ìrọ́ ni.” Mrs Abimbola countered with a Yoruba proverb meaning ‘It’s difficult to believe that the same water that gives the fish life will eventually be responsible for cooking the fish.’

“How so? Ronke, please stop these parables and say what you have on your mind!” Mrs Williams too was losing her temper.

“Agnes, if someone had told me that you you, Agnes, would be the one to send my precious daughter to prison, I would have fought tooth and nail to defend your honour but I should have known better. You are simply a wolf in sheep’s clothing!”

Mrs Williams sprang to her feet. She could not hold herself back any longer. “Hold it, Ronke! What nonsense is this? What has come over you that you are ranting like someone who contracted rabies? By the way, what do you mean I sent your daughter to prison? I’m the one who should be angry here. Your daughter committed such terrible acts against an innocent girl. She almost ruined her life. And you are here spewing trash!” She felt like dragging her close and beating some sense into her. “Your daughter was heartless and her crimes sent her to prison and not me or any member of my family.”

“Back to sender!” Mrs Abimbola snapped her fingers over her head. “You are the one talking trash. Agnes, you are the one vomiting rubbish. You are the one that has rabies. And why are you saying you didn’t send Nicole to prison? If you hadn’t broken your promise and your silly son hadn’t broken my daughter’s heart and went after that ghetto LovePeddler, would my daughter have done what she did? Ehn? Answer me. Would she?”

“I can now see that you have taken a leave of your senses. You are as heartless as your daughter. How could you talk like this?” Mrs Williams found it hard to believe what was coming out from her friend’s mouth. “And what promise are we talking about here? The one that our husbands were no parties to?”

“And did that make it less of a promise?” Mrs Abimbola fired back.

“Please leave my house at this moment. I’m done having this useless discussion!”

“You dared order me out of your home, Agnes? Have you forgotten it’s me, Ibironke Abimbola, you are talking to?” Nicole’s mum beat her chest.

Mrs Williams scoffed. “I’m not drunk and my eyes have not grown dull. Of course, I know it is you, Ibironke Ajoke Abimbola, that I’m talking to,” she spoke slowly with a deliberate emphasis on the middle name. “And I haven’t lost my sanity like some people either,” she added tauntingly.

“Ah, it is I you are calling a mad woman, ehn? I will show you.” She wagged her finger in front of her. “I will show you what a mad woman does to people, Agnes. You will pay for this. Your son will pay and your entire family will pay unless my name is no longer Ibironke.” She beat her chest again. “I assure you of this: whether it is in five years time or twenty, as long as you people are still alive and I am too, you will never go scot-free. I will make sure you feel what it is for one’s child to be snatched away. I promise you.”

Mrs Williams looked at her like an unserious clown with her mouth forming an inverted ‘U’ shape. “Are you done with your banter? Now leave or I will order the security men to throw you out,” she said, pointing at the exit.

Mrs Abimbola lifted her friend up with her eyes and slammed her to the ground several times before stomping out of the house. “You haven’t seen the end of this.” She slammed the door so hard that it bounced back with a loud noise.

Mrs Williams hissed and clapped her hands together several times in disgust. “Ah! What kind of madness is this?” She looked at the door with a concerned expression. “Are we sure Ronke doesn’t need a psychiatric checkup? But when did Ronke become like this? She wasn’t like this before. But wait ooo ...” She suddenly became thoughtful. “Did Ronke utter all those threats?” She sat down on the nearest couch. Worry lines made a caricature of her face as she propped her chin with her fist. “These threats are not to be taken lightly. Look at the way she spat venom when making them,” she muttered to herself. “Hmmm!” she sighed deeply. “I must do something about it.” She stood up and went upstairs.


Later in the evening, Mr Williams was reading his newspapers. He sat under an umbrella in the garden. A glass of juice sat on the white round-topped table in front of him. He loved the feel of the gentle breeze that blew across his face as he sipped on the juice intermittently. Mrs Williams approached. Immediately he felt her presence, he raised his head.

“Hey Agnes, it’s you. Can you feel this cool breeze? It’s so refreshing.”

“I can feel it.” But her response lacked the usual spark.

Mr Williams immediately knew something was troubling his wife. “Oh, Agnes, are you okay?” A concerned expression was written all over his face.
“Ronke was here today.” She pulled back the seat opposite her husband and sat down.

“Oh! And?” He drew the last word with a quizzical expression.

“She came for a fight.”

“Fight? Over what?” He folded the newspaper and placed it on the table. He gave his wife undivided attention.

“She accused Yemi of breaking Nicole’s heart and me of breaking our promise and sending Nicole to prison.”

“Are you serious?” He shifted in his seat. “You see why I was warning you about that your baseless promise and pressuring Yemi to marry Nicole?”

“But I was doing it for the good of our families.” Mrs Williams felt dejected. Her head dropped.

“I know you meant well, Agnes,” Mr Williams responded lovingly. He reached for his wife’s hands on the table. “Don’t let that bother you. I know you didn’t send Nicole to the prison and everybody knows that too. That’s all that matters. Just let it pass, dear.” His words were soothing as much as his touch.

“Adesoji, she threatened me, Yemi, and the entire family. She promised to deal with us. You needed to hear her. She spat fire and brimstone. Adesoji, I’m scared!” She brought out her handkerchief and began to dab her eyes.

Mr Williams looked at his wife. He sensed her fear. He felt pity for her. As tough as his wife appeared to be, little things were what usually broke her. He drew her to himself. “Come, dear.” Mrs Williams got up from her seat and walked over to him, rubbing her eyes like a timid child. “Sit.” He sat her on his laps and placed his arm around her shoulders. He continued reassuringly, “Don’t worry yourself, dear. It’s all women’s talk. Those threats don’t hold water. I know Ronke very well. I’m sure she didn’t mean all that. She can’t do any of that.”

Mrs Williams sniffed. “And you think we shouldn’t report the matter to the police?” She leaned her head on his shoulder. He felt her tears on his shoulder.

“Ah-ah!” Mr Williams smiled. “I don’t think it’s that serious.” He stroked her hair gently. “Don’t mind Ronke. It was only transferred aggression and nothing more. I can feel her pain. It’s not easy watching your precious child taken to prison under your eyes, you know. Give it time. She will pass over it. So, it’s not what you should lose your sleep over.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course, yes!” he reassured her. “Now smile for me.” Mrs Williams smiled big—it was almost a laughter.

“Oya, take some juice.” He lifted the glass of juice to her lips. She took a sip.

“Thank you, Adesoji. I love you, dear.”

“I love you too.”

Just Then, Susan, their cook walked into the garden and spotted both of them cuddled in each other’s arms. She shook her head admiringly. “Hmmm! These two don’t know they are old. Look at them loved-up like newlyweds,” she muttered to herself. She smiled and went back inside. She didn’t want to disturb the two old lovebirds.


To be continued ... Watch Out for the Next Episode!

NB: The book is NOW AVAILABLE on online stores. For those who don't want to wait for each episode to be released, get the book here:

1. OKADABOOKS: https://okadabooks.com/book/about/jewel_from_the_ghetto_2_the_return_of_shakirah/26442

2. SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/930731


Àdùkẹ́!
...My Story, My World.

Like my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/adukestories/
Website: https://okoosiqudus.wixsite.com/author

Thanks for the update