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The first bodyguard never knew what happened. One minute he was patrolling the grounds, the next he was knocked on the head and as he fell, his killer broke his neck on his knee. One Bullet dropped the lifeless body and went stealthily towards the front door. Another bodyguard suddenly came round the corner and was startled to see him. One bullet approached him casually.


“Please where is the toilet?” he asked. As the man’s brain was trying to process the question, One Bullet hit his throat with the butt of his gun and then knocked him hard on the back of the head as he fell. Unfortunately, the man wasn’t totally unconscious and made a strange grunting sound as he hit the ground. This alerted the other guard inside who came running. One bullet had no choice. He had hoped to be as quiet as possible for as long as possible. That plan just went out the window. He fired his first bullet.



Don Kamir suddenly cocked his head to one corner. The room he was in was bulletproof and also mostly soundproof so he was essentially cut off from the outside world, but he thought he heard something like a gunshot. He waited a little and soon there was another shot. Crystal who had her gun down Zainab’s gagging throat also stopped her tormenting to listen.


“What’s going on?” Don Kamir growled.


Crystal went over to the closed circuit TV installed on Don Kamir’s control desk and checked. She saw four bodies lying motionless on the ground outside and lots of guards running about but not the source of the commotion. She switched to another camera and then another, and finally she saw him; a man in a black outfit steadily approaching behind two confused looking guards. As they turned around his gun fired twice and they both dropped dead. She noticed the way he held his gun and another evil smile played on her lips as she realized who it was.


“Stay in here, Boss.” She said, gripping her gun tightly. “I need to go and see an old classmate.”


Then she went to the door and punched the access codes. The door opened with a whoosh and Crystal stepped out of the room. Rimi turned to face Don Kamir who was already behind his huge desk and had pulled out another gun.


“If it is the police then I should be able to use you two as hostages. If not I’ll have no further need of you. Either way you are dead already!” He fumed, pointing the gun at them.


Rimi looked at Zainab sitting on the floor. She stared back at him wide-eyed. The loomk on her scared face tugged at the protective instinct in him and he got up and went to sit beside her as she collapsed in his body with sobs.


“It’s going to be alright.” He whispered. “It‘s going to be alright.”



***********************************************************************************************************


One bullet found himself pinned to the side of the wall as the other guards opened fire on him. Their AK-47s sprayed bullets in his position effortlessly, tearing away at the plastered wall that served as his shield. He forced his mind to remain calm as he considered his options. Luckily the last two guards he had killed had been carrying fully loaded Uzis. He waited until the guards stop their barrage of bullets then quickly peered across the wall, shooting two guards down with a burst of both Uzis and marking the position of four others. He retreated behind the wall again as another barrage of bullets came his way. He waited patiently until they had emptied their clips then jumped out again, firing one shot in each of the previously marked positions. The guards there fell like puppets whose strings had been cut.


He jumped behind the wall again grinning to himself. Big, muscular unintelligent oafs. He noticed the conspicuous door at the top of the stairs and decided that would be where their boss would be hiding. He came out again, firing and moving forward at the same time. Most of the guards had started retreating in a panic; for there was nowhere One Bullet fired that al least one person didn’t lose his life. One of the guards pointed his gun frantically and fired but the gun got jammed. One Bullet stared at him icily and the man turned to run, but before One Bullet could raise his hand another shot came from upstairs, puncturing a hole in his skull. The man dropped lifeless to the floor and One Bullet turned around.


“Crystal Clear.” He noted with a not so fond remembrance.


“Hello One Bullet.” Crystal smiled as she walked casually down the stairs. “What are you doing back in Nigeria?”


“Came to finish a job.” One bullet replied, his trigger finger itching to move.


“Ha, that’s bad, One bullet. It means you left a job unfinished before you left? Are you losing your touch Sir?”


“Why are you here, Crystal?” One bullet asked. Her last question had angered him.


“Why, to take care of your last failure of course. To make sure he continues to live so as to remind you that all the noise you made back at the
Assassin’s academy was all a crock of shit.”


“You dare challenge me, Crystal Clear?” One Bullet asked with a wry smile. “You were always at the bottom of the class. Not too bright and
downright ugly too.”


“I hate being called ugly.” Crystal said and suddenly fired a shot. The Uzi at one bullet’s left hand shattered to pieces. One bullet pointed his other Uzi at her and fired but Crystal was fast and jumped down the stairs behind a concrete pillar. The bullets passed harmlessly above her. As One Bullet ran forward firing, Crystal fired a shot that got him on the right shoulder. He fell backwards and crawled behind a heavy wooden table for cover. Blood quickly soaked the shirt he was wearing and he fought to blank out the pain.


“That is the second time you have missed, honey!” Crystal clear sang happily from behind the pillar as she pulled out her other gun. “Seems like the bottom student of the class is going to kill you today!”


Suddenly she heard a cracking noise and looked up. The electric cord of the chandelier above her had been shredded by One Bullet’s last firing.
He hadn’t been aiming for her after all! She jumped away from the pillar just as the chandelier fell to the place where she had previously been
with a crash. She quickly struggled to her feet but it was too late. One Bullet had the nozzle of the Uzi against her skull.


“That door you came out from. It is opened via access codes. Can I have them?” He asked quietly.


“Never!”Crystal snarled.


“Okay.” One bullet said and blew her brains out.

updating...

“But why kill you for a key?” Rimi asked. “Why kill Zainab’s dad, who by the way wasn’t really at fault? What on earth is so special about this key?”


Don Kamir grinned and took another drink from his glass before continuing.

“Eight years ago, a computer guru named Christopher was able to hack into all the computer networks of all the banks in Nigeria, Ghana, and some of the other surrounding African countries. From there he was able to create a program to pilfer small amounts of change from ALL the accounts in these banks. Change that wouldn’t be missed, like N20, N50, N100, even a few hundred thousands from our greedy politicians. They had so much money they didn’t miss it when a few hundred thousand naira disappeared into thin air. This computer program has been running for eight years now. EIGHT YEARS. And it is completely untraceable. The guru would have been the richest man in Africa, maybe even the world, if his ego had allowed him to keep quiet. But no, he had to brag about it. Somehow his bragging got to our quarters and we were able to employ this Guru. We made him give us the access codes to the account. Whoever has the access codes controls the account, no questions asked. The access codes we locked up in a safe deposit box which is essentially 20inches of pure steel. The only way to open that box is through this key.”

He waved the key about playfully and put it on the huge desk at the centre of the room.

“We never told the guru about the key though, and we warned him that if we ever found out that he tampered with the access codes in any way he would be killed instantly. He complied, didn’t seem to be the sort that was driven by money anyway, and left the access codes and key in our possession. Dino Brown and I thought of who we could keep the key with for safekeeping and we thought of an old school friend of his who Dino Brown had helped become a Jeweler.”


“But why my father?” Zainab asked.


“Mr. Adamu was the perfect candidate. Innocent, not one to ask too many questions as long as his family never went hungry again, he was ecstatic when we opened a bank for him. He knew nothing about the key, of course. All we had to do was sit tight for a few more years and we would be rich beyond our wildest dreams. But then some petty thieves came and messed up our plans. We were not even sure if Mr. Adamu himself was involved but we had him killed nonetheless. And then we couldn’t find the key. Even if we broke into the bank and somehow opened the vault, there was no way of opening the steel box short of a massive bomb which would incinerate the chip with the codes anyway. You can imagine why Dino suddenly became very sick. I myself wasn’t in good shape and was beyond shocked when Dino attempted to assassinate me.”


Don Kamir walked over to Crystal and cupped her ugly face. Her smile never left her lips.


“Do you know how much that account will be worth now according to our calculations?”


“Billions of Dollars.” Crystal grinned. Don Kamir smiled and kissed her full on the lips. She kissed him back and for a moment Rimi thought they had forgotten about them.



There were no guns pointed at them and the two people in front of him were a maniacal middle aged man and a small statured ugly woman. He was sure he could take them both down in a surprise attack. Without warning he lunged forward.

As he was about to strike, Crystal pulled away from Don Kamir and judo kicked Rimi straight in the groin. Rimi doubled up instantly as pain paralyzed him. He tried to recover but Crystal was already beside him. She moved so swiftly that Zainab gasped. She gave him an uppercut to his jaw and his neck snapped up, then finally she put a leg behind him and punched him hard on the chest. Toppling over her leg, Rimi landed heavily on the floor, all his body racked in severe pain.


“Don’t be in such a hurry to die. We will kill you eventually don’t worry,” She said and smiled at Zainab who was rushing forward to help Rimi.


“You have pretty earrings my dear.” She said and before Zainab could reply, she had drawn her guns and fired two shots. Zainab’s dangling earrings burst into pieces and Zainab screamed as blood spurted from both ears.


Don Kamir was laughing loudly.


“Nice shot Crystal! Let’s see you play with them some more before we kill them!”


“With pleasure Sir.” Crystal smiled.


Zainab screamed again and tried to get away as Crystal walked gracefully towards her like a tigress going after her prey.



***********************************************************************************************************




One Bullet counted the number of bullets in the gun he had acquired from the dead Hassan. Six bullets left. That meant he had to acquire another gun by the sixth shot. He checked the gun thoroughly for any faults, dismembered it and assembled it back together. It was a nice piece. He closed his eyes and imagined the ocean and birds and calm, soulful music. He needed his full concentration and calmness for what he was about to do. The only thing that pervaded the calm state of his mind was the name Kamir. He remembered a Kamir he had been sent to kill, A very tough case where he had not been at his best and the man was surrounded by bucketfuls of bodyguards. They looked like the same bodyguards he had been seeing parading the grounds around the mansion; big muscular but exceedingly clumsy men as far as he could tell. Kamir, the Kamir he was thinking about, was supposed to be dead. If he was alive then it meant One bullet had missed a target. It meant he was no longer deserving of that name. He hummed to himself in the underbrush beside the garden and calmed his mind further. When he opened his eyes they were crystal clear. He knew what he had to do.


He was going to finish the job. He was going to kill Don Kamir a.k.a Senator Donald Kamir.



It wasn’t about the money anymore. He had a reputation to maintain.

“Don? She is the Jeweler’s daughter.”Crystal offered.


“Really? The Bank Manager?” He raised a glass at her. “Small world. I guess I am now your biggest client.”


“I don’t understand.” Zainab replied quietly.


“Oh come now Miss Adamu, Surely your father told you about our little deposit in the bank? The box this key opens? The treasure inside?”


“’No. No he didn’t. What is the key about?” Zainab asked.


“And who is this?” Don Kamir asked, ignoring Zainab and addressing Rimi for the first time.


“He is one of the thieves that stole the key sir,” Crystal said.


“I didn’t steal anything! I was set up by my friends!” Rimi answered indignantly.


“I don’t care whether you were set up or not,” Don Kamir smirked. “It doesn’t change your current situation. Tell me Miss Adamu, Did you ever wonder why your father’s bank never needed to merge with other banks during the banking crisis despite its low customer service?”


Zainab was caught unawares for a moment. “Er, no. I didn’t bother myself with such matters at the time, I was still well into my Nursing career. I just assumed daddy was somehow able to raise the money being asked for by Sanusi.


Don Kamir giggled. “Indeed he was! His bank capital rose from a palty 7million naira to 800billion naira overnight! People who were aware called it the miracle of the century. The bank didn’t need to merge, it retained its name, Industrial bank of whatever, never really liked the name, but it did serve its purpose. As did your dad, until he made a fatal mistake.”


Rimi saw Zainab’s countenance change as she clenched her fists.


“So you were the one that had my father killed?” She asked in a shaky voice.


“Well, I wouldn’t say I was solely responsible. You see, this key was left in your father’s hands for safekeeping. It opens a box that has been kept safely in a vault in your bank for the past eight years now. How Dino Brown and I got to get access to the key is nobody’s business, but when your Dad lost it, Dino went crazy. We both agreed that Mr. Adamu should be killed but I had no Idea Dino was thinking I also had something to do with it and wanted me dead as well. He sent an Assassin after me, a man called One Bullet, supposedly so because he only needs one bullet to finish off his victims. I hear I was his first failure.” Don Kamir laughed again and beat his chest. “Dino thought he could kill me but luck was on my side and for whatever reason that day, One Bullet missed and here I am alive and well.”



***********************************************************************************************************

Hassan was taken to a small empty room where he stood nervously for a while, wondering if really he was going to get paid or get his head blown off. He cringed when one of the muscular men came in suddenly and approached him. He handed him a blue nylon and when Hassan opened it his eyes bulged as he beheld bundles of one thousand naira notes.


“It’s a hundred thousand in there. Take it and leave. We’ll contact you if we need anything.” The thick man said, handing him his gun back.


“Thank you sir!” Hassan almost shouted and hurried out of the room. He went to the front door, a light spring in his steps. He was now in the big leagues! He was now in real money! He would show his guys down at the club tonight, drinks were definitely going to flow freely.


As he walked down the steps at the entrance of the mansion, he thought he saw some movement at the boot of the car. He was about to ignore it when he saw the movement again. He looked around; none of the guards seemed to be in the vicinity. He approached the car cautiously and drew his weapon. There was definitely something wrong with the boot, the catch was bad or something. He holstered his gun and dropped the bag and raised the boot so as to slam it shut.


The fist that came out was like a striking cobra. A punch to the throat destroyed his larynx and rendered him inaudible. As he grasped his neck in pain, One Bullet jumped out of the boot and pushed him into the nearby bushes. Strong hands encircled Hassan’s throat and the last thing he saw before his neck was snapped was the blue nylon bag lying ownerless on the ground.

Rimi’s heart was beating so fast he thought he would have a heart attack. The man with the gun sat quietly directly behind him so that Rimi couldn’t even see his reflection from the rear view mirror. All he could see was Zainab’s pretty but terrified face as the muzzle of the gun was pressed repeatedly against her cheek.


“Look, Bros, you can put the gun down.” Rimi said, “We are doing exactly as you said so no need to point that in her face. It could go off accidentally you know.”


Hassan ignored him and continued to point the gun in Zainab’s face. They didn’t know it but Hassan himself was scared shitless. He had called Don Kamir as soon as he spotted the duo going back into the house and had been ordered to interrogate them until they handed over the key. It had been pure luck that Rimi had found the key when he did and he was glad of the opportunity of having been the one to get the key for the big boss. But now he was going to meet the man himself, Don Kamir. He wasn’t working for small fry Kassim anymore, this was the real deal. He had heard about the ruthlessness of Don Kamir the Walking Shadow, and this was what scared him to bits. What if Don Kamir had him murdered after he gave in the key? But then again if Don Kamir was really pleased with him, he could start getting paid in big bucks and not the peanuts Kassim had been offering him.


Well, either way, his status was about to change.


The car passed through a rough patch of road and there was a sudden bump in the boot.


“Take it easy, guy.” Hassan said. “Before you dislodge our spare tire.”


He had no idea that what was in the boot was anything but an inanimate object.


“Turn left here.” Hassan ordered, and Rimi obeyed. The road led to a huge mansion situated at the edge of the city. It was a cream coloured house with a crimson roof. Rimi would have thought it was a hotel or maybe office apartment but there were no signboards, only mean looking men at the gates. One of them held out his hand for them to stop as the car approached and Rimi slowed down.


“Who are you and what do you want?” The man asked.


“My name is Hassan. Kassim’s man. The boss is expecting me.” Hassan spoke up from behind.


The man saw the glint of the gun pressed against Zainab’s face and smiled.


“Yeah. The boss told us about you.” He looked up and waved his hand. It was only then Rimi noticed a red spot of light move past the car dashboard and out of sight. Snipers! This place was indeed heavily guarded.


Rimi drove into the magnificent compound filled with different Nigerian cultural statues of men and beasts. There were guards everywhere, it seemed. As Rimi looked around the compound and the high fence with electric wires at the top, it dawned on him that he might not leave this place alive. He glanced back at Zainab whose eyes looked like one dead already. This wasn’t looking good at all.


“Stop here.” Hassan ordered. He got down from the car and gestured for the two of them to come down as well. They all walked into the mansion and were soon accompanied by two of the most muscular men Rimi had ever seen. He honestly didn’t see the need for them to brandish the AK-47s they were holding; each one was obviously capable of killing a man with their bare hands. He felt a soft hand against his and turned to see Zainab walking beside him, her face registering awe as well as fear. He held her hand and squeezed it, smiling at her reassuringly although he didn’t feel very reassured himself. They kept on walking, Hassan behind them, until they came to a large white room where the two muscular guards that had been escorting them stopped them.


“Wait here.” The guard said. To Rimi’s surprise the guard in one swift motion collected the gun from Hassan. Hassan made to protest but thought better of it. The guard nodded.


“Wise decision. No one goes into the presence of the Walking Shadow with a gun.” He said.


“Except me, of course.” A sexy voice called from above. Rimi, Zainab and Hassan looked up to see the ugliest female any of them had ever laid eyes upon descending gracefully down a flight of stairs. She wore a smart black dress that ended just above the knees with a slit at the side. Across her chest was a double holster housing two guns at her back.


“My name is Crystal.” Her silken voice seemed to cool the very air they breathed and Rimi suddenly felt a false sense of assurance. This lady would have been the perfect host, if not for her ugly face. She smiled at them and then at Hassan.


“You must be Kassim’s man.” She said. “May I have the key, please.”


Hassan brought out the gold key from his pocket and handed it over meekly, looking down at his feet as he did so. He knew all about Crystal and dared not look her in the face. His submissive attitude irked Crystal but the boss had said to reward the fellow so she smiled genially at him again.


“Kassim’s job is open. If you go down to the lobby, one of our boys will have his money waiting for you. It’s now yours. If the Boss has need of you, I will call. Now go.”


“Thank- Thank you ma.” Hassan stuttered and was led outside by one of the burly men. Crystal sighed and turned back towards Rimi and Zainab.
She smiled that her serpentine smile again.


“Well, well, if it isn’t the Jeweler’s daughter. I have the feeling my Boss will be very pleased to see you. Come.” And without another word she started climbing up the stairs.


Zainab and Rimi followed her to the top and waited for her to input a set of codes into the computer. There was a sudden noise like an electronic click and the door opened. Crystal entered and Rimi and Zainab followed.


“Finally. Finally, finally finally!” The voice that greeted them was grating in nature, like the voice of someone who had a chronic throat infection. Don Kamir stood before them, beaming happily as Zainab walked coyly up to him and handed him the Gold key. He held it up to the light and looked it over.


“So now the key is finally in my possession? Hahahahaha! Thank you Crystal!” Crystal smiled and gave a low bow. “Now I am the richest man in Africa! I’m so happy I could let you guys go scot free!” He said.


“Really?” Zainab asked hopefully.


Don Kamir threw his head back and laughed some more. He almost seemed maniacal.


“No my dear, of course I am joking. No one sees the face of the walking shadow and lives to tell the tale!”


“Except me, of course.” Crystal said. Don Kamir rolled his eyes and went to a mini bar to pour himself some whiskey.

stuff46:
nice chapter royver

you brought back life to the story

Thank you. Experiencing a few glitches, remaining updates will be tomorrow.

The two traced their way back to the house, approaching carefully. Rimi watched all the entrances and looked out for signs of intruders. Seeing none, he advanced towards the house and took a sneak peek though the widows. Everything looked pretty much the same as they had left it. The bodies were still there except for Dino Brown’s and One Bullet. Rimi guessed Dino Brown’s men had taken the bodies away for proper disposal. He gave the thumbs up to Zainab to come out of hiding, and then he entered through the back door.


Tonia was still sprawled over Christopher; the two looked closer in death in a macabre sort of way, as if they were even now comforting each other. Rimi removed his gaze from them and went to where Uche lay crumpled on the floor, his brains oozing out. Rimi curled up his nose in disgust and used his leg to turn Uche’s body onto its back. He bent low and searched through his pockets until his hands closed upon a strange metal object. He pulled it out and there in the palm of his hand was the infamous key. It was made of pure gold and had an ancient design; the kind of key one would expect would open a treasure box. It was quite heavy too but Rimi wasn’t sure the others were after it because of its face value.


“I wonder what this key opens.” Rimi mused out loud.


“I’ve been wondering that too, my brother.” A man’s voice said behind him.


Rimi turned around swiftly only to see Zainab being held at gunpoint. The man held the gun to Zainab’s head and smiled.


“Would you like me to pull the trigger sir?”


Zainab began to shiver uncontrollably.


“No. Don’t do that.” Rimi said, talking as calmly as he could. The man’s face looked familiar but he couldn’t quite place it…


“I’m Hassan, Kassim’s man. I have been tailing you guys since the restaurant. Kassim, my boss is dead but I managed to contact his boss, Don Kamir. I believe he’ll be very happy to see you and the key. I could carry you guys to him dead or alive; it’s your choice depending on if you cooperate.”


“We’ll cooperate.” Rimi said. “Just, don’t hurt her.”


“Alright then. You two get to the car. You are going to drive me to Don Kamir’s place while I enjoy the back seat with my gun to your lady’s face. I hope that’s okay with you?” He sneered, and without waiting for an answer, he shoved Zainab forward and motioned for both of them to move towards the car.


************************************************************************************************************

He watched them from his hideout in the bushes behind the house. He had seen when they had entered the house after checking it out without noticing Hassan hiding behind a huge boulder. They were really amateurs; he could tell by the way they moved. He had moved closer to listen to their conversation and had heard the name “Don Kamir.”It was a familiar name, a name that summoned up emotions of an unfinished business and the need to put something right. He guessed their next move and quickly made up his mind. Running stealthily towards the car, he tugged at the boot. Luckily, it opened. He lay down inside and closed the bonnet without activating the lock. Soon, just as he thought they would, the guy with the gun ushered the couple into the car. In a few moments they were off to Don Kamir’s hideout. As the car passed through some bumpy areas his head knocked against the hard inner metal of the car and One Bullet winced. The vase had only knocked him out temporarily but the cut on his head would soon start bleeding again if it suffered more punishment. One bullet felt a twinge of guilt at leaving his Boss Dino Brown’s body out there in the bushes, he had meant to call for backup to come and take him and the body away. Anyway, he could contact them on the way to this Don Kamir’s house. There was something about that name that was oddly familiar.





**********************************************************************************************************





“Wait a minute! Are you saying he is dead? Really dead?!”


“Yes ma. His body was identified as one of the victims in a shootout atCedar point. We are truly sorry for your loss…” Inspector Bello’s voice trailed off as Evelyn began to wail. He sighed inwardly. Now he wished he hadn’t pushed the ambitious police officer too much. The guy had been on the case for two years now, obsessing over it, ranting that the pieces didn’t fit and he needed Rimi to regain his memory; only for this tragedy to occur. He sighed again as Evelyn threw herself on the floor of the police station.


“Who will support me now? Who will take care of me?” She wailed woefully. “Oh my husband! This is all my fault, I pushed him too much! So it is all over?!”


Inspector Bello sniffed. This was far from over. He was going to get to the bottom of this case if ti was the last thing he did. He left MRs Caleb in the arms of some policewomen to console her and strode purposefully to his office. He dialed a number and there was a click after the fourth ring.


“Yes, It’s me Bello. One of my officers was killed in your jurisdiction, I want the case properly looked into; scratch that, I’ll be coming there personally myself. All information and clues about the incident should be ready for my scruntiny when I get there.” He cut the call and made another one.


“Simon, Please I need a favour. One of my Officers, Caleb, remember him? Yes, yes, a sad turn of events. I want you to gain access to all his calls, text messages, pings, whatever you can lay your hands on, over the past month. Meet our folks at the mobile network office. I need the information ASAP. Thanks.”


He dropped the phone and clenched his fists angrily. Whoever was responsible for Officer Caleb’s death was going to go down hard.

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and other dignitaries too numerous to mention.

Welcome to the finale.

[size=14pt]CHAPTER 16

MEETING DON KAMIR[/size]

Rimi and Zainab ran through the thick jungle bush until they couldn’t run anymore. Zainab was the first to give in, collapsing in a heap on the ground and sobbing. Rimi stood panting above her. They had escaped death once again. Zainab’s whole body shook as she tried to come to terms with what had just happened.


“But why is everybody trying to kill us, Rimi? What have we done?” Zainab cried through her ragged breaths.


“Take it easy girl, I think it’s me they are after, not us.” Rimi said, catching his breath and straightening up. “More importantly, I think it’s the key they are after.”


“Yeah, What was Mr. Dino talking about anyway? What key?” Zainab asked.


“Don’t you remember? The key Uche said he took from Tonia’s Jewelry box. The one I asked him about.”


“Why were you asking him about it anyway? What do you know about the key?” Zainab narrowed her eyes as she gazed at him. “Is there something you are not telling me?”


“I was telling Mr. Dino the truth when I said I didn’t know anything about it!” Rimi retorted. “I only asked because Christopher mentioned it. You have to believe me, I really was framed, I really didn’t partake in any robbery!”


“I believe you Rimi. I’ve believed you ever since…ever since we stayed at that hotel back in Lake City.” Zainab said, lowering her gaze shyly. Despite himself Rimi grinned as he remembered their first intimate night. He had to admit Zainab stirred up feelings in him that Tonia, despite her alluring beauty, never did.

Tonia. The thought of her lying lifeless on the floor clouded his mind for a moment. They never even had a chance to talk, really talk, before her life was taken away. He felt sorrow that he would never know for a fact if she had been in on the whole setup that sent him to jail or not. She had been such a pretty, albeit demanding woman and for a moment he had been genuinely happy to see her again at the restaurant.
Uche on the other hand, was a different matter. He felt no sorrow for him. Someone whom he had treated as a brother only to be double-crossed…the bitterness rose up in him again. He sighed deeply and tried to clear his head. Then it hit him.


“We have to go back.” He said suddenly.


“What?” Zainab gasped, looking up at him again.


“We have to go back to the house. Uche said he had the key on him. We need to get this key as leverage against these people for the next time they come knocking.”


Zainab stood up and dusted the dirt from her clothes.


“Okay then.”

Good evening coordinators, high table, everybody, please permit me to stand on existing protocol.



[size=14pt]poetry[/size]
ˈpəʊɪtri/
noun

literary work in which the expression of feelings and ideas is given intensity by the use of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature.



Anyone can write. In fact learning to write is one of the prerequisites for being a learned human being in this century. Writing is for everyone.

It takes skill to write a story, to engage in literature. You need to have a good story, you need to know how to express that story in words and you need to know how to compose those words in such a way as to keep your readers hooked on your writing. Writing can be difficult and can require a lot of discipline.

It takes soul to write poetry. Poetry is the emotion, the movement of words to convey that which you feel on to someone else. Poetry is noble. Poetry is like the surgery of medicine, you need to have extra exposure, extra training to engage in it. Then again, some just stumble upon it congenitally. Some individuals have been known to create magnificent verses of genius upon waking up from sleep, verses that tear down and build up, verses whose words drip eternal joy and inspire overwhelming hope.

I was surprised to see that there was a poetry section on Nairaland. I honestly don't know why it is hidden. I actually found this section when someone mentioned my moniker and i was drawn into this wonderful place. Since then I have frequented here often to sample what has been written, seeking the sweet elixir of words that would feed my soul and make me dance with mental joy as i pondered on the verses and rhymes. There are a lot of great poets in here and I salute you all. I see this place becoming more frequented by other talented writers and curious readers. Poetry section is about to ascend!

The competition was wonderful and i enjoyed myself immensely. Special thanks go out to the organizers and judges, OMA4U, noble4d, larrysun, laykorn, princesa, timpaker; you guys are doing great. More ink to your pens.
To my fellow competitors, i enjoyed reading your poems, they were all fantastic!
to krystalxxx, thanks for being a wonderful partner, your inspiration and ideas are what carried us on to take the lead. congratulations once again.

firestar, have read some of your poems from your diary. you'll beat me handsdown anyday.

kelvingraphics for the beautiful advertising poster.

And everyone else working on scene and behind the scenes. Your work made this all a sucess. Thank you very much.

i also want to thank the readers. Like good literature, poetry cannot exist of itself if it is not read. You guys should just sit back, relax and enjoy because i am sure our in house poets in this section are going to give you a literary feast you will not easily forget!

Good evening everybody****takes a seat at the back***

laykorn:
Hey Royver. I've been trying to get you by mail. No success. You'll give a short speech at the launch today. Its going to be 8pm. I'll tag you with the launch thread a few hours earlier.
Ayamlaykorn

Waited and haven't seen a launch thread. I'll be back by 9pm.

laykorn:
Hey Royver. I've been trying to get you by mail. No success. You'll give a short speech at the launch today. Its going to be 8pm. I'll tag you with the launch thread a few hours earlier.
Ayamlaykorn

Got you. Either myself or Krystalxxx will be there. Thanks.

ThaRuthlxx7:
royver u did a great job in ur story.. I love it.. Bt am lost somwhere @ where u said she said my name is Temitope Richards. The beginning of a new world... Pls is that the end??

Thanks Ruth. Yes it is the end. A new world begins for the Richards family and everyone else. There might be a sequel, maybe.

We won! Congrats krystalxxx you are a great partner and poet. congrats too to the other contestants, your poems were awesome. The competition taught me some new things about poetry and I hope to learn even more in future. We will give a more befitting speech later.
Thanks guys.

laykorn:
Okay. I hope you leave church before the judges do sha. HaPpy SuNdaY.
Ayamlaykorn

Done.
Governorship aspiRAt came to service so we finished a little later than usual. Thanks.

Content analysis
The poem speaks of conflicting emotions within the psyche of the individual. He starts out enraged and in turmoil but as he reflects on the consequences of his fiery emotions he calms himself and seeks for peace and tranquility

Structure
It consists of two parts, starting with a Sonnet and ending with a diamante poem. The sonnet is full of expression, consisting of the characteristic 14lines each of 10syllables in length. The rhyming couplet follows a draconian/shakesperean tilt with end rhymes –abba, cddc, ee
The diamante poem which is the second stanza is simple enough, yet each word is extremely significant and builds up to a solid and calming mantra for peace and love. It follows the characteristic 7 lines and diamond shape.

Theme;
The Sonnet expresses the poet’s deep feelings of rage and the chaos he feels inside as his soul is torn apart. At the end of the sonnet though the poet gains clarity on what he must do to achieve stability and peace. The Diamante is like a mantra, bringing the poets mind to focus on clarity and calmness and oneness. All this brings peace, which if properly nurtured will yield love.

Poetic devices

1. Rhyme: As stated earlier abba, cddc, abba, ee

2 Simile: Stanza 1 line 2,3,5. Similarity between the emotion of rage and entities that depict chaos e.g storm, monsters,poison

3. Metaphor: Stanza 1line 1. Rage is likened to an imperfect jostle of thoughts without using the word 'like'. An implied meaning of the chaos rage brings to the mind.

Tone/Mood
Anger, poor concentration and then eureka; calm and peace.

Freshtomato:
Wow! Roy This is simply one of the best stories Ever!

Infact, you just became my NL bestfriend.
Let me follow you sef

Freshtomato love ur name, I had a Corper friend called freshtomato, passed out about 2yrs ago, I don't know if u r her?

adeh39:
Mmmmn.... Nice nd interesting story.... I really luv it... Dis is d first tym I will be reading ur story, is dis d only story u've written or u hv other ones? If so kindly share d link 2 it.

Thanks adeh I'm glad you enjoyed it. I have other stories which you can read from my topics or go to naijastories.com, mynaijastories.com. Will paste the links when I get to my laptop.

laykorn:
Royver,the analysis scores 10 points. If someone comes in with it from the other contestants,that's a 10 point edge,you get it?
Ayamlaykorn

Ok, in church. Will post it when I get back.happy Sunday.

adefunke62:
hey Roy, I want u to take note of something, I was browsing through d family section of this forum when I saw a post that has d same title as this, my curiosity made me open it, behold its d same story and someone is trying to take d accolades for. I may b wrong though, but I will like it if u take cognisance of it. awaiting your response

thanks for the heads-up. i scanned through the whole of family section and didnt see any of my stories though i did see one in religious section. one of my pals on mynaijastories.com is sharing it and i gave him permission to do so as long as my name is mentioned as the author. thanks a lot once again.

Done.
i sincerely hope we don't need to explain like before. i think its the judge's job to do that. It's somehow like explaining your own joke. but if you still want explanations please let us know. thanks.

TITLE; JOSTLING EMOTIONS


(Royver)
Rage, an imperfect jostle of thoughts

Swirling around like a storm in a cup

Like a monster trying to eat itself up

It slowly eats away until all rots

(krystalxxx)
Rage is like a poison deep in the soul

It brings uneasiness to live within

Making the soul an abode for all sin

And leaves a vacuum behind, a big hole

(Royver)
Rage blinds our eyes to the relevant facts

And confuses our minds, muddles it all up

Once destruction starts it is hard to stop

And so we come down with irrational acts

So pour water on your rage, calm yourself down

That way you will smile, no need for a frown


Peace

Still calm

The stormy waters

Peace like a gentle wind comes (royver)

Far from the rage

Calm down

Love. (krystalxxx)

laykorn:
Hian! You are now talking in codes. Hian! Ayamlaykorn

Poetic code for that matter

laykorn:
Royver. I like this your diamond poem o. NL won't show it as a diamond sha. Were waiting for your bomb come Saturday. Goodluck
Ayamlaykorn

Thanks laykorn. Tried centralising it but it didn't work.

Silence
. It pervades
. The thread suddenly
. Like the sudden seizure of power
. The kind of thing NEPA does
. On a hot humid night
. However it ends
. Soon.

@fatalveli, meklex, chemmzy, I'm so sorry, I had to remove the last two updates for personal reasons. hopefully will post it back after I've settled the matter. in the meantime you can read the next two updates on nairawriters.com under my moniker. So sorry for the inconvenience.