₦airaland Forum

souloho19:
Thanks boss Jah bless

souloho19:
Yes bro..very very soon..in fact like in ten minutes..happy sunday

souloho19:
Nasty! Thanks bro..your ginger then helped a lot..it seems flux has deactivated...since his battle with Payne the nigga been MIA.. I for mention am for this update self..how scl tins

souloho19:
Dedicated to rachealfst and sikells(its been quite a while)


"So you think you can be the hero don't you?"
'Big mummy' eyed me through wickedly wrinkled eyes while I fumbled for an answer, I couldn't believe what I was seeing, we had been seated round a table, a dinner table from the look of things, I couldn't even tell what was spread out before us but I could sense from the aroma it was something delicious.
But all thoughts of food were cast aside as I could feel the coppery taste of blood in my mouth.
I looked at the old woman, at "big mummy" as she was called. Then I looked back at the knife she had stuck in my chest. Olivia was beside me, not in a wheelchair but in a dining chair also and she was crying and screaming, pulling my arm.
I kept on looking up and down, first at the knife then the woman's face with the taste getting stronger in my mouth, suddenly her hair wasn't so grey anymore, or should I say it was a different shade of grey. She began to laugh crazily.."hahaha...you wanted to be the hero...hahaha..!!" her face suddenly seemed to undergo a kind of transformation and true enough I was staring at the old crooner.
She stopped laughing and I could hear her sing the song I had come to dread "coat of many colours that my..."
The blood was streaming down my mouth now.. Olivia was crying and I looked around the hall. It was empty..just this single table the three of us sat with the single light from the ceiling illuminating the table alone.
"Rex!!!"
I guess there's still a kind of consciousness even in our subconscious state because a tiny part of me(very tiny-atom size) that knew it was a dream latched on to the voice that was calling my name roughly "Rex!Rex!"
My eyes flew open.
"Haba..how could you sleep on the floor like that?" My father asked.
My heart was still racing and I couldn't find the finish line. I struggled to steady my voice as I blinked..trying to adjust my eye sight...I was still sitting on the floor with my back on the wall "I...I must have slept off...I was reading something..."
"You should have woke me at least..I thought you went to the car!"
"What's the time..?" I looked around for any wall clock.
"Its 4:30"
I nodded.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes..I'm fine"
"Its just..you were making some kind of noise..that was what woke me up"
"It was a bad dream"
"I'm not suprised...I've been having my own share lately...its as a result of all the excitement of the past few days..that's all"
"True..true..." but this dream felt like some kind of premonition...some kind of warning..? I shook my head..God forbid! But it had felt so real....I tasted my mouth....
"Are you okay?" My dad asked me
"I'd do anything to get a toothbrush right now"
"You'd have to wait till morning...what did you dream about...what's that you were reading?"
I got to my feet slowly, the papers spilling on the ground.
"We'd discuss in the morning..you can go back to sleep...I'm going to sleep in the car." I bent down to pick them and return it to the folder. I haven't even booked their flight!.. I had totally forgotten...but right now, I was feeling like I should book four flights and just abandon everything else and takeoff with them plus Olivia..the initiative was not my fight afterall.
I left the room assuring him I'd be back in the next couple of hours and I could tell he really wanted to go back to sleep.
I walked down still entertaining the thought...the initiative was not my fight..I had played my part..no matter how small..nothing more I could do...
is this how you'll repay Fome and Mona's deaths? the annoying voice again
Men...Bleep my conscience! I had just been stabbed in my dream....now I wasn't superstitious but I knew that was a bad omen...and no way..I didn't want to die. I had waltzed with death on many occasions but now I was going back to my previous lifestyle.. To run, keep on running and never have to fight another day!

I told myself this as I walked down the stairs and down the hall. Everyone was asleep now and even the TV was off.
Outside,I found myself walking towards the ford jeep.
"I guess I have my answer!" I shook my head in self pity..too bad I was a changed man..somehow I managed to develop a kind of 'service to humanity' mentality and I knew there was no way I could back down...even if I were to run away..I'd still run back. I couldn't fool myself, the initiative was my fight I was in this for the real ride.
"Damn!" I banged the nearest car in frustration with my fist and it immediately began with its loud security alarm and blinking lights.
I hurried away feeling frustrated.
The frustration multiplied when I got to the the Ford's 'parking space'. It was empty!
Strange eyes must have gone somewhere. Probably where he could sleep on a real bed, I thought to myself. "Well too bad I can't wait"
I brought out my phone and dialed his number.
He picked up on the first ring.
"Yo!Rex.."
"You're not at the hospital again?"
"Actually-"
"Listen..you're going to do as I say..if you really want to help..I need you to arrange some gadgets for me."
"Hmmm...what kind of gadgets exactly are we talking about"
"Nothing fancy just ear pieces...the type that wouldn't show and can't be seen...wireless..you known the type I mean..like the movies!"
He laughed "oh..calm down Rex..its a taboo to discuss such matters over the phone....come across to the car"
"But I'm there...and the car isn't!"
"Check again..notice the headlights"
A pair of headlights came on from the opposite end.
"That's you?"
"You know it"

Its like I covered the short walk with a single step. I yanked open the door "why did you change position"
"I'm never in one position for long...rules of surviving" He looked at me then chuckled "I knew you wouldn't sleep..not with that kind of explosion in your hands"
"You did a good job...but some basic information like address would have been helpful"
"The fact that it wasn't there doesn't mean it doesn't exist..you don't expect me to include such data...knowing how unstable you are known to be"
"What do you mean by that?"
"You're always going with a whim..always jumping on an idea..the first idea to come to your head...now I've profiled you ..I've done my profiling and I know that even with good intentions, the outcome might he deadly because you didn't go the right way"
I sighed wistfully.
"What is it?" He asked me
"I wish...I wish your opinion was something I could hold...something I could carry in my hands...so I could hit you over the head with it!"
He had been smiling thinking I was complementing him but he frowned.
"I once told someone something like that once upon a time and now I have a coloured eye to show for it..."
"What really happened to your eyes?" I asked him.
"What did you say you needed..earpiece?" He ignored my question.
"Fine don't tell me I don't want to know the silly story anyway!"
"What is wrong with you...why are you so cranky?"
I calmed down.."sorry...bad dream".
"Oh..I understand..that's why I wasn't sleeping myself"
"Oh..so a dream also woke you up?"
He shook his head "Rex..when you have the kind of dreams I have..you don't sleep at night"
"They don't come during the day?"
"They hardly...there's something peaceful about daylight"
"Well I just had one now and I'll need to prevent"
"Name what you want..we're together in this"
"First I'd need address of the four of them...I need to do a little calculation..or the three of them rather..I already know where the chief's wife stays"
"Actually...she has been splitting her time recently between the house and a lovers apartment"
"Really....cheating on the chief? Is that wise?"
"Its not today she just started...she has experience on her side"
"But the chief.."
"Rex have you seen the chief before?"
"What kind of question is that?"
"Does he strike you as someone who even has the interest of fucking his wife?"
I pictured the chief...strange eyes was right..the chief never came across as someone who was interested in a sex life anymore. I didn't even know he had a family till Fome told me.
"You're right..."
"Of course I'm right! I spent a year working for that man..and believe me the only time he climaxes is when he pulls off a drug deal or a weapon or human trafficking deal and has an insane amount of cash to show for it....and I mean that literally!"
I squeezed my face..."you creep..I'd need both addresses then..especially that lawyer guy...Mr Bright something..and that woman...that old woman.."
My voice trailed off.
"What about her?" Strange eyes asked then he smiled knowingly "oh..you're having a phobia for old women right..because of the assassin...that old woman!" He shook his head and I could tell he was remembering the old crooner (may her soul rest in pieces) "very dangerous woman..you can thank my men for ending her life too.." He looked at me "I have all the address up here" he touched his head "but you need to understand this is a partnership"
"Heey...you offered your help..and now you want to take it back?"
"Of course not...what else do you need"
"I need some kind of earpiece communication device..like I said that is almost invincible and no part would show..that can work over a far distance and won't enter static"
"Can you get that for me?"
"Earphone you mean?"
"Whatever..you know what I mean"
"There's this ear microphone I can get you, no single coil, wireless, doesn't irritate the ear...its a dream..but mind you its imported and at the moment the stock isn't as much as I would like it..so no harm must come to them"
"Don't worry..even if any harm should come to me, you would be able to retrieve it"
"Rex! Why are you talking like that? How can you say such a thing?!"
"Honestly...I don't know..." I shook my head, trying to clear traces of the dream out.
"I'd get them later today...how many do you need?"
"Two.."
"Okay..that's all?"
"No..I need some kind of recording device..something fancy..like cufflinks! Or a bow tie..some kind of disguised recorder that can catch any conversation and record it"
"You think this is a James Bond movie...cuff links..bow tie..."he laughed
"And you call yourself a federal agent!"
That seemed to hit home because he sobered immediately..."okay...I can get you a pen.. You just hang it on your breast pocket, one click, it starts recording...two clicks it stops..it records in a small memory card."
"that's cool...perfect"
"So that's all?"
"For now..I'm still working things out...wait..one more thing!"
"I'm listening"
"I'd like you to book flights for me..two flights two benue..for tomorrow..preferably preferably late morning or early afternoon"
"Do I look like your P.A?"
"You said anything..." I reminded him
He grumbled and grumbled but I knew he would get it done.

We were quiet after that and we both watched as a security guard approached the car that had stopped its alarm long ago to inspect it. He moved kind of warily and unsure around the car, pointing his torchlight and I couldn't blame him,two of his partners had been killed in this hospital about 72 hours ago after all.
"are you hungry?" Strange eyes asked
"You wouldn't believe....you have anything eatable here?"
"No"
"So why'd you ask?"
"Just to be polite" I could smell sarcasm anytime, even with a blocked nose but I let it pass..
"So did you see the possibilities and probabilities I wrote?"
"Yes...I've been thinking of it since...everything is just stange and hard to believe"
"Yes it is...we do live in a crazy world"
"And a crazier country"
He laughed at that...but I didn't, I couldn't laugh..I was feeling messed up on the inside and I hoped that dream hadn't destroyed my smile...at least not permanently.
I looked at strange eyes as he quieted down.
"You mean..on their way to Church..on their way from Church...in their houses...going to the market..hair dresser..work....they just disappeared and no one saw them again?"
"Yes..its all very strange...around the country! Not just in Lagos for that matter!"
"What kind of people are they?Clean abductions...to have kidnapped hundreds maybe thousands of women with no mistake whatsoever?"
"I tell you...its a really scary thought,although I have my own theories about that"
"Theories?"
"For lack of a better term...let's call it a theory for now"
"Okay..I'm all ears"
"I first stumbled unto this possibility when I was researching the mysterious deaths of family members of the abducted widows...the way they were all killed. Most were classified as accidents or something unrelated...but I sensed some kind of superior force..some kind of elite force at work..all the hits were clean and even I almost didn't raise an eyebrow..but for the fact that the victims all had one thing in common...they were related to a widow"
"So...you're saying the initiative uses mercenaries to assassinate anyone who blows the whistle and also in the kidnapping?"
He brought out yet another stick of cigarette from his pocket. I was about to ask him just how many he had in there.
"Rex...you're not going to like the smell of this smoke..but you're also not going to like what I'm about to tell you"

MhizGracie:
thanks for following...i appreciate.

souloho19:
Thanks so much bro..I appreciate your ginger..please don't forget if there's any suggestion and any criticism so that I can improve

souloho19:
Wow thanks so much boss! I appreciate

souloho19:
"The assassin? You mean that shadow person?"
"Yes"
He was silent. "Well let him come..I've lost the will to live"
"What do you mean?"
"Oba..I'm feeling like I could die in the next few minutes..this place is killing me!"
I switched off the torchlight and we stared into the darkness for some minutes.
"Andy..Andy?"
He didn't answer but I could hear him breathing heavily.
"Andy..Mona died trying to pass information about this widows initiative..she died carrying your child" or Emenike's..but I trust my man, he had strong swimmers.
He was quiet now..and his breathing wasn't that heavy again. I knew he was listening to me.
"Mona died so that we could carry the baton, right the wrong that was done to her mother and also right the wrong that has been done to others and stop it from happening again!"
I felt him sit up, but he remained quiet.
"So Andy...we can't die..it would be very selfish of you to die now..forget your fear of tight spaces..there is suitable oxygen to hold us till help arrives"
I knew he was looking at me like I was crazy, even in the dark I felt it.
"Help? But the assasin is coming for our heads now!"
"Wrong! He's coming to open this door and let us out! We are going to kill him"
He was silent, then:
"Wait..put on that torch first"
I complied.
"Give it to me"
I handed it to him
He shone the light in my face
"Just wanted to make sure you're okay...but that is the most motivational speech I've ever heard in my life"
He stood up.
"You know what Oba..I'm ready let him come"
I smiled and stood up. "So you're not claustrophobic anymore?"
"Haba..must you remind me about it"
But he didn't panic anymore, instead he brought out the dagger and positioned himself beside the door.
I also held my gun tightly. I took a kneeling stance and aimed the door.
Now we had to wait.

We waited and waited.
And waited.
"Are you sure this fool is coming?"
"Yes I think so"
"Although he's a coward..all he knows how to do is send messages..you need to have seen-"
"Shhhh" Andy shushed me suddenly and we were quiet.
I heard some kind of noise, like a shuffling of feet outside.
This was it. I tried to calm my pulse.
Someone knocked on the door. I heard his voice.
"Target...don't tell me you're locked in there"
We didn't reply. Just open the door so I can shoot you. I didn't plan to miss this time.
I heard the bolt flip open. Then no sound at all. After some seconds he opened the door. But he must have stood to the side because I didn't see him. In my haste I almost wasted a bullet but I stopped myself just in time.
"Show yourself you coward!" I called out. Still nothing.
For like 30 seconds the door just stood wide open. The breeze that rushed in was very welcome and the outside was very tempting but I didn't plan on moving. Not yet.
Finally the shadow threw something into the container. As it landed it emitted gas. It was a canister. Not just one filled with fog to disable visibility, this was tear gas. I could feel it stinging my eyes and choking me. I had to leave the container before I fainted.
I rushed out and Andy had already exited and he was coughing with his hands on his knees.
I saw the shadow moving towards him from behind and I panicked....Oh God..not Andy.
I fired a shot, even though I wasn't balanced and my eyes were half closed. I didn't know were the bullet landed but it obviously didn't touch the shadow because he continued rushing at Andy.
I shouted and alerted Andy to the presence and he turned at the last minute and swung his dagger to the shadow.
He slashed him on his face and the shadow shouted in pain but then I heard the gunshot.
I didn't even know he had a gun.
He had shot Andy in the stomach at point blank range.
I saw Andy go on his knees in slow motion and I went mad.
I charged at the shadow and as he turned to me I wasted all the remaining shots in his direction. I kept on running as I fired and I also heard two gunshots that he fired in my direction but I didn't feel any pain.
I caught up to him and took him down. Jumping on him and sending both of us to the ground, we rolled once but I came out on top. His fighting skills and reflexes were no match for my rage.
I sat on him, Punching and punching and punching his face while shouting like a mad man.
"You...you ..you..you bastard! You killed him you bastard!"
I must have punched him up to 50 times because suddenly strong arms hefted me up.
"He's dead..you already shot him!"
I looked at the person who was speaking to me..my eyes were blurred from tears and I had trouble believing it.
It was doctor Rasheed, aka Carmicheal.
I saw that his handler the one that had been referred to as 'Betran' in the letter was bent over Andy.
"This man is still alive.. He can still be saved..quick! We need to hurry! Let's take him to the car"
We hefted Andy or more accurately, they carried Andy. I was in such a daze. I kept on remembering everything we had gone through, since school, work and recently how he had always come through for me..thrown his comfort and basically his life away to stand by my side.
I followed Betran and Dr Rasheed as we ran through the containers.
"We need to stop the bleeding first...he's losing a lot of blood! I'd call Mary at the hospital..they need to set up the operating room...we'll need to check his vitals..."
His voice faded away and I spaced out again. Aware that I just kept on putting one foot in front of another.

After what felt like eternity, we got to the car. It seemed like a limo. I had no idea and I didn't care. But it was quite long.
Dr Rasheed and i squeezed into the back seat with Andy stretched between us.
Andy's head was in my lap.
"Keep him awake don't let him drift away again..talk to him..don't let his eyes close!" Dr. Rasheed urged me as the car sped away.
I looked at Andy, I couldn't see his eye balls and blood was seeping from his mouth..
"Andy stay with me...remember what we talked about? You can't die...Mona isn't ready to receive you yet...stay with me bro" tears were flowing freely from my eyes and my voice was breaking.

"What do you mean you can't see his body? He was shot just seconds ago! Find him then tie his legs to a block and throw him into the water!" A voice boomed from the front passenger seat. Betran was driving, someone was beside him making a call and Dr Rasheed was in the back seat with me trying his best to stop the blood flow.
"I need to apply pressure on the wound...the bullet passed through and I pray it didn't hit any arteries"
"We'd be in the hospital in a minute..luckily its a stones throw from the port" Betran announced from the front.
"Andy remember that time when Ariyo's wife was flirting with you and asking for your address? Remember? I tried to smile at the memory but the tears increased.
My bro's eyes were closing and my heart was breaking.
"We're here!" Betran aka Dr. Rasheed's handler drifted into the hospital's parking lot.
And doctors were already waiting with a stretcher. I didn't know when Dr.rasheed had even placed the call and to be honest only my body was in that car..my mind had been acres away.
They whisked Andy away and as they went through the sliding glass I could see the female doctor leap onto Andy and begin pumping his chest with some kind of device.
"We need oxygen over here!" That was the last thing I heard as they disappeared into the hospital.
I was outside the car and I leaned on the bonnet and stared at the sky."God why..why!" If Andy were to die I knew I would be too broken to continue...the guilt hadn't even begun I knew the guilt alone could kill me. Just as I had called strange eyes and Mona had died, switched on the cylinder and Fome had been blown up, now I had called the shadow and Andy....my God Andy! Why not me! Why! Why!
"27 years ago..I looked to the sky and asked that same question...why?" The man who had been in the front had come to stand beside me. Betran still remained in the car. Dr Rasheed had gone with the doctors.
"That's a very simple and complex question...why?..it can only be answered with another simple question..why not?"
I didnt even spare him a glance. I was to busy wrapped up in misery and praying for Andy to survive.
"I'm sorry about the shadow..but it seems he got away..I have men still searching the port for him as we speak"
I looked at him finally. Who was this? I saw his face was badly disfigured. I mean horrible and he was quite hideous to look at. I suddenly knew who he was.
"You..you're Fome's father"
"Exactly...you can call me Mr X however...as you can see my identity was burnt a long time ago"
He offered his hand but I ignored it.

souloho19:
"Andy relax..we would get out" I tried again but he wasn't listening.
He began throwing his body at the door and I knew it had to hurt judging by the sound it made.
I couldn't hear any noise from the other side. It seems whoever had done this to us had left. Not as if Andy even gave me a chance to listen well. "Heeeeeey! Open up! Open this door!"
He looked at me and I could see he was already sweating profusely.
"Oba are you not bothered?! We are going to die here and you're just standing!"
"Andy just calm down...all this noise won't help. The first thing is to relax. I have-"
"Relax?relax? Does this look like the beach?"
With that he faced the door and continued banging and shouting.
I walked deeper into the container. Truth be told the confinement was already getting to me. I was somebody who loved my freedom and something told me that if it was just me I would have freaked out maybe worse than Andy. But his presence made me struggle for a little bit of control. Although it seems I held onto 'control' with a thin thread, and it could snap any minute.
I brought out my phone. Who could I call now? As much as I hated calling strange eyes I could see no other option. As I was battling myself mentally, my phone rang. It was Andy calling me. I looked at him suprised but he was still busy banging and shouting. Then I remembered I had left his phone with Olivia.
"Hello"
"Rex..what's going on?"
"Nothing much, how's your leg? You just woke up?"
"No its been quite long. Your mother came to check on me so I just had dinner. How's the operation going? What's that noise?"
"That's the sound of Andy freaking out..but everything would be okay...we'd be home in no time" I don't know if I believed that or if I just said it to make her feel better.
"Rex. What is happening?"
I could hear the panic in her voice.
I didn't need this right now..precious time was seeping away. I rushed through the call with some empty sounding assurances then cut the call.
I called strange eyes.
Can you believe it, not reachable!
I tried again..switched off!
Again...not reachable!
Haaaa! Today of all days!
Now I was loosing it. I was feeling like I couldn't breathe. It seems the walls were closing in. And it seems the darkness was eating me. I hurried to the torch that had fallen on the floor when someone had closed the door.
Andy had removed his shirt by now. He had stopped shouting but was still yanking the door to no avail.
I planned to go and tell him that help was on the way. Anything to just calm him down.
There had to be someone else I could call..someone who could come running to this port by...11pm at night. I could only think of short Sam and Ariyo.
Both of them were definitely a no show. Ariyo was definitely out of the picture. Our branch manager..he had called Andy and I countles times regarding work. And we had ignored his calls, Still there was no harm in trying.
I scrolled through my phone searching for Short Sam's number. My phone vibrated again. A message this time.
I checked it out expecting to see something from Olivia.
However;

roses are red, violets are blue,
Bullets are lead.
Expect one soon,
Straight to your head!

P.s: when a man starts writing poetry, know he's in love...in love with the idea of killing you..(just so you know I'm laughing crazily and wickedly right now!)
Yours killingly!

P.PS: you let my message enter two pages abi? That's two bullets then!
Hahahahahahahah!


"This guy is a sick idiot!" I was about to delete the message again but I stopped.
I studied Andy, he had gotten tired of banging and banging and he was on the floor. I felt he would pass out.
Calling short Sam now would be a waste of time.
1. He was a family man
2. He lived at the other end of Lagos.
3. If he agrees to show,the journey itself would be like almost a day. Our fears would have eaten us alive before then.

I took a second to think of what I was about to do, then I decided I didn't have any choice.
I dialled the number.
Rrrring! Rrrrrring! Rrrring! Rrrrr-
"Hello Target" he sounded like he didn't believe I had the guts to call him.
"Listen carefully I'm only going to tell you once! Stop sending messages to me..you're a bloody coward and you know it!"
"Oh you have mouth now abi...because you think you're safe somewhere..just wait till I get you!"
"I'm sick of your bullshït! You want to get me? I'm at Apapa presently..come! I'd be waiting let's end this once and for all!."
"If you have mind remain on the line for 15 more seconds let me lock the signal and trace your location!"
I was silent.
After some seconds. "Hmmm...you've grown balls haven't you...well start praying all your sins are forgiven you! Because I'm coming to send you to your maker!"
He laughed that his crazy wicked laugh before he cut the call.

I walked to were Andy was.
"Oba" he sounded weak "so this is what those widows have been going through? Even children? At least its just me and you alone, but imagine when this place is crammed full with women and children all crying and afraid. Some of them would even die in here"
I was silent and I sat down beside him.
"Andy I've got good news and bad news"
He looked at me. "Good news and bad news..start with the good news first...no no start with the bad news"
"I'd start with the good news" I cleared my throat.
"Help is on its way..someone is coming here as we speak"
He gave a sigh of relief. "Oh thank God" but then he frowned. "Wait, what's the bad news?"
"Its the assassin...and he's coming to kill us"
Andy just looked at me like: 'wonders would never end!'

Bibi294:
Souloho19, congrats honey... You are on the FP

souloho19:
Sure bro It myt be later tonyt tho Tnx for following

souloho19:
My dad cleared his throat. "Rex, your mother and I have noticed some strange behaviour lately." He glanced at Andy then back at me "it really got us worried... I don't know what it is that you've gotten into but we're your parents...you can talk to us"
My mother nodded "anything it is just know we love you and we would stand by you"
There was silence as they waited for my reply. I could tell they expected me to confess whatever sins I had committed and whatever I had gotten myself into.
They looked at Andy also their gaze saying he was also included in the topic and that he could speak if I didn't want to.
This wasn't one of those situations where I would use silence to ride out their patience till they got tired and left the issue. I had done that countless times during my teenage years. But this time was different, besides I knew I owed them some sort of explanation. I have been acting strange after all.
I looked at Andy and he shrugged with his eyebrows if it were possible.
I cleared my throat no idea of how I was going to dance out of the spot.
"I've been having some problems with work...the fact is that I'm broke." Where had that come from? But I had succeeded in shocking them..their mouths both hung open. Especially my dad.
"What do you mean you're broke? What happened? How is that possible?"
The best thing was to go with the flow.
"The truth is that..I got duped by fraudsters...millions of naira belonging to the bank went down the drain. I have been running helter skelter trying to pay it off all this while"
"So the house is really not yours?" My dad asked. I glanced at my mother like she had snitched me. But seriously when did they start telling each other everything?
"Who has the house?"
She asked me
"Its for my boss at work...he wanted my parents to be very comfortable and he gave me the house keys for your stay"
The news had weakened them and I was beginning to regret it. I could have thought of something else,
"So the car too isn't yours?"
"No...its not..but the thing is..my boss is working on an appeal for headquarters once it gets approved. Its just a portion of my salary that I'd let up monthly until the debt is paid."
"Andy is this true?"
Andy looked at me like wtf! Is that the best you can come up with? But he nodded sadly "yes ma..as a matter of fact, we're both in the mess"
"Your boss is a nice man..but I keep on telling you that you need to sharpen up..eh" my dad sounded bitter.
He drummed on then table with his fingers "your mother and I would be heading back tomorrow..I'd send you what I can... Its not much but its all I have"
"No...honestly don't worry...its not as bad as it seems..as a matter of fact I still have enough money that I plan to give you before you leave tomorrow"
"So...how come...or did you steal money from work and you're lying that you were scammed?"
"Of course not" I had dug myself in a hole and simultaneously put myself in a corner.
My dad got up. "Honestly...I don't know what is wrong with you...I need a drink then I'm going to bed"
He left and Andy, my mother and I stared at each other in silence.
My mother wasn't done. "Rex...what scares me the most is that you're still refusing to tell me the truth up till now...I'm your mother and I know you're lying to me"

She looked at me and I looked at her. Then
I decided, for a change why not speak the truth?
"The truth is I've been involved with dangerous people and a smuggling ring that traffic women out of the country and last night I faced an assassin that was after my life and I've been running around to make sure everybody is safe" I rushed everything out then watched her...waiting for her reply.
She got up. "I'm going to bed. When you are ready to tell me the truth...I'm ready to listen"
I looked at Andy and he shrugged "don't look at me..somehow you fücked up, but managed to unfùck your fûck up by refūcking up!"
"What the Bleep is that...where were we jare.."
I brought out the coordinates but was having trouble focusing.
My phone rang. Short Sam.
"S.s..how far.?"
"Tell the widow to be checking her inbox...I've done it"
"Nice..what number?"
"Men that number moves fast o..I put it two numbers down at 61"
"Already? How many hours ago?"
"Bro e tire me..wait you said those women are being trafficked out?"
"I'd get back to you..I promise!"
"Of course!...after I've done my part that is what you-"
I had ended the call.
"Men next time I'd call S.s he's gonna put me through hell!"
"What's up?"
I narrated our phone call to Andy and he nodded excitedly. "That means she should get the mail by tomorrow...if they move that fast!"
"Yes..which is why we need to check out at least one location tonight"
"I agree...when do we move?"
"Lets make sure my folks are asleep first"
30 minutes later and not a word from upstairs. They were no doubt upset with me and I knew they wouldn't seek me tonight.
I checked on Olivia and she was still asleep.
I left Andy's phone on the dresser with a note under it.

if you wake up and I'm not back, call my number..its saved 'Oba' on the phone

We set out of the house and locked up. Andy had insisted we were a dull colour of shirt to blend easily with the shadows and I agreed.
I had the gun under the seat and he had the dagger under his. I started up the car and pulled out of the close.
We were heading for the nearest coordinates.

6°27′N 3°22′E / 6.450°N 3.367°E

This region of Apapa lies near the mouth of the Lagos Lagoon and contains ports and terminals for various commodities such as containers and bulk cargo.
Adjacent to the container port is the Tin Can island port.
As I drove towards the port, I remembered something Mona had told me about strange eyes and his agents chasing Fome around the Apapa mariner. At the time I had thought Mona was an agent too but now I wondered at her hidden unknown message then, perhaps Fome had been trying to track down this very location?
I looked at Andy.
"Any idea how we can locate it exactly? And avoid the Ports Authority also?"
"No idea...lemme try and download a digital compass on my phone"
"If that would help...but if widows are locked up in one of these many containers...we are not leaving here till we free them"
Andy...my niggèr had transformed to a real fearless lion. He smiled "that is what I like to hear"