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"Ah..Mr...so nice to see you..you're our very good customer now!"
I smiled politely in reply at the young man behind the counter.
"Thank you...thank you..I'd like two rooms please"
He noticed my ATM card in my hand. "Our pos isn't working.."
"I don't have any cash on me..is there an ATM around here"
"Bross I'd give you the rooms first,let mummy and your wife rest then you can use the ATM its not really far from here"
"That's really nice of you.." I studied him intently but couldn't recall his face specifically but he looked familiar. Probably from the previous time I had used this hotel. I could tell this wasn't my first time here.
We thanked him and located the rooms, they weren't next to each other and I made a note to ask him for a switch.
Olivia was the first one to speak. "I don't think we should split up again"
"Yes..I agree let's all move together...when we see Andy we'd come back and sleep"
"Mama..look at the time..its 10:35pm..what sane man would be dragging his mother and his..." I trailed off..looking for a suitable adjective to qualify Olivia....wife?(she was a less than 2 weeks widow),girlfriend (really?) friend(seemed stale). At the end I filled in the 'gap' with a vigorous shaking of my wrist..the movement alone a statement of emotions no adjective could convey.
"I want nothing more than for all of us to go together..but someone needs to stay with Andy..I'm only going to relieve dad because he wants to see you.. I'd still have to stay back at least until Andy's awake"
"If your dad wants to see me..why don't we all go there?..or you plan to drive there,drive him back before you return...then who will watch over Andy?while you're driving?"
I frowned "I'd give him the car keys so he'd drive back himself"
"But how would he know this place from the other one..especially at night.. and here is quite far" Olivia added.
They were picking my case apart piece by piece with logic! I scratched my head for like the thousandth time.."The fact is you all need to rest, its really late"
"Then we'd sleep at the hospital" my mom said "anyhow but we shouldn't get separated again"
"Imagine how that would make me feel if you people sleep in the hospital...okay..we'll all go..but on one condition" I said to her.
"What's that?"
"I'd book a flight tonight for you and dad to go back home tomorrow"
"Haba..Rex how so you think that would make us feel?"
"Its something that must happen..things are too dangerous here and with what happened tonight...I can't continue risking my mother's life like that...anybody's life like that!"
She was quiet for some seconds. "Look Rex..that is why I'm saying we have to stay together-"
I intwrruptes her "Cynthia, Nyesom, Utebo, Olivia, Gloria, Beatrice, Junior, Ovie, Paul,Ehis,Irene..." I was forgetting some of their names...my nieces and nephews were quite much. "Not to forget Utebo is expecting now..see all these names I've mentioned..they're your children and grandchildren...it has been selfish of me and I can not afford to let anything happen to you and keep you from them...same with daddy"
"Your Father won't agree to this"
"He would don't worry"
"What about Olivia?" My mother asked. "We travel now..where does she go or she has to face the "danger" too?(she actually used her fingers to quote) what about you..where do you go? Is this how you would be jumping from hotel to hotel still involved with what I still don't fully understand...what about Andy?...how would he-" I had to interrupt her yet again..a habit I know she hated."Mama...everything would be okay..I just need to know that I don't have to worry about you again..lemme know you're safe at home"
She nodded and I turned to Olivia satisfied.."Olivia..I don't think we should go through with the interview again"
"Why not?"
"Its too-"
"Too dangerous!" She finished off for me "Rex what about the danger the other women are facing... I told you this has become personal for me too..." She looked at her cast and I knew exactly what she was thinking. I didn't want her getting emotional about her accident. "Okay..I understand..at least we'll talk about it later there might be another way"

We filed out the room and through the reception. The young man who had been dozing sat up. "Bros. What's wrong. You're leaving?"
"Yes..we would be leaving now..but I'd definitely be back maybe tomorrow or next"
He brightened up.."no problem bros..how did you like that cap?"
I blinked at him. "What cap?"
"The cap..my face cap..you bought it the other night"
"Oh..yes it was helpful thank you.."
I could remember giving him money one night in exchange for the cap he had been wearing..what had I been up to then?...that must have been the night I gave Andy's neighbour (Alhaja) a concussion. I shook my head at the atrocities I had committed.Outside my mother said "At least you've answered one of my questions..I know where you plan to be living"

And so the merry go- to and fro continued as I drove back to the hospital. Although there was nothing 'merry' about this ride.My mom and Olivia went on about what had happened back in the hotel recounibg their near death experience, from the moment nurse Ify had knocked on the door to the moment i had barged through it,going through the details inch by inch and expressing thoughts they didn't know they had then.

After some time I called my dad and told him to expect us. He assured me he was still with Andy..and guess what?he had woken up fully, at least his eyes were open and he could very well see him although he wasn't talking.
"That's good news..we're on the way"
I announced that Andy was awake and the mood immediately got lighter and for a minute it was like everything was how it should be again.

°•°•°•°•°•°
Back at the hospital again, and I was tired of the place. The time was 11:19pm, and the guard that opened the gate, must have thought it was an emergency case because he hurried and yanked the gate open with much speed for me to drive through.

I was on the lookout for any sign of strange eyes but I didn't see him. I wondered if he had followed us to the hotel but had missed our swift exit and was now still seated in a car outside. That was his business..I couldn't trust him..not one percent.
My dad was stretched out on the chair and he must have nodded his head to an imaginary beat a lot of times as I could tell he had been dozing.
He got up immediately And hurried to the door. "Oh..Martha..I'm sorry..it was my fault..did she hurt..you? .what of Olivia?..are you okay?"
He didn't fuss over me as much..he kept on blaming himself for letting the nurse pick his pocket so easily..
"That reminds me..I didn't see the wallet..she didn't have it with her"
"You wouldn't believe that we found it in a dustbin in the reception? But the address and the money was gone.."
We crowded Andy's bed and his eyes were truly opened and I could see the recognition in his eyes as he glanced at each of us. He didn't try to talk however, and I had the feeling even the anesthesia couldn't numb the pain he would feel if he were to try.
We all spoke to him..almost at once..I was telling him I had gotten the bastard that had put him on a stretcher and I knew Andy, that was the first thing he would ask if he could.
We crowded him for minutes, then I took my father to the side.
"That reminds me..I plan to book a ticket tonight..so you and mom can go back home"
"Why?..how do you mean?"
"What happened today...much worse would surely happen if you both stick around..you need to be with her 24/7"
I could see the concern on his face but I knew he was leaning towards agreeing. Worry must have almost eaten him alive today.
My phone was vibrating and somehow I knew it would be strange eyes calling me, and it was.
"We need to talk more about this...you need to at least tell me your plans..there's a lot of ways I could help you even though I may not be there physically"


"Hello Rex..I'm at the hospital's parking lot..when you're ready come down let's talk"
"How long have you been there?"
"Long enough to see you still push the widow and leave your mother to walk by her self yet again"
"You are a fool you know that?"
"I see you're still after girls..that has always been your weakness in my opinion..remember Fumi.."
I thought he was going to mention Fome's name next but he must have thought better of it.
"Look Rex..I'm sorry..I shouldn't have said that..I'm in the parking lot..in a ford jeep outside...we need to talk"
I kept my eyes on my family. The three of them were still hurdled around Andy. Talking to him and asking him questions he couldn't answer..at least not yet.
I focused on the call. "We don't have anything to talk about"
"But we do Rex..I know things about the initiative we could use to take it down..and we need to join minds and move quick because they have something planned"
"What?"
"Believe me..the Chief is a sick bastard...very unfeeling man"
"What do you mean..what are they planning?"
"Are you coming outside or not?"

queenitee:
Thank God oo,been waiting for updates like forever

Lol..sorry for the delay..here's another..!

yommy20:
Nice job bro, pls new update abeg

Thanks a lot..here it is

funnyfun:
Haba Souloho19, you want to kill somebody ni. This your story is just like Valium 50. Once I start reading it, no other work or sleep can take over until I read through. Do keep up the good work. may you reach greater height and be more pronounced than you are.

Lwkmd..tnx boss I rili appreciate! amen and God bless

I hurried to her side, gripped with fear and panic. Although i could see she was breathing, panic did not cease.
"No..she wasn't injected" Olivia answered the question I forgot I had asked.
I almost wept out in relief. I knelt on the bed and touched her brow.
"She fainted..I don't know what that woman told her when I was on the phone.." Olivia said in a shaky voice She trailed off and glanced towards the 'woman' in question who was on the floor. The dose must have stopped her heart in seconds but I wasn't bothered about the nurse(or dead nurse) right now, I was frantically touching my mothers brow and neck with the back of my hand checking her temperature. It was a bit too high for my liking and when I tapped her and she still didn't wake I began to panic I tugged her hand and shook her more frantically "its okay..don't panic she needs water" the captain said from over my shoulder. He must have gotten the bottled water he handed to me from the mini fridge because it was cold.
"I think the nurse told her you and Andy had died and she fainted...she needs to hear your voice..speak to her.." Olivia added as I took the bottle and tore the cap off.
Their words made me get a grip on myself, or something close to "a grip" I calmed down, then splashed the water in drops on her face and when she didn't stir, I increased the torrents..then I saw her eyelids flutter, I quickly held her up in a sitting position all the while calling her name, calling my name and saying anything that popped into my mind.
They must have switched off the a/c before sleeping off probably as a result of the cold but now some hours later and after me and nurse Ify's tussle the room was quite hot and stuffy. The captain located the switch and put it on.
"Rex.." My mother whispered breathlessly.
"I'm here..mama..I'm here"
"Oh thank God!" Olivia said in relief and I could see she had been shaken up just as much. The captain who had switched the a/c on walked across the room to where the nurse's body lay.
"She's dead...what happened"
I was hugging my mother who had burst into tears and I regarded him warily over her head "Mama its okay..I'm alive..Andy's alive...its okay" I assured her
The captain was inspecting the syringe closely but I saw he didn't touch it...he didn't even get too close.
"This is a crime scene" he said to me as if in response to my thoughts "it would be unprofessional to touch anything"
"Where were you? Why did you waste time?" I asked him furiously.
"I missed the turning..you took off so fast! I didnt know which way you went..And I had to calm down one gentle man in the hallway..he said you knocked him down and didn't even apologize"
I waved what i deemed as excuses away. "We need to get the body to the hospital"
"She's already dead" the captain pointed out.
"Then we take it to the morgue.."
"Rex!" My mother looked at me in horror. "How can you just talk like that?"
It was good to see she had gotten a grip on her emotions and the tears were gone..or at least reduced.
The captain stood up. "This is a self defense case the police are on their way..there's no problem"
"Self defense? She killed herself! she was supposed to kill me but somehow she brought down the needle to her own arm" the same hand she had used to grip my throat. I touched my Adam's apple imagining the worst and my mother shuddered beside me.
"Its okay..I'm fine" I assured her.
"Well be that as it may be..the force is on their way"
I could see both my mother and Olivia were looking away from the body on the floor and they both looked pale. I suddenly felt the need to move..they shouldn't be here.. I stood up "what force are you talking of?.we haven't called the police yet"
"I have. don't worry its just procedure, as a force man, the law comes first"
"Well as a family man family comes first..by the way when did you call?...oh! So that's what took you so long? You were busy making a call when you should have been helping me out and I'm sure no one would have died here tonight if you had just had my back!" I tried to keep my voice from rising. I didn't like the turn things were taking..for the police to come here...there was a very high possibility the whole of my night and tomorrow would be spent behind bars regardless of my mother and Olivia's statements and tomorrow was the only free day we had before the interview with the initiative.
"Calm down son..I have your back!" The captain assured me.
"Who are you really..you're not really sick are you?" I asked him suspiciously.
"why would you say that"
"Let me see your ID, you say you're a captain?"
"You bloody civilian..I'm on your side"
my phone rang and cut off my retort. I didn't trust this man, I was considering if I could take him on, (nowadays, I hardly shy away from physical confrontation anymore but that doesn't mean i dont think first and in this case, on the off chance that he was truly a force man plus he still looked quite tough) I decided against it. Still I kept a watchful eye on him as I answered the call.
"Rex..how are they? are you there?"
"Yes I'm there..they're fine..how is Andy?"
"He's fine.. He's
almost fully awake".
That was good news and I was about to assure him that everything was fine on this end but there was a sharp knock on the door.
"Please..is everything okay in there?" A voice came from the other side of the door.
We looked at ourselves as we all went quiet.
"Who's that?..what's happening?" My father asked from the other side of the line.
I cut the call as the knock sounded again, sharp and impatient."Everything is fine.. Its fine!" I yelled back.
Would you believe that the door wasn't even locked! It opened suddenly and guess who would stroll in? Strange eyes himself and he was followed by the young man I had run into earlier before in the corridor. I had floored him flat in my haste then and he had seemed pissed but now he entered the room behind strange eyes wearing a superior smile.
"Rex..Rex.. Rex.." Strange eyes called my name slowly. I could tell he loved all these his suprises.He gave a slight nod to the captain as he passed him.
His eyes swept the room. One red, one white but they rotated everywhere, resting on everything in the room almost at once. "Every single place you go..there must be a body!" He exclaimed when he saw the nurse's body on the floor. Then His eyes rested on my mother and Olivia.
"Its such a pleasure to meet you madam. I've heard so much about you.." He addressed my mother with a slight exaggerated bow
I was looking at the door were the captain and the other man stood together forming some kind of road block. I knew the captain had to be one of strange eye's boys..hence so easy for him to play the part of a captain and fool us easily
"You mean there were two agents in this hotel and the both of you were having fellowship in the hallway while I rolled about with an armed and dangerous not to talk of crazy woman?!" I asked them angrily.
No one replied me and strange eyes was apparently not done addressing the women.
"Ah..this must be the widow.. Such a pleasure to meet you?" He smiled at Olivia and alarm bells went off in my head. I gripped strange eyes by the collar suddenly "how do you know she's a widow?"
he raised his hands to signal the captain and the second agent(who I only just realized had to be the gala seller agent and the agent that had accompanied him to the restaurant the night Mona was still alive and with the old crooner..the very night things had changed it felt like decades ago..)
Strange eyes halted their steps with a hand signal as they made to come to his aid and probably roughen me up a bit.
"Rex..I'm afraid you've been taking advantage of our friendship..this kind of thing could get you shot another place another time..you don't grab someone like me carelessly like that" but he made no move to shrug out of my grasp not like I was ready to release him.
"Who told you she's a widow?" I asked him roughly.
"What do you take me for?..I'm an investigator finding things out is my job..same way I was able to link you and Andy to the mariner shootout and the hospital.." I loosened my hold a bit and he finally shrugged my hands away.
"Look Rex..let's forget about our history for a moment, we need to work together for the greater good here"
"Rex .who's this person?..are you a police man?" My mother asked him.
"Something like that madam..but I'm here so that justice might be served..I'm on your side"
I scoffed. "Please.. You're definitely not on my side..all the times you had to stand for me you let me down"
"I know..I know..look after you and Andy left me that day, I started thinking..I must say I never expected it but you inspired me..civilians you are..but you inspired me..going bravely to do my job while I cowered in the background" he bowed his head slightly "I was ashamed of myself"
I made a 'you should be' sound from my throat and his gaze remained on the body for a while. Then he looked at me finally. "Rex. When I found out about the wido-" he stopped himself then glanced at Olivia. "When I found out about your friend.. I knew what you had planned and believe me you need my help more than ever..the initiative isn't something you can take on alone."
"Once bitten twice shy..but you've managed to bite me times without number..I'd rather be on my own"

"Please are you both aware there's a dead body in this room? Rex..Haba..you're not even bothered! You're just talking!" My mother burst out suddenlt like she couldn't stand it anymore.
"You're right..." I turned to strange eyes. "You want to redeem yourself? Start by taking care of the nurse. When you're done come to the hospital..let's talk" I helped my mother to her feet then gripped the handles of the wheelchair ."To the hospital?" Olivia asked me and I nodded. The truth was I needed to find another hotel, it was very annoying that we couldn't get somewhere we could rest without any incident forcing us out.
"Don't worry about it..Rex .my agents would take care of it..let's all go together..we have lot to talk about" strange eyes assured me.
"I have nothing yo talk about with you" The fact that he knew Olivia was a widow had shook me too much. There was a huge possibility that any other person that bothered to look could also find out as well. But the Chief didn't have any idea of my plans..or did he?
I scratched my jaw tiredly..I really needed to think..or to try to think at least.
The two agents stood to the side as I prepared to wheel Olivia to the door.
"No..no..hold on to your mother she's still weak" Olivia told me then began to wheel herself. I knew she had gone a full day without taking her injections and I promised to stop by the private hospital the next day, maybe if we both went to see Wendy. (It was looking like something that had to happen now.)
I held my mother's hands and she also assured me she was fine and said I should instead push Olivia's wheelchair but I insisted and supported her weight.
Strange eyes then offered to push Olivia..he didn't really offer actually, he just gripped on to the handles and wheeled her ahead of me.
I gritted my teeth but it was just as well because I didn't want her to task herself with the tediousness of Wheeling herself.

The captain and the gala agent (I was sure of it now) stood to the side as I passed and I frowned at them then on afterthought, flipped the captain the middle finger(that was for lying and falling behind to communicate with strange eyes when he should have been helping me.) Then I gave gave the second agent too (because he left my face with some nasty bruises back when we struggled) They both sneered at me in reply.
I shook my finger at the (fake) captain."You better hide that cap..my in-law is a major when next I see you I'd make sure you get drilled for impersonation"

The night clerk asked me if everything was fine. He looked quite suspicious but I assured him everything was fine, and we were just taking a drive.

We got to the car outside and strange eyes made to help Ada to the seat.
I hissed out like a snake "get your crooked hands off her..I'd help her in myself"
He looked at me surprised then shrugged. Even Olivia looked at me strangely. It was a kind gesture after all? No need to overreact.
I opened the door and helped my mother in the back, she kept assuring me she was fine, and I could see she was actually thank God for that. I walked round the car to help Olivia to the front. I all but snatched the handles from strange eyes hands and I couldn't help but feel petty..I wondered about my reaction..I guessed the fact that strange eyes had a hand in the death of Fome and was always after her when she was alive had put me on the offensive..I didn't want any kind of feeling of déjà vu..not with Olivia..infact I didn't even want their paths to cross..that was why I was already having my doubts about going through with the initiative now..I could smell danger..I had faced it so many times that I knew the distinct odour.
No...I shook my head..we won't go through with it.. I couldn't take the risk..there must be another way.
I closed the door and straightened up.
"I was wondering how many hours it would take you to help her to the seat" strange eyes remarked
"Look..I don't have time for your rubbish I need to take care of my family..they should be resting now not jumping from point A to B"
"Okay..what's your plan?"
"I need to lodge somewhere else..somewhere safe..you can wait for me at the hospital.."
"Okay..no problem..anything you say..just remember I'm on your side..we can do this together."
I pointed my finger at him "I don't want any rubbish tricks..you go and wait for me at the hospital..if I should so much as sniff you on my tail or if I should see you..."
"At the hospital got it...." He held up his hands in mock surrender. "I can see you've changed now..you've toughened up a bit"
I had no reply for that, I just entered the car and drove off.
I was worried about the briefcase..I really should have done something about it like convert the money and go cashless..this kind of amount and currency was the type to surely cause problems. It was currently locked up in the booth of the car and God help me if I was pulled over and searched..I didn't even have the reply for the questions that was sure to follow.

"Who was that man?" My mother asked me as we exited the street.
"He's a Government agent"
"Seriously what's with his eyes?" Olivia asked me
"He's yet to tell me..according to him he wasn't born like that"
"Its creepy"
"Tell me about it"
"I liked him..he's a polite man" my mother said from the backseat.
"Mama you like everybody!" I said accusingly. Same thing she had said about the shadow, 'such a nice young man' or something like that..it seems the crazy ones were the nicest. Still no one needed to tell me to tread softly with strange eyes. I didn't even plan to do any 'threading', once we got to the hospital, I was going to tell him to bug off.

I didn't bother to watch for headlights in the rearview, somehow I knew strange eyes wasn't following..
My mother was narrating the events to my dad over the phone presently and I thought about their safety..the kind of scare I had received today..I couldn't go through it again..I had to figure something out..I knew my dad wouldn't want to leave her side again and maybe I could convince him things would be better if they were somewhere safe(which would mean somewhere far away from me)
"...he's here he's driving...okay.....okay..." My mum was speaking into the phone.
"What are you thinking of?" Olivia asked me in a low voice
"So many things...the 3rd is next tomorrow!"
"Everything would be fine Rex..I know it" she seemed so sure!
If it were possible to bookmark or archive a moment in our lives..that's what I did at that moment.Driving into the night, with my mothers voice in the background as she spoke to my father, and Olivia's reassuring words playing over and over in my head, I knew I was going to remember it in the days to come when things might not look so 'alright'

Emmotion:
nice one man....keep it rolling

Thanks bro..I appreciate

Countrygirl:
Captivating and suspence filled..... I read it almost through the night....... Ride on soul...following to the end.

Please more updates.. #Oliver wants more

Thanks for following ma'am it means a lot..I hit a slight glitch but the updates would flow now..

Maryclaire1:
U leave me speechless really....I can't really say this is how the next episode is going to be like cos u have a way of twisting it so i get confuse and i don't know what to expect next u keep me on the edge.it's so intriguing, full of suspense,captivating....it's so unique is like I'm watching a nigeria action packed seasonal film this being your first work I must say u are so very like really good...if this becomes a movie menh!!!!it will collect an award. thanks for the invited Rachaelfst and thanks for the constant update God bless u.

Wow.. thanks for the encouragement..really happy to read this comment

AminatOpe247:
Honestly u brought me out of my shell. Captivating us an understatement for ds write up. Thumbs up bro. U earn my fellowship to ds thread.

Thanks for following and commenting its priceless!

PWEETYWIZZY:
Now am here. WOW, dis is epic.

Welcome on board and thanks for your comment.

I screeched to a halt in front of the hospital and I was rushing towards the entrance as fast as my legs could take me. I heard the door slam as the captain got down. I still had the phone stuck to my ear. "Listen to me Olivia..don't panic..where exactly is the doctor?"
Her voice had changed."she's here why?"
"Where's my mom..try not to let her know but give the doctor space"
"Rex you're scaring me...wait she's looking at me strangely..."
The line went off suddenly and I almost went mad. I breezed through the stairs jumping over at least five steps in a leap. I tore down the corridor, brushing a young man who just came out of one of the rooms. He fell back and shouted angrily after me.
With lightening speed I was at the door, I barged through with so much force that I almost fell to the ground.
Nurse Ify was before my eyes in flesh and blood. She stood over Olivia with the phone which she had obviously snatched from her in her hands, she looked at me and in a nano second I could see my mother on the bed, just lying down ...utterly still!!!
Nurse Ify smiled at me then looked at Olivia, she held the syringe like a dagger like she planned to stab it like a knife..maybe break the needle of in her body.

You know this thing they say about adrenaline, that it would get to a point, that the level of adrenaline can make a man do some unnatural things when faced with a last option or in a hopeless situation.
Now I've replayed the events over in my head and I don't know how I was able to make that leap on a normal day I know myself..I can't jump like that.
The room was very spacious, the bed stood to one side of the wall, Olivia was in the wheelchair in front of the toilet with nurse Ify standing over her. I had just come in at the opposite end of the room through the door and it took about 2 seconds for me to notice my mother on the bed, notice the nurse Ify raise her hand with deadly intent on her face.
Somehow I threw myself from one point to the other. Some kind of mighty leap worthy of a medal (and probably world record) in the long jump Olympic event.
Later Olivia would tell me I was the one who had made that loud howling noise. I heard it in mid air and wondered were the primal sound/shout originated from not knowing the source was from my very lips!

It was like a rugby tackle. I took her down swiftly and we tumbled and rolled. "You killed the shadow!" She shouted
"What did you do to my mother?!" I shouted
Rage was mixed with despair I held her firmly stopping her resistance and halting her movement. "You're just like him..you're no different!"
She smiled crazily "actually I'm much worse"
Rage blinded me..and I knew I could slam her head on the tiled floor any minute.
The needle appeared from nowhere very swiftly!my side eye noticed the movement but I didn't take note until it was almost too late. As my brain registered the incoming danger, I threw my body into her. That was my only option, to try and knock the deadly syring out of her grasp because to pull away would mean it would get buried in my back definitely.
The pain was sharp and deep, almost short.
I couldn't identify where the pain originated from but I could feel it in my leg region... The one thing I saw was the syringe and also the finger that pushed the plunger down releasing its deadly contents.
The last thing to go through my mind was.."shi!!!"



°•°•°•°••°•°
"Rex..Rex...wake up" my eyes opened to see Olivia staring at me..urging me awake.
Nurse Ify was on me..or rather her body was on me. I pushed her to the side then struggled to sit up.
"What happened?"
"She injected herself! She put the needle in her arm and pushed contents in"
I was stunned. "She killed herself? How could she not know?"
"Either she made a mistake..because your bodies wers really tangled and she didn't really check"
It wasn't really making sense...could she have done it purposely? I tried to sit up but the pain in my left leg made me sit back down. What was this pain if not the needle? I checked my leg and saw a very long pin(probably a hair pin) With a blue ball head sticking out of my left leg with a thin trail of blood darkening my trouser where it flowed. I pulled it out "aaagh!" I knew this was her 'lock picker' she must have used this to free herself in the hospital earlier. It looked like it would be perfect for that kind of work.

I sat up and tried to clear my head..so she had somehow injected herself with the pentothal. I could see the syringe sticking out from her right arm..the arm she had gripped my throat with just seconds before. I held my throat unconsciously and shuddered.

Talk about poor timing but the captain just struggled into the room now. Holding his sides and panting. He seemed to be in pain and I regarded him for some seconds. Thinking who this man really was..every stranger was a potential killer it seems...and why was he just panting now..he had seemed fine before plus how long would it take him that he's only getting here? I chewed on this thoughts but then I saw Olivia was beside my mother fanning her frantically with a piece of paper.
I jumped to my feet then hurried towards the bed.
"My mother...oh God she was injected?!"

forzarush:
I really missed the story,I'm back now. Thumbs up bro.

Welcome back ma'am..how've you been thanks

I was about 5 minutes away when my phone rang again.
I handled the steering with one hand and checked the caller ID..I didn't have this number saved on my phone..I dreaded hearing nurse Ify's voice on the other end and almost didn't answer the call.
"Hello?"
"Rex..long time no see"
I had totally forgotten about him. "Strange eyes..what do you want"
"I don't like that name..stop calling me that please" he sounded whiny again.
"Look this is not a good time what is it?"
"Its never a good time with you.. Intelligence reaching me is that you and Andy were involved in a shootout last night..and Andy is in fact in critical situation as we speak"
"Intelligence...just listen to yourself..I can list a 1000 things you could use your intelligence for"
"Exactly..that's why I'm calling..I'm in! I want to take down the initiative. I can't live with myself anymore"
"Look strange- agent John if I had to choose between trusting you and drinking acid, I'd choose the acid at least I'd know what to expect"
"Hmm..you need me Rex..if you're going to survive what you've embarked on..you need me...things are no longer as they used to be"
I was about to end the call, but my curiosity got the best of me.
"What do you mean?"
"Let's just say you've caught unwanted attention from way up the ladder..eyes are on you and you need me.. I'm on my way to the hospital as we speak.we need to talk"
I was only just aware that the captain was in the car with me. He was looking at me with interest.
Strange eyes was still talking about how I needed his help to survive, when I ended the call.
"Hmmm..who was that?" The captain asked interestedly
"Believe me he's not worth the stress.." I dialled my mother's number again. She didn't pick the first time and I began to panic. I called the second time.
Someone picked finally.
"Hello" it was Olivia.
I had turned into the street the hotel was in.
"Olivia..what's going on..where's my mother?"
"Rex...oh my God..is it true..?" She was crying..apprehension almost killed me. Was what true?..I dreaded what I would hear.
"What's that..what happened?!"
"Andy..is he dead?"
Andy? dead? How come..that was not possible...my dad was still watching him.
"Who told you?"
"The doctor"
"Stop crying...its a lie..I just left Andy now and he's still very much alive"
Her sobs reduced a bit and she sighed in relief.
My brain jump started suddenly. "Wait wait wait..which doctor?"
"The lady doctor from the hospital..she's here now"
I have only sheer youth to thank that I'm still alive today, because what Olivia had just told me was equal to a heart attack!

Next update would be btwn 12-1am
Stay tuned and happy good Friday!

queenitee:
Awwwn,I just caught up with you guys...This story is Wow I'm in love with it...Souloho19 you are really really good...I'm definitely following to the end

Welcome on board ma'am thanks a lot!!

rachealfst:
Soul..... this suspense is not good for good Friday, please do something about it and while you are at it, try your possible best to ensure the safety of Olivia and Rex's mum. Thank you
Happy Good Friday!

i'd try my best but that nurse is just too determined..let's see how it goes sha. Happy good friday thanks a lot!

"Not sick enough" he replied and as if to prove the point, he held the door open for me.
My phone had been ringing. My dad calling, I picked it outside.
"Hello..any news?"
"Its possible she's headed to the house..but its also possible she's lurking around"
"I'm vigilant on this end, if I should see her, there would be no Joy. Although I have a feeling she's heading for the house"
I opened the car, turning the key twice to unlock the door for my newest partner.
"I'm heading there now"
"Are you with the captain? Be careful boy!"
I assured him I would.

I backed out of the hospital then tried calling Gwen again. She busied the call twice and the third time it was switched off.
"You know where she's going?"
"I have a very good idea..she's after my hide right now and anything she sees is fair game to her, she thinks she has my address"
I didn't even want to picture the nurse barging into Gwen and Ariyo but I could picture it clearly, Gwen would be screaming to the side covering her eyes qnd shaking while nurse Ify advanced on a terrified Ariyo shouting "Mr X? Mr X?" before administering the lethal pentothal shot to his scrotüm.
I winced and shook my head. These were not thoughts to be had when one was driving...I applied pressure on the accelerator, speeding up.
I told myself the sturdy gate would be locked anyway. The gate should be locked wouldn't it? It was solid and Nurse Ify wouldn't be able to do anything but bang the gate and shout/cry
"How far is this place?"
"If the roads are clear, it should be about 45 minutes"
"If the roads clare clear, make it 20, she had a couple of minutes on us so we need every advantage we can get"
"What's her means of getting there?" I asked "...heading to Festac from Apapa with her rage boiling...would she enter a bus? then sit comfortably and pay the conductor calmly in the kind of state she's in?"
I don't know where the reasoning came from, but I got the captain thinking "you know what you might have a point...the kind of revenge boiling in her now is too hot, it needs an outlet..but still she didn't get this far career wise and not learn how to be calculating. Its highly possible she's headed for the house"
I was convinced..or partially. I still had this nagging in my brain. The way she had cursed and snarled when my dad had pinned her...I didn't really see self control there.
"But even though she's calculating...you didn't see her when we did,she didn't look so composed then .she needs an outlet like you said and the chance was taken away from her.."
"So what are you saying? She's still at the hospital?"
"No I'm sure she's not"
"So.."
The nagging in my brain was of a different kind. And if it were paranoia, I had every right to be paranoid.
We didn't speak for some minutes, apart from light traffic here and there the road was free.
The feeling got too strong I couldn't hold it. I got out my phone and dialled her number.
"Hello Rex"
"Mum..what's happening? How're you?"
"We're fine..how is Andy?"
"He's fine..where are you...what of Olivia?"
"She's here.. We've been in the room all along, and we slept off your call just woke me".
"Okay..the door is locked right?"
"Yes..what's wrong?"
"No I'm just being cautious." My phone beeped "I have another call..I'd call you back"

"Hello..any news?"
It was my dad.
"No nothing yet..we're still on the way"
"Okay...."
"What's wrong?"
My Wallet..could you check the car if its there?"
"OK..when I get down" but I could sense something else in his silence "what's wrong?"
"I think I had it with me..I had it with me when we got into this hospital?"
So why did he call me to check the car? I almost asked him this but I got the underlying message. One his ego couldn't allow him voice out outrightly.
"Wait..is it possible she swiped it?"
"She would have to be very good..because I held her hands pretty tight" but I could sense the doubt and fear.
I got worried. "Wait...what's inside your wallet. driver's license and what?"
"Most address there is in Benue state. But.."
"But..?" I prodded. I was focused on the road but I could feel the captain watching eagerly trying to grasp the conversation, my heart was hammering.
"The receipt from the hotel..I had folded it into my wallet"
Kill me now!
The address of the hotel...even to the room number was in it.
If the nurse had swiped it then that seemed like a more likely option.
I almost hit the brakes suddenly. But the headlights in the rear view mirror advised me to trafficate and move to the side of the road.
My dad was saying. "I need to hurry to the hotel..I need to!"
"I'm closer...I'd head there myself .please stay with Andy..for all we know she could be hiding anywhere in that hospital its too big"
I ended the call and made an illegal turn.
There were three options now. The nurse could either be heading to Ariyo's place, the hotel or still be in the hospital waiting for another chance to strike. But the fact that she had swiped the wallet containing the hotel's address minutes before escaping made it one of my utmost priority....what was I saying...the fact that my MOTHER and OLIVIA were in the hotel alone made it my number 1 priority.
The captain had been quiet..I didn't really know how much he had heard from the one sided conversation but after sometime he said "its okay..we'll get there in time"
I remained quiet, zipping through traffic way above the speed limit. I closed my mind from every other thought and only concentrated on overtaking the next bus,car or truck as I got closer to the hotel.

"Take what easy..this is how you people play with lives! So nonchalant! How can a nurse..nurse..plan to kill my son..how can?" (He joined his fingers at the tips and gestured to emphasize the word 'nurse')
I felt he was overdoing it a bit but it seemed to be working.
the doctors were very unsettled "Sir, that lady is clearly unbalanced..she must have managed to hold it together for so long..but she finally snapped today.."
Another added "look at all that gibberish she was speaking..about a shadow..what shadow? We believe the stress of the work has finally pushed her under"
"...just so unfortunate that she snapped with your son in the room" the first doctor continued like he hadn't been interrupted.
"So what would be done to her now?" I asked
The military man replied. "She'd be handed to the police. Immediately"
The third doctor who had been observing the monitor screens added "its just unfortunate but someone here seems to be leaking cases to the papers..expect to see some journalists by tomorrow..this kind of news is juicy for their crime section" he spat the words out in contempt and I had the impression he had a personal vendetta against journalists.
"So you see the kind of negative publicity you are exposing my family too!" My dad fired again.
I shook my head in wonder. Ally truly had no joy. The doctors were visibly shaken but he refused to give them a break. The threat of lawsuit had really disorganised them further.

The military man walked round the room. "You're his brother?"
"Yes I am"
"Do you know that nurse personally?"
"Not at all..I only met her when I donated blood earlier"
My dad had come to stand beside me.
"You work here sir?" I asked him.
"For where? I'm a patient here"
"A patient?" I was surprised
"I happened to see your dad taking the other doctor away and he explained to me she had attempted to murder"
"Then you should be resting sir" maybe I was truly concerned or maybe I just wasn't comfortable with the fact that he was a force man, I had a feeling it was the latter.
We all fell quiet as we gazed down at Andy.
"You really should be resting sir" my dad said after some time.
He smiled "I'm doing my job..in sickness and health besides I'm tired of staring at the ceiling all day."
I decided whatever his ailment it wasn't serious or life threatening, he still looked fit although he was elderly.
We all lapsed into silence once more staring at Andy and I wondered what everyone was thinking even the trio of doctors who stood hurdled to the side were also quiet.
"Well...we thank God your son is all right."
"We thank God o" my dad chorused.
"I believe you're going to press charges right?"
He looked from me to my dad..to and fro
"Definitely" we chorused.
"Okay..I better go and check on the suspect maybe the police have come to take her"
"Wait..where's she?"
He looked at me "she's handcuffed in one of the private wards downstairs till the police arrive" he looked at his watch "that should be soon"
He turned away and only then did I notice the slight limp he moved with.
He said something to the doctors and headed for the door they turned and followed him after glancing apologetically at us. The guard who had been quiet all through the ordeal followed them out without a word( he was probably still in mourning of his two buddies)


"Where did you leave the nurse?" I asked my dad
"She's handcuffed to a burglary in a room..I think it was the soldier's room"
"I have some questions for her..what room was it?"
"Hmmm...you and your questions I hope they lead to the cure of AIDS..the number of the room...I can't recall all but it ends with 26"
"You'd watch over Andy?"
"Yes..I meant what I said..it would be foolishness to leave him here unwatched"
Satisfied I headed for the door.
Outside I met the doctors..talking(they never got tired?) But they were two..I walked towards the stairs and saw the third carrying two comfortable looking chairs. He was assisted by the young nurse from downstairs and it seems the weight was almost too much for them to handle.

Downstairs I thought I saw the young doctor I had assaulted but I wasn't sure. We passed each other but he had his head buried in some sort of clipboard.
I was thinking of how to locate the room ending with '26' when the security guard who had come upstairs a short while ago ran past.
I wondered what he was running from as nothing/no one chased him apart from the stares of the few disgruntled mothers who were tired of waiting for the immunization shots for their crying children.
I must have been walking in the right direction because I suddenly saw the force man coming my way. I started to ask him where the room was, but I noticed he was walking with a spring in his step...not a limp.
"What's going on?"
"The nurse..she..she escaped!"

°•°•°••°•°
"What do you mean she escaped?!" My dad shouted into the phone
"I'm just hearing it from the force man..he went back down and she was gone"
"How is that possible..he chained her! I saw it myself!"
"Apparently the guard they put to watch over her had been...should I say enticed.."
"Seduced" the soldier supplied beside me
"Seduced..somehow she managed to let him get close enough.."
I caught sight of something and bent down. About 3 buttons..all popped(judging by the whiteness and round shape)from the nurses jacket.
"He was seduced all right.." I nudged the fool with my foot. He was still out cold on the floor. I wondered what she had done to him. But he was far gone. Knocked out cole! I nudged him in annoyance not too gently and he rolled over "The bastard still has an erection!"
"What?! Who? .how could she get out of the handcuffs?" My dad asked over the line.
"I seriously don't know how..but I can still see it attached to the burglary...how is the room there..hope no sign of her?"
"No sign at all..it would be a big mistake for her and she knows it too"
"This is bad..she could be anywhere right now..maybe still in this hospital"
"We'd find her" the soldier said reassuringly "if she's here we would find her"
I nodded. "Its just a good thing she doesn't have any of our details because she sure hates me now"
"Uh-oh" once my dad made the noise I knew there was a problem.
"Dad..Ally...what is it?"
"She had me fill some forms just before she told us you were awake in the morning..."
"Heey my God not again.." I was getting tired of all this.
When she had gone to call them, she had already read the note from doctor Rasheed and known about the shadow's death..that was when she had called my dad "Mr X?" I wondered what shadow had told her about the elusive Mr X that would make her connect him to me to even think my father could be him.
"We were in a hurry so in the box for address..I filled in our current address"
"You mean my house" that was fine..I had no plan to go back there.
"No..not your real house...the house we just left"
For a minute I thought he was going to tell me it was our hotel's address which couldn't be possible considering we only got the place hours ago...I. blinked into the receiver "which address...Ariyo's own? The one we left today?"
"Yes..that one"
"How do you know the address..me myself I don't know it!"
"Remember when I left? I checked out the address because I knew I was going to come back"
"Okay..let's not conclude..its possible she might have actually done it for official purposes"
"I don't think so"he sounded worried
"Me neither" I was beginning to worry.
"Lemme call you back" I cut the call.
"Sir..I need your help..we need to check the hospital card that was registered today..."
He didn't require any explanation he led the way walking hurriedly and I followed behind.

15 minutes later.
"Well I can categorically tell you that your file isn't here" the young male nurse dumped the last folder on the floor. We were in some kind of store. The folders I could see stacked on shelf after shelf had to be thousands.
"What of all these other boxes?"
"Any new file goes in either of these two boxes..I've gone as far as to check up to last month...its not here or if it was..its gone" he was tired and sweating. The store was really packed full and hot.
What kind of problem was this. I wanted to hope that Ariyo and Gwen didn't meet tonight after all or that if truly nurse Ify got there, she would leave when she didn't see me or my dad. But I was getting worried as I dialed the number that had called me in the morning, Gwen.
The phone rang and rang. No answer.
I was calling the second time when she picked up in mid ring.
"Hello"
"Hello Gwen..are you at the house?"
"What do you want again..." She hissed into the phone. I could hear a soft music playing in the background.
"I have reason to believe you and Ariyo are in grave danger in that house..you need to leave"
"Are you high..just look at the state the house was in..Obasi warn yourself o!"
I heard Ariyo's voice on the line (I'd know that cricket voice anywhere)
"Who's on the line dear"
She cut the call.

Damn! I faced a mental tug if war..what do I do..I had warned them! nothing more I could do...but I had put them in this situation..
I'm sure nothing would happen..nurse Ify wouldn't harm Ariyo or Gwen...but what if she did..all because Gwen had helped me out?
I shook my head.
The force man had been observing the handcuffs closely.
"I think she picked the locks..with a pin or something..wherever she is she's extremely dangerous...you add a grieving woman plus revenge and you won't like the answer..but when you multiply the grief with crazy..." His voice trailed off and he shook his head.
This was the last thing I needed to hear. I hurried out of the room"I need to go somewhere"
He hurried after me, catching the door on its rebound "I'd go with you"
He matched my pace and I looked at him "I thought you're sick?"

Emmotion:
my God........ what a awesome piece

Gracias sir!..welcome on board

arrestdarrester:
You sure write pretty good.
Am yet to place you squarely; I only have an idea the chip you came off.
I don't really comment on Nairaland but you sniffed me out with Delayed Diagnosis.
I'd be glad to help with the editing if invited.
Makes for good reading. Even better viewing if given the benefit of skillful directing.
Thumbs up

So glad to see your comment and I would take you up on the editing offer...I'd like to see your idea of the chip I came off lol
Thanks for your comment boss

rachealfst:
One of the attributes that defines a good writer- Research. Keep it up bro.

Thank God Rex and his father were there on time to rescue Andy. I'm seriously hoping Andy and Olivia will make it to the end.

Thanks ur comments alone makes me want to research more I rili app it..I'm also hoping Andy and Olivia survive too but I'm beginning to have a bad feeling

Bibi294:
SCENE TWO

(light on, Glory By Fire By Force Church of the Most High,

Lwkmd!

I could hear my dad shuffle behind me, his feet sounded like the hooves of a hundred buffalos during a stampede. Somehow that was reassuring.

I barged into the door with force and I saw the nurse Ify, she stood over Andy and yes she did hold a syringe..I knew it was a potent one. Same one the shadow had operated with.
She looked at us and proceeded to plunge the needle into Andy's neck.
"Wait-wait!wait!!" I shouted with my hands up.
My dad also made some kind of flinching noise.
She stopped at the last minute and looked up. Her eyes looked wild.
"Why do you you want to end his life?why?what harm did he ever do to you..look at him the shadow put him in that state..this innocent man...why do you want to kill him why?" If I say my voice sounded normal I'd be lying, my voice dripped every raw kind of emotion..anger, fear, frustration..(And there i say a bit high pitched and unmasculine) knowing that needle could go in any moment and i couldn't stop it.
"He's dead..he's dead..."she cried out.
For a second I thought she was referring to Andy and every thing blanked. But then she burst into tears and a part of my brain recognised the beeping sounds from the monitor. Andy was still breathing.
I knew who she was talking about. "You need to take it easy..the shadow is dead but he chose that path..by killing people you don't have to do the same."
"I love him..and I just saw his dead body now in the morgue. She looked down at Andy "he's responsible for it"
"Actually I killed him...I killed the shadow..if there's anybody you should want to kill it should be me"
She looked at me and the eyes she had been controlling blazed over. "You...and I treated you...you...you-" she didn't get to finish what she had been stammering because My father 'Ally no joy' twisted her hands suddenly making her shout in pain. He retrieved the needle and somehow pinned both hands behind her back with one hand while he held the needle with the other.
He moved like a ghost..I didn't even see him pass.!
He looked at me "My God..are you acting a soap opera? You can see someone holding something like this standing over Andy and you're trying to reason with them?"
Nurse Ify lifted both legs and swung backwards kicking my dad in the shins, but he just did something to her hands that made her shout and immediately go still.
"All this noise and not even one person to come and find out?" we looked towards the door expecting someonr to barge in but nothing.
He pushed/dragged the nurse towards the door. Nurse Ify was looking at me and she was bawling again.
"You...you killed him..you killed him..!"
My dad stopped beside me.
"What was his real name?" I asked her but she refused to answer, crying and going again with her "you killed him you killed him"
I held her chin firmly."you're the one that switched off the light for him aren't you..Both times?"
She didn't reply..just continued trembling but her eyes showed my suspicions had been correct.
I looked to my dad. "What do we do with her?"
He raised the sodium pentothal filled syringe (and for a second I feared the worst) but he said "well we have our evidence..let's go turn her in!"
I nodded "Ally no joy..that was really-" but he was already shaking his head. "No..there is no Ally no joy anymore..'no joy' would have melted her bones against the wall the moment he got to her..I guess my family changed me..I'm just Ally now" I didn't know if he sounded sad or relieved.
He pushed Nurse Ify who had began spewing all manner of insults towards the door but I could see she didn't try to resist anymore than that.
"You better wait behind" he suggested when we got to the door. I knew why and he was right the way crazy things were happening..we couldn't afford to leave Andy for one minute..who knows if any other foe is moving about in a lab coat, or cleaners coveralls or as a patient?

So I stayed behind and studied Andy closely. No markings on his neck he was breathing fine and from the beeping sounds coming from the monitor, his heart rate was fine.
Phew! That was close...we can't afford to leave Andy alone for a minute...strange things had happened in this hospital Even though I was usually in the heart of them.
My phone rang (it has a habit of doing that at the oddest times)
Wendy calling...who was Wendy...?
I moved far away from the monitors.
"Hello"
"Hello? You didn't call again?"
"Wendy?" Which Wendy...
"Yes...I had to get your number from Aunt Jossy"
"Aunt Jossy" I remembered her now...the Wendy in my sister's friend Jossy's make up school...she had helped me with my old man disguise the other time...just this past week and it already felt like years ago!
"Wendy..I've just been really busy..my apologies to Jossy"
"No problem..She asked about the video tape"
"What video?...(i recovered in time... oh..that video..) "funny story...that day did not go according to plan...infact eh..she didn't even turn up..." I suddenly had an idea..or what looked like one.
"Wendy..can we see tomorrow?...I'd like to give you another project."
"Hmmm...the last one...you promised to play me the video of your proposal but you haven't"
"Things didn't go to plan joor..when we see we'll talk well...would you be free tomorrow?"
"Hmm..okay..what do you have in mind?"
"I want to look as different as possible ..I mean my own parents shouldn't he able to recognise me...surprise me!"
"Hmm..that smells like extra money o"
"No problem..but I want this one to be better than the last one..this one is more important"
"I'm guessing you don't want aunt Jossy to know?"
"Exactly..one more thing..I might bring someone along for a little alteration too"
"Who is it..?"
"Its a lady"
"Fome?"
I heard noise outside the hospital door.
"Woa..Gwen we'd see tomorrow don't finish my credit"
"But I was the one that called you!"
"Ehn..tomorrow..tomorrow" I ended the call as the door opened.
My dad entered the room followed with about 3 doctors and a security guard. And a plain clothes force man. I could tell the last was a force man by the camouflaged cap he had on.
"There he is.." My father was saying "helpless on the bed.."he pointed at me "this is my other son"
They all filed into the room. The doctors all wore long faces and they were quiet as they inspected Andy. They hardly gave me a glance.
"We have to sue..we just have to.." My dad was saying (only me knew he was just blowing steam)"you mean to tell me if we hadn't entered here at the time..I would just come and you'd tell me the bleeding had killed him or something like that?"
"Please take it easy sir"

rachealfst:
Yea....olivia+rex
So nurse ify too is one of them? no wonder she's over nice but I pray rex get there on time.

****
You are really doing a great job here. I've been trying to place your course of study through this story but I couldn't. Medical you are on point, engineering you are also on point. Nice one bro.

The nurse was just to good to be true even me was getting suspicious.
Thanks a lot..I studied ICT but I do read up on other areas I want to use.tnx for ur constant ginger God bless

Olu317:
If you mean to hit with a blow as the word,‘Slap', then I missed the point.


Interesting story though ,keep up the story blazing with new episode.
Cheers

The slap was'nt vicious, just one with too much force to be a tap. You know the character is very energetic..most of his statements are always an exclamation!
Tnx bro Jah bless!

Breathtaking!! I cldnt stop reading ... Ride on I'm loving this

'Ally (pronounced Al-lee-) no joy' had been a very bad man in his prime.
One of the baddest. I watched the road before I made a turning while My dad droned on. He had been so terrifying as a young man that his peers always said he had zero joy. Hence the 'no joy' part.
"I know..do you remember the time I was in school and you beat up Richards father?" I asked him
He looked blank.."who was that?"
"Richards father one...Mr..ogbu..ogbu..something.. because of one contract but people said it was something else that caused the fight"(something else being a gambling debt)
He couldn't still remember "Rex believe me anything you heard when you were young is nothing..Ally no joy calmed down after his second daughter. Whatever tales you heard..that was Ally when he was calm"
"Why do you keep referring to yourself in third person?" I asked him shaking my head in wonder.
He just laughed. "What we need now is strategy? This people after you what do you know about them? .you said they kidnap women?" He looked at me intently.
I focused on the road. But I thought: what was the use in hiding any details?
"Actually..this Tuesday Olivia has an interview or meeting with them..they are formally known to help out widows..but its all just a cover up"
"And you say Olivia is going to them? On Tuesday?" He looked incredulous. "Rex I thought you liked this girl?"
I spared him a glance. The road was getting choked up. I wondered what could be causing the traffic.
"Because if you do, I wouldn't see how you could let her go through something like this..and if you don't..." He shook his head "I'm sorry for you"
I don't plan to let anything happen to her"
"Boy, things hardly ever happen according to plan I'd expect you to know this by now"
"I know but-"
"Did you plan for Andy to get shot?"
I had no reply for that. The question alone was its answer, but he got me thinking nonetheless.

I thought of switching on the radio but I dismissed it.
The traffic cleared a bit and I surged forward.
"But its still important to have a plan.." He spoke up after awhile "even though things don't work according to plan...the plan is still important"
"I'm working on a plan right now"
"Lemme hear it"
"Please just one at a time..let's see Andy first. That's our immediate priority at the moment" The truth was I had zilch, zero,Nada!..nothing remotely resembling an idea or plan going on in my head at the moment
He leaned back in his chair but muttered "its like you think there's time..."

°•°•°•°•°•
We got to the hospital finally and I looked for somewhere to park.
"This place is always crammed full" I complained.
"Always?" He looked at me "so this isn't your first time here?"
"Would you like to drive back?" I offered as a reply to his question.
He just shook his head

I met a different nurse this time. I described Andy to the man. Stating that we had been told he would be moved out of ICU today.
"Yes..he has been moved out. Where you not the one that arranged for him to be put in private? He's in One of our best rooms its on the last floor"
I wasn't the one but I had a good idea who had done that..Mr X..and his Father in law.
I nodded then made to turn but he stopped me.
"Excuse me sirs..one more thing...the newspaper men where here and the police too..they said there was a shoot out at the mariner last night."
I glanced at my father.
"So where are they now?" He replied "...look all of this is secondary I need to see my son now!" He fixed the young man with one of his stony stares and the man hurried up.
"Okay please just fill these forms. This is for our record purposes"
I took them. "We'd drop them here before we leave"
"Actually sir..you need to fill them right away"
My dad shouted "its like you're mad!! I'm here to see my son and you're giving me paper!"
The young man went purple if that was possible. "Okay..please drop it here before you leave"
I could see my father's voice had drawn the stares of most of the people in the waiting room. The nursing mothers had reduced drastically(it was already 6:30pm) and the late comers where the only ones not yet attended to so the baby crying was to a minimum.

"Incredible! How many stories is this place?" My father panted.
"Funny I think just three"
"So why is the stairs long like this?"
"I don't just understand the design" going to the last floor, the stairs turned at least five times.
"I wonder how they did the decking" he wondered aloud as we walked down the corridor.

The doctor hadn't given me any specific description and I noticed all the doors had some lettering on them. The least he should have done was tell me. Not like I even asked..
It took sometime and we had barged in on about three other patients while most of the doors where locked.
After apologising to a family member the first time,a doctor the second and retreating quietly outside the third when the patient was still sleeping. The next two doors were locked but the third was open when I poked my head in I knew it was Andy. I turned to my dad and nodded.
We both went in. There was no doctor there.
"Just imagine how easy it would have been if we had ulterior motives! Look how easy it would be for someone who wanted to kill him" (I thought of the pentothal with a shuder). It didn't sound realistic..only Mr X knew of his where about but that was just a presumption, the truth was I didn't know anything like trust again. Trust who? I didn't even trust myself anymore because my previous decisions had proved very deadly on different occasions.
"Is it that bad...they would still trace him to the hospital?..who are this people?"
We got to the bed and watched him. He was asleep. I could see the EKG scanner and I could decipher his heart rate was normal..or close to normal. But he was still deep in sleep.
"When is he supposed to wake up?" My dad asked me
"I thought he'd be up by now..but I guess he's still heavily sedated."
"We need to find his doctor" he looked around "This room is actually big..where you the one that got it for him?"
"No...that was Fome's father"
He looked at me.
"What of Fome? Your mother said you split up?"
"Yes.. We did....to be honest-" I was about to tell him she was dead when the door opened.
We both turned.
Nurse Ify came in..or rushed in however.
She almost didn't see us and I could tell she was in some kind of a hurry.
She saw us finally and stepped on her brakes.
"Woa! What are you people doing here?..how did you get here?"
"Actually this is my brother that I donated blood for before- wait...what's wrong with you?"
Her eyes were red and puffy like she had been crying.
"Nothing...nothing..please you need to wait outside. I would come and fetch you soon"
"Okay..." She didn't look okay..she seemed ..unstable..jittery like she had been crying for hours.
"You work too much...your shift should have ended now...since last night! Haba..its too much"
She forced a smile "I'd be going off soon..please I'd call you.." She practically ushered us out.
"Friendly lady" my dad commented.
"Yes she is" I agreed, but I could sense something was not right.
"Funny..she asked me if I was Mr Rex in the morning"
I stopped. "When in the morning?"
"When she came to get us the second time"
Something was waltzing round my head...I tried to grasp it. "Wait..she called you Mr Rex..or Mr X?"
"What do you mean..?" He looked at me strangely in thought "funny but now that you mention it...I thought she made a mistake..."
I suddenly remembered something she had said when I was still on the bed..when she handed me the letter. Something like 'I won't say I didn't read it but I remember he referred to one 'patient' as 'shadow' last night..which led to some disturbing questions...' She had said something along those lines...what if it wasn't mere curiosity?
"Rex..what's happening..you are still spacing out aren't you?!" My father jerked my arm impatiently.
I remembered something...back in the hospital, when the shadow had been fiddling with the remote looking device..I had first thought it was for the TV, but I became alarmed when I realized it controlled the lights but then the doctor (whom I had injected) came in with the security personnel and he had flipped the light on manually...
When Sule had died also...someone had also switched it on manually...what if the gadget didn't trip the light off but rather someone did? Someone who worked hand in hand with the shadow?? Something was not adding up.
I looked back towards the room door, were we had just left, the door seemed to zoom in my eyes with revelation...
My legs began to move
"What is it again?" My dad asked frustrated.
I broke into a run "Andy..he's in danger!"

rachealfst:
Please o, nothing must happen to Olivia. This deadly mission must not claim her life. Ride on bro, God bless you.
Team Olivia
I rep Olirex.

I hope so too..but you know this Rex eh..I hope his luck would change with her, but let's keep our fingers crossed

@ 'Olirex' I'm just getting that now..
Thanks a lot ma'am

Atayis:
If i fail to comment, it means i don't cherish your intellectual property. Kudos brother, the sky is your limit.

Thanks for your comment bro it means a lot!

Olu317:
My dad ‘clapped' ----(my father or dad pat me on the back you mean?) me on the back.

Should have been 'slapped' actually..thanks bro

Madam bibi..I thot it was Gori that was dying just now..I'm not understanding this part o

[quote author=Olu317 post=55393298][/quote]I've modified that previous update.
Thanks

What ever elation we felt when my dad had return was soon dampened when I announced we had to be on the move.
"What a rogue family we are no where to lay the head!
"Al,!!!!" My mother cautioned.
"That's the truth" he shrugged. " the key word is family..."he turned to me. "Rex..you mentioned something about a thousand dollars before..or was it just steam?"
"I'm not in debt...right now there's money"
Who's money? It seems the question hung on the air. My money or rather Andy's money. He had taken a bullet for it after all. I had thought about it and I was sure the moment I snatched the briefcase and the shadow hadn't gotten the money promised him was the moment he had become extra crazy with the idea of killing me.
"Why does he do that? Why does he keep travelling?look at him! Not even here at all!"
I blinked at my dad who had complained.
"Can you blame him? Have you forgotten we met him on the hospital bed? He Has not even eaten" my mother replied and not another word was said
Olivia and I kept exchanging glances and I knew something was up.
My dad soon followed the aroma and went to the kitchen.
"The date on the email, it said on the 3rd" She said almost immediately.
"Yes I know"
"That's on Tuesday!"
She sounded scared. Seeing Andy in the hospital had affected everybody.
"Olivia..if you want you can still back out now..I'd understand we can find another way"
She stopped as if considering it. I was quiet as I waited. She had my word.
But she forced a smile. "No..I'm in this...we're in this..its fine"
"I promise you nothing is going to happen" (but should I be making those promises?) I was already missing Andy, his calm presence was always reassuring and somehow we had formed a deadly combo. Two heads were better than one..
"One more thing..I would like you to stay behind..maybe with my mum or with both of them..but I have a feeling my dad won't want to stay behind"
"Why don't we all go?"
"Remember that doctor? The one supposed to give you your medications two nights ago"
She was already nodding "I thought I saw him"
"Exactly..I would be harder to recognise alone but I know if he sees you once, the resemblance would be just too much..it won't be good to raise any attention at all"
She nodded as my dad called from the kitchen with his mouth full. "Its like you people are not hungry abi?"

°•°•°••°•°•°••
The meal felt like the last supper. We tried to lighten the atmosphere but the day had already been a bad one on so many levels. So conversation was lightly filled with heavy stretches of silence inbetween.

I tried to put things in order but the only problem was the mattress I had ripped mercilessly for the gun suppressor (the gun was gone now. I didn't even know the exact time it had left my hands but I knew I hadn't been with it later on)
The second problem was the fridge...oh the fridge had been halved.
I switched the bed from upstairs with the one in the guest room downstairs. But then I thought: 'what if Ariyo is always just too tired to climb the stairs? The man is getting old? With his big stomach, And this would be the nearest room'
And so I switched it again.(very streneous on the arms)
Nothing to do about the fridge. I could smell part of my withheld Christmas bonus in there after all. Ariyo the corrupt branch manager. He always filtered what was supposed to get to us and even went as far as to hamper our Christmas hampers.

In the car I breached the topic again but my parents both said they were not leaving my side for now.
"I won't allow worry to come and kill me when I travel..its better I stay here"
I chose a hotel not too far from the hospital location. I paid for the transaction with my ATM card and I winced when the alert entered. I had gotten two rooms and I could sense some kind of awkwardness. In the nearest future..I mean my parents had to have one room right? They were married. So me and Olivia....
We all poured into one of the rooms and I checked the time. "I think we've given them enough time at the hospital I better start going"
"We'd all go together" my mother said.
"Actually I'm feeling really tired. My leg has been troubling me somewhat" Olivia announced.
"Ooooh..that's true dear you really need to rest..I'd stay with you..all that moving about so early in the morning" my mother immediately offered.
"That'd be nice..thank you very much ma" she looked at me pointedly and I tried to hide my smile. She was a woman after my own heart!
My dad slapped me on the back.."alright son..its just you and Ally no joy! Lemme show you how its done"

My mother broke the silence however. "Rex..what's really going on?"
Where do I even start?
Best to just delve into the most recent. "Andy and I have been observing a smuggling ring, that's why we were at the wharf last night.. We got attacked-"
"Since when did you start observing? Is that your job? Are you a detective?" My fad fired from the backseat.
"You don't understand..I stumbled into something horrible..women are being trafficked out of this country" I remembered the little baby shoe "with children too"
"Why didn't you go to the police?"
"Believe me the police can not do anything about it..their top officials even knew about it yet did nothing!"
They were silent after that, each of them trying to digest the news.
No one spoke up until I had turned into the close.
"Your mother and I need to leave tonight" my dad announced.
I was fine with that, that was the best that could happen right now. All I cared about was their safety first. And i had a feeling things could get rough once we attempted to strike the initiative,but I steel felt like they were abandoning me.
"You don't have anything to say?" My dad prodded.
"I'm not comfortable with you taking night bus. I can book a flight tonight for tomorrow"
"We need to be in Benue state before Ten tomorrow"
"Why the rush..my shop can wait this matter on ground is just to serious" my mom said.
"The DPO of that station...that one near the market...he's my good friend..I'd call him tonight I'm sure he would have someone in Lagos who can help out" my dad replied.
I had parked the car in front of the gate and killed the engine but nobody got down.
"I still don't understand why we need to rush back..look at the mess our son is in"
"Mess our son is in.." He mimicked her. "Did your son tell anybody about the mess? Not until his friend almost got killed!"
"Al..how can you talk like that?"
"Martha I am deeply hurt..I won't come and be patting his back, telling him well done..how did he turn like this? Was this how I raised you?"
"No this wasn't how you raised me..maybe if I had been a gambler that would have been just fine"
My mother gasped.
"Ohooo! Martha you see...no iota of respect! In fact I'm done! Martha you can stay and wait for aeroplane to come and pick you..as for me I'm leaving..I can't stand this!"
He opened the door and stormed into the compound. They hadn't even locked the gate.
"You shouldn't have said that Rex..you need to apologise"
"I agree" Olivia seconded.
"Only God knows the mental torture I've been going through all for your safety..I had my reasons I didn't tell any of you before, in fact let him go..how did he raise me..what values? Gambling, drinking? putting down women?"
"That's just who he is but you can't take away the fact that he loves you..now go and apologise...do it for me"
Mothers! Thank God for mothers..always there to separate.. Even when I was young she saved me from my father's belt countless times.
"Okay..you're right..I'm sorry"
"Your father is who you should be apologising too"
"Yes but I'm also sorry for everything I put you through"
She nodded with a smile "now that is the boy I raised..now go and talk to your father"
I got down and removed the wheelchair from the booth. I left my mom outside as she was helping Olivia into the chair.
Part of me expected to meet my dad inside killing his anger with ammunition but I met him in the compound carrying his bag. He was serious!
"Look dad I'm sorry for what I said...I'm sorry for everything"
He looked at me. "How can you say something like that? Or you're now soo old that you don't regard me anymore?"
"It hasn't come to that now..haba"
"Lemme be going..because I might get you angry now and you'd shoot me"
"Now that's not fair!" That got my blood hot "you think all I've done I did it because I wanted to? I had to! I had to carry a gun! I had to kill someone(two actually...but who was counting?) And doing everything my parents were always foremost on my mind..and you use it against me?" I shook my head "for so long I craved for your acceptance..for you to be proud of me...and you know what? I don't really want it anymore..you can go if you wish..I can give you a thousand dollars right now if that would make you feel happier..you've finally eaten from your useless son!"
His eyes were expressionless (that man was stubborn walahi)
My mother wheeled Olivia inside and she had expected to see us hugging but she saw a stand off instead. Her mouth hung open in surprise.
"You know what...I don't really have to go home today..but my ram has a fight very early tomorrow morning..crack of dawn and guess what my dear boy.. I'm choosing Rambo over you(Rambo was his ram's name) at least Rambo doesn't deceive me then insult me on top..have a good day"
He turned and left me standing. All my years growing up, no belt whipping or no backhand from him had ever hurt the way those words had. I tried to laugh it off as he walked away. "Sallah would soon be here don't worry..we'll see if your precious Rambo can survive it (jealous of a Ram??)
He said something to my mother and left her standing with Olivia. I could tell Olivia tried pleading with him but he still left.
My mom wheeled her to my side. "Rex I'm sorry..I've never seen him like that"
I didn't believe that, over 40 years married to that man?
"Its alright..you both need to rest and I'm hungry..I need to go back to the hospital in the next one hour"
"We'll all go together..lemme fix something to eat..we'd call it brunch" she tried to laugh but it sounded flat.
Everything seemed dull. My father leaving had punched everyone in the gut.
I stayed in the compound while they went inside.
My phone rang. I half expected to see the contact "pops" calling. But I didn't have this number on my phone.
"Hello?"
"Hello Rex"
Sultry feminine voice
"Yes..who is it?"
"Its Gwen"
"Gwen Gwen Gwen who?"
"Gwen customer service!"
Oh that Gwen
"Hey..what's up with you"
"Andy told me you needed my place for the weekend..hope you're done?"
Your place..you mean you and Ariyo's hookup joint?
"Thanks so much for the keys I'm really grateful"
"Yeah yeah yeah" she was chewing a gum and she snapped it loudly stinging my ear.
"Look..Ariyo just called me he needs to use that place today and since I hardly use it..anyway he would be there by evening so you had better clear out"
"You mean he wants to Bleep right? You don't need to censor it its none of my business..I just really appreciate the kind gesture"
"You know what?Bleep you..I've told you my own he has his own keys so just make sure the gate is locked. Ingrate!" She hissed and cut the call.
Seems I was getting everybody angry today..what do I do now..the good thing was they knew it was not my home. So probably hotel things loading..I had more than enough cash maybe I should change some of the dollars to take care of the expenses. Mr X had said it was mine to keep after all.
But time was going, today was already 1st. Olivia had an interview with the initiative in two days time.
I needed to book the flight for my mother. It would be easier if it were just Olivia and I..now that my dad had 'abandoned ship' I shook away the thought...
What did I just hear? That sounded like the gate opening. I was at the side of the compound and I couldn't see the gate so I hurried. Hope Ariyo hadn't come early..'coming' early twice in one day was just too much..(I forced a laugh at my sick humour)
I was just rounding the bend when I ran into my father! He was still carrying his bag.
"I forgot something" he said stiffly.
"What?"
"You"
He dropped the bag and crushed me in a bear hug.. lifting my feet off the ground.
"I'm so sorry son..I didn't mean any of it...forgive me"
My father?apologising? There was a God after all.
"Dad its alright..its alright..I'm also sorry"
He put me down.
"I don't want you to leave like that..I'd book the flight for you and mum for tomorrow..I don't know about your ram fight though..you may likely miss it"
"Rubbish! Son I'm not leaving you until we finish this together all of us are in this.."
"Dad..you don't need to-"
"Rubbish! You know what I was called in my younger years?Ally no joy! So Those troubling my son can not see joy! Not while I'm alive!" He hugged me again then ruffled my hair (which had thankfully grown back to some extent)
"I didn't expect you to come back"
"I had to..you know why?"
"Why?" (I was expecting him to maybe say 'because I love you' or 'because you're my only son' since he was in an emotional mood)
"Because I'm hungry!"
We laughed and headed inside.
For the next hour I planned to forget about all my worries..forget about Ariyo and the initiative and just be thankful..thankful that my friend was alive...thankful that I had met Olivia..and finally thankful for my parents. I couldn't ask for any other.

I stayed back while she broke the news to my parents. Their son was alive and she was very very sorry for the misunderstanding. The relief on my parents face was worth it and Olivia's face brightened immediately.
"So where is he now?" My father asked her.
"He's actually still in intensive care..he's deeply sedated"
"We'd need to see him" my dad demanded
"Please I can't allow that not yet"
"So after what you just put us through you're still going to deny us this request? Haba!" he threw his hands up in exasperation and she raised hers in surrender.
"Okay okay..the thing is later today he's going to be moved out of intensive care..then you can see him..but for now the most I can do is afford you a narrow view through the window and all you'd see is him sleeping"
"We'd take what we get" he got up and as if it was his designated job, he handled the wheelchair. Pushing Olivia out the door. I stepped aside to let them pass and then waited for my mom and the doctor to step out.
"Just slide the door" she instructed me as she passed and I did as she requested. It seems the lock had been damaged and could only be locked with the key.

By now I had gotten used to the fact that the hospital was massive with unending passages and corridors (judging from my frequent visits to Dr Rasheed not to talk of my encounter with the shadow just two days ago) but I could never get used to the fact that there was always a different passage or a different door I hadn't seen before. The Doctor Mary would always take another turn or open another door.
"We've been observing his other organs. So far the liver is fine but we still need to watch him closely." She spoke up as we walked down a narrow hallway.
I looked through open windows, open doors or open curtains and a particular section on the right must have been the trauma section. Injuries,blunt trauma or maybe incision..whatever the case the most dangerous and horrible cases were in this wing. I saw some unspeakable things through a particular window and I wondered how some men could be so evil and unfeeling...I shuddered at the disfigured faces I had seen then quickened my pace to match my family's as I had been lagging behind quite a bit.

"There he is" she stopped at a window and we all gathered around. "Pardon me.." She opened the door gently then disappeared inside. Few seconds later she parted the window blind for us and we all pressed our noses to the glass.
Andy was on the bed. I could tell it was him. His legs were too long to fit the bed and i could see his feet. They looked blue he was in their hospital gown and I squinted...I think I could see a bandage round his mid rif..or was it?
"Why is he using an oxygen mask?" I asked aloud. Not that the doctor could hear me. She was on the other side of the glass and was also studying Andy.
"I can't really see above the bed" Olivia complained and I noticed that because of the chair her eye level was limited.
"Lemme help you" I assisted her to stand and she also saw Andy for some seconds before I helped her back in her seat.
Dr. Mary pointed to her watch then closed the blinds.
My parents looked at me. I now stood behind Olivia's wheelchair and I held the handles.
My dad cleared his throat.
"Rex.." He trailed off. He shook his head weakly "Rex..what happened?who shot him?"
"It was a hired killer..hired assassin..he's the one that died that the doctor spoke about"
"What happened...? hired assassin? Who wants you dead...what is going on?"
"Al..not here..let's find somewhere private" my mother cautioned.
The doctor came back outside. "I'm sorry you had to look through the window but only the doctor is allowed in there..in a few hours I'm sure you'd be able to see him"
"No problem thank you doctor" my mother replied.
"I have a question please...why the face mask? Is anything wrong with his lungs or what...?"
"Not at all.." She smiled reassuringly "Actually we need to minimise abdominal movement as much as possible as is with the case of breathing deeply in and out. Its just a measure to let the stomach rest well..a bullet passed through after all.." She looked pointedly and intentionally at her watch. "Its the case of killing two birds with a stone" she explained hurriedly then she winced "maybe I used the wrong verb but you know what I mean.." She was hurrying off. "I'm so sorry about before..I wish your boy a safe and speedy recovery"
I wanted to ask her what the first 'bird' was but I let her go. I knew Andy was alright and that was all that mattered.

We all looked at ourselves. So what now?
"How did you people get here?" I asked.
"How else..public transport" my dad answered gruffly. I knew he was upset with me and rightly so.
"With Olivia?" I looked at her
"We took a cab" she said
"3,500!" My dad supplied grudgingly.
We were still standing outside the door and I could see a male doctor coming our way. I wasn't too sure but he looked like the doctor I had assaulted two days ago, the one I mistook for the shadow.
"How do we do it...let's all wait somewhere while I get the car so I can drop you at home"
"Where's the car?"
"Its at the wharf"
"How on earth did it get there? Look we demand an explanation!"
The doctor was getting closer although he seemed to be making a phone call. I didn't want him to see the wheelchair and link us to the double homicide of the two guards which had happened not up to 48 hours ago. Although the guilty person was now on his way to the morgue thanks to yours truly.
" Let's leave the road first! And find somewhere private"
I turned and wheeled Olivia away and they followed me, with frowns on their faces unknowingly blocking the doctor's view for the time being.

No one asked me any questions until we got to the waiting room. I had planned for them to sit and wait while I rushed to retrieve the car but there wasn't a free space! it was crammed full with people, I noticed mostly nursing mothers. Judging by the children each woman had in their arms and from the sound(every child was wailing) I knew it had to be immunization day.
I turned to them "the wharf is not far..you should wait here I'd get a bike and bring the car back under 20 minutes"
"And bring what exactly?" My father countered rather angrily "Bring a car you say..is it your car? Then you'll take us to somewhere that is not your house..." I could tell he struggled to control his voice "we didn't come here together, Go and get your car we would find our way back"
The cries of uncomfortable infants at the sight of the needle was a constant sound amand he walked to my side and took hold of the wheelchair. Releasing it from beneath my grip. He looked at me once more then headed outside.My mother shrugged at me as she followed him.
Outside the hospital, the quietness was immediately welcoming but the Sun was on full blast. I squinted as I caught up to them.
"What of Andy's mother?" My mother asked me.
"I didn't want to call her..not yet at least she's a widow and she worries a lot. Andy is her only child." (His brother had faced a fatal accident when they were younger) I remembered his mother was expecting a grand child from Mona. He had told me something along those lines
"Don't expect your mother and I..and even Olivia to stand here waiting for you. We came here separately..but we're all going to have a long talk" he shook his head and wheeled Olivia away with something close to disappointment in his eyes and my mother asked me "so you...you shoot?"

They waited under a mango tree for shade. My dad watching the road for a free Taxi.
I looked at them from the short distance where they had left me standing. I knew they were both upset and maybe a little disappointed in me. When they had rushed to the hospital they had probably imagined the worst, but gun related violence was probably not one of them. I recalled how their eyes had both changed, as if seeing me in a different light.
So I just watched them for some minutes, no Taxi was forth coming but at least they were shaded, me on the other hand was bearing the scorching of 12 o'clock Sun. So I walked down the other side of the road in silence. I tried to remember the exact spot I had left the car. And as I flagged a bike I wondered if I could drive..

It would turn out we had left the car in between two immobile Trucks. In broad daylight I noticed that not all tires were complete. And from the look of things the trucks hadn't been mobile in a long while. This was the spot of pepper sellers, fish sellers and the lot. They spread their sales in front of the car and also in front of the car which I had squeezed inbetween both Trucks.
I looked about the wharf trying to recount our steps the night before, after we had packed the car but it seemed during the day the place was very alien.

At the end I had to buy a lot of fresh pepper and also patronize the women selling fish around the car before they shifted talking within themselves in a thick dialect I couldn't hope to decipher but I knew they were ribbing me in their tongue.
But I had five nylon bags in my hand. So they moved their baskets and tables out of the way.
My eye sight was good wasn't it?..close to good I just had this squinting problem since I woke up Everywhere had seemed too bright even in the hospital but now with the Sun on full gear I almost had to squint my eyes to a thin line. If only I could see any glasses I could buy to shield my eyes..but I was surrounded by food alone.

I reversed the car successfully after many back and forth movement with growing imaptience from the marketers. I was almost fully out on the road,when a young man in a light jacket ran towards the car.
"You need to pay 5,000 fine for leaving your car there. Another five thousand for leaving it overnight"
I looked at him then continued the tedious task of reversing the car until I was out.
He tore something from a little blook, a blue slip then signed on it. "That's 10,000"
He walked following the slow reversing movement and handed me the slip through my window.
"These two dead trucks...how much do they pay you everyday?"
"What kind of question is that?"
"Look I don't have time..keep your paper" I handed him a thousand naira note and he collected it without a word. Even went as far as shouting at the women to give me space.

I decided to go through the hospital route on my way and when I saw them still under the mango tree I pulled over.
They got in without a word. My dad helped Olivia into the car and folded the wheelchair. She sat in the front seat and i was busy looking at her.
"How are you?" I asked.
"I'm okay..your parents on the other hand..they're very upset"
Tap tap. My dad tapped the booth impatiently. I hurriedly pulled the lever on the driver's door and unlocked it. He loadef the wheelchair inside then joined my mother at the back and I drove away in silence.