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mradjoy:
You did a wonderful job Topher. Pls mention me when next you have a story like this.
Thank you

FOLLW MY NEW SERIES THE DEVILS TOUCH

ugnoble:
Honestly I think Topher052 rushed this story courtesy of those who have been requesting for an end. There are many twist to add to the story but some people just wouldn't allow him. Oya make una chop end now. Topher052 Abeg this story must continue ooo. I no gree at all. Interesting story though, thumbs up.

FOLLOW MY NEW SERIES THE DEVILS TOUCH

abefeabebi
FAD2OZ
Rukitop
hok4u
diamondsword

Strange noises filled the air like the cry of an agonizing demon. The boy quickly opened the door and began running into the woods. A transparent snake like figure with dry human skull, black eyes and very big mouth screamed in whistle like cry; a thousand of them flying in the air in swift moves.

The boy kept running, tripping and running. The heavy down pour was persistent coupled with deafening thunder storms lightning. It was more like the end of the world.

Eventually he spotted the express road, and forged towards it with every strength he had. Suddenly, three white floating figures in human forms appeared behind him in pursuit. The boy increased his speed screaming as he ran and made to cross the high way but was knocked down by a moving vehicle.

Early hours of that day before the time of the demon apocalypse. In the community school Mmadu and Ije among five other students and the boy whose name was Idu were excited about something that they all gathered around in the class room. It was Itolu's father's occult book he brought to school they were perusing through the pictures of demons and occult signs.

"This book is scary, how can i sleep this night". Ije said, leaving the group.

"Wow! This is how they open peoples stomach?". Mmadu asked looking at a picture in the book.

''Hilo....Hilo...". One of the boys tried to read.

"what is it talking about?". another student asked.

"if we can read this we will posses all the powers in the world and become very rich!. But we must first draw this". pointing at a triangle in the middle of a star, and candles circling around it. "and make these candles too". Itolu said.

"how come your dad is still poor?''. Idu asked.

''because my dad said riches brings troubles. He has made so many people rich". Itolu defended.

"Let's try it! after all it's almost closing time.". Mmadu suggested.

"No, no! It's not for kids, so my dad said". Itolu said.

''Itolu is a chicken hearted boy like his father who's afraid of wealth". Pilo who sat on the table the book was said..

The whole student laughed making fun of him.

Pilo, the biggest and the bully among them grabbed the book from Itolu and said to the students stepping down from the table.

"who amongst you want to be rich and not scared and don't enjoy's poverty like this scum and his father?".

The student cheered excitedly.

"who amongst you want to be rich and move to the city?". Pilo yelled.

The students cheered. Just then a teacher walked in and shouted.

"what's the meaning of this brouhaha?''

The students looked startled at the teacher and hurried to their seats .

After class that day. They all assembled at an uncompleted building. Although Itolu was strongly against it, but Pilo bullied him to complying.

Pilo drew the star and triangle as it is on the book. Made some signs around the diagram and asked.

"Where are the candles?".

Two students came forward with 7 candles. They placed them on the top of the signs around the stars. and the remaining two were placed in the middle of the triangle and was lighted.

After they had arranged it, Pilo opened the book and tried to read it but couldn't. He looked around him and asked.

"who can read this".

One of the students pushed Idu forward. Mmadu tried to protest but was pushed down by two other bigger students.

"Idu, the smart amongst us". Pilo said crossing his hand around Idu's neck. "Now, you'll have to read it, so we can be rich".

"This is not right". Itolu said.

"will you shut your mouth!".Pilo yelled at him. Then he handed the book over to Idu.

Idu read the instructions out: The right to the unimaginable comes with a price, the key to the unimaginable requires a blood, be ye not afraid, for a moment the undead may rise, but be ye steadfast, for he with the book is the power to control the undead.

Idu turned slowly to the students who were excitedly listening and said.

"i am no longer interested. I think this is a bad idea. I want to leave".

"if you stand up from there, i'll beat you to death". Pilo threatened.

'Let him go, he said he doesn't want!". Mmadu shouted.

Two big students slapped him on the head and pushed him aside.

Pilo looked around and asked.

"Who else can read?"

No one said anything, and then he turned to Idu and said.

"Idu, we know how you manage with your family. We all are poor but you guys are church rats".

The student's laughed. And so he continued.

"Your dad, died a poor man clearing people's farm. Anyway, he died doing that. Do you want to continue from were he stopped? don't you want a change of status? If you don't want i do, and so you must read it. Now go on and read it!". Pilo commanded.

Idu out of intimidation continued: He must respect the undead and kneel, he must pronounce every word correctly or provoke the undead.

Then he opened the next page and knelt in front of the drawing as shown in the book.

"haliya boladu mimiolatizia lilopique lo, maque wepiolo zaquilo". Idu read.

The boys watched Idu attentively as he continued chanting. Then suddenly the weather started started changing gathering dark clouds, The students looked around scarily as Idu continued. There was a thunder strike and some of the students started fidgeting. Idu stopped and looked around in fear.

"Come on! it's just the rain!". Pilo yelled.

"What about the blood?". A student asked.

"whose blood do you want to make use of?". Mmadu asked.

A sudden rain started followed by a strong wind the quenched the light on the candles. The students gathered together to avoid being drenched.

"I guess we will continue tomorrow". Pilo said.

Itolu collected the book from Idu and put it inside his uniform so it doesn't get wet.

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

Idu woke up in the hospital unaware of where he was. He saw a nurse standing beside him arranging his drip. She smiled at him when she saw he was up, moved to him and asked.

"Hello boy, how are you?".

The boy said nothing.

"Let me call the doctor okay, i'll be right back". She said and walked away.

The doctor was in the office discussing with Mr Zarac the man who knocked him down when the nurse worked in.

"Hello nurse Tili". The doctor said,

"The boy is up sir" She said.

''Oh! thank God! Finally, after 3 days". Zarac said.

The doctor immediately headed to the boys ward with Mr Zarac following behind.

"Hello boy". The doctor said smiling to the boy.

He looked at him expressionlessly. The doctor opened his eyes, checked it and used the stethoscope to check his heart rate, and asked again.

"How are you feeling boy?".

The boy said nothing, still looking expressionlessly at the doctor. The doctor turned to Zarac and said.

'He's fine. Let's give him time to adjust. At the mean time, i think he needs to eat something light. He'll be better before evening".

Zarac walked to him and touched his head smiling, but the boy remained motionless with his eyes following anyone who comes around him in wonder.

It was raining heavily that night with scary thunderstorm. Roofs shook due to the nefarious wind that threatened the state of everything on its way. The night was dark to the sky save for thunder lighting that gave a flash of light.

A five year old boy ran to shut the wooden window that was forced opened by the wind and caught a glimpse of two dark smoky creatures covered in dark regalia and hoods over their heads standing in the air amidst the wind. He thought he was making out an imaginary figure, but when he looked further the two creatures landed and started towards his house. He immediately shut the window in fear and ran to his mum who was fast asleep.

"Mummy! Mummy!". He said shaking her rigorously, but she made no attempt to awaken.

The door of their small hut was flung open by the wind followed by a thunder strike, and this made the boy's hairs stood as he froze looking in absolute fear.

The two creatures slowly entered the house. It was then he noticed that their legs were not touching the ground, they were floating in the air.

The boy climbed up to his mother's bed and covered himself with the blanket.

one of the creatures removed the hood and unveiled a dark smoke like head with two fire balls as eyes. And he floated to the bed moved his hands together upwards the boy's mother and she began levitating the hand motion.

Suddenly a woman in white, whose skin was as white as snow appeared between the smoky creatures and the bed and let out a loud scream that shook the house and pulled off the roof and cracking the wall of the house.

The two creatures covered themselves up in a swift move, grabbed the boy’s mother and disappeared in a wisp of smoke.

The boy hid himself under the blanket, engulfed with fear and refused to step out of his hiding. The blanket slowly pulled away from him, he held on to it tight not letting go muttering words of prayers, as the blanket slide off his body and he was exposed to the weather. He kept his eyes closed, too scared to look up.

"It's okay, you're safe now". A gentle female voice said.

He slowly opened his eyes and found nothing in the room. The place was badly ruined with rain having full access through the roofless opened top. He slowly came down from the bed and put his feet in the floor that was covered in water and started calling out for his mum. He came out of the house that was build in the middle of the woods in search for his mother. Everything looked like the smoky men he saw earlier as it was still dark and raining.

When he couldn't find her, in his shivering state, he ran to the house of his neighbor few distance away, as he ran he heard some horrific voices . He turned behind him still running and when he looked forward again, something like a monstrous angry gorilla stood before him beating it's chest and disappeared in a flash. He fell on his buttocks, looked around in fear, stood up and continued running.

Then he arrived his neighbors, a small building with no compound. He knocked so hard on the door, looking behind him still hearing the voices that kept crying and screaming in his ear. He knocked harder but no one answered, so he took the back yard and passed through the window. When he entered the dark house, he felt slightly safe.

''Mmadu! ije!".He called as he slowly groped in the dark house.

He suddenly stumble on something soft, It was like a human flesh. He moved abruptly away from it in fear and kept moving. This time he was unsure if he was in the right place.

He increased his voice almost in tears but met silence. Then he touched something like matches on a table. He lit it with a shaky hand and found father, mother and three children mutilated. Their intestines were ripped out of their tummies; some had their hands tore off. The boy moved backwards in fear until his back met the wall. Then he screamed aloud and a loud thunder strike followed.

asaajuomo1:
Nice.........

What happened to Ruth pregnancy, Amaka's boy, Phila, Jaz and sly.

A mans problems and dreams dies the day he dies. Those were part of life, the dead knows no worries.

keep your fingers crossed...Something is cooking

Lastly, this story is not to encourage sex, but to encourage fidelity and also to bring the spiritual awareness of the effect of indiscriminate sex.

You can contact me on 08138943767 for Stories.

Thanks for reading. THE END.

Then i slowly dropped the baby that staggered to his mum crying. She didn't bother to hold the crying boy, as her eyes remained fixed on me. I turned away from her and slowly took a seat. She then carried her baby and baby and walked inside. I was still thinking about the mix up trying to understand my confusion when a heavy blow from behind knocked me out.

She held him by the hand as he struggled to keep a steady stand on the ground. I watched them go up the stairs with Amaka assisting him all the way, she opened the door and they walked in.

Sorry ya'all. Won't be posting today. Having a very tight schedule.

The man came and scolded the girl gently, then turned to us and apologized.

"Please what can i get you?".

"A cold drink will do". I said before Jaz would interrupt.

"You too" She said to her husband.

He hesitated, and Jaz gave him an angry slap that threw him on the floor. That sent the right message, as he left swearing to return.

Jaz stood up and said good night to us. I was shocked and scared cos we exposed our faces. Phila was glad Jaz left not knowing why.


IF YOU HAVE INTEREST TO HIRE ME FOR A STORY, OR BUY OTHER ONES I AM WORKING ON, PLEASE CONTACT ME PRIVATELY ON 08138943767.

In the car, Sly said to me.

“You have to open an account today and send me the account details”.


IF YOU HAVE INTEREST TO HIRE ME FOR A STORY, OR BUY OTHER ONES I AM WORKING ON, PLEASE CONTACT ME PRIVATELY.

"Yes, he's in the theater". The nurse replied.

"Oh thank you". I said.

Sly smiled and nodded at me.

We went to the theater putting on a nose mask and a Doctor stopped us on the way.

"who are you?" She asked.

'we're to assist doctor John". Sly said.

"You're not among the surgeon because we're complete. I don't think i have seen these names before". She said looking at out Id cards on our breast pockets.

And a voice called "Doc. Jodi! Please you're needed". She looked at me suspiciously and went away.

When she had gone, i said to Sly.

"I know that girl, we met at the grocery shop, i think she recognized me".

"How would she, in your mask? We have to pull this racket boy, no two ways about it. Keep your mask on then". Sly said as we went to wait for the doctor in a different location.

The waiter came with the champagne in a bucket of ice and two glasses. He helped us open it and waited for our order. I ordered for homemade chicken Enchilandas and phila ordered for chicken Jambalaya. The food was served worm few minutes later. We ate, drank, talked about anything, laughed our tummies out and soon ready to go.

The bill was brought to me, 1070. I paid in cash, watching as Phila looked in awe.

'Let's go". I said.

She stood and followed me out.

‘’ I never knew I will be happy to see you. tell me the truth Mike, what are you doing here?”. She said.

“Business. I work with the don’s farm, am a field worker”. I said with a sense of pride.

‘’Wow! Am happy for you! can we see tomorrow? “. She asked.

“yes, we can. I’ll call you”. I said.

‘I can’t wait”. She replied.

The boy took a bend leading to a narrow window that was open and jumped through it effortlessly after throwing his bag first. I followed his move and ended up in a refuse dump. Before i could realize where i was, the boy had ran away, i jumped down and ran after him.

"where am i?".

Sly ignored him and said to the driver.

'Take us to our hotel". Then he turned to i and Jaz. "we leave first in the morning, do you get?".

"open the trunk for the good officer". Sly said to me.

I looked at him squarely to ensure he knows what he's saying, he nodded and repeated himself. So with my heart beating, i alighted, trusting that Sly had a plan. I was about opening the trunk when Jaz did the honors.

The rectangular boxes where stacked orderly to fit the space in the trunk. The officer examined the boxes one after the other and asked us to open one. Jaz took one from the top and opened it, even i was mesmerized at the candy taken the place of the stuff i saw earlier.

The officer took one out of the box and looked at us.

"what are these candies for?".

"motherless children". Jaz replied.

"these much?". The officer asked.

"Yes, that much". Jaz replied.

"that's a whole lot of candy for some lucky children". The officer said perusing at the boxes. Then he turned to Jaz with a smile and asked "can i take one?".

"oh please, take the whole box, for you, your friends over there and your kids". Jaz answered.

The officer was so happy, that he asked us to leave.

"How did we have candy in there?". I asked as we drove off.

"You need to learn to open your eyes boy, else, in this job you won't last". Sly said.

We drove in silence for an hour. Then Jaz whom i thought was sleeping turned behind him and said.

"That blue sedan has been following us".

I looked from my side mirror and found the car maintaining a safe distance behind us.

"Frozen, how come you didn't see that?". Sly asked.

I really didn't have an answer for the question, so kept quiet.

"Slow down, lets see what he's up to". Jaz said.

I gently released my leg from the throttle and watched as the car approached us. We were all tensed at this time, not knowing what to expect.

The car gently drove pass and i found an old man and his wife alone in the car.

"That would have been anything". Sly said.

I increased my speed and drove for an hour before we stopped at a gas station for a refill. While we were on it, two cars, an Audi and Volkswagen playing loud rock music drove in raising dust. When they packed, two alighted each from both cars looking at me with cigarette smoke puffing out from their mouths. They were all youth in their early twenties, and dangerously looking. Everyone outside ran inside and others drove off when they saw the boys.

One of them came to me and said.

"nice car". looking at our car.

Sly was standing at the other side of the car, and Jaz had strolled to take a leak. I was the one with the hose.

The boy held the hose i was using, looking at me ominously. I held the hose still and returned his stare. The other three came closer slowly. Sly who had been watching in silence, slowly walked over and asked.

"what's the problem boys?".

The boy turned away from me to Sly and said.

''have you paid the ground money on which she are, and the air money you breathe?".

S ly smiled, folded his hands and asked gently.

"who are we to pay to?".

"This kind of car is only owned by corrupt men, and we hate them so much. The rich think they can just show off after extorting from the poor'. The boy said.

''And what are you doing? isn't this a corruption?". I asked.

"There's no need for talk, you owe us for the ground and air you breathe". The boy said dragged the hose off me.

I was so angry, but did nothing.Sly walked to the boy and said.

"Get out of here or get hurt".

The boy took out a knife from his back pocket and pointed at Sly's face. Sly grabbed the boys hand and squeezed it hard, looking at the boys face as he groaned in agony bending a his knee. His boys ran to their cars and returned with battle axe's , knives and four other guys in the car joined them.

"Now listen. We kill people for a living, better get out or be dead". Sly said still holding the boys hand.

Jaz walked to me and asked.

'what's going on here?''

"these boys are in for trouble". I said to him.

He pulled the boy from Sly and grabbed on the neck facing his team, while the boy struggled in vain to remove Jaz's hand.

'Now look here. I will kill all of you here within one minute, get out now or experience it'. Jaz yelled angrily.

The boys got intimidated by his size, but were still adamant. The started cycling us in preparation for a fight. Jaz threw the boy with ease towards the car and the boy slammed his head hard on the car door and he fainted. Jaz turned to me and said.

'let's get out of here".

I turned to the car and was expecting them to attack, but they were still contemplating on who to go first. We all entered and drove off.

We took the desert to avoid the boarder. We had gone some hours in the desert when i spotted some officials with guns standing on different locations. I turned to Jaz and asked.

'I thought we can avoid this by passing here?"

'That's why he gave you this jeep". Jaz replied.

''Don't stop, keeping going". Sly said.

I pressed the throttle down and the car screamed as it raced ahead. The officers used a megaphone to try to stop us. But i continued , soon they opened fire, we all bent over but i kept driving. We passed them and kept going.

"I love this car!". Jaz screamed laughing.

When i looked up at the rear mirror, i found two police vans behind.

"They are on our tail!". I yelled in alarm.

"Keep going! keep going!". Jaz screamed.

'I think you should swap. Jaz take the steering". Sly said.

"No, he can do it". Jaz said to Sly and turned to me. "Beat this guys boy!".

I on 180 and climbing on the desert. The van was now very close. The desert sand didn't give me the leverage to do what i wanted. Luckily for me, i found a tiled road on my left and was heading there.

'No! Maintain the desert, that road leads no where!". Jaz said.

So i kept driving. The van ran into us and shook my hand, the car almost went off direction but i managed to control it. One of the vans ran to our side and hit me hard, i turned the steering to him and hit him too. The other van ran into me again hard the steering took my hand to the left and the other hit me hard on the right, I managed to steady my hand again.

"Jaz take the steering!". Sly shouted.

I then moved for Jaz to take over still holding the steering. Jaz was still settling in when a hit came from behind, Jaz hit his head hard on the steering, while i fell hitting my head on the dashboard.

"I will teach you guys a lesson!". Jaz said between his teeth.

He turned the steering 360 degrees and the car almost rolled over; two tires went up but was steadied on time. We were now behind the police van. He quickly ran into one of the vans hard that it rolled over. There was a rock ahead of us, Jaz started driving towards it. The other van chased us fiercely from behind, and when it tried to run into us, Jaz dodged on time slowing down so that the van would go in front, and turned the steering towards the van hitting it so hard towards the rock we almost jumped out through the windscreen , crashing the van on the rock. Then reversed quickly and drove off.

''That's called car fight". Sly said touching me on the shoulder from the back seat.

"who are you please?". i asked gently.

The lady stroked my hair and kissed my forehead. Then handed me a business card with 'Atiya mystical" written on it.

"call me". she said, smiled and walked away.

I returned to where my colleagues were and met only the driver sleeping with his mouth opened and saliva dripping from a side. I didn't bother to wake him up. I kept looking at the red card with just a name and phone number, wondering how she happened to know my name.

I spotted the left over of the weed i had earlier and began from where i stopped then i was reminded again how strong it was as the factory sound started ringing in my head after two drags. I gently dropped it it on the ash tray and waited for the noise to subside. And it subsided after 30 minutes of fighting with my thoughts and hallucinations.

Sly walked suddenly came from towards the direction Jaz headed and sat silently beside me. I wondered if he had spent some time with a girl since i left, but he wasn't in the right mood for a conversation judging by the serious look on his face as he continued with his glass of whisky. I decided to let him be and poured myself some drinks.

The place was still ignited as i we first met it, it even got more better by the hour. i dozed off and was awaken by Sly.

"Is this 6 am?''. He asked , looking at his watch.

I wiped my face and looked at the place that was steaming with activities. And i checked my watch and saw 6 o'clock.

"It may be six in the evening". I said wiping my face.

''No, it's not. I think it's morning. Lets go get Jaz". Sly said standing up.

I watched him disappear towards the direction Jaz went. Then turned to locate the driver that was sleeping by my left earlier, to meet his absence. I looked around in search for him but couldn't find him in the now crowded place.

Soon Sly was spotted approaching with Jaz dragging his feet behind him. Jaz's big stature was so easily noticed as he seemed to be the only one of his size.

'get your stuff let's get going". Sly said as he picked up his pack of cigarette from the table.

We all went down to the main hall and found the driver dancing amidst two ladies. Sly pulled him by the shirt as he walked outside.

When we got outside, it was already morning and it seemed like the peak of the day in the club house. We located the car Sly flared-up angrily at Jaz the moment the driver was about opening his side of the car.

"What is wrong with you! how could you not have known your phone was ringing?".

Jaz kept scratching his head and stretching his body without saying a word or looking at Sly. I was moved to ask.

"what's going on?''.

Sly hesitated and then said angrily.

"can you imagine a delivery we were to make last night, the client kept calling up till this morning and he was sleeping with five women!".

''Hey! don't yell at me! it's my fault okay? can't somebody have a little fun?". Jaz retored.

Sly went so ballistic that he punched the bonnet of the car severally until he made holes on it. Then he turned to Jaz ignoring the drivers stare at the damage he had done to the car.

"Now look here! i have tolerated to your insolence enough! one ill-mannered word from that hole on your face i will put aside my garment of pride and pull you down your high horses!". Sly yelled angrily.

I have never seen him in that shape before. He was vibrating in anger and his eyes were somehow narrow in a blood stained vicious look. I wondered if he was even close to a match for Jaz which i have seen in action.

Jaz did nothing, but opened the back seat door and entered the car peacefully like no one had said anything earlier. We all joined in and the driver took us to the direction given by Sly.

We alighted and the driver brought out his head from the side glass and asked.

"who's going to pay me?".

'go and collect your balance from the security man i paid at the club with no name". Jaz said as he walked away.

The driver got of his car and rushed in front of Jaz who looked at him with surprised expression.

"Hey man, you have to pay me, that's what we agreed on!". The driver said avoiding Jaz's ominous yes.

''Do you want to die?''. Jaz asked in a cold mean voice.

The driver suddenly composed himself and said.

"Man, you have to pay me. I need that money". The driver said still avoiding Jaz's eyes.

Sly felt irritated by the argument and handed the driver a 1000. Jaz looked at Sly that was walking away angrily and to the driver who wasted to time to return to his car before Jaz changes his mind. As soon as he was in his car he shouted.

"Call me, this is my card". Throwing a card on the floor. And drove off.

Jaz went to pick up the card and said to me.

"We are going to surely meet him again".

The compound had trees everywhere and men stationed on different post heavily armed with dark shades covering their eyes. There was no sign of a house but a little pathway that led in. At the main entrance, two heavily built guys interrogated us and after we explained ourselves one moved in front of us through the narrow path, until we arrived at a mansion. A lady sat at the Terrence reading a newspaper and four heavily built guys stood at the door to the building.

The security or bouncer who led us in asked us to wait while he made a call on his walkie talkie.

"They are here sir".

And then he pointed a seat by a flower garden beside the building to us before walking away.

After waiting for close to an hour thirty minutes, A Arabic man in white Jalamia, muffler scarf on his head and dark shades covering his eyes came to us and asked.

'' You people kept we calling. I was going to cancel our but stopped when i saw your calls. To tell you the truth, am pissed!". The man said sitting on a Cain chair.

"We are sorry. The phone was stolen, but we were fast to retrieve it". Jaz Said.

Sly gave him an angry look but the man was quick to ask before he could say a word.

'Stolen? how could you be so careless!". The Arabian shouted in anger. "Don't you know what that means?".

"sir...sir.. this is how it is". Sly intervened. "It wasn't really stolen. We dropped in our taxi and the driver didn't even know he had the phone until he came to pick us up this morning. Moreover, we don't leave trails for security reasons. And for insurance, we took care of the driver this morning".

The man seemed to relaxed by this statement, then turn to me and asked.

"Who's this?".

"oh! he's the new guy". Jaz said.

"Anyway, i trust you guys. I want that shipment delivered to the neighboring country as soon as possible. My boys will put you through". He said, then picked a call on his walkie talkie and walked away leaving us to ourselves.

A man came to us and led us to the back of the house where at car garage. He opened the door and pointed stacked cartons to us. Sly checked each one after the other and beckoned us over to join in. We opened all 70 cartons filled with a Yellowish substance. Then Sly nodded at the man and he handed us a key to black humma jeep and said.

"part of the payment for the job".

Sly handed me the car key and we started towards the road.

"I can't wait to go home and enjoy myself!". Jaz said.

"Thought we got some more jobs to do?". I asked.

"this is our last job. And your life will change, until we return in two weeks time". Jaz said.

I was so excited as i drove down the dusty road. We haven't gone few miles when we saw a police checkpoint.

"What should i do?". I asked in panic.

"Stay cool boy, let's see what they want". Sly said from the back sit.

I slowed as two police men stopped us. I opened the mirror on my side and one of the police men approached me and said.

"license and registration".

I handed him the papers and my fake drivers license. He looked at each paper and then tried to look who was with me. I rolled down the four glasses. And when he was done, he asked.

"what's in your trunk?"

"Nothing sir". I said.

'Can i take a look?". The police asked.

Then there was this look in Sly's eyes that confused me.

The bald headed man was surprised to see us returning in same car. As soon as i stopped, he walked up to us and said.

"what happened?".

Sly and Jaz alighted and went to meet the bald headed guy.

"'what happened?". He asked again looking at Jaz and Sly.

"We didn't meet with the short guy". Sly said, resting his back on the car and folding his hands across his chest.

"Some douchebag wanted to play smart on us". Jaz said,looking suspiciously at the bald headed guy.

"who where they?". The bald headed guy asked.

"You tell us man". Sly said.

The bald headed man's face was suddenly painted in guilt.

'why are you asking me such question?". The bald headed man said.

Sly and Jaz remained silent looking at him as he was uneasy sweating on his shining skull.

'' you people think i have a hand in it?". the bald headed guy said.

"you tell us". Jaz said and suddenly became serious.

"i have nothing to do with it believe me!". The bald headed guy said apprehensively, looking desperately at Jaz and Sly.

Sly then put a call across to someone.

"hello....Not yet....things got complicated....The car is at the mechanic....yes...with the bald guy...Okay". Then he dropped the phone and said to me in the car. "Get out boy, we are leaving".

i came out of the car and threw the key to Sly who tossed it on the body of the bald headed guy, and we walked away.

We trekked to the main road and waited for a cab. While we were on it, Jaz asked.

"CAN WE JUST HAVE SOME FUN?".

"how do you mean?". SLy asked.

"How do i mean? I am bored! aren't you Frozen?". Jaz asked.

I didn't know what to say, so i smiled and shrugged.

'i know you've been fucking that Esther. Lucky you". Jaz said looking at me smiling.

"No, i haven't". i denied.

"Sly look at this Jug skull! do you think you're the first?". Jaz said.

Sly was trying to signal him to shut-up but he went on.

''Sly here has taken her twice! i don't know why she wouldn't let me have a taste of that sweet ass". Jaz said looking mockingly at Sly who had given up trying to stop him.

I was surprised i felt slightly bad for hearing the news. Even though i tried to cover up with a smile, i guess they knew.

"Hey! are you feeling bad about what i said?". Jaz asked, looking shocked at me.

"No! i am not, she's nothing to me". I said.

Sly turned abruptly to me and said.

"Don't ever say that about a friend no matter what".

Just then a black bmw was seen approaching. Jaz tried to stop it, but it was a private driver. The sun was becoming unbearable and i prayed fervently for a taxi to drive by.

Soon another car was spotted from a distance.

"am going to stop that car even if it's a taxi or not". Jaz said walking to the middle of the narrow dusty road.

'Hey, stop that". Sly shouted.

Jaz ignored him and stretched forth his hand towards the approaching car that stopped few steps away from him. The driver brought his head out of his side glass yelling in Arabic. Jaz said nothing, he quietly went to the angry man and said.

"we got money. Take us out of here".

The man looked at him and then to us and asked.

'where are you going to?".

"To any place that is cold with drinks and women". Jaz said.

"Okay, it will cost you 1000". The driver said.

"isn't that a little bit....". Sly said, but was cut short by Jaz.

'Very cool! Lets go lads". Jaz said entering the front seat.

I and Sly sat in back, as the driver drove us few distance and stopped in front of a gate. I looked for a sign to tell us where we were but found non.

"Where the hell is this place?". Jaz asked.

"in there, you'll find what you want; women, drinks, smoke, even drugs". The man said Jaz in a low tone smiling.

"what about food?". Sly asked.

i was happy he did asked, coz i was really famished as well.

"they have that too". The driver said to Sly.

Then he blew the horn twice and a security man came out and looked at us. The driver brought out a card and waved it in the air. The security man nodded and wen't back in. Soon the gate was opened. And i could see other cars parked to extent that there was no parking space for us. We had to park somewhere close to the gate.

"what's up, are you coming with us?". Jaz asked the driver.

"of cause! Do you have assess?" The driver said rolling up the glasses.

"Dude, he's coming with us". Sly added as he alighted.

The compound was busy with different people moving to fro. And in front of us stood a magnificent two story building. The driver led the way through an entrance and we were stopped by a security who demanded for a card. The driver showed him and he asked.

"regular, circular, main hall, VIP?''.

"VIP!". The driver said.

The security man then handed us for cards with VIP written on it, then said.

"That'll be 80,000".

"80 what?". Sly asked alarmed.

The security man looked at us startled. Then the driver turned to Jaz and said.

"I bet you my man, you wont regret it".

Jaz then turn to the security man and said.

"I don't have that much cash with me, do you accept credit card?".

"Oh yes, we do'. The security man said.

"Let's get the hell out of here, this is too expensive". Sly said uneasy.

"If i regret it man, you will too, trust me". Jaz said stiffly to the driver who just smiled confidently.

The security man arrived with a POS machine, and soon we were done. And the driver led us through a gloomy doorway to an under ground where a loud music was heard coming from. We met people walking up and down the stairs as we progressed. Then a door was opened, i could see colored lights shinning and loud music playing. We entered the hall, it was off the hook. Naked girls danced on a pole, girls in g-strings only served drinks. Guys were seen smoking all kinds of things. The hall was big with stairs that led up to another life entirely.

'Over there, is Sodom and Gomorrah". The driver shouted pointing upstairs.

"Where can i eat?". Sly asked.

'outside!". the driver said.

"Lets get something to eat". Sly said.

The driver led us out through another Exit to an outdoor canteen. We ordered for food while Jaz talked about how cool the place was. As soon as we were done eating, Jaz said to the driver.

"Take me to Sodom".

The driver led us to the upper part of the club. It was something i have never seen. There was a glass room where girls of different race were dancing completely naked touching each other erotically. Another in the middle were guys touching each other, and the next where guys and girls, all in the same glass room. Around where guys and ladies watching drinking and smoking.

A black lady in just g-string came to us and said.

"Do you want a seat?"

we nodded dumbfounded by what we were seeing. She led us to a four space chair and said smiling.

"what do you want? Just say the word".

"Weed and drinks". Jaz said.

"what type of weed and drinks". she said smiling.

''How many type of weed do you have?". Jaz asked.

"40 sir, we also have tablets, powders, syrups, depending on what you want sir?

We all exchanged glances and Jaz said to her.

"Get me the strongest in your archive".

''what about drinks sir?''. the lady said smiling.

"whisky for me, i don't know about these guys". Jaz said, trying to watch the ladies in the glass room in front of us.

we all ordered for drinks and the girl said to us still smiling.

"your bill is 15000".

We were shocked to hear it and exchanged a snappy glances. Then jaz handed her his card and said to Sly who was very pissed.

"enjoy your money dude. All the money we make, what do we gain if we don't spend it".

The lady returned with his card and made to leave. Jaz called her back and said.

'I want to Bleep, how much?'

"One of our ladies is 1000 bucks". The lady said.

Jaz smiled and said.

"I want four, Arabic, Caucasian, Africa; i prefer black, and a white girl. And a Chinese! I want them all".

'the lady smiled and said.

'do you want a lap dance, or a head while you are on it?"

'Oh yeah! please i want it". Jaz said excitedly.

Jaz turned to the driver who was completely engrossed with the display in front of him, hugged him and said passionatly.

"thank you so much! this is my second home!".

The weed was so strong and odorless i had to stop at the first three drags. I felt my head vibrating like there was a factory and my hands shaking. I also felt my heart beating slow as i started seeing Sandra dancing naked in front of me. I wanted to react but i cautioned myself that i was only hallucinating. I completely forgot i was with someone, until the girl giving Jaz a lap dance hand slightly hit me on the face. I turned and saw Jaz's button's pulled and pants pulled down with a naked Japanese girl rolling herself on his body.

Jaz was completely wasted, his eyes were closed as he kept speaking gibberish. Sly was so focused with a bottle of whisky, the driver's had dozed off after taking some pills given to him.

"whoooow!". Jaz suddenly screamed. "am in heaven!".

Then Jaz stood up and said to us, while adjusting his pants.

"am going to paradise, see you guys when i get back".

Then he whispered something to the Japanese girl who led him away.

The noise from the hall downstairs became very loud i was tempted to see what was going on there. It was a hot dancing hall as everyone was out of their minds in dancing. i took the stairs and joined the party. The music was so loud was deafening, resounding on my chest, while the different colored light made it hard to make out faces.

"HEY!". A lady shouted into my ear.

I turned and beheld a beautiful tall Arabic girl. She was smiling when our eyes met. Then she motioned towards the exit and dragged me by the hand towards it.

we were out of the noise but still in another hall in the building.

'Hello Mike". she said smiling.

i was startled at this that i couldn't make out words just staring confusingly at her. She smiled and placed a finger on my chest and said smiling.

'i know who you are. The moment i saw you, i knew i had to meet with you".

'who are you?''. I finally asked.

she smiled and said standing very close to my face.

"i am so many things, what do you want to call me?".

I moved backwards a little and looked at the very beautiful elegant mysterious lady.

'who are you, and how did you know my name?" i asked again.

She walked closer to me and whispered into my ear.

'close your eyes Mike".

I did, and she blew a breeze on my face and i saw Sandra still at that the same spot i left her. Then she stopped and said to me.

"now you know who i am?".

'Sandra?''

"No! But someone who can communicate with other side, and much more". She added.

The next day we drove Esther to the Airport. The previous night we were wasted from much drink and weed that i slept where we sat until 3am, when Jaz woke me up, and i had to carry Esther to the room.

On our way back from the airport, Jaz suggested to Sly.

"We need to club tonight".

Sly looked at him and returned to the book he was reading.

"Is it possible?". I asked.

"what's possible?". Jaz asked, turning to me at the backseat.

"clubbing. Judging from the zero tolerance they have towards immorality". i said.

"immorality he said!". Jaz said, turned to Sly and continued. "Immorality is the fun of life, he doesn't know".

Sly glanced at him and returned to his book, flipping to another page.

"stop there". Jaz said pointing to a gathering of some youth to the driver.

"what's it?". Sly asked, looking surprisingly at Jaz.

"wanna make some findings".

"Findings? from these thug looking guys?''. Sly said in alarm.

Jaz gave him no response as the car stopped. Jaz opened the door and called a guy smoking. The guy looked at Jaz and to his guys who nodded their approval before he slowly went to Jaz.

"hey bro, how are you?". Jaz asked smiling.

"what do you want?". the guy asked looking suspiciously at us.

Jaz seemed to be offended by the guy's rude response, but forced a smile and asked.

"how would you love to earn 1500 bucks?".

There was a multiple reaction. The guy was shocked and suddenly interested, while Sly was angry but couldn't do much. I on the other hand wondered what Jaz was up to and the driver seemed to be uneasy all of a sudden.

'what do i do to earn that much?'. The guy asked.

"i need beauties, am tired of sticking with these losers. And also want a club to have fun". Jaz said smiling.

The guy looked behind him and said.

'be right back". The guy said and went to his guys.

"sir, you should have asked me. I know this town like the back of my hand. These guys are not trust worthy, they're criminals. I'll do it for 1200". The driver said.

Jaz turned to the responsible looking middle aged man with grey beards. And said.

"what do you really know? you heard me asking, why didn't you say something?".

"i prefer him, lets make use of him". Sly said.

The guys were still talking and looking at us suspiciously. Jaz suddenly shut the door and said to the driver.

"take me to where i can find buddy!". Jaz said.

The driver immediately engaged the engine and drove off leaving the guys looking behind us.

We arrived at small house with some ladies in niqab sitting outside. The driver said to Jaz.

"it's here".

Jaz looked at him and then to Sly who was smiling. Then asked the driver circumspectly.

"what are we doing here?".

"these are the girls". The driver said eyeing one of the ladies who stood up was looking at us expectantly.

"they are masked from head to toe. How am i supposed to know what am buying?". Jaz asked the driver.

'Don't worry. They are really good in bed". The driver said.

"get me the hell out of here!". Jaz yelled.

I and Sly exploded in laughter. Jaz was so vexed that he yelled again.

''take me out of here!".

The driver shook his head regretfully and drove off.

"i told you, those guys were better! i said it and you guys thought to be smarter, now see". Jaz said in anger.

On our way back, Sly's phone rang, he took it and when he was done, he said to us.

"We have a job". Then turned to the driver." Driver take us Ali zoro".

We arrived there at noon and packed at a packing lot.

'wait for us". Sly said to the driver as we alighted.

We went into a shopping mall and Sly asked after someone, whom they directed us to his office. We got to the office and met a man praying kneeling with his back against us.

"Let's wait for him". Sly said.

And we waited for few minutes before he stood up and said smiling.

"Oh my brothers, welcome".

"Thank you, can we have the address?". Jaz said impatiently.

'Oh, yes you can. Don't you want a drink?". The man said heading to his fridge.

"no, thank you. Please let have the address". Jaz said.

The man shrugged and wen't to his table, took out a sheet of paper and handed it to Jaz.

"It has to be delivered today". The man said.

"Oh, you knew it was that urgent and you were wasting our time". Jaz said standing up.

We wen't to our cab and drove to the address that was a mechanic workshop . Sly paid the cab man, and we wen't into the workshop.

A bald man came to us and asked shaking hands with Sly.

"Sly?".

Sly nodded. He led us to the back of the workshop and showed us a green SUV.

"it's in the trunk". The bald man said.

Jaz took the key from him and also collected the map to our destination which he handed to Sly. When we arrived the car, Jaz opened the trunk and found two big wrapped stuffs. He opened it, confirmed, closed trunk and gave the key to me, entered the back seat while Sly sat in front.

We drove through streets and turns till we arrived our destination, Sly collected the key from me and dialed the number that was given to us and soon two men were seen approaching.

''Yeah, are you the guys?". Sly asked.

"Yes we are". Said the fat one among the two.

"i was expecting to see the short guy, what's his name?". Sly asked.

"Ibrahim". The second, a tall heavily built one said.

'Yeah, where's he?". Sly asked.

"He traveled, so were asked to come in his place". The fat one said.

'give it to them let's go!". Jaz said impatiently.

Sly kept looking at them. Then he made to hand the key to the heavily built one who was so much in a hurry to retrieve it. Sly withdrew his hand and shoved the key in his pocket.

"put him through on call. I want to speak with him". Sly said resting his back on the car.

'what's this nonsense! i told you he's not in town, how am i supposed to have his number?". The heavily built one said angrily.

I and Jaz looked at Sly as though he was trying to cause trouble. I was not in any mood for a quarrel or a fight under the burning sun, so i gently said to Sly.

'Give it to them. They are here, meaning they know we were coming".

"Let's go, when Ibrahim comes around, let him call us". Sly said and threw the key to me, entering the car.

The fat one brought out a gun and pointed it at Sly who was half way into the car. When Sly saw the gun, he smiled and said to me.

"Learn from this".

"give me the damn key!". the fat man said, pointing the automatic 9mm to Sly.

Jaz who was still out of the car, walked up to the fat man who turned the gun to his chest.

"You just made a mistake". Jaz said confidently to the fat man, looking into his eyes.

The heavily built guy made to push Jaz, but received a head butt on the nose, and simultaneously grabbed the fat man hand with the gun and squeezed it hard that the man let out a loud scream which was cut shot by a punch in the neck. The fat man dropped on the floor coughing, grabbing his throat with both hands.

Jaz was with the gun and the Heavily built one made to attack but was stopped by the presence of the gun. Jaz shot two into the sky and shouted.

'Get the hell out of here!".

The two men stood up and ran away. Jaz tossed the gun into the car and entered the back seat.

"That means, we have to return this car". Sly said.

'and look for a good Bleep tonight. We have to go back there to those boys". Jaz said.

We met Jaz already waiting for us downstairs. When he saw us he said as he led the way towards the hotel compound exit.

“how wouldn’t we have suspected they might have been tailing us? It was too easy to have lost them that easily”.

“we don’t have to leave through that exit”. Sly suddenly said as he stooped held Jaz’s hand.

“what do you suggest?’’. Jaz asked.

Sly looked around the large compound and started towards the adjacent direction to another wing on the hotel. We followed him trusting in his judgment. He suddenly stopped at a hallway and looked on the both sides as if searching for a familiar location. Then started towards the left that led to the back of the hotels lawn. We walked through the lawn and passed a small entrance into small house attached to the hotel that led to a store where stuff were stored. Sly kept entering doors, ignoring eyes of workers who wondered who we were and we followed him blindly, until we came out to a narrow path that led to a small exit gate.

Two guys were trying to force a large box through with great difficulty, we had to wait for them as they sweated in their pants. Sly then looked at Jaz who grumbled and pushed the guy on our side aside, lifted the box up high above his head, and passed by his side with ease. He dropped it on the floor and we passed ignoring the thanks from the guys.

We were finally out of the hotel compound.

“Stay out of sight”. Sly said, and looked out for a taxi.

Then a blue Audi drove towards us just in time and Sly stopped him, spoke with the driver and beckoned us over. We all entered and drove far away from the area and far away to a distant place.

We arrived our destination and Sly paid the cab man. It was a small motel situated in the middle of a desert with few buildings far apart each other. Few people were seen walking about, and some were foreigners.

We walked into the motel reception and spotted a fat man with a very large tummy taking a major part on a chair he sat on watching a hockey game screaming at the top of his voice. He happened to be the only one in the small degenerate room with a counter on a side where different keys were hung.

“hey! Are you here to watch that dumb game or do business?”. Jaz yelled arrogantly.

The man turned around, and when he saw us, there was a glow of excitement on his beard covered face. He stood up, pulled up his trouser and adjusted the t-shirt that struggled to cover up every part of his tummy before coming to us.

“Good evening . My name is Hammed, do you want a room?”. The fat man said looking joyfully at us.

“Does it look like we want to watch that dumb game with you?”. Jaz retorted.

Sly placed a hand on Jaz’s shoulder and said smiling to the man whose joyous face was beginning to fade out.

“Yes we do, one for each of us”.

Hammed suddenly sparkled up and quickly retrieved four keys. Then looked around the room and said angrily.

‘where’s this stupid boy! Akin!!”. He called twice. Then apologized to us and stepped out calling.

Jaz turned to Sly angrily and said.

“seriously? This shit hoe?”.

“trust me”. Sly said, and turned his attention to the game on the TV.

Soon Hammed came in and apologized for wasting our time.

“Please, make yourselves comfortable”. Hammed said pointing to an old couch. “your rooms are being fixed”.

Esther who hasn’t spoken, after looking at how dusty the couch was turned to Sly and whispered.

“I don’t think I can cope here. Aren’t there any other place aside here?”.

Hammed heard her. He quickly took a rag and started dusting the couch and returned to Esther.

“Madam, it’s not dirty, it’s only old. Don’t worry, we are cheap”. Hammed said and smiled in a very hearty way with the rag on both hands on his chest.

“How much for a room?”. Sly asked.

“1000!”. Hammed said.

Sly turned to Esther in unbelief. Hammed saw the look on Sly’s face and said abruptly.

“don’t worry, just give us 500!”.

Esther drew me close and whispered covering her mouth from Hammed who was eagerly looking at us.

“this is damn cheap!”. She said laughing.

Hammed seeing us laughing joined us. And when he saw Sly counting his money, he became serious looking at Sly’s hand gluttonously.

When sly hand finished counting and Hammed stretched forth his hand and withdrew it when Sly gave him a surprised look. He then waited uneasily looking at the money smiling awkwardly that Sly had to look at us, we looked back at him to make the decision. Then he suddenly shoved the money in his pocket and said to Hmmed who looked disappointed and heartbroken.

“Let’s eat, we’ll be back”.

‘why not pay first sir, I promise you won’t regret it”. Hammed said hastily pathetically.

“I will pay, where can we eat first?”. Sly said to Hammed.

He looked around the small room as if contemplating on what to say and out of the window , then said.

“I can take you there”.

Sly gave Jaz a glance who shrugged and said to the man.

“alright move it man! Am very famished”.

I and Esther followed behind them.

‘I don’t like this place”. She said.

“Sly has his reasons, I believe”. I said.

“Yes he’s always right, but can’t you see how that man was acting? He looks suspicious”. Esther said in a low tone.

“Maybe he’s been having a hard time getting clients. Can’t you see how old the place is?’’. I said.

“You may be right, but that does not add up to how desperate he is about money. That kind of man can sell us out for a dime!”. Esther said.

We arrived the restaurant, a very moderate looking place, with three ladies in CHADOR waiting. We took a table for four and the fat man sat beside us, with his eyes still on Sly. One of the waitresses came to us and asked for our order.

We ordered for what we were familiar with, while Hammed was still looking at Sly.

“man, you’ve got yourself an admirer”. Jaz said to Sly laughing.

“Bleep you man!”. Sly retorted.

‘’and also with you bro”. jaz said, still laughing.

“can I order too?”. Hammed asked, then looked away.

We all looked at him in shock, and Jaz continued his laughter. Hammed turned to Jaz and joined him.

Soon the waitress arrived and Sly asked.

“is that man over there okay?”.

“he’s not sir. He’s mentally sick”. The waitress said. “He’s been like that since he lost his family in an auto crash. That motel….”. The waitress pointed at the direction. “….used to the light in this town”.

“Thank you! Please give him whatever he wants” Sly said.

When the waitress had gone, Sly turned to us and said.

“That’s the best place to be. We are taken that motel”.

“Damn!”. Jaz cursed hitting the table angrily.

“hey! Thank you! Thank you!”. hammed said joyfully as waitress brought his food to him.

I was settled in my room, resting from the day’s worry and soon dozed off and maybe slept for a second or an hour before I felt someone shaking me by my arm. I opened my eyes and found Esther sitting beside me on the bed.

“hey! Someone can just walk in and steal everything here, you won’t know”. Esther said.

I looked at the door, wondering how she got in. she followed my stair and when she saw where I was looking, she said.

“oh, the door. You left it open”.

I sat up and stretched myself feeling extremely tired.

“There’s bedbug in my bed. I can’t sleep there, it’s itchy. Look at my skin, see?”. She said showing me her arm.

I examined it and saw a few rashes like mosquito bites. She stood up and said.

“Am going downstairs to complain about it. I want you to come with me”.

I felt like sleeping more, but she pulled me up and we both left my room to the reception where Jaz was sipping from a glass of whisky and the bottle on the table in front of him and a burning stick of cigarette in-between his fingers. Esther saw the bottle and quickly rushed to it, poured some into her mouth.

“hey! What do you think you are doing? Get a glass!”. Jaz yelled.

Hammed quickly surfaced from an inner room and stood in front of us smiling nervously.

“What can I get you ma’am?”. Hammed asked Esther.

“Get me a fucking glass”. Esther said and sat beside Jaz who wasn’t happy with our intrusion. I gently took a seat opposite them. Esther didn’t wait for Jaz’s permission before taking the pack of cigarette beside the bottle, opened it and took a stick.

“So you had these all these while and you didn’t tell us?”. Esther said, taking the cigarette from Jaz to light hers.

“I didn’t, all I did was to ask that punk, it will shock you what you can get from him”. Jaz said and grinned.

Just then Hammed arrived with two glasses and dropped it on the table. He stood smiling at us wiping his wet hands on his shirt.

“hey! What are you looking? Get lost!”. Jaz yelled.

“I thought you wanted something else”. Hammed said looking droopy.

“do you have weed? Then get the hell out!”. Jaz said in anger.

“yes I do!”. Hammed said excitedly.

We all looked at him in shock and Esther rephrased what Jaz said earlier.

“he said if you have weed, like dope!”.

Hammed smiled and nodded.

“should I get it?”. He asked happily.

“sure!”. Jaz said still shocked.

And the man went away.

Esther turned to me and said.

“you’ve awfully quiet. What is it?”.

“let him be! Dude mustn’t talk always’. Jaz said, taking a large smoke down his lungs.

“am okay, just tired”. I said, and then poured myself some whisky.

Suddenly we heard voices outside and that of the fat man.

“what’s going on?”. Esther asked.

‘’I think he’s got himself in trouble with the weed”. Jaz said. “we need to bail before he implicates us”. He added standing up.

We all stood up and looked for another exit but there was just one, which was where the noise was coming from.

“what the hell!”. Jaz cursed.

Hammed shouted, “I don’t have money!”. In English .

This called my attention.

“I think we should check out what’s amiss”. I said.

‘dude! Weed is a crime here. It’s better we are caught with drinks than weed”. Jaz said holding
Me back.

Jaz had not finished his statement when Hammed fell into the reception opening the door. Four guys walked in and looked at us ominously while Hammed struggled to his feet. One of the guys said something in Arabic to Hammed pointing at us. Hammed started begging them.

“what’s going on here?”. Jaz asked.

Hammed turned to him and said.

“they want their cut for having customers. I told them I don’t have money! You guys are the first customers I have had in two weeks”.

“how much do they want?”. Esther asked.

“1000”. Hammed replied.

“that’s half of what you charged us”. I said.

“yes! I don’t know when next am going to get another customer”. Hammed said in tears.

Esther moved to the guys and said.

“hey, it’s okay. I will pay you guys, 1000 right? I will pay”.

“hell no! you won’t!”. Jaz yelled.

The guys turned to him and frowned.

“if you give them a pin, they will keep harassing this good man that wanted to make us happy”. Jaz said to Esther, and then turned to the guys who were looking angrily at us. “get out of here and never return”. Jaz added in a low mean tone.

“you! foreigner, come here, talk to us like that? You no fear? Hmm?”. One of the guys said.

Jaz laughed heartily and then stopped abruptly.

“you can’t even speak good English. Now look here you low like wasted sperms, before I blink get lost!”.

Esther made to stop him, but he shoved her hand away and kept his stair at the guys. One of the group wanted to say something but in swift move, Jaz drew him by his shirt to meet a head butt on his nose and threw him some distance away. His companion looked at what happened in surprise, while Jaz stood ready to knock another down. They seem intimidated by his size and one said.

‘’you better run, we are coming back”. As they left helping their bleeding companion up.

I was so impressed by Jaz’s stunt, but said nothing about it. Esther on the other hand wasn’t happy at all, she just took her previous position, poured herself a cup full and poured it into her mouth.

I and Jaz joined her and resumed our drink. Hammed walked nervously to us and thanked us, dropped something wrapped in a nylon on our table and walked away.

“what’s this!”. Jaz shouted after him.

He jumped, and returned to us.

“weed sir”. He said nervously with his hands crossed on his chest.

“wow! Thank you man!”. Jaz said and opened it.

We were so happy save for Esther who was still angry. Jaz wrapped two molds and handed one to me and to Esther. We was on his third when Sly walked in.

“what’s going on here? Searched for you guys….” Then he spotted the weed and alcohol on our table. “what are you guys doing?”. He whispered, approaching us.

“smoking”. Jaz answered with a grin.

“this could get you guys arrested!”. He whispered looking out from the window.

‘come on man! Stop being up tight always. Lose your grip sometimes. Look around you, who do you think can barge in on us”. Jaz said lighting his weed butt.

Sly went back to the window and remained stiff looking out. Then he said.

“some guys are approaching, they don’t look like they are coming to shake hands”.

I quickly put off my weed, and took Esther’s from her, did same. Jaz had already joined Sly at the window and Jaz said.

“those punks are back with their friends”.

“I knew it! I told you not to cause trouble!”. Esther said, feeling worried.

Sly turned to Jaz and me.

‘what’s she talking about?’’

‘don’t mind her, she talks too much”. Jaz said and started towards the door.

“where do you think you’re going to?’’. Esther said to Jaz.

He ignored her and walked away. I and the rest of us had no choice but to follow.

The guys stopped when they saw Jaz who doesn’t seem afraid of their large number. Jaz looked around and when he saw the one her broke his nose, he said.

“you!”pointing at the guy. “you went to call a full party right? Now listen all of you, we are here to chill not to fight, but if you want trouble, I am very happy to give you an overdose of it”.

Sly quickly intervened standing in front of Jaz.

“Please guys, no body wants’ trouble. Please, I apologize on behalf my friends. Let’s settle this without a fight”. Sly said.

“what’s wrong with you?”. jaz said to Sly.

“shut up!”. Sly retorted.

“you beat up our friend, you come to my land, and beat up my friend! No peace!”. One full bearded guy in a long hair yelled angrily. And his companions chorused a shout.

“Please! We don’t want trouble, try and listen to us!”. Sly shouted apologetically.

“ shut up!” one shouted. Then he turned to his colleagues and screamed something in Arabic. They roared and attacked us.

I pushed Esther behind me, as three ran towards us with sticks. The first swung and hit me on my arm very hard as I shielded Esther who was his target and the other two attempted likewise but missed as I dodged it. I quickly left an uppercut on ones jaw and kicked the other on his chest with all my weight sending him falling backwards. A stick hit me on my back, I caught it on time and dragged the guy closer with the stick and left a straight punch on his nose. While I was on that, I spotted another rushing towards me, I wasn’t quick to gain my stamina before he lifted me off the ground and drew me on the floor. I landed with my back hard, and my head vibrated. I had received two punches before I got myself.

Esther came to my rescue, she crossed her hands around the neck of the one on top of and pulled him off me. I jumped up abruptly when two where coming after Esther. The first that came close, I kicked by the side of his leg and he fell on his side, the second threw a punch and missed. I threw mine and also missed. While I was expecting him to throw another, I found Esther fighting with two guys. I left the one I was with and rushed towards Esther. Crossed my hands across ones both hands and threw him on the floor. And then rushed after the other, jumped and Kicked him from behind , he staggered forward and caught his stand. That was when I saw how Jaz was throwing human beings up like a piece of light wood and how Sly was skillfully kicking asses like one of those kung fu movies.

I was still fascinated by their brawling expertise when a punch brought me back to reality. I staggered to a side and was quick to dodge another that was coming from another guy. I gave the first that came my way the hardest punch I could that sent him to the ground, the second came almost immediately , I kicked him back to gain space, and then he attacked again with a kick, I dodged it and held his leg, kicked his other and he fell on the ground. Another was seen rushing towards me, I left the leg of the one on the floor and moved backwards to gain space. My attacker lunched with a punch and missed and received an elbow on his mouth, then held his shirt, dragged him close and rained few straight punches on his face.

“watch out!”. Esther shouted.

I turned abruptly and found a stick that hit me hard on my face. I staggered backwards, there was no time to touch it as he swung again, I bent over and the stick passed over me. Due to the force he used in swinging it, he moved towards the direction he swung, giving me the leverage. I jumped and kicked him hard on his back, he fell on his tummy sweeping the ground.


Jaz held two guys on the neck and threw them hard on the floor. Sly was taking three guys comfortably with kick and blows. Esther had returned to the reception and was watching from the window.

Four came on to me at once, the first threw a punch at me and hit me on my chest, I returned it abruptly with a straight blow in his nose, another kicked me and I pushed the guy the kicked pushed me to gain stamina, another was rushing with a punch, I moved backwards and stumbled on a stick. I quickly took it up and ran into one, hit him hard on the head and he fell straight on the floor, i returned with same speed, flogged one on his side and kicked another on his chest. The last rushed and grabbed me by my both hands, I struggled to break free but he was too strong for me, so I used the pack of my head and hit his nose twice, he let go abruptly, I returned, held his shirt, dragged him close gave him a hard punch on the nose, pushed him backwards, jumped and kicked him hard on the chest, he fell backwards and somersaulted.

I was very tired and wasn’t ready for another fight. And so I looked towards Jaz and Sly. Jaz was holding a stick with a feet on the chest of one of the guys on the floor and three others were kneeling in front of him. I then noticed that the ones around Jaz were running away. So I rushed towards them, at least Jaz’s presence may scare some away from me.

“now listen”. Jaz said to them. “the next time I catch you guys around here, I will kill of you!”.

They agreed not to come around again. And Sly asked them to leave. They stood up and walked away limping.

We returned to the reception and Hmmed came thanking us with tears on his face.

“don’t thank us. Next time call the police!”. Jaz said and returned to his half smoked weed.

“You’re bleeding”. Esther said to me as I sat beside her.

She used her handkerchief to wipe off the blood from the side of my head.

“Frozen, you don’t talk much, but you’re a good”. Jaz said nudging me laughing. “I used to think you’re a weak ladies man. You have shown me some toughness”. He added.

pu7pl3:
Wait...how are you seeing phila in your dream revealing all these things...is she deadI thought its sandra that died

. THANKS BRO. WAS AN ERROR

Sly alighted few yards away from the hotel, he never said why or where he was headed, and no one bothered to ask.

I went to the bar section to grab a cup of whisky but was told it was prohibited. I was still talking to the bar tender when Esther touched me on the shoulder.

“are you looking for something?”. She asked smiling.

I turned to her and said in shock.

“can you believe they don’t have whisky?’’.

She pulled my ear to her mouth and whispered.

‘they do, but not here”.

Then she let go smiling. I then turn to the Arabian bar tender who covered her head in hijab and asked.

“what do you guys have”.

“we have wines- non alcoholic wines, juice and soft drinks”. She answered smiling.

“ why is there now an inscription with bar written?”. I asked the bar tender who just smiled.

“this is a bar, isn’t that wine?’. Esther replied mockingly ‘.

“these guys plan on killing somebody young!”. I said to Esther who was still smiling.

“let’s go upstairs, I know who to ask for what you want”. Esther said pulling me away.

‘’that means we are going to get you another room?”. I asked as she pulled me out of the bar.

“who said anything about getting another room”. She said, leading me up the stairs.

She stopped at the front of my room and stood waiting for me to open up. I slowly opened the door and she walked in and laid face up on the bed.

“I have been thinking”. Esther said, and then sat up.

I took a seat in front of her waiting for her to tell me what she was thinking about.

“How did we lose those guys that easily? Remember we had left long before they caught up on us, and we lost them that easily?. Esther said, looking worried all of a sudden.

I rested my back on the chair, crossed my leg and said.

“Perhaps their car developed a problem. Meanwhile “. I tried to change the topic. “ who’s going to get me my drink?”.

Esther stood up and went to the telephone beside the bed cabinet and called the customer car line.

“Please, send Ali over to room 013”. She said and hung up. Then she turned to me and said. “he’s the guy you need, he hotel is aware of his job, but it will be four times the price”.

“why?’. I asked, sitting up.

‘that’s because, over here these things are prohibited, it’s like drugs, but drugs got the biggest sentence which is death by hanging”. Esther said and lay back on the bed.

I thought of how ridiculous it sounds to have someone jailed for alcohol. Then I started taking off my shoes and asked.

“how long are we going to here for?’.

“it depends. There’s a package you guys will need to transport. The list you gave to Usman will determine that”. She said pressing her phone.

“what is the list about?”. I asked after taking off the other pair of my shoe.

She dropped her phone and looked at me as if shocked to find out I didn’t open the list. Then she turned back to her phone and said.

“You will know soon”.

I turned on the TV and tried to search of a musical channel but could only find Arabic songs in all the channels. I searched for something western but found none.

“why can’t I find anything aside this kinda stuff?!”. I asked Esther.

When I got to response, I turned towards her to find her sleeping. I gently took the little space she left me and forced myself to sleep.

I found myself walking on a long bush path. I was alone , though it was dark, but I could make out where I was going. Soon I saw a light in front. I ran towards it and found a young girl breast feeding an infant under a tree. Her while gown was the light that shown around that place.

I walked up to her and asked where I was, she pointed towards a road that led to a river. I followed the path till I arrived the river. It was a very deep blue sea that kissed the horizon. Nothing else was in view, when I turned to return to the glowing lady, I met bushes behind me. Then a familiar voice called my name. I turned abruptly to the direction and found SANDRA sitting in a canoe that was on the shore beside the sea. I ran to her and she was very happy to see me too. But when I made to hug her, she raised her and stopping me.

“Don’t come any closer”. She said.

“why?”. I asked standing in front of the canoe.

“if your body touches this canoe it will sail away and won’t be able to see you again”. She said.

“I have missed you”. I said.

She suddenly turned her face away and said in a gloomy tone.

“I don’t believe you, but I don’t blame you”. She said and returned her face to face mine.

“how do you mean?”. I asked baffled by her statement.

“where is Amaka?”. SANDRA asked.

“how did you know Amaka?”. I asked surprised.

She smiled and dipped a finger in the water, wrote some things on it and said.

‘’I know what she did to you”.

‘How?”. I asked.

“she has done worse to you Mike, she takes from you and keeps taking. But you are strong, she can’t take everything”. SANDRA said looking at me.

“I still don’t get you, talk in plain language”. I said.

“why had she disappeared ? Reason Mike”. SANDRA said.

I was going to ask further when I woke to meet Esther’s face. She was kissing me by the time I woke up.

“hey sleepy head. Did I wake you?”. She said lying on top of me.

I was going to say something when a knock on the door startled me. We simultaneously turned towards the door and I asked.

“who’s that?”.

“it’s me”. Came Sly’s voice.

“What does he want?!” Esther said angrily as she left my body and left the bed.

I went to the door dragging my feet as I walked and was opening the door when Sly forced his way in even before I opened the door.

“what’s it?!”. Esther asked, standing to meet Sly.

“They followed us here”. Sly said.

“who?’’. I and Esther asked simultaneously.

“those guys from earlier. Their yellow hilux is packed at the junction. We have to leave now!”. Sly said and walked away.

Early the next morning Esther had already showered and dressed up before she joined me in the bed from behind and held me. I woke up to meet the scent of her perfume.

“Sleepy head wake up” She whispered in my ear.

“You’re up?” I asked holding her hand crossed on my chest.

“and dressed”. She whispered, and held me closer. “Get dressed, Sly will be here soon. and you should return to your room”. She added.

“Oh, that’s true”. I said and tried to move away, but she held my hand for a brief seconds looking into my eyes with a sheepish smile on her face before letting go.

I went to my room, had my bath and was coming out of the bathroom when a knock came on the door. I went to get it and found Sly. He walked in looking around the room as if looking for someone. Then he turned to me and said.

“be downstairs in 10 minutes”.

Then he walked out still looking suspiciously around. I ignored him as I hurried into a jean and t-shirt. When I was done dressing, I went downstairs and met them all entering the car. I joined Esther at the back seat and she held my hand the moment I settled in.

We drove in silence with Jaz on the steering and Sly beside him until we came across a road block with some armed guys who covered their faces, putting on military combat pants and black boots standing across the road and a yellow hilux jeep packed beside the road

“What’s the meaning of this?’’. Jaz asked in disgust.

“Those are not police”. Sly noted.

“Then, who are they?”. Jaz asked slowing down as we came closer to the wood placed across the road.

“let’s see”. Sly asked.

“Can’t we go over it?”. Esther asked in panic.

No one replied her as Jaz brought the car to a halted. Two of the guys walked up to us armed. Jaz rolled down and asked angrily”.

“what’s the meaning of this nonsense?!”.

Sly touched him and said.

“calm down, don’t get us in trouble”.

One of the guys came towards Jaz and said.

“As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah”.

Sly quickly replied as Jaz kept a confused stare at him.

‘‘Wa-Alaikum-Salaam”.

Then he looked at every one of us and said something in Arabic; we had no idea of what he was saying as we exchanged glances hoping that either one of us knew what he meant.

Seeing we couldn’t comprehend him, he opened Jaz's door and asked us to step out. I and Esther exchanged glances and she asked Sly in a panicked whisper.

“why should we step down? These guys don’t look legit”.

The man commanded us again and this time he cocked his gun, the second with him forcefully opened Sly’s door and pointed the gun at him.

Jaz then raised up his hands, followed by Sly. I and Esther did likewise as we all alighted. They forced us to place our hands on the car speaking in Arabic, and when we did they searched us thoroughly one after the other. When it got to Esther’s turn they asked her to search herself, and she did, this time she was relaxed all of a sudden making some sexual moves as she touched herself. one of them slapped her hands and pushed her hard against the car. this provoked me and i was moved to say something nasty but Sly held my hand and blinked at me.

After that, they asked us to turn over with our hands up which we did under the hot wind and dusty road. One of the men presumed to be the leader came over and asked us something in Arabic. We all gazed at him with no response. He then spoke in a very nice voice in an articulated English.

“do you believe Allah is the one true God?”.

We exchanged glances and Jaz laughed and asked.

“what if we don’t?”.

Sly looked at him angrily, turned to the man abruptly and said.

“we do sir”.

The leader looked at Jaz and repeated the question looking into his eyes closely. Jaz returned the stare and said stiffly.

“and what if we don’t!”.

This seemed to provoke the leader as his shouted something to his guys and made to hit Jaz with the butt of his gun on his head, but Jaz’s reflex was spontaneous as he smashed the man’s head on the back side glass of the car and dragged the one beside him close to visit a straight punch in the face which brought him down. I and Esther moved to the left side of the car for safety as Sly held the one by his side’s both hands, lift him off the ground and threw him on the floor, raining kicks on him.

The other four rushed towards us. Jaz held the leader’s hand who threw a punch at him , lift him over his head and threw him towards the others approaching. Sly quickly picked up a gun and shot at them running to the where i and Esther where at the other side of the car.

“frozen! The car! The car!”. Sly shouted as he fired from above the bonnet.

I rushed in and started the engine, Esther jumped on the front seat and buried her head. The men ran towards their hilux, retried their guns and fired back at us. I was set to move. Jaz jumped to the back seat and Sly followed.

“run them over!”. Jaz shouted.

I engaged the jeer and stepped on the throttle, the red Volvo 240 wagon raced forward raising dust and climbed the road block as I sped off while we bent our heads as bullets shattered our rear glass.

“wow! That was awesome!”. Jaz exclaimed joyfully when we were out of reach, looking behind him.

“you think?”. Sly asked in anger.

“Yeah! Do you know what those religious fanatics would have done to us if we stayed longer?”. Jaz said to Sly

We were just to adjusting when I spotted the yellow hilux from my side mirror.

“Guys!”. I called. “there’s trouble”.

Jaz and Sly turned and found the jeep closing up on us. Esther who sat in front opened the car pigeonhole and brought out a black automatic 9mm and turned looking behind her in a ready for action look on her face.

“Frozen, step on that shit!”. Jaz shouted.

A gun shot penetrated through the rear glass and burst through the front windscreen. Esther let out a little scream as we impulsively bent our heads. Another gunshot bullet penetrated and passed very close to my head to the front windscreen.

Soon they where close behind, hitting our car with theirs and shooting. Jaz took the gun from Esther and shot from the open hole from our rear windscreen but the impact of their car against ours made it unsteady for us, as we swerved on different direction while I tried to hold still. This scared me and motivated the sudden turning of the steering to the left forcefully while i raised the hand break with my feet on the clutch. As soon as the car had faced the opposite direction, i steadied the steering , pulled down the hand break and removed my leg from the clutch as the car raced forward, with our pursuers behind us. I finished the jeer and pulled hard on the gas watching as the car flew in the dusty road.

“wow! That was hot! So you got this all this while in you?”. Jaz asked excitedly.

I was even shaken as I held on to the steering with a trembling hand wondering how I did it. Esther smiled at me and nodded.

“Frozen!’. Jaz called. “From henceforth you will handle the steering”.

I shrugged and drove us back to the hotel. Everyone knew we were at war judging from the bullets on the car. And so we cancelled Esther trip for another day.